Survival Kit

[Sgt. Silverman]

I'm heading out into the great outdoors tomorrow to the old homestead and as I'm getting ready I'm going through the checklist in my head; Gloves, hat, jacket, boots, survival kit... and then I stopped. Although I've never needed the survival kit (Praise the LORD!) I always bring it (and I have a larger one in the trunk and a smaller one in the glove box).

As a forward observer with the Airborne Infantry, I had some incredible opportunities to train with some of the best elite soldiers the military had ever produced. Primarily Rangers and Special Forces. I also had it ingrained in my brain to always "expect the unexpected", especially when you're out in the middle of nowhere. So even though it's great that we tell our loved ones where we are BEFORE we head out ( ), being prepared for the unexpected never hurts.

So, it was on my heart to share my survival kit that I carry in my jacket while I'm out detecting. You can purchase the container at a Dollar store and put whatever contents you'd like in. As you can see by the picture, I like to have at least three forms of firestarters. I also have the zip lock baggie to keep everything dry (including band-aids, toothpicks, petroleum based antibiotic ointment and the brown thing at the bottom is a wad of dryer lint) in case I have to start a fire and it's raining, and I can use the baggie to collect water, or berries, I'm sure you all get the idea. Be as creative as you want to be!

If you already do this, great. If not, what could it hurt! Be safe and have a Blessed weekend everyone!

Greg

 

[rustydigger]

Smart man I always like to be prepared as well. Use to do survival training one thing I never leave home without is a knife of some sort. I can maintain and secure alot with a knife and what I have on me. I used to carry the insides to a survival knife matches fishing line compass ect. Always go prepared and with God.

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

n/t

 

[Nauti]

Brilliant advice Greg.I live in England so wherever you go you are not too far from help.However whenever I go for walks on the coast paths I always take my swiss army knife which has many practical uses,a zippo lighter due to its simplicity and reliability and various wound dressings.We also take enough high energy foods to keep us going should they be needed.This may sound like overkill but where we live the weather can change very quickly so it is best to be safe.Many people have died in this country over the years due to bad weather catching them out.....usually on mountain walks......and in most cases it has been because they have had insufficient equipment to help them to survive.Like you say it does not hurt to be prepared.....it could be a life saver.

 

[broadestpower]

Hey brother this is good information, and info that many should take to heart and practice!
Outside of the seriousness of the first sentence I like how in the photo you've already began
gathering kindling! start small and work your way up!

 

[Sgt. Silverman]

Kindling good, wet wood... bad... You made me laugh George, thanks! God Bless!

 

[Leslie(nova scotia)]

n/t

 

[Ma Betty in MO]

n/t

 

[Sandtick]

Great subject. Most people do not realize how quickly things can go bad and how difficult it is to stay warm and dry.

When one of my sons was in Cubscouts we were on a camp out and were going through some survival drills. Each child and parent had to try and start a fire. No one could do the rubbing two sticks together thing. We then tried using magnifying glasses, to our surprise everyone failed at that one also. Finally everyone was able to use a striker. Only two groups had success. It was a very eye opening experience!

 

[seeker41]

you can never have too many differant sized ziplock baggies!!!!!
chuck.