The purpose of an Emergency or Survival kit is simple, it is to ensure the safety and survival of the person or persons using it during times when essential necessities are unavailable. Kits come in all forms shapes and sizes. Below are instructions on how to prepare a simple Hiking Survival Kit.

Step 1: Survival Kit: Supplies & Preparation Instructions

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” - Benjamin Franklin

Supplies

Whistle
Mirror
Waterproof Poncho
Small Carabiners
Matches
Fishing Line
Paracord / 550
Lip Balm
Topical Analgesic (ex: Benadryl)
Head Lamp
Water Purification Tablets
Travel Soap Dish
Wire Saw
Magnesium Bar w/ Striker
Survival Blanket
Petroleum Jelly Covered Cotton Balls
Compass
Duct Tape
Travel Bottles / various types
Fishing hooks
ChemLights
Plastic sealable container (Ex: Rubbermaid or Tupperware)

“Preparedness is the key to success and victory” - Douglas MacArthur

Assembly

Place all items out on a flat surface
Inspect items for any defects or imperfections
Pack small containers first - (Travel Soap Dish)
- Petroleum Jelly covered Cotton Balls
Begin placing items into the Plastic Sealable Container.
- Tip: Keep you signaling devices such as the Mirror towards the top of the container.
Seal Kit & Placement
- Tear Duct Tape into strips to help seal container
- Place extra strips of Duct Tape on the container for later use
- Store kit in hiking backpack or where you keep your hiking gear.

Step 2: Kit Maintenance

After you have assembled your kit, maintain its contents! You always want it to be ready when needed!

Before each outing and after each outing check your supplies!
Reevaluate your needs every year and prepare accordingly. Needs change and life happens, add and subtract items as necessary.
Remember being prepared is everything!

Step 3: Additional Resources

Websites

Reading Material

Books

Harrison, Kathy. Just in Case: How to be Self-Sufficient when the Unexpected Happens. Storey Publishing. 2008
Wiseman, John 'Lofty'. SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere. William Morrow Paperbacks. 2014
Alton, Amy. The Ultimate Survival Medicine Guide: Emergency Preparedness for ANY Disaster. Skyhorse. 2015

Magazines

PREPARE Magazine; https://www.preparemag.com/

American Survival Guide: https://www.asgmag.com/

Recoil Offgrid Magazine: https://www.offgridweb.com/magazine/

"If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe." — Abraham Lincoln