List of essentials?

[shootist16]

Wilderness and survival newb here. I would like to put together a list of the essential necessities that one should have before going into the bush.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Hi Shootist-

I'd say welcome aboard, but it's hard to say to someone with more than twice my post count!

If you google 'The Ten Essentials' you'll got a lot of good info and starting points. That's what a lot of people call the minimum you should go out with.

I prefer to do it based on broad needs categories. Meaning break it down to shelter, water, food, tools, emergency, etc.

Some 'no question' basics:
-Cutting tool (even just a swiss army knife)
-cordage (paracord ideally)
-fire starting materials x 2 (lighter, matches, firesteel, etc)
-shelter material (milspec poncho, nylon tarp, garbage bags, etc)
-a small pot (cooking, boiling water)
-water purification tabs
-flashlight
-compass/map
-first aid kit
-canteen

Those assume that you've got a decent set of clothes on to begin with, too.

You can get all this for not a lot of scratch, too. Some good gear starting points:
http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/StoreFront
http://campingsurvival.com/
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/default.aspx

 

[CShepherd]

Think about what you need to do to survive (and yes you'll recognize the tone form 98.6, just finished reading the kit part).

Keep your body either warm or cool, stay hydrated and either get found or find your way out. Food really is a lower priority. Don't misunderstand me, I hate being hungry but will not die as quickly from being hungry.

Shelter - tarp, or poncho, or couple of large garbage bags. Heat Sheet or similar emergency blanket. Rope in various lengths. I don't like having it in all one big hank. I carry one 50' hank, couple of 10' hanks and some shorter ones.

Water - I carry either a canteen cup or billy can so I can boil water, Micro-pur tabs for treating water, and an oven roasting bag as a backup. I also have either a GI canteen or a nalgene that I drink out of on the trip. In addition I have a bandana and a couple of cone-type filters for pre-filtering the water. No need to drink chunky junk, even if it is sterilized. Plus some types of floating stuff can hinder water treatment. Of course I have fire starting equipment, about 4 types.

Found - compass, actually carry two, maps of the area I'm in. I'm a map nut so that one goes without saying for me. Usually GPS but it's for information purposes only. I will not let it be my primary navigation. Loud whistle, signal mirror, bright bandana and fire starting.

Food - now I do carry some snacks. I also carry a small fishing kit and some snares and additional wire. Why not? Doesn't take up much space. Now my chances of actually getting something might be slim but it does give me something to focus on, it gives me a hope, and helps pass the time. If I have decided to stay put then I need something to occupy my mind all day. Biggest thing is to not waste too much energy on securing food.

Fire kit - I carry firesteel/striker and fatwood, mini-bic lighter, waterproofed strike-anywhere matches, wax-soaked jute twine and petroleum jelly cotton packs. Fire is very, very, very important. Not only for keeping warm, but for signaling, purifying water, cooking food, keeping bad animals at bay (that one is debatable) but it is also a great phsychological tool to get you through the survival ordeal. Plus I love making fire.

TP - why risk rashes down there. It's lightweight, takes up almost no space, and is so cheap. I carry a 1/4 roll with the tube removed in a ziploc freezer bag. I also have some sandwich bags in case I need to pack out the used tp. I DO NOT PACK OUT THE POOP.

First Aid kit - this should go without saying but so many people go without one. I should be able to address boo-boos to some minor traumas. I carry lots of bandaids, me and my family are clutzes. Hand sanitizer. Meds - pain, anti- diarrhea, benadryl, etc. I also carry a pair of tick tweezers and lip stuff.

This is definitely bigger than an altoids tin but is what I'm comfortable heading out with.

Oh, almost forgot cutting tools. I carry a fixed blade, folder, and chopper (either 12" tramontina or tomahawk.

Charlie

 

[sasha]

Where are you located at?? I too dont realy do the small tin so i always carry what i would think is enough.. Add some hard candy. If you suck on it while walking you would fool your body to think you had a meal and you would get an energy boost much more then in the candy alone.. For the garbage bag get the thick ones and more then 2, I would say 3-4 atlist.

 

[j williams]

This is my essentials kit.........
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=602157

 

[shootist16]

Where are you located at??

East Tennessee

 

[frontiersman]

I am also from E. Tenn. What I carry in my kit is just the basics. Fire, water, and first aid. Make sure to have a good knife, (a Sak will do a great job), some Tylenol, Immodium ad, and Sudafed will get you a long ways. I also carry a Tommahawk, but it's not nesissary if you have a good fixed blade with you. How heavy you are going depends on the time of year and what gear. If in winter, pack a tent and a sleeping bag. If in summer bring a tarp or poncho and a bottle of bug juice. I always take a G.I. canteen, stove and cup with me. The big thing around here is finding a place to go bushwaking where someone isn't on top of you every second.

 

[JNieporte]

You're in Tennessee. Cool. How long do you plan on being in the bush? I'll give you my gear list; take what you want from it and disregard the rest. It's not as "filled" as others would like, but it's the minimum that I'm comfortable with. I'm sure I could remove a few things and still be just fine, but this is what I'm used to taking without wasting space and weight.

For an overnight trip I take the following: emergency rain poncho, Victorinox Rucksack, flint and steel, and a Basic First Aid Kit.

For a weekend trip I take the above items in addition to: 3' X 3' square of aluminum foil, mirror for fire starting, Mora Craftsman, Leatherman Surge, whistle, 100 feet of 550 cord, a non-lubricated condom (before I ever heard of Cody Lundin), and a water bottle.

For a week-long trip I bring the weekend bag plus... 100 additional feet of 550 cord, a battery-operated strobe for signalling if I ever need it, water purification tablets, work gloves, a foldable saw, one chocolate bar, a mouse trap, and waterproof matches just in case.

In the car I keep the following: the week-long bag, cell phone for emergencies, sleeping bag, axe, GPS, extra 5 gallons of gasoline, and a spare layer of warm clothes.

 

[myright]

Hi Shootist-

I'd say welcome aboard, but it's hard to say to someone with more than twice my post count!

If you google 'The Ten Essentials' you'll got a lot of good info and starting points. That's what a lot of people call the minimum you should go out with.

I prefer to do it based on broad needs categories. Meaning break it down to shelter, water, food, tools, emergency, etc.

Some 'no question' basics:
-Cutting tool (even just a swiss army knife)
-cordage (paracord ideally)
-fire starting materials x 2 (lighter, matches, firesteel, etc)
-shelter material (milspec poncho, nylon tarp, garbage bags, etc)
-a small pot (cooking, boiling water)
-water purification tabs
-flashlight
-compass/map
-first aid kit
-canteen

Those assume that you've got a decent set of clothes on to begin with, too.

You can get all this for not a lot of scratch, too. Some good gear starting points:
http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/StoreFront
http://campingsurvival.com/
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/default.aspx

That about covers what I carry give or take although I never have owned water purification tabs. I probably should get some at some point.

I make sure to always have Benadryl with me since I get a pretty bad reaction to bee stings. I also carry Immodium AD, Rolaids, and Advil. Most of that is kept in my FAK though. A FAK is a whole different thread in itself.

I normally carry extra clothes as well - just undies and socks on a day trip. More depending on weather and/or length of the trip.

I use Nalgene bottles or L.L.Bean canteens when I'm out and about. Normally two if I have the dog with me. I'll also take some dog food if she is with me and a couple of protien bars and/or some fruit depending on length of the trip.

All this is packed in either my Kelty Redtail 1800 or my Camelback MULE (no bladder I just like the size of the pack).

As far as knives go, I'm not one to pack a bunch of knives. I always have my mini-grip with me and will also bring a Leatherman with a saw. Then either my RAT RC3, SDS Skinner, or my Graham Spearpoint depending on where I am. Sometimes I go without a FB.

That's enough ramblings from me for now.

Take care and welcome to WS&S!

 

[ROCK6]

Here's an old post I made...needs to be udpated a little, but it's more of my "essentials philosophy" than just a list.

My “Top 10 Essentials” For Outdoors

First, I must admit, I don’t think of my “essentials” as single items, but more of an area of importance and categories. For me (and my family), I make sure we cover the basics, and the concept of the basics is understood. The order really depends on your location and time of season. For some water will be one of their top priorities, whereas in a winter clime with unpredictable weather, shelter will be near the top as would the means to get a fire going. So, there’s been a ton of “essentials” lists posted, in magazines, on websites, etc, but in the end, only the individual heading out can identify his/her essential items needed to mitigate becoming a bad-ending survival story; these are my basics regardless of a day hike, weekend or exteneded backpacking trip. Again, these are “my” essentials, and some items will differ from a lot of other people out there. I just thought I would spell out my reasoning and categories for my “top 10” essentials.

1. Appropriate Clothing

Many essential lists have “layered” clothing, some list rain gear, etc. I know there are some regions where you can hike from snow to 90+ degree temperatures in one day (Wenatchee, WA comes to mind). So, given that most people are not so spontaneous as to run out of the shower in their birthday suit directly out into the desert, swamps or mountains; most understand that you need to don appropriate clothing. In colder climates or times of the year, layers work best. Plus you’ll want to avoid cotton. In rainy seasons or parts of the country, a rain jacket is a wise addition. Likewise, if heading out in the blistering sun of Arizona or SW Texas, a good hat and long sleeves are prudent measures. So, other than “dressing for the occasion”, I still like to add some constant companions.

- Wind or rain jacket (I’ve become quite fond of the Soft Shells plus they’re light)
- Hat; handy for several reasons from retaining heat to protection from sunburn
- Gloves; prudent protection from the environment and keeping your digits protected
- Sunglasses; my eyes are important to my survival, I plan to keep them well protected
- Decent footwear; anything that provides adequate support and you can walk comfortably in
- Watch; it’s a just a part of my daily dress, so it’s something that I’ve included

2. Knife/Tool

For me, a knife is essential; however, I know there are many that would argue it’s not as important as shelter, water or fire; different strokes for different folks. I list knife AND tool and most of us would argue the advantages of a fixed bladed knife over a folder but not all scenarios or personalities lend themselves to this preferred carry. Having a knife or tool is the number one rule…whether it is a Swiss Army Knife, Leatherman or locking folder, having a knife (and of course the skill and knowledge to use it), is half the battle. Since this is more of a discussion on essentials, I don’t want to get bogged down in knife choices and selection, however for me, I typically carry a decent sized (4-5&#8221 fixed blade, locking folder and a SAK or multi-tool of some type. I do believe in redundancy. Furthermore, a small razorblade or mini folder (such as Spyderco’s little Dragonfly or Gerber’s LST) in your Pocket Survival Kit is an additional level of security.

3. Water

Water is critical as our bodies just won’t function well after a few days without it. Water is an essential, but there are a couple of parts that I’ll identify for my concept of “water” in my essentials list.

- Water carrying. This may be anything from a water bottle to a Camelback.
- Acquiring water. If you have a water source and a small cup, water bottle or Ziploc bag, it’s relatively easy to acquire water. Of course, there are other methods such as using a couple of clear garbage bags (which I keep a few in my daypack) for transpiration-collection. After attempting a solar still once, I don’t think it’s worth the effort…as my Battalion Commander says, “the juice just isn’t worth the squeeze”.
- Water filtration/purification. This is an integral part of hydration. I’m a big believer in redundancy, but your activities will dictate what you can physically carry. You may not be able to carry a full sized filter, but a few Potable Aqua tablets or a few of the Katadyn chlorine tablets. If you’re in an area where there’s a lot of sediment and detritus in the water some type of pre-filter is advisable, such as an ***-rag or coffee filters. Personally, even on day hikes, I will carry a filter; Polar Pure is my primary backup and I have about a dozen of Potable Aqua tablets in a small vial in my PSK. Purifying by boiling is another method; of course a container is quite helpful. I know you can improvise with a cotton duct hat or folded bark/woven leaves and hot rocks, but a simple steel or tin can goes a long ways to efficient collection and boiling. More to follow on the steel cup.

4. Fire

Fire can be both an essential life saver and major morale booster. Not only does it provide necessary heat in colder weather, it can act as a signal for rescue-searchers. I think most of us understand the importance, but I want to address the redundancy for fire making. Of course there is the ignition source, whether it’s a Bic lighter, fire-steel, match or even a magnifying lens and you need to make sure you carry a couple of different sources for backup. Next is the ignition fuel source. I know cotton balls and Vaseline are popular and one of my primary choices, but I also like the Sparklite tinder bundles, trioxane fuel bars, waxed paper and a piece of fatwood that I can make shavings from. Throw in a couple of tea light candles, and you have a decent fire-starting package. I mentioned redundancy, and if you go back to how you carry gear in “lines”, where Line One is your EDC and what you always have with you, I like to carry a lighter and a small ferro rod. In my PSK, I have a Sparklite and a few bundles of tinder along with a Fresnel lens. In my daypack, I’ll carry another lighter, matches and my Vaseline cotton balls along with a few bars of trioxane and a small candle or a few tea-light candles.

5. Shelter + Cordage

Part of my EDC is a few hanks of braided 550 paracord in my cargo pocket, so that’s always with me. Shelter can be made from a man made cover such as a tarp, garbage bag or could be constructed with vegetation (and some 550 paracord comes in handy for some shelter types). I usually keep my “shelter” and about 40-50 feet of 550 paracord together and it doesn’t take up much room. A simple large garbage bag is easy to add to a coat pocket or even a couple in a day pack. Inside my Camelback Talon, I have a couple of large garbage bags and a small Silicone impregnated nylon tarp with about 30 feet of 550 paracord.

6. Illumination/Signaling

I know most top ten essentials list a flashlight as a separate item. With the new LED flashlights with the various modes of operation, that illumination tool can easily double as a signaling tool. Given that your essentials are there for a significant purpose, I see the ability to signal in a survival situation as extremely important. There are visual and sound-based methods and devices, some geared for darkness (i.e. strobe) and some during sunlight hours (such as a signal mirror). Again, I like a little redundancy, but you can also have dual use items, such as a programmable LED light that has a strobe function. So, for my package of illumination and signaling, I have a couple of LED lights (Fenix, Novatac) that also incorporate a strobe function. A whistle and a signal mirror are excellent companions for the signaling group. More common additions are Walk-about FRS/GMRS radios and cell phones…both are great additions if traveling in groups or alone, but don’t ever forget the basics.

7. First Aid Kit / Skin Protection

I don’t want to go into the whole First Aid kit composition, but most standard, small backpacking kits are more than adequate and as long as they leave a little room for additional times, such as prescription drugs, you are more prepared than most. I usually like the larger 2X3” Band-Aids, Burn-Gel, and extra mole skin. Although most kits are geared towards scrapes and minor burns, if you have room (and appropriate training), you can expand to cover more severe wounds. This is an essentials kit, so don’t make it so large that you leave it behind; it’s all about balance. A couple of additions to this category are items you sometimes see separately, and those are sunscreen, insect repellent and Chapstick (I prefer Burt’s Bees). These are all essential in most areas if you’re planning on spending a lot of time out in the elements or in areas with a lot of blood sucking insects, and a little tube of each is compact enough to throw in the kit.

8. Navigation

Depending on your activities, navigational tools may be much higher on your priority listing, although a map of your area and compass should always be an essential part if you’re planning anything outdoors. I personally keep a Suunto M9 wrist compass on me at all times, and if I’m doing any hiking, I’ll have a regular base-compass in a pocket. Maps are more useful with a compass, but even a compass alone can keep one from going in circles, staying on track or help to dog-leg a non-passable area. I also like the GPS, but I don’t think you should dump the compass entirely…again, a little redundancy, but always think simplicity…the compass doesn’t use batteries.

9. Metal Cup

I like listing the metal cup as a separate item. I know it’s hard to think about throwing a cup in your pocket, but if you have a small waist pack or Camelback, it’s a simple process to use a snap link and attach one to your belt loop. I prefer stainless, but aluminum or titanium will work; avoid the double wall mugs as you can’t use them directly in the fire for boiling. I have several and there are several to choose from. A metal cup can be used to signal (preferably stainless steel), dig, boil/purify water, serves as container to collect nuts, berries, it can be used to cook in…there are a ton of uses for a good metal cup, hence, it’s in my “top-10” essentials.

10. Self-Defense/Protection

I’m a little torn for my number 10. I always bring trail snacks, even for day hikes, and I usually have a Clif-bar or two stashed in the bottom of my Camelback, fanny-pack or shoulder bag. For a 72-48 hour scenario, food isn’t really that critical, UNLESS, you’re in a severe climate where calories mean life or death. For most situations, shelter, water, a fire and appropriate clothing will get you through the first few days without too much harm. Hence, I’ve opted for something that is a little more important to me.

Survival can mean many things to many people and I’ve always felt comfortable with a self-defense item, whether it is a hiking stick, Mace or a CCW-firearm. This category isn’t a survival hunting weapon; this is something you have to provide yourself protection from both two-legged and four-legged critters. I’ve had my close calls and scares to where I’ve just accepted this category as one of my “top 10” essentials…I know some won’t agree, but then that’s why I called it “my” top-ten essentials. For me, a knife is more tool than weapon; sure it can be used effectively, but I like to keep threats at a distance and a hiking staff is an excellent choice and more preferred over a knife. There are commercial versions or hand made versions. Not only does a hiking stick provide stability on rough trails or off-trail, it can be an effective weapon to keep snakes, dogs or other aggressive critters at bay. For a backup, I like a CCW, and it fills that niche well and can even be used to signal or hunt game if in a real dire situation. If you’re in an area where CCW is unauthorized and you’re trying to obey the idiotic laws, pepper spray is a good distance-weapon alternative. For any of the above, a little training goes a long way, even with a walking stick.

So, there’s my ramblings of the evening here in Iraq. I’ve seen posts come up on the ubiquitous “10 essentials” and most backpacking or outdoors websites and publications have there list…but this list is a very personal thing. The top 7-8 are pretty common, but there are always a couple that are very personal in nature and fill the need of that particular individual.

I thought of another area, but it’s not really part of my “essentials” I do have it as part of my EDC and in kit-form for my day pack. A repair kit; sure my PSK has some thread, dental floss, needles, small role of duct tape (and I carry a flat role in my back pocket as well), but it does need mentioning. So, a little Shoe-goo (or other silicone adhesive/sealant), sewing kit (needles, heavy thread, safety pins), duct/100mph tape and few zip-ties can be in a compact package in your waist pack, Camelback or day pack and can handle most of your field repair needs.

Make your essentials “yours”; make them as much a part of your EDC as you can…habits can be good things if you make carrying them routine regardless if you’re going on a day hike or going to the convenient store. Use your items and know what they are capable of and if they can pull double-duty!!!! I’ve carried stuff before that was never used…they were eventually dropped or replaced with another item that could do double duty. Find out what works for you and develop your own system to ensure you have these essentials on your or within reach at all times. Being prepared takes some preparation, but it’s more of mindset and attitude than a pocket full of items.

ROCK6

I've made a few upgrades/changes, but my philosophy has stayed the same,

ROCK6

 

[Don Rearic]

I make sure to always have Benadryl with me since I get a pretty bad reaction to bee stings.

I'm not insulting you or preaching to you about this stuff. Anyone can have a blind side or whatever. If you have having really bad reactions to bee stings and you have noticed ever since you started having bad reactions to them that they have become even a little bit worse each time...you might want to seriously consider two Epi-Pens in that pack and making sure that you are not 30 minutes away from a vehicle or 60 minutes from walking out to where an ambulance can meet you. The next one you get might be an unsurvivable event even with Benadryl.

 

[langston302]

i use ROCK6's philosophy as well...it make a great base for the personalized kit and makes you think about the items in your kit...

I made copies of it and still refer to it from time to time...

THANKS MAJOR ROCK!

 

[myright]

I'm not insulting you or preaching to you about this stuff. Anyone can have a blind side or whatever. If you have having really bad reactions to bee stings and you have noticed ever since you started having bad reactions to them that they have become even a little bit worse each time...you might want to seriously consider two Epi-Pens in that pack and making sure that you are not 30 minutes away from a vehicle or 60 minutes from walking out to where an ambulance can meet you. The next one you get might be an unsurvivable event even with Benadryl.

My allergist says I am not allergic and I have been tested, but I really don't believe it. The reaction can get pretty rough, a lot swelling and I'm not sure if the shortness of breath is from anxiety or from the sting itself. I went to the ER one time as a child and don't remember the meds I was given.

I do carry some Eppi-pens in my bag since my wife has a few laying around for her.

Anyhow - Thanks for the advice!

Sorry for the semi-hijack.

To bring this back on topic - Being well prepared for existing medicall issues is very important. Heart, BP, etc. BE PREPARED. If you have daily meds bring some extra just in case.

 

[HikingMano]

Rock, that was an excellent post :thumbup: Lots of useful info in the other posts as well!

 

[stockman242]

Rock, that was an excellent post :thumbup: Lots of useful info in the other posts as well!

+1:thumbup:
Great pictures as well.

peter

 

[cmdionne]

Don't forget a tactical wheelbarrow to carry all the stuff in

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Don't forget a tactical wheelbarrow to carry all the stuff in

Who's tactical?

 

[orrey45]

Don't forget the pepto, I forgot it once and it was a horrible weekend in the bush.

 

[cmdionne]

Who's tactical?

Just referencing a little joke I liked that came up a while ago in a "What guns for SHTF" thread somewhere. It wasn't on here, it might have been on THR, but anyway I just found it funny, I'm not accusing anyone of being tacticool. People were selecting so many guns that it would really be impossible for them to transport them all during a SHTF without a tactical wheelbarrow.

 

[Will Power]

Rock6 has put a lot of time and evidently experience into putting together those items.All well selected and carefully thought out,just taking one from each of his sections would keep you alive,thanks,you've provided food for thought there.

Regards, W