Survival must haves advice.

dbltap45acp

dbltap45acp

Joined
Dec 19, 2008
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Well, I picked up a Camelbak Commander pack, has a 3 liter water bladder, and about 2,500 cubic inches of space. I have knives covered, as well as good boots and winter and summer clothing for multipal day outings. What else do I need? I am new to bush craft, and have been learning a lot here over the past month. Now I need a crash course for what to stuff my pack with. I am in Wyoming, and love the out doors, but I am used to car camping for the most part and want to get away from that.

What would you say are the must haves. Even though I have a water bladder I still want a steel canteen from Kleen Canteen, and a small metal cup for boiling water. I drink a lot so I will get the 40oz model. I have a magniezium block for fire, but I will add another fero rod, and a lighter just to be safe. What else do I need? I know a few things that are needed just from reading posts from others. I am curious as to what you guys would say are the most important, do not forget because you will die, or will be damn uncomfortable kind of things.

I appreciate any help you can offer. Anyone in the Casper Wyoming area feel free to shoot me an e mail, I can take you out for some coyote hunting or prairie dog hunting for some fun. Thanks again
 
Think shelter; probably the most important think. Do you want a light weight tent, hammock, or are you good with just a bag and a tarp.

I'ld get a good poncho and heavy duty Space blanket as well.

You have water storage covered, but how about purification. Tabs, filter, etc.

When you car camp next time; think about what you don't need and what you do.

What ever you use for fire starting, I would practice with it alot. Also it can't hurt to bring tinder. PJCB's, fatwood, etc. It will make lighting a fire in adverse conditions that much easier.

Just a start...
 
Some things to add:

Compass
Flashlight/headlamp -extra set of batteries
Rain gear
First aid kit
Firestarting tinder
Space blanket
Water filter
Whistle
Signal mirror
 
The 10 essentials is always a good place to start. I'll add a good sleeping bag, mat, and shelter as Tony said. 550 cord comes in handy for all kinds of things as does duct tape. If you're planning on spending the night out you'll need a stove.

Though both Tony and KuRUpTD mentioned it, since you're in WY rain gear probably isn't a huge priority as rain is a rare thing around here. ;) I'm about 100 miles west of you, maybe sometime down the road we can hit the trail.
 
BlackHills, that would be great. Shoot me an e mail when you have free time and we can talk. Feel free to call as well. Elliott 307-277-9877, e mail sent.

I have a 3 person tent, but its kinda large to pack around unless I have an ATV. I also have a massive and warm sleeping bag, but again, to heavy for packing. I always carry a sure fire G2 and extra batteries. I figured I would boil my water for filtration, but having some pur tabs would be good. I do have a few hundred feet of 550 cord I planned on throwing in my pack, not real heavy and doesnt take up much space. I tarp is another thing I put aside as well.
 
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Carry some easy lite tinder as KuRUpTD has suggested. I carry the Spark-lite tinderquik, fatwood, as well as jute twine and ranger bands, both of which serve other functions in my kit. It never hurts to carry a couple of different types of ignition. You have the mag bar and a ferro rod and I would suggest something that gives you an instant flame like a flame adjustable, disposable lighter, or storm/water proof matches.

If you're gonna be backpacking, you will need a lite weight tent, or if there are trees, you might consider tarp and hammock, or just a tarp. I carry both tarp and tent. It adds an extra pound or so, but I like having some options. Besides, it gets hot in our area and a good tarp over the tent is worth it's weight.

A good hatchet will some in handy if you have available deadfall to use as firewood. A FAK (first aid kit) is highly recommended and don't forget Imodium AD, Benedryl and some form of pain meds like Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Tylenol and I don't know about you, but my FAK always has moleskin and foot powder included, as well as safety pins and a triangular bandage.
 
All very good, keep them coming. I have a GB hatchet that was sent off today to be fixed, the corner chipped off. I have been using a Busse FFBM lately and not useing the axe. I do need to add a FAK, and tailor it to my needs, and thanks, I would have forgotten foot powder. That should not have slipped my mind.
 
hmmm, not much to add that Hasen't been added. When I start-up a kit, I look at the Basic Functions my kit should cover.

Shelter
Fire
Water/food
First aid
Signal/navigation

Then, break down those areas.
For shelter you want a stout knife and saw(sak or multitool saw is fine). Or a hatchet and small knife. On top of that, rope, a tarp, some cordage like jute twine or hemp style rope.

Fire: you want multipuls, ferro rod, lighters, tinders(cotton, lint, things like that).

Water and food: somthing to boil water, purifacation tablets, canteen or water bottle, some snare wire, fishing line with hooks, sinkers spinners what have you.

First aid: This should be set up for your needs obviously. If you travel with a spose, account for them as well. Really there isnt much you can do in the woods but stop bleeding and some relief from the pain of burns, scraps or anything else. Also any meds you need should be included.

Signal and Navigation: Compass, local map, gps with spare batteries. Then, signaling. A mirror, whistle, flares glow sticks things that draw attention. There is nothing naturally forming that is shiny(aside from water, but thats a big spot and still draws attention from air) Anything rescuers see that is shiny draws attention, they WILL b looking for it.


I think thats enough outa me. :D
 
dbltap45acp said:
I have a 3 person tent, but its kinda large to pack around unless I have an ATV.
Click to expand...

This reminds me of a question I wanted to post but I think I'll throw it out here and maybe we can both benifit from the answer.

I also have a couple large tents but both come with rain slicks. The rain slick can be packed into a very small, lightweight package by itself.

Has anyone ever used one as a shelter without the tent?
 
In the Marine Corps the rain fly ( or slick) is often used as a warm weather shelter to lessen the load that will be carried on 1 to 2 day missions. I have used them for minimal shelters here in Georgia and have found them to be more comfortable than a tent because when it's really hot you can roll up all four sides and get a little wind movement at night. Not to mention the weight and space they save.

David
 
The large 55 gallon heavy [3mil or more] contractor type garbage bags can have quite a few uses in a survival situation. i.e.-1.filled with leaves/ debris for a sleeping pad--2.cut head and arm holes for raingear or to supplement existing clothing--3.cut edges and spread to make shelter roof or ground sheet. Twist small rocks into the corners for secure tie points--4.carrying water--5. Can be fashioned into a rucksack for carrying other gear if you have cordage.---I usually have a couple in all my different bags. My kids even used one as a snow sled once!--KV
 
Hey 2TAP... wish I lived closer to you! I'd love to take in some prairie dog and yote hunting...

Sounds like some good advice here on your kit. Generally with my kit(s) I just try to think of the risks I face in my particular area and try to plan accordingly.

I just bought one of these a Coleman Exponent TYL x 2 and am happy with it so far. http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=2000000455&categoryid=11070 (looks like a damn good deal here by the way)

It weighs about 5 pounds, is a bit cramped for 2 people but perfect me me and all my crap. :thumbup:

Tyvek makes a good ground cover, as it is very lightweight.

Good luck with the kit...
 
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David,

Are you talking about the USMC Combat Tent made by Eureka? If so, can you explain how to use just that fly as a shelter? A picture would be great. 8-)

TIA

Don
 
If you end up looking into a new light, no matter what kind you get, LEDs are the new standard. Some like myself go for the bells and whistles and wear a Photon Freedom (around $10 online), others want the simple on off such as a Fenix, Photon II, Streamlight, etc. Surefire does sell upgrades for the G2, but for the cost I could get three Photons which are usually all that ultralighters use if they're just around camp. Headlamps are also an option worth looking into. If you're fine with weight, Petzl and Princeton Tec make some cheaper models that will blow you away. If you're counting ounces, the Petzl E-Lite is an odd little guy I've been using with much success. If you're sawing down toothbrushes for weight, just clip the Photon to a bandanna.
 
Photon Freedoms, Energizer Penlights and Fenix LEDs are my definite must-have lights.

The El Cheapo SO-LED from CountyComm is a dirtcheap, welfare-riddled little LED the basic size of a Photon and they are very bright and very cheap.
 
man i had a brand new eureka marine tent i got from the eureka factory...untill some jerk stole it out of my car in san francisco... I think i have the instructions for it still..they didnt steal the stakes and extra webbing bag that also had the instructio manual
 
I don't think anyone has said it yet but I would rank cordage as a must !
I like the 550 paracord :thumbup: & a roll of Jute twine;) maybe even some Duct tape . Also a first aid kit .
 
I'll echo the other post. A large percentage of people who have to be rescued, wind up in this situation because they fail to pack a light... or enough batteries to last through the darkness.

I would highly recommend a modern multi-mode LED light for general lighting... preferably with a backup. A Fenix L1D (LD10) using low-self-discharge NiMH rechargeable batteries is a safe choice in almost any situation, especially if you pack a pair of Energizer lithium AAs as spares. For something more lightweight, that can also be used as a faux headlamp with a headband, the new Fenix LD01 is a great little light that is barely larger than the AAA battery it uses, and will give you 8 hours of low light or 1 hour at a blinding 80 lumens.

Princeton Tec makes some nice relatively low-priced headlamps that are a great hands-free alternative.

Most of the time, I'd recommend packing 2 lights, such as a larger LED and an AAA LED, or headlamp and a AAA LED. Also, you can purchase cheap photon key-light knockoffs for ~$0.50 from dealextreme.com. These keychain lights are great to have around. I've used them as tent lights, camp markers, or on backpacks of people in a party, to stop people from losing each other in the darkness. I simply affix one to every zipper on my person and my pack, and never notice them unless I need to use them.
 
Nice recommendations so far guys.

All I can really add is remember the basics of human survival: food, water, and warmth. Make sure you have appropriate methods of obtaining all of these things.

Its such a different experience from car camping. I could never stand those RV's running all night. Anyways good luck and be sure to come back and post lots of pictures!!
 
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