- Joined
- Feb 5, 2010
- Messages
- 466
I also have 2 cans sardines and some bars
-
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what process do you use to build a PSK
- Thread starter texastonydobbs
- Start date
My Personal Survival Kit:
1.) Rat Izula
2.) Rat Fire Starter and Small Bic Lighter with Petroleum Jelly Cotton Balls in the tail of the Rat Starter
3.) 2 Fish Hooks, 50 Ft. of fishing line, 3 sinkers
4.) Small Medical Supply Kit
5.) 20 feet of Paracord
6.) Very small bottle of hand sanitizer (another fire fuel) and cleaning agent
7.) Fenix LOD
8.) 10 Ft. Duct Tape
9.) One Off Mosquito Repellant Towelette
10.) Mini Tick Tweezers
That is the major part of it and all is stuffed in a Pelican Case...
1.) Rat Izula
2.) Rat Fire Starter and Small Bic Lighter with Petroleum Jelly Cotton Balls in the tail of the Rat Starter
3.) 2 Fish Hooks, 50 Ft. of fishing line, 3 sinkers
4.) Small Medical Supply Kit
5.) 20 feet of Paracord
6.) Very small bottle of hand sanitizer (another fire fuel) and cleaning agent
7.) Fenix LOD
8.) 10 Ft. Duct Tape
9.) One Off Mosquito Repellant Towelette
10.) Mini Tick Tweezers
That is the major part of it and all is stuffed in a Pelican Case...
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2008
- Messages
- 4,834
My Top Five:
1. Shelter-If I have a solid shelter, even just a tarp, it makes other stuff easier.This would be my AMK Heat Sheet in most cases. Tent is in the truck along with a large tarp.
2. Fire-usually takes the most prep time. I carry a Zippo all the time with a Bic in the PSK. Matches and other fun stuff in the truck.
3. Water-Obvious need, relatively high prep time if not clean. I always carry a water bottle. Purification tabs stay in the FAK. One gallon clean, cold water in the truck as well as my CamelBak MULE.
4. Food-Rarely necessary IME, but it sure makes the day much nicer. I don't carry food on my person. I keep a few granola bars and such in the truck. I also keep a bow and my slingshot so I have food acquisition options.
5a. Navigation-Once I have gotten everything else settled, I'll think about moving. Button compass on me at almost all times. I have a Garmin E-Trex Legend in the gear bag.
5b. Signaling-If, for some reason, I am unable to move, I would focus more on signaling help. I keep a mirror around for this.
Of course, I carry mostly redundant/dual-purpose gear. For example, I will Gorilla Glue button compasses to the tops of match cases (plastic.) Additionally, I have a Brunton Pocket Survival Kit in my wallet. Has a fresnel lens and other goodies. I find it pretty handy.
My thought process when building a kit doesn't even begin to focus on any of this since I see it as secondary. My primary thought is directly related to the activity. If I am going out to hike and have fun and all that, I carry more, and certainly heavier, gear. I am not concerned about being seen or harrassed for my gear. If I am considering "bugging out," then I am going to see what all I can fit in the pockets of my clothes and in my bookbag.
1. Shelter-If I have a solid shelter, even just a tarp, it makes other stuff easier.This would be my AMK Heat Sheet in most cases. Tent is in the truck along with a large tarp.
2. Fire-usually takes the most prep time. I carry a Zippo all the time with a Bic in the PSK. Matches and other fun stuff in the truck.
3. Water-Obvious need, relatively high prep time if not clean. I always carry a water bottle. Purification tabs stay in the FAK. One gallon clean, cold water in the truck as well as my CamelBak MULE.
4. Food-Rarely necessary IME, but it sure makes the day much nicer. I don't carry food on my person. I keep a few granola bars and such in the truck. I also keep a bow and my slingshot so I have food acquisition options.
5a. Navigation-Once I have gotten everything else settled, I'll think about moving. Button compass on me at almost all times. I have a Garmin E-Trex Legend in the gear bag.
5b. Signaling-If, for some reason, I am unable to move, I would focus more on signaling help. I keep a mirror around for this.
Of course, I carry mostly redundant/dual-purpose gear. For example, I will Gorilla Glue button compasses to the tops of match cases (plastic.) Additionally, I have a Brunton Pocket Survival Kit in my wallet. Has a fresnel lens and other goodies. I find it pretty handy.
My thought process when building a kit doesn't even begin to focus on any of this since I see it as secondary. My primary thought is directly related to the activity. If I am going out to hike and have fun and all that, I carry more, and certainly heavier, gear. I am not concerned about being seen or harrassed for my gear. If I am considering "bugging out," then I am going to see what all I can fit in the pockets of my clothes and in my bookbag.
- Joined
- Oct 17, 2009
- Messages
- 1,978
When I put together a kit I usually follow a few guidelines of my own so I know I have some certain situations covered. Such as:
1. Signaling (Usually 2 forms such as a whistle and a mirror)
2. Food / Water (A water bag and pills for cleaning it, then a fishing kit and snare wire)
3. Fire (I try and always have 3 different forms of fire starting)
4. First Aid (Immodium, benedryl, band-aids, wound cleaning, gauze, maybe sutures)
5. Light (I always have an LED flashlight of somekind, Streamlight Nano at the smallest)
6. Shelter (Such as an AMK 1-2 person emergency blanket for shelter or warmth)
After I have these items covered then everything I can cram in there to me is a bonus that I feel would help increase my odds at survival. I might throw some more fishing items in there, a larger light w/ spare battery. It really depends on the pouch or container and what it allows me to fit. I always carry a blade and a Leatherman Wave on me so I have a couple knives and a small saw. So I'm not so concerned with putting one in my PSK, I'd rather leave room for other things that I don't carry on me.
1. Signaling (Usually 2 forms such as a whistle and a mirror)
2. Food / Water (A water bag and pills for cleaning it, then a fishing kit and snare wire)
3. Fire (I try and always have 3 different forms of fire starting)
4. First Aid (Immodium, benedryl, band-aids, wound cleaning, gauze, maybe sutures)
5. Light (I always have an LED flashlight of somekind, Streamlight Nano at the smallest)
6. Shelter (Such as an AMK 1-2 person emergency blanket for shelter or warmth)
After I have these items covered then everything I can cram in there to me is a bonus that I feel would help increase my odds at survival. I might throw some more fishing items in there, a larger light w/ spare battery. It really depends on the pouch or container and what it allows me to fit. I always carry a blade and a Leatherman Wave on me so I have a couple knives and a small saw. So I'm not so concerned with putting one in my PSK, I'd rather leave room for other things that I don't carry on me.
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- Joined
- Aug 25, 2009
- Messages
- 2,513
I'm looking at setting up my rat pack again, this time more use, less fluff. I've already stripped it down quite a bit, replaced the maglite with a microstream, replaced the handled ultimate saw with a paracoded version, added about 36 foot of cord, and yanked the multipers out.
I'm looking at adding a filter straw, possibly more PJCB's. I'm tempted to try a 36/48 hour trip with it. And while you dont really NEED much during that time frame, I'm just looking for any cool little items to make it more enjoyable.
I'm looking at adding a filter straw, possibly more PJCB's. I'm tempted to try a 36/48 hour trip with it. And while you dont really NEED much during that time frame, I'm just looking for any cool little items to make it more enjoyable.
Mistwalker
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2007
- Messages
- 19,037
I have friends who have worked with aid agencies in 3WC along side the Red Cross who recommend the life straws but I've never tried them myself. This little look around at the urban environment makes me want to get a couple though.
.
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2007
- Messages
- 1,035
Aside from my personal carry items (tin kit, pocket fixed/LMF Army steel, SAK..etc.) I keep a pre-packed hiking bag. I guess some would call it a PSK/BOB/GO-BAG.
In it I keep the basics plus a few comfort items.
Shelter is a 6'X8' tarp.And a reusable rain poncho, space blanket.
Water is a GI canteen w/cup and tin foil lid. Water purification tabs.
Fire is a LMF scout,jute twine,PJCBs,fatwood (to back up my EDC firekit)
Food varies ,currently it has one Mountain House meal, granola bars, pouch of tuna, SPAM (I actually like it
) Vienna sausage, chicken bullion.
Signaling Whistle. I need to add a mirror.
Direction Compass
First Aid Gauze pads, waterproof tape,band aids,neosporen,tylenol,immodium,benadryl
Miscellaneous Wetterlings hatchet,Mora 840MG Clipper, EZ Lapp diamond sharpener,cordage (jute twine + 165# nylon twine),LED MiniMaglite,two spare AA,one spare AAA (for the solitaire on my keys) ,folding Esbit stove w/trioxane bars, fishing line,hooks, three floats,duck tape,and a bunch of ziplok bags to separate everything.
Total weight as pictured is ten pounds,less water.
In it I keep the basics plus a few comfort items.
Shelter is a 6'X8' tarp.And a reusable rain poncho, space blanket.
Water is a GI canteen w/cup and tin foil lid. Water purification tabs.
Fire is a LMF scout,jute twine,PJCBs,fatwood (to back up my EDC firekit)
Food varies ,currently it has one Mountain House meal, granola bars, pouch of tuna, SPAM (I actually like it
) Vienna sausage, chicken bullion.Signaling Whistle. I need to add a mirror.
Direction Compass
First Aid Gauze pads, waterproof tape,band aids,neosporen,tylenol,immodium,benadryl
Miscellaneous Wetterlings hatchet,Mora 840MG Clipper, EZ Lapp diamond sharpener,cordage (jute twine + 165# nylon twine),LED MiniMaglite,two spare AA,one spare AAA (for the solitaire on my keys) ,folding Esbit stove w/trioxane bars, fishing line,hooks, three floats,duck tape,and a bunch of ziplok bags to separate everything.
Total weight as pictured is ten pounds,less water.
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- Joined
- May 25, 2007
- Messages
- 15,113
cool kit Todd
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2009
- Messages
- 1,120
lifestraws appear to be a good solution to some clean water issues that could arise.
http://www.vestergaard-frandsen.com/lifestraw.htm
according to this website they are not yet commercially available. it appears they plan on that tho.
http://www.vestergaard-frandsen.com/lifestraw.htm
according to this website they are not yet commercially available. it appears they plan on that tho.
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2007
- Messages
- 290
I have several different kits that I seem to always be updating / modifying: An "Urban EDC", a Car Kit, A Bug Out Bag, a Desert Kit, and an all purpose kit for knocking around outdoors, hiking etc.
My process for building one is usually as follows:
1. I Determine what type of environment I am preparing for.
2. Determine how long I am likely to be there.
3. Prioritize my survival needs (Clothing, Shelter, Tools, Water, Fire, Signaling, 1st Aid, etc) taking into account my own skills (or lack thereof).
4. I make certain I have the necessary items to guarantee each of these priorities is covered. I then over compensate for areas that will be critical (i.e. Water in a desert) or in areas where I know my skills are weaker. In some instances I pack very light, and in others I bring 2 or 3 methods for acheiving the same thing, it all depends on the situation.
5. I select a kit, or container that will hold these absolute necessities and not hinder my ability to move freely in my environment. I keep this kit close to my body, and for the redundant items (multiple fire starters, knives etc.) I keep them in more than one location on my person.
6. I practice with each of the tools in the kit to make sure I know how to use them and they are in good working order.
7. The last thing I always include is a printed piece of paper (usually two sided) with instructions for myself or anyone else who may need to use it. I include on one side an inventory of the items and their uses, and on the other a list of my survival priorities and 1st aid instructions so that in a real emergency I don't have to think too hard, just follow the plan.
The fun comes when you have enough gear collected over the years that you don't need to do any shopping to build a new kit- you just pick the components you want and away you go.
My top five skills (ranked by priority, not my skill level) are as follows:
1. Shelter (Hypothermia / Heat Stroke can kill me faster than hunger or thirst)
2. Water (I wouldn't even think about food in a survival situation unless I first had PLENTY of water. Without addequate water your body will only further dehydrate itself trying to break down and process the food you have just eaten.)
3. Fire- great to keep warm with, cook with, signal with, and can even help keep the unfriendly critters away. It's also good for your brain- you can stay busy tending it and searching for more firewood.
4. 1st Aid- my strongest skill and also the one I least want to have to use in a survival situation.
5. Signaling- most modern survival situations end with the survivors being found within a few days(happily) or not until it's too late. Fire is still my top choice for being found, but a whistle and a signal mirror will really imrpove your odds and your options.
My process for building one is usually as follows:
1. I Determine what type of environment I am preparing for.
2. Determine how long I am likely to be there.
3. Prioritize my survival needs (Clothing, Shelter, Tools, Water, Fire, Signaling, 1st Aid, etc) taking into account my own skills (or lack thereof).
4. I make certain I have the necessary items to guarantee each of these priorities is covered. I then over compensate for areas that will be critical (i.e. Water in a desert) or in areas where I know my skills are weaker. In some instances I pack very light, and in others I bring 2 or 3 methods for acheiving the same thing, it all depends on the situation.
5. I select a kit, or container that will hold these absolute necessities and not hinder my ability to move freely in my environment. I keep this kit close to my body, and for the redundant items (multiple fire starters, knives etc.) I keep them in more than one location on my person.
6. I practice with each of the tools in the kit to make sure I know how to use them and they are in good working order.
7. The last thing I always include is a printed piece of paper (usually two sided) with instructions for myself or anyone else who may need to use it. I include on one side an inventory of the items and their uses, and on the other a list of my survival priorities and 1st aid instructions so that in a real emergency I don't have to think too hard, just follow the plan.
The fun comes when you have enough gear collected over the years that you don't need to do any shopping to build a new kit- you just pick the components you want and away you go.
My top five skills (ranked by priority, not my skill level) are as follows:
1. Shelter (Hypothermia / Heat Stroke can kill me faster than hunger or thirst)
2. Water (I wouldn't even think about food in a survival situation unless I first had PLENTY of water. Without addequate water your body will only further dehydrate itself trying to break down and process the food you have just eaten.)
3. Fire- great to keep warm with, cook with, signal with, and can even help keep the unfriendly critters away. It's also good for your brain- you can stay busy tending it and searching for more firewood.
4. 1st Aid- my strongest skill and also the one I least want to have to use in a survival situation.
5. Signaling- most modern survival situations end with the survivors being found within a few days(happily) or not until it's too late. Fire is still my top choice for being found, but a whistle and a signal mirror will really imrpove your odds and your options.
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I've had one of the 4x aaaa for about 4 yrs now I use it everyday for work, and after four years it still is hanging on strong. great buy IMO, but the batteries are a pain to find luckily they last a pretty long time
I noticed only one other person pointed out the roll of TP. I never thought about it until I went cave wandering one time and was nowhere near an exit. theres no leaves in caves just rocks, and I dont know about you guys but I didnt use rocks. One of us left with one less shirt that day. Now I carry a small roll with my bag.
Some pretty good suggestions here, but there IS one thing you will not survive without, and it is even more important than water if you are in a bad spot:
The WILL to survive.
Everyone blows this off because of course most of us take for granted our desire to live, but it is more than that. Dont underestimate how demoralized you will become, especially those of you without food, if you are out a week or more. You may not need food for survival physiologically, but if you have not experienced extreme hunger, past the pain stage, dont underestimate it.
If you have not gone without food for more than 3-4 days then give it a try if it is safe health wise for you to do so. After about 5 days your stomach will stop aching and a general malaise sets in. Simple things you take for granted become very difficult and your cognition is WAY down. Energy and strenghth WAY down. Memoryand dexterity WAY down. For many in real life emergencies it can be easier to sit down and die than expend the effort to win (survive).
Fire helps with WILL and confidence, along with staying dry and having at least a small amount of food. Obviously the better prepared you are mentally and physically the more confident you will be.
Sometimes though, regardless of everything else, survival is just sheer will. It is the most important thing in your kit.
The WILL to survive.
Everyone blows this off because of course most of us take for granted our desire to live, but it is more than that. Dont underestimate how demoralized you will become, especially those of you without food, if you are out a week or more. You may not need food for survival physiologically, but if you have not experienced extreme hunger, past the pain stage, dont underestimate it.
If you have not gone without food for more than 3-4 days then give it a try if it is safe health wise for you to do so. After about 5 days your stomach will stop aching and a general malaise sets in. Simple things you take for granted become very difficult and your cognition is WAY down. Energy and strenghth WAY down. Memoryand dexterity WAY down. For many in real life emergencies it can be easier to sit down and die than expend the effort to win (survive).
Fire helps with WILL and confidence, along with staying dry and having at least a small amount of food. Obviously the better prepared you are mentally and physically the more confident you will be.
Sometimes though, regardless of everything else, survival is just sheer will. It is the most important thing in your kit.
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2007
- Messages
- 5,483
My method is pretty simple. I make sure I have my basics covered which are:
1) Health - bandages, put me back together supplies, and any medicine I or the wife would need. I try to think of things that can be used for more than one purpose and keep the numbers down. For instance, using allergy medicine for both allergy symptoms and as a sedative, stuff like that.
2) Fire - I have more than one fire starter at all times. I have my zippo on my belt. When that runs out, I have a bic that I can use. As the last resort, there's a LMF firesteel inside my Leatherman pouch and also the RAT Fire kit in my day bag. I figure, between all of those, I'm pretty well covered for a good while.
3) Vital Tools - I have an extra RC knife and a Leatherman Charge in the kit.
4) Cordage - While a skilled outdoorsman can usually make cordage on the spot with natural materials, you can't count on that and it certainly doesn't take much to make that a non issue. Just a little bit of paracord goes a long way and the stuff packs down really easy. You can carry what stretches out to be a ton of cordage in a pretty small space. Usually I have a minimum of 60ft of paracord in my pack. Also, I have kept small bundles of hemp twine in my pockets for years. That stuff comes in handy all the time, it's strong, and just a small bundle is a lot of length. I actually just reached in the pocket of the jacket I have on while I was typing this. I realised that i haven't worn this jacket in a long time and I thought, "I wonder if there's any string stashed in here." This is what I pulled out of one of the pockets.
On top of those four things, everything that goes into the kit is something that I had at some point wished that I'd had. Since I carry a day pack everywhere I go, I have a bit more room to utilize than just a small tin or case. The extra space means that I can carry just a few more small things that can make things just a little more comfortable and really do a lot to boost morale.
A few examples:
1) a roll of electrical tape. I can't remember how many times I've wanted a roll of electrical tape to finish off an emergency repair I've had to make on cars and bikes.
2) Zip ties. Same thing. A ton of the problems in the world could be fixed with one or two strategically placed zip ties, and they take up no space and don't weigh anything.
3) a small tube of sunblock. I'm pale. There have been plenty of unplanned walks I've had to make in my life and every single time I've thought, "man I know I'm going to be sunburned after this and I only have on a t-shirt and shorts. I wish i had some sunblock with me." The small travel tubes don't take up much space at all.
All of it is stuff like that.
1) Health - bandages, put me back together supplies, and any medicine I or the wife would need. I try to think of things that can be used for more than one purpose and keep the numbers down. For instance, using allergy medicine for both allergy symptoms and as a sedative, stuff like that.
2) Fire - I have more than one fire starter at all times. I have my zippo on my belt. When that runs out, I have a bic that I can use. As the last resort, there's a LMF firesteel inside my Leatherman pouch and also the RAT Fire kit in my day bag. I figure, between all of those, I'm pretty well covered for a good while.
3) Vital Tools - I have an extra RC knife and a Leatherman Charge in the kit.
4) Cordage - While a skilled outdoorsman can usually make cordage on the spot with natural materials, you can't count on that and it certainly doesn't take much to make that a non issue. Just a little bit of paracord goes a long way and the stuff packs down really easy. You can carry what stretches out to be a ton of cordage in a pretty small space. Usually I have a minimum of 60ft of paracord in my pack. Also, I have kept small bundles of hemp twine in my pockets for years. That stuff comes in handy all the time, it's strong, and just a small bundle is a lot of length. I actually just reached in the pocket of the jacket I have on while I was typing this. I realised that i haven't worn this jacket in a long time and I thought, "I wonder if there's any string stashed in here." This is what I pulled out of one of the pockets.
On top of those four things, everything that goes into the kit is something that I had at some point wished that I'd had. Since I carry a day pack everywhere I go, I have a bit more room to utilize than just a small tin or case. The extra space means that I can carry just a few more small things that can make things just a little more comfortable and really do a lot to boost morale.
A few examples:
1) a roll of electrical tape. I can't remember how many times I've wanted a roll of electrical tape to finish off an emergency repair I've had to make on cars and bikes.
2) Zip ties. Same thing. A ton of the problems in the world could be fixed with one or two strategically placed zip ties, and they take up no space and don't weigh anything.
3) a small tube of sunblock. I'm pale. There have been plenty of unplanned walks I've had to make in my life and every single time I've thought, "man I know I'm going to be sunburned after this and I only have on a t-shirt and shorts. I wish i had some sunblock with me." The small travel tubes don't take up much space at all.
All of it is stuff like that.
AMEN - You may want to also look into adding a Glucagen kit - one injection causes the liver to instantly dump all of its stored glucose into the bloodstream...but it makes you puke like a frat boy on a rollercoaster!