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Tim MacWelch

Build A Kit!

By Tim MacWelch

Even if you have a high degree of primitive survival and bushcraft skills, you still need to carry a survival kit. Just image how hard it would be to survive if you are very ill or badly hurt. You won’t be grinding out a bow drill fire with a shattered shoulder, or building a shelter when you’ve broken your hip. Injury and illness have a way of leveling the playing field, leaving you just as vulnerable as a novice outdoor enthusiast. Beginner or expert, here’s a basic breakdown of the gear you need to be carrying.

Shelter Carry an emergency shelter item like a Mylar space blanket or an emergency bivy. This may be the most important item in your kit.

Fire Starters If nothing else, bring a butane lighter for your kit. But you’re better off bringing a lighter, waterproof matches and a spark rod. And if you’re headed someplace cold and wet, bring some additional fuels to assist in wet weather fire making.

Metal Container A metal cup, bowl or pot to boil water provides you a safe and unlimited water supply – and it allows you to cook your food.

Lighting Bring a light source like a flashlight or head lamp that is both rugged and waterproof. LED bulbs can give you over 100 hour run time on one set of ordinary batteries.

Signal Equipment Carry a whistle to signal for your buddies, or signal for help. Bring a signal mirror too, which signals much farther than the whistle.

Knives Carry a quality knife for dozens of obvious reasons, and bring a backup blade to cover you in case of loss or breakage.

Navigation Bring a compass and map of the local area, so that you can navigate your way out there and back again.

First Aid Kit You’ll need first aid supplies to stop bleeding, treat wounds and prevent infection.

Emergency Food An emergency food supply can give you energy to keep going and boost your morale. You’ll also sleep warmer at night with a little food in your belly.

Food Gathering Supplies Fishing gear can come in handy in a wide variety of environments, and it’s especially important when your food runs out.

Water Supplies Water purification tablets and a container for water should be on your list, as these give you an alternative to boiling for water treatment.

Prepare For Anything

Hunting and Gathering Survival Manual

How To Survive Anything

And if that’s not enough, you can:
Follow Tim on Twitter @timmacwelch.
Take one of his survival classes at www.advancedsurvivaltraining.com and check out more of MacWelch’s outdoor skills and survival articles at Outdoor Life Magazine’s survival site, The Survivalist.
 
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