Survival kits info.

[dantheredbaron]

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

[crashdive123]

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

[Flavor Bear]

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

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

Contents

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

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

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

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

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

[Rick]

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

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

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

[Flavor Bear]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[crashdive123]

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

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

[crashdive123]

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

[Flavor Bear]

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

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

[Nativedude]

Here's what's in my kit!

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Live Well--Be Free!!

[Gray Wolf]

Nativedude, Great Pic's, love the labels!

[wakinsey]

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

[crashdive123]

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

[Rick]

Just curious. Are you affiliated with them?

[snakeman]

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

[crashdive123]

Are you using a plastic or glass peanut butter jar?

[snakeman]

Plastic. Its actually very durable.

[crashdive123]

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

[exarmy]

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

[crashdive123]

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

[samfranklin]

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

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