Hunters and anglers often use winter’s deepest freeze to organize, clean, and prepare their equipment for spring. This is the perfect time to open the survival kit and make sure it’s in good shape for the seasons to come. Outdoors enthusiasts who haven’t gotten around to putting together a set of emergency supplies can take the opportunity to do so.
Cody Lundin, author of 98.6 Degrees, The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive! (Gibbs Smith, 2003) recommends this list of items for a short-term survival kit:
- Adequate means to regulate body temperature for your environment (clothing).
- Adequate means to create potable water to regulate body temperature for your environment.
- Multiple, effective means for signaling rescue. (Signal mirrors don’t work at night.)
- A “Party On” attitude.
- A cutting edge.
- Methods to create and sustain fire.
- Cordage (string or rope).
- The determined willingness and know-how to use what you have to its fullest potential.
Fire Starters
Every outdoor emergency kit should contain the means to start a fire. The most reliable way to do this is with matches or a lighter. Matches need to be kept in a moisture-proof container. It’s a good idea to go ahead and replace last year’s matches. No one wants to spend a cold, miserable night in the dark because of damp, useless matches. Starting a fire will also require something to burn. Half a dozen cotton balls saturated with petroleum jelly make a great fire starter. These need to be made from cotton, not a synthetic.
First Aid Kit
The first aid kit should have gauze pads to cover wounds. Feminine hygiene pads are great for this purpose, and they are inexpensive and come individually wrapped. Include bandage tape, a fresh supply of any necessary medications, antibiotic ointment, antihistamines, tweezers, adhesive bandages, and a syringe for irrigating wounds.
Additional First Aid and Safety Items
A large bandanna can act as a sling, a compress, or a makeshift carrying container. A flashlight (check batteries), compass, whistle, and plastic bag are highly recommended. If there is room, a heavy-duty space blanket can be added to the kit. A couple of granola bars or other light, packable, non-perishable food items will provide needed energy and keep spirits up.
Most emergency situations in the field last no more than 72 hours, and most injuries are lacerations, bruises, frostbite, or broken bones resulting from falls. Basic survival kits need to equip the outdoorsman to manage minor wounds, maintain a comfortable body temperature, obtain drinkable water, and signal for rescue. This article is a reminder to outdoorsmen to inspect their survival supplies, make needed updates and replacements, and prepare for the coming months of adventure.
Brenda Layman - I grew up in eastern Kentucky in a family that hunted, fished, hiked, and camped regularly. Although I moved to Ohio to become a teacher ...
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