Posted by Carey Always on my person (not in my pack): Normally carried in a belt pouch or in my day pack/fishing vest: Additional Contingency Equipment (depending on environment): My priority effort when camping and for emergency situations is to make the effort to sleep warm and well--you an endure almost anything for a few days if you manage to be comfortable at night so you stay well rested. I view some of the ultra-lite minimalist commentary how-to's with some degree of humor because I can't believe that people have actually tried some of these things they are suggesting. No offense to the author but the idea of boiling water with hot rocks in a birchbark lined pit is one of them. The only way to know how stuff is going to work is to go to the field and try it. After one or two miserable wet or cold nights out, most will find sleeping warm and staying dry become top priorities and they adjust their weight priorities accordingly. Likewise, if you have a run-in with poorly treated water. In some climates, you need little else than shorts and sandals to survive but in the mountains, you need to pay attention to your energy and heat management or you'll end up in trouble in a hurry. I also plan to use my superior judgement to avoid the need to use my superior survival skills. One thing I am looking for is a good ultra-lightweight poncho that will make a decent Alpha Tent--I hear Golite may make one next year All the best.
on 9/6/2004, 1:54 pm, in reply to "A little contest - the $50 survival kit"
4.47.199.210
I carry survival equipment when I am outdoors, and it varies depending on what I am doing. Below is the way I work up from minimum essential to planned outings
Matches
Pocket knife
Whistle
Space Blanket Emergency Bag--36"x84" (bag not blanket)
Vaseline (SPF-15) impregnated cotton balls in a small plastic snap lid container. These will start even after you submerge them in water. Good for chapped hands and lips too.
Metal Match and small jewelers file (will really throw a spark)
Small tube of SunSect--repellant and sunscreen
20 ft of 1/8" nylon cord
Clear Baseplate compass (and map of area)
Plastic signal mirror with viewing hole/indicator
3 ea, butterfly closures and bandaids
Small Roll of medical tape
Spool of dental floss
Safety pins
Large garbage bag (drawstring type)
LED pinch light with stay-on feature
TP
Cup/pot to heat water
Water purification method (iodine/halazone/filter)
Jello (good warm survival drink)
Other equipment that would normally be available when camping (beyond emergency survival kit) includes:
Weatherproof coat with hood
Hat/gloves
Shelter (bivy, tarp, tent)
Sleeping bag/foam pad
Stove/pots/utensils
Candle
Food
Water filter
Carey
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