Newsletter

Topic:  SURVIVAL KITS

All survival kits are not created equal, nor are their designed purposes.  Obviously a survival kit assembled for desert use will vary in design and function from one assembled for a cold weather environment.  Many of the critical components will remain the same regardless of weather or location.  A large sheath knife is but one example.  The many and varied uses for a large knife are unlimited.  A blade length between seven and eleven inches will accomplish most any task it is called upon to perform.  Large bladed knives can build shelters, dig roots and tubers, perform as a weapon, dress game, build tools, cut firewood and many more functions.  Sometimes bigger is better, especially with knives.

Now that I have expounded on the positive virtues of a large knife, I must express my opinion on the benefits of a good pocketknife. Buy one.  A good pocketknife will perform far too many important functions than I could ever think of, or even begin to list in this newsletter.

Fire starting equipment is another must have.  The price of not being equipped in this area could range from an uncomfortable overnight stay to a permanent dead one.  I personally do not prefer either of the above.  I always carry fire starters and a magnesium bar with a flint in its side (see photo) These always work regardless of weather or climate.  Small butane lighters are economical in price and they are easy to carry.  When purchasing butane lighters, choose a childproof model.  Accidental discharge of butane is eliminated and they will not leak. 

Waterproof matches in a watertight container are a great backup.  Most waterproofed matches are low cost and easy to find.  Being redundant in this area is paramount.  Anybody that has experienced an overnight stay in the wilds can tell you the importance of a restful night. 

Fortunately someone has designed a lightweight emergency sleeping bag.  This small bag will fit easily into a shirt pocket.  The bag is waterproof, windproof, insect proof, and has the ability to reflect back your own body heat.  These are not designed for long term use or to keep you comfortable at temperatures below freezing. They are designed as an aid in saving your life. They actually do work and I recommended them. 

Many people are lost every year for lack of a simple compass.  All compasses, regardless of cost or complexity, perform the same function.  They all point north.  I do not understand why anyone would venture into the wilderness without two compasses.  One for navigation and one as a backup for “just in case”.  Obviously a good understanding of navigation without a compass is nice, but it still pays to carry one.  Always carry a map of the area that you are hiking, hunting, fishing, backpacking or exploring.  Getting lost in the wilderness is easy; finding your way out can be much harder.  A night in the forest without light is interesting at best. 

Just moving around in a deep black  forest at night is difficult and could be very dangerous.  There are so many excellent and small flashlights it is foolish not to have one.  Many of the new LED mini lights are powerful and have extremely long battery life.  Be sure to include a flashlight as a must have item in your survival kit.  Also be sure to carry extra batteries and a spare bulb.  No batteries or bulb means no light. 

I try to stress the importance of carrying reseal able plastic baggies--a minimum of two, preferably the heavy-duty freezer types in quart size or larger. These can be used for water containers, storing fire starting materials in, or even cooking a meal in. 

The last item I will have listed is for water purification.  Bottom line is you can go for extended periods of time with little or no food, but with out water you are a dead duck--period.  Dehydration is a merciless murderer. Always carry a means to carry water and a means to sterilize it.  I have listed only some of the items I consider necessary; space and personal preference will determine which additional items you may want to carry.  Customize your survival kit to fit your own personal needs.  The monetary cost of a quality kit is minimal compared to a stay in the hospital or worse yet, a funeral.

All items pictured in this newsletter are available for purchase through our online marketplace. Simply choose the products link to see our pre-made survival kits, or purchase items individually!