Building my first (cheap) wilderness kit

Z

Zander131

Joined
Jul 7, 2009
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Hey guys. Im looking for advice on how to build my first "kit" for out in the woods. ive been finding myself out in the woods more and more lately, but i dont feel very well equipt when im out there and im really a bit clueless about gear.

Most of my outdoor adventures are just walking around, exploring, and doing a little whittling fairly close to my house.But id like to get into doing some short hiking on some trails ive seen near a friends camp. Im pretty confident that you guys can provide some good recommendations on what i need. id like to add that cost be kept to a minimum. Im an unemployed 18 year old heading to Basic in 2 months so im not that well off in funds :o

What i currently carry:
Condor Bushlore
CS Pendelton Mini Hunter
Cell phone
Altoids FirstAid Kit - Gauze, bandaids, sting cream, alcohol wipes, ect.
Journal & Pen
Wallet

As you can see im not really prepared for a worst case scenario while im out. So what would you more experienced guys say i need? I know i need some sort of pack (preferably with molle attachments), a firesteel, and a hawk or machete just to play with :D but what else?

Any feedback at all would be great. and links to where i could find things would be even better ;)
 
There are numerous books on this subject. John McCann's "Build the Perfect Survival Kit" is a good start (IMHO). Basically, make sure you've got the Fire, Water, Shelter, First Aid, and Tools basics down, and learn to use all the stuff, and you should be fine. Something tells me after you go thru basic you'll have a much better grasp on the whole thing. Good luck and thanks for your future service!
 
Thanks for the links. :thumbup: i might set that up as a sort of "mini checklist"
Im uessing i should be able to get most of this stuff at places like Dunhams or Dicks correct?

And Mr. Boat, Thanks for your support. and ill do some searching for that book.
 
Last edited:
efahl said:
What branch? My #3 son is heading to USMC basic end of this month...

To answer the OP, tho', I always start with the old BSA "10 Essentials". We hammer it into the scouts at every opportunity, it's a tried 'n' true list of items that you can easily tune to your environment.

http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0403/d-outs.html
Click to expand...

Thanks for those. didnt think about a flashlight.
And Im Air Force but best of luck to your son! :thumbup:
 
I have a collins high carbon hatchet that costed 12 dollars from True Value, and it's a quality axe. Although not quite as well balanced or refined as some of my tomahawks, it's definately a cheap efficient tool to pack. Machetes are also great inexpensive tools for processing wood-check out the Condor Bolo or El Salvador, or the Tramontina 12-14 inch from Smokey Mountain-6 bucks a pop you can't beat it. Slumberjack makes a nice sleeping bag I use for 4 season packing called the Solara, costed me 35 bucks. It's a great mummy bag. There are also places where you can find a 15 degree Marmot bag for 60 bucks... you can't dealspot on here but PM me and I'll shoot you the link. Take your Basic Training leftover money and buy a good pack like a Kifaru or Eberlestock, they are well worth the money. I'd look at Suunto or Commenga for compasses-chances are you'll learn how to use a Commenga in the military-I fell in love with it and bought one of my own. Eureka makes a sweet one person tent called the Solitaire that runs from 60-80 bucks, and other companies make their equivelant versions as well. You could go the tarp route and buy a 8x10 or 10x12 tarp for rigging Also invest 40 dollars in a roll of 7-9 strand 550 chord.
 
As far as a pack goes, you can probably find a usable daypack at a thrift store in your area. The ones near me often have older jansports that will last forever.
Usually less than 5 dollars.
 
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