Now, as bowhunters, we have LOTS of sharp things to keep us in cutting tools, so, I would love to see what everyone carries(or do you?)for survival---just in case.
My kit.
30 ft of paracord wrapped around a pen
2 disposable scalpels
2 suture needles
2 buttons, 1 green, 1 black
2 10mg vials of lidocaine
2 small syringes/w needles
1 roll of duct tape
1 sheet of painters plastic(very cheap thin stuff)
6 condoms
1 boy scout compass
1 small kit of butterfly bandaids
5 large regular bandaids
1 container of iodine
2 pair of disposable surgical gloves
1 small vial of aspirin
1 bic lighter(2 is better---carry one in your kit and one in your pocket.)
All this can roll into a bundle about the size of one of them little footballs.
Remember, your GPS is a SECONDARY navigation system. You should always use a map and a compass as your primary nav. Good idea to pack some extra batteries for your GPS, too.
HooYah, Jeff
Oh---forgot to add a 50 dollar bill. It would be damn bad to emerge from the hills next to a 7-11 and not have any money for food.
i also carry fishing line and dental floss, usfull for a lot of things.
safety pins.
The paracord can be stripped and used for fishing line, sutures, whatever. I do like the idea of the dental floss and the safety pins. Safety pins can be used for a ton of things from fixing your clothes to a fish hook.
"Survivorman" is a good show----but he is asking to get a man killed. Its a good program, but it is tailored for TV.
I watch him build fires there and wonder why in the world wouldn't he just carry a Bic lighter? Hundreds of fires can be built with a lighter. Save the space one would generally use for matches and pack a lighter.
Survivorman made one of the lousiest 4-point traps I have ever seen. I really don't think he was going for a kill here(because its Discovery channel)and was just being a showman.
This program is good to watch, but remember it is just a show and the survivor skills are there, but are edited for good programming. One should be sure he/she is prepared for an outdoor adventure.
Tweezers!!! Got to have them to pull them stubborn nose hairs!!!
Squirrel---thats a good thing! I am throwing some tweezers in my kit right now.
Another thing I like to have in my kit is either one of the really small maglites (I think it's called the micromag or something along those lines) or one of those key ring lights (Which can be better in a way that their battery last a lot longer than a mag) I always like to have a small torch on me, incase anything happens at night....Antihistamine tablets can also be quite important in certain situations.
I have an idea! Lets create the ultimate kit that will roll into a package the size of a grapefruit.
Small mirror & a whistle. Don't forget, it ain't survival until you're found!
Here's my kit list...
- 35' paracord
Lighter
Ferro rod
30' fishing line
5 safety pins
3 small & large elastoplast
space/survival blanket
small torch
compass
6 asprin
small candle
disposeable scalpel
small mirror
rescue whistle
2 unlubed condoms
cotton wool balls
pencil
10 water purification tablets
button compass
I never go in the woods without a small candle. Saved my butt about 10 years ago in the Adirondacks. I was deer hunting and it rained hard all day, temp. was just above freezing and the wind was brutal. No one in there right mind would have been hunting that far from the road. By the early afternoon I was soaked completly through all my clothes and started to experiance hypothermia. I also carry 2 bic lighters but could not get a fire started with them. Everything in the woods was soaked and the wind was blowing hard. I found a place that offered some protection from the wind. I lite the candle and started some birch bark with it and then just kept adding small pieces of wood. I finally got enough of a fire going to warm up and then hiked out in the dark. If I didn't have that small piece of candle with me I would have been in deep sh#t!
robtattoo, what are the condoms for? (not a joke just wonderin)
Joe
QuoteOriginally posted by JoeM:
robtattoo, what are the condoms for? (not a joke just wonderin)
Joe
Cue banjo music! :D
Yeah, what are the condoms for? Both JBiorn and Robtattoo are carrying them. Brian
They are great to carry water or even taped over a sucking chest wound. They are useful for many things.
My hunting and survival pack:
20 ft of paracord on a Coleman "camping clothesline" reel
2 single edge razors
1 pack of "specialty" needles – curved and straight
1 spool of black "button and carpet" thread
1 fishing kit – line, small hooks, 2 real cork bobbers (no plastic)
1 roll of campers toilet paper (thin, no center roll)
2 kitchen garbage can bags rolled into a tight roll
1 roll of trail marking tape
2 packs of super bright trail tacks
1 Silva compass
1 Lowrance IFinder Hunt + GPS w/ spare batteries
1 Pelican flashlight – super bright, long lasting – "Firefighter" type
1 set of extra "C" batteries for the Pelican flashlight / spare bulb
1 Streamlight Stylus with green bulb
1 "Button" compass (good to have as a backup)
1 Bandaid kit – various sizes
1 "Wipe" kit – small disposable "one use packs" – alcohol prep, etc...
2 pair of disposable latex gloves
1 small vial of Bayer aspirin
1 blister pack of Benadryl allergy tablets
2 lighters
1 extra pair of contact lenses
1 pair of glasses – thankfully, the Navy gave me "gas mask glasses" which are pretty much bullet proof - those are the ones I carry with me, as they won't get crushed.
1 pack of waterproof matches
1 Magnesium fire starter / flint
1 Snake Bite kit (has more razors, alcohol prep, and suction tool)
1 Space Blanket (the small, pocket size silver ones)
1 Hunting knife with gut hook
My friends say I carry too much – but I've never had a problem carrying my pack, even over long distances, and I'd rather have it and not use it, than need it and not have it, so the extra stuff stays – even on short local trips. I'd hate to remove it for a short local trip and forget to put it back in there.
All the best,
Glenn
After reading the lists, I'm going to add Adirondackman's idea and put a small candle in my kit as well. More "necessary" stuff. :)
Thanks!
All the best,
Glenn
.22 caliber hand gun is a must for my kit
I always carry a spare flashlight, compass, armguard, tab, a large treble hook with 30 ft of line(to retrieve the stuff I drop out my tree stand) and lots of TP.
The hook has been dipped in Plasti-dip so it is not sharp. I have retrieved hats, gloves, hand warmer muffs, arrows and even my bow one time with it.
Mine is some 550 / paracord, I always have a bunch in my pockets, different lengths. And I always have a Scandinavian grind knife on me.... easiest blade grind to sharpen in the field. And a ferro rod! I usually have some jolly ranchers in my pockets too, as well as a whistle, a match case stuffed full of cotton balls (tinder!) and a compass that are dummy corded.
Condoms are for carrying water. At least in this case they are.
Mike
work some vaseline into those cotton balls and that makes great waterproof tinder. you can fit a bunch of them in a 35 mm film can. when it is time to use them just shred them a little and they will burn great.
Yeah guys, the rubbers are for water----and I guess if one stumbles upon "The one" while trying to survive and make it out.
I have found that those magnesium blocks(with the flint) are pretty darn handy, too---I have one on my keychain. If its wet, magnesium will get it going.
On my keychain I have the following, a carabiner, a compass, a thermometer, a Doan Magnesium bar/ferro rod, a Scout knife (with main blade, can opener, awl and screw driver cap lifter), a water tight fob (they sell them at drugstores) with a small fishing kit inside, a water tight fob that contain aspirin. I wear a bracelet made of 10' of paracord. This is my back-up/always on me kit.
JBiorn, why the buttons, and why those colors? Also, why the syringes?
I guess a person living is say Alaska where there are huge wildernesses and giant potential for injury vs. some one like me who lives in the kansas.
If I get lost an hour walk in any direction and I'll hit help....usualy less then 20 minutes walk.
My biggest piece of survival is my cell phone. I do have a first aid kit in the car.
I do carry a flashlight and some bandaids and some imodium ad.
having been in search and rescue for 7 years or so,I could post a reply here that would take a bunch of space. If anyone wants a list of what we were required to carry,send me a PM.
Back to your regularly scheduled program. :campfire:
One thing I will add here that I didn't see mentioned are a couple of tampons. We hunt with scalpel sharp blades,and tampons are good to plug bullet holes as well as arrow holes.
They are designed to stop bleeding. :rolleyes: :campfire:
tamure---the syringes are for administering the lidocaine in case of the need to perform any knitting.
When in the hills and you experience a little drymouth, one can suck on a button to keep the juices going a little----1 black and 1 green because I like to change flavors from time to time. :bigsmyl:
One thing that I havent seen is Duct Tape. I take the roll and pull off a foot or so then fold the last two inches of the strip back onto itself, then keep folding it onto itself back up to the roll, open another foot and keep going. I take 5-6 ft of it, but its a two inch rectangle that is an eighth of an inch thick. Then when you need it its just like taking off the roll agian. I really like this trick and how many uses are there for duct tape? Now what you have is a man armed with condoms and duct tape in the bush.....by God there will be no stopping you now!
Allan
There was duct tape in my original post.
If you are considering surgical procedures (sewing yourself up), think super glue as an option.
BobW
So there was my bad.
I carry a couple of lighters( you have to have one that is close to your body in cold weather- because in really cold weather.. butane lighters won't work). I also carry a couple 'space blankets' because you can lay one on the ground; and use the other for a roof; which brings up the parachute cord- used for making a frame for the roof. I carry a sierra cup; and some tea bags and some hard candy. You can boil water in the sierra cup. I have a magnesium fire starter in my knife sheath-where there used to be a sharpening stone. I also carry one of those cheap plastic parkas- they can help retain heat.
I also carry a can of spam. It motivates me not to have emergencies. It also is in a can; which may be used to heat food in. I carry fire starters; cardboard ground up with paraffin. I carry an extra knife; a file for sharpening. Asprin and ibuprophen because I am more likely to have a wound that I don't want asprin to thin my blood out with; but then again if my chest hurts..I want the asprin. I also take a plastic bag with a whole roll of toilet paper in it.
The paper can be used for its intended purpose or for fire starting- and the plastic bag for sucking chest wounds.
I do not carry condoms; if I am found dead- or near dead- from a sucking chest wound; I wouldn't want to be found that way. They might just leave you in the woods; shaking their heads :eek:
Urgent Q.R, a powder that creates an instant scab. Great stuff. Ditto the tampon that D-Bill said, they have saved more than a few of our guys at war. Too, a kotex pad for more of a slash-type wound.This pack needs to be at the ready any time that gutting -skinning knife comes out. If you poke the BIG hole in yourself or your partner, the panic could prevent the quick response that could be the difference. For those who question the need for "survival" kits because you are not in wilderness settings, you might not need the overnight stuff, but when you start leaking because of the slipped knife or broadhead, it doesn't matter where you are if you don't have anthing to handle the bleeding. This thread is a great reminder for me(and all of you)that this is a great time to get re certified in CPR and tune up the first aid knowledge. Thanks
Beer powder. Water purifier. Collapsible cup.
Many here don't hunt in areas where the ability to scrounge for food is going to make any difference. You'll be found, or find your way out, long before it matters to your survival. Staying warm (or protected from heat, where applicable) and staying hydrated are your first priorities. A stash of Powerbars or the like will meet your survival food needs. (Yes, I know AK is an exception -- used to live there -- as well as certain parts of the West and much of Canada.)
I would also like to emphasize that all of us bowhunters carry the unique instruments of our own demise. If you don't have something absorbent to apply to a puncture wound or laceration that is pumping arterial blood at an astonishing rate (as suggested above re: tampons, etc.) you don't have a survival kit yet.
When I used to take my recon team out I would have lighters everywhere; my shirt pocket, trousers, load carrying vest, my rucksack, sew kit, assault pack.
Nothing is better for moral than fire. They also make bandages that are already saturated with vasoline. If you cut just a small slit in it you can pull some of it part way out and give it a twist to make a long burning wick.
I carry no less than:
ibuprofin tabs
claritin
TP from MRE packages
a couple ziplock bags
antibiotic cream
a couple gauze pads
superglue
a couple bandaids
lighter
duct tape wrapped around a pen
cell phone
multitool
knife
compass
Superglue is probably in the top 3 of what I consider important. I haven't had to use it while hunting but I have closed a couple wounds with it and it works great. I have seen doctors use it on one of my kids a couple of times and their technique wasn't much different than mine so I feel comfortable using it. Needles for suturing? No way I would do that to myself.
I carry a little pal light.Cabela's has them about 15.00.It runs off of a 9 volt battery.The battery lasts a long time.
It has 3 light modes. Glow,so you can find it the dark easily,high beam to see in the dark,and flashing,to draw attention to your location.
(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u33/dirtybill521/littlepallight.jpg)
I also stuff a bit of 00 steel wool in it to start fires with.
Just separate the wool into two clumps twisted into thread,hold one on +,one on -,get close to your tinder,touch the ends together in the middle. Poof! you have made :campfire:
(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u33/dirtybill521/pallight.jpg) :goldtooth:
Yall are scaring me !!! All this talk about condoms, syringes, scapels, duct tape, Sucking Chest Wounds and Tampons. I thought I had done got on the wrong site. :scared: :scared:
Oh good, another topic that I might have something to contribute to!
My general purpose Wilderness Survival kit that fits on my belt, in a pouch about the size of a deformed softball.
1 - LED mini maglite.
1 - container of iodine tablets
1 - film container full of vaseline soaked cotton balls. (There are very few better fire starters, regardless of ignition method)
1 - thick, resealable plastic baggy containing water proof paper.
1 - "metal match" (it's just as good as a bic with a small chunk of the aforementioned cotton.. not a whole ball)
2 - AA batteries for the flashlight or other electronic device.
1 - plastic poncho in a tiny thick plastic baggy.
1 - mylar "space blanket" in a tiny, thick plastic baggy (getting a theme here? These baggies rule)
5 - aspirin
1 - antibiotic ointment pack
3 - antiseptic towelettes (also good tp in a pinch, just be sure to refill!)
Various forms of bandages
1 - pair surgical gloves (sanitation, safety, water carrying)
2 - cliff bars
50' paracord - daisy chained
1 - Extra thick resealable plastic baggy containing the following:
1 - tiny finger compass
1 - spool thread
3' small gauge wire
3 safety pins
3' duct tape
1 square foot of extra heavy duty aluminum foil (can boil water in it, if you're careful)
6' nylon cord.
1 - pencil
1 - signal whistle
1 - Mirror
Outside of the pouch:
1 Gerber Multitool
1 big Hurkin knife
1 more pouch containing an "adventure medical kits" brand bivy.. it's tiny, neatest thing I've ever seen.
edit: forgot my nice new compass.. it's not on the belt, but around the neck..
All that fits on my belt, and doesn't weigh me down.
Some of it is unnecessary for pure survival, but it fits and doesn't take away from anything else that I'd need. Sometimes comfort is a big part of an impromptu overnighter.
Most of the time though.. I've got a big pack with me that duplicates much of the function here, but better.. I'm not going to be a minimalist unless I have to, or unless I'm up for a challenge and nobody else is counting on me.
This is turning into a good thread for reminding us about certain items we may be forgetting.
Doesn't take much to be prepaired for cuts and broken limbs. It sucks to get an arrow caught on vegetation and tree limbs and have it come out and cut you. It also sucks when one falls out and sticks you in the thigh. Be prepared... only takes a minute or less to go into shock. We carry all kinds of gadgets and stuff with us to go climb trees with sharp objects. I fell out once with a backquiver full of arrows. I had an arrow come out of a bow quiver. I even had one poke through a bow quiver and hip quiver. If a bleeder blade comes off inside an animal and sticks to a rib bone, it could get you. So yes, I carry what I need to stop bleeding and make splints and survive. Paracord, bandages, scalpel, gauze, fishing line, rubbers, rubber tubing, clothes pins, quick clot, super glue, rubber gloves, electrical tape, iodine, 2 lighters,and a leatherman.
I'm along the same line as KS just a cell phone for the most part.
If I did need navigation gps would be my primary and secondary a map and compass.
How many have cell phone/gps coverage but refuse to add to survival pack?
A good knife
A RELIABLE fire starter
The KNOWLEDGE of how to stay ALIVE
A GPS should be your secondary! Your primary nav should always be based on a compass and a map. They don't require batteries and don't mind being wet as much.
DR navigation is a primary skill.
I'm firmly convinced that those who created GPS and manufacture the units had nothing to do with the Pacific Northwest.. It's quite the challenging game to not lose your signal once you hit the forest out here. As such, I'm a big fan of my compass, GPS unit for me is a good way to mark locations.
It may have been mentioned and I missed it but a large leaf size garbage bag takes little room and can be used to get water, a dry place to sit, etc. Best use is as emergency rain coat - just poke out for eyes and nose. Don't pull over head or stick your arms out through - not nearly as waterproof then.
wow some of you guys go all out...all i can add is to stress the importance of a knife...a knife can do many things...BUT...if you dont know how to use it then it does you no good
Something else that may be worth discussing is the packing of these tools.
I like to break down my kit into certain levels where different types of gear is kept. As a general rule, the closer to my body, the less I'd like to lose the item. Of course, losing anything is a bad idea....
That's why I keep the emergency survival pouch on my belt. I never take things out of it, it's there to save me in a pinch. If I'm in the woods, it's on my body. My knife is just as important and also kept close, strapped to my leg. Then we go outward with more pouches or packs, places I more readily take items from for general use.
Then there's the matter of shelter, it also starts on your body, the same general rule of "closer to you" applies for me. My shelter builds up from my long underwear, to the jacket, to the emergency ponchos, all the way up to the two man tent in my backpack... although I suppose, I'd probably want my gore-tex more than a T-shirt.. but hey, aren't rules meant to be broken or something?
Great thread Guys...some version of a survival kit is a good idea no matter where you hunt...A nasty fall can turn a 40 acre patch of woods into your own little corner of hell. I can't add any items to anyone's list that isn't listed here, but I found some to add to mine!!
David
So I told a friend about this thread (he's a black powder guy), he asked what was in my kit so I told him... When I got to the vaseline soaked cotton balls, he asked "Think Neosporin would work?" I told him I'd call him right back.
So I ran upstairs and got the Neosporin, and some cotton balls, went out to the grill and busted out the metal match. It worked like a dream... and when I poured some water on the ball, the treated part of the ball burned a little longer than the non-treated bit.
So.. Now I may be replacing my Vaseline with the neosporin.. Gotta keep the containment sanitary, and I don't think I'd use these firestarters as a means of treating cuts... but there is a Neosporin that contains a pain reliever that should work for general aches... That's a dual purpose fire starter! I urge experimentation before utilizing.. I know I'll be doing more testing myself before completely changing over.
And again.. I certainly wouldn't try to stave off infection with the neosporin on the cotton balls, once it's out of the tube I consider it "used"... but like I said, for general aches on non-open wounds.. the pain relieving version might be useful. Of course.. you could just carry cotton balls & neosporin.. then you get it all.
Well I wasn't going to post this and then I thought, "Why Not?"
The fieldcraft gang aka bushcrafters aka survival nuts, or trackers say
"The more you carry in your head the less you have to carry on your back."
To which I usually reply, "The more you carry on your back, in your pockets and elsewhere about your person the better the chance you'll live off the land and not JUST survive."
Oh and I thought I'd share my wet weather fire starter recipe.
Several condiment(ketchup) cups from a fast food place.
a weeks worth of dryer lint from cotton clothes.
a block of parifin wax (melted in a double boiler)
one cup of pine saw dust
a cotton ball for each cup
in a bowl shred the dryer lint and mix with the saw dust. Put a large pinch of the mixture in each cup and pour in enough wax to cover. top with a cotton ball. Allow to cool and harden and place in a couble zipper extra thick plaric freezer bag. One good spark set the cotton ball ablaze and then it will burn like a candle for a good long time and allow you to build a fire with damp tinder.
The condoms are for carrying water from a source to "camp" or wherever you need it.
A pocket diamond hone?
As stated before, GPS is a great tool. But please do not neglect compass and map reading. If GPS were foolproof the military would not still be spending nearly a week on land nav at basic training. I can't tell you how many times during artillery fire missions we lost our GPS and had to use a compass, map, and surveyor's T-13 Theodolite to complete fire missions. Same rules apply in the field. If you get in heavy cover or in an area with rapid terrain changes, you will eventually lose GPS. And old man Murphy likes to show up at the most inoportune times. Great thread by the way, thanks for starting it JBiorn
I can't add but one thing to this great thread. After moving from Florida to Montana, my kit has changed a lot. Since I hunt by my self most of the time, I bought my family an early Christmas present last year. I got a GPS equipped PLB. If I'm disabled for any reason, I can activate the thing and supposedly "help is on the way". Other than that, I carry pretty much what everyone else does (paracord, firestarter, compass, space blanket, multitool, GPS, TP, signal mirror, and a small first aid kit)except I have 3 small tubes of Durabond(medical super glue) in place of any suture supplies. My wife is an emeregency room RN and has convinced me of the ease in its use. You can get it from your doctor or from the nearest emergency room.
I'm all for a map and compass but if my gps is working fine why would I want to use the map and compass?
JBiorn the hand held I have is water proff and floats. You do not need to leave it on so batteries could last for weeks months. Do you carry a gps in your survival bag.
You can't always get a signal on the GPS. :campfire:
Where can you get Dermabond? Everywhere I look online its hundreds of dollars usually. Is a doc just going to give it to you? I've always carried superglue, after reading years ago that it could be used instead of sutures. Is it safe to use in an emergency?
Has anyone ever used, or seen, those little adhesive strips that are supposed to replace sutures? I had to have an infected hair folice removed from my jaw recently, and the 1-2" inscision was closed with these little strips and no sutures.
Did anyone mention a compass that is illuminated in the dark? If you have it in your pack all the time and then when you need it would it still be illuminated?
After asking my mother(who has been a nurse for as long as I can remember), she says that plain ol' super glue will work just fine. Dermabond is just a different grade of superglue with a fancy name.
None of these products will sork on a bad wound--think arterial bleeding. This is why I carry a suture kit. I was trained to use one though I suspect a guy wouldn't be all that hot about having a crazed green-faced man knitting on their parts!
I think the most important thing is to have whatever you have - with you all the time when you are hunting. If you have a 40 pound survival pack; the third day of the hunt; your likely to leave it in camp. It best to have a small survival pack; or lots of pockets with the items in them- that you take with you all the time.
I have been wounded in the woods before; probably the worst injury was just a simple delivery of some pack horses back into an outfitters camp about 7 miles back in. The outfitters equipment sucked; and I had a run-away horse ..well I ended up having the horse roll over me while we were falling down the mountain. I laid there- realizing the 'snap' I heard: was my shoulder blade.
I had my wallet; a cigarette lighter; my knife; and the clothes I was wearing.
Afterall; it was just a trip in and out. :rolleyes:
I caught the horse ( put the saddle back on it) and rode to the camp; and then out in the dark. I really think pain killers would have helped.
I think what saved me that time was determination. You have to stay focused on a goal.
But back to the point; what is on your body is what you have; not what is in the saddle bags; or in the pack in camp.
:archer:
I cut into my hand the other year while turkey hunting. I was clearing branches out from a juniper to make a makeshift blind, slipped and sliced my thumb to the bone. I was able to control bleeding with a tshirt and duct tape, but luckily was not far from things, and a buddy and I got to the hospital where I had to have stitches. The thing that really opened my eyes is if that would have happened 5 miles in a wilderness area on a solo hunt, it would be alot different story. The Rocky mountains have a habit of turning a bad situation into a life-or-death situation pretty quickly.
Titan_bow...those little strip things are called "steri-strips" I believe.
I cut my thumb this past weekend and decided to just use those instead of paying the $500 copay to go to the ER for stitches (I could get a nice bow for $500!). Anyway, 2 of them placed across the wound and all is good.
I haven't been able to find them in the stores though, but my wife says I need to ask the Pharmacist.
how about some basic training in woods first aid. types of bleeding and how to stop it. splinting broken bones, immobilizing sprains etc.
did any one mention a cell phone for the places it might get a signal?
leaving details of your hunt with someone in case you are unreasonably late in returning.
rehearse in your head the steps you will take in the event something happens. it always helps to have a mental plan before the mishap. it will help you to stay calmer and utilize the training and equipment you have.
I agree with Brian 100%!!!!! It's not what you carry "on you" that will keep you alive.....But what you carry "in you" (your head and your heart) that is going to keep you alive in the long run.
I hunted for years in NY's Adirondack Mountains. The Moose River Recreation Area/Cedar River Flow was nothing but woods for 40 miles in any direction.This was back in the 1970's and 80's,before cell phones and GPS units were invented.(available?????)
For "survival" gear I carried.....
A good knife (my old Marine KaBar)
A RELIABLE fire starter (actualy 2, matches and a candle stub,and a magnezium fire starter)
A compass (usualy 2,the first was a Silva Orienteering compass and the other was a Silva "key chain" compass that was attached to the zipper of my hunting coat)
Now.....For "survival skills".....
I new the area VERY WELL!!!!! (I REALLY don't think any of you wood go hunting without at least SOME pre-season scouting. I didn't carry a map,when your in the middle of a nothern cedar swamp and visability is about 20 yards it's real hard to pick out land marks to orient yourelf.However.....I had practicly memorized the area maps and knew exactly where all of the major rivers/streams/logroads were.)
I ALWAYS dressed appropriatly(i.e. WOOL LAYERS,and was always up to date with the 5 day weather forcast,and prepared for bad weather anyway.)
As for getting hurt.....Be VERY CAREFUL!!!!! (accidents happen but basic first-aid skills will keep you alive.PANIC and SHOCK will kill you)
I always carried the knowledge that I new where I was and I was going to walk out of there.I would never be "lost" just "turned around". It might take me a day,or maybe a week,But I was walking out.
I knew an older gentleman who mended a cut finger with super glue. A couple of days later and a trip to the doctor and he nearly lost his thumb. Doc said to never use super glue again!
Just saying, I won't use it.
Brant
For everyday situations where the correct use of traditional methods of wound dressing would suffice then I would use them. But if you're out in the woods with a gash from a broadhead in your leg, and all you have is super glue then I would use it. The medical and household glues are slightly different compounds and the household glue has a tendancy to cause heat and tissue damage. One thing I would suggest for your survival kit is knowledge. A good basic training course in first aid is worth thinking about.
Graham
As I was reading the previous replies something I was told once was playing in my head.
During some medical training in the Army, I asked the senior medic if the bandage was sterile. Her reply still sticks with me today. "Our goal on the battlefield is to save someones life. . . use what ever you have, bandages, shirts, what ever to stop the bleeding. They can treat them later for infections, but only if you save their life at the time giving them a chance to treat them later."
I think the relevance to this thread is that you need to do what you have to in order to survive. If the situation is dire enough, surviving is the key. If other bad things happen because you survived. . . at least your still alive.
As for the GPS vs compass debate. I will simply say navigation by map and compass is a perishable skill. Anyone can follow the arrow on a GPS. I think they work best when used together, but think you should always work on land nav skills to keep them up.
Where I hunt, you are never very far from a road and so forth (dang it all). I carry a knife, compass (with a whistle and a magnifying glass), para cord, leatherman, and a lighter (in addition to game calls and assorted other hunting debris).
A few years ago, I sliced the heck out of my index finger on a broadhead while out hunting with a buddy. Rather than ruin the hunt by leaving right away, I applied direct pressure on it with my thumb, experimented with shooting two under and just sucked it up. Three or four hours later, my buddy and I were ready to go, so I stopped by the ER on the way home for stitches.
I still wear that pair of camo net gloves with the sliced right index finger.
I agree John....But if there is a sterile product out there that can be packed just as easily then that is the point of the kit, to have the proper tools on hand.
Brant
Im with woodchucker i what hunting the adirondack is like and agree with "knowledge keeps you alive philosiphy". One thing i would like to add that my dad always told me is "cotton kills", so i always were wool or flece. Great kits though guys, cant add much more.
-cor
I have one addition. Moleskin - for blisters or hot spots for that long stalk or still hunt.
From what I read here everyone seems to be convinced of the ability to walk out. Most anyway. What if you cant?
I carry some basic first aid stuff, nothing fancy. I carry some basic shelter stuff. I always have at least two compasses and some type of map.
But I also have signalling mirrors, a whistle, a small signal panel, and LED strobe lights. No big deal, doesnt take up much room at all. I always thought worst case scenario, I'm stuck with a broken leg, have a tourniquet on, and cant walk 6 miles or more back. But I can walk out to the nearest clearing, arrange shelter, start fire, and begin signalling. Any aircraft will see my strobe, fire, and international distress VS17 panel.
Hopefully.
For you guys going out to buy condoms remember you want non-lubricated condoms.
I'll leave it to personal discretion if you prefer the stimulator variety or colored.
Russ, let me tell ya.. The SAR guys love a man with a signal device. I was on a search once where we used cell phone screens (the new super bright color ones) to communicate locations with the subjects. There was no reception out there, but the screens still turned on.
Whistles are in three different places in my pack.. one in the survival pouch, one on my neck, and one on my pack itself. Searchers use them to locate each other.. as well as make a noise that carries for the subject to hear... They certainly are audible much further than a yell.. especially a yell coming from a man who's weak from injuries.
In any case... multiple signal devices of any sort, for various times of day are a good thing.
1 pound elk jerky
1 very large bottle George Dickel
(depending, of course, on what it is we're trying to survive)
PurpleCajun,
Great comments about SAR teams, how they work and what they look for.
One note that I got from a Civil Air Patrol SAR team was to try and use the ORANGE space blankets instead of the silver ones. The silver ones just look like water from the air and may be ignored or overlooked. It made sense to me and I use an orange one now in all of the kits that I make up.
Snakeeater
Imodium, Imodium, Imodium.. Don't leave the home on excursion without it. Nothing worse than being away from home and coming down with a case of the spatters...
I wonder if the smoke bombs that are sold for 4th of July and such might be handy. They are small, inexpencive and easy to use as a signal. Think about it, even a smokey fire might not be noticed out in the woods, but brightly colored smoke might get extra attention.
Those smoke bombs don't throw much smoke at all. You'd be lots better off (if you want smoke) putting some wet leaves, etc on a fire.
If you're going to be way out there for some time, you may also consider a strobe light. There are rescue beacon lights that are visible for literally miles even in the daylight. And these days there is no time of day when you cant look up and see an airplane of some type, from almost anywhere.
It's hard to get rescued if no one can find you. Even worse if your'e injured and want walk out.
Things you can do and carry to make a Searcher's job easier:
1) Tell people where you're going, when you'll be back. Leave them with a map if possible.
2) Don't go to the bar/casino/etc. after you're supposed to be back, without telling the appropriate people. (I'm serious!)
3) Give me a nice fat, muddy boot print by your truck.. let me see that tread, and the general direction of your travel.
4) For your ease and mine, use biodegradable flagging tape to mark your path in.. It'll help you get back out as well. You can buy it at most outdoor stores.. don't use the plastic stuff, it just makes the world less pretty. Remove the tape on your way out, even if it's bio-degradable... just make sure you're going the right way.
5) Take a compass bearing of your general direction of travel from your truck and leave it on a note on the dash. Check the bearing periodically. (Am I traveling towards that big mountain still? Yup, good). If you'd rather roam, that's fine.. the initial bearing is a big clue. Just say something on the note about wandering about. A note on this: Some people think it's a good idea to leave your time in/out information on a note here too... However it mostly seems as if it helps thieves know how long you'll be gone... leave that information with somebody you trust.
6) Carry signal devices, several. The no-pea whistles are my favorite audible device, they don't freeze up, and they carry forever. Mirrors are good, bright colors are wonderful, especially if you're laying down from injuries. Laser pointers are small and carry for a long while.. not a general purpose useful item.. but good anyway. Flashlights, strobes, etc.. just use your imagination.
7) Once you get to the point that you're lost or injured, make a mess.. Bend twigs, make it obvious that a human is in the area. Don't destroy the forest, but if you're in need.. you're in need.
8) Have any medications you need on you. If you're allergic to bee-stings, have your epi-pen or whatever you carry. Make sure the rescuers know if they have any special needs to deal with. We'll generally have some gear, but not all of us are medics, and specialized medicine might not be available.
9) If you start hearing people moving about near you, start a fuss. Blow your whistle flash the mirror and flashlight around, bang sticks together, whatever you can do.
That's just aside from the whole "Don't get lost" thing, and basic survival needs like a first aid kit.. By no means is this a comprehensive list, just some things off the top of my head that I've grown to appreciate.
I'm feeling a lil :scared: right now after reading "vaseline, cotton balls and non lubricative condoms."
What and where exacting r u guys hunting? Sounds like a prison movie to me...
dave2old says "1 pound elk jerky
1 very large bottle George Dickel", I guess there's nothing really else one needs to go with this or will fit in the kit... :biglaugh:
Sounds like a remake of "Deliverance".......
Take a class! Go to your local fire department and ask them when and where the next CPR and first aid classes are held. GO for it a take the first responders course! You do not need a back pack (Frame back) to carry an education. Most incidents turn bad because most people panic. A basic education in first aid will make you more confident. Confidence saves lives - Next point don't carry anything you have not actually used and know you can count on to save your life. Try it on your next hunt... can you start a fire with it? Can you build a real shelter? Purfiy water? Cook anything in it? PROVE it to yourself by doing it BEFORE you need to do it in a life saving situation. The next time you spend the night in the field do it with just your normal gear you hunt with (no cheating) It will give you more CONFIDENCE for when you really need it. KNOWING you can survive and care for wounds is the best tool for survival. Add a mag strip and good knife strapped to your belt and your oddds are all the better. Facts show people will drop everything in a panic including a rifle, bow, and even their backback. It leads rescue searchers right to the end of the trail and a sad ending. Please if you have someone who cares about you take time to KNOW what you need to know and PROVE to yourself you can do it. When the time comes it WILL save your life. Better than a frame pack full of anything. Except maybe the jerky and wiskey bottle and cell phone..can I have my I-pod also? Afterall what is survival without some good tunes! :jumper:
Is there a site to go to that would show you where you wouldn't get coverage with your cell phone.
As for gps coverage I believe the US is pretty well covered for a signal does anyone no where there is no coverage.
I believe that cell phone and gps would you be your best possible options if you were truly in trouble.
One thing that I put in my pack for "just in case" is a large Victor rat trap. I put an eyelet screw on one end attach a 3 foot length of spiderwire superglued onto the eyelet and a tent stake on the other end. Also a plastic zip top bag with cotton balls lathered in peanut butter. If there are any member of the family rodentia in the area this is an easy way to make them tablefare.
Some of these sound more like BOB's than BASIC survival for an archery hunting trip. Were the heck are some of you hunting. Amazon maybe.
For those of you that are not in the Survivalist culture a "BOB" is a Bug Out Bag.
GPS technically covers most everything.. Except when you're in deep tree cover, or in some canyons. They rely on triangulation, if you lose one of the signals, especially the WAAS satellites (there are two), then for all intents and purposes, you've lost your signal. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we get lots of deep tree cover, and the GPS gets a bit wonky a good deal of the time.
So really, you don't need much of a coverage map, just need to know that if you can't get a satellite signal, then you may be out of luck.
For those interested though: WAAS (http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/techops/navservices/gnss/waas/)
and:
USCG GPS PAGE (http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/gps/status_and_outage_info.htm)
Should be of some assistance.
The issue of "BOBs" though.. I'll not touch that with a ten foot pole. =p
Those of you who requested my list,would you please e mail me. Thanks.
Two large orange garbage bags stuffed with dry leaves make very warm sleeping bag. Duct tape can make a tourniquet, a pressure bandage, or join the garbage bags together. A few candle stubs would be a big help getting a fire going. 100% deet bug repellant might not save your life but maybe would save your sanity in bug season.
Super glue was first used in Viet Nam and I have used it on bad cuts. I understand there is is version that Doctors use but don't know the name of it! Anyone know the name or anything about it? Ken
Ken, You're probably thinking of Dermabond, but as far as I know, it's really only for medical professionals (if only because it's incredibly expensive). I've got plain old super-glue in my big first aid kit, never used it for sutures... but it's there just in case it becomes necessary.
Great stuff here. I've been thinking about adding the QuikClot Blood Clotting stuff to my kit.Does anyone have any experience with it ?
Quick clot has been reported to be excellent,but I haven't had to use it.Any volunteers? :rolleyes: :campfire:
i have just about everything except the kitchen sink in mine. LOL!!! but i am going to cut it down some. to a few things like space blanket. dettol. painkillers .compass .cord. lighter. bandages. butterfly closure clips. a few hooks and line. and a knife.oh i forgot a wire saw best thing since sliced bread.
One thing I have noticed reading this thread is.
It looks like some are getting a survival kit and a first aid kit confused.
They way I look at it is my survival kit is just for emergencys and does not get used or robbed from until the *&^% hits the fan. My first aid kit gets used as part of my hiking, Camping or hunting trips. As a tool just to help out where needed.
Tim
The only thing I would add is toothache drops and some snare wire.
Let's see:
Small Sierra cup
two tea candles w/ thick cotton wicks
half dozen cotton twine soaked w/ wax
matches-wax coated
two bic lighters
magnesium fire starter
film canister of gun powder for fire starter
silva compass
water purefication tablets-halazone
half roll electrical tape
gerber multi tool
four bouillion cubes
four tea bags
50 feet of para cord
duct tape
extra flashlight batteries
whistle
aspirin
Imodium
dental floss
map of area
roll of TP
All of this fits in a small Crown Royal bag.
Two space blankets.
This always goes with me.
I mainly hunt alone, and feel just fine doing it.
Leave a note where you are going, and when you will be back. My wife expects me to be up to a day late, beyond that she knows that I may need help. If your plan changes, notify home...
There are many other things I may take for a particular hunt, but the list above is the basic survival kit.
You can stay out a long time with a fire.....
Garo
For those who like to keep it small, keep in mind that this is a survival kit and you don't need to have stuff for every situation. If you want to KISS and small think about what you need for the basics of food, water, shelter, signalling, and fire; then carry them all on your person. This is what I carry:
Food:
- some food; snickers bar(s), whatever you like
- aluminum foil for something to cook in or drink from
Water:
- water purification straw or tablets
- 2x each, zip lock bags
Shelter:
- ORANGE space blanket for shelter- duct tape wrapped as described earlier
- 2x leaf size trash bags folded up; you can cut them open and tape with the duct tape into a tarp for a shelter, or use them as a sleeping bag, or any number of other purposes
Signalling:
- see the ORANGE space blanket
- my compass has a mirror on it
- aluminum foil from the FOOD list works too as does the flashlight from TOOLS
Fire:
- waterproof matches and firestarter; your choice for the firestarters
- magnesium match
Tools:
- sharp knife; I have a swiss army knife that is my mobile toolkit
- compass in my kit and at least one on my body
- map of where I am
- flashlight of some size
- first aid kit with sanitary napkins, big gauze pads, bandaids
This will all fit into the two zip lock bags mentioned under water and they will each fit nicely into a cargo pocket in your hunting pants. This way you have shelter for the night, food to keep up your spirits, and the tools to make it all work.
You will notice that I didn't mention butane lighters because they won't work as the temperature approaches freezing. The fumes burn, not the liquid, so if its so cold you can't get fumes then you can't get flame either.
Larry... your PM box is full.
Boy alot of good ideas out there. I include multiple ways to start a fire. Waterproof matches in a waterproof container. Mag match and TP. Scratch a little magnesium on the TP and strike, works great. Fine steel wool (0000) and 9 volt batery. Can short the battery with the steel wool and ignite TP.
One of the best methods for starting a fire when the kindling is wet is carbide for the old style miners lamps. When water is placed on the carbide it gives off acetylene gas. The more water the more gas.
Just my thoughts.
Condoms?......
Same principle as a handgun.
Its better to have it and not need it....than to need it and not have one!!!
Seriously though, ever filled one of those suckers with water? They'll hold about a gallon and a half without bursting...portable canteens
QuoteOriginally posted by robtattoo:
Small mirror & a whistle. Don't forget, it ain't survival until you're found!
I never thought of that!! on my list now though
Someone mentioned blood clotting agent......plain old corn starch will do the trick just fine.
We recently started seeing it on ambulances and swat medics in a very expensive sterilized form....but it's just plain corn starch.
Ok here is a list of the day pack I carry.
small whit stone
bottle of bullion cubes (beef flavor)
4 tea bags ( will stop all but the worst blooding)
Tackle Box ( a 35mm film cannister with hooks, weights, small cork bobbers,12 flies adam pattern all and line wrapped around outside and end clipped under cap)
Military canteen cup
canteen
first aid kit
1/4 pound spool of artafical sinew
Duct tape wrapped around a mini knife steel
bottle of purification tablets
Military compass
Flint, steel and char cloth
2 bic lighters
5 tea light candles
mini mag lite and spare batteries
military poncho and liner ( can make a good shelter)
Small bag of minute rice
small bag of beef jerky
a knife I made from a lawn mower blade
50' parachute cord
spare socks
rag wool gloves
and some odds and ends
The trick is take only your gear go out and spend 3 days in the woods with only that and see if you can survive of not add to it if so take away what is not needed.
A great thing I found to start fires with last year, was that anti-bacterial handwash that all our wives have in their purse. I think that stuff is like 50 to 70% alcohol depending on what kind it is. And it sticks to anything and burns forever. I suggest first trying it in lowlight conditions, as it is sometimes hard to see the flame. Can start very wet fuel with it though.
Condoms can be used to carry water in the same way you would use a water bladder. I learned this from my favorite uncle....Uncle Sam.
I like to carry bug dope (repellent) and matches for firestarter. The bug dope burns well and of course does double duty keeping the mosquitoes off. Think about that as you put it on your skin.
Years ago while I was a scout leader I was teaching the boys about survival kits and what went into them and how to use what was in them I found a commercail suvival kit the same size as a sardine can that contains a compass 2 water purification tablets 2 asa tablets 2 blocks firestarter 3 meters cord wire waterproof matches 31 meters fishing line boulion soup packet 1 tea bag 1 sugar pkt 1 match book 2 swap pkts a razor blade 3 twist ties duct tape a mirror a zip lock 2 wound dressings 2 nails 2 safety pins 2 fish hooks 1 signal whistle 1 pc gum 1sewing needle and a pice of energy candy. This little package cost me about $5 and although it is a one time use deal(it is sealed exactly like a can of sardines) it is small enough to fit in a pocket of my coat or even pants pocket with that my wits and what I normally carry in my pockets (one medium lockblade one small stockman poctknife a zippo lighter and a watch with a compass on it) I feel well prepared for pretty much any thing I may run into in my forays into the Canadian wilds. I must say though that I always dress according to what the weather could be and I always wear a bandana on my neck (keeps my neck warm and can double as a bandage, a sling or even a touniqiet)
Marshrat,if you don't survive the 3 days,you won't be adding anything.... :eek: :campfire:
QuoteOriginally posted by PurpleCajun:
Russ, let me tell ya.. The SAR guys love a man with a signal device. I was on a search once where we used cell phone screens (the new super bright color ones) to communicate locations with the subjects. There was no reception out there, but the screens still turned on.
Whistles are in three different places in my pack.. one in the survival pouch, one on my neck, and one on my pack itself. Searchers use them to locate each other.. as well as make a noise that carries for the subject to hear... They certainly are audible much further than a yell.. especially a yell coming from a man who's weak from injuries.
In any case... multiple signal devices of any sort, for various times of day are a good thing.
Excelent post.... :thumbsup: :archer:
QuoteOriginally posted by tomh:
how about some basic training in woods first aid. types of bleeding and how to stop it. splinting broken bones, immobilizing sprains etc.
I am certified as a wilderness first responder,a good course,it was worth the time and money.
I need to get recertified now though. My card is done.All that really does is cya in case somebody decides to sue you for something.