EDC Survival kit - contents?

Daniel Koster

Daniel Koster

www.kosterknives.com
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Oct 18, 2001
Messages
20,978
What would you be willing to carry - in a bag/backpack/briefcase/etc. for your survival kit?

What are the minimums...necessities?

An absolute necessity for me would be a small knife and a variety of bandaids....:foot:


I'd like to make a list....let's see what we can come up with.....without "overloading" the kit.


Think "cigar box sized"....not "altoids tin sized". :foot:

I would be willing to tote something of that size (already do, almost...:D)


List:

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Let's make this an either-or kit....Urban or Wilderness...would work in both places...that is, "cover" both possibilities.

Make sense?

Dan
 
I'll start with:
1. Bic lighter and candle stub,
2. 550 cord,
3. torch,
4. Leatherman tool or similar (proven brand not no name!!),
5. $50 in small notes,
6. Katadyn Micropur tabs
7. Teabags/coffee sachets
8. Silva Carabiner 9
9. Tape (works as a band-aid, gear repair
10. Mess tin to carry it all in
Jules
 
Why don't we just eliminate sharp pointy stuff right off the top. I think most here can safely say that the only place we don't carry a piece of steel is in the shower...even then I'm not so sure about some...lol:D

Besides fire, I think it would be safe to say a coffee can or small billy is a given. With the typical PSK space requirements relaxed a little for this thread, I'd chuck in an Esbit stove and a USGI poncho liner (maybe around the box to pad it from damage ?). I don't know a better way to defrost the brain than a blanket and a mug of something warm...spare socks as well maybe ?

Granted, my altoids tin would be in there somewhere too ! hehe

Honestly, if in an urban survival situation, I'd consider those who didn't make it to be a source of supplies. As such, something like a slim-jim set would come in handy. I worked as an auto wrecker for several years, so I learned the general techniques for different makes. Obviously, I'm not condoning criminal activity per se, especially since I see looters as lower than poachers in the food chain, but an abandoned vehicle is a potentially valuable resource that could keep me alive. Even in a wilderness setting, some flat pieces of spring steel wouldn't go to waste.

Generally I wouldn't say so (being a Canuck and all), but in the interests of thinking outside the (cigar?) box, I'd probably chuck in a small sidearm as well. Pigeons/gulls, coons and tree rats would all be in season in the urban jungle.

Water wouldn't really be an issue where I am, otherwise I'd probably throw in a hand pumped RO unit stored inside a spare Camelbak bladder. Fill up any remaining space with some sort of lifeboat rations and Bob's yer uncle...

GPSr as well to get me to the cache I stashed, just in case this happened ?
 
Water purification - Aside from shelter, whether field or city, water is our #1 need and there needs to be a way to make it potable. This can be filter system, chemical treatment and a simple pot to boil it in. Carry a couple of bandanas and some coffee filters for prefiltering, plus they both have other uses in the kit.

Water storage - In order to free up the pot, you'll need a container of some kind to carry your water in.

Shelter - A tarp will work, but I would suggest having a USGI, or other good poncho with you. It will give you shade, protection from rain and wind, water collection, cover an impromtu shelter, act as a bivy, etc. I would also add a small tarp. Something just large enough to sleep on. Mine is 2.5' x 7', made from coated nylon and weighs just over 5oz. Other considerations for shelter are carrying a contractors bag/drum liner or similar. Very versatile piece of gear. Cordage of some kind has many uses and is a must in your kit.

Repair kit......... Duct tape, HD large eye needles, HD line and safety pins. Add some hooks and split shot for food gathering.

Health & Safety.......You might want to add a small first aid kit (FAK) and then add personal medications, OTC meds like ibuprofen, benedryl and Imodium AD, toxic dust mask, safety glasses, gloves, etc. I just picked up one of the Adventure Medical pocket survival paks. It weighs less than 4oz and has a good selection of gear, that you can add to.
 
I put together a PSK in a smoke grenade pouch that is easy for commuter carry. See thread http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=497999 for photos.

Here's the contents:
MOLLE smoke canister pouch:
Cyclops Atom headlamp
Flat pack duct tape

Paracord lanyard with:
"peanut" fluid lighter
Silva companion compass
Firesteel
ACR whistle
Buck "Mini Buck" multi-tool with #7 Exacto knife blades taped to sheath
Long spy capsule filled with Tinder Quick tabs
Micro LED light

Aloksak waterproof bag:
Frog gig tine "harpoon" with foam earplug point cover
6' flourescent pink surveyor's tape
Mini ball point pen
2 single edge razor blades
12' small diameter braided seine twine
Hotel "freebie" style sewing kit
4 misc fish hooks with leaders
3 BB split shot
24' Specra 30# line
6' 26ga wire
8 REI storm matches and striker
1 "no blow out" birthday candle
2 DEET wipes in foil packs
2 SPF 30 sunscreen packs
4 Katadyn MicroPur water treatment tabs
1 moleskin
2 Motrin tablets
6 Bandaids
1 Neosporin
1 Triple antibiotic
1 Alcohol hand cleaning gel packet
1 Antiseptic swab
1 Hydrocortizone ointment

This kit is oriented to fire starting, signaling, navigation, food gathering and basic first aid. It is about the size of your fist and easy to carry in a pack or messenger bag.


For urban/commuter use I add:
One liter Nalgene with water
Leatherman Wave
Gerber Infinity LED flashlight
Hat
Gloves
Bandana
Sunglasses
Spare reading glasses
"Emergency" poncho
AM/FM/TV/Weather jogger-style radio and earbuds
Spare change
Spare medications in spy capsule
PDA
Cellular phone
spare batteries

I EDC some sort of 3"-3.5" folder and an SAK Classic, mini-prybar and LED microlight on my keychain.
 
Bolded are items I haven't seen listed elsewhere (Edit: until DaleW above after I posted :D)

Small knife
Mini Bic
Tinder
Compass
AA LED light
Cell phone battery
Small pencil & paper
Gloves
Water tabs
Medicine
30 yd Spool of 8# tippet
#10 hooks & tiny split shot
Bandana
Cloth tape
Nylon mason's line
Reflective trail markers
Plastic garbage bag
Spare ignition key
Insect repellant (foil pack)

Small items in quart ziplock bags, inside fanny pack or belt pack.:)Regards, ss.
 
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