Hey folks, Shane here from Modern Warrior Project. Today, we’re diving into something a bit intriguing. During a casual stroll through Walmart about a month ago, this Ozark Trail 21-Piece Camping Survival Kit caught my eye. What stood out? Well, it’s not every day you come across a robust all-in-one survival kit right off the shelf at Walmart. After a brief glance at its contents, I figured it might just be worth a deeper look and a practical field test.
Initial Impressions Unveiled
At a $30 price point, I wasn’t expecting top-of-the-line quality, but there’s more to survival gear than just premium quality. Necessity and functionality often weigh just as heavily when it comes to real-life survival scenarios. Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for basic gear to pack into a go-bag, let’s see how this kit measures up.
A Closer Look at the Packaging and Build
The kit boasts a MOLLE system on the front — great for customization and additional attachments.
This feature might not be common in store-bought kits, making it a nifty addition for those who really get into configuring their gear. The pack feels pretty well-designed, with Velcro for patches and a webbing system suitable for attaching to other bags. You could even wear it on a belt if needed.
Security and Durability
The added Velcro strap on top seems like extra security to keep the kit in place even if the zipper comes undone. It includes dual zippers with decent toggles, allowing it to fully open and lay out flat. Ready for the contents? Let’s jump in.
What’s Inside: Gear Breakdown
Flashlight
We begin with a compact metal flashlight. No batteries were included, but the feel suggests it’s robust enough for basic use. Clip it to your pocket and you’re good to go.
Mosquito Head Net
Having faced the wrath of relentless mosquitoes and gnats on multiple occasions, I appreciate the inclusion of this head net. It’s simple but effective for keeping those pesky critters at bay.
Cord and Bracelet
The kit contains a cord, which, upon closer inspection, isn’t the usual 550 paracord — lacking the inner strands. It might simply be for tethering items or a makeshift lanyard.
Next up is a survival bracelet packed with practical features like a ferro rod, striker, compass, and a whistle. The 550 cord here feels legit, likely a 7-strand variety, making it useful for various survival tasks.
Signal and Safety Tools
A pair of red chem lights are included. A word of warning: these can expire over time, becoming ineffective. From my military days, it was a standard check to discard those past their prime.
Unfortunately, the kit’s “whistle” didn’t quite measure up. SOUND TESTS proved it inefficient, adding a touch of humor to our unboxing. Perhaps it’s best left as a knife sheath with a built-in can opener or a versatile spork.
Knife Set
The Ozark Trail pocket knife is serviceable for a store-bought item. It’s not meant for heavy-duty tasks but should suffice for light cutting needs. There’s also a multi-tool knife packed with an array of implements — from screwdrivers to small scissors.
Additional Fire-Starting Tools
Wax-coated twine, serving as tinder, and a respectable ferro rod stand out as reliable fire-starting companions. With these tools, you’re well-equipped to spark a fire in an emergency.
Mini E-Tool
Surprisingly, there’s a mini E-tool in the pack. It’s more of a novelty given its size but useful for small digging tasks. We’ll test its endurance in a follow-up video.
Miscellaneous Gear
We round off with a carabiner keychain, multi-purpose wallet tool, finger saw (notorious for breaking), additional whistle (testing needed), and some extra 550 cord. While the kit lacks a direct water solution, starting a fire for boiling water is possible.
Final Thoughts
While the Ozark Trail 21-Piece Camping Survival Kit isn’t without its flaws, it offers commendable value for $30. It’s a practical backup for day hikes or a handy addition to your emergency stash. Missing elements like water containers or purification tablets are notable, but not entirely unexpected at this price.
If you’ve explored similar survival kits or customized your own, drop your experiences in the comments! We’d love to swap notes and maybe even feature some in future posts.
Stay tuned for our field test video where we’ll put the kit through intense trials in the wilderness. Until next time, stay prepared and keep exploring!
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“In survival, it’s not the strongest who survive, but the ones who are best prepared.”
Catch you out there on the next adventure!
