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Putting together a "survival" kit

R

RancidSumo

Joined
Oct 3, 2009
Messages
160
I want to get together a small survival kit. I can make shelter and find food so I don't plan on taking a tent or a dozen meals. Here's what I am planning on so far:

Knives:
RC-5
Izula
Leatherman
DMT Diafold x2
Fire:
RC Fire Kit
Misch Fire Steel
Zippo
Butane
Waterproof Matches
Lights:
Inova T3
Inova Micro
First Aid:
Quick Clot Combat Gauze
Quick Clot Adv. Sponge
Additional Bandages/Aspirin/Gauze/Antibiotics/Sunscreen/Insect Repellant
Compass:
???
Kit:
RC Adv. E&E
Water Purification:
SteriPen Adventurer
SteriPen Solar Charger
SteriPen Pre Filter
Misc:
550 Cord
Wire
Notepad
Pens
Pencils
Nalgene
Whistle
Army Field Manual
Knot Book
Bandanna
Fishing line/hooks

__________

The two points that I am most worried about are the water purification and the compass. Does anyone know how well the water purification items I have listed work? Also, what compass should I get?

Anything else I need to add? Looking at the list it seems like there is a lot but most of it is small stuff that won't take up much room.
 
Even though u can find food, i would suggest some sort of edible. even if it is jerky or granola...better safe than sorry imo...
 
I think it looks pretty good, but a few notes.

Zippo: For a kit that you will keep assembled this isn't a great choice. The fuel evaporates over time and you might be left with a dry lighter in your kit when you need it. I'd say substitute a bic lighter or else a butane torch "jet" lighter for this one.

First Aid: Throw in some regular bandaids and moleskin for blisters. Remember it's not just the big injuries that can affect you.

Compass: Just get one, if you pay more than 10 bucks for it and it's from a reputable name you'll be all set.

Water purification: I've never used the steripen, but why not replace this with a bottle of iodine tablets and then get a stainless steel water bottle that you can boil water in if need be. Bandanna works great as a pre-filter.

Books: Seems like alot of weight to me, familiarized yourself with them and memorize the important parts, the only books I'll bring with me is stuff on wild edibles. (rarely even bring that)

Pens and Pencils: Really need multiples of each? Maybe just one dependable one or one pen and one golf pencil.

Things I would add:

Space blanket: takes up little room, lots of uses, cheap

Signal Mirror: small, useful.
 
Get a good orienteering compass, some anti-mudbutt pills and an emergency poncho and I think you're set. That zippo isn't going to do you a lot of good. Better to pack a regular old bic. Zippos naturally lose their fuel even if you don't use them because they don't seal properly. I carry a zippo everyday, but that's because I smoke. When people see my PSK, they notice I have mini-bics in it, not a zippo.
 
As far as compasses go Brian Andrews did a good review on a couple a while back. There is a link in this thread that will take you to the site he did the review on.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=661355


As far as fire goes I think it would be good to add a cube or two of wetfire tinder or trioxane just in case. And...though I do like the molten globs the misch steels throw...I still prefer the light my fire steels better for most tinders.

Have you given any thought to water filtration? If it is a "survival" kit not all sources of water available will be clean. Maybe take an extra bandanna or some coffee filters...or even a small reusable coffee filter.

Some fishing lines work also for cordage and making traps, What kind are you planning on taking?
 
Steri pens are a neat gimmic for clearest water. I wouldnt drink turbid water using a steri pen if you paid me. UV light is how it works and if it cant penetrate the water.... well you know the rest.

Get some iodine or chlorine dioxide tabs, and or a poper filter.

Ditch the zippo all together, A few bics scattered around is ideal.

A good compass with mirror from Brunton or Suunto, learn how to use it and a map.

Get out and practice then ditch the books.

You have nothing for shelter, so even a couple of tough garbage bags or tarp or emergency bivi will help.

Nothing to boil or cook in, a small pot of half a quart even is a great help.

Spare batteries for the T3 it only has a 3-4 hr burn time, what happens if you need it for 4 nights? I suggest a cheap quality headlamp that runs forever like a petzl of some kind.

Good start to a kit!

Skam
 
the steripen is good if working , you dont actually know if it did not work until it is to late,I would opt for M1 tablets and or Katadyn water filter system. spare batteries, some sort of space blankets or light weight tarp,bug head net ,on tv not an issue in the real world they'll drive you bonkers if not prepared, Off or something.(maybe I am just to sweet) some sort of boiling device.
 
You should have some sort of tinder for the fire. I prefer PJCB, but that is just because I know they work well. As others have said, and in your previous post, ditch the zippo. it will be useless after a week or so, as it will have dried up.
 
Maybe a gallon ziplock or similar for water transport? Weighs nothing, takes up almost no space. Use also for collecting wild edibles or all kinds of other stuff.
 
cmdionne said:
Water purification: I've never used the steripen, but why not replace this with a bottle of iodine tablets and then get a stainless steel water bottle that you can boil water in if need be. Bandanna works great as a pre-filter.
Click to expand...

Iodine tablets are a great idea, but bear in mind, you can boil water in almost anything from a plastic water bottle to a large leaf.
 
Get a Berkey water purification bottle. Filter is built in. Dip the bottle, put on the cap and squeeze when you want clear, pure water. Best $20 I ever spent.

Compass, I prefer Suunto. The Silvas are crap at this point. You don't need a really expensive one, but learn about declination and how to take bearings and triangulation correctly. Limited use without a map.

Carry some food. Ramen, instant mashed potatoes, jerkey, etc. Couple of tea bags makes the mornings much nicer.

Get a nylon tarp. 10' X 10' I am a big believer in the Oregon Firearms Academy version. It is extremely high quality and only $80.

Carry some fatwood and birch bark and learn how to get it in the wild.

You need something to cook in. Stainless steel cup.

You need some kind of stove. Make a Pepsi can stove if you don't want to buy one. Making a fire every time you want to eat sucks.

Carry a GMRS radio. With weather channels if possible.

Good luck

Carl-
 
RancidSumo said:
ETA: I missed the suggestion about tinder the first time through. Sounds like an excellent idea but what kind should I pack?
Click to expand...

"Wetfire" is a brand I like. It comes sealed in little mylar packets and weighs very little. Trioxane works well too but some available stocks are old and the older it is the harder it is to get to light.
 
Duct tape!

Unless I'm mistaken, that hasn't been suggested yet. Duct tape is great for patching fabric, marking trails, serving as a makeshift moleskine, etc. etc.

Also, I would suggest including a few candles, or perhaps just one larger long-lasting wilderness lantern candle. You may find yourself in a situation where you need to work in the dark, don't want to hold your flashlights or use up batteries, but need a consistent light source. I wrap mine in newspaper to keep my other PSK items wax free. This also provides a source of emergency tinder.

All the best,

- Mike
 
Rancidsumo, im in Casper, maybe we can get together and compare notes. I may have a few things you can play with before spending the coin on it, atleast you can see if you like it or not. Shoot me an e mail any time'

dbltap45acp@hotmail.com

Elliott Brass
 
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