Quote:I would steer clear of some of the pre packaged stuff. I find most of the items in those are either subpar or don't include enough of what they give you. I'd buy the items individually and of good quality. It will add up in a hurry as well, but better to have it and not need it. 550 cord is a must item as well. You'll see those bracelets online and in stores but if you really need it, I don't feel there is enough cord in one bracelet. I'd just buy a 50-100 ft of it and toss in the bag. That should be enough. Plus you can cut the ends and pull out the inner strands. You should have at least 7 inner strands you can use for smaller stuff. Keep in mind if you cut it, you'll want to burn the cut end so it doesn't unravel (unless your trying to use the inner strands, of course).


As for the fire starter, I don't shave the magnesium like they say. Maybe it's me or I'm doing it wrong, but I find that to be very time consuming to get enough shavings for it to work properly. However I'll use the rods solely for creating sparks. Dryer lint will catch with one strike and then all you need to do is add other tinder and sticks and build it up. Cotton balls work great too especially if you put a little Vaseline on 'em