A first aid kit is different from a hiking survival kit.
First aid supplies enable you to address an array of physical injuries such as cuts, burns, scrapes, bruises, broken bones, or other minor medical issues encountered on a trail.
A survival kit equips you with the necessary technology to endure extreme temperatures and other unfavorable circumstances until either assistance is received or you are able to reach a location where aid is available.
What are the advantages of assembling or buying a hiking survival kit? It allows you to store it in your vehicle for the purpose of tackling unforeseen environmental calamities (such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, wind storms, blizzards) when you are unable to seek refuge.
The basics
Whenever time allows, dedicated hikers always pay attention to building outdoor skills.
In case something goes wrong on your next hike, one of the most fundamental tasks you should undertake is to rig the odds in your favor.
To ensure your physiological needs are met as a human being, it is necessary to regulate your body temperature, replace lost fluids (by consuming water), and have at least one meal within a 24-hour period.
Is it possible for you to push those numbers?
In the case of an emergency where time is not on your side, it depends on your specific circumstances.
- A cold, wet hiker faces a set of challenges that a hot, dehydrated hiker does not, but a hiking survival kit will get both of them through it.
What a basic hiking survival kit contains
A hiker can rely on a basic kit until conditions improve for moving or until assistance arrives.
In order to survive, it is crucial to have the necessary items that can help you tackle the primary challenges you may encounter.
- Protection from the elements, in the form of a lightweight emergency blanket; doubles as a signalling device if made of reflective material
- Illumination, to eliminate having to wait for daylight (Tip: a headlamp leaves your hands free)
- Signalling devices that don’t depend on daylight: whistle or a light stick
- Communication device: personal locator beacon or satellite messenger
- Safe drinking water
- Fire starting materials that work even in the absence of dry fuel: specially coated waterproof matches, for example. Pyro Putty is a great option for fire starts in adverse conditions.
To further condense the list, consider how to conserve your body heat and minimize dehydration by thinking step by step.
Put simply, be capable of providing yourself with both shelter and drinkable water.
Ideas for making your own hiking survival kit
In order to ensure your convenience while carrying it in your backpack, locate a compact container or pouch that is both lightweight and waterproof.
- One approach: Use a small coffee can and fill it with safety items, which can double for boiling water over a fire or holding berries, minnows or other food.
- Another approach: Use a plastic or waterproof zippered sack to hold your survival items.
When considering the text, it is crucial to bear in mind that waterproof and lightweight are significant factors. Therefore, it is not advisable to settle for a weak plastic bag that may tear apart and leave your survival kit exposed to rain, mud, or wind.
What possessions do you currently possess that would be able to tackle the mentioned challenges?
Items such as a whistle, lighter, mini flashlight, signal mirror, roll of dental floss or fishing line, heavy duty garbage bag, and duct tape could potentially be readily available within one’s house.
If you want to have water treatment tablets, a mylar emergency blanket, and fire starters (or you can also coat a few cotton balls with petroleum jelly), it would require some planning ahead and a visit to a gear store.
- Note that these items address your top concerns: warmth and clean water.
- Don’t leave them out of your hiking survival kit.
The essentials
Map & Compass
While technology, particularly GPS, can be incredibly useful, it is crucial not to rely solely on your smartphone when lost in remote areas. To ensure a safe return to the trailhead, it is important to have a map and compass packed in your survival kit. However, it is essential to have knowledge and expertise in using these tools for them to be reliable.
First-Aid Kit
It is important to have small bandages and antibacterial ointment in your first-aid kit. However, if you’re going on a long backpacking trip, it is crucial to bring a triangle bandage and gauze for compression. These items are necessary for severe injuries and can be used alongside a makeshift splint.
Signal Mirror
It is important to avoid being in a situation where you are too tired or too far away to signal your need for help if you are lost. Signal mirrors have the capability to be seen from up to 15 miles away. On clear and sunny days, a signaling mirror is a effective method for getting the attention of people who can assist you. Some compasses include a mirror, which means you do not need to carry an extra one.
Fire Starter
To be able to withstand cold temperatures, it is necessary to possess the ability to ignite a fire. It is recommended to carry various fire starters in waterproof bags, such as matches, a lighter, a striker, and dry tinder. By having multiple options available, you will be prepared in case one method fails. Primus offers a reliable all-weather choice called the Ignition Steel, while including a small folding saw can be beneficial for collecting additional tinder.
Water Purification System
Survival without food can last for about three weeks, but the same cannot be said for water. The maximum duration without water is one week, although it is more likely to be three to four days. Therefore, it is crucial to carry a water purification system in case you deplete your own water supply. Additionally, it is advisable to pack water purification tablets as a backup in case your system stops functioning.
Knife
If you find yourself in the woods and need assistance, having a reliable knife can be very useful for various tasks such as sharpening sticks, cutting cord, cutting bandages, and potentially even skinning a hunt or fish. One highly recommended option is the Primus FieldChef Pocket Knife, which is both lightweight and sharp.
Cordage
Cordage, similar to a knife, is useful in various situations. It comes in handy for climbing steep surfaces, hanging clothes, securing shelter, crafting fishing line, setting up trap triggers, and accomplishing other tasks. Certain types of cordage, such as Paracord, have a capacity to withstand up to 550 pounds, thus proving its usefulness in emergency rappelling scenarios.
Fishing Line and Hooks
Cordage serves as a fishing line when needed in an emergency, but there is an additional advantage to carrying this lightweight tool. When faced with a survival situation, it becomes crucial to possess a means of procuring sustenance once your emergency supplies are exhausted. By attaching fishing line and hooks to a branch, nearby streams can be used for fishing purposes.
Flashlight or Headlamp
Having a compact light available for use during dark times can make it easier to navigate at night. It is advantageous if you have the means to carry additional batteries.
