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1973 I reported to USCG Kodiak Alaska Air Station. I was a ‘ black shoe ‘ and not Aviation rate ‘ brown shoe.’ I was tossed a no longer regulation fishtail parka. I ‘acquired’ bits of kit, including a Camillus Aircrew Survival knife, our unit field tested the then new ( and recently out of...

I posted earlier during our heavy California storms, about British actor Julian Sands disappearing. He decided to hike up Mount Baldy during heavy snowfall. Yes, he was experienced. Yes, he had appropriate clothing and some gear. No, Mother Nature is still neutral. She’s not out to kill us, but...

A few years ago, I invested in moleskin trousers from the UK. The current price is 175 UK pounds. I wore them a few times and loved them before summer heat put them away. I was homeless for nine months. I’m now housed and volunteer for the veterans group that helped me. Another volunteer...

I just read about a lady over there. She grew organic produce for food insecure people, @ 163. Someone SALTED the place with @2 kilos. She hasreceived generous gofund me donations. I sent a modest sum. Hungry? BTDT There are those in every society worldwide befitting The Mikado’s Lord High...

lI’ve enjoyed, and despaired watching. There was the era of obnoxious banjo music and a site logo with crossed tomahawks, an animal totem and title. We saw endless displays of ‘ my kit’ and Poured over the same stuff everyone carries, worried a scotch auger not carried in the desert brand us...

My William Lennon Canadian Army boots had a quick breaking in period of alternate daily wear and application of my favorite boot proofing. A set of 6’ leather laces replaced the shorter ( but adequate) factory laces. Our series of brutal storms over, record snowpack and replenished reservoirs to...

My MK5 Canadian boots arrived today; six days transit and in half the stated 20 week lead time. The best conversion tables for sizing systems still leave many Unknown variables, especially footwear. I was lucky. An old pair of Churchill’s say I’m still a UK 11 and my intended MO5 Finnish sock...

I didn’t find earlier posts, so a short review. This is a Canadian Outfit in Quebec. They make superb gear! I just received their waxed canvas poncho with storm clouds rolling in for a test. It wasn’t inexpensive$299 USD delivered. But that’s five ripstop GI copies that Last a few seasons At...

I was sorting out my kit; cleaning Repairing, sharpening etc I, like many have a mixed bag: It literally starts with my Swedish Military Ruck that replaced a Savotta. There’s paracord, but also Manila. My USCG service instilled a weird Dyslexia. I can throw knots blindfolded with Manila and...

I just read a worry some, but must read piece on the loss of diversity in world agriculture. She gives several U.K. samples. My old mobile won’t show a link. Perhaps someone can. Share it? I know it will interest many members.

British actor Julian Sands has been missing since last Friday. He went hiking solo in our San Gabriel Mountains near Mount Baldy. A second hiker is also lost in the area. Search crews had to be pulled off due to avalanches and deteriorating trail conditions over the weekend and have resumed. His...

Mod Note. Moved here from thread Best Bushcraft Knife to Buy? thread where the original poster was from Berlin, and another German linked to a review on YouTube to support their recommendation of a good knife. This was a response but is also a sufficient change of direction that it deserves its...

Reminder!- I’m in California. 1973 Kodiak Alaska. I’m issued Arctic gear including two vials of NATO Survival matches/ British Lifeboats. Two became twenty as people couldn’t figure out the NEVER MENTIONED method of lighting the things. Shipmates tossed them for ‘ trusted’ Zippo lighters.’ I...

I dragged my mortal self back from my medical clinic just down the street. I have both the flu and RVS and anemic. Five Covid shots apparently have made me robust enough to avoid hospital. I’m supposed to quarantine in my Apartment. The center commons consist of two huge Quercia lobata oaks. I...

I just watched a new channel. Our protagonist is draped in his Polish Palatka. He makes camp with a silky, bow drills a ember carved with a scandi knife. I see a Finnish Army ground cloth and a reindeer hide . He carves a spoon, cooks a critter, makes tea in a eagle kettle filtered with a spruce...

A single button, at the base cracked into three fragments. I noticed my spares for Albert Thurston braces, Gloverall duffleand Spencer trousers are happily identical, Except the color. I’m thinking if this happens again I might as well secure the olive drab. Only problem, sourcing these in the...

The desert between Los Angeles county and Kern ; home to Edwards AFB, an iconic wind farm featured in countless movies. A huge mothballed fleet of commercial aircraft, The Devil’s Punchbowl. There’s a surplus store by the nearby airport and several vintage warbirds. My resident nephew took me. A...

At least to me. I haven’t secured full privileges, forgive the lack of photos. I am pursuing a Swede L35 with a Finnish seller. Meanwhile, at a local garage sale ( boot sale at your home in the US) I grabbed a as new Swedish army rucksack. 20 USD. It is canvas with metal buckles. The black...

I was vaguely aware of the material but never encountered any over here. That changed when I discovered Spencers trousers in W Yorkshire. Now, 3 wool and 3 Moleskins later I unceremoniously tossed my bluejeans; that iconic American staple I've always hated. I wore them in a bone crushing wind...

I am in Southern California, Archaeologist by avocation and, as the High Lama of Shangri-La said 'laziness in doing stupid things is a virtue.' Or so I think? I have the book but am to lazy to double check. Anyway I like to mess about outdoors.