Given the vast amount of experience and skills on this site I'd like to tap into that and find out what you'd want in your pack in a "what if" situation.
I'm guilty of going back beyond poorly prepared for an emergency. Not so smart.
Let's try to minimize or at least keep things ultra portable. Something so handy you never leave home without it.
I carry this in my quiver for every hunt. I modified the the store bought kit to suit my needs. I add a few things for long trips like water tabs or a small tarp. I also have an e- blanket in there now.
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/rjwalton8/20130708_202136_20130708203104245.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/rjwalton8/media/20130708_202136_20130708203104245.jpg.html) (http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/rjwalton8/20130708_200940_20130708203139476.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/rjwalton8/media/20130708_200940_20130708203139476.jpg.html)
I have a mest tarp/poncho from bushcraftusa. I carry a zippo with a bicycle tire tube around it to hold in fuel. Carry a ferro rod and 3 knives. A gfa mini(small knife), a schrade deerslayer (5.5" blade ) and a condor hudson bay knife (8.5" blade, weighs about a pound). Paracord, jute coated in crisco (fire starter), water, space blanket and a sharpening stone. I usually carry a tenkara rod now too, but not so much for survival as possible fishing opportunities.
One handed tourniquet, small assortment of meds., way to start fire, water purification of some sort. I'll dig out my kit and photograph contents tomorrow.
My kit is almost exactly like Rob's, but I carry several Bic lighters in addition to a ferro rod, and more parachute chord.
Jake
I love these threads and have made a couple kits myself. My kits are fairly light and specific for the area that intend to 'not need to use it' in.
One thing is for sure, I have a couple aspirin packs in my kit. I'm only in my mid 40's but I figure that if I really 'NEEDED' to use one of my kits to survive most folks would be getting pretty anxious at that point in their life. Coding from a heart attack based on the situation is not how I intend to go. Chewing on an aspirin tablet may be the ticket out of the situation, they can help for headaches as well.
(caveat - I am NOT a doctor, but I do have a First Aid Merit Badge...)
When I'm just hunting around here on small farms in MO, my emergency kits consists of water and TOILET PAPER!
I always have a knife and lighter on me as well.
When I'm backpacking out west, I pack this into a small blue dry-sack from Wal-Mart. It's only about 4 in by 6 in.:
band-aids
gauze pads
gorilla tape
alcohol wipes
antibacterial ointment
ibuprofen
benadryl
bandanna
I prefer multi use items. The only specialty item I bring is a compass and a couple of iodine tablets. Otherwise a roll of paracord can be used to make a travios for a deer, haul your bow up a stand, build a make shift shelter, as a tournaquet, to strap you leg to a make shift splint.
Here goes
Surplus canteen for water with the cup and two Iodine tablets.
Roll of paracord
Small roll of gauze
Knife
Compass
small portable cell phone charger.
Snack or two
2 aspirin
No need for much else. Serious emergencies like heart attacks and multi-system trauma's will require immediate extraction or you will likely die. No little kit will help you only a cell phone and a buddy will.
Sprained ankles, A closed/simple fracture, minor illness' or getting lost that might require an over night will be covered by the kit above. The only think you might add to it is to save a plastic wrapper and a roll of medical tape.
Exceptions-if you have had or are prone to a heart attack take your nitro. If you have allergies that are serious take your epi pen. Same with asthma take your rescue inhaler. If anyone would like info on basic first aid let me know and I can either add more to this thread of start a new one.
A basic first aid thread might not be a bad idea but lets try to keep this thread focused on the kit please.
You must stay warm and hydrated. A SOL Survival bag or blanket is important. I like to carry purification tablets or a filter pump.
Only one thing has been left out of these post. I carry at lease a days worth of my normal med's. If you get stuck out it might make a big difference.
Bic lighters. I carry three, one in pocket to check wind with and two in pack. Paracord. Firestarter , wax impregnated shavings cubed, Two space blankets. one light weight and one large for shelter. Bottle of superglue. moleskin. package with tea and instant coffee. Compass goes in pocket as I use it a lot.
I hunt a lot by myself so I have learned over the years to not do anything iffy. I do not walk logs, get in positions that are dangerous of dead ends and never forget that nature is un forgiving. When in the wild I act like I am at bottom of the food chain as far as awareness of situation. Its also a great way to hunt.
God bless, Steve
Anytime I leave the house I have my cell phone. I have a knife and lighter in my pockets. I keep one of those magnesium fire starters on my key ring. I wear one of those para cord bracelets most days as well.
Anytime I go into the woods, I have a real small pack that contains the real "what if?" stuff.
steal water bottle
Kabar knife
para cord
folding saw
space blankets
first aid kit
small roll of duct tape
chap stick
bandana
poncho
big plastic garbage bag
compass
extra flashlights/batteries
trail marking thumbtacks
toilet paper
cheap plastic drop cloth
snacks (trail mix, jerky)
Seems like a lot, but it doesn't take up a lot of room.
I have to agree with Sixby about his comment on not doing anything "iffy". I move slow and careful, as most real outdoorsmen do. I get tickled at the survival reality shows! I don't go diving off cliffs, or jumping around like a daredevil. I would just as soon not to ever need that "what if" stuff in my pack.
I second the big lighter and the super glue. There is a medical grade of super glue. I only needed to mention it to my doctor and he supplied me. The hardware store grade works just as good.
Three years ago I packaged a bunch of those little boxes of matches with a food saver and they function flawlessly to this day. There are always three or four of them in the pack.
Out of curiosity or for possible addition to my survival kit,
Charlie, what is the item between the compass and the Cotton?
When I hunted the Adirondack Mt. all the time mine was very much like Rob's. Now I do more local hunts and have trimmed it back a lot. Most times they are 1/2 day hunts. Always carry some water also and a granola bar or two. It should be able to fit in the pocket of my Safari Tuff quiver.
:dunno:
Your Brain and knowledge is the best item.
I have always felt that my knowledge and skills in the things I need and know how to use far outway a pre assembled kit.
I find Ray Canterbury's 5 and 10 Cs of survival a good tool to help me remember. I've made this a game and everywhere I go I see how fast I can assemble the items I need. Keeps me sharp and conscious.
5 C's
Cut (Knife) - Cordage (Paracord) - Combustion (at least 3- Lighter, Flint, Striker, Magnifying glass) - Cover (Trash Bag, Poncho, Tyvek) - Cup (Metal for boiling)
10 C's Top 5 + 5 more
Candle (flashlight, headlight) - Cargo Tape (Duck Tape) - Cargo Needle (Big Needle) - Compass - Cloth (Bandanas can be used for many things.
Most of my outings are in search of Elk with a pack on my back and several miles from the road. In the pack are some game bags, a hatchet, something for snacks / lunch, water reservoir and water bottle. Always need lots of water.
and then there is the survival kit stuff - fire starting, small pot, a little pick me up (oatmeal & hot coco), shelter, light, cord, some benadryl and ibuprofen, and a few wraps of duct tape. Also always a hat and a shell.
(http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y434/danamhay/Mobile%20Uploads/1457976837_zpsznv7gkr7.jpg) (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/danamhay/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1457976837_zpsznv7gkr7.jpg.html)
I use to carry a heavier space blanket but it disintergrated over the years, there use to be a whistle too. I carry my phone too but getting a signal is iffy at best.
i don't have one made up anymore . i just sort one out the day i am going. if its a long trip i take more if a short trip witch most are i take less. makes life simple. because things you put away and never use break down over time.
great thread
This thread seems to remind me of the biology teacher/deer hunter.
He assigned his students to keep a log of the deer sightings to and from school, on their bus rides.
Common sense, and the great will to live on!
So what you carrying, Charlie?
Having hypothermia before I always carry a road flare. Can't beat 15 minutes of fire that'll start a rain soaked pile of wood. Besides that, I tend to carry a bit much. First aid and the 5 C's.
Frank... like I said, I am often poorly prepared. Or at least I was. I don't get that far off the road these days.
When I did I'd almost always have several means of making fire...lighters, matches, magnesium and striker type, a spent tube of Duco, space blanket, and rope, lots of rope.Some type of light and a signal mirror and water filter bottle. .
These things were just normal "tools" that I almost always have anywhere.
A couple of knives usually and a multi tool. (one of those with a saw.) compass... don't wait until an emergency to use the compass. That may be why you are in a bind to begin with.
I teach Scouts and give each an altoid container.
Small mirror, band aid, birthday candle, matches, needle, dental floss, single edge razor blade, tin foil, zip tie, straw, steel wool, paper cl, screw, safety pin. Packed in and taped with two laps of electrician tape to keep it water proof. Small but packs a lot of stuff. We also teach water, power bars and whistle as necessaries
I also believe knowledge of the resources available in the area you will be in.
Whether it is a hunting, fishing trip, or family vacation, or business trip.
Just as important as what you carry!
I pretty much carry what others mentioned.
A few other items I always have in my day pack: 50 ft. of paracord, plastic drop cloth for a tarp, few garbage bags, zip ties, small amount of duct tape, signal mirror, space blanket and an emergency whistle.
I've spent one night in the woods years ago, unexpectedly, so I don't mind a few extra ounces in the pack, just in case.
The pacific northwest can get wet and cold real fast.
I tell you this thread has opened a few new ideas for me. I'll have to think about this for a while. My legs aren't the best anymore so I very seldom get more then a haft mile from camp. I carry a small kit but if I am down for some reason I could lay there for a while before help comes. I'm also on blood thinners and a bad cut could be real bad.
Back to the drawing board.
jerry
Here's how I look at it, I don't carry a survival "kit." I carry a well supplied daypack with everyhpthing necessary to stay an evening or two if necessary. Not heavy stuff like sleeping bags but just enough to get by.
This has been great. There have been some ideas and items I'll be adding for sure. Thanks everyone!
I love this thread
In a small maxpedition case I carry, sucrets container with small essentials in it, Mylar sheet, compass, large bic, whistle, para cord, zip ties, trail marking tape, ferro rod and I forget what all else. I'll try to take some pics later.
I also always have my leatherman wave and a sharp knife on me.
I saw paracord mentioned as a tourniquet.
Please never do this! A tourniquet should always be 1" wide or better. Thin cordage will either not have enough compression to effectively stop arterial flow or will act like a garrote and amputate the appendage.
:campfire: :coffee:
It depends where I am hunting. If its over at my brother's place I don't bother at all. It's small enough and there are houses nearby. If I am in one of our 15-20K acre state parks then I always have one. Generally a small first aid kit that I've beefed up with a quick clot bandage and some aspirin. A lighter and some waterproof matches along with some solid fuel sticks, a water filter bottle, 20 feet of para cord, compass and small GPS, 2 quality space blankets, a leatherman, a couple of candy bars and a headlamp with an extra set of batteries.
Additionally I carry a good topo map of the entire park...so far so good.
Water purifier bottle
Cotton ball soaked in vaseline...for fire starting and med use............I carry these in film cannisters.....SUPER USEFUL
good...multiuse folding knife and gerber tool
5" blade sheath knife....benchmade
Gorilla tape
Ferro rod
Para-cord
Guaze pads
Small powerful flashlight
3-4 zippo lighters.....stashed all over my kit..they're LIGHT
Space blanket
Small mirror
t
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This is what I try to carry all the time. I should add aspirin and iodine tabs.
Don't forget that last, and most important, item. That is giving a written notice of where you are going and when you expect to return. If something bad does happen, it could speed up the search process.
Good point Sam. I will open Google Earth and put a marker where I will be. You could even outline a route you have planned.
When I lived in the Rockies my plan was to hitch a ride with the Forestry people that came to put out the forest fire.
;)
Well, that sure is one way to do it.... :scared:
ChuckC
One thing I always bring with me when hunting is a combat tourniquet and a quik clot bandage. I carry these wrapped with rubber bands on my Absorkee quiver. I would urge all bowhunters carrying broadheads to do the same. I carry it setup so I can put it on with one hand if needed. Just in case I happen to stick myself I figure my best chance of survival is to stop the bleeding.....fast. You can google these and order online.
If I am gonna be further from civilization I carry an Altoids can with ferro rod and tinder. An emergency bivy sack, some water purification pills, and a metal water bottle.
Your cell phone can be pinged by law enforcement if you are overdue and some one asks for it. My son in law was able to find a friend's husband when he did not show up on time. Keep your phone charged even if there is only spotty service.
QuoteOriginally posted by Soonerlongbow:
I saw paracord mentioned as a tourniquet.
Please never do this! A tourniquet should always be 1" wide or better. Thin cordage will either not have enough compression to effectively stop arterial flow or will act like a garrote and amputate the appendage.
Yeah, just stay away from them period! Best you can,
Dependent where I am headed is to what I will carry. Ah lot of float hunts, kayak hunts I carry a good med kit, fire starting kit(many different ways), emergency blanket, and a "stash a shelter" tarp shelter, (really small, fit in your pocket) but will keep the rain and dew off ya for an overnighter or two, and emergency situations. If I am hunting out the truck half day hunts, small med kit band aids and such, GPS, fire starting material, what I can shove in my trouser leg pocket.
J
This may sound strange, and if the mods think it is inappropriate, I will understand it being removed. In the first aid kit at our archery club, there are several ladies tampons. They are intended for puncture wounds such as would be created by a field point. The effect is to clog the wound and suppress bleeding. Has anybody else heard of such a practice? It makes sense, but I still haven't included any in my personal kit.
Sam, yes it is a practice for gunshot wounds, maybe not a standard protocol for Civilian EMS, but hVe heard its practice in military circles. Or penetrating injuries however it happens.
J
It was common for many military corpsmen/medics to have these for puncture wounds, but with the advent of quick clot and other clotting devices, I think the practice of carrying them may have waned.
If I were alone and had a puncture wound that was severe enough to need one, you can bet your @-- that I'd plug the hole with about anything that I had on hand.
"the first aid kit at our archery club, there are several ladies tampons."
Alright, I'll admit it that my wife, an emergency room and trama nurse, got me to carry one in my pack...
Not something I generally divulge ;>) but ya, if I get a big puncture wound from a sharp stick or broadhead, i've got "one" to plug it with...
Don't forget to include a Whistle in case you are injured and need help.
Great post with lots of good information.
Feminine hygiene products are made to deal with bodily fluids. Imagine gashing your hand or arm while field dressing a deer in the "out back" and having a nice, big, thick pad and a small roll of orange duct tape to bandage the cut. Sounds like just the ticket to me. Cheap, quick, effective, and easily had.