Camping Survival Kits

My friend is going camping for her birthday (I can't go,I have work,so bummed).We went camping over new years with our church and I was given the nickname of RangerSusie,for my mad camping skills, I thought as a present that since I'm not gonna be there i would make her a camping survival kit, just need some suggestions. She's turning 16. Thanks in advance :-]

If I were you, I'd be focusing on lightweight items that can't be improvised or easily replaced. A lot of people end up with either heavy, bulky survival kits...or ones that are useless. The trick is to know what you need, and what you can do without.

The second concern is budget. Not knowing what your price range is, I can't really get too specific. And generalities are fairly useless. But I'll make an effort here anyway.

The basic essentials are water, food and shelter. It can be assumed that someone who is going camping probably owns a canteen and tent, or has access to a water tap, or is staying in an RV or cabin, or whatever, depending on the camp ground. Food, likewise, is rarely an issue when deliberately going camping; Even shelf-stable food must be rotated and replaced sooner or later, so it's best to focus on water and shelter.

For shelter, I'd put in at least one mylar "space blanket" for emergencies, a sturdy but compact tarp, a bundle of at least 100 feet of strong twine (paracord 550 works nicely) and a compact rain poncho. You may be able to find a tarp that has a shiny side, like a space blanket, to serve double duty.

Emergency water supplies can get expensive FAST. Even a dirt cheap (read: not very effective) water filter or purifier can set you back $40-$50. A decent but economical one can be $100-$150. MSR's MiOX purifier is very compact, and works very well, but is also very un-cheap. First Need is another good brand. If your friend camps near salt water, you might want to also include a solar still; I've seen cheap ones that are folding/inflatable. Of course, if cost is no object, I've seen a water filter than can desalinate water for $1200.

Next, one of the essentials, whether you're a stone age reenact-er or a high-tech ultralight backpacker, is fire. You don't score any points, in an emergency, by being virtuous (whether by choice or necessity) and foregoing a fire. In an emergency, heat can be life. So, a good fire starter is a minimum. There's many options, but probably the best one is a combination. For actually lighting the fire, go for a product called FireSteel. It's a high-tech version of flint & steel. Combine that with an accelerant of some sort (petroleum cubes, simple tinder, or a magnesium firestarter) in a waterproof container, and you'll be set. If your budget is large, a compact camping stove and a fuel canister or two (MSR makes some very good ones, such as their Pocket Rocket model) might also be a good idea. Matches and a waterproof case are the cheapest, but also the least effective option.

Communications comes next. No, I don't mean a cellphone. Basics include a mirror (the space blanket from above can also do this in an emergency), a BRIGHT flashlight, and a very loud signal whistle. A spare battery for a cellphone might not hurt either.

Then, we have tools. While any fool can pick up a rock and have a field-expedient hammer, some tools are not possible to improvise. A good knife is essential. If you get a multitool (Swiss army knife, Leatherman, etc) you also get things like screwdrivers and can openers along the way. Nothing sucks worse than finding out all your camping food comes in cans, and nobody brought a can-opener. Some means of cutting wood for a fire is also necessary, but hatchets are bulky. A better option would be a wire saw of some sort; They're cheap, easy to use, effective, and difficult to accidentally cut yourself on. A miniature sewing kit is another example of a tool or set of tools that is difficult to improvise. A compass is another essential tool, when away from civilization.

At least a small first aid kit should be included. Ideally, one equipped to handle broken legs or arms (wire splint, stretch bandages, etc).

Lastly, we have the case for the kit itself. It should be sturdy and comfortable to wear. Camelbak makes a number of small packs, including belt packs, that incorporate canteens, which adds some additional usefulness to the pack itself.

2009-09-27 03:49:30 by arantele

A wilderness survival kit should usually contain a signal mirror, a whistle, a fire starter, a compass, fish hooks, razor blades, duct tape ...

what would go in a simple camping survival kit for kids???????????

When I take young scouts in the wilderness when there is a possibility that they could be lost, I require them to prepare a small survival kit in a zip lock bag:

1 large garbage bag which can be used as a poncho or for warmth.
1 mylar emergency blanket
1 glow stick - so they can be seen after dark.
1 whistle - for signaling
1 or 2 power bars (or some other high protein energy bar.)
Lighter or waterproof matches

This is in addition to their normal gear which would include water, first aid kit, etc.

We teach them the "STOP" acronym:

"S" Stay where you are
"T" Think
"O" Observe
"P" Plan

We also teach them survival priorities:
1. Medical Care
2. Shelter & Fire
3. Signaling & Communication
4. Sustenance

Knowledge is just as important as having the right things in a survival kit. Make sure they know that if they are lost, that lots of people will be looking for them and that they will be OK.

I hope this helps

2009-04-14 19:17:55 by Ashley G

I have a 8 1/2 in. Jeep Survival Camping knife, and I want to get the kits or stuffs in the handle, but after removing the cap, there's a round thing in there blocking it and I can't find anyway to open it or take it out, so please help me! I want to open that thing up!

Throw the p.o.s away. Those hollow handled "survival" knives are crap. The blade is usually screwed onto the hollow handle. They never hold up to any serious use.

Your better off buying a decent fixed blade knife and make a small survival kit with an Altoids tin.

Ka-Bar makes excellent fixed blade knives, so does Buck, Gerber, Cold Steel, and Kershaw.

2009-06-05 22:13:15 by ArTe.TBNK.

I've been camping and doing alot of outdoor stuff so no nead to worry. I'm testing/ showing how to use one of the survival kits I've been making for my family and friends over the years and thaught it would be best just to film me staying by my self in the outdoors for a few days/ nights. Just wondering if you have any tips or pointers?

I'll be doing this in the middle of kansas.

"You should keep enough supplies in your home to meet the needs of you and your family for at least three days. Build an emergency supply kit to take with you in an evacuation. The basics to stock in your portable kit include: water, food, battery-powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries, first aid supplies, change of clothing, blanket or sleeping bag, wrench or pliers, whistle, dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape, trash bags, map, a manual can opener for canned food and special items for infants, elderly, the sick or people with disabilities. Keep these items in an easy to carry container such as a covered trash container, a large backpack, or a duffle bag."

2009-03-09 23:53:26 by Boone V

My best friend is leaving in a few days for a month to go to a college summer preview thing for art. I wanted to give her a "survival kit" of sorts, but I have no idea what to put in it! Ideas?

magazines, junk food (dorm food usually sucks) and funny stuff that she'll love like sunglasses that are weird and dollar store stuff like crazy action figures and make sure if she forgot something to get it to her

2008-06-24 22:05:53 by Amee,