I dont like little survival kits.

east, Im not too sure it all got worked out quite yet. As far as what class your BOB/PSK falls into Im thinking Codger would classify it as a 50 pound pack of goodies.
Lot of good stuff, as long as you carry it when you go out.
It seems to me a little knife heavy. Do you really have distinct uses for all those blades you pack? Or are they like family members you cant leave behind?
 
DOC no harm done, I know exactly how you mean that you should never be totally "lost" but I've also known exactly were I was, except where I was was a mile from where I thought it should be. on land that I had grown up on. I've hit the wrong side of fences and gotten to places that the trail didn't go. All in my back yard. totally lost no, totally wrong, yes. it happens when we aren't quite as careful as we should be. and sometimes finding the truck is really hard when the terrain looks a little different upon turning back. I started learning in the mixed forest of central Saskatchewan, anyone that says its flat is in for a big surprise, that bush country plays tricks with you, sometimes "knowing" where you are is much more dangerous than being lost.
 
"The mirror and the whistle IS THE POINT! The point is to get rescued and to have some signalling gear thats quality and in a kit small enough to be on your persons when you need it.

Sure fire shelter water etc.... But signalling is the part most ignored in fantasy survival scenarios in peoples heads. How many would be alive today or less injured if they had a whistle and mirror." Skam

+10 to that!

Signals are a top priority. I have my Starflash in my altiods tin and a larger plastic mirror in my belt pouch. I also carry an ACR whistle on my knife, and a Fox 40 in the belt pouch. I would never plan to use something improvised as a signal. Know how, yes, but plan to use real signal gear and keep it with you. Mac
 
Shipwreck - great thread! I've never really been a minimalist when it comes to gear either.

My first PSK (25 years ago) was in an army pouch about 8x6x2 inches. Always lived on my belt when anywhere near the outdoors and was packed with similar notions to what you said. The only thing missing was a tube tent but I had a huge plastic sheet instead (later a goretex bivibag).

I do have a 'mini kit' for daily, working use (I'm a network engineer) as carrying a full wilderness kit is neither practical nor necessary. But I do have a suprising amount of kit in my laptop bag and back in the car, just in case!
 
shipwreck said:
east, Im not too sure it all got worked out quite yet. As far as what class your BOB/PSK falls into Im thinking Codger would classify it as a 50 pound pack of goodies.
Lot of good stuff, as long as you carry it when you go out.
It seems to me a little knife heavy. Do you really have distinct uses for all those blades you pack? Or are they like family members you cant leave behind?
Click to expand...

Lol! THIS is what I was referring to, though admittedly with tongue in cheek hyperbole:

eastr77 said:
this is a great thread i've never bought a mini kit but made a few after being here for a while . i have a few questions as well if anyone here would or can answer them .i hope this isn't of base from this thread. i carry a A.L.I.C.E. medium pack every where i go it's over stocked but there are items that would be left behind should i need to get moving.
1 q: i saved a rain fly from a old tent its small but it has bungies on it and is a great small shelter IMO. whats your take?

2 q:i carry a few diffrent fire starters my main squeeze is the ultamite fire starter fire steel is it bad to count on this method?

3 q: what would you guys say is a easy weight to carry for a long time my pack when over loaded weighs 22.5 lbs. it's easy for me to carry i train with it all the time can do 5 pull ups with it on and wear it for about 2 hours before i start to few the drain from it.

4 q:how long should it take to cover a mile of easy walking with your pack on it takes me 18 mins. to cover a mile . with 30lbs is that a okay travel speed or should i be able to cover more ground than that?

contents of my pack are
2 ultamite fire steels and 10 wet dry tinders
1 spyderco jerry hossum forester
2 spyderco temperance one se and one pe
1 mora 2k
1 mora camp hattchet
1 rat 5
1 sak champ
1 sak mutitool
12 diffrent bandaids
1 ready when you are ice pack
4 silk hankeys
1 crank charge led flash light
4 led glow sticks red green and blue
1 4 led head light
1 pencil sharpener
about 100 fire strawls
6 diffrent zipp loc bags from xxl to the sandwhich bag
1 stainlessteel flask
1 2 quart camel pack
200ft of 550 cord
1 rain fly
1 wind breaker jacket
1 spyderco sharpmaker
5 pairs of gloves 3 leather 2 fleece
100ft of 50lbs test fishing line
8 hooks
3ft of alum foil
1 whistel mirror compass combo
millitary survival guide not needed but great for passing time
there are other small things but thats the main parts. everything in my pack is sealed in water tight bags or hard plastic containers that are water tight. my pack floats and i know how to swim with it on. but for fun and constuctive critisim. i welcome any input im new to this and i know there is fat to trim away. ive slimmed my pack down from 38lbs to 22.5lbs. because of the info from you guys but would like to know what would you dump out and leave behind.??? or leave it alone as is or what to add. thanks a bunch
Click to expand...

As I have said, the more complex (therefore bulkier and heavier) a kit becomes, the less likely you are to have it with you when needed. Say you fall into a stream or river with a twenty pound kit. Will you shuck it and swim, or follow it to the bottom? I use a twenty pound dive belt to hold me down in fresh water while performing repairs. Without a current in warm water with no BC, it is an effort to surface with that weight attached.

But everyone is different in their environment, their expectations, and their experiences. Pack and carry what makes you happy and feel secure.

Codger
 
My kit priorities in the UK are:-

Protection
Location
Water
Food

As many have said, the priority is getting found. (Hence the mirror, whistle, flashlight)
Once youre out of immediate danger, & warm & dry the priority in the UK at least has to be GET FOUND.
Im even considering dumping my fishing kit out of my survival tins as its unlikely Id ever be in a situation long enough to warrant hunting/fishing for food.
MY kits really should address SHELTER, SIGNALS, FIRE as the main "Themes"

The only reason for keeping the fishing kit is it takes up no room at all & the line could be used as thread.cordage.
 
shipwreck said:
east, Im not too sure it all got worked out quite yet. As far as what class your BOB/PSK falls into Im thinking Codger would classify it as a 50 pound pack of goodies.
Lot of good stuff, as long as you carry it when you go out.
It seems to me a little knife heavy. Do you really have distinct uses for all those blades you pack? Or are they like family members you cant leave behind?
Click to expand...
family member that puts it about rite but the pack goes everywhere i do its never more than a few feet from my local but thats why i posted here im knife and everything ocd want to thin it down but would like some advice


as far as sink or swim my pack floats i have tested it in 2 diffrent creeks my freind is a marine and he tought me how to swim with a pack on so there would be no going to the bottom:D but there is to much stuff IMO most all of your kits are super trying to get mine to that class.
 
pict said:
Signals are a top priority. I also carry an ACR whistle on my knife, and a Fox 40 in the belt pouch.
Click to expand...

Funny how many want to put a whistle on their kids when in the woods but never have one themselves. Wierd that.

Skam
 
shipwreck said:
I want an emergency tube tent. I want a space blanket. These two items take up very little room but have tremedous worth. I know how to build a shelter out of natural materials, but I also know how long it takes.
I want a fire steel and a bic lighter.
I want metal cup.(a metal cup to boil water is a fantastic asset to have with you, head and shoulders above aluminum foil)
A little compass is nice to have too I actually use a compass alot, to keep me oriented.
These items can all fit into a small belt pouch. They are "big" items but almost on the same level of ease of carry as a tin or a dough ritter clear pack. Anytime you are prompted to carry your mini kit, why not just carry a slightly bigger "kit" instead that contains items that are much more practical? Work on making that kit as small and easy to carry as you can. Not just carrying stuff that experts say you should have.

The reason for this thread is to challange notions of survival gear. Why have monofiliment, fish hooks and snare line instead of energy bars? If you are going to carry something, shouldnt it be as practical as it possibly can be? Finally ask yourself, what do you really want to have on that cold, rainy dark night alone in the woods?
Click to expand...



Form follows function. It is not bad to discuss contents of a mini kit, But to say that a mini kit is not useful is misunderstanding its intent.


I was not going to post on this thread because I thought skammer covered it. My son and I went on a short hike this morning after breakfast. In the car ride over there, he mentioned wanting a walking stick. I said, "don't worry, I will just make you one." Once we got there I realized I forgot my leatherman supertool. Then I did a quick check of my pockets and I had my mini-kit. My point is these mini kits are so easy to have on your person.

I was lost at night while hunting. I did have a fanny pack with 5 power bars in it. They really helped keep me going. Carrying the stuff you are talking is great but the mini is for a totally different situation. Who always carries a stainless steel mug on their person?
 
Skam,

I can whistle real loud with my fingers. I carry a whistle because my fingers are usually pretty groady, sap and dead ants stuck to 'em and such.

One reason I carry two mirrors and two whistles is so I have a spare to hand to someone else. Here a mirror is an awesome signal device, lots of sun, elevation, and wide open spaces. Mac
 
If your signal mirror gets lost, some knives can back up as signal mirrors as well, that is if you have a nicely polished blade that you keep clean. I love the woods and all, but if I ever get lost I don't want to linger. I'll do every thing I can to be found. Is there a rule of thumb as to how often you should blow the whistle? I always kept it in mind to blow three shorts bursts on the whistle twice about every ten minutes or so. I carry small survival kits all the time. They fit well in the front pouches of my knives. I usually make my own modeled after the Ritter kit. I find them very handy.
 
cgusek111 said:
Is there a rule of thumb as to how often you should blow the whistle? I always kept it in mind to blow three shorts bursts on the whistle twice about every ten minutes or so.
Click to expand...


When we teach public groups adults and kids we dispell the 3 times theory of signalling. Sure it is true 3 of anything is a signal. The problem is when people forget its 3 and dont signal for fear of getting into trouble. Yes, this has happened.

We say "just blow the dam whistle" as loud and as often as you like it makes no difference how many times. Someone will sound the alarm about a whistle going off.

Skam
 
I do a lot of hunting 5+ miles from my truck so I figure it's important to carry some survival stuff with me. There's not much chance of getting lost since I know the areas I'm hunting so well. I could definately get disoriented and maybe have to spend an unplanned night. But I could never be lost for more than a day. I guess I am a sort of mimalist but I live in the tropical rainforests of Kauai. I carry:

2 razor blades
Survival Blanket
Iodine
Gallon Ziploc
Matches/Small Bic/Twine in a small prescription pill container so they stay dry
Firesteel
Small LED Light
Rain Jacket
Water Bottle
Cel Phone
Extra Lighter
Rope

That's probably all I would need to spend a comfortable night out. I also have a small sil nylon tarp that I bring sometimes.

This stuff is in my bag with a small first aid kit. I carry a machete and either my buck 110 or bark river woodland special on my belt. And I usually carry a lighter in my pocket.
 
chrisaloia said:
Form follows function. It is not bad to discuss contents of a mini kit, But to say that a mini kit is not useful is misunderstanding its intent.


I was not going to post on this thread because I thought skammer covered it. My son and I went on a short hike this morning after breakfast. In the car ride over there, he mentioned wanting a walking stick. I said, "don't worry, I will just make you one." Once we got there I realized I forgot my leatherman supertool. Then I did a quick check of my pockets and I had my mini-kit. My point is these mini kits are so easy to have on your person.

I was lost at night while hunting. I did have a fanny pack with 5 power bars in it. They really helped keep me going. Carrying the stuff you are talking is great but the mini is for a totally different situation. Who always carries a stainless steel mug on their person?
Click to expand...

You mention that carrying a mini kit is "for a totally different situation". A "totally different situation" from what? A totally different situation from when you were "lost at night while hunting"? Then what is the point of a mini kit? Sure sooner or later some tape, a pencil, three varieties of thread are going to come in handy (maybe for when the wife's sewing machine runs out?). But as I think you are saying here too, not for when you are lost at night while hunting.

as far as a cup, well a sierra cup is flat and can fit into a small maxepedition belt pouch. The pouch, goes on your belt when you go out to the woods. The mini kit..........well that is for those "totally different situations"

I Agree!
 
I think some people forget where the mini-survival kit originated. The concept of a really small kit was developed for pilots. By nature of their job, they had to have something that could be carried on their persons, hence the small size of the kit.

So, if you are headed into the wilderness, or catching a small plane, or chopper, or anything that increases the risk factor - take what you think you might need. Fill a backpack with energy bars if needs be. What's the harm?

Re: signal content. I have a fascination for survival scenarios and whenever I get the opportunity, always study the circumstances that led to these people ending up in a bit of a pickle.

So much of it comes down to one thing - they got lost. Whether it be professional pilots, hikers, sailors, mountain climbers... whatever. People go astray all the time.

The reason why the signal component is so vital is that SAR teams will grid-search the area where the people are expected to be. They will base their search patterns on itineraries, flight plans, last seen sightings, etc etc.

So often, this is way off from where the lost people should be. Signalling therefore becomes vital. Cellphones, signal mirrors, whistles, PLBs, flares... all vital. The point is to live long enough to be rescued. If you can't be found, you can't be rescued.

Mark
 
You know, rape whistles are total BS in the world of women's self-defense. Decades after someone came up with this idea, they are still sold and still pushed. I despise them. I think women that carry them are buying into the concepts that nutters like Oprah Winfrey blather on and on about.

No one cares about a whistle in an urban or suburban area any longer. People don't care - just like they don't care about car alarms.

In the wilderness or just the state or even county parks? Totally different situation.

My sister found out she had MS when she was taking her groceries to her car, she just fell down. She had a compound fracture mid-thigh, the bad one. She has a divot in the side of her leg that makes you cringe when you think about it. ANYONE that takes a hard fall and lands the wrong way can break their leg. People might not think a whistle and a mirror are good things to have...Natural Selection does work when given half a chance, however. :D
 
Don Rearic said:
In the wilderness or just the state or even county parks? Totally different situation.

People might not think a whistle and a mirror are good things to have...Natural Selection does work when given half a chance, however. :D
Click to expand...


Where is my calendar, Don and I agree on something. Subject to change in 2 seconds :)

Skam
 
Don Rearic said:
You know, rape whistles are total BS in the world of women's self-defense. No one cares about a whistle in an urban or suburban area any longer.
Click to expand...

Skam, what about that part? That deserves a big +++ also. Since there have been numerous cases of people being raped, beaten, robbed, or killed in public whilst the public ignores it, I have little faith that blowing a whistle will help.
 
nemoaz said:
Skam, what about that part? That deserves a big +++ also.
Click to expand...

I dont know enough about it, but it seems to me any noise being made while someone is raping you is a good thing. I mean some whistles are loud enough to be a weapon. How practical it all is, I dont know. If it were my wife I'd rather her have a karambit and start cutting.

ok, 3.5 seconds.

Skam
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top