As with the repair kit, this isn't something you're going to
need very often - hopefully never. Survival kit sounds a bit
dramatic - it isn't very likely that you're not going to survive
even if you don't carry a kit like this. Unless you stray quite
far from the point that you get lost, you aren't going to be
wandering the bush for months waiting for a rescue. If it makes
you feel better, call this a "comfort" kit.
The contents will make
spending an unforeseen night in the bush a whole lot more
comfortable that if you don't have it. Why would you ever need
this? I don't need to tell you the number of times that people
wander off to get firewood and lose their way, or go for a day
hike and lose track of time, ending up stuck in the bush
overnight. Having a kit like this is particularly important if
you are paddling solo. If you're in a group situation and you
get lost gathering firewood, you can always sit down, start to
yell and resign yourself to the ribbing that you'll receive when
the rest of your party finds you. This isn't an option when
you're alone. You are entirely reliant upon your own skills and
resources. If you get lost, nobody is going to come looking for
you until you are late getting home (you did leave a trip
plan with someone, didn't you?)
The size and weight of
this little kit doesn't make it onerous to strap on and carry
while you're day-hiking. I carry all of the gear below packed
into a small fanny-sack.
|
| Item |
Use
For |
| Knife |
It
doesn't have to be a top-of-the-line knife, but it shouldn't be
a piece of junk either. Remember, your survival may depend on
this item. Don't compromise your safety by packing a cheap
pocket knife. At minimum, get a reasonably good lock-blade knife
with a 3" blade. |
| Insect
Repellent |
You
may be like me, and not particularly like the idea of slathering
yourself with a 95% DEET solution, but if you're lost and
besieged by mosquitoes, you'll probably lose those concerns
quickly. Pack a bottle of Muskol, Deep Woods Off, or whatever
you can find in the most potent concentration available. |
| Whistle |
A
plastic survival whistle costs a couple of bucks, and weighs
almost nothing. Why is it necessary? If you sit there yelling
for help, you're going to get laryngitis within an hour. A
whistle saves your voice, and the sound carries much further,
besides |
| Compass |
Another
item which is worth spending a few dollars on. Don't put a
dime-store compass in your survival kit. Spend $20 and get an
inexpensive orienteering (protractor) type compass. After being
lost or disoriented for a few hours, it's amazing how you need a
compass to regain your bearings. |
| Matches |
Of
course! This could be the most important item in your kit. Pack
good wooden matches tightly sealed in a waterproof container. |
| Candles |
A
couple of fat candles will provide a long-lasting source of
light, and can serve as an emergency fire-starter as well. The
candles designed to fit in candle lanterns are best - they last
for six to eight hours. |
| Metal
Cup |
You're
going to have a tough time heating up or boiling water unless
you have something to put that water in to heat it. An
inexpensive metal camp mug will do the trick nicely |
| First
Aid Items |
Just
the very basics, a few Band-Aids, some gauze and a bit of white
adhesive tape. Enough to patch yourself up if you cut yourself
while whittling. |
| Plastic
Poncho |
They
sell these for about a dollar at the hardware store, and they
could make the difference between being fairly dry and sopping
wet. They fold up to something about the size of a small wallet,
and if you buy the fluorescent orange colour, they double as a
good signaling device |
| Reflective
Blanket |
These
little reflective sheets take up no room, and can help to
conserve body heat on a chilly night |
| Signal
Mirror |
Made
of plastic, these mirrors can send out a flash visible for
miles. |
| Hot
Drinks |
Little
pouches of instant coffee, tea bags, bouillon cubes, Cup A Soup,
hot chocolate... whatever. Sitting down and having a hot drink
on a chilly night can provide a great psychological boost. |
| Plastic
Drop Sheet |
It
doesn't make the most luxurious shelter, but it can be a whole
lot better than sitting out in a driving rain. |
| Snare
Wire |
Good
for lashing together lean-to's, fixing broken boots (and maybe
even using as a snare) |
| Candies |
Like
the hot drinks, mainly to provide a psychological boost. None of
us are going to die of starvation by spending a night or two in
the bush, but it's nice to have a little treat once in a while
to keep up our spirits. |
| Water
Purification Tablets |
If
you're lost, you've got enough problems...you don't need a case
of Montezuma's revenge as well. Take the time to purify water
before drinking it. |
| Condoms |
Don't
laugh - if you want to carry a water container that takes up
next to no room, a condom is just the ticket. They are tough,
stretchable, and they can hold a fair amount of water if you
have to trek through dry or swampy areas with no suitable
drinking water. |
| Parachute
Cord or Twine |
For
a multitude of purposes including rigging shelter and repairing
gear. |
| Fish
Hooks and Line |
I
don't know why I bother ... I couldn't catch a fish with a $300
rod and reel. Anyway, I think it gives me a measure of comfort
having these in my kit - maybe, just maybe I could catch that
nice fat trout... |
