One of the things I need to do is pick up an extra kerosene heater. Obviously, it comes in handy if, for whatever reason, the primary one isnt functioning, but I’ve become fascinated with this little propane number. I can run it off the 1# bottles (which I keep a few dozen on hand for powering lamps and stoves) or you can hook it up to a 20# barbecue bomb. My main reason for a secondary heater, other than redundancy, is to keep in the basement to keep the pipes from freezing. In that regard it doesnt have to keep the basement warm, it simply has to keep it above freezing…a task I think it should be up to.
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Picked up something ive been eyeing for the last couple months. Adventure Medical Kits Thermo-Lite Bivvy Sack..basically a space-blanket sleeping bag…but a bit more durable and with some nice features. Its twenty bucks but could prove quite useful. Other than its intended use it would seem to be ideal for adding another few degrees to the rating of a sleeping bag when used as a liner or sleeping bag cover (its cut generously enough to do so.) Like every other person out in the sticks, I carry the usual space blanket but let me tell you those things are a major pain in the ass. They are flimsy, never fold up again into as small a package, and are tough to use in windy situations. Anyway, I picked this thing up and will be testing it out at a later date. I will be packing it in my Tactical Tailor bag when Im out hunting this year. Ive never been forced to spend the night out on a trip due to unforseen circumstances (ie. getting lost) but Ive come really, really close a few times. Just from inspecting this thing, laying it out and climbing in, etc, I can say that its definitely an improvemtn over the cheap space blankets…would probably be great when used in conjunction with one.
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Kel-Tec has an updated version of their SU-16 folding .223 carbine…the SU-16B is shorter and features better sights. Still uses an AK-style gas system and takes AR mags. A serious contender for a Travelling Gun. Would like to shoot one though. Still want the KelTec carbine in 9mm to go with my Glocks.
Notes From The Bunker
I sent a note to Kel-Tec to suggest a full-length rail for mounting scout scopes, and got a reply that it would interfere with disassembly. Grr. Oh well, they come out with new products on a regular basis, and since everything they do is CAD and CNC based, I wouldn’t be surprised if they managed to make one with a removable rail sometime in the future.
Vapor barrier bag liners like that bivvy sack do more than add a couple of degrees to a sleeping bag. You lose a lot of water each night through vapor, and it takes heat from your body to do that. The vapor barrier inside the bag keeps the vapor level around your body high, so you don’t sweat and lose heat. Plus vapor travels through the bag insulation, causing it to lose insulating value, especially if the insulation is down. The vapor barrier liner prevents that. On the other hand, it’s not as comfortable as the inside of a bag.
I made a multi-layer bag liner to use regularly in cold weather or as an emergency bag or even as a quilt. It’s a bit heavier and bulkier than that bivvy sack, but it has a bit more insulation. It normally lives in the truck for emergencies.
I, too, share your desire for the Kel-Tec with the Glock grip. Some people would argue that it doesn’t really extend your range much over the Glock itself. But with about 4 times the barrel and sight radius, I figure it would let you reach maybe 50 or 60 yards with pretty good accuracy. My Marlin Camp 9 is along the same lines, but slightly less handy and without Glock compatibility.
Something you might keep bagged for a tactical retreat, rather than a jaunt in the woods.
As for the Thermolite, I have one of their blankets in my everyday bag, the one I carry back and forth from work. I think it’s going to prove less susceptible to material fatigue than than the flimsy foil ones and less susceptible to freeze-cracking than the heavier ones that Thermos used to make. Good choice.
I’m another bivvy sack fan. Space blankets perforate easily, too… I tend to consider them one-use. (Okay, the only time I’ve used one I used it for four days. But it was nothing more than trash by the end of that.)
When layering something for an unforeseen night out, if you already have a space blanket, a big ol’ sheet of Tyvek house wrap is useful. It’s lightweight and strong. The best part is that if you live near a construction site it’s very very cheap. 🙂
Tyvek is great stuff. A couple companies used to make Tyvek sleeping bags…youd unroll one, fill it with leaves and then slide a second bag in there to create an insulated bag. Havent seen one in years. Those Tyvek painters coveralls are some of the best snow camouflage ever made…and you can spray paint them to any pattern you want.
wonder when
all that kerosene, ammo, and propane will create the zero memorial fishing pond. Wildflower