Comment on my survival kit!

M

maximus0723

Joined
May 2, 2010
Messages
118
I don't got lot of cash, so I am going little cheap here (~$100)

For all types of survival situations (3 days and 2 nights), here is what I got...

CS Kukri Machete ($20 amazon)
SAK Huntsman II + Victorinox Flashlight combo ($29 amazon)
Gerber Sportsman saw ($13 amazon)
Nylon cord-200 ft ($4 ACE)
Mg flint+2x mini compass ($5 dealextreme.com)
Tarp-9x9 ($8 Home Depot)
Poncho ($2 Target)
Sleeping bag & blanket (none, will take old bed sheet and blanket)
Tent (none, this is survival dam it! building my own!!)
Food-canned food, bread, pop tarts!, 2x little of water bottles (~$12 Walmart)
Misc-wire, tape, medicines, bandaid, sanitizer,trashbags, spare 2x AA, extra pair of cloths (from house)
Others-stuff I am forgetting...

So far...$93 total...

What else should I get, what would you take out or replace or better, how would you build your kit if I gave you 100 bucks!
 
Something to boil water in like a GSI Glacier cup would be a nice addition... costs $10

Or you could just use a metal coffee can.
 
those GSI cups are nice... might help a little alcohol stove too...

also, how about some matches??? firesteel???
 
I use a hell of a lot more hairy string [cheap jute stuff] than I ever do paracord. Paracord is all funky and good to have but often it has properties that are overkill.

Flint and steel with mini-compass. I know this isn't a popular view here but still – despite having flints and blah if I were looking at this I'd load up on a good basic orienteering compass and throw in a couple of clippers instead. As far as I'm concerned flints and steels are last resort kit and a lighter is so much easier, unless of course you are deliberately practicing a technique you are making life harder for yourself.

Hands free on the lamp is extremely desirable. If you cant run to a dedicated headlamp a simple bit of elastic with a loop to thread your flashlight through will mount it on your bonce at a pinch.

Tin foil is just too useful not to have. A couple of nightlight candles are worth considering too. A bit of that versatile tinfoil will knock you up a windshield and reflector for them amongst other things. I'd also strongly consider something some kind of foam mat both for sitting and sleeping. Dunno about your location but here the skeeters are just entering their jolly season – get DEET, as close to 100% as you can find.
 
As stated a ss cup would be a great addition, and then a good fire steel...I like the ESEE personally because of the versatility but an LMF Army model or a Going Gear Badger would serve you well too.

Also...a better poncho is really worth the investment in my opinion. And a Nalgene guyot, or a Klean Kanteen would serve you well too.
 
Doesnt really look like a survival kit ... just stuff you would take camping.
In my opinion a survival kit fits in your pocket or on your belt and can be carried with you everywhere ... literally thrown in with your gear.
Yes kits can be all sizes but their description varies according to their content and size.
Taking the time to employ components that are very difficult to produce or improvise in the wilderness ... a fish hook & line, pain killers, wire, fire making, signalling device.

Max i'm not having a go at you ... just pointing out a kit that is more likely tobe with you when you need it. As far as the kit you are creating goes, have you thought of adding a phone?
 
Last edited:
Better poncho! Oh the pain of a cheap poncho can cause (seen it and it's not pretty) and consider another CS machete, I never found the CS kukri to be not that great,to much belly IMHO. Maybe an Ontario 12"?
 
How do you carry this kit about, seems like you need a satchel or backpack?

And in what situations do you envision using it? I meen is this something to keep in your car or what?

btw, I think the DealExtreme firesteel is a pretty good call, i have what appears to be this one and it works fine.
 
Yeah, I'd upgrade on the poncho to at least a mil surplus one, otherwise save the $2 and use a contractors bag. There's things to go cheap on, might as well get a decent $15 compass, save the 99¢ ones for pocket kits. The saw might not be a necessity, maybe something to hold off on, the kuk will do a good job. I'd take a look at Dave Canterbury's (widernessoutfitters) videos on youtube, he has loads of info for his "every man's kit" Made up of good quality, rugged gear that isn't cheap but affordable. Don't go cheap, but you don't need to go pricey either.
 
Fuck...typed up a large response and it got erased because pressed back by mistake.

Anyways, dartanyon, no offense taken man. I am chill guy. I understand your understanding of the term "survival kit" and now I think about it you are right. I mean understanding is a term is a way the term is understood by the majority of the public and your view seems accurate.
Hasn't been long since I stepped into survival community around the internet. So, still got something getting to do!

Anyways, some interesting ideas...
I like the idea of the tin foil.

I shoulda said this before but this is my first time going hardcore (or softcore for some of you guys!). I have been to camp ground once but that's BS. I am going with several friends.

About water boiling container, I was going to use tins from my canned food.
About first aid I was thinking few bandages and alcohol pads should be enough.

But, but...considering this is my first time, those above option make too much sense to ignore. And going with a group, you don't wanna turn around midway b/c you gotta treat someone's injury. So pluses to above suggestions.

Regarding fire steel, I know I said Mg flint in my OP but is what I bought. I am pretty sure this is what some of you are suggesting.
 
Joben, we aren''t taking the car to the site. Will go halfway and park somewhere and hike from there.
I am carrying my stuff in a school bag.


Cynt said:
Yeah, I'd upgrade on the poncho to at least a mil surplus one, otherwise save the $2 and use a contractors bag. There's things to go cheap on, might as well get a decent $15 compass, save the 99¢ ones for pocket kits. The saw might not be a necessity, maybe something to hold off on, the kuk will do a good job. I'd take a look at Dave Canterbury's (widernessoutfitters) videos on youtube, he has loads of info for his "every man's kit" Made up of good quality, rugged gear that isn't cheap but affordable. Don't go cheap, but you don't need to go pricey either.
Click to expand...

I think I am hesitant to spend more on poncho. I guess I will just see how the two dollar poncho feels. If it sucks then I will give it back right away.

Looking at the youtube video of Dave C. I believe you were talking about this (go to 3:45). On amazon, it's this.
Currently I was those tiny compasses that are on watches. I have two of them that I could still to on anything. Regarding compass, I probably go with something around $5 that has good rating on amazon or something and buy it from dealextreme.
 
I'd throw in some mason's line or chalk-line(raw,no chalk) It's cheaper than paracord,plenty long, and great for rigging stuff up. When done, save it or burn it.Like 5$ a roll. Candles, iodine,tampons,pack towl,campsuds soap, sharpening stone, flashlite and extra batteries for starters. Don't forget a ground pad , unless you want to cut bed-boughs from conifers.
 
maximus0723 said:
I think I am hesitant to spend more on poncho. I guess I will just see how the two dollar poncho feels. If it sucks then I will give it back right away.
Click to expand...

The thing about mil surp ponchos is they are multi-use items, in fact, I've used my poncho more times as a tarp, ground cloth, even a beach shelter, than I have to keep the rain off. Sure you could use the $2 ones for more, but they are not going to hold up as well over time and are not as multi-functional.
Buy a $2 one now, save for a durable one later. It's worth it to have in your gear.
 
Thanks hiva for suggestions. regarding floor for bed, I was gonna sleep on some branches and leaves and put sheet on it. Will probably run the branches through yellow fire and it's smoke...just wanna make it as tough as I can to improve my skills (it's not just about improving skills, there seems to be complicated psychology associated with outdoor survival and working around with minimum items can improve how you live your regular life where you will be able to use items to the fullest).

I will have "just in case" items but won't use it. My friends are getting their tents. I seen them, they are huge and they getting each for themselves. If nothing works, I know I can still work around without left out dieing!

--------------------------------------------------------
Cynt, can you post the link for that tarp you are talking about...I couldn't find it.
 
it's cool you want to test yourself like you are saying...

remember nothing is ever enough... better to be prepared than sorry... I know the economy is bad and all... you should look at seconds online... some poeple here have gotten really good things for cheap... you don't have to get all your gear at once...

i think with what you have and adding a few other things people here suggested you should be ok...

good luck man!!!
 
Dunno about anyone else, but if I were taking all that then I would just go ahead and throw the kitchen sink in my bag... would be nice to be able to wash up without using a baby wipe or scooping water out of a lake...
 
OP if you look up bushcraft USA forums there is a thread about 10 pages long on $100 or less camping set ups.

That being said, If I were doing what you are doing, here's how I would do it.

-School back pack- to carry it all in
-Roll of contractor's plastic sheeting- Shelter, poncho, water barrier to sleep on and protect gear.
-Carwindow sun reflector ( or $2 emergency blanket if you can't get the sun reflector free) - fire reflector
-2 or 3 qt pot from the kitchen- cheap, available and it's made for cooking or boiling water but don't get too big or it'll be cumbersome to carry.
-Steak knife ( sharpen serations off part of blade, make a cardboard and duct tape sheath)- trust me you'll have plenty of uses for a fixed blade, personally I don't care for serations but some people like them, you can sharpen them all off the knife if you want.
-First aide Kit ( the $10 one at China Mart will be a good start)-obvious reasons
-Pack of bick lighters ( and/or a grill lighter if you have one)- use a lighter to get the fire going then practice with the other methods, once you're efficient you may decide to leave the lighter behind or maybe not.
-folding saw ( china mart has one for about 7 bucks)- they all work ( some just take more elbow grease than others) so go as cheap as you can at first, even my fiskars saw was only about $11 after taxes so I think the $13 dollar one is a slight waste of tight funds.
-2 liter coka cola bottle- cheapest water carrying system out there, plus if you get a clear one there are ways to use it to distill your water without a fire.
-Jute or masons twine ( you can get either at china mart for less than 3 bucks)- both are great for shelter lashings, gear lanyards and firestarting tinder.
-Blanket or sleeping bag ( not a sheet)- it gets cold at night and may get colder than you expect.
-Deet- bug repellant is priceless at night in the woods.
-Head lamp ( I've had two decent ones recently a $10 one from majorssurplus.com and $14 dollar one from lowe's, both run on AAA batteries)
-Couple of tampons ( leave in the wrapping until ready to use)
-Lip balm-use on chapped lips/face or rub on tampon for a firestarting aide.
-Hatchet or camp axe ( TSC in my town has a nice boy's axe for $25 and hatchets for less)
-Then spend every dime you have left to get the best compass you can afford and learn to use it.

According to my experience ( prices may vary in your area) you should have about $40 bucks left for the compass ( before buying food) if you don't buy an axe or hatchet, and you should be able to spend a pretty comfy night or two in the woods with this kit. Plus, when you get home most of it is useful around the house.

Hope this helps
David
 
IMO, if you're on a budget, mil surplus is your friend.

One of the most versatile water/cooking systems is the GI canteen/cup and stove. All fits in a canteen pouch. MOLLE and ALICE canteen pouches can attach to a pack or to your belt.

Pack -- unless you are carrying heavy loads, a surplus medium ALICE with no frame is cheap and works great -- so long as you don't try to put a lot of weight in it (25 pounds is good, 35 is about maximum).

Sleeping -- try to get a surplus wool blanket, or if you want to go lighter, a poncho liner.

A surplus poncho is well worth the cost. Like others said, they are strong enough to use as a tarp, a groundsheet if you're not on rocks. You can also make a "ranger roll" (tie the poncho liner to the poncho -- they are setup to do this -- then snap two sides of the poncho together, forming a roll, and then fold the foot end over. Voila! Sleeping bag).

Machete is good, although an 18" Latin style would be better than the CS kukri.

Cant he mini compass. You should be able to get a Silva baseplate compass fro $10 or so.

Get some water purification tabs -- Katadyn MicroPure or other Chlorine Dioxide tabs are best.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top