Survival 101 List
So your ready for the great outdoors, are you sure?
This page will help you get ready to get out,and back safely.If its your first time or your 20th season we all forget the basics from time to time. Here you will find what to put in your survival kit. Plus some very helpfull links to sites that will help you get out faster,and safer. Now we are not giving away all are secrets, just enough to make you feel more comfortable in the outdoors.
There are hundreds of items you can bringwith you when you go to the great outdoors, but this is the must- have list.Trust me, it is not always the most expensive gadget that will get you out alive...it may be the least expensive item that is the most useful! Items that have multiple uses are not only invaluable, but they can save space and lighten your pack. So, ditch the Eddie Bauer cappuccino maker for a small pack of instant coffee and a fishing kit.
The basic survival kit can fit into a plastic container or an old tennis ball tube. You can get cared away with what you put into one, so this is the must have list, and it's what we carrry with us.
Never leave the container open or lying on the ground. Make a habit of always having it with you!
1. Matches- Preferably waterproof, but non-safety matches can be "damp-proofed" by dipping the heads in melted candle fat (from a tallow candle)
2.Candle- small and compact shave to fit in your kit. Tallow candles can be eaten or used for frying.
3. Flint or Magnesium Bar- processed flint with saw stricker
4. Magnifying Glass- to start a fire
5. Wistle- to signal for help
6. Needles and Thread- several needles, including at least one with a very large eye to fit sinew and coarse threads. Wrap a length of strong thread around the needles.
7. Fishhooks and line- a couple of different sizes of hooks and as much 100+ test line. Not only can you catch fish, you can use it to make snares.
8. Compass- liquid-filled compass with a luminous button is the best choice.
9. Snare wire- brass wire, 2-3 feet long. You can use wire for so many things, this should be the first thing in you pack. Make sure it's thin enough to bend but not break.
10. Flexible saw- If it has handles remove them and grease the saw before you store it.
11. Medical kit- you can buy small kits at your local gear shop, but here are a couple of things that we put in our kits. Make sure you store in an air tight container, and follow all directions on the meds.
a. Analgesic (pain-reliever)
b. Intestinal sedative (for acute/chronic diarrhea)
c. Antibiotic (carry enough for a full course)
d. Antihistamine (food reactions/stings)
e. Water sterilizing tablets
f. Potassium permanganate: Follow direction on the bottle for water sterilizing,also you can use it to clean wounds and treat fungal diseases.Plus if you add equal amount of P.P. and Glycerin you can start a fire. (use caution this is a violent chemical reaction)
12. Surgical Blades- at least 2 different sizes
13. Condoms- these things can hold up to 2 pints of water.
14. Pencil and paper- This is an invaluable item.Use to make maps, notes on foods
15. Salt- small baggie of salt can save your life.
16. Signal mirror- if your kit is not metal, you will need to pack this.
17. Space blanket- This foil blanket has about six uses, not just warmth.
18. Plastic bag/ garbage bag- make sure it's a heavy duty bag and at least 50 gal. from shelter to sleeping bag this is a must
Thats the list it might not seem like enough to keep you alive,but with the right training this is plenty of gear.If you ave any questions or want to book a survival course vist our contact page
Here at W.S.F. we want you to be safe when you go to the woods. We try to provide the best training possible, but we can't cover everything, so here's a few helpful sites to get you ready for your trip. Please leave only a footprint.
Sincerely~ Mark"Wildman"Burrow