The fundamental requirements for life are warmth, water, shelter, and food. So, a hiker's basic survival kit should address each of these needs.
Survival gear is to specifically be used in the event of unforeseen circumstances. Additional precautions for any hike, whether it's for the day or for a week is a smart way to go. Water treatment tablets, which are usually not seen as something needed on a regular short hike, should be included in a basic survival pack. We can take water with us, but water is heavy and if we need to treat what water sources found around us so it's drinkable, there simply are no substitutes for treatment tablets. After all, a day hike could turn into a week's survival quest if the unthinkable should happen. A pocket knife that has multiple blades can be used in a number of different situations is another good idea for a hiker's survival gear pack.
The primary thing about a survival pack is that it has to cover not only the obvious items, but also items needed in the case an unexpected and unforeseen event should occur: Something like a non-seasonal cold snap. Most hiking trails in the mountains have a sign at the trail head that warn about many who have died because of cold, even in the warmest months of the year. A packed jacket and thermal blanket don't weigh much, but they can be life savers.
A dry set of clean clothes, especially foot gear, can make the difference between life and death in case of accidental submersion (keep this extra set of items in a water proof bag). If you allow your feet to be damaged, it can become very difficult to hike back out of a dangerous situation. Wet feet lead to blisters and worse, which can be crippling in the great outdoors. A dry hat can also be a big help in keeping body heat inside and also weighs very little to carry.
Water proof matches kept in a tin are another really good idea in the pack. Fire is a tool that can be used for the essentials of heat and cooking food, so is at the top of the list concerning tools for a survival arsenal. Being able to boil water means that you can have safe drinking water as well as being able to prepare the bouillon or other food supplies you have in your kit. This will give you nourishment as well as hydration when you need it.
Dryer lint or steel wool are great to use as tinder for a means to start a fire and are useful items in a kit just in case there has been a lot of moisture in the environment (I keep a bag of lint in my backpack).
Foul weather gear is a real necessity for an individual's survival. Weather is one of the greatest threats to any hiker, even on well traveled trails. Survival necessities that a person might need would also include the ability to provide shelter, which often is paramount in staying alive while waiting out unexpected bad weather. A simple tarp and an emergency survival sleeping bag, both extremely light and easy to pack are essential.
A first aid kit with bandages and tape as well as antiseptic medication and ointments should be in the backpack somewhere. This is just common sense for any outing, but especially when going on a wilderness hike.
Carrying these items for safety will add little weight to the pack, and they can add years to your life! Survival happens when you are always prepared for the worst.
Charmin Mills is the owner/operator of Survival Necessities
a Pacific Northwest company headquartered in Tacoma, WA. Her company
specializes in Discount Survival and Camping products. They are
dedicated to educating and reaching out to others concerning being
properly prepared for possible disasters or emergencies.
To find the perfect Survival kits visit: Survival Kits
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To find the perfect Survival kits visit: Survival Kits
