The oak plant around Heinz Eichinger, Amy 9×19 and Reini Rossmann hosted the Survival Rally 2024 in the beautiful Pielach Valley in August. The team from Ranger Magazine and Militär Aktuell took part in the first edition of this course, which required survival knowledge and team spirit. An experience report in seven parts.
Before the mission begins
In the survival rally, a team of two participants has to complete six stations in a given time. Adaptability, survival knowledge, team spirit and – as it turned out – stamina are required. Sunday, shortly after midday, it was time for us, Ronald and Christian, to set off. Before that, however, we checked the weather forecast once again: light rain was still only forecast for the afternoon – so rain trousers and gaiters stayed at home. Any weight reduction is gladly accepted. Then it’s off to Isbary Bioland in the Pielach Valley and from the large parking lot up to the base station. Just the way there gave us an idea of why you can book a “forest vacation” here: We were greeted by lush green nature, steep yet inviting hills and, last but not least, the Pielach itself, which accompanied us from the very first meters.
However, the effects of the previous day’s rain were also noticeable. Very high humidity and the August sun, which was already strong in the morning, soon had us pulling out the water bottles we had brought with us. We were warmly welcomed at the base camp, where Amelie Eichinger-Noll, aka Amy 9×19 (-> Here in conversation), greeted all the new arrivals and led them to the registration station. There we were provided with starter numbers, laminated maps and the arrival times at the stations, which must be adhered to. There should also be an opportunity to fill up with water on the way.
Partner
But first it was time to grab a bite to eat, chat with other teams and visit some of the exhibitors on site. Umarex provided an extensive range of airsoft weapons for testing – definitely a fun shooting experience, for some the CO₂ markers are also an option for home defense. The next stop was ArmyBug, who made the long journey from Vorarlberg to Lower Austria. In their luggage was the new fall collection: beanies, headbands and much more – we felt right at home, as we had strapped the Bug Belt around our hips as part of a long-term test (-> The Bug Belt in a long-term test).
Nextorch displayed flashlights, multitools and survival shovels in the next tent – a strong range that we hope to be able to tell you more about soon. Right next to it – in the Jagdkommando tent – the badly battered training dummy from Critical Knowledge and Johannes Kouba realistically depicted serious injuries and how to treat them properly. Knowledge that everyone can use.
Equipment
You don’t need any equipment to master the Survival Rally. All you need to take with you are drinks for the journey and the right clothing. Everything you need to complete the tasks is provided on site, as the same conditions should apply to everyone. However, like many others, we decided to pack our own equipment. After all, you never know what to expect between the stations.
Ronald opted for “hiking equipment PLUS”: the hiking boots and clothing were supplemented with the Equipment Belt and Double-Mag-Pouch (for the water bottle) from Tasmanian Tiger and a Leatherman MUT multitool. Christian chose his bushcraft equipment: The Pilgrim GTX Combat FG from Aku were used as footwear, while the Vader gloves from Eska and the Atacama Quarz UTC from Laco were used on his hands (test reports on both in Militär Aktuell #03/2024, -> click here to subscribe). The Striker ULT combat trousers from Uf Pro, which have been tried and tested for a long time, also helped to make the heat a little easier to survive on this day. On the hips, the aforementioned Bug Belt from Army Bug. Then the Finnish Canteen from Varusteleka with a liter of water in the Multipurpose Side Pouch from Tasmanian Tiger.
Also from TT, a dump pouch for all sorts of things you might find on the road. The Competition Kit from Helikon Tex served as a first aid kit – fortunately it wasn’t needed. The Vagabond Seat Pad, also from Helikon, also came in handy for sitting breaks in cold and/or wet conditions. The knife chosen was the Task J from Extrema Ratio, simply because Christian has the most experience with it and knows what it can do. The M.A.R.S. backpack from Zentauron easily accommodated another two liters of water and rain gear for two men, as well as an extended first aid kit.
Part 2 of the Survival Rally experience report starts at Station 1: “Hunting”.
