Newsletter
Topic:
SURVIVAL KITS II
When considering a personal survival kit it is easy to overdo the
size and content of the kit. Try to select a kit that offers multiple uses for
the included items. Above all, be realistic about the items that you choose to
include. Obviously, the overall size of kit must be considered. If the kit is
too large and heavy, you won’t carry it; too small and it might not be of much
use to you. Lately, I find that we are living in a micro-world where the common
thought process of today dictates everything must be miniaturized to work
properly. This is total baloney. If you choose to carry a micro size kit you may
find that you need an item and do not have it in your kit. If this happens, you
are then out of luck. I am by no means implying that you should carry a trunk
full of survival equipment. What I am saying is you should carry enough to be
beneficial if needed. A fanny pack is a convenient size and easily carried.
There is enough room in a fanny pack to carry extra snacks, first aid items,
map, compass, matches etc.
When selecting items to include in your kit, use the priority method. Choose
Items that will be the most beneficial. Start with shelter items first and then
fire starting equipment, water purification, navigation, light, and items of
your choice to supplement the kit. Your shelter items should include strong
cordage, thirty-five feet minimum, two strong large trash bags and a large sheet
of tightly rolled or folded plastic. Always carry a minimum of two fire-starting
sources. I prefer the magnesium fire starters as my primary fire-starting
source. Water proofed matches that have been hand dipped in clear finger nail
polish is my secondary source. I also carry two new butane lighters that have
been taped together and sealed in a small plastic baggie. These I carry in my
pocket. Be sure to include fire-starting aids. Fire-starting aids will greatly
speed up the process of getting a campfire going. Water purification should
always be carried. I prefer to carry iodine based products. I consider a product
named Polar Pure® to be as good as it gets. A small bottle of this product will
purify up to 2,000 quarts of water. Be sure to include a container to use as a
cup or a baggie as the absolute minimum.
Don’t forget your compass and carry a
backup compass just in case you lose or damage your primary and of course, a
map of the area you will be traveling through. Always include a flashlight. The
new LED lights are more than up to the task. Battery life can be extremely long
in some of the new generation lamps. Equip your flashlight with lithium
batteries. These batteries are lighter in weight and offer a much longer burn
time than conventional alkaline. Always carry spare batteries. Light has a way of comforting a person
when
the darkness of night engulfs us. Many of the sounds we tune out during the day
seem to grow haunting and scary at night. A flashlight will dispel many of these
nightly fears.
A survival kit may be assembled at home and custom tailored to
suit personal taste. Another alternative would be to purchase a pre-made kit
then add the additional items of your choice. Regardless of your decision,
always select good quality items for your kit. Wilderness Adventures
offers two kits that are worth consideration. The larger kit has many useful
items including a durable and waterproof container. This kit is already nicely
equipped and may be purchased at a reasonable price. Adding your own personal
items to this kit is easily done
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The
"Overnighter"
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The
"Survivor"
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Polar
Pure®
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Survival
Compass
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|
Wilderness
Adventures
