Venturing into the great outdoors, whether for a brisk hike or an extended camping trip, often fills one with a sense of peace and adventure. However, even seasoned adventurers understand that unexpected situations can arise quickly, turning a pleasant outing into a challenging ordeal. It is during these critical moments that a well-equipped survival kit transitions from a mere accessory into an indispensable lifeline. This particular article complements the detailed video review above, offering an in-depth written analysis of the SOL Scout Survival Kit, evaluating its contents, utility, and overall value for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Scout Survival Kit, a widely recognized product from Survive Outdoors Longer (SOL), has garnered significant attention across online marketplaces and major sports retailers. This kit claims to “pack more than luck” and allegedly contains “seven outdoor essentials” designed to support individuals in short-term emergency scenarios. Our assessment delves into these claims, examining whether this popular offering truly delivers on its promise of aiding survival or if its premium price point simply outweighs its practical benefits.
Unpacking the SOL Scout Survival Kit: Initial Impressions
Upon initial inspection, the packaging of the SOL Scout Survival Kit immediately presents its core protective feature: a robust, roll-top dry bag. This waterproof bag is intended to keep its contents secure and dry, which is a crucial attribute for any outdoor survival gear.
Secured with a standard zip tie, the bag is designed for repeated use and offers ample internal space. This generous capacity means additional personal items can be easily accommodated, enhancing the kit’s overall versatility and allowing for customization.
Core Survival Components: Fire, Shelter, and Signals
When evaluating any survival kit, attention is primarily paid to its capacity to provide the fundamental elements of short-term survival: fire, shelter, and water. The SOL Scout Survival Kit is rigorously assessed against these criteria, specifically considering its utility for a 24-to-72-hour period until rescue can be effected.
Fire Starting Essentials
Included within the kit are several pieces of tinder, individually packaged in small Ziploc bags for protection against moisture. These tinder pieces are described as being robust and capable of fluffing up effectively, making them responsive to a spark for fire ignition.
The kit also contains a spark wheel, serving as the primary ignition source. This device is noted for producing a decent amount of spark, suggesting it can reliably ignite the provided tinder, thereby addressing a fundamental need for warmth and cooking in an emergency situation.
Emergency Shelter and Signaling
A generously sized Mylar blanket is a significant inclusion in the Scout Survival Kit, offering substantial thermal insulation. This blanket is sufficiently large to envelop an individual for warmth or to be repurposed as a rudimentary emergency shelter, making it a critical item for protection against the elements.
For signaling, the kit provides both a durable signal mirror and a remarkably loud whistle. The signal mirror features a rescue flag for accurate aiming, significantly increasing visibility to distant rescuers, while the high-decibel whistle offers an effective auditory signal for attracting attention.
Supplementary Gear and Questionable Inclusions
Beyond the core survival items, the SOL Scout Survival Kit includes several other tools designed to offer additional utility in an outdoor emergency. However, the practicality and effectiveness of some of these components are subject to closer scrutiny.
Navigation and Utility Items
A liquid-filled compass is supplied, which, despite initial magnetic field discrepancies noted during testing, generally appears to function accurately under normal conditions. This basic navigation tool could be a useful aid for maintaining direction.
A small roll of duct tape is also included, a highly versatile item known for its myriad uses, from emergency repairs to improvised shelter construction. Its inclusion is often considered a practical addition to any survival inventory.
The Fishing Kit Dilemma
A mini fishing kit is present, comprising monofilament line, two hooks, two sinkers, and a swivel, alongside a needle and a few bobby pins. While the monofilament line and needle possess broader utility for shelter building or minor repairs, the fishing components themselves raise questions.
Relying on such a rudimentary fishing setup for caloric intake during a short-term survival situation (24-72 hours) is generally considered impractical. Successful fishing with minimal gear typically demands significant skill or considerable luck, making it an unreliable food source within a limited timeframe.
Evaluating Value: Price and Performance
The financial investment in a survival kit is a major consideration, influencing its perceived value and accessibility. The SOL Scout Survival Kit is priced at $38.49 on Amazon, a figure that positions it within a competitive segment of the market.
A direct comparison can be made with alternatives like the Coal Cracker Bushcraft Field Fix Survival Kit, which is offered at $32.00. Despite its lower price, the Field Fix kit reportedly includes a more comprehensive array of items, often providing greater utility for a broader range of survival scenarios.
The primary advantages of the SOL Scout Survival Kit over its competitors primarily lie in its excellent dry bag, the loud whistle, and the substantial Mylar space blanket. These specific items are well-regarded and could individually justify some of the kit’s cost for certain users.
However, the absence of crucial items such as water purification tablets or a multi-purpose knife significantly detracts from its overall value proposition. The fishing kit, while present, does not effectively compensate for these missing essentials.
Essential Additions for Comprehensive Preparedness
To transform the SOL Scout Survival Kit into a truly robust and reliable emergency tool, several key additions are strongly recommended. These augmentations are designed to address the kit’s shortcomings, ensuring more complete preparedness for a range of survival situations.
First and foremost, the inclusion of water purification tablets, such as Aqua Tabs, is essential. The ability to safely procure and consume water is paramount for survival, and this kit lacks any inherent water treatment capabilities.
Secondly, a small, durable knife or a multi-tool is a critical omission that should be rectified. Such a tool offers unparalleled versatility for tasks ranging from preparing tinder to constructing shelters and general utility.
Thirdly, incorporating an additional, alternative fire-starting method, like waterproof matches or a ferro rod, introduces vital redundancy. Relying solely on a single spark wheel can be risky, as equipment failure or loss could leave one without fire.
These strategic additions elevate the SOL Scout Survival Kit from a basic collection of items to a much more capable and trustworthy companion for outdoor adventures. Personal preparedness often involves a layered approach, integrating a core kit with additional items carried individually.
Ultimately, the SOL Scout Survival Kit represents a mid-tier option in the crowded survival gear market. It offers a solid foundation with its quality dry bag, Mylar blanket, and signaling devices, making it a viable choice for those who are already equipped with other essential personal items like a knife or water purification. Nevertheless, for its price point, it is acknowledged that this kit requires further augmentation to meet the comprehensive needs of a robust 24-to-72-hour survival scenario, especially when compared to other survival kits that offer greater completeness at a similar or even lower cost. Your individual preparedness level and willingness to customize this kit will be the determining factors in its overall utility for your outdoor endeavors.
