Equipment Guide to Survival and Exploring Nature

Preparation: What to Take


Planning on a trek through nature? Be prepared for any situation. You could get caught in a rain storm, or lost in fog. Flash floods may occur at anytime, without warning, and you may be left in dire straits. If such an event occurs, where you are forced to spend hours or days in the wilderness, then you need the means for survival. Also expect the worst from weather, and dress accordingly, especially in the mountains. Wool is highly recommended, because it keeps you warm even when wet. To prevent hypothermia, always have at least 2 sources of heat handy. Blazing orange is a requirement for hunters, but hikers should wear orange also, to prevent accidents. Orange is also easily recognizable. Have fun exploring!

 

Basic Survival Kit

  • Compass
  • Plastic Whistle
  • Pocket Knife
  • Fire Starter
  • Soap
  • WaterProof Matches
  • A Second Fire Making Method (like flint and steel)
  • Water Purification Tablets (or Iodine in a stopper)
  • First Aid Kit
  • Drinking Container
  • Extra Glasses (if you use glasses)
  • Sunglasses
  • Nylon Cord

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    What's In My Survival Kit

  • Razor Blades
  • 2 Firesticks (used for kindling)
  • Plastic Whistle
  • Needle
  • Candle
  • Plastic Poncho
  • Antiseptic Pads
  • Small Soap (the kind from hotels)
  • Water Bottle (I carry this)
  • Thread
  • Notepad and Pencil (for jotting down notes)
  • Salt Packet
  • Fish Hooks
  • Safety Pins
  • Fishing Line
  • Compass (I recommend having 2 compasses)
  • Sinkers
  • Small Mirror (for signal, not to check hair and makeup LOL)
  • Lightstick (like the kind you use for halloween is okay)
  • Emergency Blanket (it is metallic and folds really small)
  • Nylon Cord
  • Sterile Gauze Pad
  • Bandages of Various Size
  • Elastic Patch (for tears and such)
  • Small Bottle of Iodine (few drops for water purification, or can double as disinfectant)
  • Snare Wire
  • 12' Rope
  • Trail Tape (mark where you were)
  • Waterproof Matches in Waterproof Container
  • Adhesive Strips
  • Waterproof Pouch
  • Compact Bag (to hold everything in.. mine is 8x12")

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    Basic Equipment for Hiking Moderate to Strenuous Trails

  • Bag (to put items in, a large fanny pack is okay)
  • Extra Clothing (In case of rain, bring a jacket preferably of wool)
  • Map
  • Compass
  • Food and Water (Energy maintenance.. always assume all water is undrinkable *probably is*)
  • Flashlight w/ batteries and bulbs
  • Sunglasses
  • Apply sunblock before leaving, keep with you to reapply
  • Pocket Knife
  • First Aid Kit
  • Survival Kit (suggested.. see above on putting together a kit)
  • Waterproof matches
  • Candle (used to keep flame for starting a fire, only if absolutely necessary)
  • Mosquito repellent (recommended diethyltoluamide *DEET* ingredient)
  • Tissue
  • Something to dig a hole for solid wastes
  • Footwear appropriate for terrain
  • Passes and Permits (if required)

    • Planning on Backpacking? Make Sure You Have These *At Least*

  • Backpack
  • Tent
  • Permit
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Socks
  • Boots
  • Underwear
  • Hat
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Equipment listed for Moderate to Strenuous Hikes Above
  • Shirts
  • Shorts or Pants
  • Rain Gear (wool is recommended)
  • Medication
  • Cookware (If pressed for space, some people bring canned goods and cook in that)
  • Camp Clean-up Items (like bag for rubbish, wiping cloth, etc)
  • Toiletries (soap and toothbrush, for example)
  • Eating Utensils
  • Stove and Fuel (optional, unless you don't know how to start a fire)

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