Building a Wilderness survival kit

Survival items are at the core of any kit an essential for emergency preparedness. There are minimal items and much more depending on the climate and duration. In this article I would like to discuss a minimal kit and like the name "Wilderness Survival" as the main focus is items essential for survival in woods. I will not be mentioning an Altoids size tin kit. They are a fun project but you can make a small lightweight kit without having to go that small. The the idea here is to have items that would be extremely beneficial if you found yourself stuck in the woods for a short period of time set aside from the items you carry with you that you know you will use. For example; I don't consider a jacket and rain poncho as survival items but are regular use items that we need to keep warm and dry. A good example of a survival item is Fire Steel. This item can never be used for regular use but is fantastic if you found yourself unexpectedly lost in the woods and needed to start a fire.

• Water purification - Water purification tablets are perfect for a minimal survival kit. Note that you will need a container to purify water in. A good setup to compliment this is a Stainless Steel Water Bottle along with a Stainless Steel cup that fits underneath. That same setup can be used to boil water to purify.
• Shelter - An emergency survival blanket which can be used for warmth or added in a makeshift shelter from trees.
• Fire - Fire steel and a small BIC lighter.
• Tinder - Jute Twine is great for starting fires and doubles as cordage.
• Cordage - Para cord and Bank line are your best options.
• Knife/Multi-Tool - The best two options here are a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman Multi-Tool. Both come in several styles and sizes.
• Map Compass - Make sure you know how to use it and have a walking map of the area you are in.
• Whistle and Signal mirror - Both will be used to draw attention to yourself.
• Flashlight - A mini headlamp is perfect.
• Duct Tape - Small amount rolled up.
• First Aid - I now combine first aid with my survival kits but I keep them minimal. First aid instructions, Band aids, Antibiotic ointment, non latex gloves, gauze pad, gauze roll, elastic bandage, sun block, insect repellent, pain relieve, anti diarrhea and upset stomach medicine.

Final thought - Everything listed in this article is the bare minimum you should have in any situation. There is many things left out. The kind of kit I keep this for is day hiking and EDC purposes. I have much more in the home as well as bigger kits. For camping and backpacking I will have more supplies and something like this will compliment that and add redundancy. For Example; for day hiking I have a knife, jacket, rain poncho etc. So under normal circumstances I have my basic survival needs met. Being lightweight is very important so you can enjoy life more instead of always worrying about the worst thing that can happen.