"5 separate ways to start fire. I like that. You could add some steel wool. 000 will catch and burn almost as fiercely as the magnesium but it can be ignited with 3V from batteries. I wonder if a solar charger might do it. This is a firestarting method that ignores wetness for the most part.

What I really wanted to post was a question. While you have some great means of making fire, how ready are you if they all fail or get lost?"

"I understand that you don't need extra clothes, but I'd definitely bring an extra pair of socks. If you step into something wet, or based on where you are, on a prickly pear that would slow you down faster than anything. Also, I don't know how tight your poncho is, but I'd bring a trash bag if not a pack cover for the bag if it rains."

"Voila, fire!"

"Honestly I had no doubt. I asked specifically to get your "alternative" response since I was sure you had at least one.

Here's another using a car and a pencil.
Shave the pencil wood away to expose the "lead". suspend the lead between jumper cable leads to create a carbon resistor which will glow white hot for several minutes."

"Will you carry supplies for "the boy" (assistant MRE tester) or will his supplies be shared between Maricety and yourself or is he large enough to carry his own BOB.

Will having a child change your idea of what your BOB(s) will have to do, to give care, feed, water, and shelter yourself and a child? Having a child will hinder your speed and limit the distance of travel, which may require more food and water.

I'm just wondering because my new girlfriend has a 4 year old son, and I am trying to plan part of my BOB for a child. "

"Those are good ideas. I could separate the frequent use stuff into another pouch, then stow that away on top in the backpack. There's still a fair amount of space in the bag in case I've gotta tote more food or other stuff, and it would free up space elsewhere in the kit.

I was thinking about refinishing the M38, as the shellac on it is pretty torn up and it's very shiny. However, at some point I would like to replace the rifle with something else (Savage scout?) so I'm reluctant to mess around with it too much."

"Having to prep for a child definitely changes your BOB. EJ has his own bag but it's only the bare essentials because he's not big enough to carry everything he needs (he's 3 years). He has a change of clothes, a water bottle, some food, a coloring book and a flashlight and whistle. Other than those few things, me and LJ carry everything else.

Is your new girlfriend on board with the whole survival thing? "