Whether you are hiking, hunting, fishing, or bird-watching – outdoor survival should always be on your mind. Last year, I took my daughter on her first-ever hunting trip. The focus during our preparations was on being prepared. We told her Mom where we were going and when we expected to return. We each had our own pack with water, food, etc. When we parked, I showed her how to note where we were on the map, and in what direction to walk, to get back to our truck. I showed her how to use the compass. Lo and behold – we “rescued” a lady that had become lost in the desert. No water, no food, no clue where they had parked – it was a valuable lesson for my little girl. There have been several instances recently of experienced hikers becoming lost – in at least one case, the outcome was not a happy one. Pat McHugh is considered an industry expert, when it comes to outdoor survival. Pat is the owner of MPI Outdoors, manufacturer of the Space Blanket, since 1964. His site is absolutely loaded with tips, hints, and products that can help you stay alive, should you become lost, or encounter some other emergency, while enjoying the great outdoors. Please visit them at www.mpioutdoors.com Pat has graciously offered for dissemination, this list of items that might just make the difference for you someday – between life and death.
“This is only a suggested outline for a personal outdoor survival kit; it is by no means all encompassing. Always customize your kit to meet your specific needs.”
• 12″ x 24″ sheets of Aluminum foil – Fold for cooking, fire reflector from wind or use to signal
• Heavy plastic bag, preferably Zip-Lock – Use for water, food storage, keeping things dry
• SPACE Brand Emergency Blanket – Shelter, signaling, personal protection from elements and a means to provide warmth
• A high shrill whistle – 3 short blasts is a recognized distress signal
• A good quality Compass – Navigation
• Waterproof wooden matches and tinder – (Having more is better – try adding a few small birthday candles to your fire kit, get the kind you can’t blow out) Provides ability for fire starting, if you can start a fire you know will be OK. (Stops panic)
• Bouillon cubes or instant soup mix, salt/pepper – Sustenance–boil water in aluminum foil made pot, add spices
• Bright colored Bandanna or cloth – Filtering dirty water, signaling, head band, sling, wash cloth, etc.
• Chemical light sticks (8 – 12 hour type) – (Flashlights/batteries are not very dependable over time and in cold weather situations) Provides light, signaling and for your personal well being
• Small multiple function knife-multi-tool – For your general tool needs
• Water purification tablets – Insures you have potable water
• Small Fishing kit – Line, hooks, lures, snares, repairs
• Signal mirror – Visual signaling
• Wire saw – Shelter building, tinder making
• Hard candy or a high energy bar – Survival food, peace of mind
• Heavy Duty cord, thread/needle – Shelters, snares, repairs
• Insect repellent and lip balm – Personal comfort/protection
• SMALL First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic, pills, etc. – Suited to the terrain you are in and your personal needs. Don’t pack for surgery; pack what you know you may need.
• Pocket Hand Warmers – Ideal for staving off hypothermia
• Survival Notes-make your own notes – Reminder guide (puts your mind at ease) of what to do and what not to do
• A picture of your loved ones – For the will to survive
McHugh says “Over and above the “21 Basics” above that I choose to carry within my personal survival kit are: moleskin pads, wet-naps, plastic wire ties, nylon cord, a few large balloons and a few short cut pieces of the wood slat from the bottom of household shades or cut up paint stirrers and some ESBIT Tablets for dry and easy starting tinder needs.
The purpose of any Personal Survival Kit is two fold:
1) To insure that you have the potentially needed items available to provide for your well being and safety in the event you may need them, and
2) As a means to create positive psychological security for you and those that may be with you, just knowing it is there when and should you need it will help curb the negatives of panic from arising.
¨ Store your Personal Survival Kit items inside a small zippered pouch, one that is easy to carry with you at all times and can be easily located in times of crisis. Add a bright band of colored or reflective tape around it so that you can find it easily when it may be needed.
¨ Add a terrain map, if available and any personal medication needs. “
Obviously, for desert excursions – water is critical. I have made the mistake of “just walking down the road a bit” and not taking enough (or any) water. An hour later, and much farther than I had intended to go – I was starting to worry, and kick myself for being so foolish. A sheet of plastic 2’ x 2’ can be used to make a still. Dig a hole, put a cup or other receptacle in the bottom. A piece of cactus or other moist plant material will help aid the process also. Put the plastic over the hole, weight down the sides, and put something in the middle to form a cone in the plastic. With the sunlight, moisture will condense on the underside of the plastic over time, and drip down into the cup. Not a lot of water, but maybe “just enough”.
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