Introduction: Layered Survival Kit

About: I have 3 cats and my favorite food is dough of all types! I aspire to be a doctor.

This Survival Kit is unique in that it has layers. The final layer, a tarp or garbage bag, gives it a semi-waterproof quality. It is also easy to make because it has a lot of things in it that you probably already have at your house.

Step 1: Gather the Things You Need

You will need.........

A First Aid Kit including....

gauze

antibacterial cream

scissors

tweezers

adhesive band aids

non-adhesive band aids

waterproof adhesive tape

other items you feel are important (ear plugs, sting relief, etc..)

a plastic bag

The Other Items you Will Need are..........

tape

a non-perishable food item (not a can)

matches, flint and steel, or any other fire starting equipment

a signaling device (whistle, mirror, etc..)

strong rope

water bottle

old clothes

garbage bag or tarp

hair tie or something to tie something up

Step 2: Layering Food, First Aid Kit, and Water Bottle

First start with the water bottle. Fill it full with water. It's important to fill it only with water because in a survival situation, water is best for our bodies. And if you run out of water, DON'T DRINK YOUR URINE! If you want, you can put in a LifeStraw. Start by putting your non-perishable food in a plastic bag. Before you close it, get all of the air out. A cool trick is to close it most of the way and suck the air out then close it. It's kind of like a vacuum sealer. Next tape the bag of food onto the water bottle like shown above. After you have done that, place all items needed for the first aid kit into a bag. Make sure all the air is out and close it. Tape it onto the bag like you did with the food. If you have trouble, use longer strands of tape and take out a few band aids.

Step 3: Adding the Strong Rope and Accessories

Now that you have taped your first aid kit and food, you can add the rope and accessories. Start with the rope. It should be long, light weight, and as skinny as possible. Where the two bags meet, thread the rope under and when it comes out the other side, tape it down. Tape is very important in making this kit. Keep doing this until you reach the end of your rope (no pun intended :D). When you reach the end, tape it down. Next, tape down your compass, signaling device, and fire starting equipment.

Step 4: Adding the Clothes and Knife

Next, take your old pair of socks and put the pocket knife inside. Make sure that the blade is facing toward the toe so when you take it out you won't cut yourself. Place the other sock over the first sock. Then tape it on the water bottle. Take your old shirt and place it underneath the water bottle then roll it up! Next slip the old pair of pants or shorts a little bit underneath the shirt and roll that up too. In a survival situation, change your clothes if you get wet to prevent hypothermia. Like I said earlier, tape is important, so tape down the shirt and pants/shorts to each other. This will make it more sturdy and will hold the layers together.

Step 5: Finishing Up With the Tarp

Last, place the kit in a garbage bag or tarp. Tie it tight and as close to the kit as possible. Using a hair tie is best because it is designed to do this and it has good elasticity. Spread out the edges and fold them under. If there is still a lot of material, tie it up again and do the same thing till there is not enough material for you to do it again. When this happens, tape down the edges. It should look like a ball.

Step 6: Final Note

This survival kit may not be very fancy, but in a survival situation, you'll be glad you have it. It provides all essential needs. I hope you don't have to use it. Remember to always be safe when hiking and don't go off the beaten path. Don't try anything too challenging either. It is also a good idea to wear bright clothes and use things with bright colors so that searchers can spot you easily.

Brave the Elements 2016

Participated in the
Brave the Elements 2016

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