All sorts of survival gear was shown at Winter OR this year. Many are companies that were started to do good during the many disasters that have happened over the past few years, both natural and otherwise. Others are just people trying to supply all the people with their doomsday bunkers and zombie apocalypse theories. In the end there is some really innovative stuff being developed that can help make everyday adventures and expeditions alike safer. The following are the top 10 survival products I found at Winter OR 2013.
1: Survivors 12 Knife Roll
This unit only costs $119.99 and is super well made and designed. The included tools and knives are not top quality, but the assortment is good. The Roll itself is really nice and features an internal molle system and big velcro pocket. This would be a great piece to organize and protect tools in the back of your 4×4 or overland vehicle.
2: LaCrosse NOAA Weather Radio with Tornado Alert
Super small, light & portable this full featured NOAA weather radio is has a built-in tornado alert and flashlight. What makes this unit different from other weather radios is that it has a tornado alert only setting which allows you to sleep tight without any background noise until there is a tornado warning, at which time the radio alerts you.
3: Vapur Explorer Series Water Anit-Bottle
Vapur and SureAqua have teemed up to make a super portable and extremely effective water filtration and water storage system. This little “anti-bottle” is super portable and integrates SureAqua’s military spec water filtration system that is incredibly durable and will not fail. This is a great little system to have on your next backpacking adventure, multiday paddling mission or overland trip.
4: Geigerrig Virus Filter
For $50 you get 50 gal worth of full virus, bacteria and other nasties removed from your water. This small light weight unit is deigned to attach inline with the Geigerrig/Hydrapak hydration bladders. A great addition to one of the nicest hydration systems on the market.
5: LifeStraw
Point of consumption water treatment in a compact affordable package. This little unit has been around in developing countries for a few years, but is just now becoming available in North American retailers. The perfect addition to any emergency preparedness kit.
6: Bison Designs Survival Accessories
Bison offers a ton of survival accessories that combine all the essentials to survive a weekend in the woods or the zombie apocalypse. The hot new product for this season is the LED paracord bracelet, which is a cool little gadget that even has some fashion sense.
7: MPowerd Luci
This little 4.5 oz inflatable light is a LED lithium-ion battery-powered solar rechargeable gem. An 8 hr charge in the sun will give you 6-12 hrs of light. The internal mirrored surface amplifies the light to make this little guy shine bright. At only $25 retail this is a compact lighting solution for tons of applications.
8: luminAID
Another solar-powered inflatable light that packs a punch. This unit packs up super small, floats, weights only 3 oz and holds a charge for a really long time. It was designed after the devastating earthquakes in Hati and has been distributed throughout the world through NGO’s to people in need, especially after natural disasters.
9: Blizzard Protection Jacket & Sleeping Bag
The ultimate in lightweight thermal protection. These super compact and light weight thermal blankets are designed into shapes to give you the most warmth while still allowing you to achieve the tasks you need to stay alive. Be prepared in the backcountry when it gets cold or at home on those cold nights when the power goes out.
10: FixNZip
Fix just about any zipper quickly and easily. These small units come in 3 sizes to accommodate the different size zippers out there and attach at any point on the zipper to repair it quickly and create a new semi-permanent zipper pull. I highly recommend getting one of these for anyone who owns a roof top tent with zipper closure!
