If you planning a wilderness trip, have you considered what you need if things go bad?
The important thing to survival in adventures like these is thinking ahead and advance planning. This text gives a easy listing of important objects you must put in your survival pack?anytime you venture off the beaten path ?particularly if it is simply you and a buddy or two.
Keep in mind, the purpose of your survival pack is to keep you warm, dry, properly fed, and prepared for the unexpected. So, take this list and take into consideration the surroundings you'll be visiting; then see if there's something you think it is best to add.
Here is what to include in your survival pack:
?Maps
?Compass
?Hat, gloves, and extra socks (if you going where it is hot all night long)
?At the 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 assume you need, in re-fillable containers)
?Iodine tablets or other water-purifying tablets
?Emergency food (including high calorie trail mix, chocolate, energy bars, freeze-dried meals, etc.) - At least sufficient for one full extra day.
?Hiking boots
?Waterproof coat
?Tent (or tarp to construct 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 great 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 version with spare batteries; spare bulb if not the LED sort)
?Pocketknife (ideally a multi-use knife like the Swiss Army variety)
?Waterproof plastic sheet (5x7 ft or bigger)
?Water-resistant, shock-resistant wristwatch
?Sturdy plastic bags to carry water
?Fish hooks & fishing line
?Fully charged cellphone or FRS hand-held radios which is actually better in more remote areas
?Additional batteries for your cellular phone or FRS radios
?Weather radio
?Waterproof matches or lighter and tinder
?High quality magnifying glass (may 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 (not less than four feet): Can be used 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 (giant, bright-coloured, waterproof bag you may actually crawl into)
Should you choose to leave any of these items at home, give it some thought carefully; what you leave at home may very well be the missing key to your survival.
