Survival Kit -- Revised

jefroman

jefroman

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May 17, 2001
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774
Well, here's my revised survival kit. Tell me what you think.

- mini Bic lighter
- strike anywhere matches (In a waterproof case)
- whistle
- 5 safety pins
- 1 needle
- 4 razor blades
- 1 large trash bag
- band-aids
- alcohol wipes
- 1 roll of gauze
- 4 small sheets of paper
- 1 short pencil
- 15 ft. of nylon cord
- 20 ft. of 550 paracord
- thin wire for snares
- signal mirror
- portable aqua purification tablets
- fishing line, weights, hooks, etc.
- pain killers
- candles
- 10-15 ft. of duct tape


Other stuff that I always have with me in the woods:

- SAK
- Flashlight with extra set of batteries
- Insect Repellent - 95 percent DEET
- Compass
- 50 ft. of nylon rope
- First Aid Kit

Jeff
 
Jeff,

What container do you keep your survival kit in? In regard to carrying a flashlight, I recommend using a LED flashlight because the battery life is much longer than a traditional incandescent flashlight.

--David
 
I keep it in a thick nylon/canvas type zipper bag that has inner pockets.

Jeff
 
Originally posted by jefroman
Well, here's my revised survival kit. Tell me what you think.
...snip...
Jeff
Click to expand...

Purpose of the kit? Size limitations?

For instance you have 4 razor blade - do you need that many? You're already carrying a knife, so you could reduce this. You have Bandaids, but you don't have larger gauze pads! You have a needle, but don't list thread (fishing line?) - add a couple of zip lock bags
 
And maybe a few cottonballs, and a couple packets of single dose double- or triple- antibiotic ointment, which is made of white petroleum jelly. Mixed together, make good firestarters.

Also pick up a Boy Scout sized ferro rod/striker. Takes up no room and provides a backup means.
 
The purpose of the kit is just to have the essential things that I might need while in the wilderness. I don't have a lot of space left, but still some room for a few additional supplies. For sewing I'll just use either the fishing line or the inner strands from the paracord. I'll also put in some cotton balls.

Thanks for all the replies so far!

Jeff
 
The main problem I have with survival kits, as with first aid kits is that there is always the same old triangle issue. Size - Weight - Contents. You start with key chains to altoid tins to tobacco tins to a Oxo tin ( one of the x48 cube 50mm X 140mm X 90mm jobs, oh yes I did for about 3 years) to a BOB that you carry as belt kit to day packs to stuff you carry in the car. There are alway developments with the techno stuff ( take flashlights over the last 10 - 15 years), but most of us.... some of.... OK... a few of us may agree a scalpel blade (I use them rather than razor blades) is no substitue for an axe,when you need to cut trees down.
What I am trying to say is....I think, is that there are no rights there may be some wrongs but it's about your skill and your ability to adapt and inovate that counts when you need it. No offence all you whistle shavers but?????....try cutting off the labels in your clothes and hey cut half the handle off your toothbrush off or better still use a twig...and who needs matches just rub two sticks together......!When the brown stuff hits the thing spining around in the corner I wont be sitting with my head in hands thinking "if only I had shaved my Fox 40 down I could have stuck another match in the tin." I have learnt to Yodel. ;)
 
Originally posted by Nick jarvis
The main problem I have with survival kits, as with first aid kits is that there is always the same old triangle issue. Size - Weight - Contents. ...snip... No offence all you whistle shavers but?????.......snip...
Click to expand...

No offence taken- skill wins over extra stuff. The very basics can give you enough time to apply the skills (aka, if your Nude in the middle of Antartica when it's 60 below, skill doesn't much matter)

We all have the triangle to play off of - I've gone one way, but other ways are just as good, and MAY be better in your case! This is the reason I asked his use. Lets face it,living in NYC, I need VERY different stuff in my kit than someone who is in the wilderness does - a spare Metrocard isn't going to do him much good, while a fishing kit is of limited use to me, even though NYC has some fine fishing, the fishing kit stays home most days

All any of us can do is pointout the tradeoffs we've made, and maybe even mistakes we've made - for instance I never used to carry Gauze Pads in my "Minikit" Then I needed one two or three times, and I'm glad I added them. Imodium has been a big hit a few times.

MY personal opinion is that everyone should carry a cutting impliment, and I don't think that will get much argument here;)

After that, just think about what is likely to happen to YOU, and what you'll need. If your working as a Marshall at your local bike marathon and want to be able to help out, a gauze pad will be more important than a bandaid (read road rash from falling down). If your in Midtown Manhattan, Bug spray isn't high on the list, but a Metrocard is. Some sun screen comes in useful, but is a "Level 2" item for me

Me? I use a 2+ layer kit. What I always have on me, then what I always carry with me, but I put down (aka, my backpack), and beyond that, I have various 3rd level kits to grab as needed. If I'm going fishing, I'll have a different kit than if I'm going to an "event" or "Incident" I'm working. For instance, if I'm going to help out at a Shelter, I'm going to carry along 2 large Gell Cells, and a "Mobile" ham radio rig. If I'm going to a bike race, I'll skip that, and just take my HT, and if I'm going to the supermarket, the go kit with the radios stays home
 
The first thing is to keep thinking in a survival situation. The tools are secondary. Too much reliance on the tools is dangerous.

Not to say tools are bad. I like my gear as much as the next guy.
I don't believe in a set inventory for a survival kit. If you cover the basics in at least two ways. ie two systems for firestarting.

I find myself always adapting my kit to keep up with changes in my enviroment.
 
I'd add a couple of sterile 2X2s, another needle, some easy light in all weather tender and I've heard that dental floss makes a good add, but havn't tried it myself. You might also consider a metal match of some kind.
 
Just a couple of suggestions that you might not of thought of ;

-water purifying tablets
-condoms (for carrying water or cos ya need one ;)
-wire saw
-1/2 drinking straw or tubing (for collecting water)
 
the one hole in your kit is......

ferro rod. I consider this the most essential part of any mini-kit.

you can get it from www.gotfire.com or www.survival.com both have them. pack a few strike anywhere's. nix the waterproof can and you will save your self tons of room. a ferro rod is about the size of 4 matches or less and can start hundreds of fires.
 
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