So you’re going camping and need to know what to pack into a wilderness survival kit. Ever wondered what goes into one of these? If you’re at a loss as to what to include here is a handy guide. First aid items have also been included since many kits are combined for easier carrying.
1) Batteries – Make sure to include extra batteries for your flashlight, GPS or cellphone. If anything happens to the batteries in these appliances you have a backup stock in your wilderness survival kit. Make sure that you always carry the correct batteries for each item and that you start out with fresh batteries.
2) Fire Starter – Include a wax or magnesium fire starter in your wilderness survival kit. You can use it to get wet wood burning in an emergency. Waterproof matches should be packed to get the fire going. A small butane lighter can be useful.
3) Emergency Blanket – Pack a foil blanket into your wilderness survival kit. This will help prevent becoming cold and help keep body heat where it belongs.
4) Whistle and Mirror – A whistle can help you attract attention while saving your voice. Likewise, a small camper’s mirror can redirect the sun’s light to attract attention or start a fire. Make sure to include both in your wilderness survival kit.
5) Shoelaces and Pencil and Paper – The shoelace can be used to replace a broken one, make a sling, tie up a lean-to etc. while pencil and paper can enable you to leave notes and clues to rescuers. Both useful additions to a wilderness survival kit.
6) Knife Sharpener – Pack a small stone for keeping your pocketknife sharp. What will you do without your knife? Make sure to include it in your wilderness survival kit.
7) Water Purification Tablets – Useful if your water filter clogs or gets lost. Pack these into your wilderness survival kit in case you get separated from your filter.
Snakebite Kit – This is especially important if you’re camping in an area like Northern California where there are plenty of rattlesnakes. Make sure you include it in your wilderness survival kit.
9) Pain Tablets/Ibuprofen and Moleskin – These can be used for muscle aches, headaches etc. Aspirin and Tylenol can also be included in a wilderness survival kit. Moleskin is great for blisters.
10) First Aid Cream, Benadryl, Immodium, Antacids, antihistamine, – These are helpful for cuts, scrapes, burns, bites, diarrhea and heartburn. In anyone needs chronic medication pack these into your wilderness survival kit. Also include items like alcohol/iodine wipes, Q-tips, and Band-Aids and cloth tape.
11) Other items that may come in handy in your wilderness survival kit are a pair of tweezers, rubber bands, safety pins, duct tape, string, plastic bags, rubber hose, flares and really any item that you think you might need that is not to heavy to carry. If you think you may need it, take it along. Better safe than sorry!