Vigilant Trails Trekker-513 Survival Kit

[@vigilanttrails8722]

We appreciate the time and energy spent on reviewing the Trekker-513. We took to heart some of the requests and we now include a high-power micro light and moved the P38 and Blast Whistle to the Ditty Bag for quicker access

[@jeremyd6775]

I would love to see some overview videos from you guys

[@TaylorRockOfficial]

Make the kits available again lol been wanting the venture and trekker kit for some time and both have been out

[@JohnGreen_US]

Thoughtfully constructed, quality products.

[@pietrayday9915]

I think this is the first time I've seen an off-the-shelf survival-kit-in-a-tin that I'm actually tempted to buy and can actually take seriously: that's a really nice job on this! I think the only addition/alteration that really comes to mind for me, aside from some minor tweaks to suit me, would be to add some sort of proper folding knife, even a small one, as an upgrade to that razor-thing, perhaps to toss into the ditty-bag if nothing else. The micro-light absolutely sounds like a great addition to what we see in the video; I'm sorta surprised that the can-opener was moved outside the tin (doesn't seem to use up much space, and it's not really the sort of thing I'd find myself reaching for first and wishing it was outside the tin....) I've seen ditty-bags like this before with the whistle attached to the draw-strings, which seems like an ideal place for it... I think I might prefer a draw-string-whistle-fob-thing to a loose whistle, but if it's in the bag at least, I'm sure it's fine there. As for the minor tweaks I'd make just to customize this kit for myself, the fishing and sewing kits are a bit over-built for my tastes: very nice to have such large and complete kits, given the limited space and all, but for my own purposes I'd probably find a way to strip those down to a smaller size to make room for something else (like that hypothetical pocket knife and the can-opener!) I don't think I've ever found myself in an emergency situation demanding a large fishing kit, and I have a feeling I'll never see an emergency that would be made better with more than a couple fishing hooks, weights, a little line, and a small bait, while the sewing-emergencies I've had, could generally be managed with one or two pre-threaded needles, a button, and a couple safety pins. I admire the big, generous sewing and fishing kits, but suspect I'll be just fine with a stripped-down version. The poncho could probably be left outside the tin, too, freeing up even more room to toss in some duct tape or something.... But, that's the small stuff, really, and not really a criticism of the kit itself!

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

I would like to see you weigh the kits before doing any review, and then weigh them after you make your modifications. Be really useful info for backpackers and day hikers.

[@bobandfaith]

That’s an awesome suggestion.

[@james0000]

Good idea, space isn't everything, just mostly.

[@ShaneB666]

And the physical size of the kit.

[@crazyjoedavola9002]

That's a pretty good and valuable idea!

[@alf3553]

There isn’t a pocket kit out there that I really want to “Survive “ with, but that said this looks like a pretty reasonable kit. In addition to what You should have with you when you are out somewhere where you might need a kit like this. Nice to see an overall decent kit. Great addition to a day bag. I prefer to make my own kits relevant to my area & weather conditions & Bugs.

[@zachparade2791]

This seems like one of the best pre-made survival tin kits I’ve seen for the price. With the other stuff I carry on a daily basis (Leatherman Wave, pocket knife, handkerchief, lighter, trauma kit, cellphone, flashlight, stainless steel water bottle, and appropriate clothing for the season), I feel this kit would be a great way to round off my needs. I especially like the extensive fishing kit.

[@simonh6371]

Definitely, carrying quality EDC gear (knife, multitool, lighter, flashlight) on your person routinely from the go-get is the way forward, and not depending on the small and normally cheap knives and multitools which come in these survival kits, is the way forward and what I do too. As cutting and firemaking capabilities are essential it's good to have redundancies with such items.

[@shaynecarter-murray3127]

Nice. It's always nice to see something that's less than $50 and isn't garbage.

[@stevenhall1097]

Looks like a nice kit. Be excited to see the other kits they have.

[@brathserrano2531]

and I am 13 years old I live in a cold area of ​​the country and if I can I love everything being in nature near shelters.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Outstanding young man! I'm an "old" Eagle Scout (1972) and current scout leader, are you in the Boy Scouts? If not, look for a nearby troop or explorer post that does outdoor activities, you can learn a lot from them! I even use their Merit Badge pamphlets to teach civilians camping, knot tying, basic survival, etc.

[@arthurmernard5879]

You should deffinaitly join scouts I am the same age as you and I love it

[@makek5844]

I'm like you and I was in scouts but stopped because we just played games (I was 11 then). While without scouts I made trips n hikes and did real scout stuff. "Cold area" is Finland in my case

[@sirguy104]

Good point about the lid being a signal mirror. I wish the manufactures would polish the lids for that purpose. It would eliminate the need for a mirror in the kit.

[@jamesleary1405]

So I checked put this companies website and I gotta say I'm impressed. They have a huge assortment of gear for every occasion at amazing prices. If you wanted to build a bug-out bag or travel survival bag for your vehicle or hiking etc you could build almost the perfect kit or bag absolutely awesome. Thank you for sharing this company as I will using them to add to both my vehicle survival bag and my hiking/camping survival emergency bag.

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

This is quite an impressive kit in such a small tin! This company truly put a lot of thought and care when assembling this kit. I actually like the idea of the little carying bag the tin comes in. Means that if you needed to use the tin to cook or boil in, you have something else to put all the contents in.

[@tinsoldier5621]

He said that

[@flwookie3246]

I think those funnels are pastry bags. That’s a great idea.

[@backrowbrighton]

This looks like a quality product. I like the thought behind it. As Eric said, we all have our own ideas on what makes the perfect survival kit. However, a torch (flash light) is a must for me in any kit, pity one was not included here.

[@KitbashedSurvival]

Thanks, Peter. A light source would be nice, but when you think about it a light source is not absolutely necessary for survival so overall I think they hit the key points with the kit.

[@jimzwerlein6012]

I carry two flashlights with me at all times. So thinking about survival kits I don't think I ever thought about those in a kit but many things can be done with flashlights in survival situations, fire starter to name one. I was surprised that the kit didn't have candy or gum?

[@simonh6371]

I agree in principle but I think this is designed for someone who would already be carrying a decent torch and knife and/or multitool as part of their everyday EDC. I always have these on my person even in an urban setting, as well as a couple of lighters and other bits and bobs, and don't leave them at home if I'm taking one of my own survival kits out with me which will generally include include backup or heavier duty cutting, combustion and lighting options. I think if you're going out into the outdoors - even hillwalking or into the woods here in the UK where we don't have vast tracts of untamed wilderness - you should have more than one blade and way of making fire.

[@evecarrington562]

I agree about not having a flashlight (torch).

[@evecarrington562]

@@jimzwerlein6012 I guess they thought you'd just eat all the fish you'd catch with the fishing gear they provided. The problem is, I'm a terrible fisher!

[@TheBanjo53]

The foam around the trebble hooks is for using with a dip bait or cheese bait.

[@jimzwerlein6012]

That looks like the best kit I've seen in some time. And nothing better than the way they stand behind their products!

[@DougPalumbo]

Great looking ‘off-the-shelf’ kit!

[@WarGrrl3]

I absolutely agree. This IS a decent kit. No mini 'survival' kit can be 'complete' but this does have very usable gear.

[@jimzwerlein6012]

Yes, and nothing in that kit looked junkie!

[@behindthespotlight7983]

When I see a kit like this my first thought is what else am I carrying? A Buck 105 folder & Leatherman Wave on my belt, a headlamp in my pocket, pen & pad in my pocket, stainless water bottle in my back pocket. A few Cliff bars. A jacket. Maybe gloves & another space bivy in my jacket. Maybe a pile cap too? A Zippo or Bic. A couple bandannas. Les Stroud teaches the survival kit throughout ones pockets method and it’s surprising how much one can carry with no adverse discomfort whatsoever. I even have a neck pouch that holds a map, flat compass and mini mag lite. When you add all these things up you have what you need to establish a camp & await rescue or set a course and self rescue. If a daypack is part of my kit, I drop a marine flare gun in along w/ 3L water bladder. Of course if carrying a ruck of some sort I will have added a tarp and upped my survival kit to the French mess kit size. Lastly (and I know this is controversial) sadly it’s not 1985 anymore. When I trek, I trek armed.

[@magictechreview]

So glad I found your channel I'm binge watching your content! I like other survival guys but your pre made kit reviews are the best. Keep at it please I need more stuff to watch 😂

[@Wiwih79]

Totally agree! I watched everyone of your videos for month now. Really love them. Even bought two after you showed them. Keep up the awesome work!

[@gordontyree4308]

Hi Eric…your review is, as usual, spot on. The best part of this kit is the tin itself…the contents, cheap junk, that is until your additions!! I won’t waste my money on this kit! Instead, I’ll go with Best Glide instead. Thanks Eric for the review. Enjoyed it, as always!

[@rickfoley5596]

Definitely one of the best out of the box pocket Survival kits I have seen. I look forward to seeing more kits from them. Thank you.

[@dustyshaw7377]

Finally something decent I would consider purchasing or using as a guide

[@danielbourland1698]

This is also the only kit Ive seen with a can opener. And it may have more fishing stuff than needed, but yet its easier to fish than hunting or trapping. I also like that it comes with so much information.

[@thomasapplewhite8672]

Thanks. A good kit. I would add some matches and a birthday candle.

[@frankyturrizo4240]

I'm glad I finally watched this one. Now I need to watch all the other ones I haven't watched LOL

[@BeercanBushcraft]

Yes, that is definitely one of the best :) the plastic bag funnel was great, I usually include a small plastic bag with tie handles - so one can cut the corner off and hang it up, but I quite like the idea of a piping-bag now. Really enjoyed that very much Eric, all the best to you and yours 👍 👍 👍 🍻 Edit: a spot on kit for a hiker.

[@billdelany5019]

Purchased a few of these based on your review to have in my vehicles. Love your repacks, but needed something that was ‘as is’. Thanks and will continue to support you in patreon

[@KitbashedSurvival]

Thanks, Bill!

[@SandrasSpicySpanishSalami]

*This is some of the most wholesome content on the 'tube*

[@evecarrington562]

Not only is it wholesome, it's helpful as well!

[@SandrasSpicySpanishSalami]

@@evecarrington562 Agreed.

[@roadracing22]

Love your honesty in these reviews

[@gwargumm9511]

This kit looks really cool. It definitely wins for fishing gear of all the small kits I’ve seen your review. I like the so-called funnels with your actually cake frosting piping bags, pretty good idea. Also the pencil sharpener is always a good thing and I’ve learned that the sharpeners can be made out of magnesium! So you could help in starting a fire you might want to check your sharpeners when you review them. Some are made out of aluminum zinc but others are clearly marked magnesium

[@gordontyree9858]

Great review Eric! I agree with your suggestions for additions/subtractions. Good looking off the shelf survival kit tho! Really like the info cards they include in the kit. As always, look forward to your reviews! Thanks!

[@NEP_Chris]

I’m definitely going to have to check some of their kits out. This one was actually pretty decent for a small pre-made kit. They put a lot of thought into it and it shows. Another great review! Always enjoy watching your videos! 👍

[@robbabcock_]

Good review, Eric! Having watched your channel from the beginning it seems that you're getting better at the video process. I also agree with your analysis of the kit; even where one might choose some different items it's clear that the creators of the kit really gave it a lot of thought. They did, for the most part, choose items that work together to actually improve your odds of survival. The kit is about as small as one can go while still credibly addressing the needs of survival. The space blanket they chose is pretty poor and fragile (I have a box of that brand) but if you're careful they'll work. It's great to see a poncho and a blanket. I've never used a sewing kit in the woods, and if you really need one just the needle is enough, and that's a lot of fishing gear for a kit that doesn't include a light. The one part of the kit I question a bit is the container; as James Smith points out having a case that's formed from on piece of metal (ie molded like a pot or milled out) would be more reliable to boil water in. However if they tested it over a fire and the joints held up I guess maybe it would work. After all, in a survival situation it just has to last until you're rescued. Save the newspaper clipping and they'll give you a new one.😉 Thanks for bringing us this review. I'd never heard of that company before.

[@jameshall4385]

I seems like a good kit. At first I thought it was overpriced at $40.00 but after you opened it, the price seems very good. I would get rid of the extra compass and the can opener. It needs a light source (flash light) and some matches or a lighter.

[@najroe]

Yeah, only one mean of fire is bit odd, also a photon microlihht would be nice

[@nerd20fromdiscord]

this kit is one of the best kits in its size range

[@roguedriver6472]

Nice little kit

[@iamarawn]

That's a decent kit. I checked the site and they have a TON of kits there. Seems cool.

[@richardross7219]

Nice review. It seems like they could use ziplock type bags for each component. That way they are reusable. I would use a Heatsheet as the emergency blanket. I like your upgrade to a pocket knife(SAK Hiker). I also like a tealight candle. Sometimes a hot poncho type shelter is needed immediately. Good Luck, Rick

[@DoomOfConviction]

Best kit you shown! Much redundancy’s and quite a nice kit to survive with!

[@markdeansgimpysbushcamp193]

Nice video. Finally a company that srrms to care about quality.

[@thomaswick4260]

Like the review so I ordered one. Keep the reviews coming my friend.

[@Summermute7]

Cool little kit. I’m glad you told us you are going to do more from this company. I’m really interested in seeing their bug out bag. I’ll wait to look it up in case you do a review. 👍🏻

[@KitbashedSurvival]

Thanks! I'll be reviewing the bug out bag kit in a while.

[@AMERICANPRIDE1100]

I would add storm proof matches they might fit in the sewing kit I think if I had to I would do away with it all together just keep the thread

[@informedcitizen8687]

Compared to some of the other pre-made survival kits on the market this one is actually pretty good for the price. It could use another fire source but all in all well thought out decent quality items. Thanks for the review

[@willames363]

Cool vid, thanks man. Hope you’re well. Have a good weekend.

[@leekronforst4589]

Did I miss you saying bobbers? The green foam around the hooks can be used as bobbers! Slip it on the line before th hook and sinker. Set depth by sticking a little splinter of wood in the hole so it doesn't slip.

[@karikovacs3824]

I love your videos. Bring'em on! Thank you.

[@josephfoote3276]

No "multi-useless" metal card tool. Excellent!

[@Majick0003]

This is a nice kit. The tin is amazing in size. But still light weight. Nice price as well.

[@pierreduplessis1507]

Would make a great kit for hiking or camping as a back up

[@westonfurman3833]

Nice kit! I'm definitely going to check the company out. 🤘💯

[@d.roselester2806]

I would think about taking the rain poncho out from inside the tin and put it in a ziplock bag and strap it with the blanket on the outside of the kit so you could add the knife and maybe storm matches. That would also make the poncho easier to access where you don’t have to unpack the whole kit to use it.

[@johndavidlynn8653]

This is a nice comprehensive kit. I think I will have to go buy a few for my BOB and cars.

[@SusanLand]

Really nice kit! Those plastic funnels actually look like disposable pastry bags (ha ha, in case you need to decorate a cake in an emergency).

[@KitbashedSurvival]

Good observation!

[@AndrewAustinFrustrated]

Was a very good basic kit only changes I'd make Is a few bullion cubes and a couple of 3 in 1 coffees wouldn't take much space or add any real weight but a great morale booster.

[@KungFuTweety1]

Please review the hydro blu filter straw. This kit looks great! Good video review! I would remove poncho to the velcro straps..and add your recommended items!

[@nicolab2075]

Wouldn't an orange poncho do two jobs?

[@qtwpqtwp]

I agree this kit is pretty cool from a company and not an individual, I would not want to depend on it but its better than nothing and better that some I have seen.

[@Wiwih79]

Very good review of a good product. Reminds me a bit at the polymath product survival tin. Great job for sure.

[@efcs1]

I was amazed you were able to fit it all back into the container. You might have been able to fit a very small knife if you moved the space blanket inside and the poncho to the outside. I might have to pick up one of these.

[@NWAAdventures]

Good morning! Great kit. Hey I just purchased a long discontinued Gearpods wilderness kit. I'll try to do a video on it, but I thought you might be interested in it.

[@KitbashedSurvival]

Yeah, those are cool

[@hunterhess8433]

Such a shame they went out of business

[@kcjazz62]

Looks like I’m late to this party… just saw your channel in the recommended list. A couple of things I would include are: bankline & gorilla tape somewhere. I like the moleskin, info cards, & funnels. These are unthought of contents in kits.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Nice pocket-sized kit!

[@canadafree2087]

A pretty decent kiit for the price. I love how the bag has no marketing printed on it as it can be repurposed for anything, or to store more supplies in along with the kit. I would prefer a one piece tin bottom if one is boiling water in it. I was thinking, "Np water tabs?" but then tabs have an expiration date.

[@robbabcock_]

There was a little bag in there with 4 water tabs IIRC. I agree, the tin isn't ideal for boiling.

[@james0000]

Survive, not thrive. Less than ideal is ok.

[@dalecarr5445]

It looks like a good kit. I agree with you about fishing gear. I’d probably take some of that out and add a small flashlight of some kind and a Bic mini lighter. I’d also add a couple of ibuprofen and Benadryl. If I could fit it in I’d remove the knife and maybe the orange signal tape to fit a SAK (maybe a Tinker) or a very small fixed blade

[@CreativeRedundancy]

Hello Eric. I do like this one much better than some of the other ones in a similar price range. Has a little more of the forethought in this kit.

[@lindawolffkashmir2768]

That nylon cover bag could be used to strain water, or hold berries and mushrooms you might find along the way.

[@glenmo1]

Thanks for the video Seems seems like a decent kit but like you stated I would have changed some things reduce the fishing kit.. and sewing kit.. ditch the treble hooks.. perhaps ditch the elastic tubing.. add the small victorinox knife..added some meds(Asprin Tylenol.. Imodium)...& .mini Bic lighter !... I personally like to add the extremely small diameter paracord to my kits ..25 ft ....

[@danielmeans9539]

Love your videos! Awesome kit here! The only things it's really missing is a light source of some kind, and perhaps another fire source. Other than that, not too shabby!

[@KitbashedSurvival]

yeah, if it had a little candle or flashlight it'd be great. But, on the other hand, light is not absolutely necessary for survival, so it's ok.

[@cardiacbob]

Good kit. I'd leave out the sewing kit and try to wedge a Victorinox Classic Alox in there. Thanks for the review.

[@Unknown39485]

One of the very few decent survival tins I’ve ever seen. Would definitively trade that fishing line handler for some bobines, and those coffee filters for a standard size Victorinox with scissors and wood saw AND a Bic lighter. But decent nonetheless 😊

[@davidkay7389]

That bag is a nice safety orange for visibility, navigation aid, or air rescue

[@alexperepech1023]

Awesome review!Thx a lot!

[@tomritter493]

Looks like a great kit I d take the 550 cord not enough to do much with .and replace with snare wire .and a good frensel lens

[@Wiwih79]

Pretty good video. Thank you very much.

[@honestreviewer7788]

Those Velcro straps on the outside would make a good tourniquet.

[@bigg490]

For a kit in a tin, that's very good.

[@wildlifeinclose-up1960]

Totally agree. One survival kit looks like another. This one had a few things you don't see in other kits. Lets hope the other ones you are going to review from this company, follow the same context........

[@dukeeod1650]

Have you thought about doing a Kitbash on the ACW MacGyver survival kit? Looks comprehensive but would like to see you do your magic with it. Great videos

[@smilingcat1703]

Agreed

[@Haerleif]

would be cool if we could send pictures/video of our home-made survival kits/bugout bags etc and you would say what you would have added :-) me for instance have all sort of stuff stuffed in a kettle I use on camping, it really is like a mini survival kit if I loose my other gear

[@AYellowPepper]

Only thing i would try to do is fit a "Victorinox Hiker" in there. Id toss the Pencil sharpener, Dermasafe, Can Opener, Scalpel to try and make that fit!

[@jhill4874]

There are pros and cons to putting small items in to little bags... Pro: excellent way to organize and keep track of small items... Con: the bags to take up room. I'll go with having the bags.

[@dirtyscoundrel2013]

Nice starter kit

[@jonathansims525]

I'm fairly critical, but I actually really like this kit!

[@patbatt3849]

The kit needs a source of light , a couple of button lamps would do nicely . Cheers , J.D.K.

[@simonh6371]

I like this from the go-get because the container i.e. the tin it comes in is small yet feasible for holding/boiling water and cooking in, unlike the tiny altoids size tins, not to mention other survival kits which don't even have a metal container. Secondly I like it because they don't include a promising looking but cheap and unreliable knife and / or multitool, which might encourage someone to think the kit alone will get them through a survival situation. I believe these kits should always be carried in conjunction with decent knives and/or multitools as well as a good lighter or two, and flashlight, which form your standard EDC in your pockets or on your belt.

[@SimonRiley115]

What knife did you open those bags with, I'm a bit of a knife nerd lol. Thanks for sharing, Vigilant Trails makes great products

[@jhill4874]

Is snare wire that functional? My thoughts are that a kit like this is to get you overnight or maybe two nights hoping for rescue. I would replace the fishing and sewing with some type of signaling capability. Where I used to live, during the drought, a simple campfire would have brought a whole bunch of people to investigate.

[@rob45x]

Love your videos bro

[@OFPruzkumnik]

in our country in the Czech Republic it is called "KPZtka" it is an abbreviation of "Krabička Poslední Záchrany" English: Box/Packet last rescue One should properly assemble KPZetka yourself Here, the KPZtks purchased are derisively called the "Krabička Plná Zbytečností" English: Box Full of Uselessness You should always ask yourself: Would you put saving your life into things for a few dollars?

[@bishop060902]

Nice kit.

[@jhill4874]

This is not a bad kit at all. I would agree about reducing the fishing gear. Purely personal, I'm not a fan of fishing gear in these kits. Reason: You need to be near a body of water and fishing requires time. Did I miss the presence of water purification tablets? If they are there that's one thing I would add.

[@russelldavis1011]

I would like to see you review the storm pack survival bag

[@TylerSnyder305]

This one seems well done but I think more companies should just put effort into designing storage solutions for survival kits than the kits themselves. It seems that tends to be the most interesting or worthwhile part of a lot of kits.

[@ankhenaten2]

One of the very best small kits, you would be able to drink ground water and if you find a lake eat some fish and sleep dry

[@massimoricciardi6202]

I like the sewing kit.

[@grumpyoldphart7325]

That is a nice kit.

[@alecbuxton7634]

I would say that a basic survival kit should help you to survive in the woods for about 1 week a kit that would help you survive 3 or 4 weeks would be unworkable for most people as the kit would need to contain more specialised equipment and would be a lot heaver from the standard minimal or premium kit and would probably end up weighing around 10 to 12 pounds

[@jamesleary1405]

For the price I'd say it's worth the price. Could it use a few thing's well yeah, but if this is added to you're travel bag/bugout bag it's great.

[@cardiacbob]

Really high quality. if you could replace that derma-safe razor and sewing kit with a small Swiss army knife.

[@tankbennett7]

I think it's a good kit. I feel it's missing a snack element. Lol 😆 I get it no room. But still a great kit . Kudos

[@marcoloid1717]

Очень интересный набор. Удивило такое множество предметов. Спасибо за обзор.