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 The Survival Forum™
The Survival Forum™ offers you a place to ask questions about emergency preparedness, survival equipment and outdoors gear. Whether you are experienced or just starting, we welcome you to our community.
Equipped.org Blog™
Equipped to Survive editor Doug Ritter's blog provides commentary and thoughts on survival related news stories and events, brief reviews of new gear and news about new survival product introductions. Check in here for the latest and greatest in the world of survival.
Equipped Briefs™
Reintroduced, these Equipped Briefs™ allow us to present short reviews of new survival related gear in a more timely fashion than our more involved evaluations, but with more information than might be included in an Equipped.or Blog entry. These brief reviews are authored by ETS contributors with expertise in a particular area. Check in here for the latest reviews of survival gear.
 Skyblazer XLT Flares - SAFETY NOTICE
It isn’t a recall just yet, but in the meantime, Orion Safety Products has issued a safety notice and has requested that dealers quarentine all Skyblazer XLT aerial flares. If you own any Skyblazer XLT flares, read the details and be very careful if you are forced to use one.
 September is National Preparedness Month - Are you?
I’m not sure whether to be cheered that we have a National Preparedness Month, or depressed. I’d like to believe everyone would take the commonsense effort to be ready for whatever comes our way. On the other hand, that probably isn’t a very realistic expectation. Are you prepared?
 Cool New Gear at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2008
Once again there were a few very interesting surprises at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show. In an effort to speed up the process, I’m going to publish this review of new products in stages over the next few days.We start with a look at the coolest new product I found and a new compact one-handed firestarter. Additonal NEW GEAR has been added!
 What Price Your Life? Distress Alerting as a Commercial Service
ETS Foundation Chairman and Executive Director Doug Ritter gave a presentation at the RTCM Annual Conference that served as a shot across the bow for commercial distress alerting services such as SPOT. Traditional distress alerting measures its ROI in "lives saved," not dollars earned. It's not that Doug opposes commercial distress alerting, but listen to Doug's presentation to find out why this should matter to you, as well as to them.
 A Better PLB Standard Approved
With participation and encouragement from ETS Foundation Chairman and Executive Director Doug Ritter, RTCM has produced a much improved PLB standard. Ever since the first ETS Foundation 406 MHz Beacon Testing revealed significant shortcomings, Doug has been pushing for better standards. Review what's changed and improved in the revised RTCM PLB standard.
 Sixth Edition of ETS Survival News Published
ETS Survival News is an irregularly published compendium of news (usually published on March 32) related to survival, survival gear and search and rescue. Please check out ETS Survival News
 SHOT Show 2008 Report with VIDEO!
That's right, this year we've got video! Thanks to Tom Gresham's GunTalk.TV, we are presenting the Knives section of our 2008 report entirely on video. The first batch of video from SHOT Show 2008 is now available. Check it out and let us know what you think.
 Equipped Briefs™ Return
We have reintroduced Equipped Briefs™ to allow us to to present short reviews of new survival related gear in a more timely fashion than our more involved evaluations, but with more information than might be included in an Equipped.org Blog™ entry. These brief reviews are authored by ETS contributors with expertise in a particular area. To inaugarate the new Equipped Briefs™, we have reviews of the Nova Tac EDC series LED Flashlights and Adventure Medical Kits' S.O.L. survival kit.
 Two New Disaster Preparedness Books
Two of my favorite survival instructors and authors have new books out, both dealing with the timely subject of disaster preparedness. The two books compliment each other nicely, each focuses on a different element of the preparedness solution. Buy both and follow their advice; start your new year off right by equipping yourself and your family to survive.
 Leatherman Celebrates a Silver Anniversary
 Hard to believe that come 2008 it will have been 25 years since Tim Leatherman introduced his original Personal Survival Tool. Leatherman is celebrating its 25th Silver Anniversary with two specials. Being a silver anniversary, that should be a strong hint as to what you might expect. Check out the 25th Anniversary Wave and Charge.
 We Put the TracMe Homing Beacon To The Test
We've had a TracMe demo kit and some production TracMe beacons to test and it's time to render a preliminary verdict. There are two primary questions that need answering. First; does it work, or more precisely, does it perform as represented by the manufacturer and will it meet consumers' expectations? Read what we found out about using the Trac-Me and what the answers are to those questions. Second; does it have value as a means to save lives? Also, in related news, in our Equipped.org Blog we note that TracMe is opposing the FCC's request that they stop calling it a Personal Locator Beacon.
 NTSB to FAA: Require 406 MHz ELTs
In a rather timely Safety Recommendation from the NTSB to the FAA (one wonders if the Steve Fossett incident had anything to do with its release just now), the NTSB has once again recommended that the FAA require all aircraft to have 406 MHz ELTs. They first recommended this back in 2000 and after vigorous opposition by AOPA, the FAA declined to do so. The NTSB also recommended that this be required to be done by the February 1, 2009 end of 121.5 MHz satellite alerting. Doug Ritter takes a look at some of the issues and offers some opinions on his Equipped.org Blog.
 SPOT Satellite Messenger Debuts at Outdoor Retailer
SPOT Inc., a subsidiary of Globalstar, introduced its subscription-based SPOT Satellite Messenger which is being promoted as a multi-purpose tool that can used as a distress beacon as well as providing options to request help without a full blown Search and Rescue response. It can also be used to notify friends, family or associates that you are okay and as a means to track your location. Join us as we take a preliminary First Look to see if we're willing to consider betting our life on SPOT at this juncture.
Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2007 Report
In years past, Outdoor Retailer hasn't been a particularly fertile ground for us, SHOT Show is generally where the big influx of new gear comes that's of interest. However, this year there were quite a few interesting new products in Salt Lake. Take a look at what Doug found at Outdoor Retailer.
FCC to TracMe: It's Not A Personal Locator Beacon
It has been discovered that the Federal Communications Commission has substantially supported Doug Ritter's position regarding TracMe Beacons Pty Ltd misrepresenting their device as a Personal locator Beacon and demanded they stop using the term. Because documents may take up to 30 days to be posted on the FCC site, this explains why these were not discovered until just now. What isn't explained is why TracMe didn't disclose this and instead defended their use of the term even after they had received the FCC email a month ago. Read further details and view the FCC email.
That's No Personal Locator Beacon!
The recent introduction of the TracMe Personal Locator Beacon is causing confusion among consumers. If you are thinking of buying one to serve as your distress beacon...DON'T! Doug Ritter examines the issues involved and explains why this misleading name could end up killing people. Doug reviews the critical differences between a real 406 MHz PLB and this homing beacon. TracMe may well have a place in the effort to save lives, but in Doug's opinion using the PLB name is not a good idea. Read Doug's commentary and you decide if TracMe is doing the right thing.
 ACR Puts PLBs on a Diet: New MicroFix & ResQFix
ACR Electronics chose SHOT Show to debut their long anticipated PLB-300 MicroFix / ResQFix 406 Personal Locator Beacons. ACR claims these are the world's smallest PLB with built in GPS, weighing in at under 10 oz. They also addressed a lot of other issues we've had with prior PLB designs. There was also good news for those looking to buy a capable PLB on a budget. We take a first look at this new PLB and the surprising pricing news from ACR.
 Knife Rights Advocacy Organization Formed
Knives are among man's oldest tools and an essential tool even today. Knife Rights, Inc., a non-profit advocacy organization, has been formed by Doug Ritter to oppose efforts to restrict knife ownership and carry. Yes, the "Anti's" really do want to take away our knives.
Find out more about Knife Rights and why YOU should Join TODAY! (opens a new browser window)
 Survivor Credits Equipped To Survive
A climber who was stranded on a cliff in Big Bend National Park used his 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) to signal his distress and get rescued. He credits Equipped To Survive for informing him about the PLB that saved his life.
 Equipped To Survive Foundation 2006 Recap
2006 was a very busy year for the Equipped To Survive Foundation and its Executive Director, Doug Ritter, with some significant accomplishments to record. Read a summary of all that's be done in the past year, along with some hints about what to expect in 2007.
 Rescue Laser Flare Review Updated  12/2006
When we first saw Greatland Laser's prototype "Rescue Laser Flare" in 1999 we were greatly impressed as it seemed to herald a significant improvement in nighttime signaling. Over the years there have been significant improvements, including adding a Green Rescue Laser to the mix.Our updated review takes a look at the latest versions of this distress signal.
 Lessons Learned from the Kim Family
The Kim family’s survival story and the tragedy of the loss of the father has captured the attention of the nation this past week. No matter how heroic his effort to save his family, it didn’t have to end this way. Every tragedy like this is the result of multiple missed opportunities to prevent it from happening. Intercede at any point and tragedy is averted. Doug Ritter examines those missed opportunities so you can avoid a tragic ending.
 We Put Gerber's Hinderer Rescue Knife to the Test
The trouble with many so-called "Rescue" knives is that they don't work nearly as well as they should, or could, in the real world. Knifemaker and firefighter Rick Hinderer designed his own solution, Gerber produced it and we asked our resident firefighter and paramedic to test it. Read what Alan Romania has to say about the new Hinderer Rescue Knife.
 September is National Preparedness Month
The question is, are you prepared? Are you a member of the Church of Preparedness? By that, I mean, have you prepared to either shelter in place or evacuate with adequate survival gear and supplies if a disaster, natural or man-made strikes? The tragedies of Katrina and September 11 are still vivid in our memory, but has it motivated you to do anything? Preparedness is everyone’s personal responsibility, as ETS Editor Doug Ritter notes in his commentary on National Preparedness Month.
 New Leatherman Tools and Hunting Knives
Exclusive first look at new and revised Leatherman Charge models, as well as the recently announced Leatherman Hunting Knives. The latest Charge model is a response to what consumers have been asking for. The new hunting knives are unique in many ways, proof that new management at Leatherman is thinking outside of the box.
Check out the newest Leathermans.
Equipped To Survive Foundation 2005 Recap
2005 was a very busy year for the Equipped To Survive Foundation and its Executive Director, Doug Ritter, with some significant accomplishments to record. Read a summary of all that's be done in the past year, along with some hints about what to expect in 2006.
 ETS Foundation Efforts Inspire Improved Standards for Emergency Beacons
Some of the most critical Recommendations in the Equipped To Survive Foundation's ground-breaking first report on 406 MHz Location Protocol (GPS) Emergency Beacons were a call for better standards more closely related to real-world use. See how your contributions allow Doug Ritter to push for these revised COSPAS-SARSAT standards that go a long way toward ensuring that these beacons will work as expected when lives are at stake.
 Second GPS-equipped 406 MHz Distress Beacon Evaluation
In 2004 ETS completed a ground breaking evaluation of GPS-equipped 406 MHz Emergency Beacons. Notable deficiencies were uncovered. Now ETS has completed a second round of testing, including upgraded versions of the beacons that didn't perform well the first time. See how well McMurdo's upgraded beacons performed, as well as ACR's new PLB with integrated GPS. The full report of the first evaluation is also now available.
 We Look at Kel-Tec's SU-16 for Wilderness Survival
The Kel-Tec SU-16 line of folding stock .223 rifles are a fairly new option for those seeking a lightweight, compact, mid-range wilderness survival firearm. Ed Whiting puts the SU-16 through its paces and reports on what he found.
 Leatherman Introduces Knife Line
Leatherman has introduced a line of knives that includes some knives with Swiss Army Knife style attributes.Are these new knives are the first major wave of a challenge to SAKs from U.S. companies? You'll have to decide.
 A Needless Death?
Many mourn the untimely death of Rocky Mountain National Park Ranger, Jeff Christensen. Equipped To Survive Foundation's Doug Ritter asks why he and other rangers have not been equipped with a 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon. PLBs would save lives and taxpayer's money. Doug suggests it's time to deploy this proven and affordable lifesaver to the guardians of our nation's natural heritage, before another tragedy occurs.
 ETS Foundation Commended by NBSAC
Equipped To Survive Foundation has been commended by the National Boating Safety Advisory Council in a resolution presented by Vice-Commandant of the Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Terry Cross. ETS Foundation, BoatUS Foundation and West Marine have been recognized for their efforts that identified the deficiencies in GPS performance of some McMurdo emergency beacons.
 Tarp-Shelters - An Introduction
The tarp is the epitome of a basic shelter, but that hardly means it is limited in how it can be used. David B. Macpherson provides an excellent introduction to the subject. There's a wealth of information on their use and construction, covering everything from the most basic immediate action shelter to sophisticated multifaceted structures. Review the multitudes of shelters that can be created from a simple tarp.
 NOAA Opens Online 406 MHz Beacon Registration
NOAA's online United States 406 MHz Beacon Registration Database is finally operational. This online registration capability will be a boon to both 406 MHz PLB, ELT and EPIRB owners and to the SAR forces that go out to rescue them. Read about the many advantages online registration offers..
 Lights Out Wake Up Call
The recent blackout to hit the Eastern U.S. and Canada served as a wake up call for many. A little emergency preparedness effort can go a long way towards illuminating the darkness. Let Equipped To Survive™ guide you in preparing for these sorts of widespread, short term urban emergencies. Review our Disaster Preparedness section today.
 Ultimate Personal Locator Beacon FAQ
Personal Locator Beacons, also known as PLBs, are finally here and everyone seems to have questions. We've got your answers with the most complete FAQ on PLBs you will find anywhere. Everything you always wanted to know about Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), including some answers to question you maybe didn't even know to ask.
PLBs Finally Approved for U.S. 6/28/2003
You'll finally be allowed to legally purchase and use a 406 MHz PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) in the U.S., but not until July 1, 2003. So, make sure you don't need one to save your life until then. PEPIRBs (Personal EEPIRBs) are also on the near horizon for boaters. Get the details on relatively affordable technology that could save your life.
Survival Stories Are Key To ETS Goal - Saving Lives
The recent brouhaha involving Aron Ralston serves as a reminder as to why Equipped To Survive™ exists. Damn near anything can happen out there and survival stories are a big part of how we learn and how we encourage people to be Equipped To Survive™ Doug shares a few thoughts on the subject of survival stories.
 Evaluations of Eight Personal Survival Kits
It is spring cleaning time and we've cleared the desk, adding eight new commercial personal survival kit (PSK) reviews, including some of the best we've seen to date:
· There are five new reviews of Personal/Pocket Size Survival Kits.
· There are three new reviews of One-Person Belt Pouch/Cargo Pocket Size Survival Kits.
 Care Package and Equipment
Suggestions for Deployed Military
Doug Ritter has been asked what our deployed service members would find useful in a "Care Package" or as better-than-issued equipment. Here's an annotated list of what will be most appreciated, gleaned from those who have "been there, done that," as well as better gear recommendations.
 Doug Ritter's Evaluation of READY.GOV
Now that the government's Department of Homeland Security has made its terrorism preparedness suggestions on their READY.GOV Web site, Doug Ritter has evaluated their preparedness checklists. You might not be too surprised to learn that Doug has found them wanting in some respects.
 Water Or Trees?
Given the choice in a forced landing, is it better to choose trees or water? Paul Bertorelli has the answer, and it might not be as clear cut as you expect. See what Paul's research turned up.
 The Life Raft: Don't Leave Your Ship Without It
Renowned marine survival authority and author Steven Callahan, a survivor of 76 days adrift himself, shares some insights about what to expect from a life raft. All life rafts are a compromise, Callahan offers some thoughts on these compromises from his unique perspective.
Lessons Learned: So Near, Yet So Far
You don't need to be stranded a hundred miles from civilization to find yourself in a survival situation. Chris Kavanaugh found himself stranded on an island within view of one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. Chris tells the story of how he and four others were stranded and how he relied on basic survival skills and equipment to survive and signal for rescue. Doug Ritter analyzes how Chris and his companions did and the lessons learned.
LED Flashlight Review
We gathered up all the white LED flashlights we could find, and some other colors as well, and now present Equipped To Survive's™ humongous LED Flashlight Review. You'll find both single and multi-LED lights, from pocket size on up to 24 LED monsters. Read all about the the best and the worst in this hot new product category.
Lessons Learned: Sailing to Hawaii...The First Attempt
After two years' fastidious preparations, he thought he was prepared. Arnold Rowe recounts the story of his ill-fated voyage to Hawaii, replete with equipment failures, medical problems and a helicopter rescue by the Coast Guard. Images from video clips of the rescue included! Doug Ritter analyzes what went right and what went wrong. Rowe's real life experience also validates some findings from the Marine Life Raft Tests.
Survival Gear For An Air Race
Simon T was entered in the London To Sydney Air Race. ETS Editor Doug Ritter's job was to make sure he was Equipped To Survive. With weight a major concern and diverse environmental requirements, that made for quite a challenge. Read all about Simon's custom built and assembled survival gear and supplies.
Stay Alive™ Survival Simulator
ETS is pleased to present this innovative Survival Simulator that was developed as an independent student project for the ThinkQuest competition. While somewhat simplistic, it does get you thinking about a myriad of survival issues and it is entertaining. Have a go at it and see if you know how to Stay Alive™.
Aviation Life Raft Review 2000
This is the most comprehensive review of aviation rafts ever published. Check out the life rafts: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.
Doug Ritter's Personal Mini Survival Kit
ETS Editor Doug Ritter has repacked and updated his personal mini survival kit. Small enough to fit in a pocket, check out this latest version.
Lessons Learned: A Long Wet Night
It was nighttime and raining when Ray Clamback successfully ditched 300 miles northeast of Hawaii. But for some extraordinary good luck they might well have perished. This narrative, based on interviews with the survivors and U.S. Coast Guard pilots, tells the story of that ditching and survival experience and analyses the lessons learned.
Abandon Ship Bag Recommendations
ETS takes a detailed look at what equipment and supplies should be included in an Abandon Ship Bag. More than just a list, this article provides the information you need to set priorities and make decisions about what to include.
"A Question Of Survival"
Two wilderness aircraft crashes. The pilots in both survive the crash. But, two very different endings--one lives, the other dies. William Waldock examines the question: Why the difference?
Multi-Media International Plagiarises ETS Material
Multi-Media International of New York City has plagiarized significant amounts of copyrighted work from the Equipped To Survive™ Web site; click for more information on this theft Numerous others have also apparently been ripped off my MMI; read the linked material before doing business with these thieves.
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