VSSL, an outdoor equipment brand, has introduced a new collection dubbed “Essentials” to its range of cylindrical survival kits. The tiny new kits are designed to help users with shelter repairs, fire lighting, orientation, navigation and cooking, while still fitting comfortably in your backpack.
For some time my attention has been drawn to the products of this company. Do they pay me? No, as always: I never review for money. No, they don't even send me samples. It's just that I love all those Swiss army knives, or those objects that manage to "miniaturize" useful functions. It is clear that these tiny survival kits are no exception.
Survival in a jar
VSSL has a long history of developing small cylindrical, compact and waterproof flashlights, which offer incredible functionality. Their tubular body houses a number of small circular containers with screw caps, each of which fulfills a special function. There is a 200 lumen flashlight that has 70 survival items inside: inside you can find everything from folding glasses to first aid items, even going through a coffee grinder.
The Essentials collection simplifies things even further, with the goal of providing four small aluminum kits that include key tools for outdoor survival.
Four kits, a thousand gadgets
Il Ready Kit comes with a compass, one fire saw, 2,4 meters (8 feet) of thin rope, a razor blade and 7,5 meters (25 feet) of rope, and is designed for making woodland shelters.
the kit Catch and Cook is for keen fishermen who wish to cook their catch on the spot. Inside are a compass, wire saw, fire kit and fishing tackle box filled with rubber worms, hooks and 15 meters (50 feet) of line.
Il Fix Kit, the name says, is full of tools to carry out repairs. There is special adhesive tape for patching up tears of fabric, zip ties, a sewing kit and a whistle. It also has a carabiner at the top to easily attach it to a backpack.
To complete the collection there is the Mini Utility Light, a four-mode flashlight with duct tape, bamboo fiber cloths that act as a fire starter, water filters and a mini container.
The four Essentials kits weigh less than 240 grams (8,4 ounces) and will take up no more than 10 centimeters (four inches) in the backpack. If you need them for DIY, camping, hiking or the Apocalypse, you can find them on the official website.
