Critique my survival kit

[wheelgunslinger]

i agree that you can carry more in a car.
Most abandon their cars after a catastrophe because the batteries run down/die.
Keeping a small solar cell to plug into the lighter will let you keep a charge on your battery if you have a mechanical failure, but still need to listen to the radio, power up cell phones, etc.
You can get them through peregrine or a local outdoors outfitter.

 

[Gene_WI]

Once again, the suggestions here are the reason I love this board.

Will include many upgrades to the kit.

 

[Grizfire]

I think both you and him mean potassium Iodide.

And isn't that available in tablet form?

Potassium iodide is a colorless solid, so it could be a tablet. It could also be dissolved in solution (colorless liquid).

Iodine is a red/yellow solution used as a disinfectant.

Gene, you might want to figure out which of these can be safely ingested to protect against radiation. I have a feeling iodide is used for radiation, while iodine is only used as an antiseptic, therefore, I don't think you should ingest the iodine you have listed in your survival kit unless you know this to be OK.

 

[Regolith]

My suggestion: if you haven't yet, take a first aid class. All the stuff in the med kit ain't worth a damn if you don't know how to use it properly.

 

[Gene_WI]

Potassium iodide is a colorless solid, so it could be a tablet. It could also be dissolved in solution (colorless liquid).

Iodine is a red/yellow solution used as a disinfectant.

You are 100% correct.

 

[Patrick_Henry]

A thought on fire starting gear:
I usually carry both matches and lighters. The matches are easier to ration out if you get stuck for a long period of time, but the lighter will hold a flame on a difficult to light surface for longer.

I also highly recommend candles. They provide a descent light source and will start a fire when nothing else will.

Since this is a car kit you might also want to consider some sort of crank operated radio, a serious plus is one that also picks up the national weather service...

 

[Chindo18Z]

Gene_WI:

You are obviously trying to be prepared for a wide range of contingencies (which is good; the vehicle allows you to carry more).

I'd suggest that the same categories which apply to any survival kit (pocket, belt, pack, rucksack, home, etc.) also apply to an auto kit:

Shelter
Insulation
Water
Fire
Navigation
Signals
Food
Tools
First Aid
Communications
Weapons
Light

You have water but need a way to purify or filter more. Add portable water filter/purifier...or... small bottle of pure liquid bleach (unscented), iodine crystals, or backpacking purification tablets (or filter AND chemical ); also add a collapsible water bladder or additional canteen

You have socks, hat, & gloves, but no weather protection. Add seasonal waterproof jacket or parka, sweater or fleece jacket, cargo pants or shorts , and a good pair of light hiking boots (broken-in). Weather can kill you quicker than nuclear fallout during any season. Apologies if you plan on already wearing what you need in Wisconsin , but it's always good to have an extra DRY set in the car.

Add a compass and a detailed road map of your area/state (GPS if you must, but have a compass)

Add a fire kit (magnesium/flint, lighter, matches, something)

Add an LED headlamp (the single most useful item you can have for darkness) with some extra batteries; don't leave the batteries out in extreme cold all winter long.

Add a poncho or small tarp in order to rig a shelter from rain or sun or cover a shattered auto windscreen or car window; use parachute cord or bungis to fasten grommets to auto, trees, poles, etc.

Add a small backpack, climbing pack, or 3-day assault pack to carry some of this stuff (if you have to abandon the vehicle)

Add sunscreen & and extra pair of cheap sunglasses.

Add an inexpensive pair of clear goggles (ski, paintball, etc) for when you have to drive with a shattered windscreen; also good for protecting eyes while moving through thick woods, vines, or vegetation at night (after abandoning auto).

Add a whistle and a signal mirror; practice with each.

Add a small long-burning emergency candle. This can keep interior temp of a dead auto above freezing while you wait for help.

Add a sleeping bag. WalMart sells 0 degree and 20 degree rated bags for next to nuthin (on sale $30 - $50).

You already have a good kit, but there is always room for improvement.

Hope this helps...

 

[Mannlicher]

Bobs and kits are very individual. If you ask 100 guys, you will have 100 different kits.
I carry what suits me in a back pack. some of the same things, some different things. The idea is the same though. Pack what you think will best help you get home, or get away.

 

[Blakenzy]

Since this is a car kit you can really afford to carry a little more weight.

I would include a second, larger water container, as large as is practical because that canteen will empty in no time, and drinking water is a No.1 priority, always.

For the medkit I would also add: 2-3 plaster cast packets (some pharmacies carry them) and large cotton rolls. This is not to make a full cast around a fractured limb as that is rather complicated and may cause harm if not done appropriately, but to make a half-cast ferule. This will immobilize a fractured limb far better than two sticks and some rope. Also add 2-3 elastic bandages (2 meter length). These will complete the half cast immobilization, or can be used alone for sprained ankles, wrists, etc. Some type of surgical tape will be handy, to apply gauzes to wounds. And finally insect repellent. In some places that may save you a good deal of suffering.

Also, again, since this is a car kit you could include a .22LR of some sort. Very useful for hunting small animals plus .22 ammo takes up very little space.

 

[Wolfman_556]

Leatherman Supertool or something similar. 0ne of the most useful items you'll ever own.

 

[Diggers]

I agree with the other poster who said think about what you would need backpacking.

I would say that is the Basic Core of your kit, protection from the elements, food, shelter, that is basic survival then add on extras from there.

I would work on the med kit too, I see it as an important part of basic survival. Personally I would add a few gauze rolls and ace bandages, a tube of Polysporin, and hydrocortisone also, and rubber gloves of some sort if you don't all ready have them.

I wouldn't worry about trying to prepare to deal with radiation above ground, there really isn't a point.

 

[sacp81170a]

I would add one of these:

http://www.tacticalresponsegear.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2417

Plus, I'd get training on how to use it, especially the airway. Not being able to breathe kills you quicker than bleeding, and crushing injuries to the larynx are possible in a car accident.

ABC, Airway Breathing Circulation. You have a little more time to deal with everything else after you deal with those.

 

[george29]

Nothing to add, just want my name here so I can reference this thread easier, too good to lose.

 

[Keegan]

Nothing to add, just want my name here so I can reference this thread easier, too good to lose.

Thread Tools > Subscribe to this thread

I'm keeping track of it too.

 

[zinj]

Maybe add another box or two of ammo also. It is nice to have something to top off your mags with. Plus you can make extra ammo very compact if you remove it from the packaging it comes in and put it in a smaller container.

 

[csaws]

Ditto

"Nothing to add, just want my name here so I can reference this thread easier, too good to lose"

 

[george29]

thanks keegan

 

[Caimlas]

I don't know what kind of "worst road conditions" you're speaking of, but I can think of several notable things you're missing:

1) A change of (wool) socks. Wet, cold feet will sap your body heat/energy faster than almost anything.
2) Heat packs (like the $1/pair kind you can get at any sporting goods store) - good for you, and good for keeping water from freezing/defrosting water. Dehydration can lead to body heat maintenance problems.
3) More (high calorie) food. Cold weather survival requires a lot more energy than warm/hot weather survival.
4) More water. You can't - or at least shouldn't - eat snow. And if it's a warm climate, well, people sweat.
5) One to three large thermal blankets. Either use them to wrap yourself and/or those you're with, or use them for an improvised outdoor shelter (in cold weather, don't stay in your vehicle unless it is on: condensation will build, and the metal vehicle will act as a heatsink freezing you quickly.)
6) Blankets, lots of blankets - whether they're sleeping bags or just old army blankets, it doesn't really matter. SOmething to keep you warm (remember, body temperature drops while a person is sleeping).
7) and, if I'm going to be out on a long trip, I like to have a gallon of dedicated fuel for a dual-fuel gas stove, as well as the stove itself. It'll heat up an sheltered area (or at least your hands) and can be used to melt ice/snow for water if need be as well. (Careful of CO2 poisoning, of course). But as a matter of expediency, it can keep you and anyone else in the vehicle from getting frostbite in the extremities if your car has run out of gas.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Taking Notes

I'm taking notes here, because I have a similar project in work.

My knife selection is different, and I have more of them.

In the Jeep, I have a large folder, a small folder, a medium fixed blade, a hobo tool (w/openers), a short machete, and a hatchet. If I had to hoof it, not all of those would go, but for any given set of circumstances, I'd have something appropriate I could select.

All of my vehicles have a large Buck-110-style folder and a medium fixed knife in the center console, and a scout knife (SAK-style) in the glove box, along with at least one flashlight.

I recently got a Tuff Bin for the Jeep, and the tools and emergency stuff is going in there. It doesn't seal, so I'm using smaller plastic (snap-seal) boxes as "modules" for stuff like first aid, food, clothing, shelter, and so on. One of the things missing from the box is a good way to carry any significant part of it on my person should a hike be necessary.

We also have some BoBs configured, but they need to be redone, as they lack necessities and yet are too heavy. Go figure. I learn something new from each attempt.

I also have a book of knots in multiple copies, and various .mil survival manuals in multiple copies. Basically one of each for the car box, and one for each BoB.

I have no shortage of equipment, but right now it's poorly organized, and part of that is simply a lack of practice.

Once I practice making fire using different methods, I'll know a) what to pack, and b) how to use it.

Once I re-acquaint myself with knots (I used to be a knot whiz), I'll have a better idea what cordage to include. Yes, the obvious "550" cord, but there are others, too.

Any fool can load up on equipment, and I'm living proof of that, but losing touch with the niceties of camping and living outdoors and making do with improvised stuff will make it easy to overlook really obvious stuff.

One of the experiments I'd like to try is going out for a weekend deliberately under-equipped and see a) what stuff I can do without, b) what stuff I can improvise, c) what stuff I need badly enough that I have to stop everything and go pick it up at a store.

If I can learn to get by with a skill instead of a gadget, I'll take the skill, thanks.

And that little reminder I owe to Steve (sm).

Skills don't weigh anything. Gadgets do.

Skills take time. Gadgets take money.

Take the time. Build the skills.

Oh -- just a remark on skills -- if you have a broad set of skills, you become a welcome guest or valued member of any group that might band together for mutual benefit.

"Why are you here?"

"I know stuff."

I keep surprising myself with stuff I remember from my camping days. That's a good thing.

Now I need to practice and get good again.

 

[Grizfire]

One thing I forgot to mention.

Toilette paper

 

[houseofdon]

I'd definitely add some warm clothes, depending especially on what your typical attire consists of. More times than not when I'm driving, I'm wearing business attire. That won't last two seconds when you're exposed to the cold. I found some awesome wool clothing at my local secondhand store. Milsurp wools work well too.

 

[achildofthesky]

Looks like you have a great list...

Between all the stuff you have and all the suggestions. Chindo18Z and the others really filled in things well.

I keep a pack and also a 4 or 5 gallon plastic screw top bucket (mine is from either pool chemicals or bulk dishwasher powder) with the following and much of that mentioned by others, ready to go, 1 for the house and 1 for quick trips. I like the bucket because it is a very versatile tool and not hard to carry.

For fire, I use the powder from my range found unfired cartriges and mix it with dryer lint and fold it up in squares of wax paper for 1 form of packet firestarters. Steel wool and a battery or even a broken in half paperclip in place of a maglight bulb will burn brilliantly even if moist. Potassium permanganate and glycerine mixed is good for a decent exothermic reaction fire and doesn't go bad, just be sure to keep it well seperated until needed! Strike anywhere matches with good striking surface in a waterproof container. Firesteel/flint/blastmatch... Of course the simple bic lighter and dryerlint & a bit of vaseline jelly in a plastic sealed bag.

A 7' x 8' or so tarp from harbor freight makes a handy and dirt cheap shelter or can be used to temporarily repair a busted window with duct tape. An oversized goretex rainsuit and spare fleece tops and bottoms make a servicable sleeping bag in a pinch, better yet that and a ultralight synthetic bag and blanket or 2...

Calorie food 1-3 days minimum rations for my partner and I and comfort snax appropriate for the climate and person. Jerky of what ever sort. P38 can opener, chop stix or plastic Wendys utensils (can be used to start fires too) and be sure to pack condiments like little packets of salt, pepper, salsa or wat ever you like to make things just a bit better with no real weight added.

Small am/fm radio, TP, walmart bags (can be put in the 5 gallon bucket and use as a semi civilized crapper, candles. Sox, undies, t-shirts sealed in heavy zip top bags, personal hygeine stuff and soap as well as a bit of dish soap for the the cooking pot (s), a MSR pocket rocket propane cookstove and 1 larger size and 1 smaller size fuel bottles. Spare batteries for all electrical stuff, first aid kit with ample personal protective stuff too. Razor knife (w/ a few spare blades), multi tool, and fixed blade knife. 550 cord, duct tape, a bit of tiewire, needle and thread, compass, some paper & coin currency.


There is more but much has been covered by others. You can get a lot of stuff together that weighs mere ounces that will make any RON situation so much nicer.

When I go on hikes/camping I often take my ultralight fishing kit with multi piece pole and flyweight shimano reel and or my springfield M6 an some 22 hornet and shot shells toplay with or if legal, to pot a rabbit or squirrel to gnaw on for lunch or dinner. I have a midsize pack that is pre set up for those ventures and ready to go <16 - 20# without water or the rifle & ammo.


Have fun and take the stuff out regularly and play with it, you will learn alot and learn stuff you need and stuff you don't. Try to get items that work for more than 1 purpose to save space and weight. As an EMS pilot I loved teaching my flight crews different ideas and learned a lot too.

Be safe

Patty

 

[yhtomit]

Gene:

1) Several people have mentioned LED headlamps -- I agree with them, and recommend a cheap variety of these sold under the Energizer brand in places like Wal-Mart and Target. Pay $12-15; they come with AAA batteries, last an amazingly long time, have several modes (spot, broad, both spot and broad, and red-only), swivel, and are comfortable. My mom wore one on a medical trip to Haiti, and several other relatives have decided they were a good thing to have on hand for anything from power outage to TEOWAWKI

2) In Wisconsin, you may feel fine about leaving this stuff in your car. Right now, going to law school in Philadelphia and living in N. Philly right by school (Temple Univ.), I keep nothing in my car that I can avoid leaving there. It's been broken into enough already. (Twice -- and / but both times in one day.) I couldn't keep a gun in the car, for instance. Even if you don't think there's much risk of theft, you might want to put it in a cheap black duffel bag, or thrift-store purchase (but decent shape) old back pack, or a milk-crate / similar, and toss something like a blanket or your jumper cables on top. Better yet, in a bag, in a crate! The crate helps prevent crushing, and may make a makeshift chair / step-stool / table / platform. Such crates are the duct-tape of the small-container world -- writing this reminds me that I need to find a few more of them

3) Atlas / maps? Since I am easily fascinated with a walk through nearly any retail store, I like the ones from Wal-mart that show where that chain has its stores as well as less important things, like roads, rest stops, etc.

I like your kit, though.

timothy

 

[gunmn74]

-Duct tape
-50 ft paracord
-Pocket sewing kit (found in any sewing section)

Very good ideas and I would add:
1. Space banket
2. Candles
3. Sterno (you can light it in the can for heating a vehicle or apply it to wood
for starting a fire. I have 3 little cans that come in a pack)

 

[Gene_WI]

This has been very educational for me. I will have an improved kit sometime next week.