Survival Kit Part 1

A few key items can make all the difference in the fight for survival.
Collect the things listed below. They can all be fitted into a small container, such as a 2oz tobacco tin, or an Altoids  tin, or whatever small waterproof tin that you can find. Make a habit of always having this tin with you. Don't get something that is huge, or bigger than about wallet size, you wont find it convenient to carry with you and you could risk not carrying it with you and then on the occasion that you actually need it, you are screwed because it's just sitting at home on your night stand. And that would truly suck.
Experience has proved that each item earns its place, though some are more useful in some situations than in others. A good example of that would be Fish hooks, Of course you would need them If your in the forest with streams, lakes and creeks, but in the desert you are less likely to need this item. But there are lakes in the desert, so it is good to have that particular item in your tin. You never know.

Polish the inside lid of the tin to make a  mirror like reflecting surface and seal it, to be waterproof, with a strip of adhesive tape, such as electrical tape or duct tape. I prefer duct tape because it doesn't loose it's adhesiveness. And it is much more easier to remove and replace it over and over again. Regularly check the contents of your tin, changing any which deteriorate, such as matches and medicine tablets. Mark all drug containers with use and dosage and a run out date when they should be replaced. Pack spare space in the tin with cotton wool, which will keep the contents from rattling and can be used for fire lighting.

Good things to carry In your tin are as follows

Matches... waterproof matches are useful but bulkier than ordinary non safety, strike anywhere matches, which can be made shower proof by dipping the heads into melted candle fat. To save space snap off half of  each matchstick. It is much easier to use matches that to make fire by other methods but don't waste them, use only when improvised methods fail. Take them from the tin one at a time and replace the lid. Never leave the container open or lying on the ground, This can ruin all of your items in you tin (kit) and will later be the cause of your demise.

Candles... invaluable for starting a fire as well as a light source. Shave square fore packing. If made of tallow it is also fat to eat in an emergency or to use for frying, but be sure that it is tallow before eating, paraffin was and other candles are inedible. Tallow does not store well, so I recommend just sticking with regular candles, They provide light when you have no flash light, and can give you some comfort when out in the wild.

Flint... flints will work when wet and they will go on striking long after you run out of matches. Invest a flint, or magnesium bar. I see them everywhere, you can buy mag bars with the saw striker just about anywhere that sells camping goods, they only cost between $5-$10 bucks and last a good long time. You can get Flint or metal match at just about any camping store, Wal-Mart, or amazon. I carry the Gerber Flint and steal, the replacement steal is only $5 bucks, and you can use the back end of  your knife to strike the flint. I got mine from the Gerber website, I have the Bear Grylls fire starter, but they have others as well. Amazon has a lot to choose from.

Magnifying glass...   You can start a fire from direct sunlight using a magnifying glass, and it is very useful for splinters and strings.

Needles and Thread... Several needles, including at least one with a very large eye that can be threaded with sinew and coarse threads. choose strong thread and wrap it around the needles. They an be used for repairing or making clothes in an emergency. They can also be used for sewing up a bad cut, If a hospital is way out of reach, the only it may be the only thing that you have to keep yourself alive longer, and you have less risk of getting infection.

Fish hooks and line....  A selection of different hooks in a small tin or packet. Add a few split lead weights. Remember that a small hook will catch both large and small fish but a large hook will only catch big fish. Include as much line as possible, it will also be useful for catching birds or other small game. You can use fishing line to make snares, all though they will probably only be able to be used once, it can help you find your next meal.

Compass... A compass is a fantastic tool to carry with you, I find that carrying 2 is a good rule of thumb, that way if they are both pointing in the same direction than they cant be wrong. Many people that find there self in a survival situation often get scared, they don't trust their compass, they don't trust there sense of direction, and they have even been know to attack their rescuer out of fear. So be sure to learn how to use a compass, and always carry one. (2 if possible)

A good Knife... Always have a good knife with you, keep it in the glove compartment of your car or in the trunk. Be sure to look up any laws in your area to be sure you can carry the knife with you. Having a good knife can be the difference between life and death when in a survival situation. Everyone has their own preference when it comes to a survival knife, There are so many different ones out there to choose from and all have very fantastic strengths about them.  I carry the Gerber Para cord knife that was inspired by Bear Grylls, It has many uses, you can watch my video about the knife here: I will be doing a series about this knife in the near future.

 

 

Machete.... Now, its great to have a good saw and a good machete, But why not have both? There are many different brands of Machetes and saws out there on todays market. But I recommend the Gerber Gator 2, This has an extremely sharp edge on one side and a saw on the other. at about 18'' in length, this guy really gets the job done, see the video below. It's always great to have tools that have multiple uses, and this Gerber Gator 2 has exactly what you need. Remember it is always best to carry tools that have more than 2 uses.

Cordage... Cordage is very important to have when going out into the wild. I recommend carrying a 100ft roll of 550 para cord. This is fantastic for making shelters, snares, fishing line, climbing down small cliffs with ease and safety. There are 100's of uses for para cord, and its pretty cheap, at around $9 bucks you can find it on Amazon, at your local surplus store, or online.

As we all know there are many different items that are very important when going into the wild, on a camping trip or in a survival situation. Check back often for more great things to consider taking when going on a trip. Thanks for reading as always, and check back frequently for more post.