Review : Bison Survival Products

My Survival Pod follows me everywhere

• Type : Survival gear
• Use : Any outdoor activity
• Price :
• BukaLite $22.00
• Flint and Steel $28.00
• Survival Pod $17.00

Introduction
I discovered Bison Design products at the beginning of my sabbatical, while running with friends. The idea is simple, yet clever : you wear gear made of sturdy para-cord that you can unbraid and use if you get in trouble. After trying out the classic safety bracelet, Bison offered me to take some of their other accessories for a real test in the Texas outback; the Hunter Gatherer Survival Ultra.

Test
The gear check at the Hunter Gatherer was not as strict for ultra runners as it was for survivalists, so I clipped the Survival Pod on my hydration vest and carried it with me without a worry. I wanted to see how well it would resist to all the swinging and banging of a 50K outing, most of which is off-trail bushwhacking through thorny bushes and cacti. I needed to make sure the pod would stay braided tight and not open up while on the run.

For clarity's sake, here's a rundown of the various pieces of Bison Gear that were brought on the trails :

 

Side Release Cobra Braid bracelet
This is the one I've been wearing non-stop for about 3 months now. Its a simple braided paracord with a clip buckle. If needed, it will provide 9 feet of 550 para-cord.






BukaLite bracelet
Same idea, but with the added feature of a micro LED flashlight in the buckle. Race director Josue Stephens has been wearing it out on the course while preparing his event and on various outings since.





Flint and Steel
My favorite! What a name ;) The Flint and Steel is not only a bracelet, but also a knife and a fire-making kit. The loop buckle is actually the handle of a micro-knife that is buried in the paracord, and the toggle is a 1'' flint. Unbraided, the bracelet provides 15 to 17 feet of para-cord






Survival Pod
This is the most bang for the size. You get a serrated and smooth double-edge micro-knife, a fire-making flint, 6'' of tinder and 3'' of duct tape, just enough to patch up a wound or a tear in your gear. All that wrapped in 4 feet of bright orange-colored para-cord.





Analysis
It's pretty simple; Bison gear works, and it stays tight even when you carry it in everyday outings. It needs no maintenance and offers peace of mind to you and your loved ones by knowing that, if push comes to shove, you can count on a compact survival kit that just might tip the balance in your favor in a critical situation.

Conclusion
Considering the retail price and the wide variety of products offered, there is no reason for an outdoor enthusiast to not get at least one Bison accessory. They are ultra-compact, easy to carry and can help you get out of trouble when it counts the most.

High points

• Rock solid
• Stays tight
• Affordable
• Can be re-braided

Low points

• Kits with knives cannot be carried on airplanes

The equipment for this personal review was supplied by Bison Designs free of charge, without any conditions.

Review : Bison Safety Bracelet

• Type : Utility / Survival
• Use : Any outdoor activity
• Price : $10

Introduction
I meet a lot of runners in my travels, so I get the chance to talk about and check out a lot of gear. While on a run last week, I mentioned I carry an emergency kit in the bladder pouch of my running vest. A runner then told me “I don’t, but at least I have a Bison Bracelet”. Naturally, I got curious.

Bison products are made of braided para-cords, which you can undo in case of trouble. The bracelet, when completely undone, measures 10 to 12 feet depending on the wrist size you chose (small to large). They feature all sorts of colors, from straight black to flashy fluo.

Trail Test
I bought a bracelet and started wearing it both casually and on my trail runs. Although the braided cord makes it a little thick and rigid, it is light enough that you will forget you're wearing it. The plastic clip system lets you put it on and take it off at will, which means you can wear it only when you go out to play. It is unaffected by sweat and I got it wet a couple times and it stayed in perfect shape.

Analysis
I think the Bison bracelet is an awesome concept for anyone who ventures out in the wild. It can be used as-is on your wrist or as a strap to hold gear on a backpack. Two clipped together would make a great dog collar, too. And if you ever get in trouble while on an adventure, you simply undo the para-cord and use it to fix gear, as a tie-down, replacement laces, for first-aid or any other situation. At $10 a piece, you won’t fret at using it, either.

Conclusion
Bison products are the kind of equipment any serious outdoors person will want handy. They are cheap, solid, won’t take any space in your backpack or running vest and could get you out of trouble and even save your life in an emergency. Knowing how trail runners hate to bring extra weight and bulk on their runs in the woods, this is one piece of gear even the most minimalist person out there can afford to bring. It’s wearable safety.

High Points

• Inexpensive
• Sturdy
• Won’t take any space in a backpack or vest
• Can make a real difference in an emergency

Low points

• Some might find it thick
• Once you open it, you’ll need a new one
  UPDATE : Actually not true, see comments below