Usually when we try out travel gear products on here we try hard to put them through their paces in the real world. With this little Origin SOL Survival Kit, I have to take their word for it on some of the functions. I’m not so dedicated that I’m going to get lost in the woods for days to test out all the components.
One thing is clear though: this is one cool survival kit. It’s newly released from Adventure Medical Kits, a company that’s already the leading player in this product space. The SOL part is for “survive outdoors longer” (not that you use it when you think you might be “S.O.L.” yourself.)
The real key to why this thing is such a leap forward is the careful design. The waterproof case fits in the palm of your hand and only weighs 6.25 ounces. So there’s no excuse for not packing this if you’re headed into the backcountry. In this tiny box they’ve jammed an incredible amount of life-saving components, however. Compass? Check. Knife? Check. Items to start a fire? Check. Whistle, signal mirror, fishing hooks, twine, and sewing needle? Check.
There’s more, and these aren’t just random items jammed into a small space. There’s a flint striker that actually works, along with little “Tinder Quick” fire starters that will get a fire going easily. It’s all integrated and space-saving, everything large locking into place. In the spirit of double-duty gear, the whistle, knife, and LED flashlight are one finger-sized unit and you can use the flashlight without taking that part out.
What I could test, I did, and everything worked as needed, like the light, compass, knife, and fire starter kit. I didn’t string up a tarp with the twine, purify water with the aluminum foil, or go fishing with the line and hooks, but I trust them. If I felt useless when lost, there’s help on that front too: an included illustrated booklet has 62 life saving tools and techniques from survival expert Buck Tilton.
The SOL Origin survival kit lists for $60. Is your life worth that much? I hope so.
This kit is just now getting out there at retail, so follow this Bizrate link to see options on where you can order it.
Related reviews: Adventure Medical Kits for travelers and Women’s Edition Travel Medical Kit
#1 by Radman - April 13th, 2011 at 09:02
I wonder if Mr. Gadget has one of these?
#2 by Pam - April 13th, 2011 at 11:54
This thing really appeals to the gear geek in me.
#3 by Karl - April 14th, 2011 at 06:40
This is amazing. I wonder where I could get one of these. I don’t wanna be unprepared when I go on an adventure.
#4 by dona - April 14th, 2011 at 07:26
I think of it as the ultimate cross breed of the traditional ten essentials and a survival kit, all wrapped up in one lightweight, easy to carry, indestructible package.
#5 by Tim L. - April 14th, 2011 at 09:56
Karl, uh…maybe by clicking on any of the links in the review?
#6 by Kelli Jones - April 15th, 2011 at 02:27
This lightweight kit could be used also when you are camping. It has a complete tools you need in one and you would be able to use specially the knife in the jungle.
#7 by Karl - April 15th, 2011 at 03:15
Thanks :)
#8 by Tim L. - April 15th, 2011 at 08:07
Kelli, you could, but some of the items are for one-time use in an emergency, so you’d have to restock those. And hopefully you don’t need a signaling whistle or signaling mirror for your camping trip!
#9 by Stephen Mark - April 19th, 2011 at 21:33
Wow, what a neat tool. I have had a few “survival” tools and knives in my life, but I have never seen one with Tinder and flint to start a fire.
S.O.L. – great name, with a twist of humor.