Emergency Survival products

SURVIVAL KIT

A few key items can make all the difference in the fight for survival. Collect the things listed below. They can all be

fitted into a small container, such as a 2oz tobacco tin, that will be hardly noticeable when slipped into an anorak pock- et. Make a habit of always having it with you. Do not choose something bigger, you may find it inconvenient to carry and leave it out on the one occasion you actually need it. Many people who roll their own cigarettes carry such a tin.

Experience has proved that each item earns its place, though some are more use in some situations than in others: fish hooks, for instance, may be invaluable in the jungle but less so in the desert.

Polish the inside of the lid to make a mirror-like reflecting surface and seal it, to be waterproof, with a strip of adhesive tape which can be easily removed and replaced. Don’t then just forget the tin. Regularly check the contents, changing any which deteriorate, such as matches and medicine tablets.

Mark all drug containers with use and dosage and a run-out date when they should be replaced. Pack spare space in the tin with cotton wool, which will keep the contents from rat- tling and can be used for fire lighting.

1. Matches

Waterproof matches are useful but bulkier than ordinary non- safety,   strike-anywhere   matches,   which   can   be   made

‘shower-proof’ by dipping the heads in melted candle fat. To save space, snap off half of each matchstick.

It is much easier to use matches than to make fire by other methods but don’t waste them, use only when improvised methods fail. Take them from the tin one at a time and re- place the lid. Never leave the container open or lying on the ground.

2. Candle 

Invaluable for starting a fire as well as a light source. Shave square for packing. If made of tallow it is also fat to eat in an emergency or to use for frying—but be sure it is tallow; par- affin wax and some other candles are inedible. Tallow does not store well, especially in hot climates.

3. Flint

Flints will work when wet and they will go on striking long after you run out of matches. Invest in a processed flint with a saw striker.

4. Magnifying glass

Can start a fire from direct sunshine and is useful for search- ing for splinters and stings.

5. Needles and thread

Several needles, including at least one with a very large eye that can be threaded with sinew and coarse threads. Choose strong thread and wrap it around the needles. They can be used for repairing or making clothes in an emergency.

6. Fish hooks and line

A selection of different hooks in a small tin or packet. Add a few split lead weights. Remember that a small hook will catch both large and small fish but a large hook will only catch big ones. Include as much line as possible, it will also be useful for catching birds.
survival food 

7. Compass

A luminous button compass—but make sure you know how to read it, as some small compasses can be confusing. A liquid-filled type is best, but check that it does not leak, has no bubbles in it and is fully serviceable. The pointer is prone to rust. Make sure it is on its pivot and swings freely.

8. Beta light

Beta lights provide a reliable and continuous light source for about 15 years. The lights are generally the size of a small coin, are self-illuminating requiring no batteries, and are ideal for map reading.

9. Snare wire

Preferably brass wire—60-90cm (2-3ft) should do. Save for snares, but could solve many survival problems.

10. Flexible saw

These usually come with large rings at the ends as handles. These take up too much room, so remove them; they can be replaced by wooden toggles when you need to use it. To pro-

tect from rust and breakage cover it in a film of grease. Flex- ible saws can be used to cut even quite large trees.

11. Medical kit

What you include depends upon your own skill in using it. Pack medicines in airtight containers with cotton wool to pre- vent rattling. The following items will cover most ailments