Survival Gear

Recent Survival Gear Reviews

UCO Stormproof Matches

The UCO Stormproof Matches are great for all types of weather. No matter the conditions, you can count on getting a fire started with these matches. These matches are amazing. They are definitely stormproof. I’ve taken these matches with me in all seasons in all sorts of weather conditions. They haven’t failed me once. I live in Washington where it’s wet and cold seven months out of the year. I’ve started a fire with these in the rain and snow as well as in the humid summer air. These matches… Full review

ClickHeat Hand/Pocket Warmer

Bought at a convention—pretty darn happy with them! I was skeptical at first, but I went ahead and bought the shoulder pack, larger rectangle pack, and two hand packs. I had a friend who bought one as well since she had run a marathon and was sore. I loved the instant heat (too bad they don’t have an insta-cold for summer for the mechanics I work with). She loved hers and it gave me hope. As soon as I went home I put them in the freezer (whoops! It’s supposed to be fridge!) so I ended up boiling… Full review

SOL Thermal Bivvy

Turns a light summer bag into an impromptu "colder weather" bag. Very compact, lightweight, and easy to use. Durable, and it's NOT a mummy style for us larger guys/gals. On a recent summer outing with my son, I made an egregious rookie mistake when packing and did not account for a "cold snap" that was moving thru the area. While low temps had been in the low/mid 60's F for awhile, on our trip they dipped down into the high 30's and low 40's for several nights. I had only brought my Coleman light… Full review

Lightning Nuggets Lightnin' Bug

A very simple fire starter that provides a good robust flame and holds up well in storage. I have had these Lightnin Bug fire starters setting in a box of miscellaneous gear for almost a year and hadn't brought them along on a trip yet and wondered if they were still any good, so I decided to take a few out of the package to see if they would still light up. The Lightnin Bug fire starters are about one inch in diameter with a flat side and are made up of resinous pine pitch wood blended with a small… Full review

ClickHeat Hand/Pocket Warmer

I bought ClickHeat at the World of Wheels Auto Show in Rosemont a week or so ago. I spent $80 and the first time I used the packs it leaked onto my new sheets and mattress. I emailed Customer Service and spoke with Jodi Dobrinsky (757-472-9123) and she was by far the worse customer service rep I have ever dealt with in all my life. She sends me an attachment showing that my money was nonrefundable and no where on the box nor the receipt does it state this was nonrefundable and I advised her of that. Full review

ClickHeat Hand/Pocket Warmer

Complete waste of money! Do not buy these from the slick gimmick sellers as I did at the IX Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Complete waste! Just threw in fire pit....gonna see what color happens. Full review

ClickHeat Hand/Pocket Warmer

Don't WASTE your money—Scam! DON'T waste your money—it is all a scam!! The ice pack you cannot put in the freezer, ONLY the fridge so it does not even get cold. Then the heat no longer works. PLUS they lie. There is NO 10-year warranty. The minute I got home I had a feeling it was a scam. I read the reviews and they confirmed all the feelings I had. If the boat show was still going on today, I would drive all the back there and confront the sales guy. How can he do this day after day knowing… Full review

ClickHeat Hand/Pocket Warmer

Worst purchase ever. I purchased ClickHeats (I am ashamed to say $300 worth) so a lot of hand warmers a couple of feet and shoulder ones and a couple of back one that go inside a holder to stay in place. So far out of them 10 hand ones, one foot one, and one shoulder/neck one will not (after placing it in bowling water) go back to the liquified state, and if it does, once I take it out of the water it becomes hard again with out clicking it. Those are the only ones I have opened, so out of the ones… Full review

Schrade Ferro Rod Fire Striker

This is a small lightweight ferro rod and striker on a lanyard. I would recommend this item for an emergency situation, ie bug out bag, get home bag, or backup in hiking/camping gear. So I picked this item up from Amazon mainly due to the price. However, I was very pleased with the product. It appears to be well made and does throw a good amount of sparks. It is only 1/4" diameter, so if you are needing something bigger, this isn't for you. But for an emergency fire starter or a backup fire starter,… Full review