Preppers and sailors have a lot in common, and preppers could learn a LOT from getting out on a boat. Learn how sailing to distant shores requires many of the same preparation and skills that preppers love.
You’re reading Sailboats, survival, and SHTF, originally posted at Graywolf Survival – Emergency preparedness from a Counterintelligence Agent by Graywolf.
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Learn how to split up your survival kits or bug out bag gear between your family so you’re all covered. Identical kits are not the answer.
You’re reading Family survival: 5 tips for distributing gear, originally posted at Graywolf Survival – Emergency preparedness from a Counterintelligence Agent by Graywolf.
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Falke TK2 Wool Silk Socks
Socks are, without a doubt, one of the most important hiking items, and when we received activewear from German brand Falke for testing, I was delighted to see that they also included socks. Falke is known world-wide for their high-quality socks and thus I was super excited to test them on trails. I got the Falke TK2 Wool Silk socks which according to Falke provide medium cushioning. We received the package just before we headed to the Dolomites for our hiking holidays. In the Dolomites, I thoroughly tested the Falke TK2 Wool Silk socks on various hikes and alpine ascents, and below is what I learned about them.
The Falke TK2 Wool Silk socks are suitable for:
The Falke TK2 Wool Silk socks are as the name suggests made of wool and silk fibers. However, they also include nylon and elastane fibers which is a standard practice when it comes hiking socks. Nylon fibers make the socks more durable and the elastane fibers provide stretch and recovery performance. The Falke TK2 Wool Silk socks feature the following contents of fibers; 60% virgin wool, 27% nylon, 12% silk and 1% elastane.
When I put the socks on for the first time, I was really surprised how soft and comfortable they are. I have several pairs of Coolmax socks at home and I’ve always considered them as super comfy, but I must say that the Falke TK2 socks feel even better against the skin. So, why is it important that the material of hiking socks is soft? In my experience socks made of rougher materials often cause blisters, especially when you are hiking downhill. The rough fabric starts chafing the skin on your toes and consequently blisters can form. I think that socks in general play a big role in preventing blisters. You can read more abut this is in my blog post How to prevent blisters when hiking.
When I was testing the Falke TK2 Wool Silk socks on trails in the Dolomites I focused on breathability, drying time, odor resistance, durability and moisture-wicking properties. These are in my opinion the most important qualities when it comes to hiking socks besides the softness of the fabric.
After wearing the socks on quite some trails in the Dolomites, I can certainly say that they are breathable and moisture-wicking. The fabric is thinner on the upper side which allows the moisture to easily escape to the lining of the boots while the bottom part of the sock and the heel area are made of thicker more woolen fabric for good cushioning. The legs and cuffs are made of relatively thin material (silk/nylon) which is very breathable and moisture-wicking. I was also surprised how fast the socks dried. Often, they were completely dry before the end of a hike in spite having been soaked in sweat during the most intense climbs. As the socks have a high content of wool fibers, they are also odor-resistant (wool is naturally antimicrobial). I wore the socks on four different hikes without washing them in between and they didn’t become particularly smelly.
Now, socks are typically not the most durable garments and in my experience they rarely last for more than two years. Nevertheless, the material of Falke TK2 socks seems pretty robust. So far, I haven’t noticed any durability issues, but I will of course update this post in case I do.
The Falke TK2 socks, are according to Falke, designed for long hikes on easy terrain. I was, however, testing these socks mostly on rocky trails in the Dolomites which probably can’t be classified as “easy terrain”. Nevertheless, I was satisfied with the performance of Falke TK2 socks on such trails and I do think that the socks provide enough cushioning also for more complicated alpine ascents. Ultimately, the suitability of any hiking socks for a certain type of terrain also depends on your footwear. I wear relatively lightweight Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid boots which work well with thinner socks.
In the Dolomites the temperatures were quite low this summer (5° – 15° C) and the Falke TK2 socks were perfect for this temperature range. I’m planning to wear these socks also at higher temperatures, but for very cold conditions, I might consider the Falke TK1 socks which seem to be thicker and warmer.
The Falke TK2 socks fit me perfectly and so far, I haven’t encountered any chafing or skin irritation while wearing them. The stitching is minimal. There are no seams in the toe area and all other seams are either hidden or super smooth. The socks are also left and right foot specific for optimal fit. I got the socks in EU size 42-43 while my Salewa boots are size 44. The socks thus seem to run slightly big.
The socks can be machine washed at 40 C, but you should steer clear of softener or bleach. Like most other activewear, they shouldn’t be tumble-dried. Due to high content of wool, the socks can be washed less frequently than 100% synthetic socks which will help them last longer.
Falke Tk2 Wool Silk Socks – Construction; the bottom part is made of wool while other parts are made of silk and nylon
Falke Tk2 Wool Silk Socks – The bottom part is made of wool and provides good cushioning
Falke Tk2 Wool Silk Socks – Legs and Cuffs
Falke Tk2 Wool Silk Socks – The socks are right and left foot specific for optimal fit
Falke TK2 Wool Silk Socks – Different layers
Falke Wool Silk Socks
Falke TK2 Wool Silk Socks Packaging
The more I wore these socks, the more I liked them. The best thing about them is the fabric which is super soft and incredibly comfortable against the skin. Therefore, I would be very surprised if the socks caused discomfort, skin irritation or blisters to anyone. The socks also excel at breathability, moisture-wicking properties, drying time and odor resistance. The fit and cushioning are great, not least because the socks are left and right foot specific. I also really liked that the socks are thinner at the top for increased breathability. As hard as I try, I simply can’t say a single bad thing about these socks. So, if you are looking for a pair of good hiking socks, look no further than the Falke TK2 Wool Silk socks.
If you have any questions about this product, drop me a line in the comments below.
Rating
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| Quality | |
| Comfort | |
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About Rating
Pros:
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How do other people find out that you’re a prepper? And what can you do to keep that from happening? Here are a few thoughts…
Original source: How Would A Non Prepper Know That You’re A Prepper?
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While conducting hydrographic surveys at the request of the U.S. Coast Guard following Hurricane Florence, NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey navigation response teams (NRT) identified hazardous obstructions in the Cape Fear River channel. Since these dangers to navigation will remain…
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Don’t make the simple mistake most people make when they follow the “Two is one and one is none” principle. By looking at survival a little differently, you can make the right choices in your gear.
You’re reading The ‘Two is one and one is none’ fallacy, originally posted at Graywolf Survival – Emergency preparedness from a Counterintelligence Agent by Graywolf.
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By Jeff Gurwitch October 29, 2019 Last updated on 10/29/19. In this episode, I sit down with Mike Keenan (retired Navy pilot), who served with me in Afghanistan, to go over the M4A1-type work-gun clone he built in virtually the exact configuration of the customized/modified M4A1 carbine he carried on the ground while supporting SF …
I attended the HEAT I class last week. It was my third HEAT 1 class (CRCD 2014 & CTT 2015. Link to my AAR from 2014)
It had been awhile since my last class (life happens). Wow. Besides being total fun, I learned a lot – or relearned what I should have remembered. One thing I relearned was just how essential training at MVT is!
I train locally of course (on a rural, private range), but it does not provide the same level of training/experience you receive at MVT.
The biggest difference is local training tends to be individual reaction to contact. Facing drills, muzzle control, safety manipulation, and effective scanning are all essential and prerequisite skills. As are the ability to clear weapon stoppages and malfunctions.
But the bigger lesson from MVT is it is not about the individual – it is about the team. This is the big disconnect with just about every other “tactical” training class you will take. They teach individual skills. MVT also teaches individual skills – but they then take it to the next level and teach working as a team under contact.
An effective team is a force multiplier! A team working together has an exponentially better chance of mutual survival. Many of us know this – but the truth of that tends to get pushed to the back of our minds because if you do not practice maneuvering as a team, you forget how hard it is! We tend to think that because we have had some training, we will be able to “make it happen” in an emergency. I am totally guilty of this.
But damn, working as an effective team, while under contact, is really, really hard! It is very difficult to get individuals to properly and effectively communicate, to move as a unit, to react as a team to contact, to maneuver as a team when going from one formation (such as extended line) to a different formation (the peel for example), to change the orientation of the line when the contact goes from the front to a flank, to move as a line, etc.
Working as an effective team takes training. Lots of regular training. Without that training you have as good a chance of killing each other, as you do of being killed by the enemy.
Effective & correct training = experience. Experience = force multiplier.
The best way to get that (effective & correct) training is at MVT. Max and Scott are professionals. SUT is one of their core competencies. Training is another. They are dedicated to providing the most tactically sound training possible. And the range Max has constructed is unique and exceptional. As a civilian you will not find this level of realism anywhere else. If you are serious about this, you will train at MVT.
As a side benefit, MVT is also an excellent place to meet individuals who are like minded. Thanks to training at MVT, I have met several lifelong friends.
I plan to go again next year. I’ll see you there!
Student Review: Dec 2019 HEAT 1 Combat Tactics Class: JC Read More »
A construction punch list, also called a builder punch list, is a simple document that shows the progress of a construction process. It is created when a project nears completion (when most sections are...
The post Construction Punch List Process: What To Expect appeared first on The Homestead Survival.
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Are you married to a hunter or outdoors enthusiast and are unsure of what would make a great gift? No worries, the editors at Tactical Gun Review and Texas Outdoors Network have come together to offer 12 outstanding gifts that any hunter, fishermen, or shooter would love receiving. Let’s get started! Aimpoint Micro T-2. The […]
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