Survival Kit Preparation:
What Every Outdoorsman Should Carry

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The best way to survive a disaster or emergency situation is to be prepared for it. People have known this for years; it’s the reason our society has storm cellars and fire extinguishers. Outdoor enthusiasts, however, face a more challenging obstacle when trying to prepare for an unfortunate camping, hiking, hunting, or fishing emergency. The sheer number of different types of disasters that can happen to an even seasoned outdoor enthusiast makes it especially hard to prepare essential tools and supplies before leaving on an adventure. You might think, Did I forget something? Do I have too much of one item? Not enough? Putting together a survival kit for yourself can be frustrating, time-consuming, and costly. Luckily, many outdoor supply companies carry pre-assembled survival kits, or can at least help you put yours together. But first, you’ll want to understand the specific types of dangers your outdoor activity presents and the best ways to protect yourself against them.

Different outdoor activities present different physical challenges to enthusiasts. These different challenges require different types of survival kits. The camping or hiking enthusiast will most likely be more concerned with reliable navigation tools, such as maps and compasses, and making sure he or she has plenty of provisions. The hunter, however, might be more concerned with his or her protection against potentially dangerous animals, while those who fish will obviously want to bring plenty of dry clothes. It’s important not to get too caught up in the niche of your specific outdoor activity, however. Just because the main point of your trip may be camping doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring along a hunting knife or fishhooks.

Another important aspect of your adventure to consider when deciding on a survival kit is the climate and terrain of where your outdoor activity is taking place. Different weather extremes can cause problems for outdoor enthusiasts, even on a single trip. Hikers traveling through the cool, green Pacific Northwest can still experience heat exhaustion, especially in the summer, just as desert campers can easily freeze at night despite the daytime heat. Get a professional opinion of what you should include in your survival kit if you are unfamiliar with the climate and weather patterns of the area you’re exploring.

Of course, there are basic items that are essential to any survival kit, no matter what your outdoor activity of choice. The most important components of a survival kit are ones that satisfy the following needs: protection against the elements, or, shelter; first aid or medical supplies; food, water, or the tools needed to procure them; ways to signal rescuers; and finally, tools to help guide outdoor enthusiasts back to familiar territory. The duration of your outdoor adventure will determine how thoroughly you should pack your survival kit, but here are a few essentials.

The best way to keep warm and protect yourself from the elements is by packing lightweight, water-resistant clothing and blankets. Reflective aluminum blankets help retain body heat and act as signals to rescuers. Waterproof ponchos are an effective way to stay dry in wet climates, as well as being lightweight and easy to pack. Mosquito nets are another easy-to-pack, effective protection method against nasty elements. You will probably want to start a fire, so include in your survival kit tools that will help you do so. Waterproof matches and lighters are easy and convenient, but if you happen to be in an outdoor setting for long you run the risk of running out of matches or fuel for your lighter. Do-it-yourself tools, such as flint or a magnifying class, can help provide you with warmth longer and with greater reliability.

Making sure you keep your physical body healthy is essential for outdoor enthusiasts. Any good survival kit will include first aid supplies meant to treat a wide variety of health problems or accidents. Bandages, sterile pads, gauze, and disinfectant are crucial if you happen to experience a flesh wound while aspirin, antacids, and allergy medication will help with internal afflictions. Other first-aid items you will want to include are insect repellent, lip-balm, sunscreen, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, and a large supply of any prescription medication you take.

Food and water are essential safety kit items but are unfortunately difficult to pack in bulk. It is recommended to have at least three gallons of water – a three to six day supply – on hand for any outdoor trip. Ready-to-eat or canned foods are great but take up a lot of space in a kit. High-energy foods, such as chocolate, nuts, and dehydrated fruits, are a better bet; they are more compact and are easier to ration, making them last longer. Multi-vitamins are also a good idea; in an emergency situation you may not be getting all the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.

Finally, you will want to pack items that will help search-and-rescue workers find you more easily. Lightweight LED flashlights and lanterns are perfect. They have long battery lives and can be spotted from quite far away. Flares are attention-grabbing, yes, but are single-use and carry the risk of starting an unwanted fire. A good compass can help you find your way back to more familiar areas or, at the very least, get you comfortable with the terrain you’re currently in. Many outdoor supply companies sell multipurpose tools that have miniature compasses built in. These are very handy reduce the number of items you have to carry in your survival kit.

There may be, of course, other items you deem essential to your specific outdoor adventure. While it is important to be prepared, you don’t want to over pack and weigh yourself down unnecessarily. Survival kits should be helpful, not burdensome. Wherever your enthusiasm lies – camping, hiking, hunting, fishing – a well-packed, well-prepared survival kit will add peace of mind to your adventure, even if you never have to use it.

~Ben Anton, 2008

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