survival stuff?

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seanystrangle

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Oct 1, 2009
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should i bring a small pack with some survival items when i go to peru? i am getting all the money and stuff sorted now for gear and what not and whated to know what i should bring and how much money to put aside for now
 
There's a thread where someone asked Jeff what he would bring to the jungle. I think the question was directed at three or four items. Should look it up, but I think he said a mosquito net and some bug spray! ;)
 
You should always have the items you would need to survive.

What do you cary on a daily basis when you are at home? Even if you just have a knife, a cell phone and some cash, you have some form of survival equipment (you could not execute your ADL without them)

Look at the area(s) you intend to visit, then consider what the experts suggest for the anticipated environment(s).
There are a few things I never go anywhere without. They include: an Izula or some other small fixed blade knife, 3-4"folder, small sharpening device of some sort, SAK with 10' para-cord in a dense braid, firesteel, flashlight, 2-3 water purification tabs.

Design an EDC system and a PSK (personal survival kit) to fit the area you are visiting. Your kit can be inexpensive, and some of the items are on your original list. The important thing is how you organize them about your person in such a way that you have them on hand if they are needed, and they don't interfere with your daily activities if you never need them.

Unless it is expressly forbidden, never go anywhere without at least your knife and a firesteel. I have spent time in the Andes, and i would recommend a few particulars for you if, indeed you expect any high altitude travel.

1. Don't forget the hat or the sunglasses. A Quichua girl stole mine the first day, my scalp was fried.
2. If you haven't already, BREAK YOUR BOOTS IN NOW. Wear them every day until they are fully seasoned.
3. Hoja de coca no es una droga. 5 leaves, learn the ritual, and don't forget the llipta
4. Drink much, much more water than you think, and stay away from the chicha. Cusquena is okay, but the dark leaves a nasty hangover.
5. Do cary your PSK separate from your pack. this can be a small pack on your belt, or tucked in a cargo pocket.
6. Keep you layering clothes and your rain gear handy.
7. Listen to your guide's advice, especially if he/she is a local.
8. Llama, alpaca, and guinea pig are all delicious. Don't miss the opportunity to eat them while you can.
9. You though corn was corn
 
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You should carry a PSK if you venture out passed your own backyard.

S.O.L. by AMK is decent and only $20-$25 but there are several items you will want to upgrade. Like the compass, you will want to add a knife as well, and better water treatment.

RAT Basic PSK For a premade kit this has my vote, Im not saying that to kiss up. I make my own kits, but if I was going to buy one... no thats a lie, if I was going to buy one it means something has happened and I need it asap, I would buy the comprehensive kit. The basic kit is a darn good start though, read the contents, its brand name stuff and I bet Jeff would vouch for them working. I dont like the wire saws but I do know the one in his kit is the best you can buy (that does not mean it is without limits, lumber companies dont use these for a reason!)

Even if you dont buy one look at the contents in these kits and make a list of what you need then buy the best quality items for your own kit. If your trying to save money DONT get thrifty on your compass, water treatment, or firestarting gear. Even though you will be in a jungle you will need an emergency blanket (i would buy one cheap $.99 and one good one ~$5-$10)

You will need to add stuff most of which was mentioned in the previous post.

Remember this kit is for saving your life when everything has gone to SH*T. How much is it worth to you?
 
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Bolt-action bultema said:
You should always have the items you would need to survive.

What do you cary on a daily basis when you are at home? Even if you just have a knife, a cell phone and some cash, you have some form of survival equipment (you could not execute your ADL without them)

Look at the area(s) you intend to visit, then consider what the experts suggest for the anticipated environment(s).
There are a few things I never go anywhere without. They include: an Izula or some other small fixed blade knife, 3-4"folder, small sharpening device of some sort, SAK with 10' para-cord in a dense braid, firesteel, flashlight, 2-3 water purification tabs.

Design an EDC system and a PSK (personal survival kit) to fit the area you are visiting. Your kit can be inexpensive, and some of the items are on your original list. The important thing is how you organize them about your person in such a way that you have them on hand if they are needed, and they don't interfere with your daily activities if you never need them.

Unless it is expressly forbidden, never go anywhere without at least your knife and a firesteel. I have spent time in the Andes, and i would recommend a few particulars for you if, indeed you expect any high altitude travel.

1. Don't forget the hat or the sunglasses. A Quichua girl stole mine the first day, my scalp was fried.
2. If you haven't already, BREAK YOUR BOOTS IN NOW. Wear them every day until they are fully seasoned.
3. Hoja de coca no es una droga. 5 leaves, learn the ritual, and don't forget the llipta
4. Drink much, much more water than you think, and stay away from the chicha. Cusquena is okay, but the dark leaves a nasty hangover.
5. Do cary your PSK separate from your pack. this can be a small pack on your belt, or tucked in a cargo pocket.
6. Keep you layering clothes and your rain gear handy.
7. Listen to your guide's advice, especially if he/she is a local.
8. Llama, alpaca, and guinea pig are all delicious. Don't miss the opportunity to eat them while you can.
9. You though corn was corn
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ok awesome thank you. and im new to using boots but how long does it take to break them in?
 
Necrodamus said:
You should carry a PSK if you venture out passed your own backyard.

S.O.L. by AMK is decent and only $20-$25 but there are several items you will want to upgrade. Like the compass, you will want to add a knife as well, and better water treatment.

RAT Basic PSK For a premade kit this has my vote, Im not saying that to kiss up. I make my own kits, but if I was going to buy one... no thats a lie, if I was going to buy one it means something has happened and I need it asap, I would buy the comprehensive kit. The basic kit is a darn good start though, read the contents, its brand name stuff and I bet Jeff would vouch for them working. I dont like the wire saws but I do know the one in his kit is the best you can buy (that does not mean it is without limits, lumber companies dont use these for a reason!)

Even if you dont buy one look at the contents in these kits and make a list of what you need then buy the best quality items for your own kit. If your trying to save money DONT get thrifty on your compass, water treatment, or firestarting gear. Even though you will be in a jungle you will need an emergency blanket (i would buy one cheap $.99 and one good one ~$5-$10)

You will need to add stuff most of which was mentioned in the previous post.

Remember this kit is for saving your life when everything has gone to SH*T. How much is it worth to you?
Click to expand...
what would be a good compass? sorry for asking so much
 
for me and the boots I have broken in they took around 2 - 3 weeks of regular use before they felt really good and as if I could wear them for a long time - basically what Bolt-Action said.

Also I found, especially with new boots wearing a thinner sock then a proper hiking sock over that prevents blisters from developing. They still may happen, but this I have found reduces the chances of that to very low

EDIT: just to clarify what regular use is I wore them whenever I got home, when going for walks with the dog (got some strange looks from some people), when walking around the house, out in the garden, walking to the shops, yeah every day
this will help to just loosen everything up a bit and make the boot a better more conforming fit

and on another note are you boots leather or synthetic material?
 
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When breaking in your boots, no definite time is going to do the trick, rather you need to feel them out. The first question is what type of boots did you choose (leather, goretex, canvas, etc) different materials can use different methods. If you have leather boots, put them in an oven at 150 for about 15 mins, then apply a high quality leather conditioner and wear them on a walk (at least until the boots reach room temp). This will help them form to your foot. The process has only begun, as the only real way to break them in is to wear them. If they are properly fitted, then wearing them all day should produce no "hot spots" on your fees or ankles. (A hot spot is the precursor to a blister, an area where your boot rubs against your foot will cause it to get red and it will feel hot.) Always wear wool socks with your boots (I like wigwam and smartwool-medium weight year round, but it's a matter of personal preference-some people (like jck) like sock liners (REI), but I don't). Keep in mind that your boots may not feel great when you first buy them, but they will when properly broken in. If you haven't already gotten your boots, do it now (Try them on at REI and order them cheaper at sierratradingpost.com)

I have been wearing the same pair of Scarpa leathers with a 3/4 kevlar shank for 10 years and 3 soles, they leave me with no blisters (even on 20 mi+hikes)
 
Silva and Bruton are two good ones, the genuine Cammenga Tritium GI compass is good.
If you dont have a good map and SKILLS, any compass is almost useless.
There are some good reading materials at the RAT Cutlery website but nothing beats time in the field using the knowledge!
 
A really useful piece of kit is the venerable bandana, many uses. Including scarf and scalp cover. Take a few along. Water resistant bug repellant, like "Bullfrog". In Panama we had to look out for a local plant we called "Black Cactus" the thorns break off and would penetrate the sides of our Jungle Boots. Are you bringing boots meant for slogging through swamps? Will you need boots to deal with the cold in the mountains? Are you bringing multiple sets of easy to clean socks? I agree with the double layering to prevent blisters. If you start to feel a hot spot use "Moleskin" immediately. Yes, you can call a halt to the march to take care of yourself before you have a real problem. Bring a small bottle of Asprin and some Bandaids. If you bring a SAK, make sure it has the tweezers to help pull off ticks and other critters. Good Luck.
 
Bolt-action bultema said:
When breaking in your boots, no definite time is going to do the trick, rather you need to feel them out. The first question is what type of boots did you choose (leather, goretex, canvas, etc) different materials can use different methods. If you have leather boots, put them in an oven at 150 for about 15 mins, then apply a high quality leather conditioner and wear them on a walk (at least until the boots reach room temp). This will help them form to your foot. The process has only begun, as the only real way to break them in is to wear them. If they are properly fitted, then wearing them all day should produce no "hot spots" on your fees or ankles. (A hot spot is the precursor to a blister, an area where your boot rubs against your foot will cause it to get red and it will feel hot.) Always wear wool socks with your boots (I like wigwam and smartwool-medium weight year round, but it's a matter of personal preference-some people (like jck) like sock liners (REI), but I don't). Keep in mind that your boots may not feel great when you first buy them, but they will when properly broken in. If you haven't already gotten your boots, do it now (Try them on at REI and order them cheaper at sierratradingpost.com)

I have been wearing the same pair of Scarpa leathers with a 3/4 kevlar shank for 10 years and 3 soles, they leave me with no blisters (even on 20 mi+hikes)
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these are the ones i think im going with http://www.altama.com/Tp1/item_detail.aspx?ItemCode=4155
 
PhotonSD said:
A really useful piece of kit is the venerable bandana, many uses. Including scarf and scalp cover. Take a few along. Water resistant bug repellant, like "Bullfrog". In Panama we had to look out for a local plant we called "Black Cactus" the thorns break off and would penetrate the sides of our Jungle Boots. Are you bringing boots meant for slogging through swamps? Will you need boots to deal with the cold in the mountains? Are you bringing multiple sets of easy to clean socks? I agree with the double layering to prevent blisters. If you start to feel a hot spot use "Moleskin" immediately. Yes, you can call a halt to the march to take care of yourself before you have a real problem. Bring a small bottle of Asprin and some Bandaids. If you bring a SAK, make sure it has the tweezers to help pull off ticks and other critters. Good Luck.
Click to expand...

im not too sure on the spacifics of the boots they told me to bring the paper just said jungle boots
and thank you so any SAK with tweezer would owrk?
 
Not trying to be critical, but I would go back to whoever is running this thing and get some more details before I bought equipment. Jungles and Andes are two totally different climates and terrains. We can literally drive 3 hours from Tingo Maria and go from heat and humidity to snow and little oxygen.
 
If you are going to be in jungle and dealing with Black Palm, then stay away from the OTB jungle boots. Altama's are better. Also, if you're going to be in mud or swamps, stay away from OTBs. Again, Altama's are much better with a true Panama sole.
 
R.A.T. said:
Not trying to be critical, but I would go back to whoever is running this thing and get some more details before I bought equipment. Jungles and Andes are two totally different climates and terrains. We can literally drive 3 hours from Tingo Maria and go from heat and humidity to snow and little oxygen.
Click to expand...

R.A.T. said:
If you are going to be in jungle and dealing with Black Palm, then stay away from the OTB jungle boots. Altama's are better. Also, if you're going to be in mud or swamps, stay away from OTBs. Again, Altama's are much better with a true Panama sole.
Click to expand...
i just emailed my teacher asking for the person who is running it and i shall ask them thank you sorry for this being so unorginized lol
 
i got a relpy and its not for sure what path we are taking but we will be more then likely in middle altatude mountains and some high jungle
 
Should be fun, there are some great sites along the way. Most if your time will likely be spent at 9000-13000ft. The only way to be prepared for the altitude is to train. Start now and get into the best shape of your life. I live at 7200 feet, and my training regimen was intense. Still, the Andes kicked my ass. Altitude sickness is a very real danger if you don't train before hand.
 
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