What is the largest single object you would consider packing as a survival tool?

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Plainsman

Joined
Apr 5, 1999
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Meaning, what is the LARGEST item you would consider necessary/useful for survival that you would carry when outdoors?


My first thoughts are to a folding bow saw, an E-tool, or a rifle. None are absolutely necessary, but they sure would be USEFUL. As far as the largest "needed" object, I'm thinking a KNIFE, and more specifically a fixed blade.

Thanks!



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Plainsman :)
primitiveguy@hotmail.com

You use what you have on you, then you improvise! :)
 
4x4 Pickup truck.....
But on my person, probably a high quality machete in the 14 to 20 inch range. Or maybe a Hudson Bay type axe.
 
Depends on where I am, and what I am surviving. If my job were to hang out till rescuers got to me, and I was here in Alaska in the Winter, I would call it a sleeping bag, and wouldn't be too concerned about much else. I can tromp out a ground signal by foot, and break off branches to add contrast, and I can stay warm in the bag.

In this climate, I could care less about an e-tool, though I'd certainly like a folding snow-shovel. A compass would be next to worthless without snowshoes or skiis, and a water filter would be completely useless, even if I could keep it unfrozen, I'd need to melt my water, and the melted snow would be mostly clean anyways.

There are places I've been where I would feel very comfortable for the two or three days I would expect to wait for rescue with absolutely nothing. And many places I've been where many things would rank above a knife. Primarily a water bottle and some iodine tablets. If I can't get water, I'd better be rescued in two days, because by day three it'll be dumb luck if someone finds me. If I can get water, and stay healthy, I can wait a week or two before I start functioning badly.

So my choice for largest _needed_ item would be a water container and method to purify. That method would depend on where I was in the world.


Stryver
 
For long term survival..., a full sized axe, like this Gransfors Bruks Ab fell axe leaning next to me.
 
Shows how little I use an ax anymore, I didn't even think of it! Duh!
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It's amazing how one little question can give one so much info!
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Plainsman :)
primitiveguy@hotmail.com

You use what you have on you, then you improvise! :)
 
Anywhere it gets cold, a sleeping bag would be real high on my list. In warmer climates my number one big item was my AR-7 survival rifle and a couple hundred rounds of .22 ammo. The AR-7 disassembles and packs into its plastic butt stock. It weighs 3+ pounds and floats.
 
In most of the places I am usually to be found and the times of year I am more likely to be out there I would say a blanket roll, or sleeping bag would be my largest. Water container would come in second. Machete/hatchete/cold steel shovel would be third.

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Lee

LIfe is too important to be taken seriously. Oscar Wilde
 
Gee, you guys travel light and rough! I mentioned the kayak because my trips out on the land are generally ocean kayaking or whitewater canoeing. I have to fly and portage in so quite literally I sometimes pack a folding kayak. Two big bags per boat.
Discounting that, a tent is pretty big although I've used small bivy's. Up north there isn't much to make a shelter out of, in the summer anyway. Next in size would be a sleeping bag of some sort. It could be dispensed with if necessary, I suppose. In bear and walrus country a gun is a very good idea, although many people, including me, have dispensed with it. One could dispense with a knife. I never have and never will, if I can help it. Below the treeline, an ax and or saw, but much as I love an ax, it probably isn't absolutely essential. Above the treeline if you plan on going on the water, an ice ax. Indispensible. The biggest items? A paddle and spare. The heaviest? Boots, but if you take 1 pair you simply wear them.

[This message has been edited by HJK (edited 02-07-2000).]
 
I agree with Stryver... it depends on the environment and the conditions related to it. In addition, how many small items are on my person... Hate to read into the question since it is a good one and it stimulates thought.

My first gut feeling was to say an axe... thinking about the environment I am in now... a big fire is so nice when it's so cold outside. However, Stryver makes a good point about the sleeping bag and how important it would be.

So how about it... how many of you feel believe the sleeping bag is a better choice (or visa versa) and why...

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Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?

 
Hi All,
Except for a few trips to the Southwest, where water problems are foremost.... The biggest item that I would consider toting along would be a HI 20"AK Khukuri. It's a heavy brute, but size and shape lend itself to various applications.
The sleeping bag is a good idea, except that the weather here is (over all) an unpredictable affair. For example the weather prediction may be for 10 degrees and snow, but it's almost as likely to turn out to be 34 degrees and rain, even in winter.
I'll pass on a wet sleeping bag. Been there and done that and almost died for it.
Besides "largest" might be by weight or by volume.
Hay Plainsman, which did you have in mind?
Dan
 
Well, I'd say in most cool and cold areas, and sleeping bag will be pretty high on my list, or some kind of additional shelter for my body. In the weather around here right now, what I wear when I'm outside would not suit me for sleeping in, and probably would not even with a shelter. I would have to stay awake and moving to stay warm enough. The colder it gets, the more I would value a bag.

Other than a sleeping bag, I value water, and water purification as most valuable. This is in all climates, all terrains, all situations. With the two - three feet minimum of snow outside now, this means a way of melting said snow. Be it a bag I can wear under my coat, or a pot I can put on a fire, I need to create liquid water. These two needs met, I have little real need for a knife. It is something that will make my life much easier, but also something I can do without. (I know, that's heresy on _Bladeforums_)


Stryver
 
Here in the northeast, I would value a large blade like a khukuri. Shelter building, firewood for warmth and signaling.

sing

AKTI #A000356
 
I never even hinted that water wasn't a prime requiewment, but we were talking about "largest". How does water play into that unless you're toting around water in the gallons?
Dan
 
AAHHHH! Thoughts are abundant!
biggrin.gif


First, DAN K. I would say my original intention was VOLUME, but I see that either could apply. I'll leave it up to the poster to determine completely.

The sleeping bag is a great idea. If you already had a knife of some type, then most of your other needs can be met. Especially if you are in a cold, snowy, wooded environment. Even a container can be burnt, scraped and cut out of a piece of wood over time. Hence, the water vessel takes on less importance...If you have a gallon ziplock bag, it could be used carefully to melt snow for water.

You could either have it close to the heat for a SLOW melt with snow in it. OR hang an article of clothing/cloth with snow in it by the fire and let it DRIP into the ziplock!

Keep up the great discussion!



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Plainsman :)
primitiveguy@hotmail.com

You use what you have on you, then you improvise! :)
 
Plainsman:

I'm gonna go against the grain here, and say that in most situations a water container is more important than a knife, even if it is only a one gallon ziplock. How am I going to make something that will supply me with the 1-2 quarts _minimum_ I will need on day one so I can continue to make healthy decisions? If I am in a place with snow around, I need something, be it a bag I can place in my clothing, or a pot I can cook on a fire with (Provided I have a fire). If I am in a place without snow, then I need some other way to get water (Stream, hole, rain, plants) and some way to purify it. I would rather forego the knife and carry a pot or bag or canteen than have to improvise those.

Stryver
 
STRYVER: I took your discussion to the next level and started a new thread on it!
smile.gif
Thanks for bringing up a great topic within this one. I just thought it could be expanded upon and discussed more on its own.

Thanks!
smile.gif




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Plainsman :)
primitiveguy@hotmail.com

You use what you have on you, then you improvise! :)
 
My SAS ruck to pack all that other stuff in or on....

My thought is usually to provide myself with tools first. And tools with the potential to make other items.

Axe, Tomahawk, Saw, Machete, Knife, Swiss Tool.

Then,

Fire starting. Compass

Canteen, Cup and Stove. Fuel.

Para cord, wire, mylar sheets....

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Thank you,
Marion David Poff aka Eye, Cd'A ID, USA mdpoff@hotmail.com

"We will either find a way, or make one." Hannibal, 210 B.C.
 
I would expect to already have a knife, compass, and means to make a fire. The next most important items to sustain life would be a way to carry water and purify it if necessary. After that, a sleeping bag if space and weight considerations would allow one.

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"Actions speak louder than words"
 
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