Kids Kit Assistance

Moosez45

Moosez45

Custom Antlers, Factory Knives...
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I took my girls deep woods for the first time, not brush beating, but over 30 miles from the closest "help", so to speak.

And today, we went bag shopping. Got them a starter bag each, 15L for my 10yr old, and a hip bag for my 7yr old.

The thing is, I wanna put together a good starter kit for them. They are both working on increasing their levels in skills, so, I want to support that with each kit.

Each girl can use a firesteel, the oldest working with natural materials, the youngest with cotton balls, both are practicing knife skills, and they both just started with learning a compass, more advanced stuff for the oldest, beginner level for the 7yr old.


So, I'm putting together a hiking kit for each, and I've gotten kit builders block. I have tons of stuff to work with, so, could ya'll give me some ideas?

Here's what I got so far

Fire kit

Small Bic
Ferrorod
Sythetic material
Small sticks of fatwood
Jute
Charcloth
Bday candles

Shelter

5'x7' nylon tarp
Emergency blanket

Water

Water bottles
Space saver cups

Steel

ESEE Izula Pink (10yr old)
BK14 (7yr old)

Signal

Whistles
Reflective tape

Misc

Poncho's
Deck of cards in a ziploc baggie (heavy duty)
Compass
Sporks
Oven bags

FAK

Level 1 basic abrasion kits
Hand sanitizer
Sunscreen

Any thing that I might have missed? These girls are never out of my sight in the woods, and won't have to bear the burden of a full load out for some time, and in the skills department, we are still on the "How To's" and not the "What For's" yet. Water purification, and other advanced skills will come soon enough, but I do want the make sure the fundamentals are supported and entertaining.

Thanks, ya'll.

Moose
 
LED headlight or small LED task light similar to a Fenix E01 or E05
duct tape for blister prevention
stainless metal cup that nests under waterbottle if space saver cup means collapsible
bandana
adherent stretch bandage (like Coban) and non adherent telfa pad (can be cut) ...for sprains and higher livel first aid
EMT shears
 
Cordage, I think. Even dental floss can allow lashing together sticks for a framework for brush to supplement the tarps or to close up the end of a tarp shelter. Also good for clothing repair if it comes with a suitable needle. Or some brightly-colored paracord. (Bracelet?)

Small mirror?

Insect repellant?
 
What about a lightweight sleeping bag. I would get a few altoid cans full of cotton, natural cord and some gun cleaning patches and put the ferro rod insid and use innertubes to keep it tight... Also maybe a those water purifiing straws....the work pretty good. not as good as te ceramic filter but there ment for moving water... dont hold me to that...
Good luck and thank you for teaching your kids how to make it in life. Phil
 
Good post, Moose. I was actually just thinking about this for my nephew. I am teaching him each time he comes over, but I have yet to actually piece together a kit for him.

I look forward to what others have to say as well. My nephew is only 6, and a little hyper, but he is learning and quickly.
 
I like these lights, they take up very little room stored in their little capsules.

DSC_0641.jpg


And if you get them sighting compasses, compass on the right :p, then they will have a compass and a mirror for signaling or getting things out of their eyes.

DSC_0633.jpg
 
As for Shelter...how about throwing in a Large Contractor grade Orange trash bag, these can be made into makeshift ponchos & Shelter covers & the Orange color would make it a little easier to find in the woods. & how about a couple of those "GlowSticks", would be great in the dark to signl with or just for a comfort light.
 
That is a well thought out kit!

Only think I can think of would be some high energy sweets ... little people burn through eneregy with their high activity levels, chap stick and a few band aids.

Have a great day and enjoy your kids ...blink and they are adults :D

Aubrey
 
Thanks for all the suggestions, ya'll.

I've added a few things, and changed a few things.

One of them, is I'm adding a half liter bottle full of Goldfish for the little one, and a Clif Bar for the big one. I usually pack food and snack for the trip the morning of, but it would be good to have some "back up" snacks.

Thanks again for all the great suggestions.

Moose
 
I love space blankets, but I find they are underutilized both because people don't want to take them out of the package, and because they don't really understand what they are good for and what they are poor at.

I'd give each of them two space blankets, one to keep in the package and one to experiment with. Let them use it till it wears out and they'll gain a lot of insight into the basics of shelter and exposure.

They only cost a few dollars after all.
 
sutured said:
I love space blankets, but I find they are underutilized both because people don't want to take them out of the package, and because they don't really understand what they are good for and what they are poor at.

I'd give each of them two space blankets, one to keep in the package and one to experiment with. Let them use it till it wears out and they'll gain a lot of insight into the basics of shelter and exposure.

They only cost a few dollars after all.
Click to expand...

Those were the first thing I wrote on the list of stuff for their gear. I used to teach BoyScouts basic skills, and one of the troop leaders wanted a simple, lightweight, solution to keep the kids safe if they got separated, and had to hang out until they were located.

Space Blanket and a 12hr candle, bic lighter were the choice, and it works well.

Moose
 
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