Make Your Own Gear for fun, and profit

Make Your Own Gear to save time, save money and build better quality gear too

Make Your Own Gear for fun, and profit
	Fri. Sep 3, 2010

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We build our own first aid kits. Here is a quick 'How To' about how to fill your small first aid kit

What to put in a small first aid kit
Sat. Sep 30, 2006

Shooters in Arizona and others interested in the company wanted to support Cavalry Arms during their recent situation. LMS Defense stepped up to offer a one day Defensive Medicine class at a reduced rate with all proceeds going to support Cavalry Arms. Here is a review of the day and some links and additional information. The class was held on a Saturday in May at Shooters World in Phoenix.

Defensive Medicine Class Review
Tue May 13 2008

We look at a Hard Plate Body Armor vest and a chest rig set up to work the same way. We look at the gear installed and how this set up holds up and runs.

Armor Vest & Chest Rig
Mon Jul 20 2009

Desert Surplus has moved to a larger store at 2002 south Craycroft

Desert Surplus has moved to 2002 South Craycroft in Tucson, AZ
Sat. Jan 6, 2007

This is my third or fourth vac sealer. I decided this time to go with a professional version so it can do better stuff and will last a long time

Pro-2300 Vacuum Sealer Review
Tue Jul 17 2007

We were setting up a new bag to test out, so we collected some every day carry gear (EDC). We decided on some of the items we use each day as well as items we might need in an emergency to carry for the test. Items shown here include; SD memory cards, USB / SD card reader, USB memory sticks (2), LED lights (2), some 550 cord, glow stick, Fenix PD30 LED flashlight, spare batteries, battery holders, camera tripod, permanent markers (fat and thin) pens, lighter, Sparkie fire starter, small screwdriver, caffeine gum, cut off toothbrush, chapstick, duck tape (re-rolled flat), Leatherman Squirt, Leatherman Surge, surgical clamp, credit card size freznel magnifier, letter opener (emergency cutter), 5 foot tape measure, pepper spray, handcuff key, whistle, Swiss army knife (Executive), hand sanitizer, lens cleaner cloth, business cards and a first aid kit containing an Israeli bandage, gauze, bandages and a few over the counter medications

Contents of an EDC Bag
Sun Apr 12 2009

Back to school?, Hunting gear?, Halloween costumes? You can get it all at Desert Surplus on South Craycroft

What's New at Desert Surplus
Mon Sep 10 2007

This knife is designed to be used by a police officer to protect his gun from someone trying to grab it. It is shape allows the officer to reach around their body further than a straight blade. Designed by John Benner, founder and owner of Tactical Defense Institute. Blade length 2 5/16 inch. Overall length 5-5/8 inch. The TDI has a Zytel Handle with a Glass Filled Nylon (Polymer) Sheath. Made in Taiwan.

KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Knife
Sun Oct 19 2008

Many people know about School Auctions as a source of cheap computers, office supplies, furniture, tools, science equipment and lots more. Schools often replace equipment and clear out store rooms. When they do some have auctions to sell items to the highest bidders. This auction in Tucson has been a source of cheap (usually older) computers and office equipment. Sometimes items ore damaged or flawed, but some items are almost new

School Auction in Tucson, Arizona
Mon May 26 2008

We take a quick look at a Gerber camp saw

Gerber Camping Saw
Sun Dec 20 2009

We saw these Sampo Ball Berring Swivels at a local fishing tackle shop. These heavy duty ball berring swivels are made for salt water fishing. I thought of about a dozen uses for these when I saw them; key rings, attaching loops of 550 cord to knives and tools, flashlight attachments, digital cameras and cell phones. The larger swivels have solid (welded) rings and look to be very heavy duty

Sampo Ball Berring Swivels
Sun Apr 12 2009

We made two slings (for throwing rocks) out of 550 cord. We found the idea and instructions on the EDC Forum. Both of these were easy to assemble. The tan version uses two cords, the black one was made from just one length of 550 cord. The tan two cord version is larger and longer, but either can be made larger or smaller.

Two 550 Cord Slings
Tue Mar 17 2009

Many say that 550 cord is about the most usefull thing to have in a survival kit. It can be used for building shelter, starting fire, catching food and repairs among endless other uses. Rope has always been useful, and nylon 550 cord improvements make it very adaptable. It is also very common and easy to find at low cost.

550 Cord, is it the best tool in your Survival Kit?
Wed Aug 20 2008

The always useful 550 cord (parachute cord) has many uses and will continue to have more. It's been around for many years (since WW2) and continues to be an important and useful tool. 550 cord is a Kernmantle rope which is a rope constructed with its interior core (the kern) protected with a woven exterior sheath (mantle) This design provides strength, durability, and flexibility.

550 Cord Revisited
Tue Aug 7 2007

We saw a thread on EDC forum where one of the members figured out a way to tie a sling (for throwing rocks) out of one length of 550 cord. IT looked like a good way to go so I tried one of my own. It did not turn out as nice looking as the original, but it should function anyway. I tied a monkey fist (ball knot) on one end with a steel nut inside for weight. The other end is a loop to fit over a finger. The sling is used by putting the loop over a finger, then holding the monkey fist. A rock or other projectile is held in the pocket and then spun around. Centrifugal force is created and when the monkey fist is released from the hand, the rock is released and its potential energy from the spinning is unleashed into straight flight. It takes a bit of practice to get the aiming down, but it is possible to hit a rabbit or squirrel with some skill

Sling from one length of 550 cord
Sun Mar 15 2009

We take a look at the CamelBak M.U.L.E. a lightweight hydration backpack. And the gear carried inside

Gear Includes:
Micro Light Jacket (Sierra Designs)
Emergency Whistle (Adventure Medical)

Matches (in waterproof case)
Lighter
Squirt P4 (Leatherman)
Light Stick (Glow Stick)
Surefire G2 LED
Power Bar (eaten)
First Aid Kit
- Headache Pills
- Small Roll Duct Tape
- Latex Gloves
- Large Bandages
- Snake Bite Kit

Top Pocket:
Silva Compass

Large Pocket:
550 Cord - Orange
T. P.
Emergency Bivy (blanket) (Adventure Medical)
3 liter water bladder
pads
Pepper Spray (on shoulder strap)
Benchmade Webbing Cutter
GPS Garmin eTrax Legend

CamelBak M.U.L.E. Review
Sun Aug 9 2009

We review Outdoor Gear, Knives, Tools, Electronics, EDC Gear, and other cool stuff

Gear Buyers Guide on You Tube
Wed Jan 21 2009

In preparation for a natural or man made disaster, its a good idea to have some supplies ready around the house. In case you are not at home its easy to prepare some essential equipment in a bag that can be left in the car or truck. There are many ideas for a easy to carry backpack to be used in an emergency. Here are some pictures of one attempt at a bag that has enough supplies for a person on the move for a few days.

Three Day Pack / Bug out Bag review
Wed Oct 24 2007

This is a blue Dillon Border Shift Ammo Bag. This is an ammo bag for the range with two sides. The Border Shift bag is designed to be used to carry lkoose ammo on one side of the bag, and the spent brass is placed in the other side when at the range. As you use the ammo, the side with brass fills up and the movable wall between the two sides shifts to allow room for the brass once the ammo is gone

Dillon Border Shift Ammo Bag
Fri Feb 20 2009

If you can attend an Arizona Gun Show, you have a pretty good chance to find Omega Weapons Systems. OWS attends most Arizona Gun Shows and they usually have many tables of equipment for sale

Omega Weapons Systems at Arizona Gun Show
Fri May 8 2009

A quick look at the Kodak C713

Kodak C713
Tue Sep 8 2009

We turned on the camera as we did some GeoCaching Mt. Lemmon

GeoCaching on Mt. Lemmon above Tucson, Arizona
Sun Aug 9 2009

Heard a quick story on the radio this morning, and did a little research on the internet. Did you know 3/4 of the power used by home and office electronics are used when the devices are turned off? Here is some information we collected from Wikipedia and the U.S. Department of Energy website

Save money by turning off home / office electronics
Wed Oct 22 2008

We headed out to the mountains above Tucson, AZ to review gear and test some night vision equipment. The green pictures are taken through night vision in complete darkness. We were very happy with the quality and durability of this set up.
We will evaluate all these items more fully as time goes on. Stay tuned for reviews of each of these items.

For now, here is a run down on the gear in the photos, and the retail costs to equip an operator with this highest level of night fighting gear

Night Vision Gear Review
Wed Aug 27 2008

Howard Leight Impact Sport Ear Protection
22dB noise reduction.

Ive used these for years. Great value.

Howard Leight Impact Sport Ear Protection
Sun Aug 9 2009

Desert Surplus has moved to a larger store at 2002 south Craycroft

Desert Surplus has moved to 2002 South Craycroft in Tucson, AZ
Sat. Jan 6, 2007

Sportsman's Warehouse is a large warehouse store for sporting goods, Hunting and Fishing gear, Boats, Arhery equipment, guns and lots more.

Located next to the Home Depot near the Costco between Ina and Orange Grove on Thornydale in Northwest Tucson, AZ

Sportsman's Warehouse in Tucson, AZ
Fri Apr 13 2007

Perfect for protecting domestic meats, game, fish, vegetables or your personal possessions from the harmful effects that oxygen or freezer burn may cause. Uses a double piston pump system to insure an “Air Tight Seal.” Capable of 28 inches of vacuum seal that will keep food fresh 5 to 6 times longer than traditional storage methods.

Pro-2300 Vacuum Sealer
Fri Jul 20 2007

I saw these 3 oz pouch Salmon pouches at the store and bought a few to try them out. I am not afraid of food in a pouch like some old timers. I've eaten my share of MREs, and the foil pouch tecnology is much lighter and more compact which makes food in puuches good for storage and packing along on hikes, camping trips, etc.

This Salmon was prety good. You could taste the salt, in fact it was almost like a slice of ham. A good size for a snack or adding ot a meal. I will be buying more next time I see them at the store These cost me $1 each. It has a 'use by' date of 12-2010 (more than two years from now)

Chicken of The Sea Skinless Boneless Pink Salmon
Sun Mar 23 2008

These durable bottles have been popular with outdoor enthusiasts for years. The wide mouth works great for mixing powdered drinks and adding ice cubes. Strong transparent plastic allows the contents to be seen at any time, so how full, and what is inside are always apparent. These containers work very well with water pumps and filters too. Some small filters can fit inside one of these Wide Mouth Nalgene Bottles. First aid kits and survival kits have also been kept clean and watertight inside containers like these. We have used these types of bottle to store, mix and pour pancake batter on camping trips. A 32 ounce (one quart) bottle like this one costs less than $10 and can be re-used many times and can last for years even with daily use. Most gear manufactures make pouches and pockets of larger bags to hold the standard size Wide Mouth Nalgene Bottle

Wide Mouth Nalgene Bottle
Sat Apr 11 2009

I have been testing a new Leatherman Surge this week, here are the results

Leatherman Serge Multi-Tool Review
Fri. Oct 20, 2006

We took a quick look at three Lansky Sharpeners; Crock Stick, Quick Fix, Folding Diamond Rat Tail and how they are used. This was filmed at the 2009 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Phoenix, Arizona

Lansky Knife Sharpeners
Sat Jul 4 2009

Here is a collection of knives used while growing up, on various hunts over many years, carried in pockets and used for both travel and every day carry situations. All of these knives held up well and served their purpose. A cheap folding knife, Japan made folder, Bucklite folding knife, Schrade Old Timer skinner with two Buck fixed blades

A knife collection, long term review
Sat Oct 4 2008

The Gerber Artifact is a solidly built inexpensive keychain size multi-tool. The Artifact Features: a removable #11 hobby blade (x-acto style), a philips screwdriver, Small and medium flat screwdrivers, Wire stripper, Pry bar / paint can opener, Lanyard or keychain attachment hole. It is made in china which so far is its biggest downside from our initial tests during the last few weeks. It is made of 'cast stainless steel' according to the package, it is stout and we have not been able to break it or even bend it so far. The blade is not something I use too much, but it is easy to replace when dull or broken. At just under $10 this handy tool is a must have in our opinion

Gerber Artifact Review
Fri Nov 7 2008

It's FAST too

World's Most Powerful Knife?
Tue Oct 7 2008

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Make Your Own Gear to save time, save money and build better quality gear too

Make Your Own Gear for fun, and profit