When we head to the mountains or desert, we leave behind our day-to-day stresses and worries. With every mile that separates us from life’s stifling routines, we look forward to shaking off all worries and preparing for an exciting adventure. With clarity of thought, life takes on a fresh new meaning. That holds true 99.9 percent of the time.
It’s in that one-in-a-thousand-times occasion that accidents or mishaps will occur. A sudden storm may roll in. A vehicle breaks down. You might get lost, or experience a medical emergency, such as being bitten by a snake, or even taking a bad fall. In a flash, an enjoyable jaunt in the outback can turn into a life-or-death situation. When nature turns from friend to foe, and you suddenly have an unplanned stay in the wilderness, having a survival kit is critical for providing both comfort and life support.
A water supply is essential, yet one gallon weighs a little over eight pounds, and the thought of hiking with a heavier load leads many outdoorsmen to bring less water than they should. If your destination is hot and dry, take twice as much water as you think you will need, just in case.
Also, an accident or injury may prevent you from accessing a nearby water source. Even if you find a source of water, don’t risk illness from drinking contaminated water. Pack some water-purification pills. Whether it’s the mountains, or desert, it will get cold at night. If you incur an injury, your body will lose its ability to maintain warmth, so pack a fire-starter kit. Since the presence of moisture, snow or cold can impede the ability to start a fire, bring along a fire-starter kit that includes wind-and-waterproof matches. Store them in a waterproof case. Lighters, especially those made for wilderness excursions, are invaluable. Also, bring along magnesium and a steel file. Fire gel or paraffin-saturated wood shavings also prove helpful for starting a campfire.
If you’re lost or injured, you will need an energy-food source. Take along some emergency energy bars formulated for maximum calorie uptake. Although candy bars have a lot of calories, you’ll be tempted to eat them, which leaves you without an energy source in the event of a true emergency. MREs are another valuable addition to your survival kit, as they need no cooking and will keep for years without refrigeration.
Aside from the necessities, these items often prove valuable additions for an unexpected stay in the woods: A GPS unit, a compass, a map, a cell phone, a whistle, a signal mirror, and a notepad and pencil for leaving notes along the trail for a search-and-rescue effort. Other important tools for a bivouac include a knife, a sportsmen’s saw, a first aid kit, duct tape, and a parachute cord.
Although a survival kit adds weight to your pack, one or more of these items could just save your bacon, if things go south and the unthinkable happens.