Many people get stranded in the wild every year. Nobody ever thinks it will happen to them until it does. Everyone from tourists to hikers could find themselves lost in the woods if they go too far away from familiar territory. People in their cars can even end up the same way if they start driving down unmarked dirt roads that they have never been down before and then end up stranded. Whatever the reason may be, it is important that you know how to survive in the wild in case this happens to you.
The most important necessity to have when lost in the wild is water. Someone could survive for an entire month without food, but they could only survive a week without water. But if you are constantly walking around the wild and exerting yourself, then you may only last a few days without water. That is why you need to know how to find drinking water when you are lost in the wild. Now depending on your location, you should be able to find an abundance of water if you know where to look for it. The most common places are lakes, rivers and streams. Just listen for the sound of moving water while in the woods in order to find it. This water should be drinkable, especially if there is a lot of fresh green vegetation surrounding the water. This vegetation means the water is fresh and able to hydrate plants, which means it can also hydrate humans. Plus if you see an animal or bird drinking from the water then that is also a sign of drinkable water.
An alternative to drinkable water on the ground is drinkable rainwater. If you have any spare containers and it starts to rain outside, place the open containers on the ground and let them catch as much rainwater as possible. Do not worry about acid rain or rain that is polluted because you are most likely in a rural area. These kinds of areas don’t have the kind of carbon emissions in the air that big cities have. So the rain will likely be fresh and drinkable after you contain it.
Despite the water being drinkable in the wild, this doesn’t mean it will be totally clean. After all, there are no filters in these waters and there is wildlife all around the walk in the water. So you have to take all of that into consideration. If you have the right tools with you, you could distill the water by boiling it over a burning fire or by using purification tablets. Otherwise, you will need to make the best of it until you find civilization again.
The 55-gallon water barrel is a durable container designed for water storage. The barrel is a closed water storage system with two fittings: 1 – 2″ BTR and 1 – 2″ NPS. The siphon pump is easy to use. It safely pumps water, fuels, paints and solvents. The Aquamira liquid water treatment drops are ideal for large water treatment (up to 60 gallons), but packaged small enough to fit into your pocket. The four-year shelf life is not affected by partial use of a bottle. It’s effective on bacteria, viruses and cysts. No unpleasant aftertaste and meets stringent EPA guidelines. The bucket lid opener allows quick and easy opening of barrels, pails and buckets without lid damage. Details: 1 – 55 gal. water barrel made from food-grade polyethylene and does not contain BPA (bisphenol A) 1 – 6′ siphon hose and hand pump 2 bottles of Aquamira water treatment drops 1 bucket/barrel lid opener 23.5″ w x 32.25″ h barrel
In a survival situation, one of quickest ways to obtain food is by fishing and all fresh water fish are edible. You can find fish in ponds, lakes, streams and rivers. While many sport anglers will have boats and plenty of gear to catch fish you in a survival situation will not have any of this gear. However, in a survival situation you do not require boats and expensive rods and reels to catch fish. You may find yourself lost or stranded without any traditional fishing gear or none at all. This does not mean you have to go hungry however, you can find what you need in your environment.
Fishing Spears
Fishing spear made from a small green sapling. Simply split the ends to form prongs and use pieces wood in between the prongs to hold them apart. A single sharpened end is not ideal for catching fish because it may not penetrate to hold the fish and can damage edible parts of the fish. Tools needed to make this spear are a sharp edged rock or knife and a piece of wood to strike the rock or knife to split the ends.
Hooks
You can fish using the traditional line and baited hook. Hooks can be made from pieces of wire, bone, plastic and wood. If you have, a paper clip or a pop top from a soda can then you have a fishhook. If you do not have a multi-tool to bend and sharpen the metal or pop top you will have to use rocks and whatever else is available to form the hooks.
The hook can be made from a piece of bone or metal about one inch long. Both ends are sharpened and baited in hopes the fish swallows the entire hook. Tools need are a knife/multi-tool or sharp thin pieces of rock. Use a heavier rock to form the pop tops unless you can use the wire cutters from a multi-tool. Simply batter the tops into a shape hook and then sharpen using a coarse stone.
A broken button can be turned into a gorge hook. Attach to fishing line using the hole available on the button. Sharpen the ends that will hold the bait by rubbing against a coarse rock or use the file blade from your multi-tool.
Fishing Line
Paracord is a survival must have because you can unravel the seven inner strands of paracord for fishing line and it would be heavy enough for your needs. You can also make line by twisting strips of bark together. Do not ring any trees that you are removing bark from because it will kill the tree. Remove the outer bark in a long strip down one side and peel away the inner strands. Once you have three or four simply braid them together into line. Any fibrous plant can be used for string by separating the stands and then twisting or braiding together. You can use your shoelaces, and even small gauge wiring from an automobile for fishing line. You can even unravel clothing to make line.
Bait and Tackle
Bait can be grubs, worms, fuzzy seedpods and even scraps of cloth. Use pieces of Styrofoam or plastic bottle caps for bobbers, and small pebbles for sinkers. Use pop tops with cloth tied to them for lures and any piece of shiny metal for spoons.
Here is the list of the 10 Best Bug Out Bags for preppers:
1. Echo-Sigma Emergency Bug Out Bag – Complete Survival Solution With Gear & Supplies To Last Up To 10 Days
Quality gear is expensive but this bug out bag is well worth the price. You receive backpack with gear and supplies to last up to 10 days!
All items included in the bag are pre-configured and ready to use right out of the box.
Echo-Sigma Emergency Bug Out Bag
Kit contents include:
1 Three Day Pass Backpack by Sandpiper of California
SOG S44 multitool
1 Hydration System (2.5 Liter) by Condor Outdoor
1 Suisse Sport Zero Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag
1 Echo-Sigma Provision Pack (3-10 days)
3 Full Size A-Pack MRE meals complete with heater, side dishes and drink mixes
9 Food Ration Bars (400 Calories each and nutritionally fortified)
5 Liters of 5 Year Storage Pure Drinking Water
Paper Napkins
1 Echo-Sigma Compact Survival Kit
1 Compass
1 Emergency Whistle
1 Emergency Blanket by Coghlan’s
1 BIC Brand Butane Disposable Lighter
1 Magnesium Fire Starter with Flint Striker
40 Waterproof Matches by Coghlan’s
1 Tinder Kit by Coghlan’s with Flint Striker
50 Inches of Duct Tape
1 Bottle of Water Purification Tablets by Coghlan’s
2 Chemical Light Sticks by Coghlan’s
2 BIC Brand Ball Point Pens
1 Pad of Paper
1 Set of Earplugs
1 Echo-Sigma 68 Piece Compact First Aid Kit
1 Waterproof Aircraft Aluminum Tactical LED Flashlight by Fenix (190 Lumen)
1 Emergency Multiband Multi-Power Weather Radio by Eton (with USB phone charger)
50 Feet of Military Grade 550 Paracord
10 Extra Large Zip Ties
1 Camp Trowel
1 Coghlan’s Emergency Tube Tent
1 Emergency Poncho
1 Plexiglass Mirror for signaling help
1 Thermal Sleeping Bag Cocoon by Survival Industries
6 Premium AA Alkaline Batteries (guaranteed fresh for 10 years)
1 Pair Work Gloves
2 N95 Rated Respirator Masks
1 Set of Protective Goggles
2 Hand Warmers by Coghlan’s
Weight: 34 lbs. Shipped
2. Emergency Get Home Bag – Mid-Sized Disaster Preparedness Kit
Mid-sized disaster preparedness kit that is perfectly suited to keep on hand in your office, vehicle or dorm room.
Emergency Get Home Bag
Kit contents include:
1 Compact Assault Pack By Condor Outdoor
Gerber Dime Tool
1 Hydration System (2.5 Liter) by Condor Outdoor
1 Echo-Sigma 1-3 Day Provision Pack
6 Food Ration Bars (400 Calories each and nutritionally fortified)
2.5 Liters of 5 Year Storage Pure Drinking Water
Paper Napkins
All weather storage
1 Echo-Sigma Compact Survival Kit
1 Compass
1 Emergency Whistle
1 Emergency Blanket by Coghlan’s
1 BIC Brand Butane Disposable Lighter
1 Magnesium Fire Starter with Flint Striker
40 Waterproof Matches by Coghlan’s
1 Tinder Kit by Coghlan’s with Flint Striker
50 Inches of Duct Tape
1 Bottle of Water Purification Tablets by Coghlan’s
2 Chemical Light Sticks by Coghlan’s
2 BIC Brand Ball Point Pens
1 Pad of Paper
1 Set of Earplugs
1 Echo-Sigma 68 Piece Compact First Aid Kit
1 Waterproof Aircraft Aluminum LED Flashlight by Fenix (170 Lumen)
1 Coghlan’s Emergency Tube Tent
1 Emergency Poncho
1 Plexiglass Mirror for signaling help
1 Thermal Sleeping Bag Cocoon by Survival Industries
6 Premium AA Alkaline Batteries (guaranteed fresh for 10 years)
50 Feet of Military Grade 550 Paracord
10 Extra Large Zip Ties
1 Pair Work Gloves
N95 Rated Respirator Masks
1 Set of Protective Goggles
2 Hand Warmers by Coghlan’s
Weight: 17 lbs. Shipped
3. Echo-Sigma Runner System – Compact Disaster Preparedness Kit
The Echo-Sigma Runner is a compact disaster preparedness kit that is designed for individuals who either want to stay super mobile or add emergency kit features to their existing compliment of gear.
Echo-Sigma Runner System
Kit contents include:
1 HCB Pack By Condor Outdoor
1 Modular MOLLE Compatible Utility Pouch by Condor Outdoor
1 Echo-Sigma Micro Provision Pack
6 Food Ration Bars (400 Calories each and nutritionally fortified)
1 Liter of 5 Year Storage Pure Drinking Water
All weather storage
1 Echo-Sigma Compact Survival Kit
1 Compass
1 Emergency Whistle
1 Emergency Blanket by Coghlan’s
1 BIC Brand Butane Disposable Lighter
1 Magnesium Fire Starter with Flint Striker
40 Waterproof Matches by Coghlan’s
1 Tinder Kit by Coghlan’s with Flint Striker
50 Inches of Duct Tape
1 Bottle of Water Purification Tablets by Coghlan’s
2 Chemical Light Sticks by Coghlan’s
2 BIC Brand Ball Point Pens
1 Pad of Paper
1 Set of Earplugs
1 Echo-Sigma 68 Piece Compact First Aid Kit
1 Emergency Poncho
1 Pair Work Gloves
2 N95 Rated Respirator Masks
1 Set of Protective Goggles
2 Hand Warmers by Coghlan’s
Weight: 8 lbs. Shipped
4 Person Survival Kit packed in a bag which doesn’t look tactical.
All items are packed securely by Survival Kits Online in a deluxe duffel bag. The kit includes the following:
* 48 -Pouches of Datrex Water – twice the amount of water as leading suppliers and each pouch has a 5 year shelf-life
* 48 – 200 Calorie Food Bars – 5 year shelf-life
* 40 – Water Purification Tablets – each tablet purifies 1 liter of water
* 1 – Hand Crank AM/FM/ Band Radio never needs batteries.
* 2 – Hand Squeeze Rechargeable Flashlight
* 1 – 5 in 1 Survival Whistle – compass, signal mirror, flint starter, waterproof container,lanyard and shrill whistle
* 1 – Box 50 Water Proof Matches
* 1 – Fire Starter – Provides sufficient shavings to start hundreds of fires
* 4 – Mylar Sleeping Bags – Recommended over common “space blankets”
* 4 – Emergency Poncho with Hood
* 2 – 2 Person Tube Tent with Rope
* 1 – 16 Function Knife
* 1 – Pair Leather Palm Gloves
* 1 – 50 Foot Rope
* 4 – Personal Hygiene Kits includes Soap, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, 9 Handy Wipes
* 4 – N95 Masks * 8 – Tissue Packs all purpose
* 1 – Large First Aid Kit – contains the essentials needed for any type of fist aid emergency
* 1 – On Duty/Gas Shut Off Wrench Designed by a fire fighter. Use to shut off gas and water. Pry open doors and windows. Will not spark if struck against metal. Safe to use.
* 1 – Can Opener
* 2 – Waste Bags
* 1 – 2.5 Gallon Water Bag
* 4 – Body Warmers – last for 16- 20 hours
* 4 – 12 Hour Light Sticks
* 1 – Portable Stove with Fuel Tablets
* 1 – Package of Survival Candles
* 1 – Deck of Cards
5. Urban Survival Bug Out Bag
Urban Survival Bug Out Bag for two persons.
Urban Survival Bug Out Bag
Contents:
ORGANIZATION: black backpack, zip lock bags x5, waterproof document container.
WEATHER PROTECTION: Reflective sleeping bags x2, adult size poncho x2, 2 person tube tent, hand warmers x2.
FOOD AND WATER: US Coast Guard approved 5 year shelf life 3600 calorie bars x 2, : US Coast Guard approved 5 year shelf life 4.2 oz water pouches x12, 1 L water purification powder x5, folding 1 L water container for purifying water, water purification instruction sheet.
LIGHT AND COMMUNICATION: Dynamo AM/FM radio/flashlight/mobile phone charger, 10 piece mobile phone adapter set for charging mobile phone with dynamo, light sticks x2.
HYGIENE: Toothbrush x2, toothpaste, comb, razor, shaving cream, shampoo, soap, feminine pad x2, washcloth, toilet paper roll, sewing kit.
FIRST AID: 53 Pc first aid kit with band aids, dressing, butterfly closures, cotton tip applicators, sanitizer, as well as N95 masks x2, self-adhesive bandage, tweezers, trauma scissors, instant ice pack, pair of medical grade nitrile gloves.
MISC SUPPLIES: 10yd duct tape, 5 in 1 survival whistle, 50 ft rope, leather palm work gloves, multi tool knife, playing cards, GI can opener, pencil, Emergency Preparedness Guide.
6. Extreme Survival Kit Deluxe for Four People
Extreme Survival Kit Deluxe for Four People
Extreme Survival Kit Deluxe for Four People is a three day plus emergency kit with water, food, tools, first aid, and sanitary provisions to assist four people during a prolonged disaster situation.
(1) 21″ Colt Tactical Backpack
(32) Datrex Emergency Water Packs (4.2oz each)
(2) 3600 Calorie Datrex Emergency Food Packs (eighteen food bars per pack)
(6) Wise Foods Gourmet Cook in Pouch Freeze Dried Food Packets (two servings per packet)
(2) Sporks
(1) Esbit Solid Fuel Stove and Cookset
(12) Esbit Solid Fuel Tablets
(4) BRW Emergency Sleeping Bag (waterproof, windproof, and lightweight)
(4) BRW Emergency Ponchos
(1) BRW Tube Tent
(3) Cyalume Military Grade Snaplight 12 Hour Light Sticks
(1) Original Candle Lantern
(3) 9 hour replacement candles,
50 Feet of 500lb Grade Paracord
(1) Explorer Compass with Signal Mirror
(1) Explorer Ring Wire Saw
(1) Fox 40 Pearl Whistle
(1) Swedish Firesteel Knife
(1) Aquamira Emergency Water Filter Straw (filters up to 20 gallons)
(1) Potable Aqua Tabs bottle 50ct
(12) Survival Matches
(1) Bic Lighter
(1) 7 LED Mini Flashlight
(1) Deck Playing Cards
(4) Dust Masks
(2) Pair Heavy Work Gloves,
(3) 12″ X 15″ Water/Refuse Storage Bags
(1) 8X10′ Waterproof Tarp
(1) Carbon Steel Folding Shovel / Entrenching Tool. Also included is a large Zippmo First Aid Kit & Toiletry Kit.
7. Ready America Emergency Kit
Ready America Emergency Kit
Each kit contains enough emergency supplies to sustain two people for three days, as recommended by the American Red Cross. There’s food, water, and emergency blankets, plus a 33-piece First Aid kit, two 12-hour safety light sticks, dust masks, nitrile gloves, and an emergency whistle. Each kit also contains emergency ponchos and pocket tissues. The kit, in a handy backpack, can be stored at home, at school, or at the office.
Living and Preparing In Areas Prone To Forest Fires
Forest fires are an unpleasant fact in many areas of the country, and most people realize the risk when living in these areas. Fires can happen without warning at anytime of the year or day. This means you must be prepared to evacuate immediately. You may not have time to gather emergency supplies so they should be kept at the ready. Ensure important documents are all in one place so they can be carried with you as you evacuate.
Preparing Your Home
Anyone purchasing or that already owns a home should ensure that the roof is covered with fire resistant shingles, tile or even metal. Outside decking and out buildings should be constructed using fire resistant materials as well.
Experts recommend that you maintain a fire zone that is at least 30 feet around your home. This means removing all dead underbrush and keeping grasses mowed to just a few inches and do not store firewood in this zone. Do not store propane gas grills with the tank attached on any decking connected to the home. The tanks should be a minimum of 15 feet from the house.
Any vegetation will burn if the area has experienced a drought, but pine and fir trees are especially flammable particularly in hot dry climates. Remove any dead trees/limbs immediately and replace with drought resistant trees and plants.
Know all available evacuation routes and map out alternative routes because the main routes will be clogged with others or the roadways and bridges may be impassable.
In ground or above ground pools can be a water source for you or the fire department so if you have a pool it is recommended that you keep it full.
Once You Realize a Fire Is Imminent
Have all emergency supplies and documents already in your vehicle if there is any indication there is a forest fire in the area. Back your vehicle into your garage and make sure all vehicles outside are pointed toward the street.
Shut off your heating or cooling system to prevent smoke from being drawn inside and turn off your gas supply at the meter. Make sure you have a portable radio to monitor for information.
Place a ladder near an outside water spigot so you can reach the roofline and run a garden hose up the ladder so you can water down your roof to extinguish any embers that may land there.
Close all doors and windows but leave the doors unlocked so rescue personnel or firefighters do not have to break down the doors. Turn on the exterior and interior lighting so you home can be seen in heavy smoke. Remove flammable drapes or any material covering your windows.
Once an evacuation order is issued, you must leave before you become trapped. Time is critical and no one can predict how fast the fire may move.
Emergency Essentials
Besides the normal emergency supplies such as food, water and other essentials, you should also consider having a fire shelter. Use the shelters if you cannot evacuate or are caught in the fire as you do evacuate.
According to the manufacturer, this shelter provides protection from direct flame and convective heating.
In addition to a fire shelter, you should also have dust masks if not respirator masks, heavy gloves, shoes, clothing, protective head gear and safety glasses/goggles.
Once you find yourself lost or stranded in the wilderness water becomes a priority. The average adult can survive up to three weeks or even longer in some cases, without food. You cannot survive longer than 72 hours however, without water and this timeframe is reduced in hot climates. You may need up to one gallon/four liters of water daily just to replace lost fluids.
Water Sources
Rivers, streams, ponds and lakes are the typical surface water sources in many wilderness environments. In some cases, you may find natural springs or cisterns that are filled from rainfall runoff. Direct rainfall is another source of water as well as morning dew. Morning dew is the condensation of atmospheric moisture that is heated by the sun during the day and as objects cool at night, the moisture will condense on the cooled surfaces. Surfaces where you can collect condensation include vegetation, metal and glass surfaces and pieces of plastic or rain gear you have in your pack.
Surface water sources must be filtered and purified before drinking. Filter using coffee filters, sand, charcoal, gravel, cheesecloth or clean pieces of cloth. Surface water found anywhere in the world is likely to contain harmful bacteria, pathogens and parasites. Surface water can be contaminated by animal and human feces, insects and animal carcasses.
Once filtered boil the water for one minute if you know you are at sea level and for three minutes if you know or suspect you are well above sea level. Water boils at a lower temperature at higher elevations because of reduced air pressure thus you have to boil it longer.
You can also disinfect the water using water purification tablets. Follow the label directions carefully. In some cases, you may have to wait up to four hours before drinking the water after treating with purification tablets.
You can also use two percent liquid iodine (tincture of iodine) to treat surface water. Liquid iodine can be found in many first aid kits and in most pharmacies and retail drug stores. Add 5 drops per one quart/liter of water and shake well. Add the drops only after filtering and then wait 30 minutes. You can double the drops if the water is still cloudy after filtration and then wait up to 60 minutes.
Morning Dew
Lay a rain poncho or any type of plastic over some vegetation before going to sleep. The dew will collect in the numerous wrinkles and depressions in the plastic. You can also absorb the dew off grasses, vehicle windshields, metal surfaces and leafy vegetation using a bandana or any clean absorbent cloth. Squeeze the cloth into a container or directly into your mouth. Dew collected this way does not need to be purified before drinking. In some areas, you can collect up to two quarts using this method. Much depends on the cloud cover and daytime air temperatures however.
Collect rainfall using your poncho or plastic or absorb using clean cloth. You can also drink the rainfall as it drips from known vegetation. You do not want to collect water from poisonous plants.
Arid Environment
You may find yourself in an arid environment where surface water sources are not likely to be available. You can however, find water if you know where to look. First, look for any type of green vegetation because this is an indication of ground water or moisture below the surface. Dry washes are ideal places to find water below the surface in an arid environment. Dry washes are caused usually by flash floods and water may be just a few feet below the surface.
Find a bend in the wash that is shaded and begin digging close to the sides of the wash. If after a foot down the soil is moist keep digging until you see standing water. Once the depression is full, you can filter the water directly into your canteen or cup with a bandanna or any piece of cloth, without purifying it. Ground water is typically safe to drink unless there are obvious surface contaminates that have leeched into the soil.
Look for game trails and once you find where they converge into one trail follow it because this usually leads to a water source. Once you have collected the water, filter it by any means possible and then boil or chemically treat. In arid environments many times small pools are fed by underground springs and if you can find the source of the water it can be consumed in an emergency if you collect it as it bubbles from below ground. Collect the water as close as possible to where it comes out of the ground.
Dew is usually heavy in arid environments so make sure you take advantage of it by following the above-described methods.
At some point, you may find yourself in a situation where you have to prepare your meals over a fire. You may have to do this in wilderness environment or even in your own back yard because a crisis has disrupted your utilities, and in some cases you may find you do not have any cooking utensils, pots or pans.
Сooking on Open Fire
Building Your Fire
For best results dig down between four and six inches, pile the soil to one side, and save. Line the bottom of the pit with flat dry rocks. Do not use rocks that were in the water. The moisture content will cause the rocks to fracture and chips may fly off as the rocks are heated. The rocks provide a barrier between the ground and your fire. The moisture in the soil will inhibit the fire and in very wet soil, you would not be able to maintain the fire. Once you no longer need the fire simply, fill back in with the excavated soil.
Lay flat rocks around the perimeter that can be used as heating surfaces. If you do not have any cookware, you can place your food right on the flat rocks to cook or even bake.
You can build the ring of stones to elevate your cooking surface and place green saplings over the fire for a cooking or drying surface for meats, vegetables or to hold light pans. You do not want the flames touching the wooden grates or the food. The grates will become useless overtime so make sure you keep an eye on them so your food or pans do not fall into the fire.
Cooking by flame will burn the food on the outside, and to get the food done on the inside you would end up destroying the food. Indirect heat is the best method particularly if you are drying or smoking meats for preservation. Let the fire burn down to coals and place you food on the green saplings for cooking. You can enclose the fire pit with a poncho or tarp to help keep the heat confined around the food.
If you cannot make grates out of wood, you can prop several sticks over the fire to drape your food over, and remember to keep the food out of the flames.
Dakota fire pit has an air chamber for feeding the fire. The fire is below ground level and is ideal in windy conditions or in areas where sparks or flame could ignite the surrounding vegetation. The pit also conceals the flame from others at night. With this type of fire pit, you would simply place your cooking pan directly over the fire pit.
In an emergency, you can put holes in a metal coffee can or large food can and use as a stove/cooking surface. Put numerous holes in the can, place hot coals in the can, and place a pot or pan over the top to heat. You will need plenty of air holes because the pot or pan will cover the opening and deprive the fire of oxygen.
Summertime heat can be hard on a vehicle. The engine is prone to overheating, and tires can be affected by the heat as well. This means if you are traveling in the summertime you may experience a vehicle breakdown on a desolate stretch of highway. The summer heat can be dangerous to you as well. Dehydration is a very real possibility in the heat and you must prepare yourself as well as your vehicle.
Essentials for Your Vehicle
Even if you only commute, a few miles to work you never know what might happen. You might decide to take a shortcut or for whatever reason you travel somewhere else. You need to be prepared, for a breakdown or an accident, involving wildlife or you simply run off the road and your vehicle becomes disabled. To survive a few hours or a few days in the summertime heat you need to be prepared. The following is a list of essentials everyone should have in their vehicle for summertime travel.
• At least three days’ supply of water and calculate the amount using the one gallon/four liters recommendation for each person daily. The average person needs at least two quarts/liters daily just for hydration and if you are sweating profusely you may need up to a gallon daily to maintain fluid levels in your body
• Food for 72-hours such as protein bars, MRE’s, trail mix and/or peanut butter and crackers
• Coolant for the radiator and avoid using water for coolant. Water boils at a lower temperature than radiator coolant. Only use water in the radiator as a last resort
• Quality spare tire and the tools needed to change tires
• Tools for roadside repairs
• Duct tape, electrical tape
• Cell phone and charger and have an extra battery
• Maps of the area and a compass
• Signal flags that can be attached to the vehicle and if your vehicle has run off the road into heavy vegetation place signal flags where the vehicle left the road
• Glow lights that can be placed in the back and front windows so the vehicle can be located in the dark
• Work gloves
• Fire starting materials
• Battery operated flashlight
• Multi-tool and a fixed bladed knife
If it is hot, stay close to the vehicle, try to avoid exertion to slow your perspiration and do not attempt to walk to civilization. You can become dehydrated in a matter of hours. The vehicle is your only shelter for the night and unless you fear your life is in danger never attempt to hike out of your predicament in the dark. Nocturnal animals begin hunting at dark and this includes dangerous reptiles such as snakes. Let rescue personnel find you and make their job easier by staying close to your vehicle. Start a signal fire if there is no chance of creating a forest fire, the smoke can be spotted from miles away.
If you are prepared, you can survive quite easily for three days or longer if you do not panic and begin blundering around out in the heat. Water is your main priority along with having shelter at night, so do not give up your shelter and avoid exertion to prevent heavy sweating.
Before you can put together a survival backpack, you first need the right backpack. Having the right pack is important because, after all it will contain all the essential items that will keep you alive in a survival situation. Your pack should be water resistant or even waterproof. It should have kidney straps for securing the pack around your waist, along with ample padding. The waist straps will reduce the weight on your shoulders, and transfer it to your hips, and it keeps the pack from banging against your lower back as you walk.
People tend to overload their packs and this is problematic. A few hours along the trail and they have to decide what goes and what stays. They simply cannot handle the weight. Be honest with yourself and realistic. Your bag should be around 50 pounds. You should have about 25lb/11kg of water, and the rest food and gear. Water weighs 8.5lb/3.8kg per gallon and the recommended daily amount per person is one gallon. To lessen the weight on your shoulders and to allow more room for other items use a weight bearing web belt for around your waist. Use canteens that have pouches that can attach to the belt. Have one canteen on each side, and as you use the water from the canteens replenish from the pack. Do not carry water in gallon containers, because this makes the weight distribution difficult.
A note about water, the average adult requires between 2.0 and 2.5 quarts/liters of water daily just to maintain proper hydration levels. In extreme heat, you may require up to one gallon of fluids daily. The one-gallon a day recommendation under normal conditions considers personal hygiene requirements such as sponge baths and oral care. Do not forgo personal hygiene if water is available, this will help prevent illnesses by reducing the spread of bacteria.
Your pack should also have straps either on the top or bottom to attach a sleeping bag, poncho, tarps or a tightly rolled nylon tent. This frees up room inside the pack and distributes the weight evenly. If you do not have, straps use paracord to attach rolled items.
Military issue Alice Pack this pack can hold up to 80 pounds of gear and comes with a metal frame. The pack can be worn with or without the frame. Your pack should have straps and/or buckles on the harness for attaching flashlights, compass, knives, machetes or hatchets.
Pack Essentials
Your priorities are shelter, water, fire and nutrition you cannot survive without these. It is assumed you would have cold weather clothing on if it is cold and if the weather is temperate then add a cold weather coat, gloves and hat for changes in the weather. You will not have enough room to pack to many extra clothes, but you must have extra socks.
Socks will need to be changed quite frequently regardless of the weather. Sweating feet will cause blisters and if your feet become wet, they must be dried as soon as possible to prevent trench foot. Trench foot is a medical condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold wet conditions. If left untreated this condition can cause permanent damage and result in gangrene and amputation. Trench foot is not a result of frostbite. The temperature does not have to be below freezing to develop trench foot.
Water of course is a priority and along with your supply, you should have water purification tablets, and coffee filters so you can collect, filter and purify a water source along the trail.
Avoid canned foods because of the weight, instead consider Meals Ready to Eat (MRE’s). The packages are lightweight and are not easily damaged so they can be packed tight inside the bag. Each meal is roughly 1,220 calories each and the daily recommendation for an adult is two meals a day. You can also carry beef jerky and protein bars. Avoid high sodium and high sugar content foods.
Carry a quality fixed bladed knife many experts will tell you a quality knife is one of the most important items you can carry. You should also have a multi-tool knife.
Make sure you have rain gear such as a poncho and it must be large enough to cover you and your pack when shouldered. A quality poncho can also be used as an emergency shelter. Carry a small nylon tent if you have the room.
Have a sleeping bag, appropriate for the season, and keep it tightly rolled and secured outside the pack. Have two thermal blankets so one can act as a ground cover. Carry one or more nylon tarps that can be rolled tightly and secured outside the pack. Use for emergency shelter or ground cloths.
Carry fire-starting tools such as a magnesium stick, and Ferro rod in addition to matches. Have a camp axe, machete and/or a folding wood saw. Have nylon rope, fishing line and assorted hooks and tackle. Carry 20-24 gauge wire for animal snares, general bindings and gear repair.
Have a first aid kit along with personal hygiene items such as hand sanitizer, bath wipes and oral care items. Carry extra bandanas, sunglasses, flashlight, and personal protection. Consider a collapsible walking stick as well.
The safest place if you are caught in a snowstorm while driving is in your vehicle. Sudden blizzards accompanied by high winds can cause whiteout conditions, and you can become disorientated and lost just feet from your vehicle. Stay inside and when you have to go out to make sure the tail pipe is not clogged with snow. Keep one hand on the vehicle or tie a rope to you and the car’s door handle. You cannot run your engine if the exhaust pipe is obstructed with snow or vegetation. Make sure to have a window down a few inches when running the engine. Once you become stranded run the car’s engine for ten minutes every 45 minutes to an hour.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Always keep the vehicles’ gas tank topped off, this ensures you have fuel if you become stranded and it also prevents moisture build up in the lines that can freeze and prevent you from starting the engine. The following is a list of essentials you should always have in your car when traveling in the wintertime.
• Three days of high protein foods that can be eaten as is, such as Meals Ready to Eat (MRE’s), protein bars, hard chocolate and trail mix
• 72-hour supply of water protected from freezing, place in Styrofoam coolers with newspaper or clothing for insulation
• Tire chains and traction pads, sand or cat litter for traction
• Small shovel
• Glow Lights the kind that you snap and shake
• Cell phone and charger/extra battery even if the phone does not have a carrier if charged the phone can dial 911
• Two thermal or wool blankets and/or sleeping bag
• Snow boots, heavy coat, gloves and hat
• Signal material such as brightly colored cloth or signal flags that can be held in place by closing a rear window on the material, used to signal rescue personnel
• Jumper/battery cables and/or a battery box with power converter and jump start cables attached
• Tools for minor car repair, duct tape, gallon of anti-freeze and extra motor oil
• Knife and multi-tool
• Matches, lighter and alternative fire starting materials such as a magnesium stick
• First aid supplies
• Snow brush and ice scraper
• Maps of the area along with a compass
• Flashlight and avoid lights that use the vehicles’ battery
• Nylon tow rope and avoid chains or steel cables for towing, they can snap and whip around causing serious injury if used to pull a vehicle
If possible, get signal fires going near the vehicle. Smoke can be seen for miles during the day and the flames can be seen at night. Keep wrapped in blankets to prevent body heat from conducting away from your body. Hypothermia is dangerous and can be a fatal condition if you
