Added 3 new items to my survival kit this week

[Billy13426]

The new items include
-a compass(used with a map)---$4.99
-a wire string saw---$2.49
-a survival whistle (has built in flint, compass, match storage box, signal mirror)---$1.97

Any other items I should add to my kit that are relatively cheap or can be made easily???

[crashdive123]

Not knowing what else is in your kit, how you intend to use it or your experience level - it is difficult to make any recommendations - at least for me it is.

[Graf]

Another thing we would need to know is this a day/72 hr./or bug out survival kit. I recommend using the saw a few times usally the less expensive ones prove to be a disappointment in actuall conditions.

[hunter63]

I have to agree with both statements,
What is the purpose of the kit?
What is in it now?


........and what ever you have in a kit needs to be tried out...just to see how it works when you don't really need it.

[Sarge47]

The new items include
-a compass(used with a map)---$4.99
-a wire string saw---$2.49
-a survival whistle (has built in flint, compass, match storage box, signal mirror)---$1.97

Any other items I should add to my kit that are relatively cheap or can be made easily???

First off I'd ditch the wire saw. Most of the time they're a dismal disappointment. On his TV survival series "Fat Guys In The Woods,"(Sunday nights on the Weather Channel) Creek Stewart gives the 3 guys he's teaching each a blade from a bow saw, then teaches them how to make a bow saw in the woods using a bendable sapling branch. All that being said here's the one I like:

http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-46036-E...rds=Gerber+saw

Remember that cheap isn't always best; what's your life worth? That being said I bought this book awhile back and it's really a great book for a beginner:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/161...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Finally, every item in your SK needs to be taken out in the field and tested ASAP. A lot of people make the mistake of waiting to actually use their gear for the 1st time when they actually find themselves in a true survival situation. That's way too late....

[Graf]

This bow saw blade can be removed from the frame and sticks installed in key rings and used as a 2 man saw. frame could also easily be made from all wood in the field
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[hunter63]

Now that makes sense....and I would carry a bow saw blade.....and really like the key rings idea.....and they will do some work.

I have broken every string saw I have ever tried, and would not take and carry one if it was free.

As a weird kid that spent a lot of time out doors in the woods and building things from logs .....a bow saw was asked for and received for like a 9th birthday....lots of jack pines fell to that.

Often wondered in later years why no one seemed to care that a bunch of kids went into the woods, block away from my house, cut down a bunch of about 8" jack pines and hauled the logs home on my Red Wagon....Still don't know.

[tundrabadger]

okay, I need to try the improvised bow saw thing ASAP....it would be WAY lighter and probably more effective than my folding dozuki.

[backpacker3]

I've got a wire saw but it's actually 3 braided strands and it works pretty good. I think I picked it up in the sporting goods section of a local department store it was 2 bucks so I figured what the heck I've wanted to try one of these anyway. I use the bow saw method most of the time and it works pretty well. I guess if nothing else it might save my knife for a little bit if I'm building a shelter or cutting through thicker logs.

[Graf]

Heres a tip buy a good blade some bow saw bargain blades don't cut good or straight

[Graf]

heres another improvised one I use for a quick saw I like using hickory branch when i can they have more bendability

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[Billy13426]

Ok I am looking to have a bug out kit and am just starting off so far I have
-Leatherman Sidekick
-3 knifes
-small multi tool
-fire starter
-bandana
-candle
-water purifier
-Compressed fuel
-Hunting Knife
-Slingshot
-Etc. Fishing equipment and nets
-6 paracord bracelets
-other 3 new items

I am only fifteen and am starting to develop my skills I have practiced making survival shelters and fire(with a fire starter). I am trying to practice the bow drill fire technique as well. I am learning to become a trapper and fisher. I have got 50 and 30 pound test line to make snares and to fish with. I am planning to make a survival fishing rod like the one in crashdrive's video using the container. I know how to make fishing traps out of 2 liter bottles and how to make a deadfall trap as well as a fishing snare. I hope this will tell you a bit about my skills and hope that you can tell me some items that would go well in my kit. Thank you very much for your time.

[ElevenBravo]

BIC lighter is in mine... Winter time, I also have a road flare.

EB

[Billy13426]

Ok I will make sure to add those

[tundrabadger]

That's a good number of knives. What kind are they, and if you are in the woods, bugging out, whatever, where and how are you carrying them?

[Billy13426]

I am carrying them in a backpack and I am planning on purchasing a tactical vest or belt to carry some as well some are folding and some are fixed blade and a few are multi tools

[tundrabadger]

Tactical vest isn't a bad idea. You might consider putting the smaller multi-tool in a vest pocket, along with a few other basics like a hook and line, that way if something bad happens to your pack.

[Billy13426]

Yah I think I can get a decent tact vest for like 40$ so I think I might need to do that

[hunter63]

Few suggestions, and yes does help to see where you are , and where you want to be.

I can see a little heavy on the sharp stuff...4 knives and two multi tools......No matter, I carry a few as well.
Might want to swap a knife for a small hatchet.
When things get too heavy just leave some gear in a second or third kit....No one says you have to have just one.
Most anyone that has been around awhile has many kits, sub kits, carry, stash .....kits every where

I would suggest a water bottle maybe a stainless single walled bottle..to carry and boil water in.
Maybe a pot or big cup....
I generally have a the old army 3 piece canteen, cup and stove combo in a carry case.

Flashlight(s) are a good idea.
Poncho or shelter half or both.
Survival blanket or large trash bags (2).

Might want to swap a couple of those bracelets for 50 ft. of Para cord or rope.

First aid kit and some practice, on how to do basic first aid....remember you may be alone.
Lots of Bic lighters to light fire with...then use your kit to practice.

[Billy13426]

My dad has a small hatchet I can I use but I plan on getting my own soon... I do have several metal water bottles I can put in my kits as well as a small traveling pot. I will get a good flashlight soon as well. I have several ponchos but I plan on getting a good thicker one too and put in a wool blanket I bought at an auction...I have like 20 of them. I can also throw in some trash bags. I do plan on getting some more paracord too soon. I just got a small first aid kit and put it in as well but I plan on upgrading that soon as well. I will be having my parents buy me a couple bic lighters as well. I appreciate your time.