- Knife (fixed preferred but folder OK)
- Flint steel (mag block, Scout striker, etc)
- Tarp (emergency space blanket, poncho, etc)
- Paracord
- Knife (fixed preferred but folder OK)
- Flint steel (mag block, Scout striker, etc)
- Tarp (emergency space blanket, poncho, etc)
- Paracord
This may be a possible alternative for some, who may not have the space or weight allowance for a full-size sleeping bag:
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/...hermal%20Bivvy
I've tested one of these down to about 45 degrees. YMMV, some people sleep colder, others sleep warmer.
Caffeine
Cheetos
Viagra
Porn
You could live for days on that!
I actually was trying to keep the 4 items as small as possible. That being said there is a limitation to survival when it comes to climate. -20 degree and no real shelter isn't impossible to stay alive but it sure makes things difficult.
knife in your pocket or on your belt, cord wrapped around sheath or in SS cup. SS cup clipped to belt, fire steel or block in pocket as well.
With the 4 items I was hoping to cover 70% of getting by.
Entrenching Tool: Can be used as a shovel, axe for small limbs/trees. You can use these small limbs to fashion spears for fishing or to build a shelter.
Fire starting block of any kind: Fire can obviously be used for many things. Cooking, sterilizing water, and signaling for help.
50 to 100 feet of Paracord/550 cord: Again very useful for many many things. Can be used to trap animals, to help make shelters, rafts, etc. Also can be used to help climb steep inclines or to lower yourself down a steep incline depending on how much you have on hand.
For my final piece I had a debate with myself, Stainless Steele Canteen Cup or Sleeping bag? Both can be very handy but my answer came down to which could more easily be replaced in the wilderness. My answer was the canteen cup so I would bring a sleeping bag. You can use stones or rocks as containers to boil water if you can find any with a concave in them. You could also use mud or clay to make a cup or container that could be used as a container and cooking. .
Last edited by SouthWolfGA; 03-02-10 at 11:32. Reason: Stupid smileys
1 - Blastmatch
2 - Paracord
3 - Leatherman Surge
4 - Poncho
1) AquaLink View PLB-350C
http://www.acrelectronics.com/product2.aspx?sku=2884
2) SPACE Brand All Weather Blanket w/ 550 cords pre-attached at each corners
http://www.mpioutdoors.com/ItemDetai...egoryID|itemid
3) Sparky 4" Fixed Blade with integrated Firesteel
http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_...products_id=21
4a) Aquamira Frontier Pro Filter System
http://aquamira.com/consumer/frontier-pro-filter-system
or
4b) Aquamira Water Bottle and Filter System
http://aquamira.com/consumer/aquamir...tle-and-filter
4a or 4b, your choice.
The plan is to:
1) Signal for help with PLB
2) Hunker down, stay warm, stay dry, stay hydrated while waiting for rescue
3) Signal with reflective blanket or smoke from fire when rescue is close
4) Snare or fishing with strands of 550 cords as a distant option
This should take care of Shelter, Fire, Water, Signal, Food. Just don't get hurt; 550 cord and cut up clothes can serve as medical supplies but that is going to suck. Best to be careful and stay injury free from the start.
-Fixed blade knife
-Ferro rod (either light my fire USA or Fast Fire)
-40oz wide mouth klean kanteen
-550 cord at least 25-50ft, more is better
I would adjust a little based on environment but this is what I would grab for my current environment.
A sil nylon tarp would be nice but the 550 cord has more uses and would be beneficial in reinforcing any organic shelter.
Knife is obvious, use it to build shelter, self defense, making tools/traps, etc.
Ferro rod, should also be obvious. Firestarting even when wet, repetitive use in a single item. Depending on size you could even get thousands of strikes out of it.
Klean kanteen. Initially I was going to put down a ti mug with lid because I always carry one but you have limited ability to transport water. A klean kanteen allows for boiling (for purification or cooking) and provides ample storage/transport volume. The wide mouth version allows for easier cooking (easier to add ingredients).
I also like the Klean Kanteen wide mouths because they work great as a basic waterproof container. I had a customer recently tell me he was using his as a travel humidor even, he just throws a humi-pillow in it and a few stogies and hits the road. Stainless doesnt hold flavor so your good to go.
ETA: My list is obviously minimalist in nature. I am all about the distillation of gear to the bare minimum in weight, expense for true quality, and adaptability. None of this stuff can really break unless abused. No batteries to die, no expiration dates, and with the exception of the ferro rod even with daily use you will have to abuse them to wear them out. Even the 550 cord will last for a while in a static position if not overloaded.
Last edited by MIKE G; 03-05-10 at 01:10.
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