Survival kits info.

[Austin Barlow]

So how do you hold on to those itty-bitty saw blades?

Well I certainly wouldn't recommend gripping it like your steak knife :p.

Thanks to evolution, opposable thumbs and an index finger will give you a pretty firm grip on it. Don't go out trying to cut down trees with those though. It's been said before, but I think it's worth repeating, If it's in your kit and you don't know how to use it....It's useless. Though, I'm pretty sure you were sarcastic in your response :o hahaha.

Also (wire saw aside), would you rather be caught lost in the woods with a small saw or no saw at all?;)

[Stairman]

I got another idea off another web site.A pencil sharpener.Use it to make tinder out of small twigs.I got one at Home Depot that sharpens those square carpenters pencils.It can handle a bigger stick,up to 1/2 inch thick and does a swell job of making shavings.

[Austin Barlow]

I got another idea off another web site.A pencil sharpener.Use it to make tinder out of small twigs.I got one at Home Depot that sharpens those square carpenters pencils.It can handle a bigger stick,up to 1/2 inch thick and does a swell job of making shavings.

There's no need for a pencil sharpener in your kit, it'll take up important space. A knife or a razor blade can get you wood shaving very easily.

[Draka_Alpha]

It appears that some people are ignoring the basic rules of a survival kit. Rule 1. Make it small enough that you won't be tempted to leave it in camp when you take a "short" stroll in the woods. Rule 2. see rule one above.

[crashdive123]

Draka Alpha - How about taking a short stroll over to the Introduction section and tell us a bit about yourself. Thanks.

[Tony uk]

It appears that some people are ignoring the basic rules of a survival kit. Rule 1. Make it small enough that you won't be tempted to leave it in camp when you take a "short" stroll in the woods. Rule 2. see rule one above.

I think that an altoids tin is small enough, any smaller and your sacrificeing the amount of gear you can carry to aid you in a survival situation.

[chiye tanka]

Okay, for those of us tin-crazed, CRK&T has come out with there RSK Mk5. As you may have guessed, Doug Ritter had input here. What you get is a knife with a 1.75" blade and overall of 3.81" with a kydex sheath and a (wait for it) tin around the size of an Altoid tin. It's a neat little package and will retail for around $25.00.

The Blast Match now has a little brother (painkillers just kicked in). I can't seem to locate the broucher from the SHOT Show, but it's about the size of you car remote and will retail for around $15.00.

That's all for now (good painkillers), but I'll post more when I'm not so outta it.

[chiye tanka]

The name of the fire starter is Sparkie, from Ultimate Survival Tech. Closed it's 2.3" X 1.2", width is .7", and weight is .85 oz. I got to try one while there and it works great. You can even use by depressing it on your hand. The strike rod is spring loaded and as easy to use as their blast match.

[REAPER]

hey there, im new on here and was reading your post..nice kits... but being from ALASKA and grizzly hunting, trying to kill a grizzly with any kind of dart is asking to be eatn by the bear...the dart will most likely not penitrate enough to have any effect and if it dose, you woulnt have time to get away...dont mess with a bear without a very powerful gun the odds are against you in a big way....just be safe and careful !

[chiye tanka]

Reaper, thanks for your input. How about you take some time to input an intro.

[doren]

My kit

2 7/8" Gun belt
Y Harness

Saw pouch
1 space blanket
1 4" folding knife
1 Mini Maglite

1lb coffee can containing, Fits in the saw pouch
1 Trioxane block
25 yards waxed thread Very compact about the size of a half dollar a 4 times as thick.
2 sewing needles
8 safety pins
micro compass
1 30 gallon trash bag
1 disposable lighter
50 ft of 50lbs test fishing line
5 fish hooks
5 sinkers
1 foam bobber
20ft snare wire
1 snake bite suction kit Never tried it, hopefully never will
1 Light My Fire Stryker
10 Micropur tablets

1 Pocket medic kit containing,This also fits in the coffee can
2 Butterfly closures
6 Band aids
2 2x2" Dressings
1 sting pad
Antibiotic ointment
3 wetnaps
1 moleskin
4 motrin I will be changing this later
2 safety pins
1 tick puller

Magazine pouch
food for a day or more

Canteen Pouch
Milspec plastic canteen
Canteen Cup
Canteen Stove

I'm trying to figure out what else I could use without adding more pouches. The saw pouch has plenty more space, and the coffee can has enough space for an Altoids tin worth of items. What else could I add to my kit? Or should I leave well enough alone?

[crashdive123]

At a quick glance I would add a knife, way to purify water, additional fire starting methods, some char cloth or other tinder, small poncho or additional trash bags. That's my quick glance.

[Rockgod1619]

Looks like a good all-around pack. I would definitely take Crash's advise and add a knife, etc. I would also add anything that might be necessary regarding weather and the climate in your area.

[tennecedar]

550 cord definately. Wrap it around something to keep it from knotting up.

[crashdive123]

When constructing a kit or packing some gear I tend to make sure I've got the rule of 3's covered. That'll change depending on the time of year, as Rockgod1619 said , adjusting for your climate is important.

I guess I should have asked - what do you envision using your kit for?

[Rick]

Doren - I don't see anything particularly wrong with what you have. I would prefer a good straight knife. You might take a look at the Mora 760 or 780, but Mora has a number of others that are inexpensive, good quality knives.

I would also add some paracord. Hard to beat it. A ten foot piece will yield 80 feet if you pull out the inner threads and it's tough as nails.

Find a 35mm film canister. You can soak six cotton balls in Vaseline and shove them in the canister. A canister holds about 6. Not only will you have some vaseline for first aid but it also makes a heck of a fire starter.

Beyond that, take it out and use it. The more you use it the more you'll find items that you don't need and items you need to add. It won't be long until you have a kit that's right for you.

[doren]

This is mostly for day trips maybe an occasional overnight. I live in east Tennessee so my clothing needs change drastically. Before I head out I always double check the three day forecast and dress accordingly. Just in case I'm there for two nights or more.

I do have a 4" Cold steel folder in the saw pouch. However I'm going to add either a machete or khukri later. A poncho is in my back pack But I almost never use it. If rain may be in the forecast I do take my duster which does the job nicely. The waxed thread is a good substitute for 550 cord, But I keep 550 cord in both pairs of my boots.

Besides the 550 cord that is always in my boots, I keep my Leatherman Core on my pants belt. Normally when I head into the mountains I have my walking stick. It's 5 1/2 long and has roughly 70-80ft of 550 cord wrapped around it.

I am thinking about adding some Vaseline cotton balls for more fire starting. I just don't want to add it in yet since I haven't tried it yet. I also have the water purification taken care of with the Micropur tabs. 10 should be enough for a couple of days.

At this point I'm trying to take care of the glaring holes in my kit.

[Sarge47]

I would add both a decent compass as the teeny-tiny one doesn't work well with the Topo map you also failed to list.:cool2:

[Stairman]

Whistle,spork,candle,ducttape wrapped on a clothspin or stick,hand sanitizer,orange flagging tape,Imodium,folded paper towels and aluminum foil.

[lucznik]

There perhaps may be some reason(s) why you can't/don't want to include the follwing, but my kit always includes a small handgun (most often a .22LR revolver) and ammunition.

[doren]

Humans and their ancestors survived without guns for millions of years, so it shouldn't be that difficult to continue that trend. I'm not saying I do not need a gun of some kind. It's not on my immediate priorities list. One day I'll get one. But for the time being, my long bow does the job nicely.

[lucznik]

Humans and their ancestors survived without guns for millions of years, so it shouldn't be that difficult to continue that trend. I'm not saying I do not need a gun of some kind. It's not on my immediate priorities list. One day I'll get one. But for the time being, my long bow does the job nicely. That's true, but you didn't include your longbow (or arrows) in your list of gear either.

I'm a big longbow fan. I own two. One is pretty basic model from Desert Dog Archery and the other is a handcrafted, custom, bamboo-backed-yew bow made special for me. Although I love it, I'm not sure I would want to rely on it as my primary "survival" weapon. People may have survived sans guns for millions of years, but they were generally malnourished and tended to die very young.

[NCO]

My usual survival kit, ie hunting trip kit, is folowing:

A puukko(knife)
Matches, heads dipped in stearin so that water won't ruin them.
Extra woll shirt.
Pills for viper bites.
3 liters of water.
Coffee.
Coffee pot.
Rye crisp bread.
Sausage.
Pack or two of cigarettes
A lighter.

This I carry in old army patrol backpack.

[Rick]

What kind of pills do you carry for viper bites?

[NCO]

It's 50mg hydrocortisone tablet. Immediately after the bite you take 1 pill per every 10kg you weight. The only venomous snake we have here is Vipera Berus(Common European Viper) and it's bite isn't fatal for a healthy adult, but it's bite doesn't feel good neither way. The tablets control the swelling of the bitten limb and make one's life easier. For a child they buy time to get to the hospital.

[Rick]

I'm facinated that the puukko is so well liked in Finland and across Europe. I've seen a lot of web sites where the puukko is used or mentioned. We in North America have this weird fascination with huge survival knives and carry all this weight around with us. Yet, you folks do whatever you need to do with a simple, rugged knife.

What do you think of the Mora, Brusletto, Eka and some of the other Scandinavian knives?

[NCO]

Mora for example is not a puukko as it is sweadish. Here Mora is mostly used among costruction workers and alike as cheap an disposaple tool. It can not even be concidered as a real knife. With Brusletto and Eka Im not familiar with. As with most finnish people I trust in homeland products when it comes to puukos. Marttini is a good cheaper brand, but if you want really good puukko it has to be from Iisakki Järvenpää's Puukko factory in city of Kauhava.
As for those big "survival" knives, we have something similar. It is called Leuku, mostly used in Lappland. There you need more mass on the knife as you need to be able to cut frozen wood with it.

[klkak]

People may have survived sans guns for millions of years, but they were generally malnourished and tended to die very young.

Very well said!

[Gray Wolf]

Gee, nobody's taking Condoms with them anymore???? :ohmy: :whistling:

[tennecedar]

Replaced them with sterile surgical gloves. They carry more water and don't attract all the comments.

[crashdive123]

Replaced them with sterile surgical gloves. They carry more water and don't attract all the comments.

You must have been using the small ones.:lol::lol::lol:

[tennecedar]

(You been peeking?)

I tried to shows some guys the uses of the contents of my kit once. You would have thought i had asked to borrow their boat when i asked them to fetch some water in a condom to cook with.

[Gray Wolf]

But they don't make as good a slingshot, or tournaket.

[Ken]

Replaced them with sterile surgical gloves. They carry more water and don't attract all the comments.

Draw some circles on them with black marker. When you fill 'em up, you'll think you've got yourself a cow.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gIcnNHfRBic/R7jE3PpPkfI/AAAAAAAAAaY/jkfWdAMDujg/s400/Angry_Cow.jpg

[Gray Wolf]

Oh Ken thats utterly rediculous....

[crashdive123]

.....and be careful around sharp things because you'll have ......well, you know ----an udder failure.

[Ken]

Oh Ken thats utterly rediculous....


.....and be careful around sharp things because you'll have ......well, you know ----an udder failure.

That's it. I'm moving to an udder thread. :sneaky2:

[chazlawyer]

Here's a link to a description of my pack with pictures:



Bring on the kitchen sink!

[NCO]

You got pretty much everything there! Nice kit over all. (Although I still like minimalist kits better....)

[Gray Wolf]

Here's a link to a description of my pack with pictures:

http://www.emergencypreparationforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=33

Bring on the kitchen sink!

Do you have room for anything else? How heavy is that pack the way it is?

I saw on your list Esbit fuel, but I didn't see a stove?

[chazlawyer]

There is an esbit stove tucked in there somewhere...might not have made the pics. The pack is about 25 pounds (if i don't have the slingshot ammo in there...lol) But it's mainly a pack I keep in my car. I have lumped it around on a hike to test it out...and it's certainly manageable...but it's not for a minimalist hiker...

[NCO]

25 punds.. Whats that in kilos? I should find an internet page that does the transforming for me. Oh well. As long as it is not more than 40kg it is ok.

EDIT: Ok, if I'm not complately wrong 25 pounds is around 11kg. So it is a light pack compared to those we had to carry in the army.

[mountain mama]

Or fire + tree = really really big fire!I found this out the hard way, yesterday :(

I tend to correlate the importance of a survival kit with that of a survival knife
A survival knife is of course the one you have with you.and
Its a survival kit the point is that you dont want to carry around everything under the sunand
…the basic rules of a survival kit. Rule 1. Make it small enough that you won't be tempted to leave it in camp when you take a "short" stroll in the woods. Rule 2. see rule one above.
I like the idea of having the essentials in an Altoids can. This way I can keep the really important, yet compact, stuff with me at all times. Then, I progress up to a fanny pack of stuff I keep in my car. Then, if I know I am going to be out in the elements for an extended amount of time (intentionally), I have my backpack loaded down like I am some kind of pack mule.

I got my lists from the SAS Survival Handbook by John “Lofty” Wiseman, but have added and deleted stuff according to what is relevant for me and my family.

In the Altoid tin (the inside of the tin lid itself can be shined into a reflective signaling mirror):
Waterproof matches
Tallow candle (edible)
Flint & steel
Magnifying glass
Needles (several, 1 lrg eye) & strong thread
Fish hooks & line
Luminous button compass
Beta light (small tritium light)
Snare wire (2-3 ft) brass
Survival wire saw
Medical kit:
Analgesic – hydrocodone; advil; asprin
Immodium
Antibiotic
Benadryl
Water sterilizing tablets
2 exacto blades
Butterfly sutures
Bandaids – assorted sizes
Condom

For my fanny pack:
aluminum mess tin
Fuel / stove
Small Flashlight
4 flares
Marker panel
Matches
Food
Tubes of butter
Dehydrated meat
Salt tablets
Electrolite powder
Survival bag – polythene heat-insulated
Survival log (list which plants you have found to be edible, make notes, etc)
Folding knife
Parang or machete
Wet stone
Duct tape
heavy duty trash bags
550 cord
Survival book
Wrist rocket

In the backpack:
Everything else, including the kitchen sink

[Rick]

Super! A few thoughts that may or may not be of benefit to you. Just my humble opinion.

In the Altoid tin (the inside of the tin lid itself can be shined into a reflective signaling mirror):
Certainly better than nothing but the best signal is a mirror developed for that purpose.

Waterproof matches
Something as good and cheaper is soaking strike anywhere matches in paraffin.

Tallow candle (edible)
Great idea. I had not considered this! I love muti-use.

Flint & steel
You bet! add some char cloth

Magnifying glass
Fresnel lens will probably serve you best

Needles (several, 1 lrg eye) & strong thread
Fish hooks & line
You might consider consolidating your thread and fishing line into paracord. The inner strands can be used for either. Strictly a personal choice here.

Luminous button compass
Beta light (small tritium light)
Snare wire (2-3 ft) brass
Survival wire saw
I assume this is one of those metal thread saws since it's in an Altoid tin. They are not very reliable. It will probably break the first time you use it. You might want to test it before you have to rely on it.

Medical kit:
Analgesic – hydrocodone; advil; asprin
Immodium
Antibiotic
Benadryl
Water sterilizing tablets
2 exacto blades
Butterfly sutures
Bandaids – assorted sizes
Condom
You might consider adding duct tape (you can wrap it around a pencil or one end of you flint steel if it's long enough). You can't have too much paracord or duct tape.


For my fanny pack:
aluminum mess tin
Fuel / stove
Small Flashlight
4 flares
Marker panel
Matches
Food
Tubes of butter
Dehydrated meat
Salt tablets
Electrolite powder
Survival bag – polythene heat-insulated
Survival log (list which plants you have found to be edible, make notes, etc)
Folding knife
Parang or machete
Wet stone
Duct tape
heavy duty trash bags
550 cord
Survival book
Wrist rocket
Nice list. I would still add a butane lighter and some safety pins. You could also add some cotton balls soaked in Vaseline. You should be able to stick six (6) in a 35mm plastic film canister. They are great for starting fires and the Vaseline is great for chapped lips and chafing.


In the backpack:
Everything else, including the kitchen sink (don't forget the strainer. :innocent:)

[mountain mama]

Rick, thanks for the input! This is exactly why I am here. I never think of everything until it's too late. Now, on to the knives forum so I can find a good folding blade :)

[Rick]

My pleasure. None of us can think of everything. All of us learn from each other. If any of it was of value then I'm glad to help.

Knives forum? Those exist? Why doesn't anyone tell me about these things? People, you have to start sharing this stuff with me!! (walks off kicking chat).

[mountain mama]

lmao okay okay excuse me....the knives TOPIC....happy now?

[crashdive123]

Whew - thought you were gonna be one of those conspiracy theorists that says there are other forums. Glad you cleared that up.

[chiye tanka]

Rick, you're overdue for a trip to see the spirit talkers again, aren't you?:tongue_smilie:

[Rick]

It's really odd that you ask that because just last night a Red Tailed Hawk visited with me. He asked if I was overdue for a visit with Chiya Tanka. Is that amazing or what?

[mountain mama]

Whew - thought you were gonna be one of those conspiracy theorists that says there are other forums. Glad you cleared that up.uhhhhh NO. After clicking on a link in this forum, I was sent to one of those conspiracy theory sites and was quite happy to return here unscathed. thank you very much.

[Rick]

What?! Conspiracy forums? There are other forums somewhere? (walks off shaking head). It just ain't right, I tell ya.

[jessielavon]

777 survivls skill for the comming days OUT BUG OUT BZCKPACKS ARE READY
Bubba,MY MARINE and I were talking about how the economy was getting and how different things could soon be.We thought we would scrabble threw all the wild ideas and leave some real info ,in other words useful advice to keep you alive.with this list you will be able to get threw if/when the economy/depression or any other things that come along.
We ourselvs have bought 2 large outdoor backpacks one for me and one fore Bubba,
in each backpack we put in the following items.
some MRI'S ALONG WITH THINGS LIKE DEVILED HAM,CRACKERS,PEANUT BUTTER. DRIED BEANS,PACKAGES OF INSTANT SOUP,TUNA FISH AND CANNED CHICKEN,GRANOLA BARS. antibotic soap,face mask
SMALL LED FLASH LIGHT WITH EXTRA BATTERY'S
CIGARETTES ,LIGHTERS AND WATER PROOF MATCHES
SWISS ARMY MULTI TOOL AND OUR P38 CAN OPENERS THAT USED TO OPEN SEA RASHIONS
1ST AID KIT AND MED WE TAKE DAILY
DUCK TALE,ROLL OF PLASTIC,12 FOOT HEAVY DUTY ROPE AND 12 FT SMALL ROPE
RAIN PONCHO,GOOD PAIR BOOTS AND EXTRA SOCKS
WINTER HUNTING SUIT SUMMER SET OF CLOTHING,
EXTRA DUTY BLANKY
WATER PURIFICATION TABLETS
TINDER FIRE KIT-THIS CAN BE FAT LIGHTER,OR BALLS OF COTTON DIPPED IN VASELINE IN A PLASTIC BAG,YOU CAN ALSO USE FAT LITER FROM A PINE TREE OR PINE CONES,several fish hooks and fishing gear.
SMALL COOK POT AND A SKILLET 1 LARGE,1 SMALL SPOON,1 CUP
A SMALL BACKPACKING CAMPING STOVE
SLEEPING BAG TOLIET TISSUE SMUSSHED DOWN,YOU CAN ALWAYS USE LEAVES IF NEED BE
LED RADIO AND EXTRA BATTERY'S,hItrloom SEED AND SMALL GARDEN TOOLS
AX AND A COMMANDO SAW
BE SURE TO GET A LARGE FANNY PACK FOR IN THERE YOU CAN ADD YOUR SMALLER ITEMS LIKE SAY,MATCHES BATTERS WATER PURIFICATION PILLS ECT

EACH PERSON CAN CARRIE UP TO 60 POUNDS OF WEIGHT IN A BACKPACK,
WE ARE ALSO STOCKING UP IN A WALK IN CLOSET ON CAN GOODS,BOX GOODS,CHARCOAL,LIGHTER FLUID AND LAMP OIL,SPICES, flour,sugar meal even powdered eggs and survival meats that come in a can,i have also been canning things like butter ANYTHING THAT MY FAMILY EATS,SPICES.SALT,SPICES. we intend to have a 2 year supply of food just in case things go bad ,a depression cause when the shelves in the stores are bare my family will eat,i ROTATE THE FOOD EVERY WEEK AS WE EAT FROM IT
Ans since Bubba is a good olD redneck of course ammo for all the guns.I have also made a special place for my bible and our backpacks go with us everywhere,if we get separated we have a certain place to meet up.and if things get really bad me and Bubba can go out to the country,build a small shelter and survive off the land
GET TO KNOW YOU PLANTS WHERE YOU LIVE,DANDYLOIND AND ACORNS CAN BE MADE INTO FOOD AS WELL AS SNAKE AND SMALL GAME. LEARN WILDCRAFTING AND LOAD UP ON YOUR GUNS ANS AMNO
wE ALSO HAVE OUR SITE READYAND 3 YEARS CHASH OF FOOD HIDDEN

[Rick]

Well. That's a lot stuff. I have to tell you, I don't think I'll carry a 60lb. pack very far. Maybe to the truck. But if it works for you then by all means. Just spend some time hossing that rascal up and down the road and make certain you can carry it okay. Otherwise, you'll be dropping gear along the way. During the Alaskan gold rush, folks took things along like full size stoves that got discarded along the way because they under-estimated the amount of effort required to move it.

Three years of food is a lot of food. I hope you are able to rotate that as well.

[mddubs]

Hi All,

I'm new to these forums and was hoping to get some feedback on my latest project; my survival kit + knife. I was just hoping to hear what you think. Thanks!

*******************

-Matt

[chiye tanka]

Hey md, how bout shooting over to the intro section and telling us a little about yourself.

[crashdive123]

mddubs - you cannot include a link to you site, blog, etc. in the body of your post. You can include it as part of your signature if you wish.

[trax]

That's a terrible knife/survival kit combo. My advice is package the whole thing up and mail it to me immediately so I can take it off your hands for you before you do any serious damage to yourself:sneaky2: Or I could be lying....yeah do what chiye tanka said and pop by the intro section and we'll all welcome you and say hi and stuff. Hopefully you'll share more--info or stuff--

[mountain mama]

Since I can't see the link you posted, here's some of what has already been brought up on this forum regarding survival kits and knives (I added in books too):
Survival kits
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1256
survival knives
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1430
survival guides/handbooks/manuals
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=6651

[mddubs]

mddubs - you cannot include a link to you site, blog, etc. in the body of your post. You can include it as part of your signature if you wish.

Bummer. Well ok, I added the link to my signature but it hasn't come up yet.

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

those sunglass rolls are nice; my kids used to get those at the eye doctor,i still carry two pair in my kit,great for glare or preventing snowblindness,
looks like a good kit to me (id trade the measure tape for a roll or synthetic sinue)

[mountain mama]

After seeing your post, I am kind curious how you became so efficient in survival. Here's a link to the introduction forum http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14 , I am sure there are others that would like to know more about you as well. Thanks!

[mddubs]

That's a terrible knife/survival kit combo. My advice is package the whole thing up and mail it to me immediately

So I did good huh? :)

[mddubs]

(id trade the measure tape for a roll or synthetic sinue)

Nice, I like the suggestion. Where could I get synthetic sinue? I assume this would be used for sutures? Which reminds me of a question I was meaning to ask someone, regular thread would be fine for stitches, right?

[crashdive123]

Bummer. Well ok, I added the link to my signature but it hasn't come up yet.

It has now, and look at it this way...now it shows up every time you post.

[mddubs]

After seeing your post, I am kind curious how you became so efficient in survival.

Thanks mama, I did nothing more than surf the web. Gotta love it.

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

Nice, I like the suggestion. Where could I get synthetic sinue? I assume this would be used for sutures? Which reminds me of a question I was meaning to ask someone, regular thread would be fine for stitches, right?

Most art and craft stores carry it (like Michaels or white rose) medical quality suture in that material is hard to find mabe Ebay
suture with thread isnt good the healing skin bonds to it . normaly a single strand of plastic, the threads of a spun cord cause problems. presonal suture kits are available on Ebay

[mountain mama]

Suggestion: before trying to suture in the wild, you may want to try butterfly sutures and superglue first. Otherwise, you might stitch in an infection.

[mddubs]

Thanks for the tips, given the choice, sounds like it would be better to tie stitches with fishing line than thread.

[trax]

let's see...bleed out---give myself stitches....bleed out--give myself stitches, I dunno that's a tough one. I'm going to focus on staying uninjured in the first place, but I suppose it is best to be prepared. (Now I'm picturing Paul Blart-Mall Cop and that little bandaid scene that he does....why can't I just be serious for a moment?)

[mddubs]

I'm a huge Kevin James fan. How would you rate Mall Cop?

[erunkiswldrnssurvival]

thats what I would use. carry Betadine also .

[crashdive123]

Thanks mama, I did nothing more than surf the web. Gotta love it.

So, what kind of practical - or boots in the field experience do you have?

[Gray Wolf]

I did nothing more than surf the web. Gotta love it.

A wise, very experienced member here has a signiture that really might help:

"If it's in your kit and you don't know how to use it....It's useless."

[Nativedude]

mddubs wrote: ". . .I did nothing more than surf the web. Gotta love it."

Surfing the web is fine, but survival in theory is a far cry from survival in practical application. :blushing:

Now that you have the gear find a survival course and put your gear to the test.

It is just as bad to have gear and not know how to use it as it is to not have gear at all!

[Sarge47]

Hi All,

I'm new to these forums and was hoping to get some feedback on my latest project; my survival kit + knife. I was just hoping to hear what you think. Thanks!

******************* (http://*******************)

-MattIf it works for you then it works for me! Now tell us what's NOT in the photos!:cool2:

[mountain mama]

Now tell us what's NOT in the photos!:cool2:
*jumps up and down with hand raised in true Horshack fashion* ME! ME! PICK ME!!!

[Alpine_Sapper]

*jumps up and down with hand raised in true Horshack fashion* ME! ME! PICK ME!!!

You there, in the back. You had something to say?

[mountain mama]

At first glance:

Waterproof matches
Safety pins
Cotton balls soaked in vaseline
Char cloth
Candle
Needles/thread
Fish hooks
Flash light or photon light
First aid kit (asprin, ibuprofen, Imodium, Benadryl, butterfly sutures, Band-Aids, etc)
Wet stone
Heavy duty Trash bags
550 cord
Tube tent
Energy bars
An extra pair of socks and underwear
GUN! (and ammo of course)

[Alpine_Sapper]

At first glance:

Waterproof matches
Safety pins
Cotton balls soaked in vaseline
Char cloth
Candle
Needles/thread
Fish hooks
Flash light or photon light
First aid kit (asprin, ibuprofen, Imodium, Benadryl, butterfly sutures, Band-Aids, etc)
Wet stone
Heavy duty Trash bags
550 cord
Tube tent
Energy bars
An extra pair of socks and underwear
GUN! (and ammo of course)

lol. Your list actually made me go find the OP's link and take a look at the photo.

Wow. Just...Wow.

All I'll say is you should take that emergency kit out into the woods with you, and nothing else. Wear a pair of cargo pants. Stay for two days. Anything you take out of the kit to use, put it in the pocket of your cargo pants. On the way back home after two days, chuck the kit in the garbae, and when you get home, take the contents of your pockets and start building a new kit. Eventually you'll get it refined down to the point you know you can sustain yourself with it, and you'll know how to use what you have in it.

[mountain mama]

lol. Your list actually made me go find the OP's link and take a look at the photo.

Wow. Just...Wow.

All I'll say is you should take that emergency kit out into the woods with you. Wear a pair of cargo pants. Stay for two days. Anything you take out of the kit to use, put it in the pocket of your cargo pants. On the way back home after two days, chuck the kit in the garbae, and when you get home, take the contents of your pockets and start building a new kit. Eventually you'll get it refined down to the point you know you can sustain yourself with it, and you'll know how to use what you have in it.

Ok, Ok, :blushing: that was my BOB stuff....for the emergency kit itself I would only add: photon light (how else would he find his stuff in the dark?), safety pins, char cloth, small candle, needles/thread, fish hooks (how does he plan to make us of the fishing line and bobbers without the hooks?), and small amount of first aid stuff (the stuff I listed)

[Alpine_Sapper]

Ok, Ok, :blushing: that was my BOB stuff....for the emergency kit itself I would only add: photon light (how else would he find his stuff in the dark?), safety pins, char cloth, small candle, needles/thread, fish hooks (how does he plan to make us of the fishing line and bobbers without the hooks?), and small amount of first aid stuff (the stuff I listed)

My comment was more from reviewing what's in the kit, and then reading this comment;

"If I ever had 1 minute to leave the house I could grab this kit and be confident I have the tools needed to survive in the wild for an extended period of time".

All I'm saying is it could use a little refinement/fine tuning from actual use. That way there is no question that you can survive if that's all you can grab.

[mountain mama]

And, I would still keep an energy bar in my pocket for use as bait :P

[mountain mama]

My comment was more from reviewing what's in the kit, and then reading this comment;

"If I ever had 1 minute to leave the house I could grab this kit and be confident I have the tools needed to survive in the wild for an extended period of time"See, that is the difference between men and women...you guys don't carry a PURSE...I have everything I need in my purse at all times and still have enough room for lipstick and wallet :innocent:

As far as that goes, the stuff he listed looks more like my BOB than my emergency kit. I probably wouldn't bother with the mosquito net, plastic worms, measuring tape and bobbers. I could improvise for most of this.

[Alpine_Sapper]

See, that is the difference between men and women...you guys don't carry a PURSE...I have everything I need in my purse at all times and still have enough room for lipstick and wallet :innocent:

As far as that goes, the stuff he listed looks more like my BOB than my emergency kit. I probably wouldn't bother with the mosquito net, plastic worms, measuring tape and bobbers. I could improvise for most of this.

Yep. If you are going to carry that much fishing gear, you should probably go ahead and just toss in a pack rod.

[mountain mama]

ok http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/popeilfamilystore_2033_46749061 :P

p.s. is this why there are so few of us women here on the forum? ;)

[Alpine_Sapper]

p.s. is this why there are so few of us women here on the forum? ;)

:confused::confused::confused:

Ok, I give...why?

[mountain mama]

why? because we carry everything (including the kitchen sink) in our purse, of course

that, and because we women tend to depend on our big strong men to take care of us, rather than fending for ourselves...

[Alpine_Sapper]

why? because we carry everything (including the kitchen sink) in our purse, of course

that, and because we women tend to depend on our big strong men to take care of us, rather than fending for ourselves...

lol. Ok, I can see that. Those of the mentality to prepare typically do carry what they need in their purse. Those that don't, tend to whine/*****/complain when you don't have what they need in their purse. :)

[mountain mama]

lipstick, anyone?

[mddubs]

A lot of the items you guys said I should have I do, they're in item 9. Fish hooks, medicine, needles, safety pins etc. And some of the other items like 550 cord and a tube tent won't fit in the pouch.

I do like the Betadine suggestion. I imagine even the most trained survivalist is pretty helpless against a bacterial infection, so I'll be adding some sort of disinfectant.

I agree the measuring tape is pretty useless, I just tossed it in. I guess I could lose the bobbers, but I'm sticking by my mosquito net and plastic worms. That handheld rod might be something to look into, actually there is a lot of room left in this pouch, it's pretty big.

...

As far as my own experience, I don't have any. I just recently got interested in the whole thought of survival and started here. I'm going to try and talk a friend or my brother into heading out into the woods with very minimal equipment sometime this summer, but that might take a lot of convincing.

[mddubs]

Oh, and what's char cloth and what's it used for?

[mddubs]

Waterproof matches - Lighter is better, plus FireSteel.
Safety pins - Got'em
Cotton balls soaked in vaseline - For what?
Char cloth - For what?
Candle - Unnecessary I think, fire would be adequate.
Needles/thread - Got'em
Fish hooks - Got'em
Flash light or photon light - Not worth the weight, batteries die.
First aid kit (asprin, ibuprofen, Imodium, Benadryl, butterfly sutures, Band-Aids, etc) - Got most of that
Wet stone - For what?
Heavy duty Trash bags - For what?
550 cord - I have a 100ft shank, but it's too big for the pouch. What would a small piece of cord be good for?
Tube tent - Sounds too big.
Energy bars - Might be good to add 1 or 2. Do they ever expire?
An extra pair of socks and underwear - Won't fit.
GUN! (and ammo of course) - Won't fit.

[Sarge47]

Waterproof matches - Lighter is better, plus FireSteel.
Safety pins - Got'em
Cotton balls soaked in vaseline - For what?
Char cloth - For what?
Candle - Unnecessary I think, fire would be adequate.
Needles/thread - Got'em
Fish hooks - Got'em
Flash light or photon light - Not worth the weight, batteries die.
First aid kit (asprin, ibuprofen, Imodium, Benadryl, butterfly sutures, Band-Aids, etc) - Got most of that
Wet stone - For what?
Heavy duty Trash bags - For what?
550 cord - I have a 100ft shank, but it's too big for the pouch. What would a small piece of cord be good for?
Tube tent - Sounds too big.
Energy bars - Might be good to add 1 or 2. Do they ever expire?
An extra pair of socks and underwear - Won't fit.
GUN! (and ammo of course) - Won't fit.
This post displays your lack of understanding of Survival equipment & how it works. Can you tell me why? Nobody help this time, he needs to learn!:cool2:

[chiye tanka]

I know professor, I know!!!!:tongue_smilie::smash:

[mountain mama]

*shrugs* sorry, mddubs, I tried....might I suggest the little "search" option located at the top of the screen

[Sarge47]

I know professor, I know!!!!:tongue_smilie::smash:
Oh it's so tempting to jump right in, isn't it?:sneaky2:

[Sarge47]

Here's an idea for a new thread: "What the internet DOESN'T teach you about Survival!":cool2:

[chiye tanka]

Here's an idea for a new thread: "What the internet DOESN'T teach you about Survival!":cool2:

YES!!!!
I like your idea, but I doubt the twinkies will understand it.

[mountain mama]

Here's an idea for a new thread: "What the internet DOESN'T teach you about Survival!":cool2:

Is the internet large enough to encompass this topic???

[crashdive123]

Mddubs I applaud your research and your desire to learn. I am concerned however that I did not see (might have missed it) any sort of disclaimer telling readers of your blog that you have no practical experience. Let me give you an example of what I mean. You have one of those little space blankets in your kit (as does probably everybody else here, including me). You say it's for warmth. The implication is that it will keep you warm. In reality, while it will keep you warmer (that is a good thing) in 30 degree temperatures it will not keep you warm. I just get concerned about information that is presented on the internet that to the inexperienced viewer is legitimate. The reality is, while gaining the knowledge is great - you must (IMO) field test it before you start recommending it, or at least let the viewers know that it is just stuff you read on the internet. I look forward to your reviews of the gear that you have put together.

[Sarge47]

Don't buy into everything that you read. You've confessed to not having any field experience, so that just means you've "read up on the subject." Based on your posts, you're only a tenderfoot with a looong way to go!:cool2:

[Gray Wolf]

As far as my own experience, I don't have any.


Oh, and what's char cloth and what's it used for?

Sarge, you called him a tenderfoot, that was a very kind way to describe him. :innocent:

[chiye tanka]

G.W., I think Sarge might be getting soft in his old age.

[Sarge47]

Just trying to teach the Newbies something!:cool2:

[mountain mama]

Just trying to teach the Newbies something!:cool2:

and for that, we thank you oh so much, Sarge :D

(edited to include that I count myself among the newbies since I have been here less than a month and have so much to learn)

[Sam]

Ok, Ok, :blushing: that was my BOB stuff....for the emergency kit itself I would only add: photon light (how else would he find his stuff in the dark?), safety pins, char cloth, small candle, needles/thread, fish hooks (how does he plan to make us of the fishing line and bobbers without the hooks?), and small amount of first aid stuff (the stuff I listed)

Moutain mama, he listed fishing hooks.
-Sam

[mountain mama]

yeah, he pointed that out, I just didn't see it when taking a glance at the pic

[hoosierarcher]

I left a comment on your blog about my opinion of the Gerber LMF. All I'll say here is They ruined it by putting serrations on the blade where when doing things like making pegs and tent stakes or just about anything in fieldcraft. JPS(Just Plain Stupid)IMLTHO(In My Less Than Humble Opinion).

[DrWELLth]

The best outdoor survival kit and first aid kit – is your head to think with, their hands to work with.

Did you catch that?

The best kit = your head to think with, their hands to work with ...

And by 'their hands' I mean ... the ill or injured _or_ those travelling with you!

I have to keep reminding myself ... an outdoor survival kit and first aid kit is not a single ‘bag or bottle of equipment.’ Your ‘kit’ is everything you have with you including:

__ your outdoor survival kit/first aid kit
__ your experience, knowledge and skills
__ the equipment you are carrying with you
__ the equipment others are carrying with them
__ the resources available around you

[lucznik]

Waterproof matches - Lighter is better, plus FireSteel.
Safety pins - Got'em
Cotton balls soaked in vaseline - For what?
Char cloth - For what?
Candle - Unnecessary I think, fire would be adequate.
Needles/thread - Got'em
Fish hooks - Got'em
Flash light or photon light - Not worth the weight, batteries die.
First aid kit (asprin, ibuprofen, Imodium, Benadryl, butterfly sutures, Band-Aids, etc) - Got most of that
Wet stone - For what?
Heavy duty Trash bags - For what?
550 cord - I have a 100ft shank, but it's too big for the pouch. What would a small piece of cord be good for?
Tube tent - Sounds too big.
Energy bars - Might be good to add 1 or 2. Do they ever expire?
An extra pair of socks and underwear - Won't fit.
GUN! (and ammo of course) - Won't fit.


This post displays your lack of understanding of Survival equipment & how it works. Can you tell me why? Nobody help this time, he needs to learn!:cool2:


mddubs,

This post by sarge should have sent you scrambling all over the net to find the answers to your own questions. What's more, he did it without being insulting. That's a pretty good feat.

So, what have you come up with so far. We're dying to know.

[lucznik]

The best outdoor survival kit and first aid kit – is your head to think with, their hands to work with.

Did you catch that?

The best kit = your head to think with, their hands to work with ...

And by 'their hands' I mean ... the ill or injured _or_ those travelling with you!



Too true.

In addition, in a true societal SHTF situation, many who are used to being pampered will become the new labor force as they will have little to no useful skills/knowledge to offer. Thus providing basic "menial" labor chores will be their only way to procuring food, shelter, protection, etc. from those who have the means of providing it.

[KimmyHead]

Very well put lucznik.

[Sarge47]

Mddubs says he wants to learn, posts some stuff, then dosen't respond to my question or to anybody else. Hmmmm. His profile shows he was here last night around 8:30 pm yet he hasn't posted in 5 days, what's up with that? Was it because we didn't give him the big 'ole "pat on the back" he felt he deserved? Yo Md, quit stalling and answer the freakin' questions!:cool2:

[chiye tanka]

That's the Sarge I know and, um, love?:bat:

[mountain mama]

maybe he is still searching for answers...I doubt many people know what cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly are used for in the wild. I know I didn't, till I came here.

[mddubs]

Mddubs says he wants to learn, posts some stuff, then dosen't respond to my question or to anybody else. Hmmmm. His profile shows he was here last night around 8:30 pm yet he hasn't posted in 5 days, what's up with that? Was it because we didn't give him the big 'ole "pat on the back" he felt he deserved? Yo Md, quit stalling and answer the freakin' questions!:cool2:

Sarge... you're kinda freakin me out :online2long:

What question are you referring to? I asked a bunch about the items I'm unfamiliar with and was told to figure it out myself. And that's fine, I've found a great community at ********** (http://**********) with some good ideas. (I wonder if the mod is going to remove that link too... maybe I should put it in my signature :wacko:)

I think you just miss a noob asking all those simple questions so you can stroke your self-proclaimed******* survivalist ego. Which is fine, everyone needs something to feel good about. But really, who needs the pat on the back?

[mountain mama]

mddubs, I believe this is the post Sarge was making reference to...
This post displays your lack of understanding of Survival equipment & how it works. Can you tell me why? Nobody help this time, he needs to learn!:cool2:
You kinda shot down my suggestions for additions to your survival kit, without knowing the purpose of the items listed. I would be more than happy to explain my reasons for those listed items, but now you're just being sorta an @$$ about it. For the record, Sarge is a *******and he doesn't need affirmation from you on the subject.

[nell67]

[quote=mountain mama;116895]mddubs, I believe this is the post Sarge was making reference to...
:clap::clap::thumbup1::thumbup::thumbup:

[crashdive123]

(I wonder if the mod is going to remove that link too... maybe I should put it in my signature :wacko:)



Yeah I did. If you add it to your signature I will remove it from there as well. PM on the way to explain it to you.

[Sourdough]

The Female wolves, discover the slightest sign of weakness, or hesitation too respond quickly, and moved in for the quick & heartless kill.

[mddubs]

You kinda shot down my suggestions for additions to your survival kit, without knowing the purpose of the items listed. I would be more than happy to explain my reasons for those listed items, but now you're just being sorta an @$$ about it. For the record, Sarge is a ****** and he doesn't need affirmation from you on the subject.
You suggested items I already had! And I didn't shoot them down at all! I said "what for?" as in, what are these for? Good god.


I would be more than happy to explain my reasons for those listed items
Ok, so why didn't you? I definitely asked about them. You'd rather just say you'd be happy to explain them than just explain them? Weird.

As for the question... "why does this post display my lack of understanding of survival equipment and how it works" ... gee, I don't know oh wise one. Maybe you can explain it to me oh great one.

I told ya right from the start I've got no practical experience. I was just asking simple questions and looking for answers from knowledgable people instead of random internet sources and you've made it clear I've come to the wrong place. So what's the point of belonging to a community that tells you to just go figure it out yourself? For most it's to wax about how great they are...

For the record, Sarge is a badass

Or to wield such grand power as to censor people's posts. It's unfortunate, but it does happen on a lot of forums.

Thanks to those who were helpful without the superiority complex.

[crashdive123]

Mddubs - Stop with the personal flaming (oh wise one, oh great one, etc). Final warning.

[mountain mama]

mddubs, I admittedly suggested a few items you already had: safety pins, needles/thread, fish hooks, first aid kit

Waterproof matches - Lighter is better, plus FireSteel.
Cotton balls soaked in vaseline - For what?
Char cloth - For what?
Candle - Unnecessary I think, fire would be adequate.
Flash light or photon light - Not worth the weight, batteries die.
Wet stone - For what?
Heavy duty Trash bags - For what?
550 cord - I have a 100ft shank, but it's too big for the pouch. What would a small piece of cord be good for?
Tube tent - Sounds too big.
Energy bars - Might be good to add 1 or 2. Do they ever expire?
An extra pair of socks and underwear - Won't fit.
GUN! (and ammo of course) - Won't fit.Looks like there was plenty that was shot down without understanding.

Ok, so why didn't you? I definitely asked about them. You'd rather just say you'd be happy to explain them than just explain them? Weird.Because I was asked not to, for your own edification. You will learn more by seeking the answers than by having them handed to you on a silver platter.

As for the question... "why does this post display my lack of understanding of survival equipment and how it works" ... gee, I don't know oh wise one. Maybe you can explain it to me oh great one.*see above

I told ya right from the start I've got no practical experience. I was just asking simple questions and looking for answers from knowledgable people instead of random internet sources and you've made it clear I've come to the wrong place. So what's the point of belonging to a community that tells you to just go figure it out yourself? For most it's to wax about how great they are...No one was "waxing". Sarge just wanted you to investigate the purpose of the items rather than making your mind up about them without knowledge.

Or to wield such grand power as to censor people's posts. It's unfortunate, but it does happen on a lot of forums.Sorry, but the only time I have seen a mod censor someone's post is when that post went against the forum rules (oops, and once for the humor factor). Just because I go 65 in a 45 mph zone, without knowing it is a 45 mph zone, doesn't mean I won't get a ticket if caught. That doesn't mean the cop has a "superiority complex", it just means that I need to learn the law.

[nell67]

Waterproof matches - Lighter is better, plus FireSteel.---Lighter ain't gonna do jack for you if it gets wet,or extremely cold,and unless you are proficient with the Firesteel,gonna be a long cold night.
Safety pins - Got'em
Cotton balls soaked in vaseline - For what? --To start your fire with,a little research on here,and you could have found that info.
Char cloth - For what?--Again,for staring fire.
Candle - Unnecessary I think, fire would be adequate.
Needles/thread - Got'em
Fish hooks - Got'em
Flash light or photon light - Not worth the weight, batteries die.--You must have very good night vision,and an extra set of batteries don't weigh that much.
First aid kit (asprin, ibuprofen, Imodium, Benadryl, butterfly sutures, Band-Aids, etc) - Got most of that
Wet stone - For what?-- sharpening your knife,you did say you had a knife....
Heavy duty Trash bags - For what?---carry out trash,emergency shelter,rain coat,cover your sleeping bag with for extra warmth,etc.
550 cord - I have a 100ft shank, but it's too big for the pouch. What would a small piece of cord be good for?--550 paracord contains inner cords that can be used for many purposes,bootlaces and lashings for a start.
Tube tent - Sounds too big.--it's platsic,folds or rolls up faily small..
Energy bars - Might be good to add 1 or 2. Do they ever expire?rotate the contents of your kit,and you wont have to worry about expiration dates.
An extra pair of socks and underwear - Won't fit.--thats just nasty,as well as unsanitary.
GUN! (and ammo of course) - Won't fit........


You have a kit alright,but..you need to take that little kit of yours out on a camping trip and try it out,take nothing else,since you seem to think it's going to save you in an emergency,I think you will find your kit lacking for what you intend it to do.

[Sarge47]

So I play nice with the Newby, trying to teach him & he already assumes he's an expert & flames me! YES your links will be deleted if they're not where they're supposed to be! That's the rules! You don't like it, fine! See ya & wouldn't want to be ya! You're ignorant of survival equipment as well as outdoors experience; what were you expecting? You don't know the value of a candle, cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly, or matches. Maybe you've read & copied material from the internet, but that's all you've done! Bye!:cool2:

[Sarge47]

Back! By popular demand. Okay Wolves....Go for it!:innocent::bat::drool:

[Sarge47]

Watch for Sarge's insights coming to a post near you real soon!:online2long:

[Sarge47]

Hi All,

I'm new to these forums and was hoping to get some feedback on my latest project; my survival kit + knife. I was just hoping to hear what you think. Thanks!

******************* (http://*******************)

-MattHere is Matt showing us a "Survival Kit"; something we don't see very often here on a SURVIVAL Site!
Notice Matt invites us to tell him what we think...didn't we do that? Quite frankly, I like my SK's better because they're made for me, but at least Matt was trying to follow a list, looks like he almost made it, too.:innocent:

[Sarge47]

Bummer. Well ok, I added the link to my signature but it hasn't come up yet.
Here we see Matt's "nice guy" image starting to slip! He doesn 't want to follow the rules!:online2long:

[Sarge47]

Thanks mama, I did nothing more than surf the web. Gotta love it.Really? Who'd a thought?:innocent:

[Sarge47]

If it works for you then it works for me! Now tell us what's NOT in the photos!:cool2:
Nobody got this right, I'll explain as I get to the end of all this.:cool2:

[lucznik]

O.K. I waited as long as I could stand. (Thanks for the "reopen" sarge!) Here are a few of my thoughts on the matter...


Waterproof matches - Lighter is better, plus FireSteel.
• This is true only if you know how to use the firesteel. It’s not something you just pick up and do having never practiced.


Safety pins - Got'em
• Good. I’ve never found these to be as useful as others have, but I can’t argue the fact that many a survivalist swears by having a few in their kit.


Cotton balls soaked in vaseline - For what?
• This is precisely what motivated my comment above about a firesteel being more useful only if you know how to use one. Vaseline-impregnated cotton balls are used for fire tinder. It takes the spark from your firesteel super-easily and then will burn for about 2-3 minutes apiece, allowing you the opportunity to build a proper fire.
• These also work really well for helping dry/chapped lips. (Do I need to mention that you don’t light them on fire before putting them up to your lips?)


Char cloth - For what?
• Spoken like the truly ignorant. (Notice I said ignorant, not stupid. There is a big difference.) Char cloth is another form of fire starter. It catches a spark from a flint & steel which you then put into a “bird’s nest” of appropriate tinder. Steady blowing into the thus-encapsulated spark will quickly result in fire. Here again, however, it takes practice. The first few times you try you are likely to end up with nothing more than a face full of smoke on which to choke.


Candle - Unnecessary I think, fire would be adequate.
• Candles have to be one of the most useful things in the world. Not birthday candles mind you, but rather the small votive-type candles. Depending on the exact type you end up with, they can burn for up to 30 minutes each and can be used to start larger fires, to cook food, to provide both light and warmth in a tent, etc.


Needles/thread - Got'em
• Again, good. Now make sure you know how to sew. You don’t need to be a tailor, but you should know at least a couple simple stitches. Not a “manly” activity I know, but there’s nothing more pitiful than seeing someone with the very tools they need to fix their problem, but lacking the basic knowledge and skills needed to put those tools to work.


Fish hooks - Got'em
• Once again, good. Now re-read the comment above and apply it here as well.


Flash light or photon light - Not worth the weight, batteries die.
• Aargh! There’s that darned ignorance again. A flashlight is perhaps one of the greatest tools ever invented. Modern LED lights can be left on literally for days without their batteries dying and the light they cast is useful for: signaling, searching the dark for perceived threats, scaring off many of those same perceived threats, rummaging through your pack, navigating through the dark, setting up camp at night, exploring caves, etc. Don’t be fooled by ol’ Edward Grylls. Making and carrying around an actual fire torch is not easy, practical, or safe. We already have too many wildfires created by fools handling fire improperly. We don’t need/want any more.


First aid kit (aspirin, ibuprofen, Imodium, Benadryl, butterfly sutures, Band-Aids, etc) - Got most of that
• It’s good that you’ve “got most of that.” Now go get the rest of it.


Wet stone - For what?
• Not again! That ignorance stuff must be a heavy cross to bear! Knives do not stay sharp on their own; no matter what you’ve read in your favorite tactical magazine. Personally, I prefer a diamond hone as opposed to a true whetstone, but the same idea is there. If you want your knife to be sharp and useful, you have to make (and keep) it that way. Dull knives are not only useless, they are dangerous. More people are seriously injured by blunt blades than by sharp ones.


Heavy duty Trash bags - For what?
• It’s almost too much to stand… A trash bag can be used as a ground cloth, to waterproof the roof/sides of a shelter, as a raincoat, to carry foraged items, as a signaling device (as long as you get the orange ones), as a rain catch and/or dew trap, etc.


550 cord - I have a 100ft shank, but it's too big for the pouch. What would a small piece of cord be good for?
• If you cut your 100 ft shank into two 50 ft pieces (or four 25 ft. lengths), you would be able to fit at least one into your pack. That’s a whole lot more useful than not having it. Let’s see, paracord can be used for; shoelaces, building shelters, repairing packs and clothes, building traps and snares, hanging food stuffs up and away from bears, making a bow for fire building, making a hunting bow or spear, tying up splints for first aid purposes, securing loads to pack frames, etc.


Tube tent - Sounds too big.
• I have personally never seen a tube tent that was worth a dang. I suppose, if it was my only option, I would try to make the best of it and it would certainly be better than nothing, but there are so many alternatives that are far superior, in weight, ease of use, and durability that I can’t see ever actually choosing to use a tube tent. Go for a sil-nylon tarp, a bivy sack or bivy tent, or something similar. These can be bigger and a little heavier, but like I said, they are far superior.


Energy bars - Might be good to add 1 or 2. Do they ever expire?
• Personally, I pack 6-8 such bars, but at least you’ve got the beginnings of the idea.


An extra pair of socks and underwear - Won't fit.
• Extra underwear is not such a big deal. Extra socks can literally save your life. Find a way to make them fit.


GUN! (and ammo of course) - Won't fit
• If it won’t fit, then get a bigger pack. Get yourself a small .22LR revolver. Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Taurus are perhaps your best bets. Become familiar with its operation and practice with it as often as you can. Ammo is cheap, takes up little space, and doesn’t weigh much. However, you will acquire many a meal with such a tool that would otherwise prove unattainable.

[Sarge47]

As far as my own experience, I don't have any. I just recently got interested in the whole thought of survival and started here. I'm going to try and talk a friend or my brother into heading out into the woods with very minimal equipment sometime this summer, but that might take a lot of convincing.After giving us a "shopping list" of Survival items, Matt gives us our 1st real clue to why he's not to be taken too seriously! Going from totally inexperienced to getting right out in the woods with minimal equipment sounds familiar...hmmm..does TBWN ring any bells?:innocent:

[Sarge47]

Waterproof matches - Lighter is better, plus FireSteel.
Safety pins - Got'em
Cotton balls soaked in vaseline - For what?
Char cloth - For what?
Candle - Unnecessary I think, fire would be adequate.
Needles/thread - Got'em
Fish hooks - Got'em
Flash light or photon light - Not worth the weight, batteries die.
First aid kit (asprin, ibuprofen, Imodium, Benadryl, butterfly sutures, Band-Aids, etc) - Got most of that
Wet stone - For what?
Heavy duty Trash bags - For what?
550 cord - I have a 100ft shank, but it's too big for the pouch. What would a small piece of cord be good for?
Tube tent - Sounds too big.
Energy bars - Might be good to add 1 or 2. Do they ever expire?
An extra pair of socks and underwear - Won't fit.
GUN! (and ammo of course) - Won't fit.Check out Lucznik's fine post towards the end of the thread.:cool2:

[Sarge47]

Sarge... you're kinda freakin me out :online2long:

What question are you referring to? I asked a bunch about the items I'm unfamiliar with and was told to figure it out myself. And that's fine, I've found a great community at ********** (http://**********) with some good ideas. (I wonder if the mod is going to remove that link too... maybe I should put it in my signature :wacko:)

I think you just miss a noob asking all those simple questions so you can stroke your self-proclaimed badass survivalist ego. Which is fine, everyone needs something to feel good about. But really, who needs the pat on the back?Here we see Matt "turning Troll" because none of us would stroke HIS ego! Read on to see what item he failed to mention!:cool2:

[Sarge47]

As for the question... "why does this post display my lack of understanding of survival equipment and how it works" ... gee, I don't know oh wise one. Maybe you can explain it to me oh great one. Here please notice that Matt DOES recognize that I am indeed the "Zen-Survival Master of this forum!:innocent::sneaky2:

"I told ya right from the start I've got no practical experience. I was just asking simple questions and looking for answers from knowledgable people instead of random internet sources and you've made it clear I've come to the wrong place. So what's the point of belonging to a community that tells you to just go figure it out yourself? For most it's to wax about how great they are...Or to wield such grand power as to censor people's posts. It's unfortunate, but it does happen on a lot of forums."

However he ruins it all by going into a "crying" jag! Coming up...The missing item!:cool2:

[Sarge47]

What is the one Survival item that we all carry with us all of the time? ANSWER: "Your mind!" That's right, the human brain! It can give you the right attitude so that you might survive even if you have lost all of your Survival equipment! It can help you grow a "Thick Skin" so that you might survive a very hostile environment! (This is NOT a hostile site, BTW. If you can't survive this then you're not going to make it in the outdoors.) You fill this survival item with knowledge, attitude, & experience. Things that, for the most part, you'll never be able to find by surfing the web.

I'm actually disappointed with Matt as I was hoping he would seek out the knowledge that we have to offer, but he's just another Newby/Numpty/Troll.
Why is it that many come on here asking for input, then get angry when it's not what they expect? I hope Matt likes his new community where everybody wears "rose-colored glasses & tells you what a fine job you did no matter how trivial it really was. Goodbye & good luck, Matt...give my best to TheFreakinBear!:sneaky2:

[chiye tanka]

Sarge, you're back! That's why we love you so much, and I for one am glad!

[chiye tanka]

Oh and nice job by lucznik.

[Sarge47]

Sarge, you're back! That's why we love you so much, and I for one am glad!Kind words, however I will agree that I've been a bit too hard on some of the Newbies, but that was because I was trying to challenge them into learning from the rest of us. I will continue to start out more like I did with Matt: I will ask questions as opposed to "stating facts" at 1st. However if the Newby "cops a 'tude" with me after that they get both barrels! We've had 2 Newby's that way in the last week: Matt & Running. They come on here, admit they know next to zip, & want to be looked on as "pros". It ain't gonna happen. The true student will always listen to the advice of the more experienced. The reaction that I hoped for with Matt if he didn't know was something like: "I don't know Sarge, what are you talking about?" Then I tell him my thoughts. He's welcome to question them, that's how progress is made. But to compare our forum to some silly "feel-good" community? Give me a break! This place, & all of you in it, are 1st Class! (except for Hopeak whom we're trying to match up with Lorna.):sneaky2:

[Sarge47]

Oh and nice job by lucznik.
I very much agree!:cool2:

[mountain mama]

I know it was hard to catch, because she posted within the quote, but nell67 had already posted the uses for the items on my list, as well. Seems everyone knows my list just as well as I do :D

[crashdive123]

I know it was hard to catch, because she posted within the quote, but nell67 had already posted the uses for the items on my list, as well. Seems everyone knows my list just as well as I do :D

Well - Not quite everybody.

[Rick]

Zen-Survival Master of this forum

I'm pretty certain we're going to be seeing this more and more often.

[Alpine_Sapper]

I'm pretty certain we're going to be seeing this more and more often.

*shrug* If you say so. I personally don't need lessons in how to survive Zen. I just open the jar and let the swine flu out in Mexi...nevermind! Forget I said anything...

[chiye tanka]

I didn't see a thing!:innocent:

[MultiBlade]

Say HI !
this is forum for me /0/
i used Black Ultimate Survival Knife 15"
and u

[crashdive123]

Hey there MultiBlade. How about cutting your way on over to the Introduction section and tell us a bit about your self.

Oh, and that looks like quite a knife. Let me know when it goes on sale - a little pricey for me at $12.95.

[MultiBlade]

what happen in here
4 day i disappear ^^
in the week end see ya

[crashdive123]

MultiBlade - Based on your IP adress I know that English may be a second language for you, but honestly -- what are you saying?

[Alpine_Sapper]

Hey there MultiBlade. How about cutting your way on over to the Introduction section and tell us a bit about your self.

Oh, and that looks like quite a knife. Let me know when it goes on sale - a little pricey for me at $12.95.


Yeah, I think you got a spammer on the hook there. No evidence other than a few random posts and the links in his sig...I could be wrong, just sayin'....

[crashdive123]

Yep - you may be correct.

[MultiBlade]

i apologize about my English Language, sometime i lose my consciousness
ืำnext time i will be careful about my word
if some people unlikes my second English Language,i'm sorry

[Rick]

We don't mind English second language folks. In fact, we encourage everyone to join and share their experience. You might bring some idea, tool or experience to the forum that the rest of us can learn from. What we DON'T like is someone joining just to promote their web site. At this point, it looks like that might be what you are doing.

[crashdive123]

Yep - that's what it looks like.

[MultiBlade]

marcraft
I think your set camping can't survival for a month, this for year - -

[chiye tanka]

Just picked up one of TOPS's survival neck wallet kits. It's a good starter kit or mini kit. TOPS lists it for $50.00, I paid $27.00.
If you're looking for bare basics, you should check it out.

[Sam]

Just picked up one of TOPS's survival neck wallet kits. It's a good starter kit or mini kit. TOPS lists it for $50.00, I paid $27.00.
If you're looking for bare basics, you should check it out.

Where did you get it? I wanted a look at one.
Thanks, Sam

[chiye tanka]

You can see it on TOPS web site.
As for where I got it, PM me and I'll give you the info. I have a friend that's a knife dealer.

[samfranklin]

My Survival Kit,

This is packed inside a Royal Navy Mk 9 Rations set.


Ok this is the list please tell me if I miss anything!


Here it is:

Mk 9 Ration Tin
Cotton Wool isine ziploc bag
MRI GQ 1604 Victorinox Knife (Tie paracord round the top keyring to put round your neck)
Calorie Sweets
4 oxo cubes
Candle
Snare Wire
Sheet of Tin foil
Commando Saw (wire saw)
Needle and thread
Silva folding compass
Beverage pack including sugar tea coffee salt etc.
Wooden handcrafted spear (point for digging holes
Tampon in plastic package
Flint and steel
Hexiblocks
MK 9 Porrigde bar


And that is that email with anything you think i should have!

Thanks

[Ken]

The first of a thousand questions/comments. What do you do for water purification? Boil?

[samfranklin]

You got it NCO

[Ken]

Signalling Devices?

[Sarge47]

Sam Franklin's thread has been moved to the appropriate sticky.:cool2:

[samfranklin]

Hi Ken,

The kitchen foil is for signalling and/or signal fire!

Sam

[samfranklin]

Feel free to ask me for pics if you want!

[crashdive123]

We're all about pics around here. Feel free to post them if you want. You may want to replace the foil as a signaling device with something like a Starflash signal mirror. Much better chance of being spotted using one of them.

[Ken]

Hi Ken,

The kitchen foil is for signalling and/or signal fire!

Sam

Sam, it's no where close to as effective as one of these: http://safezonellc.com/starflash.html

[samfranklin]

Sam, it's no where close to as effective as one of these: http://safezonellc.com/starflash.html

See the thing is the mirror unless i am proved otherwise has one use

the kitchen foil has multi use cooking/signalling

[Ken]

See the thing is the mirror unless i am proved otherwise has one use

So do your eyes.

[crashdive123]

See the thing is the mirror unless i am proved otherwise has one use

the kitchen foil has multi use cooking/signalling

For some items Sam, it boils down to how effective they are. While a signal whistle and signal mirror may not have other uses, they are light, take up very little room, and may save your life. How well to you think that charred piece of tin foil will do for signaling? It was marginal at best before you put it in a fire, but almost useless for signaling after you did so. When it comes to safety - you may want to rethink that just a bit.

[samfranklin]

See what I am seeing nearly every item in my tin is multi use I don't know what you think?

[samfranklin]

fair point crashdive123.

Thanks for the tip but my tin is also polished for signalling and also can be used for boiling food!

[crashdive123]

Sam - in your first post about your kit, the last line of the post said:
And that is that email with anything you think i should have!We have, do what you will with the feedback that you have received.

[Ken]

Most items can be multi-use, Sam. All you have to do is learn about your equipment. Some essentials have only one use, and that's because they do their intended job better than other options. Why do you carry matches? Because you can use one as a toothpick?

Getting back to boiling water, what do you do - dump out your kit everytime you need water? What do you store your water in? Remember, it's good to carry a supply - you may not be able to reach water when you need it.

[crashdive123]

Sam - have you used tin foil to boil water? As you say, it does work, and it is great to have that option in order to get yourself through a tough spot. The foil will deteriorate and weaken though when exposed to fire. I have boiled water in foil as a field test. After the boiling, the foil may have been able to boil a second batch of water, but that was about it. After using it, it was pretty much useless. You may want to add a metal canteen cup to your kit.

[Ken]

Sam, would you mind telling us a bit about yourself? Age, training, real experience? Our advice is much better when we know your skill level.

[Sarge47]

Okay, as far as grades go you get a "C-" in Survival "101". You also lost points in debating the experts, you have no justification in doing so. You need to PAY ATTENTION; the info here can save your life. I'm not sure if you're trying to sound like a "know-it-all" or not, but that's how you're coming across. Add the whistle & the mirror. Based on your posts so far I can see that your survival kit lacks it's most important element. Your challenge now is to tell me what it is. NOBODY HELP! He needs to learn!:cool2:

[Ken]

Your challenge now is to tell me what it is. NOBODY HELP! He needs to learn!:cool2:

Yes SIR, Sarge! http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-transport032.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

[samfranklin]

Crashdive123,
Sorry you mistook me i meant to use the tin for boiling water.
Sarge 47 I am listening to their advice and I think to be fair all I am doing is arguing my survival kit to be useful and that I can perfectly justify that.

Ken
I do not want to disclose my age over the internet so I am afraid I won't do that but,

I have been on training courses with SERE and I have been given advice from NAVY SERE INSTRUCTORS who said my survival kit was excellent. I have slept 4 nights on bodmin moor only using my survival kit and have survived so. I thank you all for your comments

[Ken]

Based on your posts so far I can see that your survival kit lacks it's most important element.

Hmmmm. What is Sarge talking about? :innocent:

[Ken]

Okay, Sam, let's play this a different way, okay?

Let's start with a few questions:

What type of physical environment are we talking about?

What are the possible weather conditions?

What season of the year is it?

Do you know your wild edibles in the area?

Do you have hunting experience with small and/or large game indigenous to the area?

What is your physical condition? Any medical issues?

Stand by for the next hundred questions...........

[samfranklin]

Physical Enviroment: Moors with woodland areas
Possible weather conditions: Rain anything less than hail really
Season: Any time when sunny rainy really (I build shelters out of all natrual materials)
Edibles: Yes and my survival rations can las t me up to ten days
Hunting: With the rabbits yes
Pysical: None this is in a permissive enviroment


thanks

[Ken]

You said:


.... my survival rations can last me up to ten days.

The Rations listed in your kit are:



Calorie Sweets
4 oxo cubes
Beverage pack including sugar tea coffee salt etc.


You plan on losing some weight?

[samfranklin]

Bare in mind the body can last 3 weeks without food.

[Ken]

Bare in mind the body can last 3 weeks without food.

Ahhh. You allude to the Rule of 3's. And the rest are????

[samfranklin]

One i don't understand your comment,
And sorry you missed out my porrigde food bar.

[Ken]

Bare in mind the body can last 3 weeks without food.

Sam, I have also ventured into the woods once or twice. :innocent: I take a kit and rations with me. Have I always relied on my rations? Well, except for the coffee, the answer for several of my ventures is "no," and even at such times I'd often gain a few pounds in a week.

I assume your posts to be true, and, from what you have written, I suspect that you are at the novice skill level. Am I correct?

[Ken]

One i don't understand your comment,
And sorry you missed out my porrigde food bar.

Sorry about missing the porridge bar. How many calories is that?

The Rule of 3's? Didn't learn that in SERE?

[samfranklin]

the calories I am not sure about

I am a bit above novice level i think.

[Ken]

the calories I am not sure about

I am a bit above novice level i think.

Sam, I commend you for acknowledging that you are around or just above the novice level. We all were at one time.

First, read the threads of interest to you posted in the Forums.

Second, use the Search feature in the Forum taskbar for specific information/questions. You'll be AMAZED at the information posted here.

Third, if you have a question, just ask. The chances are that several members will have the knowledge and experience to answer specific questions. When asking a question, be as specific as you can be. Include information in your question whenever possible.

Fourth, don't presume that you understand how something works simply because you've read about it or have had a question answered. You must have practical hands-on boots-in-the-field experience to truly understand many of the things discussed here.

Fifth, again, welcome to the Forum, Sam!

[crashdive123]

Sam, I appreciate you asking the questions that you are asking. While it is true that the rule of 3's state that you can survive for 21 days without food, that assumes minimal physical activity. If you are building shelter, hunting, hiking your way out - you will need food long before 21 days.

[Rick]

Multi use items are excellent but don't get quite so wrapped in it. Some items, while only serving a single purpose, do it so well that they require a place in your kit. The Starflash mirror that Ken posted is one of those. so is a whistle and a knife. The Starflash is head and shoulders above tin foil or your mess kit. It could be the difference in being seen or not.

Also, you might want to reconsider the paracord hanging around your neck. If you don't have a break point built into it.
1. It can be used as a weapon against you. (Think garrot).
2. A nasty slide down a bank could have the paracord get caught on a branch or limb and you'd wind up getting strangled or a broken neck.

[Sarge47]

Crashdive123,
Sorry you mistook me i meant to use the tin for boiling water.
Sarge 47 I am listening to their advice and I think to be fair all I am doing is arguing my survival kit to be useful and that I can perfectly justify that.

Ken
I do not want to disclose my age over the internet so I am afraid I won't do that but,

I have been on training courses with SERE and I have been given advice from NAVY SERE INSTRUCTORS who said my survival kit was excellent. I have slept 4 nights on bodmin moor only using my survival kit and have survived so. I thank you all for your commentsSam, based on this post your grade just dropped to a "D". Since you don't wish to mention your age you are either very young or just immature. Why would you try to debate experts when it's obvious you know way less than them? You've also failed to answer my earlier question. I think we can conclude that you are really just "blowing smoke". Nice try, have a good life. Oh, & your line "Survival is my life" is just plain silly. Do you know why?:cool2:

[chiye tanka]

Um, I've got a question, or maybe a comment.
The last I knew, the second "E" in SERE stood for escape. Didn't your SERE instructor teach you that?

[Gray Wolf]

Sam, I think we can conclude that you are really just "blowing smoke".

Sarge, I gotta disagree with you on that comment. I think he was inhailing...

[Gray Wolf]

Yes CT, so for Sam's edification, "SERE" = Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape...

[samfranklin]

Grey Wolf I am in the Uk and in the Uk we have SURVIVE EVADE RESIST EXTRACT

In america it is what you put,

Also
I am young and I do not want to disclose my age over the internet and that is my right.

Sarge 47 you think it is silly because you think that survival is not my life

[crashdive123]

Sam - In your introduction you stated that you had attended the RN SERE course. With my background, I knew that you meant Royal Navy - maybe not everybody picked up on that. It is important to remember that an open forum has members from around the globe. This, in my opinion is why introductions are important. I completely understand why somebody might not want to reveal too much information in an open forum, and by all means, do not post anything that you are uncomfortable posting. Please realize that members probably range in age from twelve years old to folks in their eighties. We recently had a member that was passing himself off as some sort of expert. He had his own survival website or blog. Much of the information he was passing along might cause harm to those that did not have the experience to know the difference. When folks ask you questions like age, it's just to get a point of reference. Without that point of reference the answers that are given will most likely be from the point of reference from the person answering the question, which may prove to be incorrect or useless to the original poster.

[Sarge47]

Also I am young and I do not want to disclose my age over the internet and that is my right.

Sarge 47 you think it is silly because you think that survival is not my life

1st, it's obvious that you are very young as well as immature, your posts show that.

2nd, Of course "Survival is your life"; DUH! Survival is "Life or Death"!
However, your answers have damaged your credibility. Here's the thing you need to know:

1.) On this forum we have both current & former SERE instructors! We also have many ex-military that have gone through both SERE training & more crap than you could ever imagine; a wise person would be learning from them, not trying to act like they already know everything; which you don't as you never have answered my original question. Remember the old saying: "You can't tell a fool anything, (because they think that they already know everything.) but a word to the wise is sufficient. (A wise person listens & learns from all around them, especially those with more knowledge.)

2.) Too many people try to separate Survival from everything else & make it a separate thing....it's not! It's simply an extension of what ever you may be going through at the moment. When you treat it like you are now you are making it into some sort of game, which is wrong.

Also your answers demonstrate that you don't have a clue as to what I've asked you earlier. Good luck with whatever you're doing.:cool2:

[oldsoldier]

Okay, as far as grades go you get a "C-" in Survival "101". You also lost points in debating the experts, you have no justification in doing so. You need to PAY ATTENTION; the info here can save your life. I'm not sure if you're trying to sound like a "know-it-all" or not, but that's how you're coming across. Add the whistle & the mirror. Based on your posts so far I can see that your survival kit lacks it's most important element. Your challenge now is to tell me what it is. NOBODY HELP! He needs to learn!:cool2:

Okay Sarge.... As usual I'm clueless. Read the thread. I see several things missing BUT.... I'm still a very novice novice. I'm interested what is missing PM me if you want. I am finding I have a HUGE amount to learn. I'm so glad I found this site you,ken, crash and everyone are a great help i am thankful to all of you for anything you can tell me. I'll take all the help I can get I NEED IT!!

[samfranklin]

Ok I am 12 and got on the SERE course through connections,

I am taking your advice into account and I am not ingnoring it but I am just making principles and points I have been told. I am not ignoring you I am just expressing what i have been taught

[Rick]

Mk 9 Ration Tin
I have no idea what this is. A picture would help.
Cotton Wool isine ziploc bag
Good fire starter. You can improve it by soaking it in Vaseline. I'm not certain how big Cotton Wool is in the UK but here in the States you can get six of the 100% cotton balls in a 35 mm film canister. Not quite as messing that way. It can also serve as a first aid device because the Vaseline can be used on things like chapped lips and to make a temporary waterproofer for something like a hole in your tent ... if you have nothing else.
MRI GQ 1604 Victorinox Knife (Tie paracord round the top keyring to put round your neck)
I have no idea what this is, either. A pic would help here, too. Never tie any type of cordage around your neck. If you want to carry it that way ensure you have a point where it will easily break or use a chain designed for that purpose.
Calorie Sweets
Don't know what this is.
4 oxo cubes
This is okay if that's what you want. I carry bouillon cubes as well. Just remember, they require water. Otherwise, they are fine.
Candle
Good.
Snare Wire
What kind of wire are you using?
Sheet of Tin foil
Good.
Commando Saw (wire saw)
Throw it away. A wire saw will probably break the first time you use it. Buy a sports folding sports saw. Gerber makes a good ones. There are a lot on the market.
Needle and thread
Good. Make sure the needle is large enough to use on things like packs should you need to. A small assortment of needles is good. You can also replace the thread with fishing line or you can use the inside threads from paracord.
Silva folding compass
Excellent. Have a back up as well.
Beverage pack including sugar tea coffee salt etc.
Good
Wooden handcrafted spear (point for digging holes
Okay. I wouldn't carry a spear. I'd make one if I absolutely needed it. I think a walking stick would serve you better.
Tampon in plastic package
Good
Flint and steel
Good
Hexiblocks
I don't use hexamine. You have to wash your hands after handling it. It smokes and it stinks. Esbit is a lot easier to use and a lot safer.
MK 9 Porrigde bar
I don't know what this is. Is it anything like Stoats Porridge bar?

There's my 2 cents.

[samfranklin]

Thanks for your comments rick I will get some pictures asap



Cheers

[samfranklin]

Hi Everybody please note with the paracord round the neck I only use that when sat at my camp when travelling it fits in my tin

[samfranklin]

Sorry my connection isn't fast enough i will get up soon but for now will slowly do descriptions

[samfranklin]

Mk 9 Ration Tin
5.5 inches by 3.5 inches by 3 inches so 5.5 inches by 3.5 inches with 3 inches down.
Cotton Wool inside ziploc bag
Cotton wool inside a airtight and water tight plastic bag

MRI GQ 1604 Victorinox Knife
Victorinox brilliant knife and I only wear it round my neck when by my camp never when travelling.
Calorie Sweets
Boiled sweets that contain excessive calories to give you the needed calories.
4 oxo cubes
Candle
Snare Wire
Brass Type
Sheet of Tin foil
Commando Saw (wire saw)
This is the UK standard issue and works well enough I have cut some large pieces of wood with this and it is ok (does the job ok)
Silva folding compass
Beverage pack including sugar tea coffee salt etc.
Wooden handcrafted spear (point for digging holes
It is only a tiny spear about 5 inches long.
Tampon in plastic package
Flint and steel
Hexiblocks
These are just firlighters in hexiblock shape
MK 9 Porrigde bar
mixed with water and sugar to make a horrible porridge type thing!

Hope that answers your questions!

[Sarge47]

SamF.;(NOTE: If you & I were face-to-face you would here me speaking in a calm voice, not "mean".) I figured you were 12 -13 based on your posts, & now that I understand that I also understand why your comments are immature. Note, I do not say that to be mean, just stating an obvious fact. You seem to think that because you went through a SERE course you got everything you need to survive, but your wrong. Both you & OldSoldier (?) need to understand what is missing in your kits is not an item, but an attitude! That attitude is what OldSoldier has just displayed: He's here to listen & learn! He gets an "A"! Nobody here is telling you anything wrong! They're right on!
Pay attention & learn! That's the 1st step. I'm blunt & to the point! Nicey nice doesn't cut it & there may not be enough time to get to where you need to be if we're all tip-toeing around on egg-shells...which I don't do...just ask anybody!:cool2:

[Ken]

Nope. I don't think you've ever tip-toed on egg shells, Sarge. You're probably the guy who invented scrambled eggs. :innocent:

[oldsoldier]

Sarge..... Something so simple yet so complex as well i would have never thought about attitude. But it makes excellent sense. Without the proper attitude it doesn't matter how many classes you take, no matter how many survival "tools" you have you can't/won't get very far without the proper attitude. Plus admitting you don't know it all and ask questions can't hurt. Am I getting the right Idea?

[Sarge47]

Sarge..... Something so simple yet so complex as well i would have never thought about attitude. But it makes excellent sense. Without the proper attitude it doesn't matter how many classes you take, no matter how many survival "tools" you have you can't/won't get very far without the proper attitude. Plus admitting you don't know it all and ask questions can't hurt. Am I getting the right Idea?You're getting it OS; check out this story that I posted on my Blog:

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/blog.php?u=296&blogtype=recent&page=2

Start out with "Survival Story Story #1", then #2, then go to page 1 & read #3 & you'll see what I'm talking about! I didn't make these up, they really happened!:cool2:

[oldsoldier]

Sarge... thx for the link these are amazing stories, I'm beginning to see the light. It all makes a lot of sense.

[Rick]

Why not visit our Introductions section and tell us a bit about yourself.....or was this just your advertisement post?

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14

[Sarge47]

Hello there.

Very good information in this post. An Emergency Kit is an essential and necessary part of your camping gear and emergency supplies. Emergency drinking water tablets and chlorine dioxide water purifier tablets are very useful in camping and emergency situations.

Other things you may want are cookware, sewing kit, utensils, emergency blankets, water filters, rechargeable lights & radio, water bags, flares, compass, maps, mirror, knife, first aid supplies. It is also a good idea to carry a whistle on a lanyard and a good set of work gloves.Well DUH!:sneaky2:

[Ken]

Well DUH!:sneaky2:

Such eloquence! THIS, ladies and gentlemen, is the reason I am here.

[BatonRouge]

Hi there, long-time lurker here but this will be my first post and it is really for the benefit of Sam ~ that would be the young 12 year old with a passion for the outdoors and survival.

I'm sure the 'experts' who replied to your initial questions didn't really mean to pile on you, they are older and therefore wiser than you are and sometimes they forget what it is like to take the first steps at the beginning of a journey. I hope this didn't dampen you spirit, not everyone on these forums has such an attitude and as I'm sure you have realised there is a wealth of excellent information here, regardless of age or experience.

As you will learn, survival kits are always a 'work in progress' and I'm sure as you gain experience your kit will evolve in relation to your knowledge, skills, requirements and environment. Remember that your survival kit is like your survival insurance policy for if things go wrong, choose the items carefully, make sure the items are good quality (the wrong time to realise that something doesn't do what it is supposed to do is when your life depends on it) and make sure you know how to use each item under realistic conditions! Remember the Royal Marines saying: By Failing To Prepare You Are Preparing To Fail. I'm pretty sure that your present survival kit would hold its own against most members survival kit on this forum, let alone their kits when they themselves were 12!

The mention of 'Attitude' in a previous post was, I believe, a bit of a trick question and I'm sure had more than yourself wondering what the answer was. As far as I am aware, a survival kit cannot have an 'attitude' (per se), the user of the kit can have an attitude (positive, negative or neutral) and this will of course have a direct effect on how he/she puts the kit together and subsequently uses it ~ just like knowledge, skills, and the will to survive ~ they are an element of 'you' and not your kit.

As someone else pointed out in a previous reply, use these forums to add to the knowledge you gain 'in the field' as there is no substitute for getting out there and 'doing it', finding out yourself what works, what doesn't, why something works and why something doesn't. It would be great if the amount of posts someone had submitted directly reflected their own knowledge, skills and attitude but unfortunately it doesn't always work like that.

[Rick]

That's good information, Baton Rouge. Why not make your way over to our Introduction section and tell us a bit about yourself?

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14

[chiye tanka]

Rick, you know what gets me? BR states having been a "long time lurker". If so, I'm sure he's read how we "encourage" new members to go to the intro section.:cool2:

[Rick]

You'd think. He offered good advice but not knowing anything about him (her?) you don't know if it was offered from a book or from experience. (shrug)

[crashdive123]

Without reading back through the 900+ posts does anybody know which Sam he was referring to? I mean since their was a mild reprimand, I'd like to know what (or if) I'm being reprimanded for.

[crashdive123]

Oops. Never mind. Thought the least I could do was go back one page. Found it.

[Deep South]

I would just like to say I have read most of the posts on this thread and have gained a great deal of ideas I hadn't heard or thought of before. I am from the very deep south of Louisiana and am going to be doing a good bit of hunting in Northern states this yr. Mainly South Dakota. Anyone have any area specific advice for the areas just east of the Missouri river in the southern part of the state ? Looks like some of the trips may be just east of the Bad Lands... Thanks in advance.

[Rick]

Hey Deep South, why not make your way over to our Introduction section and tell us a bit about yourself?

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=7813

[samfranklin]

Hi there it is sam!

So does anybody have a survival kit list for a bergen 35 litre???

[Swamprat1958]

I made a survival kit several years ago for my nephew who was just starting to hunt on his own. Since I live 200 miles away I couldn't spend the time with him to teach him, so I wrote the following to give him a few pointers.


SURVIVAL TIPS

At one time or another everyone who ventures off the road gets confused, turned around, disoriented or just plain lost. This happens most often on an overcast day when the sun cannot be used as a visual reference point. It can happen anywhere from a large wildlife management area to the woods behind your house. Anyone who says he has never been lost has never been in the woods much or is lying.

The manner that each person deals with the situation depends on his training, preparation and/or mental attitude when the situation occurs. With a little preparation getting lost need not be frightening and certainly not a life-threatening situation, it will only be a minor inconvenience. By following a few simple steps it will only be a matter of time before someone can find you and get you to safety. Remember lost means - Lean On Survival Training. If you follow the hints listed below getting lost is nothing to worry about:

I. Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. This can be as easy as leaving a note on the kitchen table, or on the windshield of your vehicle. Preferably you can tell someone where you are going and when you will return.

II. Learn how to use a map and compass. Never go out into the field with out a compass. Even if you have a GPS, a map and compass can make the difference between spending the night in the woods and making it out on your own when the GPS batteries die or you cannot get a signal. In fact knowing how to use a map and compass (Orienteering) will make it easier to use a GPS to the best of it’s capabilities. There are several good books on the subject and following their instructions and practicing a little will make all the difference. You might find Orienteering Books in the library, if not they can be ordered from a Cabella’s Catalog.

III. Carry a survival kit every time you go out. If you carry a small one it will not be an encumbrance and can change things from an incident into an experience. (More on survival kits and their use later)

IV. Once you realize that you are lost stay calm. Getting lost does not cause injuries or accidents, but getting scared and running through the woods until you are exhausted can lead to hypothermia (hypothermia is a critical loss of body heat due to cool, damp conditions and the body not having enough energy to maintain it’s temperature properly). Find a relatively high and dry spot then sit tight. If possible, stop in a clearing or relatively open spot and build a fire (even if you don’t have a survival kit you should always carry a supply of matches every time you go into the woods). Once you have a fire and a good supply of firewood, collect a good amount of fresh or green vegetation to put on the fire. This should be added to a well burning fire to provide an ample of smoke for searchers to see and pinpoint your location. A fire will also give you a sense of security and can keep you alive in cold and wet conditions.

Building a fire is not always easy, especially if it has been raining and every thing on the ground is wet. Take the time to learn what type of fuel burns best and where to find it. Gather plenty of fuel and kindling materials (Kindling is material which will ignite easily such as; dry leaves, bird’s nests, small dead limbs still hanging on a tree, or the bark from the underside of a fallen tree) before striking a match. Once all the materials are collected, try to build a fire with only one match. Remember, in a survival situation you might have to maintain a fire for a long period of time. So try to use no more matches than absolutely needed..

V. Food and water are not an immediate concern. A person can survive three days without water and three weeks without food. In most cases people who get lost are found in twenty-four to forty-eight hours so don’t worry about water. Furthermore, there are very few, if any, sources of water which would be safe to drink without treating it first. So avoid that “clear water” which looks so inviting; giardia and other water borne pests can be debilitating and/or fatal. So never drink water from anything that is not known to be a safe source.

VI. The old adage of hunters firing three shots to signal for help is not reliable. A string of three shots is common and will be ignored by most people. The only time it might be noticed is after dark (at least one hour after full dark). So, if you want to try this method be sure to wait until there should be no hunters left in the woods and then fire. Wait at least thirty minutes before firing again. Do not exhaust your supply of ammunition the first night signaling. You might need to fire off a few rounds when you know searchers are in the area.

VI. If the weather is threatening rain and/or if it is below fifty degrees, shelter of some sort may be needed. A lean-to may be the simplest shelter to construct. However, it is hard to make a waterproof shelter with limbs and leaves from a hardwood tree. However, most wooded areas have trees, which have fallen and can be used as the basis of a structure. The trunk of the tree can be used for one side of the lean-to. Start approximately four to five feet from the root wad (the large mass of dirt and roots which stand upright after a tree falls is a root wad) then lay branches or limbs on the tree trunk for the roof. Use the root wad as a reflector for your fire. The root wad will shelter your fire from wind and reflect some of the heat into the shelter.

You might want to practice building shelters before you ever need to use one for real. Go into the wood and look for the materials to build a shelter, then try to build one.

VII. The most important survival tool is your brain. Stay calm, build a shelter if needed and build a fire for signaling and wait for help. With a fire and shelter you can wait for help to arrive in relative comfort.


SURVIVAL KIT

A survival kit should be small (2 pounds or less) so it is easy to carry. A pouch that attaches to your belt is the best way to carry survival equipment, it is out of your way while walking and you will not mind taking it with you. Every survival kit should have most if not all of the following items.

1. Back up compass. Your primary compass should be carried on your person.

2. Knife. Preferably a “Swiss Army” type knife, but any knife beats no knife.

3. Waterproof matches in a waterproof container. The best in a survival situation have a whistle, compass and fire starter strip (you can never have too many compasses) built into the container.

4. Space blanket. A space blanket can be used as a blanket to retain body heat or as a shelter.

5. Water container and water purification tablets. You must have some way to carry water. The Platypus Collapsible Container is best because it can be rolled up and carried in a small survival kit. As mentioned above, there are very few if any safe water sources left in the wild. Therefore, always carry water purification tablets and follow the directions on the bottle when using. These tablets make the water taste bad, but it will be safe to drink. Remember to rinse some of the treated water around the spout to wash off any bacteria which may have come into contact with the spout.

6. Candle stub. A short piece of heavy candle can be very helpful in starting a fire with a minimum of matches. You should not need it for light, because you will have a fire.

7. Magnesium match or fire starter. If the you cannot find enough dry kindling or tinder, pieces of the magnesium can be shaved off the magnesium block to help start a fire by throwing sparks onto the magnesium.

8. Fishing kit and line. Take a 35 mm film container and wrap it with 50 – 100’ of 15 – 20 pound test line. Secure it to the container with duct tape. Put a couple of dry flies and a popping bug into the container along with a couple of split shot. This can allow you to catch small fish if it becomes necessary. Remember, most survival situations are over before finding food becomes necessary. The extra line could be used to help build shelter or a multitude of other uses.

9. Wire Saw. This can be used to cut limbs for building a shelter, cut green limbs with leave for signal fires or to quarter a deer to help carry it out of the woods.

10. Survival Cards. The survival cards have information to help you deal with virtually any situation, which might occur. Read them before going to the field, but keep them in the kit because no one can remember everything.

Other items can be added to the kit, but remember to carry only what is necessary. This keeps the kit lightweight and easy to carry. Some items which, might be added are commercially prepared fire sticks and a butane cigaret lighter. These can be bought at Wal-Mart and will aid in building fires. Another might be a waterproof container of aspirin, chap-stick, band-aids, and antiseptic cream. These could come in handy at anytime.

Try to save the waterproof matches (they are waterproof and wind proof and must be special ordered) in the match container for emergencies. If you want to practice building fires, use regular kitchen matches. You can make your own waterproof matches by using the small kitchen matches and dipping the first quarter of in inch of the match in melted wax. If you cut a quarter of an inch off of these matches they will fit in a 35 mm film container and carried in the pack for general use.

[NCO]

Good basic advice for a situation when you get lost. There was some little parts that I feel that I must comment on.


The trunk of the tree can be used for one side of the lean-to. Start approximately four to five feet from the root wad (the large mass of dirt and roots which stand upright after a tree falls is a root wad) then lay branches or limbs on the tree trunk for the roof. Use the root wad as a reflector for your fire. The root wad will shelter your fire from wind and reflect some of the heat into the shelter.

Ok, here I need to just specify what you meant, cause there is a risk of death..
You don't say, that one should make his shelter to the spot that was under the root wad before the tree fell, or do you? That is because I know of many cases and personally one person who has died being there. The thing is, that If it has been snowing and windy the snow has packed on the trees branches, added weight and the weight and wind together have fell the tree. Few days later there is kids playing under the roots, or a camper sleeping there, weather is nice and sunny, the snow that pressed the tree down is melting. When the mass of the snow on the branches reach that critical point where it no longer can keep the tree down, it springs back up and crushes the poor person that was playing/sleeping under the root wad. This has happened, more than once. I know a 9yo kid who died this way.


2. Knife. Preferably a “Swiss Army” type knife, but any knife beats no knife.
As secondary knife, maybe yes, but proper fixed blade on your belt beats swiss knife any day. You can use real knife for so much more, like cutting those branches that would take ages to cut with wire saw.

[Rick]

A really great post Swamprat. A lot of information. Like NCO, I have to offer up a couple of items.

1. Never leave your information on the windshield of you vehicle. A thief would love to know that you won't be back to your truck for 2 days. That would give him plenty of time to take everything in it....and the truck. Instead, leave the information with someone you trust.

2. Personally, I don't like a wire saw. I have a couple but I don't like them. There are better alternatives. The wire saws work so so when you don't need them and tend to break when you do need them. A better choice would be a sportsman saw that folds or collapses. Again, that's just my opinion.

3. I don't think I could build a shelter against a root ball. It seems like every time I check one out some critter has decided it would make a good home for him and I don't relish the idea of waking up in the middle of the night with a wolverine, camel or hippo sharing my lean to....but, hey, that's just me.

[Swamprat1958]

Rick and NCO

A couple of clarifications.

1) The SAK was included in the kit I gave my nephew, along with everything else mentioned in the text. His primary knife would be the 4.5 inch fixed blade custum made Jimmy Liles knife my father gave him.

2) The place he was to build a shelter was against the bole (trunk, stem) of the tree with the root wad as a reflector for the fire, not in the hole left by the stump. Here in the south the hole left by a tree falling wojuld be full of water!

4) I don't think any critter (except a snake) would come near the tree with a fire burning and the scent of a man around the area.

5) I am not a fan of wire saws either, but this was included in a kit or pouch which measures 6"x9"x2" and was designed to be carried on his belt eveerythime he goes to the field. Most of the items in the kit were chosen for the practicality of something small enough to fit in the pouch, yet still provide for basic need in a short term survival situation. I haven't ever seen a folding small which would fit in the pouch and still have room for the rest of the gear.

6) It is possible that leaving info on the windshield could tell someone you were gone and might make them want to steal the vehicle. In this instance it was meant to be for day hunts when no one was around to leave the information with (like on a spur of the moment hunt).

As I said this was for short term survival in an emergency and had to fit in the small pouch attached to his belt. I have carried an exact duplicate of the kit for almost 20 years (I replace the water purification tablets annually). Fortunately I have never had to use the kit, but I feel certain that it would be helpful, and could possibly save your life in an emergency situation.

[Rick]

Thanks for the clarification. I'm sure the kit would save a life. It's a well thought out kit. Something Cody advocated in one of his books and I've incorporated is to use a piece of aluminum foil to make a boot imprint and leave it on your dashboard. That way if a SAR effort is undertaken, they know what your boot print looks like. Sort of made sense to me. Again, nice write up!!

[NCO]

Thanks for the clarification. I'm sure the kit would save a life. It's a well thought out kit. Something Cody advocated in one of his books and I've incorporated is to use a piece of aluminum foil to make a boot imprint and leave it on your dashboard. That way if a SAR effort is undertaken, they know what your boot print looks like. Sort of made sense to me. Again, nice write up!!

All fine and well then. I hope you understand that I had to make sure about the fallen tree. The kid that died was relative of mine..

[Swamprat1958]

I would have done the same thing if I was in your shoes. I am sorry to hear the kid who was killed was related to you.

[NCO]

Thats life. It always involves the end of it. Sometimes earlier than the average. Oh well, it has been years now, so it's ok..

[Rick]

I must confess I had never heard of that occurring. I can certainly understand how it could happen, however. We don't have that much snow here so that's probably why it's an uncommon occurrence.

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

Sorry for your loss NCO and thanks for passing it on to us. Dad taught me in the woods to never even go under a root mass, he warned us it could stand back up and we were never in a snowy climate at the time. Not sure where he got the scenario from but we were taught.

[Swamprat1958]

Sorry for your loss NCO and thanks for passing it on to us. Dad taught me in the woods to never even go under a root mass, he warned us it could stand back up and we were never in a snowy climate at the time. Not sure where he got the scenario from but we were taught.

Dad warned us (and still does) about widow makers - trees which have fell but are hung up in other trees. The trail I was on yesterday passed passed under one. there was no other route to get where we were going and I was cringing when we went under it going in and coming back.

[Old GI]

Dad warned us (and still does) about widow makers - trees which have fell but are hung up in other trees. The trail I was on yesterday passed passed under one. there was no other route to get where we were going and I was cringing when we went under it going in and coming back.

Absolutely right, SR. They are called "widow-makers" for a very good reason. I've had three close calls and countless ones I avoided.

[Nath1985]

In my BOB's I have a small bottle of carex, The stuff that kills 99% of germs. It may come in very handy, yet i rarley see it included in peoples BOB's. Its stuffed into my first aid kit along with a 12 hr lightstick.

[crashdive123]

I'm not familiar with carex. What is it? Hand sanitizer?

[samfranklin]

I would like to apologise to everybodies comments on this forum that I should of listened to more clearly about my survival kit and I am going to re - post my new survival kit, so I would like to start a fresh.

regards

[lucznik]

2. Knife. Preferably a “Swiss Army” type knife, but any knife beats no knife.


...as a secondary knife, maybe yes, but proper fixed blade on your belt beats swiss knife any day. You can use real knife for so much more, like cutting those branches that would take ages to cut with wire saw. Or just use the saw on your SAK.

Knives are funny things. Getting a consensus on what is "best" is a totally futile exercise as opinions are always strongly held and widely divergent.

Personally, my SAK (a Victorinox Fieldmaster) is my primary knife. Fixed blades (if I choose to carry any) are always secondary.

The one thing I think we can/will all agree on is that HAVING a knife is the most important (followed perhaps by the caveat that it be kept sharp.)

[samfranklin]

Or just use the saw on your SAK.

Knives are funny things. Getting a consensus on what is "best" is a totally futile exercise as opinions are always strongly held and widely divergent.

Personally, my SAK (a Victorinox Fieldmaster) is my primary knife. Fixed blades (if I choose to carry any) are always secondary.

The one thing I think we can/will all agree on is that HAVING a knife is the most important (followed perhaps by the caveat that it be kept sharp.)

I have to agree with lucznik - I have a SAK which is similar to a Victorinox Hunter and again this is always my primary kine and yet again if I do bother carrying a fixed blade it is always my secondary. ( Thanks for the advice lucznik )

[samfranklin]

Heyy Guys,

I've come back to the forum after one long break! I would like to apologise to any body I annoyed with my arrogance before and I would like to start a fresh. I will be posting about my new and updated survival kit.

Thanks guys.

[samfranklin]

The basic kit, here it goes.

Signalling Mirror.
Commando Wire Saw
Non fuming/toxic firelighters.
Snare Wire
Cotton Wool
Sugar and Salt
Oxo cubes x 4
Mini Sewing kit
Photon/LED mini light
Mini Multitool
Painkillers
Flint and steel
Fishing kit
Vaseline
Bags
Antiseptic Wipes
Plasters.

[Sarge47]

The basic kit, here it goes.

Signalling Mirror.
Commando Wire Saw
Non fuming/toxic firelighters.
Snare Wire
Cotton Wool
Sugar and Salt
Oxo cubes x 4
Mini Sewing kit
Photon/LED mini light
Mini Multitool
Painkillers
Flint and steel
Fishing kit
Vaseline
Bags
Antiseptic Wipes
Plasters.
Impressive list! Much better than "just my knife" that some people post. My PSK is always in a state of flux depending on where I'm going and for how long. There are some items, however, I always carry/take/wear when I'm in the woods no matter what:

Waterproof matches in a bright orange water-tight container.
2-6 Bandanas.
2-4 4 mil. 55 Gal. trash bags.
Victorinox "Rucksack" SAK.
Swiss Army card.
35mm film can of dryer lint.
Strike-Force for fire making.
Tilley T-3 hat.
Fox 40 whistle.
Coughlin's Trek 1 1st aid kit. (small)
Hat band made from braided parachute cord.
1 qt. size Nalgene wide-mouth water bottle with matching steel cup.
Sportsman's space blanket.(Grommets.)
1 pink lady candle.
Mini-mag flashlight.
Star-flash signal mirror.
Rite-in-the-Rain small notebook with Fischer Space pen.
Tea bags w/sugar packets.


(If going farther afield some or all of these items may be added or subbed:)

Mora fixed-blade knife.(attached to lanyard made from braided parachute cord around neck.

Atwater-Carey 1st-aid kit.
Military Poncho.
Esbit stove & heat tabs.
Snare wire.
Emergency fishing kit.
Several other types of fire-starters.
Military tempered glass signal mirror, 3"x5"
Water-filter straw.
Small bottle with 8 grams of iodine crystals.
2nd Nalgene bottle with duct tape wraps, Cody Lundin style.
Silva Ranger Compass.
Topo map of the area.
Small cook-kit.
Tube tent.
Small digital camera.
Small pair of Bushnell binoculars.
Rite-in-the-Rain Field notebook with Fisher Space-Pen.
MRE food packs.
Hard candy.
Paperback novel.
Pocket Survival guide.
Extra reading glasses.

There's more, but again, it all depends. :cool2:

[Sarge47]

The one thing I think we can/will all agree on is that HAVING a knife is the most important....)
Actually, I disagree with that. I consider a good, sharp knife a luxury. A good 1st aid kit & training is the most important. A knife cannot reduce a high fever, treat concussion, mend a broken bone, stop arterial bleeding, or restore beating to a heart that has stopped. So, are you saying that if you lose your knife you are dead? You can make a knife out of a sharp-edged stone if you know what to look for; medical knowledge & items are a lot harder to come by in the bush! :cool2:

[samfranklin]

Heyy Sarge,

I'm liking the additions :)
Just wanted to know what you would use some of them for!

2-6 Bandanas.
? Shelters, Wounds ?
2-4 4 mil. 55 Gal. trash bags.
Victorinox "Rucksack" SAK.
Swiss Army card.
Is that one of the credit cards with the knife and nail file type?
35mm film can of dryer lint.
Strike-Force for fire making.
Tilley T-3 hat.
Fox 40 whistle.
Coughlin's Trek 1 1st aid kit. (small)
Hat band made from braided parachute cord.
Hat band?
1 qt. size Nalgene wide-mouth water bottle with matching steel cup.
Sportsman's space blanket.(Grommets.)
1 pink lady candle.
Mini-mag flashlight.
Star-flash signal mirror.
Rite-in-the-Rain small notebook with Fischer Space pen.
Tea bags w/sugar packets.

Thanks

[Sarge47]

Heyy Sarge,

I'm liking the additions :)
Just wanted to know what you would use some of them for!

2-6 Bandanas.
? Shelters, Wounds ?
2-4 4 mil. 55 Gal. trash bags.
.
Swiss Army card.
Is that one of the credit cards with the knife and nail file type?

Hat band made from braided parachute cord.
Hat band?


Thanks

No problem. I wasn't sure if you were referring to the bandanas or the 55 gal. Trashbags in your post so I'll answer to both:

BANDANAS:
These are really great for many things like 1st aid, cooking(pot mitt), clean-up(wash cloth, dish towel), filtering debris out of water, making an ear cover during cold, windy weather(like the cowboys do when they wear their Stetsons. Learned that one in Colorado), sweat band, soak it in cool water and cool down your face & head, put it under your hat & let it hang down in the back & you'll protect your neck from the hot sun...etc..

55 GALLON, 4 MIL. TRASHBAGS:
Using duct tape you can make a nice sized, tough tube tent out of 2 of them, emergency tarp or ground cloth, stuff them with leaves & make blankets(aka Ron Hood) or a mattress. Raincoat of course, etc..

Swiss Army card.
Is that one of the credit cards with the knife and nail file type?
YEP! It also has a small pair of sissors, toothpick, tweezers, And a ball-point pen.

The hatband was an idea I took out of John D. McCann's book: "Build the Perfect Survival Kit." You can never have too much cordage!

Hope this helps, If I need to clarify anything else please let me know. :cool2:

[Alaskan Survivalist]

For all the work people put in creating lists they are personalized to the individual and his skills and environment. The list a person should start with is basic back packing gear and then let experience determine what he carries from there. If you don't use it leave it behind on next trip and If you don't have what you need bring it next time. Let your own experience build your kit. I want to make a distinction between experience and practice. Practice is doing the same thing over and over again, experience is doing different things until you find one that works. I look at most kits and my experience tells me people are carting around a bunch of garbage but there is no need to get into specifics because experience will convince you better than me and more accurately to your specific need and environment. For all the time and effort I have put into my kit it would not impress many because it is geared to my needs not thiers but I have absolute confidence in it because I have used it and know its capabilities and limitations. A bag full of stuff you made up off a list on the internet will not give you confidence but on the other hand if you have done it before with the gear you have then it doesn't really matter what the experts say.

[samfranklin]

Cheers Sarge :)