survival packs

[heron]

The two most essential:
* knife
* fire

If you plan to be needing this for more than a day, I strongly suggest a good hatchet -- one with the hammer face on the back of the head. A hammer is the kind of thing that has no substitute, and if you don't believe me, just try making a serviceable hammer when you don't already have one. Bashing things with rocks tends to bruise your hands (very bad for survival) about as much as it does useful work.

Consider making a drop-leg sheath for your hatchet, mounted with the head down. Ready to hand, saves space (and weight) in the pack.

I saw a survival book once, where the author had a .22 rifle included, and he made a sling out of paracord. (I don't recall the book, sorry.) Nice way to store some extra cord, but only if you consider the sling expendable.

 

[RatDrall]

If you plan to be needing this for more than a day, I strongly suggest a good hatchet -- one with the hammer face on the back of the head. A hammer is the kind of thing that has no substitute, and if you don't believe me, just try making a serviceable hammer when you don't already have one.

Like this Cold Steel Trail Hawk?

 

[Suicide*Ride]

Wow!

27 posts & no one said anything about a handheld HF ham/cb radio (mine has 6 bands & both upper & lower ch.-480 total), a wind-up led flashlight, or a BIG magnifying glass (for daytime fire starting).

I actually got a contact pyrometer & measured how hot the focal point of a 5-1/2' magnifiying glass was. 2034 deg.f.!! No BS! I got the glass from an old hobbiest light/magnifier, the kind my X-wife would use to cross-stich with. I don't remember what you call them. (hobbiest/workshop light w/ magnifier?)

Anyway, the "hot-spot" measured about 2 in. (size of a golfball) & will burn a hole in a piece of paper almost instantly!! Try it!!

I also have some Peach tea (w/o sugar) in case someone w/ me is Diabetic. 6 packets @ 1/2gal ea. = 3gal. It tastes better than plain water & will hide any foul "treated" water tastes. Plus, the container for the tea packets can double as a drinking glass. You can find it next to the Crystal-lite powder mixes @ the store.

And what about a signal mirror or a couple of US Coast Guard 12ga. marine signal flares? (for those of you that might carry a shottie or flare gun)

Just a couple of things I carry in my bag that I didn't see anyone post.

 

[Cannonball888]

I only pack a chewing gum wrapper for survival. I call it the McGyver Lite Kit.

 

[Leanwolf]

Where's the toilet paper???

L.W.

 

[bigfatdave]

Where's the toilet paper??

I told you those bandannas were versatile!

I'm liking the inclusion of baby wipes, get a bunch of the travel-size packs so one rupturing won't mess up much gear, and also won't leave you with only dry baby wipes.

Extra boot or shoe laces is also a great idea, and if your daily footwear isn't sturdy, I'd include a set of boots in your size and broken in (use old work-boots?).

If you were seriously setting up a B.O.B., a .22 pistol might be in order, or a break-down .22 rifle. It is easier to carry spare ammunition, and shooting a bunny for dinner with a defensive centerfire round may result in a spectacular hit ... and not much to eat.

 

[heron]

Like this Cold Steel Trail Hawk?

Nice. Mine's an Estwing; maybe a bit heavier, but prettier (if you need looks) -- and the handle can't break.

 

[Readyrod]

I live in Tokyo. My biggest worry is the next big earthquake. They hit this place about every 70 yrs and the last one was in 1923. We haven't had any of the usual small earthquakes recently and that makes me nervous.(I just upgraded my home emergency bag, that Katrina guy has really good suggestions) I worry about getting back home from work to the family. I have a mini compass, an Ark AAA premium, a small SAK, and a small whistle on my keychain,(bulky but manageable) about $200 emergency cash in my wallet, and a jacket, poncho, led flasher, and small leatherman in my bag. The gameplan is to head north to the Arakawa river, about 15km, get across the river somehow, and head East about 10km to the evacuation point where I will meet my family.