Factor 85 Labs

This is a overview of my "home base" first aid kit. This certainly isn't a kit that is practical for everyone to have, but was the result of my wife and I needing a bigger first aid kit for those times we were with a larger group, or when we knew that we were the volunteer (or voluntold) first aid person. This is also just handy to have everything all packed up in one place and ready to go. Like most folks, we don't use this bag for most common day-to-day first aid stuff, and depend on the wildly disorganized plastic tub in the bathroom cupboard for things like bandaids and more minor injuries. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Every day is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the ever-changing life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #FirstAidKit #HomeFirstAid

Are you worried about staying safe this Halloween? Are you trying to follow the CDC guidelines? I solved all your Halloween concerns months ago! The CDC is worried that Halloween masks aren't protective enough, but I have fixed that! With a few supplies from the hardware store, you can be the safest family out this Halloween, and most importantly, you can go outside! So get your glue gun, grab the tape, and be creative! Let's un-cancel Halloween! Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Every day is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the ever-changing life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #SaveHalloween2020 #TrickorTreat

Taking a quick overview of the Vertx Contingency Duffel 45L and talking about my pros and cons. I really like this bag for it's versatility, and the ability to carry some items tucked away out of sight. This allows me to take some things on a trip without worrying about drawing attention walking through a lobby or parking lot. I feel safer knowing that I can lock the bag and if my kids somehow get to the bag, they can't immediately get into delicate items. The Contingency Duffel has some other features that make it a great all-around travel bag as well, and having a changing mat or cleaning area is very useful. The bag is easy to clean, and isn't waterproof, but will roll off a little bit of light rain without soaking your clothes. Overview: 0:30 Pros and cons: 6:33 If you are interested in Vertx bags, you can find them at www.Vertx.com, or available from other retailers and sites as well. I don't have any affiliation with Vertx, but there are a number of other YouTube channels that do, so if you want to get a Vertx bag, check around for discount codes. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the ever-changing life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you.

This video is a review of my first aid kit that I carry in the car. This kit is big enough to handle most emergencies, but not so big that it gets in the way, or gets moved to make room for other things in the car. Having a first aid kit is essential for road trips, or even just for driving around town. With over 5 million car accidents and over 30,000 deaths in motor vehicle accidents every year, you need to be prepared to handle some emergencies, from a hurry case of major bleeding to a minor cut or scratch. Or, just those minor annoyances that can really ruin a road trip. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the ever-changing life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. Living every day is an experiment!

Tired of boring old face shields and masks? Have I got a solution for you! This is a futuristic faceshield that I made using a pair of sunglasses and a safety/protective shield. This is a really fun DIY project. With a few tools you can turn any sunglasses or safety glasses into a lightweight custom protective shield, and go out into the world in style. Yes, I am very aware that some people have legitimate medical issue that prevent them from wearing masks, and legitimate reason to wear a face shield instead. This video was made entirely tongue in cheek, so view it in that spirit as intended. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the ever-changing life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you.

Thinking about an EDC first aid kit? I'll go over what I have in my little pocket kits, and some thoughts on first aid priorities and acronyms to remember. I try to be more practical and realistic in my first aid and EDC gear, so this isn't an "IFAK" or a trauma kit, it is just some basics to get to the next level of care. These are just my opinions and this is not medical advice. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the ever-changing life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you.

It is a dangerous world out there! Backpack armor panels are one way to carry a layer of protection with you wherever you go. These panels are available in many sizes for many different applications, and can be purchased in custom sizes to fit exact dimensions of packs and bags as well. While this isn't for everyone, it is an alternative to body armor for folks who want to have some sort of protection from projectile weapons. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #bulletproof #SafelifeDefense

I made a couple sets of bedrails to attach to a set of twin beds, so we can do a kid shuffle and move everyone around to new beds. The baby is outgrowing her baby bed, and needs to upgrade to a crib. The twins are sleeping in the crib/toddler beds, so they need to upgrade to a bigger bed. I didn't want to buy a set of toddler beds, when we have this great set of twin bunk beds that I got for next to nothing at a garage sale. So I needed to build some rails, because these beds are quite a bit higher than our twins are used to, and one of them rolls out her bed already almost every night. These are pretty simple rails. I wanted to make them without any screws or nails, so I glues and used dowels to hold them together. They turned out pretty good for a quick rushed project, and I think the kids will love their new bedroom. I made a couple sets of bedrails to attach to a set of twin beds, so we can do a kid shuffle and move everyone around to new beds. The baby is outgrowing her baby bed, and needs to upgrade to a crib. The twins are sleeping in the crib/toddler beds, so they need to upgrade to a bigger bed. I didn't want to buy a set of toddler beds, when we have this great set of twin bunk beds that I got for next to nothing at a garage sale. So I needed to build some rails, because these beds are quite a bit higher than our twins are used to, and one of them rolls out her bed already almost every night. These are pretty simple rails. I wanted to make them without any screws or nails, so I glues and used dowels to hold them together. They turned out pretty good for a quick rushed project, and I think the kids will love their new bedroom. Don't miss anything from Factor 85 Labs! Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd83ejDY5NMvTlz2qhG1aTQ/?sub_confirmation=1 Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #DIY #Woodworking

This is a look at the Vertx Commuter sling pack and the Hazard 4 Sidewinder sling pack. This isn't so much a review, but rather a look at the best features of each bag, to figure out how, in theory, those best features can be combined to make the "best of both" sling pack for EDC use. I really like sling style bags for everyday carry, and these are two packs that I have used quite a bit. My wife really like the Sidewinder as well, and when I started using the Commuter sling, she took the Sidewinder and used it for her work bag and day pack, and even hauled it on some international flights. I have used both of these bags on my motorcycle and bicycling as well. Both of these are great bags, and while I have loved using them over the years, would love to take a few features from each of these packs, and combines them into a "perfect" sling bag. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #Vertx #Hazard4

Let's look briefly at two of my favorite EDC fixed blades, the Ka-Bar TDI and the ShivWorks Clinch Pick! These are both great knives, and top-notch choices for a defensive EDC knife. I have had a TDI for 11 years and carried it off and on throughout, and I have been carrying the Clinch Pick pretty much daily for just over a year. The TDI is an affordable option and can be picked up for around $40 dollars. It is also more practical, as it can be used for a lot of everyday tasks as well as excelling at self-defense. There are some drawbacks with the TDI sheath, but there are a lot of aftermarket sheaths to address those problems. It is made in Taiwan, from relatively lower quality steel, but I've have no issue keeping it sharpen, and it is a very solid tough blade. After 11 years of carry and moderate use (it is primarily for self-defense, but I have used it for other tasks when I didn't have another knife), it really shows little wear. The Clinch Pick is a pure defensive knife. It is a bit odd to hold at first, but the short, heavy, egg shaped handle fits in the palm of the hand and it is really easy to grip either forward or reverse. After some practice, and some work at breaking habits developed from carrying other knives, I am really happy with this knife. The Clinch Pick does cost twice as much as the TDI, around $90-$95 for the production model, or $300-$450 for a USA hand made model. The production model is made from a very corrosion and rust resistant steel, and it holds an edge really really well. Being someone with a bit of a "dad bod" I find the Clinch Pick really works best for me for self defense EDC, as it is easier to carry. But if you are looking for a practical fixed blade for EDC, there is no beating the TDI. I still leave mine in the car, and if I ever find I have left the house without a knife which happens sometimes, but at least I haven't forgotten the kids yet), I tuck the TDI into my belt, knowing that it won't let me down. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the ever-changing life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #KaBarTDI #ShivWorksClinchPick

Wondering how to start putting together a First Aid Kit? Have you been watching endless videos about IFAKs, MFAKS, tourniquets, and nasal airways? Are you feeling a little overwhelmed? Start here! The internet is a great place for information, but it can be a great place for wrong information too. This is just my thoughts and opinions on where to start to put together practical and useful first aid kits for the average person. These are just my opinions, and are not medical advice. This is the first video in a series on first aid kits. I will cover several different types of kits, starting with EDC pocket kits and going up to large home kits. I will also give my thoughts of things like a lot of the terminology you will run into when researching this topic: IFAK, MFAK, AFAK, MARCH, EDC 1st aid kits, and more. What is the deal with the ABC's and the AcBCDEEEEFG's? We will get to that too. Let me know your thoughts! Have you ever taken a first aid class? Where and how did you first learn any first aid? Do you have first aid kit of some sort at home, in your car, or with you every day? Leave a comment!

This old brush axe has been around a long time, and I remember uses this tool when I was a kid to chop up all sorts of things. I may even have been the one to break the handle and try to tape it back together with duct tape. When my mom moved and cleaned house, I grabbed this old tool, and it is past time it got a new handle and put to some proper work. I used vinegar to remove the rust, and then a little elbow grease to clean the blade up and get the big nicks out and repair the bent tip. I didn't use and power tools, this whole restoration was done with very basic hand tools. These tools go by a lot of names: brush axe, bush axe, brush hook, billhook. They are great tools for clearing through small brush and trees. The brush axe falls somewhere between an axe and a machete. It has a sharp narrow blade that can easily handle small branches, vines, thorns, and cut brush, but is has enough weight to chop through small logs and trees. If you are clearing trails or just keeping the blackberry bushes at bay, a brush axe is a great tool. You can find vintage brush axes like this for pretty cheap online, and always keep your eyes open at garage sales.

I have a lot of knives and swords, axes, even a spear or two. I have things that I hjave been collecting since I was 10 years old. I decided it was time to sort through it and get rid of some of the stuff that I don't need, and some things that are just junk. I still have knives that are broken because I was planning to fix them "someday." This still isn't everything (I still have a few more knives and swords around somewhere, but this was a good start to cleaning up and getting rid of things that I don't need. Plus, I have room for more knives now.

I have a backpack that I used to use as a "bugout bag" or "get home bag" or whatever you want to call it. Basically some easily portable survival items in case of an emergency. The pack has been in the garage a few years and I really haven't used it because my needs have changed. So I thought I would look through it and see what has been buried in there all this time. The machete in the thumbnail is a Gerber Gator machete, it is not mentioned in the video. My mistake. Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the ever-changing life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #Bugoutbag #survival

We adopted twins, and needed a stroller that would work for two tiny kids, but could also grow with the kids and last for many years. We also wanted something that was versatile, so when the twins outgrew it, we could still use it for another baby. We wanted a stroller that was manageable, and not a monstrosity that doesn't fit through doors or in a car. We found everything we wanted and more in the City Select Lux by Baby Jogger. This thing is amazing. Everything just clicks in and out, and it can go from one kid to two in a few seconds, it worked with car seats, tiny toddlers, and will continue to adjust and change as needed. This was a tough choice initially, because it is an expensive stroller and there are some more affordable options, but this met all our needs and wants. It has exceeded our expectations. Pros: - Convertible single to double. - Easy click in/out attachments and part, very easy to assemble/disassemble. - Works with most car seats with the matching attachment. - Easy to adjust seats/seatbelts for kids of any size - Easy to fold and store, smaller than most double strollers when folded. - Compact and maneuverable - Fits through doors and into elevators easily - Brakes/parking brake on the handlebar. - Adjustable height handlebar. Cons: - Can't really recline only one seat at a time without hitting the other seat - Limited options for "parent consoles" (the one by Baby Jogger I show here is OK, but could be better) - Cannot fold with both seats attached, second seat has to be stored separately. - Expensive. This thing is not cheap, and attachments are sold separately.

CDC guidelines now include masks for young children, and many states are requiring masks for kids in public places. After watching some parents at a park struggle to keep masks on their children (probably around ages 5 and 10) I got to thinking about the sort of masks kids like wearing. Most kids certainly aren't fans of medical masks. My two-year-olds made it a record 46 second before taking theirs off. But who says you have to wear a medical mask or a cloth mask? Who doesn't want to be a superhero? There are definitely some better ways to do this, but this was a quick idea I had, and it worked pretty well. My kids are too small to wear these, so I guess my wife and I will have to test them out. Thanks for watching! Leave a comment and let me know how your kids are managing with masks, if you are in an area that is requiring them.

With a lot of places requiring masks, I thought I would make a fun mask out of a leftover Halloween mask I had. This is modeled after a Japanese menpo. I used a particulate mask for the actual filter portion, so this mask should function at least as well as any homemade mask, and definitely better than a bandanna or cut up t-shirt. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did making it! Factor 85 Labs is about sharing the things I enjoy, in a practical way that works for dads and families. Everyday is an experiment, and I am sharing what I am learning about practical ways to balance my interests and hobbies with the everchanging life of a dad with small kids. DIY, EDC, cooking, reviews, first aid, whatever the day brings, I figure out what I think is a practical approach, and share that with you. #Factor85Labs #MenpoMask #SaveHalloween2020

My EDC has evolved a lot over the years, and I have run the gamut from the fully loaded one of everything EDC to the more simplified just keys and a wallet. I have tried a lot of wallets, knives, a few different handguns, a lot of holsters, and run trough a whole pile of other stuff. This is what I am carrying now, and some thoughts on why I don't carry some of the stuff you will see in other EDC videos. Things mentioned in this video: Trayvax Element wallet - https://www.trayvax.com/collections/wallets-leather/products/element\ Trayvax Link Lanyard - https://www.trayvax.com/collections/accessories-all/products/link Olight i1R 2 Eos Light - https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Keychain-Battery-Charging-Include/dp/B07ZP5XYYZ CPR keychain mask - https://www.amazon.com/Rescue-Mask-Red-Pack-Enthusiasts/dp/B07QWB4RTL Vtech Smartphone - https://www.amazon.com/VTech-80-138150-Little-Smartphone-Pink/dp/B01JOEXK4U Comp-Tac Infidel Ultra Max IWB Holster - https://comp-tac.com/infidel-ultra-max-holster-iwb-concealed-carry-comp-tac/ Comp-Tac Magazine Pouch - https://comp-tac.com/single-magazine-pouch-belt-clip-accessory-comp-tac/ Gerber Impromptu Pen - https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Impromptu-Tactical-Pen-31-001880/dp/B00B0BD3W0 Leatherman Raptor Shears - https://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-243825-Raptor-Shears-Compat/dp/B07JXT4GZ9 KA-BAR TDI knife - https://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-Enforcement-Knife-Fixed-Blade/dp/B003IXYW3M Shivworks Clinch Pick - https://warriorpoetsupplyco.com/society-clinch-pick-limited/

I have accumulated a LOT of knives over the years. Some of them are decent, and a lot of them are junk. But what makes a good everyday knife, and what do I always have in my pocket? Knives in this video (at least some of them): Kershaw Skyline - https://www.amazon.com/Kershaw-Stainless-Skyline-1760-Stonewashed/dp/B001CZBDF8 Spyderco Persistence - https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Persistence-C136GP-Plain-Knife/dp/B002IWWYS4 Buck Ranger - https://www.amazon.com/Buck-Knives-Ranger-Folding-Leather/dp/B000EHWWJG Ravencrest Tactical RCT-1 Raven (custom) - https://ravencresttactical.com/shop/build-your-own-custom-full-size-rct-1-raven-otf-tactical-knife/ Condor Dynasty Dadao Sword - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007MXI1HW Kershaw Black Horse - Discontinued model Ravencrest Tactical Modern Simplex Folder - Discontinued model RavenCrest Tactical Folding Kukri - Discontinued model Kershaw Compound - Discontinued model OTF Knife laws map: https://ravencresttactical.com/otf-knife-laws/

We built a couple of raised beds to grow a few vegetables. These are super simple beds that could be completed in a weekend. It took us a few weeks of doing little bits here and there, but overall it didn't take much time in total. There is a weed barrier cloth at the bottom of the boxes, which hopefully will help with some of the most obnoxious weeds, and maybe discourage the tunneling rodents that destroyed everything we planted last year. (well, everything the deer didn't eat)

We hope you have a fantastic celebration of Independence Day! While you are enjoying your fireworks and BBQ, make sure to take a few minutes to appreciate what our founding fathers built. Our history hasn't always been pretty, but this country remains a shining beacon of freedom. The Declaration of Independence: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript The Federalist Papers: https://guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers/full-text “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” Frederick Douglass, July 5, 1852: https://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/what-to-the-slave-is-the-fourth-of-july/

My idea of an EDC bag is maybe a little more simple than most. Like with the items I carry on my person, I have run the gamut from carrying a fully loaded pack everywhere I go to carrying nothing at all, and this is what I am packing today. I have used a lot of different bags. I really like sling style bags, and have been using a Vertx Commuter Sling a lot, but have recently switched to a more standard backpack because I am often carrying a baby in a front carrier and a sling pack isn't useful in that situation.

Fathers are important. Hoping all you dads have a great Fathers Day! Sorry for poor quality video, having recording issue. Links to referenced material and other resources: National Fatherhood Initiative: www.fatherhood.org Child and Family Research Partnership: https://childandfamilyresearch.utexas.edu/ The Importance of Fathers - Is Father's Day real?: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-long-reach-childhood/201106/the-importance-fathers The Importance of Fathers in the Healthy Development of Children by Jeffrey Rosenberg and W. Bradford Wilcox: https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/fatherhood.pdf#page=1&view=The%20Importance%20of%20Fathers%20in%20the%20Healthy%20Development%20of%20Children THE IMPORTANCE OF A FATHER IN A CHILD’S LIFE: https://www.pediatricsoffranklin.com/resources-and-education/pediatric-care/the-importance-of-a-father-in-a-childs-life/#:~:text=Children%20want%20to%20make%20their,well%2Dbeing%20and%20self%20confidence. The Father Absence Crisis in America: Infographic https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/135704/file-396018955-pdf/RyanNFIFatherAbsenceInfoGraphic051614.pdf DADS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE!: Infographic https://childandfamilyresearch.utexas.edu/sites/default/files/TXFS17_Poster1.pdf The Science of Dad and the ‘Father Effect’: https://www.fatherly.com/health-science/science-benefits-of-fatherhood-dads-father-effect/

I got three kids in diapers, and that means a lot of diapers. It also means I rarely have a free hand, let alone two hands. And diapers stink. We tried and Ubbi diaper pail, but it really isn't a one-hand operation, and I have used a Diaper Genie, which is nice until you are trying to push a fully loaded diaper into it. The Dekor is an amazing diaper pail. Because we have three kids in diapers, we went with the largest, the Dekor Plus. Yes, there are cheaper ways to handle diapers. Yes, there are more eco-friendly ways to manage diapers. But when the literal poop hits the actual fan and you decide that sanity is worth a few bucks and a few pangs of enviro-guilt, you can't go wrong with the Dekor to throw away those little packages of joys your children make everyday.

I have this old cedar split rail fence around the front of my property. If it is as old as the original house and barn, it is probably close to 80 years old. All the rails were split and cut by hand, and have a lot of tool marks. It had fallen down in a lot of places, and I hadn't fixed it because I was planning to just replace it. But we decided to put that on hold until next year, so I wanted to fence to look nice again, and thought I would straighten it up a bit.