Being lost or stranded in the wilderness
can be extremely dangerous, particularly
in harsh weather and without adequate food,
water, clothing, and shelter. If you anticipate
being in the wilderness, begin your preparations
by reading a few books on wilderness survival.
If you are prepared and know what to do ahead
of time, you won’t panic.
Here are a few pointers on how to prepare
a wilderness survival kit:
- Compactness is very important. Only put in
the kit what you really need in an emergency.
If the kit is cumbersome to carry easily,
it usually ends up being left behind in the
car or tent and not with you when you need
it. The best test is if you know you are
carrying it, it's too large or heavy.
- The kit should be water resistant or waterproof.
- The most important things in a wilderness
survival kit are
- items for warmth - plastic sheet, poncho,
strike anywhere matches in a waterproof case
and/or a disposable lighter)
- drinking water - if sources of water are
abundant, you can boil water for 10 minutes
to kill bacteria, but you will need something
to boil it in. Consider water purification
tablets and a rollup bladder or bag.
- a cutting tool (sharp, sturdy knife).
- food - pack a couple of energy bars and a
miniature fishing kit (fish hooks, fish line,
sinkers in a film canister)
- a compass, map, and a writing instrument.
- Medical supplies:
- a small supply of any necessary medications
- a small first aid kit with a few basic items, but remember, keep
it small. A roll of gauze, gauze pads, aspirin,
and antibiotic cream should be enough.
- If you are dependant on eyeglasses, consider
putting an extra pair in your
survival kit.
Remember to keep the kit separate from your
backpack, jacket, or other item that you
might accidentally become separated from.
The best place to keep it is in a fanny pack
attached to your belt. | |
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