Fall 2006, Shant Richards from Ontario, Canada
It was a beautiful cool fall day when my daughter and I were out hiking in Tobermory area in Ontario. We started our trip a bit later in the day, but the weather was clear and the landscape was colorful. The plan was to be out in the woods for only few hours and therefore the backpacks were light. Before we know it the weather turned to the worst and the cloud cover grew heavier and heavier. Suddenly a heavy thunder storm started and visibility became minimal. Both of us quickly huddled and found whatever shelter we could find to protect ourselves from the heavy wind and rain. The shelter was a rock ledge that provided some protection. It was evident that we will not leave our shelter until dark and as it turned out we spent the night at this spot.

I quickly realized that I had to make our stay comfortable and provide some comfort to my daughter. She looked very concerned and kept asking if we were going to get back fine. So I went through our knapsacks which were lightly packed for the day. It certainly did not have enough material for an overnight stay. Then I pulled out the SOS pack that she bought for me for father’s day the spring before. The pack had everything I needed. In no time, we had rain gears on us. Used the warmers to comfort us until we were dry again. Once we realized that we are spending the night in the woods, we pitched the tent and started a fire. This small SOS pack gave us shelter, warmth, comfort, light and memories that my daughter and I will share forever. Thanks to SOS pack, the memories are of a safe adventure. Next morning, we were greeted by concerned family and friends. I recommend this for every outdoors enthusiasts.

Fall 2005, Derrick Flint from Ontario, Canada
As always, we hunt along a river system where we drop off each hunter at various points. I was one of the last 2 hunters that got dropped off.  As it turned out, the last drop off point was past a large body of water. As the afternoon set, the wind started picking up.  Our pickup was scheduled to be before sunset. By 5 PM, the wind picked up more and a snow storm began. Our food and drinks were in the drop-off boat, as well as our knapsacks and change of clothing. All we had were our rifles and my SOS pack [oh I also remember my fellow hunters making fun of me wearing this thing around my waste]. We also had our radios, which was used to confirm that it was not safe to come and pickup us up. We found ourselves in the middle of nowhere, with wind and snow in our faces. A panic set in until we realized that I had the SOS pouch. Before the sun set, we were able to start a fire in order to keep us warm.

Thanks to the 2-man tent, we quickly setup shelter under a large tree and away from the wind. Although the fire was within close proximity to our tent, we found the need to use the feet and hand warmers.  We did not bother looking for food; however, we did use the water purifying pills to drink river water through the night. Without the pouch, I cannot imagine spending the night the way we did. Something as simple as starting a fire would have been impossible. Early next morning, the pickup boat was back…NOW the entire hunting group carry the SOS kit!  Well worth the money!!

Winter 2005, Robert Leary from Edmonton, Alberta
I go hunting with my original group of ten to our private hunt camp. However, this year, only four of us were able to make it. Upon arrival to our camp site, I started to unpack my bag. When I took out my SOS Kit, my three other friends asked what it was out of curiosity. I told them that it contains everything we needed for wilderness survival (if need be). They were very surprised at the size of the Kit and doubted that it would be that useful.

Contrary to the forecast, a very heavy snow storm hit the area.  We got snowed in and a long-weekend, 3 day, trip turned into a 6 day trip.

After 3 days, the first thing we ran out of was water and dry fire wood. Followed by lamp-fuel and propane for lighting and cooking.  After all, we were prepared to spend only 3 days there.

So by the 4th day, there was no lighting, heating and water. The SOS Kit came to the rescue. I used my light sticks, candles, fire-starter and waterproof matches to create some light and heat. I also used the emergency blanket to keep me warm through the night. Using the handy water purifier, we were able to use some well water and purify for drinking.  Although we did not need the hand and feet warmers, but it was comforting to know that they were there if we needed them.

So I have one thing to say to sum this all up. Thank you very much for this wonderful product!