Ten Survival Items for the Outdoors

I have studied under surival experts, hiked with Scouts, worked with former pararescue people and learned through dumb luck along with a few bits of wisdom gathered through living life.  This qualifies me by far as no expert but does give me the opinion that most outdoors enthusiasts are not prepared for the outdoors.

This list of ten items will provide the ability for you to prepare for an outdoor experience that turns into a survival situation.  It is ultimately up to you to use the first item in the list to construct the survival equipment that best suits your enviroment and yourself.  If there is one item I do hope you get from this it is the first item.

The reality is, the items could fluctuate based on the terrain your are in. Your brain is the one item that remains as number one.

If I have missed anything in this list, please comment on it. No, I'm not including the personal locator beacon.  Most people are not going to buy this even though it is handy.

Step 1

The first item required is a brain.  Without this vital piece of equipment, all other items are useless and may lead to a faster demise.  Properly using the brain provides the ability to utilize all other pieces of equipment.  A brain is like a tool chest.  If there are no tools in the chest then is it a tool chest?

Your brain needs to be filled.  This is called preparation.  Before you plan for the trek, you need to prepare for a survival situation.  Take a wilderness first aid course or at least study it.  Learn how to catch fish and not with a rod and reel.  Learn how to use a snare and deadfall.  These are important methods for situations where you may be in the bush for an extended period of time.  Learn the local plants; edible and non.  Learn different methods of starting a fire.  Learn how to make a shelter, getting water, signaling, staying warm and how to use a map and compass.  Practice this.  Yeah, I know some laws prevent you from properly testing.

Next we fill the tool chest with information about your trek.  Study maps and talk to people to learn of roads, rivers, hills and any other item in the area.  NOTIFY people of where you are going, when you are going and when you plan to return.  Take another person with you.

To sum up, educate yourself.  This will prepare you when a survival situation occurs.  Without education and proper mental preparedness, the following items may be of no use.

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Comments

[flamesami]

I would add a candle to the fire-starting bit, because i can think of many uses for it. To me, the first rule of gear is "as many uses as possible". the first rule of survival is "there are no rules." You are only limited by your body and brain. Expand them. Great instructable.

[KingArthur]

A candle is certainly an option. I even have one in one of my many varieties of first aid kits.