survival kit tips

[0utd00rfr3ak]

i just wanted to start a thread so that everyone can post things they have in their survival kits or think would be helpful or look cool so that people can improve their knowledge and kits and discuss about different uses and add their thoughts.
just one detailed description of an item would be great. this way its just one elaborated item instead of a million common knowledge items.

ill start off by talking about the container that i keep my kit in which is a coffee tin. the coffee tin with a plastic lid is the ultimate survival kit container. its water proof and can be used not only to boil water but to carry it when you put the lid on as well. it can also be used as a dig tool if you have to dig a snow cave and can help get through that crappy ice that is too hard for your fingers to deal with. you can use it as a thing to collect stuff such as edible plants into and in the worst scenario signal people with it if yours is reflective enough.

anyway all items are welcome and i hope that people gain some good knowledge from everyone posting their ideas.

[Henryseale]

Obviously, there are several items that are of paramont importance in a survial kit. I will start this off by detailing the fire starting items that I carry:

I carry a waterproof plastic screw cap match safe. In this safe I keep a supply of kitchen size "strike anywhere" matches that I have coated with fingernail polish to waterproof them. Attached to the end of the match safe is a "flint" sparking rod that when scraped with a knife edge will produce a shower of sparks. This one item gives me two methods of creating fire. Around the body of the match safe I have wrapped a quantity of duct tape. Duct tape can be used for numerous tasks from repairing gear to binding wounds. Next fire starting item is a magnesium bar with an imbedded sparking rod. Just shave some off with your knife onto your tender and apply sparks. Magnesium burns so hot you can start a fire with wet wood or even an old tire. In addition, I also carry a butane lighter. Also, I include a plastic film container stuffed with Vaseline soaked cotton balls for tender. Altogether, this gives me four options as to starting a fire. I cannot imagine not being able to start a fire if a fuel suppy can be obtained with these options. Yes, I know it is overkill, but these items are small, lightweight, and if you need them, they will guarantee results.

[0utd00rfr3ak]

thanks for the input henryseale. greatly appreciated

[2Horsecowboy]

If you are packing a one pound coffee can for a survival kit, I think I'd include (with above) a set of batteries for GPS/Walkietalkies, a space blanket, triple antibiotic packets, bandaids, naproxin-sodium tabs, a few h2o purifing tabs, alcohol prep pads (dual purpose wound cleaner/ firestarter) , and if ya have the space, a snickers bar or source of energy to make down that last mile back.
If you're gonna pack a coffee can then pack it full and make it work.
The worst that can happen is that you failed to practice using what you plan to survive on.
Later
Ron

[gameboybuff]

These are some great tips. I always pack a coffee can. Batteries, the obvious medical accessories, purifying tabs, granola and such are a must. Matches, compass, pocket knife also are essential. I liked Henry's suggestion for the film canister stuffed with Vaseline soaked cotton balls for tender. I'll be updating my kit with this. Thank you.

[Reloaders37]

Of course don't forget a knife in your suvival kit.

[TJ]

Check out this web site.

www.outdoorsafe.com

I went to one of his seminars at an outdoor show several years ago. A real eye opener!

[paladin]

A coffee can is pretty small. So you will be working with minimums. If I could have only one first aid item it would be Quick Clot.

I'd hate to prepare for a "cold emergency" but then have a first aid emergency come up. You can use a little Quick Clot on small wounds or stop arterial bleeding, or something in between.

Just a though.

Pal

[idahogrose]

I have a yellow plastic slip cover first aid kit I have had for about ten years (waterproof). I have pretty much replaced all the contents with what i want, mostly bandaids, a few large gauze dressings, some moleskin, and athletic tape. I try to stay as light as possible. I carry a hanky, which can serve as a compress or cravate if needed. Game bags too, not exactly sanitary, but they have been washed, so they are safer than bleeding out. One thing I always carry is chapstick with some SPF value. This can be put on the nose and ears too to keep from getting sunburned.

Never really HAD to rely on a first aid kit, but I feel I am prepared for what I do, and with First Aid books I have read I think I could get the job done, barring any MAJOR medical disasters in the backcountry.

IG

[Magic]

Welcome to Sage Creek Forums, idahogrose.

How about starting an intro thread and and telling us about yourself and your hunting interest.

[WW]

I'm not a survival kit person because just about everything in my hunting pack can be used in survival situations. And my pack is always with me.

One of the new additions to my pack this year is my new ACR ResQlink personal locator beacon. I hope I never have to use it. But, there is alot of peace of mind just know if I ever punch that little button, the cavalry will be on the way.

[Magic]

I fall into your category Bill, but I did add one of those clotting packets last year.

I carry a SPOT because I can send an OK, but I really think that your unit is better ?? Heck I do not know, but at least we do have something. I just hope that neither of us ever have to punch that button.

[falconred]

I will try to get a photo or two on my personal carry kit. I have more of course in my pack but I carry a kit that fits into a zip loc quart size bag. I usually pack it all in the bag and then put that all into another to double seal it.

I carry a space blanket, plastic throw-away poncho, orange whistle-match box-compass-striker combo with waterproofed strike anywhere matches, an accessary pack out of an old MRE pack (the old dark brown packs), fishing line and hook, razor knife, small candle, small first aid items, lighter, heat tab, small plastic bag of dryer lint, power bar, and several more items that I can't remember right now.

I carry this in my left cargo pocket on my pants (all hunting pants should have cargo pockets on each leg), snacks go in the right.

It always amazes me that when they show folks getting in trouble on tv, they almost always lay their pack down and wonder off hunting something. I guess that's why I always like to have enough to spend the night out on my person each time I go into the woods for any reason.

[Magic]

[dromero]

Right Cargo pocket: H20-proof Matches double bagged, Sandwich bag w/ petrolatum Cotton balls, Silvia ranger compass, headlamp, pocket knife.

Left Cargo pocket: Pocket knife, quart freezer bag(2) with quick-clot (2) athletic tape, roll of Coban (self adhesive wound wrap) Muscle relaxers/NSAIDS, Iodine wipes, space blanket, and 20' 550 cord.

Pack: MSR water filter, extra filter cartridge, 100 oz bladder, 75' 550 cord, extra headlamp & batteries, (2) flashlights, (4) protein bars, Chlorine drops (h20 purification), extra Glock magazine, extra polartec beanie, lightweight rain coat, extra wool glove liners, extra wool socks, more matches/cotton balls, games bags, 6" folding filet knife, small knife sharpener and lunch.