A collection of survival-related lists collected from books and other sources.
Your use of this information is at your own risk. (See our disclaimer for more information) Good Luck!
Comments -- praise and criticism -- are invited. E-mail davelee@visi.net
Major changes from version 2.1 to 3.0:
- The lists are arranged by type.
Wilderness survival requires:
- Will to survive and a proper mental attitude
- Physical fitness
- Knowledge and skills (first aid, survival skills, wild plant identification, land navigation, knot making, etc.)
- Tools (broadly defined, this would also include survival manuals).
Anyone who focuses solely on tools without developing the other elements may come to regret it. Moreover, the greater your knowledge and skills, the fewer tools you need.
These lists are a reference tool for you to create your own survival kit. Your first step should be to stop and THINK. For what am I preparing? How long am I likely to be on my own? How much space do I have and how much weight can I carry? How much am I willing to spend?
For instance, I live in eastern Virginia, which is reasonably populated, so I believe there is little chance that I would ever be on my own for more than five days. Needless to say, if I lived or traveled in Alaska or Western states with vast open spaces, I would have to change my assumptions dramatically! Similarly, when I go winter camping, I bring extra supplies in the event I get snowed in.
Next, you must determine the size and weight of your kit(s). If you are assembling something to keep in your pocket or briefcase, you will probably have few tools and those that you have will be of a miniature variety (i.e., a wire saw). On the other hand, a tool-box sized kit for your vehicle might contain a heavier and more durable folding saw.
Finally, you must think about how much you are willing to spend. If your total budget is $100, it would be imprudent to spend $70 on a Leatherman Super Tool. You might be better off picking up a used USAF survival knife for $10. On the other hand, quality matters, so don't be mislead by cheap low-quality gear. Try to make sure each item has more than one use. And KISS!
Since this is my compendium, I will begin with my list:
- Survival Kit from Penrith Survival Equipment (contents listed
below), wrapped in plastic and sealed. (add extra
hooks of different sizes).
- Ziplock bag in another pocket contains: space blanket, thin pea-less
plastic whistle ("Perry whistle"), disposable cigarette
lighter, several water purification tablets, Fisher Space Pen
refill cartridge (702) 293-3011, bandages, some Spectra fishing
line (for fishing and sewing), waterproof matches, needles, knife,
tiny bottle DEET.
- Depending on what I'm doing I might supplement with: first aid kit, larger "storm" whistle, large sheath or folding knife, mini-hatchet (Safety Pocket Ax formerly available from A.G. Russell (800) 255-9034), flashlight, water purification tablets, food, water filter-straw, snares, 550 cord, book on edible plants. (According to one expert, Busse Combat Knives offers the best sheath knives on the market (419) 923-6471. The best folder is the Benchmade AFCK-800S (503) 655-6004. For more information, see "Choosing the Right Survival Knife" by Chris Janowsky in the July 1996 issue of American Survival Guide.)
You can start here with the next list.
