in Outdoors / Camping (submitted 2011-01-27)
If you’re planning a wilderness journey, have you considered what you need if things go bad?
The important thing to survival in adventures like these is to plan ahead. This article supplies a simple checklist of vital items you need to put in your “survival pack” anytime you venture off the beaten path … particularly if it’s just you and a friend or two.
Keep in mind, the aim of your survival pack is to keep you warm, dry, well fed, and ready for the unexpected. So, take this list and think about the setting you will be visiting; then see if there is anything you think you should add.
What to include in your survival pack:
· Maps
· Compass
· Hat, gloves, and additional socks (if you’re going where it’s hot all night long)
· At the very least one long-sleeve shirt, one pair of long pants, lightweight gloves, and scarf to keep bugs off you at night.
· Water (lots more than you think you need, in re-fillable containers)
· Iodine tablets or different water-purifying tablets
· Emergency food (including high calorie trail mix, chocolate, power bars, freeze-dried meals, etc.) – At least sufficient for one full additional day.
· Mountaineering boots
· Waterproof coat
· Tent (or tarp to build a lean-to)
· Sleeping bag
· Cooking utensils
· First aid kit including Vaseline (or an antibiotic like Neosporin or Bacitracin) and non-medicated baby/talcum powder. Remember Vaseline is a good way to heal and forestall chafing on anything exposed to the wind, and baby powder is good for heat rash.
· Whistle (all metal or 2 plastic whistles)
· Flashlight (preferably the new LED model with spare batteries; spare bulb if not the LED type)
· Pocketknife (preferably a multi-use knife like the Swiss Army variety)
· Waterproof plastic sheet (5×7 ft or larger)
· Water-resistant, shock-resistant wristwatch
· Sturdy plastic bags to carry water
· Fish hooks fishing line
· Fully charged mobile phone or FRS hand-held radios which is actually better in more distant areas
· Additional batteries for your cell phone or FRS radios
· Weather radio
· Waterproof matches or lighter and tinder
· Quality magnifying glass (can also be used to start a fire)
· Candle(s)
· 25 ft of cord/rope
· Insect repellent
· Sunscreen
· Chapstick (or lip balm)
· A coil of wire (no less than four ft): Can be utilized for repairs, snares, drying line, etc.
· Wire cutters pliers (unless your pocket knife has the equivalent tools)
· Emergency blanket
· Waterproof poncho for emergencies)
· Snake bite kit (a new one)
· Bivouac sack (large, bright-colored, waterproof bag you can actually crawl into)
In case you choose to leave any of these items at home, think about it carefully; what you leave at home might be the lacking key to your survival.
About the Author
Written by Dr. Bryan Stoker. In addition to publishing articles on investing, personal finance, and survival topics, you can visit some of Dr. Stoker’s websites here: Electronic Pianos and Selecting Coffee Makers.
http://goarticles.com/article/How-To-Build-A-Camping-Hiking-Trekking-Survival-Pack/4087542/
