Wilderness Survival Kit
Venturing into nature is exhilarating, but also wrought with danger. A twisted ankle, a slip-on wet rocks or a muddy patch, anything can trigger a survival situation. To survive, you must plan ahead. You could hope for someone to save you, but what if you are alone? Or worse still, what if your companion cannot assist?
The key is preparation. Plan for emergencies before they happen. Although it's impossible to anticipate every contingency, it's essential to prepare yourself for any eventuality as you explore nature. A wilderness survival kit could protect you and your companion's lives. So, whether it's a day hike or week-long trek, always plan for the unexpected.
Dress for Success
The area you're heading to is your first clue for items required in your survival kit. Looking good from head to toe is more important than you may realize, as your clothing is a prime element of your wilderness survival kit.
If you'll be spending time above the timberline in high country areas, protection from sun and wind is essential. Once you've left the trees, wind chill may quickly lower your temperature. Rocky slopes don't shield much against wind.
Protecting against the sun is imperative as well, even in cooler temperatures. Higher elevations can result in intense sunburn. Also, don't forget the sunblock!
Modern fibers have rendered heavy woolen clothing obsolete. Lightweight and waterproof garments made of new materials provide ample insulation. They are far easier to clean and come in numerous colors. Extreme weather clothing is much more comfortable than it was forty years ago.
Layering is key, even on warm summer days. A jacket or poncho ought to be in your pack just in case.
Wearing a hat serves multiple purposes. Heat loss is significantly reduced on frigid days and protection against the sun's hot rays is provided on warm days. Two specific hats stand out: a camouflage boony hat that absorbs sweat and keeps you cool; and a straw cowboy hat that's both stylish and comfortable.
Cold weather necessitates adequate ear coverage for lengthy outings. A simple wool stocking cap will suffice, but a balaclava that covers the nose and mouth is even better for warmth. A parka hood offers even more coverage!
The Basics
Lessons from the past year have highlighted the importance of having two distinct survival kits: a personal one to carry during hiking expeditions, and a larger one for long-term survival in urban emergencies. Consider this scenario: you need to evacuate your home at a moment's notice. What essentials should you pack?
First, let's delve into the personal survival kit, designed for when you're out exploring. Later, we'll briefly touch on the necessary elements of a grab bag for home-evacuation plans.
Personal Wilderness Survival Kit
When it comes to wilderness survival kits, the goal is to have all the necessary items without being weighed down. Keep it simple by packing only the essentials for short-term emergencies. After all, you're not trying to start a new life in the woods, just enjoying a hike among nature.
It's crucial to have accessible items, like a map and compass (or a GPS), but remember, never rely solely on a GPS. Learn how to use a compass and carry extra batteries in a sealed bag, protected from the cold. It's also important to choose items that can serve multiple purposes when possible, reducing the size and weight of your kit without sacrificing function. Duplicate items are a no-go.
For a basic survival kit container, repurpose an ammo pouch or use a fanny pack. Look for small, waterproof and airtight cases at the grocery store.
Beyond shelter items, food procurement items and signaling items, a wilderness survival kit must include first-aid items that go beyond Band-Aids and ointment. Get a real first-aid kit with a triangle bandage and large gauze for compresses to attend to serious injuries.
Some recommended items to include in your wilderness survival kit are:
- Water purification system
- Fire starting equipment, like a butane lighter, magnesium tool or waterproof matches
- Snare wire for food procurement
- Signaling mirror and compass for navigation
- Fishing line and hooks
- Candle and small magnifying lens for fire starting
- Water purification tablets
- Solar blanket for warmth
- Surgical blades, butterfly sutures, needle and thread for serious first aid
- Knife for general purpose use.
Choosing the right knife can be a personal matter of opinion. Personally, I prefer the Leatherman™ SuperTool™ on my belt - it's an all-in-one tool that's been with me for years, handles tasks large and small with ease, and is backed by a lifetime guarantee. It's great for everyday use, but for outdoor and woodsy types, I recommend carrying an additional sheath knife with a reliable 5" blade that can be sharpened easily. Skip the oversized "Rambo" blades - portability and practicality are key. As for carrying a weapon, save it for hunting. In all my travels, I've found that weapons mostly get in the way.