Rudimentary Survival Kit

safetyman

safetyman

Gold Member
Joined
Sep 8, 2008
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I am in the process of putting together a survival kit for my sister and her husband to take with them when they get into the out of doors. They like to car camp and prefer to go on shorter hikes with their two dogs. I don't have a whole bunch of room as you guys can see in the pictures, but what I really wanted to ask was if the contents of this kit should be different than the contents of the one I take when I hit the trails. Keep in mind that I like to go on extended hikes and backpacking trips which is quite different than their car camping and shorter (1-2 mile) hikes. What I don't want is for the kit to be so large it's inconvenient for them so they don't end up taking it (that would negate the whole purpose of the kit actually) so I just want the bare essentials. I know it's missing matches and a compass but based on what you see in the pictures what else might I be able to squeeze in? Should I go out and get a bigger bag to build a more substantial kit, or is this enough for them since they are usually within a relatively close distance to their truck? That would be a bummer because I already modified the Jeep bag I got for cheap to accept my Fiddleback Bushcrafter jr. What do you guys think?

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Looks good man.

heres some pics of mine if you want some ideas...

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I have also since added a streamlight nano light, tweezers from a SAK, a leather needle, mini bic lighter, and a small fishing kit. There is also an AMK sheet in there too.

With a belt knife, and maybe a bigger flashlight like a fenix in your pocket, and this pouch on the belt, or on a shoulder strap, or in a cargo pocket, I think they would be well covered.

BTW love the fiddleback!!!
 
Oh, bro the Tin in my pic would fit in your bag with the fiddleback no problem. I have an extra if you want one...

Oh, and on the question about if their kit should be differant... I say No. A PSK should cover the essentials. Fire, Water, food, Signaling, Shelter, Navigation, and some first aid. Regardless of how deep in the bush you go. Also, be sure to "arm" her with the knowlage to use the kit.

I recently made a kit very similar to this one for a friend who is very, very new to this stuff. He asked me what piece of gear he should start with, and I thought a PSK is a great place to start the addiction!!

I also gave him a spare firesteel, some wire, and fatwood to practice with so, he doesnt use the gear in the tin. Instead of a farmer I put in a small lockback and a BCB wire saw.
 
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Safetyman,

First of all, I think it is great that you want to make a kit like this for your sister and her husband! :thumbup: Since you asked for feedback, I would say that your kit seems designed more for an "enthusiast" than for casual hikers who may not have much in the way of survival training. You still want to hit the essentials; fire, shelter, water, etc. You just need to do so with an eye to who the intended user is. Often times you are trying not only to overcome a shortage of gear but of knowlege/awareness as well.

Take a look at the Pocket Guide to Outdoor Survival. The pages are plastic so it is fully waterproof. Not something I would recommend for a survival geek like most of us, but for casual outdoors users that have no interest in survival prior to needing the knowledge, it could be a lifesaver. It is also small enough to pack easily.

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Gear-wise, if they each had a Ritter kit and a SAK in their pockets they would be miles ahead of most people in the outdoors. A couple of AMK heatsheets, a Bic lighter backed up with some REI matches, some well marked tinder, a water bag and Micro Pur tablets, and a small LED flashlight could be in a small belt or pack pouch.

As cool as that Fiddleback and custom pocket sheath are, I think they may be wasted on them.

-- FLIX
 
I'd throw in some "puppy first aid"stuff. if they always hike with the dogs, it will make sure that the pack goes with, even if they wouldn't carry it for themselves. besides, a lot of the things could serve double or more duty, like vet grade pro-wrap. some really solid needle nose pliers or the like for thorns, and a wind up flashlight (if it is too nice it will get pilfered and not put back probably) a wood handled stainless Mora would fit in nicely instead of the fiddleback, and be basically as good. IMHO ferro rods are useless unless the person is willing to practice. they would be better off with dry strike anywhere matches and a lighter. if they are the kind of people who equate newspaper with tinder (not that there is anything wrong with that) matches will get them farther faster, and if they can't make fire with matches, I'd be willing to bet that the ferro rod won't get them any farther. No offense meant, but I think that sometimes we project our comfort or competence onto those with no related experience. as I've posted before, controversially I'll admit, I'd rather not give a person a compass who might use that to wander further because they were inappropriately confident. and yes I know that most people will not agree with that statement at all. But some of the people I've met have proven to me that they are more dangerous to themselves when they have things that keep them going, than when they just give up and sit tight.
 
Do they Know how to use a fire steal??? If they dont then replace it with a lighter. As you pointed out before add matches. cotton balls for easy fire starting. On the light is it an LED??? A little bag with a few hard candies. Ask them to read a book that you think would be a good survival book for them.. The best thing you can do for them is to join them on a hike and show them just a few of the basics.

Sasha
 
They need the essentials, and know how to read a map and how to build a fire.

Most important: let someone know where they are going and when they are due back. You can't be found until someone knows that you are missing.

One way or the other, they BOTH need to take the following:

1. Map
2. Compass
3. Flashlight / Headlamp
4. Extra Food
5. Extra Clothes
6. Sunglasses
7. First-Aid Kit
8. Pocket Knife
9. Waterproof Matches
10. Firestarter
11. Water / Filter / Bottles
12. Whistle
13. Insect Repellents or Clothing
14. Sunburn Preventatives

I would set them each up with a Nalgene full of stuff and make a necklace for each with whistle, SAK Classic, firesteel and/or Bic lighter, compass, spy capsule with tinder and a small LED light-- a la County Comm, Photon, etc.

Then there is getting the horse to drink.....
 
Safetyman ... I looked at the components you've already added and my first thought was a blanket and a bandage? Water purification and antiseptic? Perhaps some iodine for that? A water container? Maybe a condom or ziplock bag?
As Sasha said ... what do they know?
 
dartanyon said:
Safetyman ... I looked at the components you've already added and my first thought was a blanket and a bandage? Water purification and antiseptic? Perhaps some iodine for that? A water container? Maybe a condom or ziplock bag?
As Sasha said ... what do they know?
Click to expand...

I can't help but laugh at advising someone to give their brother in law a condom :rolleyes:

You're right about the knowledge issue.
 
haha soo wish I had seen that ... nows there's images in my head I dont want,, ziplock bag ... thanks Dale ... :)
 
Given you're only considering a couple of miles I'd put more weight on irritants than anything really hazard related. I can already see a Peli, knife, fire making bits and string. I'd definitely want to expand a bit on the band aids with some dedicated blister stuff, a couple of bits of gauze and some tape. Nothing drastic, just enough to take the sting out of miserable feat or something else annoying. A couple of needles and a bit of thread can be taped with a couple of safety pins inside a book of matches for a trivial size weight penalty. A couple of pain killers and something for squitters is always welcome when you need it. I'd wind in a very small container of antiseptic and some tweezers just as much for the dogs as for people. A quality insect repellent [DEET] is a must just about everywhere, as is ointment for the same. Dunno about the location but if poison oak / ivy is a factor that could be worth considering. Poke a whistle in there somewhere, it's so much better than yelling. I think if you chose containers wisely you'd get all that in there too and that would be quite enough.
 
Thanks for the recommendations guys! I was going to add a bunch more stuff to the kit but I wanted to ask you guys first. I think I'll keep this bag and Bushcrafter for myself and instead build them another kit in some sort of fanny pack that I might be able to fit more stuff in. Like some of you said, if I include in their kit everything I would include in mine, I would have to teach them how to use the contents (no sense including a compass if they don't know how to use it right?). I have no problem with this but the only problem is they live about 4 hours away so I don't see them that often. I'll have to think of another way to inform them...maybe a video. Flix and J, you guys are right; this Bushcrafter is awesome!
 
+1 on adding items for shelter (amk 2 person heatsheet), signaling (whistle, mirror, flashlight), and water purification (bag with tabs) in particular, since you think they'll stick to relatively short and well-populated trails. :thumbup:
 
Man, I really think you should include a button compass. Just for general direction. I agree, there is no need to teach em about back azimuths, or to plot a course(unless they want too!), but if they got turned around, it could provide a great way to point em back to the vehicle or trailhead.
 
A couple of the big heavy duty contractor type garbage bags can be very useful in an outdoor/ emergency situation. 1.They can be stuffed with leaves/debris for a sleeping/sitting pad. 2.Cut head and arm holes for rain/wind gear. 3.Open them up with your knife to make a shelter roof. Put marble size rocks in the corners for tie off points 4. Carry water or found edibles 5.Cut small long strips and braid for cordage. 6.Use your cordage and bag to make an impromptu knapsack. Once again use marble size rocks in the corners for tie points.7. Smokes like crazy in a signal fire.8.Seal your gear and clothes in one with some excess air and use as a float to cross SMALL bodies of water ---And they dont take up much room in your bag!---KV +++ on the AMK Heat Sheets
 
Try Campmor, Sierra Trading or REI outlet for a fanny pack.
One that holds a pair of water bottles would be helpful.

A pair of light ponchos or the above metioned contractor bags would be apropriate though cheap poncho are fragile and not storm friendly.

The upside and downside on contractor bags is thier ability to retain moisture and body heat so sweating needs to be a concern as temps dip.

Throw in a Mora and a Vic OHT or the like so they both have a cutting tool.

Pete
 
+1 on many of the comments here.

I would throw in:

OHT,
AMK PSK,
Small FAK,
Fatwood,
Lighter,
REI matches,
Two contractor bags.
Small LED light or two,

and call it good. If they are not gear heads, they won't take much additional gear with them. The things mentioned give them enough handy items that they will take the kit, without adding enough bulk for them to leave it at camp. You might put it in a bag that will let them throw lunch or a jacket in along with it.

FWIW, some people just won't use something like that. I got a buddy a nice little kit, and put it in a little fanny pack that rode close and out of the way. He appreciated the thought, but said to keep it, as he would never use it. May be the same way with your friends.
 
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