READERS COMMENTS

What ever your 'tools' are that you choose everyone has overlooked 'practice' as well. KNOW how to start a fire by practicing it. Go to the middle of a field in a rain storm when everything is soaking wet and build a fire. You may have to do this one day and your life could depend on how well you have trained. Our Military trains, trains, trains so when their lives depend on how they react, well you see the moral here.
I use a Road Flare as my emergency firestarter. IT will start in a howling rain and burns up to 10-11 minutes. I have started fires with pretty wet wood by using this tool. I have also PRACTICED building fires in many conditions. Know how is a tool that we all need.
Posted: Nov 17, 2009 BigFoot

Well a survival kit is one thing - but these items overlap significantly with the 10 essentials - everyone should take those on every back country trip (there are many versions some rather bizarre/duplicative - I like this list best because it a bit more generic & makes you think...)

1 Hydration
2 Nutrition
3 Extra Clothing
4 Illumination/Signalling
5 Sun Protection
6 Navigation
7 First Aid
8 Fire Starting
9 Knife/Repair Tool
10 Shelter

Survival requirenets beyond this depend on the worst conditions you might be facing as do the exact contents for the 10 essentials coverage.

I do agree that things like an avalanche beacon are very context dependant - in that context maybe a rope, crmapons & ice axe are equally important...!

The most important rquirememnt is sure common sense & active planning for eventualities
Posted: Jul 10, 2009 Alan in AZ

I think everybody has a different idea of what is a 'Wilderness Survival Kit' is. I believe that some people think it means a lot things, like spare socks, big first aid kit, rechargeable flashlight, etc. I think of one as an EMERGENCY survival kit, while having extra things already such as spare socks, having essentials like flint, and space blankets.
Posted: Jul 09, 2009 Evan

I agree with Yeti of UpaDowna. The ten essentials for the survival kit has been a standard for many decades.
Posted: Jun 26, 2009 Highlander

FIRE(safety match/mag-flint),FOOD,and WATER(small pot) are the most essential...then the trusty LEATHERMAN WAVE. I carry my survival kit in a Nalgene bottle with a 700mL Snowpeak (Titanium) Cup wrapped around the bottle for a snug fit and it's waterproof. Perfect!!!
Posted: Dec 24, 2008 Jay

FIRE(safety match/mag-flint),FOOD,and WATER(small pot) are the most essential...then the trusty LEATHERMAN WAVE. I carry my survival kit in a Nalgene bottle with a 700mL Snowpeak (Titanium) Cup wrapped around the bottle for a snug fit and it's waterproof. Perfect!!!
Posted: Dec 24, 2008 Jay

Ok here goes. My list is 1.fire starter (Mag w/flint) 2.Dryer Lint w/parifine. 3.Led light 4.Steri pen & cup. 5. Whistle 6. Mirror(CD) 7.Multi tool, 8.2 Large plastic bags.(rain gear) 8.Cell Phone 9.Duct Tape 10.Compass w/Map. Too much? You'll never think so I you are stranded.
Posted: Nov 06, 2008 gumshu

"Seriously?!?! Come on folks, think of the ten essentials and keep them stocked."
After a lot of searching in this site I cannot find a list of the "ten essentials".
Does it exist somewhere???
Posted: Oct 11, 2008 Jamie

Signalling device??? sound? light? radio? a EPIRB should be an excellent option
Posted: Aug 28, 2008 Mata

I carry 4 cottonballs saturated with vaseline in an old 35mm film container. These are easy to light and produce a strong flame
Posted: Aug 04, 2008 Paul

I agree with the multi-tool. It's saved my butt at times. Also a good swiss army knife can be a life saver too.
Posted: May 13, 2008 John

A fire flint starter from "Light my Fire" is a must have in a survival situation.It works very well.A water bottle & survival knife/muli-tool is also very appropriate.
Posted: Apr 13, 2008 Azzri Fickri

They should also put in some type of multi-tool, Leatherman or Gibson are the best brands for the job. A rechargeable flashlight (wind-up), head-lamp, multi-tool, and a flint fire starter would be appropriate to add.
Posted: Apr 10, 2008 Cory

They should also put in some type of multi-tool, Leatherman or Gibson are the best brands for the job. A rechargeable flashlight (wind-up), head-lamp, multi-tool, and a flint fire starter would be appropriate to add.
Posted: Apr 10, 2008 Cory

Safety matches? You're kidding, right? I always include a couple of energy bars AT LEAST for an emergency plus some kind of a decent first aid kit. Minimally spare socks and a stocking cap. Not a bad idea to pack leather gloves which aren't one of the ten essentials but come in handy.
Posted: Apr 09, 2008 Dave

Seriously?!?! Come on folks, think of the ten essentials and keep them stocked. You may add to but never take away from them. Control your fear and use your head. Please Please instill more in your readers than this brief list! An avy beacon? Did I miss something? Is this list directed to one specific situation?
Posted: Apr 05, 2008 Yeti of UpaDowna

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