4 items for survival? [Archive] - M4Carbine.net Forums

View Full Version : 4 items for survival?

Grimlock

02-28-10, 18:37

let say limited to a small pouch in size of items. ( not including clothing)

Mine would be :

Rat RC3 or SOG multi tool ( sorry couldn't decide)
Mag fire block
small SS hiking cup
550 cord ( 25ft. )

What's yours?

SeriousStudent

02-28-10, 19:02

I'd replace the magnesium block with a Swedish firesteel - personal preference.

I'd also swap the cup for a good signal mirror. I know you could theoretically polish the cup to act as a mirror, and make it a multi-tasker. I'd prefer a good mirror, however.

I have a Rat-3 in D2 as well, it's a good blade for the money.

And I'd definitely keep the 550 cord.

Grimlock

02-28-10, 19:15

The cup is mirrior polish and didn't even think about it as a mirror. Good call! I did put the cup in there as atleast somthing to boil water with as a way to get safe drinking water.

Ak44

02-28-10, 19:51

Emergency Space Blanket
Leatherman
GI Canteen Cup
Magnesium Fire block

SeriousStudent

02-28-10, 19:52

If you are not limiting it to 4 items, then consider some Micropur water purification tablets, or possibly a small bottle of potassium permanganate crystals.

Depending on your environment, a small tube to siphon water may prove more useful than a cup. Or some heavy-duty aluminum foil can accomplish the same thing, and be utilized for more purposes.

Survival gear tends to be specific to an environment, as well as your skillset. I have different sets of equipment for different areas and climatic conditions.

But I always have something for signaling, fire starting, and water treatment. I can survive several weeks without food. But I'll die of dehydration in as little as a day, and freeze to death even faster.

And a mirror can signal an aircraft from a distance you would not believe, in the desert on a clear day.

kombos

02-28-10, 20:51

Depending on your environment, a small tube to siphon water may prove more useful than a cup. Or some heavy-duty aluminum foil can accomplish the same thing, and be utilized for more purposes.

How about one of these?
http://aquamira.com/emergency/aquamira-frontier-filter/

Also, saw this on aluminum foil this morning.....

http://www.bepreparedtosurvive.com/Don%27t%20Trust%20Aluminum%20Foil.htm

Outlander Systems

03-01-10, 11:24

Knife
Sleeping Bag
Fire Bar
Stainless Steel Cup (can't boil shit in a siphon)

Cerberus

03-01-10, 17:16

I'm surprised no one has mentioned a quality steel snare yet (you could use 550 cord I suppose). Food may not be as high as water, but eventually a meal will become an asset. Don't forget a magnifying glass works wonders for firestarting, and some signal mirrors even include a small glass for said purpose.

Grimlock

03-01-10, 18:11

Knife
Sleeping Bag
Fire Bar
Stainless Steel Cup (can't boil shit in a siphon)

sleeping bag , forgot about that one , nice call

Outlander Systems

03-01-10, 19:03

Fifth on my list would be paracord...

NWPilgrim

03-01-10, 20:05

- Knife (fixed preferred but folder OK)
- Flint steel (mag block, Scout striker, etc)
- Tarp (emergency space blanket, poncho, etc)
- Paracord

SeriousStudent

03-01-10, 21:43

glocktogo

03-01-10, 22:01

Caffeine
Cheetos
Viagra
Porn

You could live for days on that! :D

Grimlock

03-02-10, 09:59

Caffeine
Cheetos
Viagra
Porn

You could live for days on that! :D

no beer? :D

Grimlock

03-02-10, 10:03

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/product.php?product=146&catname=Essentials&prodname=S.O.L.%20Thermal%20Bivvy

I've tested one of these down to about 45 degrees. YMMV, some people sleep colder, others sleep warmer.

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.

SouthWolfGA

03-02-10, 11:31

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. .

thunderinms

03-02-10, 12:21

1 - Blastmatch
2 - Paracord
3 - Leatherman Surge
4 - Poncho

mhho

03-04-10, 23:02

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/ItemDetails.aspx?itemid=MPIAWB&pkey=Space+Brand|SPACE+Brand+All+Weather+Blanket&pval=49|MPIAWB&pIds=CategoryID|itemid

3) Sparky 4" Fixed Blade with integrated Firesteel
http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12&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/aquamira-water-bottle-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.

MIKE G

03-05-10, 00:54

-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.

tr1kstanc3

03-05-10, 09:38

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.

Is the Klean Kanteen robust enough to handle cooking for prolonged periods? I was wondering this myself as I have one in my kit for this purpose. I too chose the stainless steel version.

MIKE G

03-05-10, 10:22

Outlander Systems

03-05-10, 13:49

Putting Klean Kanteen on the "must buy" list. Killer writeup, amigo.

LOKNLOD

03-05-10, 14:51

It clearly oversteps the "4 items" theme of the thread, but as an aside to Mike G --
A survival kit specifically stocked for and packed in the appropriately sized Klean Kanteen would be a good kit to offer...

MIKE G

03-05-10, 15:01

It is something we are already working on, just making sure we have it right the first time.

I am in the process of testing a bunch of new stuff, some of it will be part of this kit.

Grimlock

03-05-10, 15:38

Here is a write up I did on them Austere Provisions Company Klean Kanteen Blog Entry (http://austereprovisions.blogspot.com/2010/01/aqua-est-vita.html)

After a few days of boiling gallons of water each day I took them back and scrubbed them down to get the soot off. Inspection revealed no discernible damage or weakening of the metal.

I have used it on charcoal, camp stoves, and an electric range eye still with no damage or weakening visible to the naked eye.

great write up !!

How about a Kelly Kettle. I just picked one up the other day ( SS model) it is a bit big for limited space survial equip, but for boiling water and cooking without anything but some brush and twigs it holds it's own.

MIKE G

03-05-10, 16:05

tr1kstanc3

03-05-10, 18:12

thanks for the great info!

LonghunterCO

03-06-10, 22:22

Cool. Nice write up on the Kanteen.

Grimlock

03-07-10, 17:07

I think the Kettles are pretty cool for routine camping or static SHTF situation but anytime I am trying to cut weight I would be hard pressed to include that in my pack.

However, I do want to hear how yours turns out as I almost bought one for myself the other day. Definitely cool with just the right amount of "unique" factor.

Well I fired up my kelly kettle this weekend and I must say it does what is says it will do very well, boil water quick. I have the stainless steel version ( 3 pints ).

The size of it isn't that bad, but it is a bit bulk for how little it weighs. I'd say clipping it on a pack as opposed to carrying it in a pack would save ALOT of room. You can store gear inside it while on the move, but there is carbon build up inside which could get things dirty ( if that doesn't matter go for it)

I first gathered some tinder which consisted of dried reeds, leaves, twigs and a few larger pieces of wood. Things have been pretty dry here so getting things going wasn't hard. once I had a flame I placed the kettle section on the bottom cup. Within about 30 seconds a flames started coming out the top of the kettle like a afterburner. and you could here the water inside start to boil. ~3minutes later the water was boiling at a good clip! I did have to add a bit of sticks etc to keep the fire really going, but considering how little I started with and how hot the fire was It wasn't a surprise.

As a piece of gear for cooking and boiling water for safe drinking this thing rocks. 3-5 minutes and you have 1.4 liters of safe drinking water. Its a little big for a bug out bag or similar, but really a great piece of gear for camping , hiking, SHTF, etc.

Cerberus

03-07-10, 17:54

MikeG Thanks for that write up. Will definately have to get one of those Kanteens to suppliment my stuff someday soon. I found the Swedish fire starter on you page to be interesting. Have you done a write up on it as well?

MIKE G

03-07-10, 18:25

Cerberus,

Not yet, but I can give you a bit of feedback on them.

All of the sizes work very effectively. I will do a full write up on fire starting gear later on but the gist of it is they work well. A lot of thought went into the design of the striker to produce a lot of spark for your stroke while not being bulky like some of the other styles on the market.

I have been using the various sizes and I really like the mini (not up on the site yet) in our compact survival kits but really like the scout or army for a dedicated fire starter as opposed to a contingency/emergency kit (I try not to scavenge my survival kit unless performing testing or in an actual survival situation). The minis are also great for sticking on a key ring, I will try to get some up shortly.

Ga Shooter

03-07-10, 19:19

I saw the fire starters also. I was thinking about the army size for my pack. Good to know they work as good as they look.

MIKE G

03-14-10, 16:13

Cerberus and Ga Shooter,

Did a write up for the FireSteels in this weeks blog. Hope that answers some of your questions.

FireSteel Blog Entry (http://austereprovisions.blogspot.com/2010/03/fire.html)

Ga Shooter

03-15-10, 10:17

Thanks for the write up and the videos. Looks good.

Cerberus

03-15-10, 21:11

Excellent write up. Hope to order this someday soon.

FMJs-of-Freedom

04-07-10, 21:01

Water purification tablets
Knife
550 cord
fire striker

ICEPICK

05-10-10, 20:54

Thanks for the info Mike. I will be spending some money there soon. :D

SteveS

05-11-10, 15:33

Rated21R

05-11-10, 15:47

good info in this thread.

MIKE G

05-11-10, 17:37

Unfortunately they are made in china. Klean Kanteen does make a big deal about them being produced responsibly, so no little kids are losing hands while building this product and it is a well specced product but it's manufacturing process doesnt put an American to work only it's sale. That is really the only downside to these and I wish they were made domestically.

Von Rheydt

05-11-10, 20:40

Ooooh Eeeer, which 4 to choose.

1. The classic design Ray Mears bushcraft knife.
2. A decent length of 5mm or 6mm kernmantel...........550 is ok, till you start trying to use it with a fire-bow then it is as useful as a chocolate ashtray. 5mm/6mm kernmatel is excellent for fire-bows and is also generally as useable as 550 for camp tasks. I used to get my guys to swap out the draw cords in their jackets for 5mm kernmantel.

Everything after those two items is a luxury.

3. My Ti mug.
4. Coffee.

Muddyboots

06-08-10, 19:54

I love this kind of thread.

My list:

1) Knife
2) Pot
3) Tarp
4) Cord

Now in a little more detail
1) Knife, fixed blade, 4"-6" size carbon steel. Used to make other tools, and shelter. Defense. Fire.
2) Cook pot, stainless, 2qt +-, with a solid bail handle. Purify water. Dig. Cook. Hat. Carry forage.
3) Tarp, coated nylon, around 10' sq. Shelter. Clothing. Carrying.
4) A big wad of real 550 Parachute cord, say, 200 ft. Making tools, fire and shelter.

It is possible to make equivalents of all these things in the field but it takes time and the resultant items are not as versatile or durable. My size listings are based on my preferences. Here are a couple examples of variation on the theme:

Soldiers version:
1) K-bar
2) Canteen cup
3) Poncho
4) P-cord

Scrounged:
1) Carpet knife blade
2) Coffee can
3) Sheet plastic
4) Twine

A lot of items like Fire starters are a great help but are really single task tools. Others like compasses and mirrors are more correctly rescue /recovery tools and do not contribute directly to physical survival. I'm not denigrating them at all, you SHOULD carry them!

Muddyboots

GroundLabTactical

07-04-10, 01:14

1-Katadyne Pocket
2-Ecws bivvy with green inner bag
3-Rat3 with micro compass and alot of 550 on the sheath
4-Swedish Firesteel

Dale Gribble

07-04-10, 02:24

Didn't see any specific rules here but if this is short term survival and the items that I carry every day don't count....

*550 Cord
*Tarp
*Small steel cook pot
*Surplus wool blanket

If you are scratching your head wondering why I didn't put a knife or fire starter on the list here's why... I carry a Buck Vanguard all day every day and it's never more than 2 feet away when I'm asleep. I didn't mention a fire starter because I'm a smoker and always have a Zippo on the opposite hip as the knife, and I carry a back Bic lighter since Zippo's always run out of flint at the most inconvenient times. Are the lighter and knife useful for survival? Yeah... I just don't think they ought count against my four items since they are with me 24/7 anyways.

Outlander Systems

07-04-10, 08:39

...and I carry a back Bic lighter since Zippo's always run out of flint at the most inconvenient times.

Never have I seen more words of wisdom.

Deep in the woods, you can find at least two Zippos and an Origo watch. They were left there, promply thrown after dropping an F-bomb.

titsonritz

07-21-10, 05:17

1. Air
2. Shelter/Clothing
3. Water
4. Food

The mindset and know how to acquire these four items. Everything else is optional.

Gutshot John

07-21-10, 10:29

1. Air
2. Shelter/Clothing
3. Water
4. Food

The mindset and know how to acquire these four items. Everything else is optional.

Except that's not what was asked and glib answers like the above do not answer the question and do a disservice to the OP and those who might read your response. 'Some guy on the internet said that all I need to survive is be a badass.' :suicide:

It's very easy to SAY but not easy to DO without training and practice and the proper tools are certainly important considerations. They make survival MUCH easier.

I've done multiple SAR missions both in the military and in the civilian world and I can't tell you how many people (even Marines with survival training) I've pulled out of the fire thought they had the right "mindset." Please see the story of the guy who died earlier this year on a survival adventure and he was well practiced... he didn't even make it a mile from his car. If you have something of interest to add to the thread please do so but I'm going to disabuse you of your "mindset" as well as others who might buy into that BS.

Your four basic items should be of universal and common use. They should serve more than one role but will only be multi-functional with training/knowledge/practice. That said it would be dependent on the scenario (e.g. maritime, desert, arctic, wilderness etc.), do you expect rescue in a few days? or never? so as to which four tools I'd want so there isn't a universal answer.

My four choices presume you're wearing the appropriate clothing for the situation:

1. I think your first priority has to be a knife - it is the most universal implement around. You can use it to construct shelter, start fires, hunt, clean game, defend yourself as well as many many other things if you know how to use it. If you can only take ONE tool, the knife would be the one to take

2. Rope or 550 cord, at least 50' worth (I prefer rope but both work). The second most universal implement. You can create shelter, create a tourniquet/bandage/splint injuries, you can maneuver yourself around obstacles, you can set traps and do many other things

From here things get a bit more complicated

3. A survival blanket will keep your warm at night and that will keep up your morale. You will burn fewer calories and therefore conserve your energy. This of course presumes you know how to get your body heat away from the ground and build something of a wind-break. If I were in the tropics/jungle (temps >70 degrees) I might pick something else instead.

4. A metal cup is probably the last thing on the list but also competes with fire-steel depending on where you are. In cold-weather I'd definitely want a firestarter as fashioning/using a bow drill in cold weather is very difficult and you need to get warm. In the desert or at sea the cup would win out as a means of procuring/conserving water and fire on a life boat is contraindicated for survival.

Those are only four but things I'd consider adding if you're talking about a list.

5. Tarp of plastic or nylon. Good windbreak/shelter, helps in gathering, solar stills etc

6. Fishooks if I was near water

7. Collapsible container or canteen

8. Alcohol and/or some version of first-aid kid.

Of course you need to understand how to use these items. The information is widely available and you can certainly practice without putting your life in danger.

LHS

07-21-10, 10:47

1. Good-quality knife, preferably fixed-blade. You can make shelter, weapons, etc.
2. Rope/cord.
3. Tarp. Solar still, shelter, rain gear, etc.
4. Metal container/cup. Boil water, cook, gather food, etc.

titsonritz

07-21-10, 22:20

My apologies. I did not intend to come off flippant, but can see how it could be construed as such. However, I would like to stress that mindset is a major factor, if not THE major factor to survival, whether we are talking about a gun fight, lost in the woods survival, the business world or a post-apocalyptic SHTF scenario. Taking and making the time to learn how build a fire under extreme condition like snow or heavy rain, studying which plants you can eat vs. which one will kill you, how to make traps and snares, that’s all mindset. Some when faced with a survival situation curl up and cry, the only way those folks live is through blind luck, where other refuse to quit, refuse lay down and die, that’s mindset. Having all the gear in the world make no difference if one is ignorant to its use.

“You are no more armed because you carry a pistol than you are a musician because you own a guitar” –Jeff Cooper

What I listed is in fact what you “need” to survive. If we are talking strictly gear then here’s my list:
1. WETSU Pocket Survival Kit or equal
2. Rope
3. Canteen with metal cup
4. Kifaru woobie if winter or in AO with several temperature drops such as the high desert / or a firearm if it is summer where warmth and shelter are not a major concern.

Gutshot has it right; so much is dependant on situation. What is the AO? Are we lost at sea, in the desert, out in the woods, is it winter and snowing or summer and 120 deg.?

Regardless, again I apologize.:bad: