The Survival Kit
None of us can expect the unexpected, but thankfully we can prepare for the worst and expect the best. Having a game plan in place anytime you're in the wilderness is one of the most important things that you can do before go. In fact you can consider it a part of trail leadership.
When we leave the house to go on a hike or a backpacking trip we spend some time to fill a backpack. In reality, that backpack is simply a large survival kit packed for a comfortable and extended stay in the wilderness. One of the more important items that you should pack is a survival kit.
Customizing your survival gear for each trip you plan is one of those must do things for every hiker. Making sure your basic survival kit has the appropriate gear for the environment you are going into can make the difference in a time of need.
The Basic Kit
For a properly trained outdoors enthusiast a good knife can be a survival kit unto itself. With a knife you can chop branches and trees for a shelter, making of a bow drill for fire or whittling a snare to catch a meal. A knife can be the key item in any survival kit. For the rest of us a good survival kit is a necessity.
Lean, mean survival kits can be stored in a small tin and include the bare backwoods essentials.
Depending on where you are going and you can create your survival kit with items like a lighter, matches, fire starters, waterproof fire-starting material, fishing line with hooks, a tiny compass, water purification tablets, a whistle, a small rescue mirror, duct tape, string, wire, safety pins, aluminum foil, a magnifying lens, nylon thread, a razor blade, a sewing needle, a pencil, and tiny sheets of paper.
Really it depends on the space you have available, how much weight you can comfortably carry as well as how far you plan to venture.
If you don't want to bother creating your own survival kit there are commercial options to choose from. Many of these items squeeze into a waterproof container that weighs 4-5 ounces. These minimalist kits can provide the bare essentials for a miserable, short-duration stay but this one time cost of $33 can save your life if you are ever in a bind.
Preparation Vs Paranoia
There are many things that you can control on every trip you take. The path you take, when and where you take breaks, how much food you consume. Still, there are many other things that you have no control over like weather or animals you might encounter.
If you are not carful you can find yourself in a situation with no immediate way out. It is possible for a person to die in only a few hours when exposed to bad weather, in three days from thirst and you can die in two to three weeks from lack of food.
However, proper preparation, knowledge and skills can insure that you can handle a situation the best way possible so you can avoid such a fait.
Although you shouldn't feel compelled to pack a large bag for a day trip, a survival kit should include items like a map of the area, a compass, a space blanket, first aid supplies, a flashlight or headlamp, and fire-starting supplies. Perhaps even keeping the essential stuff physically attached to your body in a pouch on your belt.
Modern Technology
A cell phone or a personal locator beacon (PLB's) can also save you a cold night lost in the forest. A PLB is an essentially emergency radio signal device that communicates with satellites and locates you using GPS. In case you need help all you need to do is press the button and this GPS location will be transmitted to search and rescue personnel who can begin the search. Although these PLB's are handy they do cost hundreds of dollars.
No matter what your budget is a survival kit easy to put together and is an essential part of your preparation. Hopefully it will be time and money well spent as that kit sits in the bottom of your bag and is never used over the years to come.