It is difficult to predict how you would react when faced with a survival situation. Plan all you might, there is nothing more intense than being in that moment. Your adrenaline is pumping, heart pounding knowing you must instantaneously make your next move. When your primal fear kicks in, sometimes your body moves faster than your brain can process. This natural response is referred to as fight-or-flight.
While you may not be able to foresee your fate in a fight-or-flight scenario, there are ways to ensure that you always have a fighting chance. It is possible to gain this advantage through preparedness. By equipping yourself with the elemental tools of survival, you are provided options. Whether you are forced to physically defend yourself, or suddenly bug out from a catastrophe…these provisions have the capability of saving your life.
As an inventor, it is in my nature to discover solutions to the problems which plague me. With how important it is to be prepared at all times, I have been developing a range of multi-functional survival tools designed to be carried with ease. This way you always have what you need at your fingertips at a moment’s notice.
My latest innovation to add to the Ralston brand collection is the E Staff. This aluminum and steel hiking pole gives you peace of mind all in the palm of your hand. Not only does it offer you the stability of a walking stick, it has a secret swivel compartment to be filled with your most essential gear. There is enough room to store items such as a multi-tool, first aid kit, flashlight, fire starter and more. You can customize it to fit your own preparedness needs.
The bottom of the E Staff transforms into a five-inch spear blade weapon. This feature is perfect for hunting game or can be used for your protection. With a turn of the blade a two pronged spear emerges, ideal for frogs and fishing. In addition, 30 feet of paracord is wrapped around the E Staff. Cordage has many versatile uses in survival such as building shelter, fishing and creating traps.
The E Staff’s handle doubles as a drinking vessel with a carbon filtered water straw. This vessel can be heated over an open flame for sterilization purposes. There is also room for the storage of 8 oz. of liquid in the E Staff.
Stay Prepared
In the most ideal situation, you would have as many supplies as possible in order to survive. Yet for the times when you are forced to move quickly, and your BOB is inaccessible…the E Staff will be your savior. The thin compacted design makes it easy to store under your bed, in a vehicle, or at the office. If you were ever in need of a speedy getaway or a self-defense weapon, just grab your E Staff. With it you always have a back-up plan to the back-up plan.
The E Staff is also intended to be used as a tool for hiking treks. There are many times when a person plans a shorter day trip, believing they do not need to bring extra supplies. This in fact is a very dangerous risk. Every year thousands of hikers get lost within our wilderness parks. No matter the size of your excursion, it is imperative to always be prepared with the essentials.
For this reason, the E Staff is an excellent piece of gear to accompany any hiker. It provides support and balance to ensure safety out on the trail. You can also store all of the most important emergency items within. Some suggestions would be a whistle, fire starter, compass, flashlight and energy bars.
Material: Aluminum and Steel
Weight (empty): 3 pounds
Length: 61 inches
Diameter: 1 ½ inches
Storage compartment: 14 ½x1 inches
Spear: 5 inches
Drinking vessel: 5 ½ inches
For more information about the E Staff, please contact the author/inventor at http://www.timralstonlive.com/contact
Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared in the February 2015 issue of American Survival Guide.