My "Survival" Gear

L4NE4

L4NE4

Joined
Aug 24, 2011
Messages
1,482
I am going out on a limb here and posting my Survival/Camping pack in the making. I do not have one right now and have always wanted (needed) to make one. So I am going to use this to document everything.

First off, I live in a bigger city in northern IL. I have almost of what I need for "urban" survival. What I am trying to do here is put a pack together where I could go camp out in either WI or a little bit further south in IL.

Right now all I have is to two little survival kits in those nalgene bottles, one for fishing and one for first aid. They were a gift from my girlfriend but they actually have some useful things in there, including the two bottles!

So to start, I made the infamous altoids tin kit. My thinking here was as basic as possible. If I am camping out I would keep this in my pocket in case I lost my pack (for whatever reason).

Included in the tin;

*Folding Wire Saw- I actually took this out because I folded it too much and it broke (Looking for replacement)
*2 Razor blades
*2 Alcohol wipes - I put these and the alcohol wipes in tinfoil and wrapped it up tightly. Takes up little room and foil can be useful for cooking.
*4 Bandaids
*100yds of 20lb test braided fishing line (strong and minimal line twist)
*3 worm hooks
*1 small treble hook
*2 panfish lures
*4 different sized clam weights
*Water proof matches (and the striking paper off the box)
*1 Fire stick with striker
*Some fire starting sticks (I wrapped these with fishing line, it was an easy way to add more line to the kit without taking up room)
*Hairpin
*"Rite in the rain" paper
*Picture of girlfriend taped to the lid (hey we all need motivation right?)

altoids.jpg

altoids2.jpg


The lid does shut but doesnt stay shut, it pops open. Which is fine because I am going to wrap it in paracord. I am hoping to get at least 20-30' of cord around it but that will be a challenge.

Next up I am going to get my pack together. I should have that started in a few days.

Constructive criticism is much appreciated! Like I said this is my first time doin this.
 
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If you have access to bicycle inner tubes, find one of the appropriate diameter, and cut a piece large enough to slip over your tin to hold it together, and potentially increase its water resistance. It can also be used for tinder, or cut into smaller rubber bands when needed. You can still wrap paracord over the rubber.
 
Interesting. Fortytwoblades has the same photo in his survival tin. ;)

I like the kit. It's a good start. What I really like is that you understand it should be on your person at all times and not something in your pack. Or even as part of a fixed blade sheath system. I think we've all taken off our large fixed blade knives when at camp in the woods or just to wander for a photo or a stretch. Hopefully it will be waterproof once you wrap it. Check that: It should be waterproof, and it should be on your person. I'd put some ear plugs in there, IL bugs get loud at night and I'd hate to be constantly worried of bugs crawling in my ears when I'm sleeping. I've slept over at friends apartment and was told to stuff toilet paper in my ears to keep out cockroaches. He wasn't joking. He slept with a flashlight and would turn on his light at night to smash them. They were everywhere! I would slept better in the woods! Way off topic....but still a cool story. :D
 
Good idea. I worked as a bicycle mechanic a couple years ago so I can get a few tubes. Thanks for the Idea.

Also, if anyone is looking for a slightly bigger tin, BPS sells tins to put gift cards in. They are $2.
 
Driveby; What do you think about putting it in a ziploc bag, folding the bag over tightly around it and then wrapping the cord around it? That should keep it water tight.
 
That can work. They used to sell really heavy duty ziplock style bags at camping stores. Maybe they can be found online? I bought one of the Ritter Personal Survival Kits at REI and that's what it came in. I took some things out but left most of it in as it came with good quality items. I added a few items of my own. An SAK, the small keychain one, has a lot of cool stuff on it in a small package. By the way, I use leather work gloves as my personal survival kit. I just stuff the plastic bag inside of a glove, stuff that glove inside of the other, and stuff that somewhere in a pocket. I just like having gloves as they really help for chores such as fire wood gathering, shelter building, etc. Not that the tin is wrong. It's very popular. It's just not what I carry.
 
I do need gloves, those are on my list. If I am not using those, they are in a pocket as well.
 
A strange thing I haven't heard of people using, but I bring, are those plastic bags the newspaper comes in. A lot of times they come in two separate plastic bags, in case it rains or it lands on the lawn and the sprinklers get it. I've used them many times. The most recent was when I was riding on a bike path that was closed for construction. I figured I could navigate the rough trail on my mountain bike. I was riding along the edge when the tire slipped and I went into thiis thick mud puddle well past my ankles. Totally soaked in this thick, watery mud. I toughed it out and peddled back to the main bike path and came across a water main with a handle that allowed me to spray off my bike and everything else. It took 15 minutes to get clean, rinsing out my shoes, socks, the bottom of my pants, the mud of my bike. Luckily I kept a clean change of socks and two plastic bags in my pack. I changed my socks and wore the plastic bags over them, then put my soaking wet shoes back on. It saved my feet. Having cold wet feet can really suck. Gloves are infinitely useful in the woods but they are easily destroyed by fire, temporally ruined when soaking wet, or just left behind all the time. So having a pristine pair for backup as part of your survival kit is a good idea.
 
Finally got around to putting the pack together.

IMG_20110909_120005.jpg


I have all my first aid stuff that fits in the red bottle. Then anything for making fire goes in the green bottle. This is a picture with the stuff condensed in the bottles...

IMG_20110909_122034.jpg


I still need a few things; mess kit, folding shovel, sleeping bag and a tent. The tent will only be used when I take the dog with, that way when sleeping I dont have to tie her up. Otherwise I just take a small tarp. Also, the 9mm is in the pics for survival situation, not camping. I have a Kershaw Outcast on the way for a small chopper and a BK2. That will probably replace the Pocket Bushman. Possibly a new pack, this black one looks too tactical to me.

Critique, ideas, constructive criticism, regular criticism all appreciated!!
 
I can never get enough of posts with people showing their gear. It helps me to see what I'm missing or ideas better then my own.

I'm no expert, but I do have a question. What are you going to do when you actually need to carry water in those bottles? Dump the contents? Shove them in your pack?
 
I thought about that when I put everything together. If I need to I can reorganize or dump the stuff in the bottom of the bag, it just wont be as organized. I do carry a stainless steel container for water.
 
If I may suggest, get rid of the matches for a couple of lighters. Many more lights than the same size in matches, plus better chance of lighting when wet.

Also, your top pic shows a Swiss Army knife, 2 folding knives, a folding saw, and a sheath knife. I'd keep the sheath knife and the saw but replace the 2 other folders with a machete or a small axe.

Next, go camping one weekend and actually use this kit. You'll see what works and what's dead weight fairly quickly.
 
backpack.jpg

belt_pack.jpg


I have a belt kit - for short treks, and a backpack kit that I simply add to the belt kit, for longer treks. Some of the items have been replaced since I took these photos, but a couple of things I want to point out --
Machete, knife, tomahawk, and multi-tool. Multiple cutting options with no overloading, expecting one tool to do something beyond its capabilities.
vaseline, cotton balls, firestarters, matches, lighters, and magnesium for multiple methods for firestarting.
multiple ways to keep dry and warm - tarp, poncho, poncho liner, plastic trash bags, space blankets, ski mask, gloves, socks, and full top and bottom underwear.
signalling gear - orange flag and an orange laundry bag that can also carry items or be used as a fishnet, Life+Gear signalling flashlight
sunglasses. Because it's important to look cool when you're trying to survive. No, really, in sun or snow, sunglasses can help your vision considerably, when fishing, for example.
 
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This bag is still in the making. And I have a 10" Kershaw Outcast on the way along with a BK2. Those knives will replace the two folders you see in the picture. Also, this bag is not heavy at all. And for camping, a lot of this stuff will be gone or replaced.
 
Mine is still in the making, too. It has been for the past 30 years or so, as new and better stuff comes out. When you stop making changes, you stop making progress.

I'd be interested in hearing what you think of the Outcast. I'd like a comparison of it vs. an Ontario 12" machete if anyone has both. I assume the BK2 is also going to replace the sheath knife.
 
is that 3 cans of sterno? I would make a pop can stove, pot stand, and carry a small bottle of heet instead of the sterno. you can put both inside a messkit and close it up.

some other things you may consider tarp, poncho, wool blanket, snare wire, stainless steel bottle, mess kit, bug spray, emergency rations (ramen noodles instant soap ect.), mylar blanket.
 
Many good points timberwolf. And yes the BK is prob replacing the sheath knife. Its hard for me to give up thebuck though.

Thanks for posting guys this is perfect. And I usually only take one sterno but was thinking about the can and heet.

I am seeing a lot of things I knew I needed but forgot to mention. I should make a list.
 
Here's how I prioritize things:
The survival rule of thumb is: 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food.
Therefore, the main thing I want to be able to do is provide shelter for myself (via multiple methods, including dry clothing, building shelters, waterproof materials, and fire).
Secondarily is to provide and purify water (water purification tablets, ability to boil water).
Last is food via traps, fishing, etc.
 
I’m with Timberwolf on the priorities. Everybody’s situation will be a little different depending on the location, environment, population and season. I think most of us would agree that a knife is a given (especially if we’re on this forum :D) and I also EDC an LED flashlight. So, for my top priorities:

Shelter
Water
Fire

Shelter is necessary regardless of your ecosystem and essential for protection from the elements be they scorching sun, rain, sleet or wind. A compact sil-nylon tarp is excellent even from compact kits, but if you have to improvise, tools such as your knife and some cordage are extremely helpful.

Water is always going to be a concern as you must use it constantly if you are exerting a lot of energy moving, working or if the weather conditions are extreme enough to suck it from your body. Also, water is heavy and if not treated properly can be more dangerous than helpful. With that said, having a container is as important as a way to purify or filter it. There are several types to carry water but the other aspect is a way to purify and/or filter unknown water sources. Water will always be your biggest limiting factor on how much you can do and how far you can go. I would recommend a container that could be used to boil water in for purification. There are nesting cups, Sierra cups, etc; this is something that is difficult to add in smaller kits, but important enough to figure out a way to integrate it into your kit.

Fire isn’t always a necessity but can be a life-saving priority. Aside from the heat and psychological factors, it can be used to purify water by boiling, dry out wet clothing to stave off hypothermia and of course a great method of signaling if you need rescue.

Of course, having a good knife, multitool, flashlight, FAK, map/compass, self-defense tool (as needed), cordage, wire, etc. are the other priorities needed. Food is like water in that it can be heavy and bulky. Some simple energy bars where cooking isn’t needed and don’t cause too much water to digest are always handy. For morale and keeping your body core heated, a few tea bags, instant soups or hot drink mixes are excellent and compact additions. Another consideration are a couple of electrolyte mixes if you plan to do a lot of extraneous activities resulting in excessive sweating.

I think you have a great layout L4NE4 with both your PSK and your larger kit and you’ve already addressed the additions you need. Lastly, I would recommend your fill your bag up including water and see how it carries. A lot of the smaller, non-framed packs don’t do well with too much weight.

ROCK6
 
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