SURVIVAL KITS

This is a re-print from August '09 - a friend has been asking me about survival kits so here's a start point . . . S.L.


Even the smallest survival kit, if properly prepared, is invaluable when faced with a survival situation. Before preparing your survival kit, consider the environment you plan to operate in, and the equipment and vehicle(s) you will have on hand.

SURVIVAL KITS

The environment is the key to the types of items you will need in your survival kit. How much equipment you put in your kit depends on how you will carry the kit. A kit carried on your body will have to be smaller than one carried in a vehicle. Always layer your survival kit, keeping the most important items on your body. For example, your map and compass should always be on your body. Carry less important items on your pockets, or a survival vest. Place bulky items in your rucksack.

In preparing your survival kit, select items you can use for more than one purpose. If you have two items that will serve the same function, pick the one you can use for another function. Do not duplicate items, as this increases your kit's size and weight.

Your survival kit need not be elaborate. You need only functional items that will meet your needs and a case to hold the items. For the case, you might want to use a Band-Aid box, a first aid case, an ammunition pouch, or another suitable case. This case should be--

• Water repellent or waterproof.
• Easy to carry or attach to your body.
• Suitable to accept varisized components.
• Durable.

The six categories of survival to be covered by a survival kit are:

• Medical (First aid items).
• Water acquisition & purification (tablets, drops or filters).
• Fire starting.
• Signaling.
• Food procurement & preparation.
• Shelter.

Some examples of these items are--

• Lighter, metal match, waterproof matches.
• Snare wire.
• Signaling mirror.
• Wrist compass.
• Fish and snare line.
• Fishhooks.
• Candle.
• Small hand lens.
• Oxytetracycline tablets (diarrhea or infection).
• Water purification tablets.
• Solar blanket.
• Surgical blades.
• Butterfly sutures.
• Collapsible plastic containers for water storage.
• Chap Stick.
• Needle and thread.
• Knife.

Include a weapon only if the situation so dictates. Learn and practice survival techniques. Consider the environment in which you will operate. Then prepare your survival kit.