bigcozy
Enlightened
I have an Uncle, a great Uncle to be accurate, that lives out in the sticks in very primitive conditions. Hard to believe that he has four degrees, passed the bar in Hawaii, and worked for NASA. He lives in deep woods next to a National Forest. He has no running water, no electricity, and doesn't even seem to notice. About 20 years ago, he moved out by himself, and hasn't worked a day since. He told me he lives on about $60 a month, and cuts firewood for his small income.
Knowing that he needed a little of everything, I decided to give him some of my gear. I wanted to see how someone that uses things totally based on practicality would react to some high end stuff. I have him a Chris Reeve Shadow IV, a Surefire E2, PT Attitude, a North Face Denali Fleece jacket, a Spyderco Endura, a old Remington 870 12ga., and some other assorted stuff. After two years here are his opinions.
His favorite thing is the Reeve knife. He can't believe how tough it is. He keeps the handle wrapped in tape, because the knurling is too aggressive and tears up his hands. He says he has probably used it everday since he got it. He has a modified sheath he uses and keeps it around his shoulder, I am not sure why. He also is a big fan of the Spyderco, even though he has broken the tip twice and reground it (by hand on a stone). It is about half as long as it was originally.
He also loves the PT Attitude because it lasts so long on batteries. He gave me back the E2, said it goes through batteries too fast. He asked for another Attitude in case he lost his, and gave me some money for it, a big expense for him. The Remington gets almost daily use, mostly squirrel and turkey, which he hunts year round. He likes it because "you just shoot once, and whatever you shoot dies and you don't have to chase it".
He did not like the fleece jacket, it couldn't stand up to the brush, he prefers military issue stuff. I picked up a surplus M65 jacket, I am sure he will prefer it. I have made a vow to supply him each year with enough gear to get him through the year, he won't accept money or food. I have learned from him that when it really comes down to it, durability is the most important thing when it comes to hardcore outdoor life. Lightweight or hi tech goes out the window with him. Does it work, will it last? All he wants to know. I will let you know how the extnded gear testing is going after I talk to him at Christmas. I am sure he will have some jerky and muscadine wine for me.
Knowing that he needed a little of everything, I decided to give him some of my gear. I wanted to see how someone that uses things totally based on practicality would react to some high end stuff. I have him a Chris Reeve Shadow IV, a Surefire E2, PT Attitude, a North Face Denali Fleece jacket, a Spyderco Endura, a old Remington 870 12ga., and some other assorted stuff. After two years here are his opinions.
His favorite thing is the Reeve knife. He can't believe how tough it is. He keeps the handle wrapped in tape, because the knurling is too aggressive and tears up his hands. He says he has probably used it everday since he got it. He has a modified sheath he uses and keeps it around his shoulder, I am not sure why. He also is a big fan of the Spyderco, even though he has broken the tip twice and reground it (by hand on a stone). It is about half as long as it was originally.
He also loves the PT Attitude because it lasts so long on batteries. He gave me back the E2, said it goes through batteries too fast. He asked for another Attitude in case he lost his, and gave me some money for it, a big expense for him. The Remington gets almost daily use, mostly squirrel and turkey, which he hunts year round. He likes it because "you just shoot once, and whatever you shoot dies and you don't have to chase it".
He did not like the fleece jacket, it couldn't stand up to the brush, he prefers military issue stuff. I picked up a surplus M65 jacket, I am sure he will prefer it. I have made a vow to supply him each year with enough gear to get him through the year, he won't accept money or food. I have learned from him that when it really comes down to it, durability is the most important thing when it comes to hardcore outdoor life. Lightweight or hi tech goes out the window with him. Does it work, will it last? All he wants to know. I will let you know how the extnded gear testing is going after I talk to him at Christmas. I am sure he will have some jerky and muscadine wine for me.
