THE SURVIVAL KIT

There isn't a one size fits all for survival kits because different situations require different gear. Urban survival, for example, requires a different set of gear and skills than surviving a camping trip gone wrong. There are, however, a few mainstays that every survival kit should include. These items should be carried ON YOUR PERSON at all times preferably in a small tin placed inside a pocket. It makes little sense to have all the right survival gear OVER THERE in your backpack as it's floating down the river. When going into the woods some tools that are vital for survival can be strung on cords and hung around the neck (Compass, Whistle, Watch, Pocketknife). You can separate each tool between different layers of clothing to keep them from banging and possibly breaking. Here is a list of survival kit items and their uses. Review the list to learn how to make a survival kit of your own.

1. Safety Pins. You can mend your tent or sleeping bags as well as clothing.

2. Thin Wire. You'll find many uses for a wire. It should be thin and bendable but strong.

3. Fishing Line. Not just for catching fish but also a goo for lashing other tools.

4. Fishing Hooks and Sinkers.

5. A Reflector. Many items can be used as a reflector. The shiny side of a survival tin. We suggest you use a heliograph with a hole it the center. You can look through the hole and direct reflected sunlight toward rescuers.

6. A Luminous Button Compass.

7. Waterproof Matches. Here's a trick: Waterproof your own if you like. Take ordinary matches and drip a thin layer of candle wax on the heads and stems. When you need a match scrap the wax off and Voila! Fire.

8. Needles, Thread, and Buttons. These are indispensable! Great for securing the flaps of your tent. The needles should have large eyes. The thread should be thick, strong and waterproof. To store, wrap the thread around the needles and store in a plastic bag.

9. Adhesive Bandages. Good for preventing abrasions from becoming infected and for padding blisters on your feet.

An Aside: I was a great idea yesterday on a hiking blog. They cut duct tape into bandage size pieces and taped them to the back of their feet just above the heel. This prevents your boots or shoes from rubbing against the skin there and causing blisters!

10. Antibiotic Tablets.

11. Water Sterilizing Tablets. Always have these in your survival tin. You might not be able to boil water. I a future post we'll discuss various methods for sterilizing water before drinking.

12. Magnifying Glass. You can use it to focus light on dry tinder to light a fire.

13. Wire Saw. Being able to cut various materials for use is an important aspect of survival. Keep your wire saw greased and stored in a plastic bag to prevent rusting.

14. A Scalpel. You should always have a well-made knife, either fixed blade or minimalist folding blade, with you. But always have a sharp scalpel in your survival tin. Keep it oiled encased in plastic.

15. Pencil. Make notes on what is eatable, where you've already walked, and for drawing maps.

16. Salt. When perspiring you lose salt. If not replaced you become susceptible to illness.

17. Plastic Bag. For carrying water, catching water, etc.

18. Potassium Permanganate. Not only can these crystals be used to purify water, they can also be used to treat fungal infections. Read the instructions to familiarize yourself with its uses.