First Aid/Survival Kits

[daryl_s]

I was wondering what you guys think are the most important first aid/survival items to carry at all times when out in the field. I tried to do a search but didn't come up with much.

 

When I was in Boy Scouts back in the day we made these little survival kits and I carried it around for years every time I was in the great outdoors. It was pretty simple but very handy. Some of the things that I can remember it having are: small plastic mirror, emergency blanket, emergency poncho, a small amount of fishing line, hooks, split shots in one those 35 mm camera film containers, dryer lint or those fire starters in a ziploc bag, one of those p38 can openers, flint and steel, small pocket knife, waterproof strike anywhere matches, a small amount of rope. That's most of what I remember from the list but I think at some point I used every single thing in there. I even tested out the fishing line and hooks to see if it would work if needed. I dug up some worms and tied the fishing line to a stick, lodged it behind a rock put some splitshots on and came back about an hour later and had about a 10" brown on there that cooked up really good. I can't remember what all I had in there but it was pretty small, simple and light. I think one thing I would add is more first aid type stuff. I just like to try to be prepared as much as possible, within reason of course.

 

What do your lists look like and what do you consider most important or absolutely necessary? I appreciate any and all suggestions.

[DesertBull]

water and shelter. You can last for weeks on that in most Az climates. Food is secondary.

[jamaro]

Just wondering... what can you do with that can opener other than open cans????

 

J

[AZP&Y]

Katadyn Water purification tablets-

 

Micropur MP-1 is the only water purification tablet that is EPA registered as a Microbiological Water Purifier to inactivate all protozoa (like Cryptosporidium and Giardia), bacteria (like E Coli and Salmonella) as well as viruses (Hepatitis and Norwalk virus). Meets full EPA microbiological water purifier test standards.

 

Tablets form chlorine dioxide bubbles when exposed to water so they virtually leave no taste or odor.

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Individually sealed for longer shelf life.

Works in all water conditions.

Perfect for use in any suspect water- backpacking, camping, hotels, emergencies, international travel, etc.

30 tablets.

 

AzP&Y

[daryl_s]

Just wondering... what can you do with that can opener other than open cans????

 

J

 

I have no idea. I just remember it being part of the kit .

 

I also realize that water and shelter by far outweigh everything else, but there are plenty of other things that can be very useful.........first aid materials for example. My dad broke his ankle while fishing black river 4 or 5 years ago. He was with a friend and 2 miles from the truck. He had an ace bandage in his pack and was able to wrap his ankle to help keep the swelling down. Would he have died if he didn't have it??? No, but it sure helped him in the situation he was in. I just was wondering what you guys/gals normally take that you would consider to be necessary.

 

AZP&Y-Are those water purification tablets available at places like Sportsman's Warehouse??

 

Thanks for the ideas so far.

[Coues 'n' Sheep]

Quite honestly Daryl.... here in Az we have so little true wilderness hunting that less is more, IMO.... I stick to a couple simple things for most AZ hunts: 2 protein bars, 1 spaceblanket, 1 mini-emergency poncho, matches, a bit of rope, water and my hunting gear.....and that is too much weight as it is. I didn't even carry much more than that when hunting in the NWT... and we slept out over night 6 (GPS) miles from camp. I did have my wool sweater, gloves, beany, and Gortex rain parka and that kept me warm. But in reality I had more gear with me than both of the guys that were my "guides"... I just really think less is more... the secret is to have alittle extra and don't worry about the rest..... all that survival stuff just isn't as handy in the modern world of GPS's, radios, and cell phones. Make yourself prepared menatly for a night out on the mountain and the rest will work out fine in 99.9% of the situations you will ever get yourself into. Again, Less is More! IMO.

 

 

CnS