A survival kit should be the constant companion of hikers, backpackers and campers who face the special challenges of remote areas and the game-changing nature of weather and rough terrain. Even outside of the wilderness, survival tools can become suddenly essential in the event of power failures and other unforeseen events.
First-Aid Kit
A robust first-aid kit should be in everyone’s hiking pack. Minor injuries that cause little concern in civilization can have big ramifications in the wild if they become infected or hinder your ability to travel. Many outdoor-goods stores stock prepacked first-aid kits, but you can also assemble one yourself. Basic components should include bandages and gauze, antibiotic creams and ointments, latex gloves, tweezers, scissors and over-the-counter pain medication, such as aspirin. Consult the online resources of such organizations as the American Red Cross or the National Outdoor Leadership School for additional first-aid kit suggestions. Pack a first-aid manual or book, too, and bone up on procedures for various injuries and conditions before your outing. Ideally, you should also get first-aid training.
Food & Water
Pack extra food on any trip. The additional weight may seem a burden, but you’ll be thankful for the high-energy fare if your itinerary becomes unexpectedly extended. Toting a water filtration and purification system is also a good idea. You can use a purifier water bottle or iodine or chlorine tablets, but boiling water remains the surest way to render water safe for drinking.
Signaling & Navigation Equipment
Include whistles, signaling mirrors and emergency flares in your survival kit equipment to broadcast your situation and communicate with potential rescuers. In "The Outdoors Almanac," writer Len McDougall recommends familiarizing yourself with the international ground-to-air signaling symbols, which can be assembled by a lost hiker using stones, branches and other materials at hand. Always pack a good compass in your survival kit and know how to operate it. Also bring along a topographic map for the area you’re exploring to use in conjunction with it.
Clothing & Shelter
Bring extra clothing for insulation. Also pack an emergency tarp, a space blanket or even a large garbage bag to serve as ready-made shelter in extenuating circumstances. Bring rope to serve as rigging for the shelter.
Fire & Illumination
No matter what your planned outing is, always have fire-starting materials stowed in a dry place in your hiking pack. A combination of tools--lighter, waterproof matches and sparking flint--is never a bad idea. A flashlight or headlamp is a necessity as well. Pack a crank-style model if you can or tote along extra batteries.
Knife
A sturdy knife serves endless purpose in the wilderness, and in an emergency situation it can double for any number of more-specialized tools.
References
- "Wilderness First Aid"; Tod Schimelpfenig, Linda Lindsey; 2000 (pgs. 300-301)
- "The Backpacker's Field Manual"; Rick Curtis; 2005 (pgs. 21-22, 96)
- "The Outdoors Almanac"; Len McDougall; 1999 (pgs. 152-154)
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