Stuff to take on my survival training course trip that I didn't think of

Noshtero

Noshtero

Joined
Oct 10, 2002
Messages
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I'm covered in the camping supplies category, but have any of you come back from a survival course or any other sort of training whats-it and wish you had remembered to take something?

Can you believe I was laying out my gear and almost forgot to include a camera? I would be PISSED if I didn't bring back any pictures from 8 days of survival training.

Another example is a rite-in-rain notebook and space pen. Taking notes might be smart right?

Any other "you might not have thought of this" suggestions?

Thanks! :thumbup:
 
Wet wipes. Great for cleaning up after skinning. Plus its Like a shower in your handTM.
 
If your training requires a lot of backpacking--or otherwise relocating a lot--you may want to make sure you don't bring TOO much kit. Lugging it everywhere will take from the fun. And, if you do have to push yourself to physical limits (thirst, hunger, exhaustion, hyperthermia or hypothermia), you are likely to become mentally wasted, thereby forgetful, and start leaving stuff behind.

To help keep from losing stuff, even in an EDC sense, I'm very keen on tethering stuff (to belt loops; key clips; attachment points; zipper pull corners, etc.).

Good luck!
 
tonym said:
Which course are you taking?

Oh and don't forget the bugspray!
Click to expand...

I'm taking the Basic Survival Course with George at Briar Patch Outdoors :thumbup:

I think it's mostly stationary camping and learning/practicing skills. I think I'm good to go, but man almost forgetting a camera has me worried :)
 
If you've got your camping stuff and some basic survival gear you should be good to go.

Bring a couple of pencils in addition to your pen.

Bug spray is essential this time of year up there.

Sun screen.

Mess kit or at least a plate and some sort of eating utensil.

Bring an oil-soaked towel or rag if you're bringing a Carbon Steel knife. My last trip up there it rained every day and my knife got a bit of surface rust by the end of the week.

A small sharpening stone or other portable sharpening setup could be handy.

He's got water on site so don't bring too much. It was a little rusty the last time I was there but it was still potable. If you don't like drinking water with some "character" you can bring Katadyn MP-1 tabs to neutralize the taste or some of those flavor packets (Kool-Aid, Gatorade, etc.) to cover it up.

Shoot me a note if you want to discuss this more. I've been up there twice already and hope to get back up there this summer (maybe while you're there) for another visit.

Have a great time. George and his instructors really know their stuff and they'll keep it interesting and fun.

B
 
Oh, one more thing. If you do manage to forget something gear-wise there's an Army Surplus store and sporting goods store about 30-45 minutes up the road that had a ton of good stuff at great prices.

I had to go there for a wool blanket and an extra pair of socks (it was in the high 30's the first night out and I nearly froze.)

B
 
*A small first aid Kit. Extra alcohol wipes for poison plant exposure clean up.
*A Mirror. Squat over it and check for ticks. Unless you really really like your tent buddy.
*Two knives. One with a small thin blade for notching and carving, (Like a Mora) and a small batoning/chopping blade for heavier bush craft work.
*Extra food, A foil pack of tuna, or chicken, something for back up. make sure it is sealed (Thus The Foil pack) Some well sealed candy is good too. You are not learning if you are feeling dizzy from not having food.
* Light sharpener for your knives, the little plastic combo units with steel on one side and ceramic on the other are good, just make sure your knife is "broken in " with it so the angles are right.
* Lens cleaner. For the camera you didn't forget.
* Dental floss. All kinds of uses.
* Leather Gloves.
Don't forget to post your pictures and give an intensive report on the school.
 
I'd suggest bringing something extra to share: hard candy, a bandanna, etc. It's a easy way to get to know somebody early on in the class.
 
Sounds exciting! Try not to stress about the pack list too much, I've found that on those times when I've gotten to stressed, that's when I forget stuff. Have fun!

I've never heard of that school before, so I'd very much appreciate a good review when you get back. It's also the only school I've seen within fair traveling distance of central KY!

As far as gear, I'm sure you've been through all that you need! I like to break my list down into 'needs'. Like sections for; food, water/water procurement, tools, shelter, clothes, first aid.

I like what people have said so far! Big ones I'd try to include:
- very complete first aid kit
- jute twine!!!!! (two million uses, light, takes up no space, great for shelters)
- bandannas
- spare food/snacks
- light hatchet
- toothbrush
 
maybe bring a spare knife? i always like to have a lightweight backup, not so much in case i break mine but more in case i lose it or if someone else is less prepared than me. i don't mind a couple of extra ounces for something like a mora for the peace of mind it gives me.

also, bring some big sliding zipper freezer bags and a handful of cheap grocery bags. i suggest organizing anything and everything into these bags if you have alot of stuff, or for the stuff you won't want to get wet (like the camera). pack cover?

and i second the sharpener. even if its basic, its good to be able to take care of your tools, or for those that forget theirs or don't know how to sharpen. i have rarely needed to do a touchup over a couple of days in the woods, even after alot of whittling and cutting, but sometimes its nice to just take a minute and focus on something like that.
 
I like to make my own gorp. My recipe is ~15 oz of raisins, ~15 oz peanuts, and ~30 oz of M+M's. Divide up into 3-4 freezer ziplock style bags. Try not to eat it all on plane up to survival camp.
 
Bumppo said:
*A small first aid Kit. Extra alcohol wipes for poison plant exposure clean up.
*A Mirror. Squat over it and check for ticks. Unless you really really like your tent buddy.
*Two knives. One with a small thin blade for notching and carving, (Like a Mora) and a small batoning/chopping blade for heavier bush craft work.
*Extra food, A foil pack of tuna, or chicken, something for back up. make sure it is sealed (Thus The Foil pack) Some well sealed candy is good too. You are not learning if you are feeling dizzy from not having food.
* Light sharpener for your knives, the little plastic combo units with steel on one side and ceramic on the other are good, just make sure your knife is "broken in " with it so the angles are right.
* Lens cleaner. For the camera you didn't forget.
* Dental floss. All kinds of uses.
* Leather Gloves.
Don't forget to post your pictures and give an intensive report on the school.
Click to expand...

I second the gloves - I've done a few courses an unless you've really tough hands they are essential.
 
Frisbee. People laugh at me when I'm backpacking because I have a big yellow frisbee with a smilee face on it stuck to the back of my pack. I use mine as a plate to eat on, a small table to do various chores, improvised digging tool in soft ground/sand or snow, A bright color can be used for signalling, the pieces of plastic burn like the dickens, and you can use it for it's intended purpose.
 
Thanks for all the advice. I'll surely be taking a few extra things with me.

I'll put a nice write-up when I get back.
 
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