2 Fresnel lens. This paper-thin magnifying card can be used to create a solar ember that can be placed into a tinder bundle and blown into flame. These are available for just a couple bucks at any pharmacy. Here’s a video of me demonstrating how to use one: www.willowhavenoutdoor.com/punky-wood-video.
3 Fish hooks. Similar to the fishing line, I duct-taped 3 different-sized fishing hooks to the bottom of my shoe sole. This keeps them in place, and you’ll never even know they’re there.
4 $20. You just never know when you might need a few extra bucks.
5 Razor blade. Again, the razor blade is duct-taped to the bottom of the shoe sole. This prevents it from moving. Leave the cardboard sleeve on for added protection, both for the blade and for your shoe. The blade can be used for a variety of small-scale survival cutting functions, from trimming fishing line to cleaning small game and even carving small trap or fire kits.
6 2 water purification tablets. A very thin, prepackaged envelope of 2 water purification tablets can be easily taped to the bottom of your shoe sole with no issues at all. The packaging is sealed, which prevents moisture damage.
EDC ON A BUDGET KIT #7
EDC ON A BUDGET KIT #7: THE CELL PHONE BELT POUCH KIT
In a world where everyone has a cell phone, a very nondescript survival kit can easily be disguised. When people see a cell phone pouch, they automatically assume that a cell phone is inside. This will be our little secret.
CONTAINER: ANY KIND OF CELL PHONE BELT POUCH
Cell phone belt pouches come in an infinite number of shapes and sizes. They also make the perfect container for a small travel-sized survival kit.
CONTENTS
1 50" duct tape. I meticulously rolled 50" of duct tape into a small 2" × 3⁄4" log. The survival applications are endless.
2 Slingshot bands. A set of small-game-hunting slingshot bands available for just a few bucks at almost all outdoor sports retailers are included in this kit. From squirrels and rabbits to pigeons and rats, the slingshot will always be one of my favorite survival small-game-hunting tools. A natural tree fork and smooth rocks can be used to complete the ensemble.
3 Ursa Major Essential Face Wipe. This wet wipe by Ursa Major was given to me by a friend and makes a perfect hygiene addition to a travel-belt kit. Use it to wash hands, take a spit bath, or clean gear.
4 Whistle. A whistle travels farther, is louder, and requires less energy than using your voice to signal for rescue.
5 Nonlubricated condom. You can fill this with 1 liter of drinking water. Use it in conjunction with water purification tablets (mentioned next) to purify wild water. It can also be filled with water, formed into a sphere, and used to magnify the sun’s rays to start a fire.
6 2 water purification tablets. Each tablet is good for 1 liter of water. These can be used with the condom to purify water.
7 Forever match. This forever match is fueled with lighter fluid, but even if that runs out you can use the mini ferro rod striker to start a fire in dry tinder.
8 Safety pin. Safety pins are great for a variety of gear repairs in the field.
9 Cotton tampon. A plastic-wrapped, organic cotton tampon makes the perfect compact supply of fire tinder.
10 Dog tag signal mirror. This mini signal mirror can be used to reflect the sun’s rays and signal for rescue if necessary.
11 Folding knife. A cell phone case is large enough to support a nice-sized folding knife that has an infinite number of uses for everyday tasks or survival functions.
Conclusion
These 7 hack kits just scratch the surface of what is possible in the realm of EDC survival kit hacking. Your imagination is your only limit. I am amazed every day at the creative survival solutions and ideas that I see from friends, students, survival enthusiasts, and fellow instructors. It confirms what I’ve been saying the past 20 years—Innovation is the most important survival skill! May your skills be solid and your hacks be many.
Remember, it’s not if but when.
Acknowledgments
I’d like to thank my Father in heaven for loving me despite my flaws and for forgiving me when I fail him and others. I deserve neither. I’d like to thank the countless individuals who have supported my career in the self-reliance industry by training with me at willowhavenoutdoor.com and escapethewoods.com, purchasing my books, ordering from notifbutwhensurvivalstore.com, subscribing to myapocabox.com, and watching Fat Guys in the Woods on the Weather Channel. If you are one of these individuals, my sincerest thank you. I’d also like to thank the Boy Scouts of America for teaching me early in life that a Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent. I will continue to aspire to be all of these things; “aspire” being the key word in this sentence.
Copyright © 2016 by Creek Stewart.
All rights reserved.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.
Published by
Adams Media, a division of F+W Media, Inc.
57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322. U.S.A.
www.adamsmedia.com
ISBN 10: 1-4405-9334-5
ISBN 13: 978-1-4405-9334-5
eISBN 10: 1-4405-9335-3
eISBN 13: 978-1-4405-9335-2
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Stewart, Creek, author.
Survival hacks / Creek Stewart, author of Build the Perfect Bug Out Bag.
Avon, Massachusetts: Adams Media, [2016]
Includes index.
LCCN 2015043878 | ISBN 9781440593345 (pb) | ISBN 1440593345 (pb) | ISBN 9781440593352 (ebook) | ISBN 1440593353 (ebook)
LCSH: Wilderness survival.
LCC GV200.5 .S8462 2016 | DDC 613.6/9—dc23
LC record available at http://lccn.loc.gov/2015043878
Certain sections of the book deal with activities that may result in serious bodily harm or even death. The authors, Adams Media, and F+W Media, Inc. do not accept liability for any injury, loss, legal consequence, or incidental or consequential damage incurred by reliance on the information or advice provided in this book. The information in this book is for entertainment purposes only.
Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and F+W Media, Inc. was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed with initial capital letters.
Interior art by Eric Andrews.
Cover design by Stephanie Hannus.
Cover photography by Creek Stewart.