Survival kits info.

[Sarge47]

I'm still star-struck over the fact that "Ranger Rick" actually showed up on our forum. The ironic thing about it was that he did it because some of us "dissed" his goods.:eek: We've all said nice things about Cody Lundin, John D. McCann, and Dr. Ron Hood, and they never show up. What if we dissed them....nah! Like them waaaaay too much!:D

[Beo]

After doing a ton of reading reviews on the Ranger Rick Survival Necklace, I am still not a big fan but have been convinced that it is about an 8 on a scale of 1-10 and would probably be good to have around for day hikes and the like. Also after reading the history of Rick Tscherne known as Ranger Rick I have to say he is a most impressive Ranger and survivalist. So to him I do owe an apology for the remarks, although I don't like how he came on here and said some of the things he said to some of the people. I did the same oh well, I also like how he stood up for his product as some merchants wouldn't.
"but I'm not one of those who hang out in forums 24-7-12. Unlike some of you here, I got a life and better things to do with my time than to hid behind a screen throwing rocks at others. And think you kicked someone's butt just because they posted a few comments on a forum and didn't return. So wrong and so immature." Well Ranger all I can say to this is I have life, I served my country, and now serve the State of Ohio as Deputy Sheriff, being on here is just another form of conversation and your own site proves you are on the internet a lot thus your life is boring like those you made fun of, I know I know when they award you the Ranger Tab they didn't give ya an issued set of ethics or morals for being a merchant and a personality either, your reply rants were as immature as mine were and are. Could be the Ranger drive instilled in you by the RIs.
Just some thoughts of mine.
Beo,

[beerrunner13]

Dang I missed his postas someone point me in the right direction

[Sarge47]

Dang I missed his postas someone point me in the right direction

It's a page or two back on this thread. Still would like "Cody, John, & Ron" to drop bi like there stuff better anyway.:rolleyes:

[Sarge47]

After doing a ton of reading reviews on the Ranger Rick Survival Necklace, I am still not a big fan but have been convinced that it is about an 8 on a scale of 1-10 and would probably be good to have around for day hikes and the like. Also after reading the history of Rick Tscherne known as Ranger Rick I have to say he is a most impressive Ranger and survivalist. So to him I do owe an apology for the remarks, although I don't like how he came on here and said some of the things he said to some of the people. I did the same oh well, I also like how he stood up for his product as some merchants wouldn't.
"but I'm not one of those who hang out in forums 24-7-12. Unlike some of you here, I got a life and better things to do with my time than to hid behind a screen throwing rocks at others. And think you kicked someone's butt just because they posted a few comments on a forum and didn't return. So wrong and so immature." Well Ranger all I can say to this is I have life, I served my country, and now serve the State of Ohio as Deputy Sheriff, being on here is just another form of conversation and your own site proves you are on the internet a lot thus your life is boring like those you made fun of, I know I know when they award you the Ranger Tab they didn't give ya an issued set of ethics or morals for being a merchant and a personality either, your reply rants were as immature as mine were and are. Could be the Ranger drive instilled in you by the RIs.
Just some thoughts of mine.
Beo,

When I was a supervisor of sales back in my insurance selling days I learned that a person will project their bad doings on others to deflect attention from themselves. "RR" IS guilty of the same thing he's accusing others of. The income from his "Survival" gear and books obviously allow him to live in Italy where he can ski to his heart's content. Still, one has to respect what he's done with his life in the military. Like I said earlier; at the end of the day the odds are he'd get you back alive!:cool: Hope I didn't tick off his "fan club".:rolleyes:

[nell67]

When I was a supervisor of sales back in my insurance selling days I learned that a person will project their bad doings on others to deflect attention from themselves. "RR" IS guilty of the same thing he's accusing others of. The income from his "Survival" gear and books obviously allow him to live in Italy where he can ski to his heart's content. Still, one has to respect what he's done with his life in the military. Like I said earlier; at the end of the day the odds are he'd get you back alive!:cool: Hope I didn't tick off his "fan club".:rolleyes:

"Fan club" according to RR we have some weasels in the wolf pack, eh?? After all he says he recieved several emails from people here about what was said about his gear! Hope it wasnt our members,but he must be worried about his gear since he posted that he has a thread on his sight for members to post ..unkind remarks made about his gear from other sites.Sounds to me like he was looking for a fight or at least an argument anyway.jmho.

[Rick]

He came off as quite the braggart to me. Not a team player at all. That was what shocked me the most. As I said in my earlier rant, I think it would have been just fine to come on here and tell us how he tested the products, how long, under what conditions. Why he chose the components he did. Ask why some of us felt the way we did about the products, etc. I would have had a ton of respect for the man had he done that.

As for him getting emails, just his way of stirring the ....

From a retailer's perspective, some of the items on the necklace are just fine. None of them are very expensive at the wholesale level and it looks like he's limited his mark up on the individual pieces to make his money on the overall kit. No argument with that. Quality wise, there are some good items on there IMHO. The ferrocerium rod and the whistle are good items. I'm not crazy about the compass or the signal device but that's just my cut at it.

I do wear a necklace in the field. It has my dog tags, a P38 and a photon light. More metal than that and it feels cold when it gets cold.

To each his own but a pinch of professionalism, maturity, and humility would have gone a long way in my book.

Proud American was right on the mark when he said a product's quality should speak for itself. A profound statement. It should.

There is an old saying, "If you have a problem with another man, you need to look inside yourself for the answer." I have and RR is a non issue.

[Sarge47]

My thinking was that he had a perfect opportunity to imbed himself within the group, gaining our respect in the process. Then we'd obviously would have been more likely to purchase some of his stuff, especially the members who might not be as serious about their outdoors craft. He also had the perfect opportunity to encourage "Proud American" with his interest in the Rangers. I think that necklace idea might have the capacity for decapitation, and should be tested thoroughly. However his manuals look good. The "downer" is that I'm not at all impressed with the "Ranger's" attitude/personality. If his fans don't like it they can e-mail him their whiney complaints as well. :cool:

[nell67]

My thinking was that he had a perfect opportunity to imbed himself within the group, gaining our respect in the process. Then we'd obviously would have been more likely to purchase some of his stuff, especially the members who might not be as serious about their outdoors craft. He also had the perfect opportunity to encourage "Proud American" with his interest in the Rangers. I think that necklace idea might have the capacity for decapitation, and should be tested thoroughly. However his manuals look good. The "downer" is that I'm not at all impressed with the "Ranger's" attitude/personality. If his fans don't like it they can e-mail him their whiney complaints as well. :cool:

I agree with you Sarge.

[mbarnatl]

I have to agree with Sarge also. I started to write my opinion on R/Rick's kit last night but had to stop because it was not fair to the product. It did piss me off what he said. I don't care if someone from the group or an outsider sent him emails... he should have joined and sent the individuals private messages or contacted Chris about it.

[mbarnatl]

Here (http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/blog.php?b=15) is my personal opinion/review of R/Rick's kits.

[Sarge47]

Here (http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/blog.php?b=15) is my personal opinion/review of R/Rick's kits.

Very good reporting!:cool:

[Sarge47]

OK, not to "diss" R.R., but there is, what I view in my opinion, as a "down-side" to his little survival kits. 1st, however, I truly believe that any of his kits would be better in a real "Survival Situation" than no gear at all. IF, and that's a big "IF", I were to carry one I would never, ever carry it around my neck. Mbarnatl has linked a site that shows how the saw cuts through the plastic tubing. Think about it. You've used the necklace for awhile and the saw has cut through a significant portion of the tubing. as you walk through the woods you "mis-step", you're foot slipping down a 15' gourge, with you following. You probably would be OK if your necklace hadn't hung up on a tree limb right before you fell. The necklace doesn't break, instead it cuts right through your neck. i would probably carry the stuff in an Altoids tin in my BDU pocket. That is if I carried it at all. Compass experts always tell you to carry a compass with a maximum of two degrees per tick mark on the compass dial. Those "cute" little button compasses that look like they came out of a box of "Cracker-Jacks" just ain't gonna cut it. The best they can do, if they're reliable at all, is to point North. There are many ways to find North that don't even require a compass. Add to that the fact that you should always carry a Topo map of the area you're going to be traveling in and you're ahead of the game. (BTW, raise your hand if, like me, you already have Topo maps of any two counties that surround your home.) Forget that "Dog-tag" blade; too tricky to handle if your hands aren't able to grasp things normally. I suppose this is all "in the eye of the beholder". And any "Ranger Rick Groupie" will probably swear by his stuff, while others will swear AT it. The point is that, according to other experts like Dr. Ron Hood, Cody Lundin, John D. McCann, J. Wayne Fears, just to name a few, you're a lot better off making your own. I think that The Ranger's best product is probably his manuals. I haven't read any of them yet, nor have I read the "Ranger Handbook" to see if that's where the material originated. but, keeping an open mind I will check that all out at the 1st opportunity.:cool:

[Ole WV Coot]

Sure wished you had endorsed that FINE???? equipment. I spent an hour or so going thru my junk drawer in the workshop making a dozen of those kits. NOW thanks to you I probably can't sell them on E-Bay. I sure could have used that extra $20. I was counting on.

[Beo]

I have come to the conclusion that it all boils down to personal preference, while I don't like the survival necklace personally others might, I like the key chain option better. It does have some flaws but show me a survival product that cover every single situation. I pack really lite going into the woods, everything fits into my snapsack and cross slung on my back. Of course the Survival Necklace would be better than nothing if that's all one has, and that is what its for emergencies. I have done a ton of reading by people and sites that rated the necklace and all said it was worth the money and (like all survival products) can be fitted to each individual. I apolgized to RR for my remarks because I was wrong in calling him dufis, actually he has made a good living using the skill he was taught and that he taught to others. Kudos to him I never thought of it (damn) that makes him pretty smart. I would make the wire saw capable of coming out of the sheath instead of cutting through it. I would put a better knife on it other than that I would leave it alone. Now many of you will say "why is Beowulf65 backsliding on what he said" well the answer is simple.
I gave an opinion on a product I had never tested myself, now since my neighbor and good friend has one we put it to the test and it seemed to work pretty well. The wiresaw cut through a two inch branch in pretty quick time and the wiresaw did not break on us, once through the plastic it may cut your neck but who would put a bare wiresaw back around their neck anyway.
The whiste glowed in the dark and was easy to find and the sound had a good range although I found the squeal to be spine racking for me (but that's just my hearing) although I would use it to signal help if it were in sight. The signal mirror worked well once we caught the light, the knife I just don't like (but for the price of the necklace you can't beat it, great price) the spark striker lit our tinder quickly and gave a good shower of sparks. Overall the necklace is pretty good in a pinch, and real good for day hikes, I would probably carry it in a pocket but that's just me. I put a better compass together but then again this compass is better than no compass. It did find north for us.
This just my opinion on the necklace, after testing it with a friend who had it for a year and had never used it and we tested it at night. So on this product I was... damn here I gotta say it again... I was wrong, it works fairly well. Sure we could all probably find the pieces somewhere in our homes but let not forget people buy these for handy quick survival options and some people who don't have survival skills can use them with a fair amount of ease.
Beo,
P.S. The manuals all got real good ratings on the web from companie and people that have read them. I haven't but was told the info was also in the Ranger Handbook along with even more info, while I have a Ranger Handbook I don't have any of the RR manuals.
"Also after reading the history of Rick Tscherne known as Ranger Rick I have to say he is a most impressive Ranger and survivalist. So to him I do owe an apology for the remarks" I meant this, his record is very impresive, so "Lead the Way Ranger Rick" and "fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission, though you be the lone survivor."

[Rick]

Beo - It's a wise man that can look back at his tracks and realize he has taken the wrong trail.

[Stealth]

it still doesnt change RRs way of handling the situation though...

[Beo]

True, but I was just doing right by me. Made me feel better to be able say I tested the product and this is what I found out, right or wrong that I was. It was for my piece of mind.

[Proud American]

Thaks Beo,
I guess I ow him a apolagy to. By the way Beo wered you find the read on RR.

[Beo]

Just googled reviews of his necklace.

[Sarge47]

My thinking is that it's just too bad it took "negative press" to bring "RR" to our forum. I would like to think that he would have been more interested in helping people here learn about Survival. Still, we could probably e-mail him if we need to know of any good ski resorts in the Alps.:D:D

[mbarnatl]

The point is that, according to other experts like Dr. Ron Hood, Cody Lundin, John D. McCann, J. Wayne Fears, just to name a few, you're a lot better off making your own.

You are correct on this, but ... I see people hiking and geocaching all the time without any survival kits. They go out with a bottle of water, a cell phone, gps, i-pods, maybe carry a stick they picked up. I would rather see them at least carry a RR kit than no survival kit at all... agree? If they know how to use it is a different thing.

[Sarge47]

You are correct on this, but ... I see people hiking and geocaching all the time without any survival kits. They go out with a bottle of water, a cell phone, gps, i-pods, maybe carry a stick they picked up. I would rather see them at least carry a RR kit than no survival kit at all... agree? If they know how to use it is a different thing.

As I posted earlier, it's better than no Survival kit at all. Plus you make an excellent point about "knowing how to use it". If they never had any training or skill sharpening they could be in a world of hurt.:eek:

[Smok]

Well , well I,m gone a couple days and look what you guys have gone and done :eek: .I started this poast about RR becouse I liked he's gear and I thought you would too and you go and make him mad .my my ,Bad Dogs, Bad Dogs no bisket LOL LOL:D:D

[Nativedude]

". . .I would rather see them at least carry a RR kit than no survival kit at all. . .agree? If they know how to use it is a different thing."

Carrying a survival kit that you do not how to use, is just as dangerous as not having one at all! :confused: :eek:

[Sarge47]

I ressurected this old thread on "Survival Lists"; check out the cool "Survival Vehicle" on the 1st page.(scroll down) I've got a lot of "Lists" of things you can include in any SK, particularly from Paul Tarwell's 1st book: "Camping &
Wilderness Survival". However, while looking for info on "Fuzz- sticks" I came across this in my copy of the 1984 Boy Scout Field Book. It dedicated a whole chapter to Survival and this is what it suggested for a Boy Scout SK:

1.) Rescue Blanket; (I'd use the "All-Weather Sportsdman's Blanket by MPI.)
2.) 50' of nylon cord; (I'd make that 550 cord.)
3.) Hard candy, chocolate, meat bar; (I'd sub a full MRE.)
4.) Matches, Metal match, & 0000 Steel wool;(I'd add my flint & steel &/or my
Magnesium/flint block.
5.) Candle/fire starters.
6.) Plastic Whistle;(Fox 40, my choice.)
7.) Small glass signal mirror;(BSA has a "steel" mirror quite low-cost, but the
"Starflash" would be my choice.)
8.) Pen light with spare batteries.(maybe a "Beta" light?)
9.) Small, sharp pocketknife;(Swiss Army is what I'd go with.)
10.) Metal cup or plastic water bottle;(Nalgene bottle and a canteen cup.)
11.) Water purification tablets.
12.) Plastic sheet or an emergency shelter; (How about Duct Tape and some
55 gal. trash bags?)

Kinda skimpy, but would do in a pinch.:cool: Any thoughts?

[trax]

:mad:I Am From Saskatchewan And It Is Spelled-s A S K A T C H E W A N And Don't Say- Saskatchewaaan- Say It As- Saaskatchewin!:cool:

oh yeah, Saskatchewan, hard to spell....easy to draw :D

[Rick]

I just say up north. To danged hard to spell.

[Rick]

I don't want to get all hung up on semantics but aren't we talking about a Bug Out Bag rather than a survival kit? I mean, my survival kit is itty bitty but my BOB is wedged into the back of the semi.

The only reason I mention it is because some of the less experienced folks on here might not understand the difference. If I'm pickin' fly poo out of the pepper, I'll go back to sleep.

And here's another question. It's all fine and dandy to have a BOB on the stand by but what is your better half and kiddies gonna do? I don't see anything relative to them on the post. And how about Bowser, Kitty, and Silver? What have you got in store for them? Answer me that one....

[Borelli]

the basics always start with a knife, a whistle, and ussually a flint or matches

[carpet_ninja]

Does anyone know any cheap yet good quality survival supliers IN THE UK?

[Rick]

I can't help you with items in the U.K but I will say don't be in a rush to run out and purchase survival gear based on what's hot at the moment. Take some time to research what you need and you'll find a lot of items can be made from things you might already have at home (firestarter for example) or inexpensive items that perform as well or outperform expensive ones (freezer bags vs. water bladders for water storage). No need to waste money.

[carpet_ninja]

OK, thanks for the advice i might buy a fire steel from amazon

[trax]

Start giving us some clues about what activities you want to pursue, outdoor living and survival living cover a whole lot of territory. Tell us about what you want to try and we can probably help you save some money and time.

[carpet_ninja]

well, id like a decent survival knife (like the one advertised on this page, since i live in england im not shure i an get it), the other thing is if my parents would let me have one.

i would be mainly be down the brook in my house, and if i organised something i would go into a forest (one in the north west of england)

ill have to identify threes in the area

[Rick]

Then you might start by discussing your interest with your parents. See what limits they set then operate within that framework. It won't do any good for us to recommend a knife if they are against you having one. However, you can still do all of the things I suggested on the welcome thread.

[Sarge47]

So far both Trax & Rick have given you great advice. So here's "Survival 101"; if it's not too late don't buy the fire steel just yet. Fire can be just as dangerous in the hands of an untrained person as a knife. You already have your 1st piece of Survival equipment; it's your mind. You seem to be a cautious, alert person who's willing to learn. In that case I say to you to do just that...learn. Want a free book on Survival? Then go to the homepage of this site and start studying and/or downloading the pages of the US Army survival Manual. It's FREE! You can also download other manuals as well, maybe whoever posted that address for those things will come back on and re-post it . If you were under my instruction and asked me what to buy 1st I would tell you the same thing I'd tell my own son...or grandson. Buy yourself a brand new spiral bound 5 subject notebook and a dozen pencils; pens if you don't make mistakes in your writing. Then start visiting all the forums on this site and write down every list, item, description...every bit of usable info you can find. You 1st need to learn this Ancroynom: "S.T.O.P.! People oft-times are in way too much of a hurry and that always seems to create even more problems. "S" stands for SIT, the "T" for THINK, "O" for OBSERVE, and "P" for PLAN! That's what you need to do right now. Don't waste money on equipment you don't even know how to use. I would never let any of my off-spring have a knife like the one on the home-page of this site. I wouldn't own one either. Want to know why? Look up the forums on knives and you'll find out. If you're as serious about learning as you said then this is your 1st lesson; are you ready?:cool:

[Sarge47]

OK, just grabbed a copy of the Dec. issue of Field & Stream and checked out Kevin McCafferty's review of Ranger Rick's Survival Necklace. There are only 2 pages of material and it deals with various other survival kits as well as "RR"'s. His is shown in the bottom right hand corner at the bottom of the 2nd page. It looks like "Kev." simply repeated the same thing about it other reviewers have. Interstingly enough the price has jumped a couple of bucks...guess the cost of Lift tickets have gone up as well.:D:D:D

[Rick]

Here is the web site with the free military manuals:

http://www.stevespages.com/page7c.htm

You might even talk to your parents about taking a first aid course. There are courses designed for people of all ages and that's a skill you can take with you anywhere.

ATTENTION: THIS LINK IS NO LONGER VALID. THE WEBMASTER HAS TAKEN THE SITE DOWN BECAUSE OF ABUSE.

[beerrunner13]

Here is the web site with the free military manuals:

http://www.stevespages.com/page7c.htm

You might even talk to your parents about taking a first aid course. There are courses designed for people of all ages and that's a skill you can take with you anywhere.

Great link Rick thank you, I know some of mt training and manuals are out of date and I am teaching my new bride some of these will be very hlepfull

[carpet_ninja]

trax: i will definately take down every thing as you said, thanks for the great advice, and if anyone knows a good practical (where i make some thing or build some thing) week end project i could do, it would be great.

about the knife: i havent asked my parents about anything about this other than theyll let me buy a firesteel, i think my parents trust me with that kind of thing and i have made a few fires in the past

oh and by the way im 13, i wont say anything else about my personal details or my mum will kill me

edit: oh, i have read quite a bit of the guide on this website

[Rick]

She has good reason to be concerned about internet safety and I applaud her for not only caring but for forcing the caution. Survival means more than just wilderness. The fact that you are UK based and your age will give us some ability to better help you.

1. Take a clear plastic bag and place over a tree limb. Close the bag with twine and leave all day. Take a look at how much water is in the bag at the end of the day. This is called a transpiration still.

http://www.mydirttime.com/images/050717/050717-6b.jpg

2. Make a fire bow kit

http://www.primitivefire.com/images/bow_drill_fire.jpg

3. Make a shadow box for finding direction. You can also use it to learn animal tracks if you put a treat in it and leave it overnight. Something will show up to eat the treat and leave their footprints behind.

http://www.mydirttime.com/photo.php?photoID=39&adventureID=9

[Sarge47]

looks like I was pretty accurate about your age. No problem, and yes, as Rick says, listen to your mom (or is it "Mum"?). My son is 26 right now but we always raised him to be aware of potential threats from predators. Rick has given you ideas for several projects, however what's the weather like over there in the U.K.? Right now, here in the Mid-West of the U.S. we have snow on the ground, cold air way below freezing temps, and a winter storm moving in. Learn to read the weather signs and chart your weather as well. When it gets too nasty out to practice these things that's your study time, as long as it doesn't get in the way of your school work. Get that notebook and use it just for this. Later you'll have to get another one. Start organizing yourself and writing down what you see & learn here. "Chance favors the prepared mind", and as the Boy Scouts say: "Be Prepared". Rick has given you some very good, yet safe ideas. WARNING! Never practice anything here, though, without 1st talking about it with your folks. Always walk on the side of safety 1st! Survival is all about staying safe! More later.:cool:

[carpet_ninja]

thanks for all the advice and it was probably more me being internet safe (im still annoyed cause my computer died, i think from a bad dl)

anyways, ill do that stuff you said, she saw me reading ricks post and saw the fire bow
ill probly get my dad to help me with hard things (but ill do most of the work)

anyway back on topic, does anyone know any good suplies in the uk

[Ole WV Coot]

What "supplies" you need right now you can make. Read and remember, when you need it you sure don't want your mind to go blank. I know a little about your gun laws, don't know about knives. IMHO I would read and REMEMBER everything you can about survival and you don't need to buy self defense. I started my self defense at age 6 when I started school. It got kinda tough without any backup(only child) but I learned the hard way.

[carpet_ninja]

what do you mean by self defense i don't mean a knife for self defence, i want one to make stuff

[Gray Wolf]

1. Take a clear plastic bag and place over a tree limb. Close the bag with twine and leave all day. Take a look at how much water is in the bag at the end of the day. This is called a transpiration still.

Rick, I tried out a black plastic bag and actually got more water than a clear or white one. Must be that black/heat thing.

Oh yea, luv that shirt!

[Rick]

I thought of that as well but thought the clear bag would allow him to see what was happening inside. Show and tell time.

[Gray Wolf]

Your right, that does help those who never have done it. But when you get the chance try the black bag and post if you got more water too.

[Rick]

That's gonna be a while. The only foliage we have right now is under the snow.:D

I met a guy on business in Chicago once, he was from California and it was this time of year. "What happened to all the trees?" he asked. "They're all dead."

"It's winter." I told him. "The leaves fall off in the...fall."

"Trees keep their leaves all winter in California," he told me.

"Don't get out of California much do you?" I asked.

"Oh, yea. We go to Baja all the time."

I got to really like that guy. :D

[Smok]

lol Not all of us live in southen Cal. :D Rick I get a lot of snow up here to :rolleyes:

[Ole WV Coot]

You got what I was sayin' wrong. You ain't got an animal in England that's half as dangerous as other people. I said READ & REMEMBER all you can and there ain't nothing like learning PERSONAL self defense to give you more confidence plus more endurance and the right attitude. There ain't no such thing as a knife fight anyway, would take two fools to try it. It's all one-sided and quick. Kinda like two skunks in a pi$$ing contest, there ain't no winner.

[Sarge47]

Field & Stream also had a section on different type of fires, including the "2 hole" fire. It also showed the "fuzz-stick...think we're being monitored?:rolleyes:

[carpet_ninja]

oh, know i understand your talking about
ive done karate for 4 years yet dont realy have the strenth to use it(allthought i probly could if i surprised them)
also, thanks for the advice and i will keep that in mind.
yeh ur right man can be very dagerous(especialy drunken chavs)

[mbarnatl]

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a255/linkin_park_luv/Animations/EYES.gif


You think?:D

[trax]

A weekend of camping in that forest you were talking about...with good food and water supplies..is a good start esp if you're an urbanite, when you're read. Military surplus stores must exist in England right? (otherwise where do all those drunken ex-SAS members go to pawn their equipment? LOL) That'll probably be your best bet for prices when you're ready to buy (that last part was kind of important). Now my big disclaimer....check all advice and anything you're going to attempt with parents first!! Also, if you're new to all this, find someone like minded to take along...(chaaa, how obvioius was that)

I recommend someone of the opposite gender, your parents might disagree...yeah, I'm pretty sure they will, strike that last one.

[toasta]

I recommend someone of the opposite gender, your parents might disagree...yeah, I'm pretty sure they will, strike that last one.

I agree with Trax on this one... if it was me and wasn't my girlfriend(I'd be dead) so take advantage of it while you still can!

[toasta]

i've trying to make a good survival kit here is the list of items that i can think of off the top of my head

1 buck fixed partially serrated knife
1 normal bladed knife
6 glow sticks
1 medical kit bandages,ontiment etc
1 hatchet
1 saw
1 survival thermal blanket
1 muti-tool
50 feet of nolyon cordage
1 whistle
2 signaling mirror
2 compasses

that is all i can think of

honestly me personaly


1 buck fixed partially serrated knife (like it)

1 normal bladed knife (OK)

6 glow sticks (Useful)

1 medical kit bandages,ontiment etc (understamdable)

1 hatchet (good to have)

1 saw (I prefer foldable saws[usually lighter and more compact])

1 survival thermal blanket (good idea)

1 muti-tool

75-100 feet of nolyon cordage

1 whistle

1 signaling mirror

1 compass

I would add a small flask of high potency alcohol (not for drinking, for fires)
150-190 proof 75% alcohol- 95% alcohol
just cause im not good at starting fires

[Rick]

Toasta - If you're going to be using alcohol to start fires, you're going to be toasta. Quicka.

Depending on the type of alcohol you are using, you may not see the flame and be tempted to add "just a bit more". While you're rolling and thrashing across the ground, your friends may think you've just started a new dance craze 'cause they won't be able to see the flames on you, either. Like gasoline, alcohol vapors are heavier than air and can travel across surface areas, like where you're sitting, as you try to get your match or whatever ready to light the fight. It's also very explosive if the mixture of alcohol and air are ripe and it doesn't take much.

It can certainly be used in a controlled environment like a cook stove but I'll bet more than one on this forum have seen a "blue" night when someone's stove went whump in the dark.

There are many other, much safer, ways of starting a fire. Make up a batch of cotton balls and vasoline, learn to use a steel match, or even carry matches with you. It's okay not to be good at starting fires. Just practice it until you are. Getting burned while you are camping or out in the bush can be a horrible and very painful experience, if you live through it.

As for your other items, everyone has their own list of items based on where they are, what they are doing and the season. If that's what is good for you then okey dokey. There are any number of web sites and/or books that can offer some good advice on what should be in a survival kit including some good posts on this forum.

Just my 4 cents worth (Used to be 2 cents but you know how inflation is).

[trax]

I'm with Rick on that one toasta, better and safer ways to start fires and practice at home before you go if at all possible. You'll be surprised how quickly you get good at it, ask double e, he'll tell ya. Check out the word on 550 paracord around here, other than that looks like a darn fine list.

[Sarge47]

Lose the alcohol, the rest looks good. Make fire starters. Dryer lint is great! Wal-Mart sells the Magnesium Block with flint rod. The U.S. Air Force puts those in their pilots Survival Kits. They work really well if you use them right.:cool: Didn't see any "fire making" stuff listed.

[carcajou garou]

One thing to look out for is the ferro rod along side the magnesium block can be unglued(?) I have recently come accross a few that are missing, change of manufacturer? or glue? Just something to look out for.

[FVR]

Yeh, loose the alcohol, what the Heck am I saying? I'll just bring the Wild Turkey, you want to drink that potent stuff, go ahead.

Who needs a fire when you have Turkey?

[Stealth]

Didn't see any "fire making" stuff listed.

i was going to say the same thing... its hard to start a fire when you dont even have anything to make a spark

[Gray Wolf]

My Survival Kits #1 & #2
#1Kit (Always in my Van)
My EDC knife - Kershaw Junk Yard Dog 2 (3.75") Folder
Hunting knife - Hibben 5" w/Guthook & Horizontal carry Sheath
Leatherman Wave Multi-tool
Sharpener
Gerber NATO Tri-Folding Spade w/Sheath
Howler pea-less Whistle
Signal mirror
Compass and Topographical Map of area
Light My Fire Army Fire Steel Version
NATO 25 Wind/Waterproof Matches in Waterproof case
Mini Bic Lighter
Tinder Quick Fire Tabs
Wet Fire Tinder Cubes Burns @ 1300 degrees
Film container of Char Cloth
US Mil Spec 550 Parachute Cord - 100'
1 Nuwick 120 Hour Candle - For light or cooking
Ritter Photon Micro Light - 5mm LED with SOS Mode and cap clip
1 AMK Emergency Heatsheet-Survival Blanket - 1 person
1 AMK Emergency Heatsheet Survival Blanket - 2 Person
1AMK Heatsheet - Bivy
1 Nalgene Lexan W/M Bottle (Qt)
1 Olicamp SS Cup w/folding handles (pt) - fits on bottom of Nalgene Bottle
1 Olicamp Stainless Steel Plate 7 3/8"
30' snare wire
Tiny Fishing kit
3 Black Trash bags
Small pack of locking ties
Esbit Pocket Stove (4"x3"x3/4")
Esbit Solid Fuel Tablets
1 - 15 gr. CELOX Hemostatic Agent
1 Emergency Bandage - Military 6" Version (1 handed)
Snake Bite Kit
Tube of Antibiotic
Pack of Benedril
pack of 2 Aspirins
4 - 4"x4" packs of gauze pads
1" Med tape roll
Small roll of Gorilla tape
Mainstay 3600 Ration Bars (9 for 3 days) 5 yr shelf life, (when I can't catch anything substantial)
Waterproof Pancho
Waterproof Emergency Back/Shoulder Pack Fits all above (+) Everything that goes
into pack, weighs less than 4lbs Including the water and a few extra clothes.

Remember I Trek for 2 to 3 or more weeks at a time ALONE, where anything can
happen, ie, dramatic weather changes, accidents of any kind etc.

If I'm only doing 3-4 days, and not going in that far, I only take:
#2 Kit
My EDC knife - Kershaw Junk Yard Dog 2 (3.75") Folder
Hunting knife - Hibben 5" w/Guthook & Horizontal carry Sheath
Sharpener
Howler pea-less Whistle
Signal mirror
Compass and Topographical Map of area
Light My Fire - Army Version
NATO 25 Wind/Waterproof Matches in Waterproof case
Wet Fire Tinder Cubes Burns @ 1300 degrees
US Mil Spec 550 Parachute Cord - 100'
Ritter Photon Micro Light - 5mm LED with SOS Mode and cap clip
1 AMK Emergency Heatsheet Survival Blanket - 2 Person
1 plastick canteen (2pt) w/no water
1 Olicamp SS Cup w/folding handles (pt) - for boiling water
Tiny Fishing kit
1Black Trash bag
Waterproof Pancho
1 - 15 gr. Packet of CELOX Hemostatic Agent
1 Emergency Bandage - Military 6" Version (1 handed)
Tube of Antibiotic
Pack of Benedril

This all fits in a small fanny Pack or a small canvass "24" type bag (weight appx 1/2 lb).

[trax]

Hard to make a fire after you've knocked back a jar or two of Wild Turkey too, I think me and FVR should take a couple of the newbs out hiking so we can give them instructions on how to make fire right while we tend to the WT.

[Gray Wolf]

I prefer "Ole #8"....

As my dear old grandmother use to say, "I'd rather have a bottle in front of me, than a frontal lobotomy."

[Aurelius95]

Here is the web site with the free military manuals:

http://www.stevespages.com/page7c.htm

Just checked out this site. I have to admit it's a bit overwhelming. As far as survival manuals go, would you be able to suggest a few to start with?

Thanks!
A95

[Rick]

Sure. They are listed numerically. So...

FM 4-25.11 is First Aid. It has a lot of good information from the ABCs, to CPR to bleeding and so on. HOWEVER, nothing beats attending a good first aid course sponsored by the Red Cross, American Heart Association or other well known agency and they are generally pretty inexpensive. You can check with your local hospital. They will often offer Red Cross or AHA sponsored combination classes that include first aid, CPR, and AED training in one class and the cost is much less than taking them separately.

FM 21-76 is the Survival Manual. A lot of the information posted on this forum is from that manual. It's a good overall survival manual that will give you some good ideas all across the board from shelter to fire to water, etc.

One that is not listed there but I do like is FM 21-26 Map Reading and Land Navigation. I have it posted on my site. If you click on this link it should open it for you:

http://safezonellc.com/documents/USArmy%20Map%20Reading%20and%20Land%20Navigation.p df

then just save it to your hard drive.

That should keep you busy for quite a while.:D

[Sarge47]

Earlier on, somewhere on this site I talk about the "10 essentials" kits carried by Backpackers. Here is a couple that Campmor carries. Any ideas on improving on these to make your own? Include the "Carry" bag.:cool:

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=40000000226&storeId=226&categoryId=82378&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=249

[Rick]

To tell you the truth, the 10 essentials list is a bit confusing to me. It seems like every list I see claiming to be the 10 essentials contains different items from the next list. Does anyone know who invented the 10 essentials list?

[Proud American]

Rick Your answer accordin to Wkipedia

The Ten Essentials were first described in the 1930s by The Mountaineers, a hiking and mountain climbing club.

The Web link about it!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Essentials

I was curious too as its in my Scout Book.

[Sarge47]

To tell you the truth, the 10 essentials list is a bit confusing to me. It seems like every list I see claiming to be the 10 essentials contains different items from the next list. Does anyone know who invented the 10 essentials list?

REI, a sponsor of this site, gives this input in their "Expert Advice" section:

http://www.rei.com/LearnShareDetailArticlesList?storeId=8000&categoryId=Camping&url=rei/learn/camp/clessentialsf.jsp

Wikpedia has been known to have the wrong info at times, so I go right to the source. Basically, the "10 Essentials" kit was just a fore-runner to a survival kit for a backpacker to carry on their belt so in case they lost their pack they would have "back-up" gear.:cool:

[Rick]

Well, how 'bout that. Thanks Proud American. I back tracked the wiki article to the group called The Mountaineers. A group started in 1906 and still active! Here is a link to their web site with their ten essentials listed:

http://www.mountaineers.org/scriptcontent/default.cfm?insert=essentials

Sarge - Thanks. It's the same list as REI has.

[Sarge47]

Well, how 'bout that. Thanks Proud American. I back tracked the wiki article to the group called The Mountaineers. A group started in 1906 and still active! Here is a link to their web site with their ten essentials listed:

http://www.mountaineers.org/scriptcontent/default.cfm?insert=essentials

Sarge - Thanks. It's the same list as REI has.

The Mountaineers have some very good books on all aspects of Outdoor activities. There books on 1st aid, for example, is tops! As I've mentioned elsewhere, my kid Brother likes to climb mountains so I keep in touch with all the mountain-climbing stuff. POINT: Survival gear has been with us for some time, although not always called by that name. On a "day-hike you might carry either a "10-E" kit or a "Survival" kit, but a Rose by any other name...:cool:

[corndog-44]

What do you think every wilderness first aid kit should include?

[Rick]

A nurse but that's just my opinion.:rolleyes:

Okay, jeepers.

assorted band aids
steri strips (they tell me these things are illegal in some locations)
gauze pad
anti diarrhea pills
benedryl tablets (allergy)
ibuprofen (or your choice, aspirin, etc.)
Neosporin (antibiotic)
curved suture needle
tweezers
a couple of cough drops

Everything else I can improvise from my pack.

[Tony uk]

A Nurse, :D I would take a doctor

Anyway.......

Assorted Woven Bandages
Plasters, Range Of Sizes
Antibiotics
Pressure Bandage (For Spraines and so on)
Triangular Bandage
Anti-Septic Cream
Anti-Septic Solutions (Eye wash etc...)
Tweesers
Painkillers
Saftey Pins, Assorted Needles, Intra-venous drip needle
Medical Handbook
Superglue
Forsepts
Scalpel+Spare Blades
Blood Clotting Solution (Thickens blood if poured in would and stops it gushing out)
Iodine (Has other uses but i keep some in my medical kit also)
Flu and other little things like vitamins.....
Alcohol
& a strange one but if im going with a friend i take along a bottle of really strong alcohol like vodka, whisky...... , Numbs the pain alot if you get drunk (Yes there are risks to that but there are times when it comes in handy also)

[MedicineWolf]

Beo, ya should know beter than to talk of a fellow Ranger like that no matter what ya think. Yes he could let his product speak for itself but he was a Ranger, respect is warrented. Shame on ya Beo, ya get a gully whomp when we hook up :D And RR knows nothing of Beo, my monies on him (my bro Beo) if'n they ever were to meet and RR stepped up to him, but then again I'd stop what might happen, hand them both a beer and we'd talk of the Ranger days and part as Rangers should, with respect and friendship between all.
Sorry for post'n to an old thread.

[Rick]

Dang, Tony. 1. I ain't going hiking with you. 2. I ain't drinkin' with you. Not with that mess of stuff. Lord only knows where pieces parts would be replanted when I sobered up. Toes where my ears were. Nose under my arm. That ain't right.

[Tony uk]

LOL, Thats not what i take with me thats just some stuff you could consider to include, It depends on where im going what i take and if im going with other people, a basic shop bought medi-kit id fine also

[Rick]

Oh, I wasn't worried about what you carried in your kit. I was worried when you said,


Numbs the pain alot if you get drunk

That's that part that scared me.:eek:

[Tony uk]

Well it does, if you have ever seen someone reall drunk then you know they become disorintated, thats what makes the sensation of pain dull

[Rick]

Sure. And while I'm all disoriented which one of those tools in that first aid kit gets used first? No, I pass that you.:o

[Tony uk]

Sure. And while I'm all disoriented which one of those tools in that first aid kit gets used first? No, I pass that you.:o

Hmmmmm the Scalpel ?

[MedicineWolf]

The kit the Forestry Service issues us goes something like this (made for up to 4 people)
8 ER Food Bars
12 Water Boxes w/ Straws
4 Thermal Blankets
4 Ponchos with hoods
4 Tissue Packs
2 Pair Work Gloves
1 Tube Tent
50 Water Purification Tablets
4 Dusk Masks
2 Pair Vinyn Gloves
1 AM/FM Solar Radio & Flashlight with Generator
1 EMR First Aid Kit
4 12 Hour Lighsticks
1 Can Opener
1 Nylon Cord 50 feet
4 Out-of-state Contact Cards
1 Multi-function Swiss Army Knife (crap but better than nutt'n)
1 Box Waterproof Matches
5 Emergency Candles
12 Sanitation/Toilet Bags
1 Pakage Toilet Chemicals
1 Roll Duct Tape
2 Safety Whistles
1 Can of Bear Mace (yes the stuff works for a minute or two, most bears will run off)
The first aid kit has:
REFERENCES: (1) 72 pg. AMA first aid guide, (1) emergency phone number reference (in case of cell phone)
INSTRUMENTS: (1) scissors, (1) tweezers, (4)vinyl gloves (1) scalpel
INJURY TREATMENT: (1) instant cold compress, (1) triangular bandage, (1)1/2" x 10 yds. roll adhesive tape, (1) 12" x 5" splint wire frame
BANDAGES: (30) adhesive fabric, (1) 2" x 4.5 yd. conforming gauze roll, (3) knuckle fabric, (3) fingertip fabric, (3) 2" x 4" elbow & knee bandage
DRESSINGS: (3) 2" x 3" non-stick pads, (4)2" x 2" gauze pads, (4) 3" x 3" gauze pads, (4) 4" x 4" gauze pads, (2) sterile eye pads
MEDICINE: (20) Ibuprofen tablets (you don't want too much here so you don't dull the senses, gotta stay awake and alert)
ANTISEPTICS: (15) alcohol cleansing pads, (9) antiseptic wipes, (6) iodine infection control wipe, (3) insect sting relief pads, (4) triple antibiotic ointment packs
PACKAGED: 1 Durable Red Nylon Backpack

[Rick]

Do you get a real live donkey to carry it or do the 4 of you just drag it along?:D

[MedicineWolf]

we work in two man teams, sometimes alone for days on end. It comes in backpack but the donkey would be nice :D Its for the "Nature Lovers" who hike around and know nothing of the outdoors and then get lost or injured, but its nice to have.

[Rick]

That's a lot of stuff but I'll bet it's pretty compact. There isn't a lot of big stuff in there. That crank radio is probably the biggest. Still, I'll bet you had that trimmed down a bit.

[MedicineWolf]

That's what they issue you, some stuff you toss out, radio included. Up in the deep mountains you pretty much wing it for radio traffic. I threw in a 5" x 5" mirror and 21 square inch blaze orange reflection panel, and go nowhere without my knife, hatchet, and axe (kept in truck unless staying overnight in the woods) and flint and striker.

[MedicineWolf]

Hey put that on necklace :D jk I know bad joke.

[Sarge47]

FVR probably carries his "Wilderness 1st aid" kit in a bottle...of Wild Turkey! :D I think that everybody will be a bit different; a Dr., for example might carry syringes and different injectable medicines. I have a nice-sized Atwater-Carey 1st aid kit, a few small store-bought ones, a nice, larger, store-bought one, and a big home-made job for those Auto-camping trips. Everything is relative, (Groucho vioice) "and if you got a relative who's a Doctor along with you that's even better!":rolleyes:

[nell67]

Sure. And while I'm all disoriented which one of those tools in that first aid kit gets used first? No, I pass that you.:o
Rick,for you ,he'll use the forceps:eek:

[Rick]

See? There are other people in this world that think like me. Scary!

[Outdoorbuff]

Do you get a real live donkey to carry it or do the 4 of you just drag it along?
-------------------------------------------------

You don't use a donkey. Get yourself a pack dog.
and no nurse get a female doctor.

[Gray Wolf]

In addition to what's already listed, I add:
1 - 15 gr. CELOX Hemostatic Agent
1 Emergency Bandage - Military 6" Version (can be used 1 handed)
after Celox and a gauze pad is applied.
Or as a tourniquet (be careful)
Snake Bite Kit
Iodine Sticks
pack of 2 Aspirins (asprin, because it can be used as a blood thinner for CA)

[Rick]

Has anyone ever used a snake bite kit? I've researched these things quite a bit and the best I can find is a lot of conflicting information about how beneficial they are. I would really like to hear from anyone that had to use one and/or any herpetologists that might be on here.

About the only consensus I can find is a snake bite should never be cut to try and remove the venom. That only adds a bleeding wound to a snake bite.

Here are my thoughts as naive and uneducated as they might be.

1. To me, trying to pull the venom out using a negative pressure device is like trying to pull out the medicine from a shot you just received. That doesn't seem to make sense although I'll be the first to admit I may be completely wrong.

2. Most North American snakes are not poisonous so you might do more harm than good.

3. If you know the snake is poisonous then you're going to have to seek medical assistance so why waste time fooling around with trying to suck out the venom when you could be moving toward a hospital by whatever means.

[Gray Wolf]

My snake bite kit is over 25 years old, and is the best made one I've ever seen. It's a thumb size very thick piece of rubber that opens in half. There is a small surgical scalpel inside, which you should never use! You should only use one of the rubber half's to make a strong suction. this one is lite and strong enough that it will stay in place, even when walking. You can also use your belt or paracord to make a type of bandage (a few inches above the bite). It should not cut off blood flow from a vein or artery. Make the bandage tight yet loose enough that your finger can get under it. This will only (hopefully) slow down the toxin until you get help.

According to the American Red Cross, these steps should be taken:

* Wash the bite with soap and water.
* Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart.
* Get medical help.

"The main thing is to get to a hospital and don't delay," says Hardy. "Most bites don't occur in real isolated situations, so it is feasible to get prompt [medical care]." He describes cases in Arizona where people have caught rattlesnakes for sport and gotten bitten. "They waited until they couldn't stand the pain anymore and finally went to the hospital after the venom had been in there a few hours. But by then, they'd lost an opportunity for [effective treatment]," which increased the odds of long-term complications. Some medical professionals, along with the American Red Cross, cautiously recommend two other measures:

* If a victim is unable to reach medical care within 30 minutes, a bandage, wrapped two to four inches above the bite, may help slow venom. The bandage should not cut off blood flow from a vein or artery. A good rule of thumb is to make the band loose enough that a finger can slip under it.
* A suction device may be placed over the bite to help draw venom out of the wound without making cuts. Suction instruments often are included in commercial snakebite kits.

How NOT to Treat a Snakebite

Though US medical professionals may not agree on every aspect of what to do for snakebite first aid, they are nearly unanimous in their views of what not to do. Among their recommendations:

* No ice or any other type of cooling on the bite. Research has shown this to be potentially harmful.
* No tourniquets. This cuts blood flow completely and may result in loss of the affected limb.
* No incisions in the wound. Such measures have not been proven useful and may cause further injury.

[Rick]

And this from a practicing herpetologist:

http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/2437/bite.html

excerpt from the site:

"What should you do if you are bitten? Forget everything you've ever heard about cutting and sucking out the venom. Forget about using electric shocks from a stun gun, or packing the bitten limb in ice. Forget about tourniquets or constriction bands. None of these "treatments" work, and they all do more harm than good. The only first aid measure that can be effective is the use of a "Sawyer extractor", a device that sucks envenomed fluids out through the fang punctures themselves. The Sawyer extractor, however, is only effective if used within seconds of the bite. After that, the venoms have already traveled too far into the body's tissues to be removed.

There is a well-respected saying among venomous snake keepers----"The best equipment for treating a venomous snake bite is a set of car keys"."

[Gray Wolf]

Rick, what I quoted was from the FDA and the American Red Cross:
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/995_snakes.html

[Rick]

I'm not doubting you at all. I've seen a lot of the information that is posted. As I said, I've researched this a lot. I just posted this piece from a practicing herpetologist as an example of how confusing it can be. I don't know what the right thing to do is and this could be a serious issue if someone were actually bitten. I happened to run across the web site of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists so I emailed them the question of what they do when one of them gets bitten. We'll see if they bother to respond and what they recommend if they do.

It's good that you carry the kit. Better to use it and not need it than the other way around. It looks like the Sawyer Extractor is on the top of folks lists of the best devices and then only if used quickly.

EDIT: And just when you thought it couldn't get any foggier,

http://lomalindahealth.org/services/emergency/services/venom-er/resources/articles/when-snakes-strike.html

This guy is the leading snake bite ER doc in the nation. He's on call for Pres. Bush should he get bitten on his ranch in Texas according to this article:

http://www.ncbuy.com/news/2004-03-23/1009204.html

You'll recognize him as the doctor in "Venom ER".

[Proud American]

Ok this is all intrestin but im goin to take a step backward here. Medicine Wolf talked about his kit that the Rangers are issued in the Park, but that sounds like alot how much is being prepared and how much until you breaking your back. Certain thngs sould be solved by a expert like a scalpel? What surgery needs to be preformed that you can do that you dont need to activley seek proffessional help? Just askin cause as with what imm gettin from Rick about snake bites is that you should seek medical help not deal with it yourself.

[Rick]

Well, that was the whole point of my post, Proud. The old wisdom said to cut an X on the bite and suck out the poison. Then we were told that making any sort of cut just adds a bleeding injury to a snake bite and does no good. So how good is using a negative atmosphere device? Given the fact that most snakes are non-poisonous and even poisonous snakes dry bite about 50% +/- of the time and you should seek medical attention anyway...my question is do you just remove rings and watches because of swelling and head for the nearest ER or is there some value in trying to suck out the venom. By the way - The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists haven't responded to my email yet.

[canid]

is this one sosciety? cause otherwise, i can understand why the fish people haven't responded to the snake question ;)

[Sarge47]

I was watching Survivorman last night and he mentioned a coffee can kit. I went and did a search for a DIY-kit.

The Do-it-yourself Coffee Can Survival Kit

This is a compact kit that can be carried in the car, on the boat, or in a pack for hunting, hiking, exploring, etc. Most of the contents will fit in a one-pound coffee can which doubles as a pot for melting snow and device with which to dig an emergency snow shelter. (However, if you can carry it, include a small shovel. It is far, far better than trying to use a coffee can.) You should be aware that if this kit is carried while on hiking or hunting trips, you still need to carry the other Ten Essentials not included below.
Keep three points in mind when putting together a survival kit. First, make it small enough that you'll actually carry it and not leave it home. Second, use the list as a guide and customize it to your needs. For instance, if you are allergic to insect bites, bring the appropriate medicine, or carry appropriate wrap if you have knee problems.

Thirdly, bring enough to enable you to spend at least one night out. It is usually the first 6 hours that determine whether you'll be able to survive an emergency. If you can make it through the first night, then your chances are good that you can make it a few more nights if necessary.

Thanks to Allan Priddy who helps teach the Wilderness Survival class for putting this list together.



General Items
Braided nylon rope (25 feet)
Mirror
Matches (2 boxes)
Fire Starter
Poncho (bright orange to attract attention)
Toilet paper
Candle (wrapped in aluminum foil)
Paper and pencil
Fishing line, hooks, split shot leads
Knife
Whistle
Money (2 nickels, 2 dimes, 2 quarters, $20 bill: helpful for making phone call or paying for gas if broken down along highway)
Garbage Bags (2 large size bags)
Bright orange surveyor's tape

Repair Kit
Sewing kit
Dental floss (It's strong and useful as thread for sewing, or a fishing line or for lashing branches for improvised shelters.)
Safety pins
Wire (bailing wire)

First Aid Kit (Also see Lightweight First Aid Kit)
Moleskin
Sterile pads (2 x 2 and 4 x 4)
Sterile Gauze
Neosporin
Bandaids
Aspirin
First Aid Tape

Nourishment
Honey Packages (available in small foil packages available at convenience stores)
Instant Soup or tea (a couple packages)

Optional
Folding saw
Compass (learn how to use)
Hard Candy


Carrying container
Coffee Can (1 lb size) or nylon stuff bag

All contents except the plastic bags and the optional items will fit in a 1 lb coffee can. (Or you can flat "Spam" cans or oval-shaped containers available at outdoor stores.) The plastic bags can be affixed to the outside of the can with a rubber band. To keep things from rattling in the can, wad up some wax paper and stuff it around the items. The wax paper stays dry and also doubles as a fire starter. To save weight the contents can be placed in a stuff bag and a metal cup can be used instead of the coffee can.

Original source: http://www.isu.edu/outdoor/survkit.htm

Thought this deserved a mention again!:cool:

[hermitman]

what about snare wire do you bring the whole snare wire or cut it up before setting out ?

[Rick]

I always carry a roll of 24 ga. brass wire but I also have the snares I've used in the past. I also have a couple of Thompson snares I carry. I hope I understood your question.

[hermitman]

Not entirely when you bring the roll of wire you wouldn't use the whole thing for one snare. So do you cut it into sections for more than one snare before leaving or carry more than on roll.I only ask about cutting it up because it seems like you could use it for more than one snare because they are about 100 feet in lengh.

[Rick]

You are correct. I don't use the whole roll only enough to build the specific type of snare I want to create. The rolls I carry are 55' so if I'm trying to catch a rabbit in a run or squirrel using a snare pole I just cut off the length of wire I need to build that specific snare. When I'm done I save the snare for reuse (you can use it for many other things as well like lashing). I like soft wire for a snare because it has a tendency to kink closed once the animal puts pressure against it.

[hermitman]

Good that is what I was wondering because I need to know what you use to cut the wire seems like a simple knife might not cut the wire.

[Sam]

I made car kits for some friends and used new paint cans I found at home depot. They are for mixing paints and such, they are clean i.e. no labels, paint, or what ever. And the lid seals tight. I used hose clamps for attachment points
to hang them. That way they are still sealed. I hope this is useful for someone

[zervosc]

Hi from Greece,

Using a small metal box (5cm x 4cm x 1cm) I made a really very small survival kit (see attached image).

It contains a compass, a small candle, 2x blades, 9x matches, a condom, 1x handsaplast, pins, 2x Amoxil 500mg capsules, 2x Immodium capsules, 30x30cm aluminium foil, 2 small pieces of paper and a pen, a small paper with the morse code and other useful things.

Please send me your comments,

Thanks,

Christos - Athens - Greece

142

[RobertRogers]

wow, that is small. What is in the red package?

My similar kit has a couple of birthday candles too. I enjoy making these small kits for the challenge.

[zervosc]

Hi and thank you,

It is the package of the 2 blades,

C

[Stealth]

id put in some fishing hooks and some fishing line, you can wrap the line on the pencil or perhaps you did on some of those bottom matches. then again, you could always use the safety pins as hooks if you needed to, but i prefer the real thing. looks good though!

[Sam]

The kit looks good, maybe pack cotton in the nooks to have tinder. Also maybe
some kind of twine or cord. Over all cool.

[Sarge47]

Hi from Greece,

Using a small metal box (5cm x 4cm x 1cm) I made a really very small survival kit (see attached image).

It contains a compass, a small candle, 2x blades, 9x matches, a condom, 1x handsaplast, pins, 2x Amoxil 500mg capsules, 2x Immodium capsules, 30x30cm aluminium foil, 2 small pieces of paper and a pen, a small paper with the morse code and other useful things.

Please send me your comments,

Thanks,

Christos - Athens - Greece

142

I don't why you new folks can't read the posts ahead of time. 1st, your Survival kit looks like the one that John D. McCann describes in his book: "Build Your Own Survival Kit" where he uses an "Altoids" tin. 2nd, you should have 1st went to the "intro" page & introduced yourself properly. 3rd, this thread needed to be put under the "Sticky" "Survival Kit Info". That 's where it belongs. 4th, here in America a lot of us don't use the metric system so "cm" is GREEK to me, sorry, but could you transpose that to the SAE system please.:cool:

[wareagle69]

1st need a map to go with the compass one w/o the other is a no go

2nd hey sarge the us is one of the only that do not use the metric beleive me moving from the us to canada 7 yrs ago was and has been a huge learning process, he probably doesn't know sae and this is the world wide web
lighten up dude

[Sam]

Hey Sarge, metric system 25mm = 1", 1 meter = about 39". I hope this helps.

[hermitman]

Zervosc little survival kits are nice but they still have to be complete with everything someone would and could need. Check out a simular idea or same that sarge mentioned by field and stream http://www.fieldandstream.com/fieldstream/photogallery/article/0,13355,1225788,00.html .

[Stealth]

sarge, you could calm down a little, he was just asking our opinion on it... and for me this is good enough introduction, if he cares to stay around longer then we will learn more about him. and theres 2.54cm in one inch so his box is 2"x1.6"x0.4" and his aluminum foil is roughly 1'x1'. ignorance wouldnt get you very far in the woods.

[zervosc]

Thank you,

The alouminium foil is folded and it is much bigger. I wanted to make something very small but also very useful.

C

[MCBushbaby]

I have a small kit like this using the altoid's "mini tin". Can't seem to find them anymore in my area though. Packs about the same amount

[Smok]

That is a good idea Thanks. Is there a way to use the can for cooking in ? Of coarse you would have to remove the lining from the can first , burn it out but could the can be used after for cooking ?

[canid]

you should be able to find uncoated cans for paint. would only need a brief scouring with dish soap.

[Sarge47]

Yeah, fine, now the Newby can go to the introductions page and introduce himself properly. Also, maybe we can start putting all the "like items threads under the proper "sticky".

[Sarge47]

Seems like a lot of Newby's come on here asking about 1 of 2 things: Which Survival knife they should get, or What about "such 'n such" Survival Kit. Here's the truth guys, having the best Survival Kit in the world does NOT mean you'll Survive! You've forgotten the most important part! That's "your brain". Your brain is the one thing you need to use before anything else. The best fire-starting method won't do you a bit of good if you don't know how safely start a fire, and if you only have wet wood you'd better know how to get around that problem. There are 2 things that go into your brain: Study(reading), & experience(practice). Ever try to use a flint & steel to light a fire when you're hands are shaking real bad? Ever think that if you start a fire without 1st taking some precautions you might burn the forest down?

You need to learn the "Rule of 3's", the 4 essential elements, the 5 heat-loss mechanisms, S.T.O.P., 1st aid, and so on; then you need to go out & do it in a controlled situation. Don't wait until you're lost and hypothermic before you try to learn how to kill, skin, gut, and cook that squirrel you just snared! Find a good teacher to work with you; perhaps an adult leader from your local Boy Scout troop. Use your mind 1st, equipment next!:cool:

[Smok]

Thanks canid ... I did not know that they made an uncoated can ..

[canid]

sure they do. it's usualy food cans which are coated, with a few notable exceptions such as coffee cans.

[zervosc]

Hi Sarge,

No problem being a newbie my friend - Please don't forget that Greeks survived more than 10.000 years so we may know how to built survival kits.

Have a nice day,

Christos - Athens

[Rick]

Let me get this straight. There is someplace outside the U.S.?:rolleyes:

Zervosc - First off, any kit is better than no kit so you're on the right track. Those double edge razor blades scare me to death. I wouldn't have them in my kit just because it's way to easy to have an accident with them just trying to pick them up. Think about trying to use them when you are extremely cold and your motor skills have degraded. At least go with a safety razor blade so you have a safe side to handle. And welcome to the forum.

Hermitman - Nice post. That's is a great link with a lot of good info.

[Rick]

It would have to be a food grade can as canid said. The ones from Home Depot have a dull gray or off blue coating in them. I assume to keep the paint from reacting with the metal. I used them to make a stove and the coating burned off the first time I fired it up but I would not use those cans to cook in or even to cook on until I had fired it the first time.

[zervosc]

Thank you Rick,

A second version of the kit will address many issues

Christos - Athens

[RobertRogers]

I agree. You should never mistake book learning for expertise.

[Beo]

Ditto from me. Another thing they like to ask is "I'm going into the woods for such and such a time with barely nothing, what should I read on and take."

[zervosc]

Hi,

Here is the second (II) version of my Home-Made Smallest Survival Kit.

Christos - Athens - Greece

143

[zervosc]

Sarge, you are right - I agree with you and with the other guys here.

Please check a second version of my Smallest Home-Made Survival Kit.
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showpost.php?p=21939&postcount=17

Thanks,

Christos - Athens

[canid]

hey guys, i'm going on a trek through frank church wilderness with McGuyver. now what should i take?

[Rick]

A button, a coat hanger, a rubber loin cloth and three mushrooms.

[trax]

Two paper clips, several elastic bands and a package of chewing gum

[Tony uk]

For people not familer to the metric and use imperial this helps
http://www.taylormade.com.au/billspages/conversion_table.html

I like the newer kit you posted, i think that you have enough in there to survival for a good few days or more if you use the contents wisely :D

[Rick]

Good site. Thanks, Tony.

[Sarge47]

And a partridge in a pear tree! (Wide grin here.)

[MCBushbaby]

Hi Sarge,

No problem being a newbie my friend - Please don't forget that Greeks survived more than 10.000 years so we may know how to built survival kits.

Have a nice day,

Christos - Athens

And please don't forget that just because you are Greek doesn't mean you automatically inherit all the skills from hundreds of generations back. If my heritage was Native American that doesn't mean I know how to build a birch bark canoe using stone tools.

[Beo]

A jock strap, a tooth brush, shop towel, and bag of Red Man.

[Gray Wolf]

Sarge, you are right - I agree with you and with the other guys here.

Please check a second version of my Smallest Home-Made Survival Kit.
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showpost.php?p=21939&postcount=17

Thanks,

Christos - Athens

I've been gone for the past couple of weeks putting a new TOPS 2008 knife through real world survival tests, so I haven't read all the posts, but this kit is a joke right??? :confused:

[Rick]

He's taking a rubber loin cloth. What's he need a jock strap for. Oh, wait. Sling shot. Never mind.

You call our rubber loin clothes a joke? How dare you, sir.

[Beo]

I hope it is Grey Wolf, my favorite is the little welfare pencil :D... lol... got write those letters when your lost in the wilds.

[Tony uk]

And a partridge in a pear tree! (Wide grin here.)

Aa bottle of scotch, Wal-Mart brand, 10 % alcohol, 100 % Mystery

[Tony uk]

Good site. Thanks, Tony.
What im here for my son :)

[Sarge47]

...I like the Condom with the Viagra; nice touch.:D The piece of pencil is to write your will. Seriously though, why are we always "downsizing" important gear? Is this a Survival kit for "Yuppies"?:rolleyes: I prefer a day-pack-sized SK if I'm any where out in the woods, even with my car nearby.:cool:

[Beo]

This ain't 10,000 years ago and way I remember it the 300 Spartans lost. Is that lil thing a joke, come on maybe good for GI Joe (kung fu grip included) but wouldn't last a day in the wilderness even in lil ole Ohio.

[Tony uk]

I try to carry two survival kits, One is a backpack size and then other in a small tin, Also i carry on my person essential items, Compass, map (THE two most important things, knowing your way means not getting lost in the first place) phone, firesteel, some tinder (Charcloth, but cotten balls in petrolium jelly work nice), First aid kit, Whistel (Underated by newbies) and of course kinfe and so on,,,

[Rick]

Go back and read through this thread:

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1256

You have a good start but you need a lot more. Greece doesn't have frigid weather but you need a backup to your matches and some other items as well. Read through the post linked above and see if you can't come up with some ideas.

[Sarge47]

Hey! Maybe Ranger Rick might like this thing if he puts the razor blades back in!:rolleyes: Who was it that posted pictures on this site where they cut the crap out of there hand with a razor-blade? If memory serves me right it was even a "single-edged" razor blade. Also, who remembers that guy who was going to a survival school were all he was going to be able to carry was a match & an egg? we never did hear from him again. Hey, maybe he died....from Sol Manila!:rolleyes:

[Tony uk]

Hey! Maybe Ranger Rick might like this thing if he puts the razor blades back in!:rolleyes: Who was it that posted pictures on this site where they cut the crap out of there hand with a razor-blade? If memory serves me right it was even a "single-edged" razor blade. Also, who remembers that guy who was going to a survival school were all he was going to be able to carry was a match & an egg? we never did hear from him again. Hey, maybe he died....from Sol Manila!:rolleyes:

Strange since we told him how to cook it

[Stealth]

for the razor blades, just put masking tape on one of hte edges and that will keep it protected and then when you need a sharp side, just put the tape on the old side. granted this kit isnt as inclusive that one should be... but many people just dont want to carry a big bag with them, so somethings better than nothing

[Gray Wolf]

Tony, Unfortunately you're right about the Whistle, even if you just drive off the road behind some trees, and somethings wrong, hurt, heart attack, whatever, you can use that Whistle better, longer and louder that your voice. Let alone with the Whistle, 3 blasts and it's a call for help. But I guess newbies think it's not macho.... Newb's, buy a pea less one, it won't freeze up. Smaller kits are not better!!! I have a backpack one, a smaller one (9"W x6"H x 5"W with a detachable shoulder strap, that I carry if I am not going to be far from my van. And always on my belt clip key chain is a small knife, a Sparky 1 fire starter in its leather case with lint in it, a P38 or P51 can opener/striker (it's the most versatile tool there is! see list) a Howler Whistle, and a Photon 2 led. I also always carry either my Wave, or my Junk Yard Dog 2.

[zervosc]

Hi again from Greece,

I carefully read your comments. You are helping me and I really thank you.

Gray Wolf: I understant what you say about the whistle. I think there is space in my kit to add a small but powerful one. My kit is not a joke my friend.

Sarge: Of course someone can write his will with the tiny pencil but the size of the 2 pieces of paper is not so small (about 1,5'' x 4''). He can also draw a path, write notes, write a telephone number or an important message if he is wounded. In the next version of the kit i will include a night sky map and instructions (first aid, survival). Also a small paper with personal information like my blood type, telephone number etc. Why you are laughing on the condom?. It is not the first time a condom is included in a survival kit. And I am not downsizing any important gear. The size of the condom is the bigger available!

Christos - Athens

[Rick]

Christos - I think the night sky map is an excellent idea. I have one in my 1010 Pelican kit. I cut it to fit inside the lid. I'm decent at reading the night time sky but a map always helps. I would recommend the Howler whistle. I carry one and it is fairly flat. Whatever you decide on make certain it is a pea less whistle. You can also wrap some duct tape around your pencil so you will have some in tape in your kit.

[Assassin Pilot]

Yes, I know there are tons of threads about survival kits on this forum, but this one is a bit different. I will start w/ a list of basic items that should be in a survival kit, and you guys tell me what to add / subtract from the list.

I will edit this first post with the suggestions, so instead of having it spread apart in 10 pages on posts, it will be here. This way it will be easier for people so they don't have to read through tons of posts for a good idea of what to include.

Keep in mind that this is supposed to be a basic survival kit, not specified for any circumstance in particular, but something you would keep in the trunk of your car in the event you need it.


Survival kit
- Rope
- Fishing line
- Ziplock bags
- Garbage bags
- Waterproof Tarp

- Dried food
- Water purification tablets
- Band-aids, iodine / antiseptic wipes
- Metal cup
- Sunglasses
- Sweatshirt

- Waterproof matches
- Small lighter
- Paper / Pen
- Pocketknife / knife sharpener
- Signal mirror
- Whistle
- Compass / regional & country map
- Paperclips

Again, if you think anything else should be added to the kit, just post and I will gladly add it (unless someone else thinks otherwise, in which I will let you guys debate it out or make a section for "maybe" items)

[Rick]

AP - How is this thread different that all the others? See:

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1256

It has 19 pages of information. This thread is a sticky for anyone wanting to know about survival kits.

Besides, every kit is going to be different depending on the person, their activity, level of knowledge and skills, as well as their duration spent in the bush. There is no one perfect survival kit.

[Sarge47]

Here's the deal, 1st off, you crossed over into another thread trying to insert info about a Survival Kit that belongs under the same "sticky" as the "Wolf-Pack Survival Kit" thread; (see Rick's response on that one.) Next, you say your looking for....what? advice? Comments? ooohing & ahhhhing?:eek: It's a Survival kit and if it works for you then great. Most of us have "been there, done that, got the t-shirt". Don't expect us to all stand up & cheer because you passed "survival kits 101". Also, I wasn't kidding about the condom, but the "Viagra". It's a joke, don't they have humor in Greece? Start paying attention to protocol and 1st read the "sticky" on Survival kits where all these new Survival kit threads are going to wind up shortly. Just jumping into a forum with a topic that's been done to death without properly introducing yourself is considered rude.:cool:

[Beo]

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew!!!! :D

[Sarge47]

Like Rick says! This stuff is getting old! wading through all the other posts would've had to happen anyway if you're studying. Let's do it right, Ok? You could have added your question on at the end of the "sticky" and nobody would have to go any further than there to respond.:cool:

[Assassin Pilot]

alright. I suppose you guys have a point. I just thought it would be convenient not to have to go through lots of pages of posts, and have it all be in the first post (I would edit it as other people added stuff) since often threads get off-topic, but oh well.

[trax]

Threads get off topic in here? Nonsense. :D :D :D Personally, I think the most important item in your "survival kit" is a really nasty attitude about making sure you stay alive, you'll pack what you need if that's your thinking.

[zervosc]

Hi Sarge,

I think that now I am in the right thread. Here is a 3rd version of my Smallest Home-Made Survival Kit including fishing lines (thin-thick), 4x fishing hooks, 3x weights and shoap (in aluminium cover). I changed the pencil with graphite wrapped in tape. I included also a photo with everything packed in the small metal box.

About me: - I am 36 and I love outdoor activities. x-scout troop here in Athens now I am spending weekends in sailboat races (participating in the local championship) and flying with gliders.

Of course my kit is not like the survival kits you will find in the survival shops. But it is still very small portable and extremely useful. And you can survive with something like this in the deep forest - a good knife is always needed in any outdoors activity.

But it can be useful also in the city - i have this kit with me every time - because of it's size it will be also useful in the summer where everyone is moving from one beach to the other wearing a short, a t-shirt and holding a packet of cigarettes in his/her hands.

I have it also with me when flying.

Here in Greece where we have a long summer and a very short winter, small forests and water almost everywhere - a kit like this can help very much.

Of course before going out to the wilderness someone may use a bigger survival kit - this is part of the good planning of any outdoors activity. But in everyday life where everything can happen a kit like this can definately save lives.

Have a nice day,

Christos - Athens - Greece

146

147

[zervosc]

Please check the v.3 of the Smallest Home-Made Survival Kit

C

[Rick]

You might consider something for water purification. I don't know how clear the streams are in Greece but if water borne illness is a possibility then something like water purification tablets are necessary. I don't think your tin kit is large enough to boil water in (just judging from the pictures).

http://www.aquatabs.ca/

[zervosc]

Thank you very much Rick

C

[narcolepticpug]

what do you bring in your survival kit, or in your gear that youcan use for survival...


me.
in my kit
emergency rain poncho
emergency shelter
emergency blanket
extra bic lighter, matches, and flint. in different sealed bags
instant light coals(to help start a fire fast in a moist area)
extra maps of the areas i tend to hike(in a sealed bag)
compass
photon light
prusik cord
extra knife
all in a large coffee can that can double as a bowl or cup.
water purification tablets(25 quarts of water worth)

on me or in my bag
slip on shoes(the jail kind). for if i have to walk across a stream, and the rubber soles make a great black signal fire if needed.
Rock climbing shoes (sometimes) same purpose with the signal fire
braided leather belt
7" knife
a inflatable sleeping pad that can fill up to the size of a 6' tube so carie my gear or me across or down streams. allso can be cut open and used as a A frame tent.


-----
what i plan on getting
loud whistle
multi tool knife
hand ax




YOU?

[Sarge47]

Since you're new to this forum the proper thread for this post is here:

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1256

We've just been down this road with some other new-comers so please understand that redundant threads are not nessesary, OK?:cool: Thanks.

[narcolepticpug]

Since you're new to this forum the proper thread for this post is here:

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1256

We've just been down this road with some other new-comers so please understand that redundant threads are not nessesary, OK?:cool: Thanks.

i wasnt asking what to put in a survival kit... i think i know most of what i need.. i was just wondering what kind of unique stuff people use
as you said on another thread, learning tricks from people





i like on that site about the trash bags though... i and a friend once hiked up a local mountain. because of our stubbornness we ended up finding ourselves 7 miles from my truck in waist deep snow 1/2 mile from the summit the sun seting and geting cold. our boots at this point were soaked, so we took our boots and socks off. wraped our feet in extra shirts i had then put them in bags... i think if i hadent had those bags we both would have had some minor frost bit

[Sarge47]

That's been covered and done to death, that's why this thread is going to be merged into the sticky. Everybody's Survival kit is pretty basic except in the areas that are specific to each individuals needs. READ THE STICKY! thanks.:cool:

[tally]

Having spent countless hours reading about survival kits and what are the best items to have on hand, I have come to the conclusion that not all kits are created equal. Most kits on the market have less then adequate supplies. I came across one kit that I was impressed with because the contents, quality of the items and the pricing. The kit is the Deluxe 2 person kit from http://www.survivalkitsonline.com

[Rick]

One of the most important aspects of a survival kit are quality components, which appear to be lacking in this kit. There are a couple of items in there I might keep as backups but, personally, I'd chuck the rest. Read the book Build the Perfect Survival Kit by John McCann and you'll have a pretty good understanding of what I mean. There is also a ton of information in the other 425 posts on this thread. This type of kit is designed to make money, not keep you alive. But any kit is better than no kit.

You need to go to the introductions section and introduce yourself. Thanks and welcome.

[coldkill13]

One thing about using a used coffee can or such is that nowdays many of these cans are linned with epoxies or other sealing treatments that could be leaching toxins if you heat them over a fire. MSR has a line of covered pots in different sizes that can be substituted but of course they cost much more than the free cans. To me it a no brainer go for the MSR pots that are made for heating.
You have to be concerned today with all sorts of toxins that are used in our daily life.

Now I know this was posted quite a while back but Im new to these forums and this is the first Im reading of this. A few weeks ago I went out in the woods behind my house and spent a day and a half just practicing starting fires and building shelters in the cold, rainy, and snowy michigan winter. I used a can (I think it was an empty can of fruit) to boil snow into water and cook rice in. I had almost finished the rice when I got a mouth-full of a chewy white plastic like stuff and I looked down to see that the bottom of the can was full of it. There was no sign of it being there before, infact, I had boiled water in it twice and changed the water just to make sure it was sanitary before I cooked the rice, yet, apparently, it didn't remove this "plastic". I haven't had any ill effects ( that I am aware of ). So is it harmful that I may have consumed it? How do I avoid this if I end up needing to use a can as an improvised pot in the future?

[Rick]

From the numbers I've read, about 85% of cans made today have a thin polymer applied to the inside of the can to prevent the contents from reacting with the can. Acid foods, like tomatoes, generally have a white polymer applied. However, depending on the manufacturer and the type of can the polymer (some manufacturers like Ball or Rexam call it a lacquer) can be a transparent film.

The next time it is convenient compare a can of green beans to something like tomatoes and you'll see the difference. Same with acidic fruits. Without the polymer, the acid will corrode the can over time.

Even aluminum beverage cans use a spray on film to prevent the can from influencing the taste. Us old guys can remember tinny tasting beer from the old metal cans.

I have no idea what effects ingesting the polymer would have. I doubt you would actually digest it since it is a plastic base. It will probably pass on through.

The only thing I would ever use a food or beverage can for is to boil water. Never to cook in. I won't even heat a can of beens on the fire because of the coating. As you've learned, the water prevents the film from becoming hot enough to melt but cooking food inside a can will transfer the heat into the polymer and cause it to melt.

I don't think the same is true of coffee cans but that's only from my personal inspection and I haven't seen anything in writing one way or the other. I use my mess kit and/or canteen cup to cook in.

If I were in a survival situation I guess I would burn the inside of the can first to try and melt any coatings and burn it away. Not even sure that would be a good thing. But I'd rather eat soot and residue than the actual plastic coating.

Here's a site that offers a video showing how the film is applied:

http://www.rexam.com/sectors/index.asp?pageid=74&sub=internal

[Sam]

I've heard that flipping the can upside down and burning out the plastic is the was to go.

[mbarnatl]

I use a Heineken pot for cooking and it has a plastic liner in it. I never have had any problems with it melting. Two things will cause that plastic to melt... no water in the pot or the pot got to hot. If you have thick soup and do not stir it, can cause an air bubble in the bottom of the pot. Which will cause the plastic to burn. I have been using my Heineken pot for several months with no problems. Have heard of people using the same Heineken pot for ten years with no problems.

[Rick]

I have a Heineken can sitting on the bar. I just whacked the top off it to take with me on my next outing. I wanted to try it out. Did you wrap yours with wicking or did you leave it "factory"?

[mbarnatl]

I have a Heineken can sitting on the bar. I just whacked the top off it to take with me on my next outing. I wanted to try it out. Did you wrap yours with wicking or did you leave it "factory"?

I wrapped it with wicking. I you don't have wicking material, use a glove.

[mbarnatl]

I cook the Freezer bag method, so I only boil hot water in my pot. This cuts down on the chance of burning my pot and no cleanup. The only cleanup I have is wiping my spoon off and folding up my freezer bag. Then putting them back in my pack.

[Rick]

Thanks! Good info. I had read about the freezer bag method some time back but had forgotten about it. As I indicated above I won't cook food in any type of can but will boil water. The freezer bag solves all those issues. Good stuff!

[Rick]

Don't you carry any fire starters? ....just kidding... Nice set up. What kind of can opener is that? I've never seen one like it.

[Sam]

Don't you carry any fire starters? ....just kidding... Nice set up. What kind of can opener is that? I've never seen one like it.

I see these long handled p-38 can openers at most stores that carry out-door/ camping gear. Around $1 each. Good leverage.

[Sam]

Hey Remy, (hope I spelled your name right) what do you use for a water container?

[coldkill13]

Thanks Guys, I feel a little better knowing that. I suppose I can avoid this in the future by cooking my rice on the stove ( although I like the smokey flavor ). Guess I can just use a pot. Also I was just wondering if anyone had tried making a makeshift heater using a cardboard toilet roll tube, rubbing alcohol, and a coffee can ( As described in Field And Stream ). I dont have any rubbing alcohol right now or I'd of tried it myself. Just make sure to have adequate ventilation if you try it.

[Rick]

Coldkill - I haven't made one with alcohol but I have made one with paraffin. Go to this thread for my write up. It's post 17.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1230&highlight=shoe+polish

[marberry]

someone likes fire... , and i like the big knife , what is it? never been a fan of opinel knives but they get the job done.

[marberry]

the pellet rifle was a benjamin sheridan Super Streak 22 by crosman, it shoots a 25 grain .22 pellet at 1300 fps thats about 100 footpounds of energy. about 3 months ago i sold it to a friend for $250. im fairly sure cabelas sells it and there is also a .177 version that shoots at around 1700 fps (so im told)

[coldkill13]

Thanks Rick. I'll try it as soon as I get the time and I'll test it with alcohol and let ya know how it works. As far as survival goes I guess anything is better than nothing but for camping I think you might just wanna carry an alcohol/white gas/propane stove. My questions would be; would you be better off simply carrying a candle instead of parrafin? What about a can of Sterno? How hot can you get water over an average camp candle or a Sterno can? Again, I'll try it if I get the time.

[Rick]

I have an MSR Pocket Rocket for no fire areas. I also carry tea candles and I have an alcohol Trangia stove. I just made the paraffin stove to see what it would do. I had thought about getting a Sterno Stove to test.

http://www.acehardware.com/sm-sterno-and-reg-folding-stove-st030001--pi-1292353.html

I probably don't have to tell you but be careful with the alcohol. It burns with no visible flame.

[mbarnatl]

I find that the blue label "Heet Gas-line antifreeze & water remover" works best for my alcohol stove. Less smut when burning.

Sterno does a good job. Used Sterno for years, also used esbit as well. The alcohol stove will burn at higher altitudes than Sterno and esbit.

[Rick]

How in the world did you figure out to use Heet for your stove? I sort of see a bottle on the bench next to the stove and after a few beers.......

[mbarnatl]

It was recommended for my type alcohol stove by the designer of it. He recommends several types, but the HEET works the best.

[mbarnatl]

Plus if you read the back of the bottle it contains Methyl Alcohol.;)

[coldkill13]

Alright, I bought some rubbing alcohol (70%) and did the test. I didn't have a shoepolish tin so I cut the bottom 1.5-2 inches off a beer can. I poured about 2oz rubbing alcohol in and inserted a piece of carboard toilet paper tube cut to just above the level of the alcohol in the can. The 'heater' took a flame very easily. I was watching it too see how long it burned for but I got bored and decided to shovel the sidewalk and driveway. After about 10 minutes I came back and it was still burning. I watched it for about 5 more minutes and it died. The overall burn time was about 20 minutes. I'd give it an A in my book. I also tested it without the toilet paper tube, but it kept going out. So overall, if you find yourself lost in the woods with a bottle of high proof alcohol in the winter (not a good combination), or just camping/hiking/etc., it will make a great heater/stove. I did not test whether or not it would boil water though. (For a truly warming sensation from the inside out, just drink the alcohol!)


p.s. I dont actually recomend drinking the alcohol (especially if your lost in the woods in the middle of winter) Incase anyone was getting any ideas...

[coldkill13]

Seriously, DONT! (wouldn't want any lawsuits)

[Two Rivers]

Reading these posts, I had to chuckle. Survival ? This is kinda like a tour of each vehichle in a retirement RV park in Florida. You have everything you need including the kitchen sink, to get by pretty comfortably in any situation. These are all to be comended and I totally agree with being prepared when out and about. A better way to test yourslf would be to test your knowledge. Do Not take all these preps. See if you can get by 1, 2, 3 days, a week or two with what you normally carry in your pockets. Nature provides all that is needed to survive IF you have the knowledge and the skills. All these things would be luxuries in a true survival situation. Can you survive?

[Rick]

My light bulb went dim again. This is about survival kits. So I dump everything out except what's in my pockets, head to the woods for a week. Day 3 rolls around and I get caught in a blizzard and need my survival kit...Oh, wait! It's at home. So I die in the woods finding out I couldn't survive without it. What's the purpose of trying to do it without your kit? You have redundancy built in just in case you need it. The survival kit is to ENSURE you survive. He** yea, I want luxuries. I'd want a wood stove but it's too heavy to carry. I'd want a room in the Hilton but it's too far away. You can go and test your knowledge and skills all you want. I want to make certain I get home alive.

[trax]

I'd think that if you're not going to take the basics for surviving, well you don't want to get out there and find out that your skills/knowledge are lacking. For those people who do, I'd also like to recommend bungee jumping in Australia, hey it's quicker than freezing to death or starving....

[Rick]

Since that's in the Southern Hemishpere would you jump Up and bungee pull you back Down?

[trax]

Since that's in the Southern Hemishpere would you jump Up and bungee pull you back Down?

Ask the alligator partner :D

[Beo]

Okay there mister Two Rivers expert survival only in my pockets master camper mile high hiker into deep dark forest, what do you take into the woods for 1-2-3- days or a week or longer? You say "had to chuckle. Survival? This is kinda like a tour of each vehichle in a retirement RV park in Florida." What's your age? What experience you got and training you got? Age is another word for experience in woodsy skills, because I'm 42 I'm in a retirement place? Bet you... bet your young azz I could walk circles around you in the woods, TraxNell, Rick, WarEagle, FVR, NativeDude, Mitch, RobertRodgers, Lady Trapper, Hopeak, WoodsWose, Professor Remy, Crashdive123, BraggSurvivor, and some of the newer guys and gals could walk up and down you in the woods. Chris I know could just from reading his posts, he's pretty no nonsense, so don't come on here spewing your junk about how little you take into the wilds, been there and done that.

[Rick]

He's from Indiana, Beo. You know how THEY are.

[nell67]

He's from Indiana, Beo. You know how THEY are.
http://www.smileyhut.com/angry/furious.gif (http://www.smileyhut.com)

and we all know Rick is just a transplanted hoosier! LMAO!

[Beo]

Well normally his posts are pretty good, but I think that was kinda uncalled for, as I age I get more and more woodsy knowledge, better and better in the backcountry, and can do it with less and less, he** I take less now into the woods then I did when I was in LRSD in the Army. Maybe I took his post wrong and he was joking, if so then I guess I was wrong for getting a miffed, but it just came off wrong to me.

[Tony uk]

Okay there mister Two Rivers expert survival only in my pockets master camper mile high hiker into deep dark forest, what do you take into the woods for 1-2-3- days or a week or longer? You say "had to chuckle. Survival? This is kinda like a tour of each vehichle in a retirement RV park in Florida." What's your age? What experience you got and training you got? Age is another word for experience in woodsy skills, because I'm 42 I'm in a retirement place? Bet you... bet your young azz I could walk circles around you in the woods, TraxNell, Rick, WarEagle, FVR, NativeDude, Mitch, RobertRodgers, Lady Trapper, Hopeak, WoodsWose, Professor Remy, Crashdive123, BraggSurvivor, and some of the newer guys and gals could walk up and down you in the woods. Chris I know could just from reading his posts, he's pretty no nonsense, so don't come on here spewing your junk about how little you take into the wilds, been there and done that.

No Tony uk ? :( *Cryes*

[Rick]

You guys survive on the wrong side of the road, Tony. If you do that over here it's beep, beep, thump, thump.

[Tony uk]

You guys survive on the wrong side of the rode, Tony. If you do that over here it's beep, beep, thump, thump.

Its Road rick :p

Had to put that in since you'll no dought find one of mine

I survive with my good friend rambo, We play poker on tuesdays

[Beo]

And Tony UK could do it with that cool Scot accent!!

[Beo]

Hows that?

[Sam]

Hey Beowulf65, I wonder if part of why you go light now a days is from having to hump a ruck for so long. I would not go camping or even own a back pack for a long time after I got out of the service.

[Tony uk]

And Tony UK could do it with that cool Scot accent!!

I have the greatest Poker-Face of all time. I won last weeks game, despite holding only a Joker, a Get out of Jail Free Monopoloy card, a 2 of clubs, 7 of spades and a green #4 card from the game UNO.

[Rick]

But isn't that a Mulligan? You know the odds of drawing a Mulligan?

[Tony uk]

But isn't that a Mulligan? You know the odds of drawing a Mulligan?

You dont need odds, you need cards, good ones, and a poker face, a good one

[Beo]

Sam: Yeah, could be but I been out since 1991, I go lite because I go colonial, ya know 1750s gear only.

[Sam]

Sam: Yeah, could be but I been out since 1991, I go lite because I go colonial, ya know 1750s gear only.

yeah I get the colonial treking. I just know it took me awhile to wanna hump a ruck,after I got out I spent about a year walking with a cane, that was my lame-o excuse for not doing any of that stuff.

[Two Rivers]

Wow !!!! Seems I ruffled some feathers On some of you young roosters. I never claimed to be expert at anything. I never said I doubted anybodies skills. I did in fact state that I was all for the preps. I do the same. It just dawned on me while reading, how we all are professed survivalists with the skills to stay alive under any situation but we all have a list of things we take with us into the field that would keep us comfy, warm, well fed and satisfied. All well an fine. BUT... How many here have tested what they know. Can you survive in the wild without all these comforts. Can you create these comforts from what is at hand. Can you feed yourself for a sustained amount of time. Just a question man, intended to make an intelligent man think, nothing more. Sorry if I hurt any young egos.

[Sam]

Wow !!!! Seems I ruffled some feathers On some of you young roosters. I never claimed to be expert at anything. I never said I doubted anybodies skills. I did in fact state that I was all for the preps. I do the same. It just dawned on me while reading, how we all are professed survivalists with the skills to stay alive under any situation but we all have a list of things we take with us into the field that would keep us comfy, warm, well fed and satisfied. All well an fine. BUT... How many here have tested what they know. Can you survive in the wild without all these comforts. Can you create these comforts from what is at hand. Can you feed yourself for a sustained amount of time. Just a question man, intended to make an intelligent man think, nothing more. Sorry if I hurt any young egos.

No problem here, I take stuff and try to do things from 'scratch' the gear is a safety net.

[Beo]

Contents Of My Pocket Survival Kit



Soap dish container

1 Mark III knife

1 strip magnifier

1 signal mirror

1 flint striker

1 small lighter (childproof to prevent leaking)

Tweezers

Fishhooks & sinkers

Snare wire

Fishing line

1 large needle

Cord

1 pencil stub

2 bouillon cubes

1 condom*

Sterile scalpel blade

Sugar tablets


1 vial potassium permanganate**

1 signal whistle

Mini-Mag® flashlight and spare AAA battery

1 button compass

1 tea bag***

2 alcohol wipes****

3 Band-Aids

2 plastic bags

Instructions with blank side for notes

Picture of the kids

Card with a prayer of comfort by Saint Francis

ADD: Benadryl, Tylenol and any other personal medications needed

[Rick]

You have a prayer from Saint Francis of the sissies?

[trax]

You have a prayer from Saint Francis of the sissies?

Oh yeah, that fits right in with what I was saying earlier

[awfoxden]

i work with boy scouts alot and we have survival kits that we take and use. mine have evovled many times from finding out things that dont work so well and things i add that i find on line in places like this site. survival sucks. but it would suck alot more if you were completely unprepared. go camping and try your gear and test your knowledge. placing yourself voluntarily in a comprimising situation to prove you know how to survive on little to nothing acomplishes very little in my way of thinking. check out this web site, it is one of the most informative websites on building a survival kit and using and learning survival skills.

www.m4040.com

this site belives in big knives, but with the scouts i tend to lean toward a small hatchet and a leatherman wave as well as pocket knives.

hope this is helpful.

[crashdive123]

There are quite a few links to that site throughout the forum. I like the info on it. That's actually where I got the ideas for the mods to my kukri's and the little hacksaw knives that I've made.

.....and you are absolutely correct. Practicing survival skills in a controlled envronment is a must. It's really no fun at all to find that what you read about is a bit harder to actually DO when your life may depend on it.

[dantheredbaron]

ok, we all know what all the basics of a survival kit contains. list and share clever items to put in a kit! My kit is in a wind mill lighter tin that is a similar size to sucrets tin except slightly better steel.

3 inch long thin razor blades, handle could be easily furnished. (hardwear store)
6" long steel leaders for fishing and anything else you can think of. (the kind for shore fishing)
fly fishing flys, work wonders with just about any fish. you can carry a dozen, and it weighs nothing.
I know people put lots of stess on 550 paracord but I would reccomend carrying only 2o ft paracord and carrying 100 ft. 150 lb. monofiliment line to build shelter etc. ( lighter and you can easily store long legnths)
thin pencil shape lighter fits well in my tin, worth a few hundred matches!
I also carry a platapus 1 litre roll up container.
I have a comprehensive kit that, that measures 7x10 by maxpedition has molle attchments and can be carried like a "purse" with a daisy chain out of para cord, can also be carried on belt.:D happy survival:D

[nell67]

HI dan! how about going over to the introduction thread and telling us a little about yourself,and we have quite a few threads on kits

here is a sticky on one for ya!

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1256&highlight=survival+kits

[dilligaf2u2]

I have several cans of government issued mace. The mean stuff without pepper in it.

I carry, in my wallet, a single edge razor blade.

Spider wire fish line.

Tampons: You don't know the # of females that think I am special.

Small bottle Midal: For the same reason and they are great for aches and pains.

6 plain aspirin: Have been use a few time, for someone having a heart attach.

Don

[dantheredbaron]

Thanks, I have been one of these guys that have been reading this forum for a while and just not posting. I have noticed many people reitterate the basic contents of a kit that are obvious to [I]most[I] of us. I would like to see some of the "unique" items you all have put in you're kits, light weight, multi use etc. also unfamiliar or unconventional to the expeirenced survivor. I apologize about ( monofiliment ) I meant to say spider wire. and I would like to add that I find if you cut the bottom out of an aluminum turkey pan it makes a nice fold up cook pot/cup. respectfully*

[crashdive123]

Welcome dantheredbaron. It would be helpful and promote a more meaningful conversation if you did as Nell suggested. Let us know a bit about yourself in the Introductions section. She also gave you a great link on the info you are seeking.

[Flavor Bear]

My kit is a bit different from most but it has never let me down.
Still, feedback and opinions are always welcome.
Take note that this is the kit I use when I camp for leisure/practice, and my emergency kit is considerably larger and includes firearms, wool blanket & sleeping bag, emergency rations, first aid etc.
It all fits in a small day pack, and I barely even know it's there when I've got it strung over my shoulder.

Oh yeah, it's also the one I use in warm weather only. I'm not an idiot.

Contents
2 "space blankets", one regular sized and one large
Victorinox Swiss Army knife, can't remember the model
Leatherman Micra with scissors
50 feet of cheap paracord
inexpensive "camp trowel". Made of plastic and cost less than 3 bucks, but it weighs almost nothing and straps easily to the outside of the pack. It has proven its use many times for digging up those delicious Jerusalem artichokes and cattail roots.
tin of (6) fish hooks with small length of line and snare wire
watertight bag with velcro closure containing
roll of hockey tape
whistle
book of cheap matches
magnesium block
thread and needles (actually need advice on what to replace this with. Sutures, maybe?)
compass
2 small hacksaw blades
Bag itself can be used to carry water.
SOG Seal Pup (worn on belt)
Muelay hunting knife (strapped to pack)
United cutlery one-piece katana-type sword.
Knock-off of those Ontario Blackwinds deals. I like it better than a machete. I wear it on my back.

Not listed/pictured is a Sierra cup (which I have no idea what I did with. I think I lent it to my brother.), very basic first aid kit, and a 1 liter bota bag with iodine tablets.

It's a bit knife-heavy, but I use them for different jobs. Large blade on the swiss army is for food prep, small is for carving/whittling, Seal Pup is an all-around one, etc, etc...

Here are pics. Quality is bad because I am a bad photographer.

Forgot to mention my favorite part about this kit, not counting the Seal Pup or sword, net cost of assembling the kit was roughly 20 bucks. Around 10 for the Muelay, 3 for the trowel and about 3 each for the space blankets. I've had the Victorinox for years, and everything else I got for free when I cleaned a guy's storage locker out for him.

[Rick]

What is your basic form of shelter?
Is your primary method of water purification the water tight bag and iodine?
Do you use the water tight bag to carry water? You said it can be used but is that what you use?

Personally, I'd get rid of the "book of cheap matches" and replace it with a couple of BIC lighters. I'd also toss in a ferrocerium (mish mash) rod and use what you already have as strikers.

You said it's never let you down and I guess that's the best test of any bag. Once it "fits" you and augments your skills then what it contains becomes a personal choice.

[Flavor Bear]

What is your basic form of shelter?
Is your primary method of water purification the water tight bag and iodine?
Do you use the water tight bag to carry water? You said it can be used but is that what you use?

Personally, I'd get rid of the "book of cheap matches" and replace it with a couple of BIC lighters. I'd also toss in a ferrocerium (mish mash) rod and use what you already have as strikers.

You said it's never let you down and I guess that's the best test of any bag. Once it "fits" you and augments your skills then what it contains becomes a personal choice.

I wrap up in the small blanket and make a tube tent out of the large one for the first one or two nights, but I always build a shelter while I'm out. Usually a debris shelter or a lean-to made from pine boughs.

Mostly use the iodine tablets but I also have a 16oz. Sierra cup I can boil water in. But that's only efficient if I am able to set up camp right next to water.

The flint on the magnesium bar works pretty well, would a separate bar be better?

[crashdive123]

The flint on the magnesium bar works pretty well, would a separate bar be better?

It is not possible to have too many back-ups when it comes to making fire. I would add it, but not take anything away. (I agree with changing out the match book for a bic lighter or tow).

[crashdive123]

Flavor Bear - I know you have it covered in your emergency kit, but you may want to consider adding a small first aid kit. Glad you haven't needed one yet.

[Flavor Bear]

Flavor Bear - I know you have it covered in your emergency kit, but you may want to consider adding a small first aid kit. Glad you haven't needed one yet.

I do add gauze, medical tape and antiseptic creme, I just haven't got them listed or pictured because I am out of out of them at the moment.
I have a more extensive one in my emergency kit with various medical supplies and a copy of Ditch Medicine.

[Nativedude]

Here's what's in my kit!

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff58/Nativedude1/jpeg_BOB_bag05_jpg.jpg:D

Live Well--Be Free!! :D

[Gray Wolf]

Nativedude, Great Pic's, love the labels!

[wakinsey]

Another good site is http://www.letsbprepared.com. They also talk about things you should before during and after things like storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes and floods. Alot of useful information there.:)

[crashdive123]

Hey wakinsey - how about at least heading over to the introduction section and tell us a bit about yourself before you try and sell us stuff.

[Rick]

Just curious. Are you affiliated with them?

[snakeman]

For a small kit i just clean out a big peanut butter jar and put your things in it. It won't fit much but it is waterproof, clear, strong and you could carry water in it also.

[crashdive123]

Are you using a plastic or glass peanut butter jar?

[snakeman]

Plastic. Its actually very durable.

[crashdive123]

I agree. The reason I asked was a concern for broken glass. Add a couple of para cord loops to the outside and wrap with duct tape and you've got a handle and tape that may come in handy.

[exarmy]

good outdoor gear survival equipment is www.army-surplus.org.uk

[crashdive123]

Exarmy - How about heading over to the introduction section and tell us a bit about yourself. While you're there, let us know if you are affiliated with the site you listed.

[samfranklin]

I recommend getting books on how to identify plants that you can use for food or medicine to add to your survival kit. Also i recommend practicing skills often

I really recommend for a survival book getting a Collins Gems pocket survival book it has been a real help to me.:)