The S.O.L. Survival Pack is for when you are, well, out of luck in the backcountry and looking for ways to survive an extreme situation. If you’re a serious hiker, skier or snowmobiler, you already should have this stuff supplementing your “10 Essentials,” but those just starting out or needing a new or updated kit can take a look at this setup, which has much of what you need packed in a waterproof drybag: compass, small mirror for signaling, whistle, waterproof and windproof matches, waterproof tinder, survival blanket, fishing kit and duct tape. My only complaint would be that, as anyone who’s tried to light matches in blowing snow with frozen fingers knows, you likely will drop or fizzle out half of the nine supplied here, and an hour later will need nine more. The bonus of this deal is the set of survival directions printed on the blanket, which if you can remain lucid will provide some much-needed reading material while you wait for your luck to change. $25,
– Kyle Wagner
