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UST BASE Kit (Basic Adventure Survival Essentials)
Ultimate Survival Technologies has been designing and constructing survival tools and kits for some time now, and they're one of the few companies that can be relied upon for quality products. The BASE Kit is yet another fine example of this. The kit is essentially a combination of their most portable survival items, stored inside of a quality waterproof, airtight bag -- and all of it will fit in a large pants pocket, or any cargo pants main pocket. In this role, it is excellent, as it only weighs 2.4 ounces (68g) and can be used to affect short-term survival and rescue.Unfortunately, I've only had about a month to test this survival product, and I'd really like to spend more time with it. Because of this, I intend to use this kit as a long-term testbed item, so periodically check back for more details!
The kit contains:
- Waterproof ALOKSAK
- Sparkie (TM) Fire Starter
- WetFire (TM) Tinder
- StarFlash (R) Signal Mirror
- JetScream (TM) Signal Whistle
- Instruction booklet
The ALOKSAK's primary function is to carry and protect the BASE Kit. However, it can also be used in different ways. It can be used to gather water from a safe source and drink. While there is a risk of being infected by waterborne pathogens, it usually takes some time before those will become life-threatening; dehydration can kill in a matter of hours. Drink the water before dying of dehydration. You *could* sterilize the water in this bag using the Sun's UV radiation, but this is untested and I'm not willing to be the guinea pig on that. One could also cut or tear the bag into strips and use it as a trail marker, if you know an SAR team is out looking for you; incidentally, this is why we tell a close friend or family member where we're going and when we'll be back, as well when they should contact the authorities to send a search team.
The Sparkie (TM) is a pretty decent pocket fire starting tool; in fact, I carry one as part of my firemaking kit in my own 72-Hour Kit. It is essentially a scaled-down "BlastMatch" fire starter. The unit is used by pinching the top and bottom together and applying downward pressure on the rod and the striker part, located on the top. It does take a little bit of practice to use but can be done one-handed or two, as shown in the video below. It is extremely portable and lightweight, and is second only to waterproof matches or a good lighter in terms of getting a fire going.(Unrelated but interesting nonetheless -- note the reflexive, sympathetic movements of my left hand. These unconscious movements occur to unused limbs when a person is highly concentrated on a given task. And no, there's nothing wrong with my left arm, I didn't even realize it was happening when I was working with the Sparkie.)
Wetfire tinder has been reviewed on the ZSDW in the past, but in case you'd like a link to it, click HERE. The BASE Kit contains two of these prepackaged tinders. I used about half of a "wafer" to create the fire above, after crushing it inside of the package. When starting your fire (especially in a survival situation) make sure to have more tinder on hand when you're preparing your fire. My purpose was demonstration only, and the fire started in the video above burned out after about a minute or so.
Like everything else in this kit, the StarFlash (R) signal mirror is a pretty neat tool as well. Its primary function is to be used, go figure, as a signaling device during daytime, and it is very effective in this capacity. Note the picture at right - I am approximately 100 feet away from Maricely, with less that ideal light for signaling, and the ball of light is a little larger than the size of a car windshield. It is VERY bright and is visible for hundreds of meters in ideal lighting.
The directions on its use are printed very clearly on the back of it (shown above) and it's very simple to use. You need sunlight, preferably direct sunlight from overhead. It is a mirror, and can be used in any way that a mirror can - to inspect your face for injuries, to look around questionable corners, and possibly even as a device to condense light to create a fire, though one would undoubtedly have to practice this to expect it to be a reliable form of fire-starting.
I would like to reiterate that the Sparkie requires practice to use effectively. It's not a guaranteed bet for fire if you do not know how to use it. If you decide to purchase one, make sure to practice with it. A little bit goes a long way, as once you've learned how to use it with a variety of tinder you're good to go.
Wetfire tinder has been reviewed on the ZSDW in the past, but in case you'd like a link to it, click HERE. The BASE Kit contains two of these prepackaged tinders. I used about half of a "wafer" to create the fire above, after crushing it inside of the package. When starting your fire (especially in a survival situation) make sure to have more tinder on hand when you're preparing your fire. My purpose was demonstration only, and the fire started in the video above burned out after about a minute or so.
Like everything else in this kit, the StarFlash (R) signal mirror is a pretty neat tool as well. Its primary function is to be used, go figure, as a signaling device during daytime, and it is very effective in this capacity. Note the picture at right - I am approximately 100 feet away from Maricely, with less that ideal light for signaling, and the ball of light is a little larger than the size of a car windshield. It is VERY bright and is visible for hundreds of meters in ideal lighting.The directions on its use are printed very clearly on the back of it (shown above) and it's very simple to use. You need sunlight, preferably direct sunlight from overhead. It is a mirror, and can be used in any way that a mirror can - to inspect your face for injuries, to look around questionable corners, and possibly even as a device to condense light to create a fire, though one would undoubtedly have to practice this to expect it to be a reliable form of fire-starting.
The JetScream (TM) whistle is aptly and appropriately titled; it doesn't so much whistle as it does wail. When blown into softly, it does somewhat hum like a turbine, but when you blow hard, the whistle screams at a blinding, wince-inspiring scream. It is incredibly loud, but it does require a lot of lung power to use at full-volume. However, it will last a lot longer than your voice will if you're trying to gather the attention of an SAR team or passers-by. I don't believe that it's a whole lot louder than a traditional police or gym whistle, but unlike those "rattle" style ball whistles, it cannot be made to fail when the ball gets caught or lost. This is a big advantage to flute-style whistles like the JetScream.Final Thoughts
This BASE Kit is very appropriately name, but the only piece of gear it is missing is a good, portable cutting tool. However, when coupled with even a basic knife, a knowledgeable bushcrafter or survivalist could survive for some time and affect rescue quite effectively. The kit is lightweight and pocket-sized, and appropriately priced! I would consider purchasing one of these to use as part of my EDC setup, and may do so for long-term durability testing.
LJ126 |
Latest page update: made by LJ126
, May 21 2012, 7:15 PM EDT
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| Started By | Thread Subject | Replies | Last Post | ||
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| LJ126 | Ultimate Survival Technologies BASE Kit Review | 5 | Mar 13 2012, 10:29 AM EDT by TreeLegs | ||
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Thread started: Mar 11 2012, 10:47 PM EDT
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Let me know what you guys think. I'd really like more time to play with this kit, and I'm planning to do more long-term reviewing of it in the future.
PS: The video demonstration was filmed on our back porch, but rest assured, these two items work well in the field too. Both items being demonstrated from the BASE are also components of my own BOB, which've seen some use in the past as well. The Wetfire tinder being used is dry, not wet, which IMO is easier to ignite and definitely burns longer. Also, don't mind the excited audience - three year old survivalists get really excited when sparks ignite fires. Marshmellows are always a good idea! |
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