[ trips ] - what to carry in your survival kit

YOUR PERSONAL SURVIVAL KIT

Each survival kit will reflect the needs of the user. Fill yours with items that you know you will use, and alter the contents to reflect the expected environment you will be travelling in.
This is a list of items that you can select from to fill your kit. Add to this list when you discover another useful item. There is no need to carry all of these items:

a. matches – at least 20, the kind that will strike anywhere and are waterproof – it is a good idea to store matches in a separate container inside you kit.
b. candles – tea light or small candles;
c. strong thin cord – 10m;
d. fishing gear – 5m of 15 lbs line, bare hooks, a lead weight and a cork;
e. medical kit – iodine, adhesive bandages of various sizes, roll bandage, small medical scissors, adhesive tape and dressing, moleskin or second skin for blisters, water purification tabs;
f. small safety pins;
g. plastic bags – 2 large orange garbage bags for shelter and signaling, 2 small bags for water collection;
h. food – concentrated soup, tea, coffee, sugar, hard candy, or OXO cubes;
i aluminum foil – 3 m (to bake or to make a temporary pot);
j. fuel tablets or fire starters – sealed in plastic to avoid contamination of the rest of your kit;
k. alternate to matches for fire starting – magnesium stick or flint and steel;
l. mirror – unbreakable and shatter proof (not glass), for signaling;
m. emergency blanket;
n. spare flashlight bulb and batteries;
o. several sizes of needles and 2m strong thread;
p. crayon (will write anywhere) and paper;
q. personal hygiene items – dental floss, baking soda for teeth brushing, a small piece of soap;
r. duct tape (wrapped around crayon or outside of container).

Note: if you can carry only a bare minimum, carry matches, a signaling device (whistle), protection for your body from the elements (garbage bags), a container to heat water, quick energy food and adhesive bandages. In winter you can dip string in paraffin wax and wrap this around your matches. This will make the match burn longer and will help with starting fires.

bushcraft [p6]

PACKING Your RUCKSACK

General rules:


a. fasten all pocket covers and do not let anything hang or dangle from the outside of your pack;
b. place a plastic garbage bag inside the main compartment to keep your items dry;
c. place heavy objects close to the back of the frame, centred and higher on the load. This will balance your pack;
d. carry long items vertically. The width of your load should not exceed 60cm;
e. snug up all compression straps to keep your load compact;
f. place all toiletries in a protective bag inside your pack to avoid toothpaste flavoured clothes;
g. carry all fuels in an approved sealed container;
h. pack all the things you will need in an emergency in pockets or in the top of your pack;
i. you want to pack things in the order you are likely to use them;
j. pack your days meals and snacks in an outside pocket – so you do not have to open the main bag at lunch or snack time;
k. get a hydration bag (a soft plastic water bottle with a long flexible drinking tube) or position water bottles in convenient pockets or pouches;
l. avoid carrying more than 16kg (35lbs) – heavier weights in any kind of pack may injure or damage the nerves in your shoulders. If you notice your hands becoming numb when carrying a pack, try loosening your shoulder straps, lightening your load or padding your shoulders.
m. Always protect and pad sharp edges of equipment and tools.

bushcraft - [p5]

HOW TO WEAR YOUR RUCKSACK

You must take the time to adjust all the features of your pack before heading out into the wilderness. Get a teammate to assist you when putting on your pack – it will be easier to adjust properly with a helping hand.
[<- el este un cretz prietenos si dezordonat]

Shoulder straps:
a) check shoulder straps for length – padding should cover across shoulder and down front of chest;
b) some shoulder straps offer a tensioning strap at the top of the shoulder that is used once the pack is on to draw the top of the frame closer to the shoulders;
c) some straps offer a quick release feature on one or both shoulder straps (hip belts as well). These are especially handy if you have fallen into water, or you are in an emergency and you need to get the pack off immediately. Quick releases are not for routinely taking off your pack;
d) only tighten the shoulder straps enough to hold the pack to your back. They are designed to work cooperatively with the hip belt to support your pack;
e) a sternum strap connects the two shoulder straps together.

Because the hip belt takes most of the weight, your shoulder straps may wander towards the outsides of your shoulders. The sternum strap holds the shoulder straps in place.

Hip belt:
a) wear the hip belt snugly around your hips, not your waist;
b) when putting on your pack, tighten your hip belt first, then your shoulder straps – this ensures that the weight is resting on your hips;
c) you can attach a water bottle holster to your hip belt.

HOW TO ESCAPE FROM KILLER BEES

[cu dedicatie pentru adi ]

1) If bees begin flying around and/or stinging you, do not freeze.
2) Run away; swatting at the bees only makes them angrier.
3) Get indoors as fast as you can.
4) If no shelter is available, run through bushes or high weeds.
This will help give you cover.

If a bee stings you, it will leave its stinger in your skin.
Remove the stinger by raking your fingernail across it in a sideways motion. Do not pinch or pull the stinger out—this may squeeze more venom from the stinger into your body. Do not let stingers remain in the skin, because venom can continue to pump into the body for up to ten minutes.

To MINIMIZE RISK

• Avoid colonies by filling in holes or cracks in exterior walls, filling in tree cavities, and putting
screens on the tops of rainspouts and over water meter boxes in the ground.

• Do not bother bee colonies: if you see that bees are building—or have already built—a colony
around your home, do not disturb them. Call a pest control center to find out who removes bees

• Do not jump into a swimming pool or other body of water—the bees are likely to be waiting for you when you surface.

HOW TO TREAT A LEG FRACTURE

Most leg injuries are only sprains, but the treatment for both sprains and fractures is the same.


1) If skin is broken, do not touch or put anything on the wound.
You must avoid infection. If the wound is bleeding severely, try to stop the flow of blood by applying steady pressure to the affected area with sterile bandages or clean clothes.
2) Do not move the injured leg—you need to splint the wound to stabilize the injured area.
3) Find two stiff objects of the same length—wood, plastic, or folded cardboard—for the splints.
4) Put the splints above and below the injured area— under the leg (or on the side if moving the leg is too painful).
5) Tie the splints with string, rope, or belts—whatever is available. Alternatively, use clothing torn into strips. Make sure the splint extends beyond the injured area.
6) Do not tie the splints too tightly; this may cut off circulation.
You should be able to slip a finger under the rope or fabric. If the splinted area becomes pale or white, loosen the ties.
Have the injured person lie flat on their back.
This helps blood continue to circulate and may prevent shock.


WHAT TO AVOID

• Do not push at, probe, or attempt to clean an injury; this can cause infection.
• Do not move the injured person unless absolutely necessary. Treat the fracture and then go get help.
• If the person must be moved, be sure the injury is completely immobilized first.
• Do not elevate a leg injury.
• Do not attempt to move or reset a broken bone; this will cause severe pain and may complicate
the injury.

first aid - survive poisonous attacks

HOW TO SURVIVE A POISONOUS SNAKE ATTACK


Because poisonous snakes can be difficult to identify— and because some nonpoisonous snakes have markings very similar to venomous ones—the best way to avoid getting bitten is to leave all snakes alone. Assume that a snake is venomous unless you know for certain that it is not.

How to TREAT A BITE

1) Wash the bite with soap and water as soon as you can.
2) Immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart. This will slow the flow of the venom.
3) Get medical help as soon as possible.
A doctor should treat all snakebites unless you are willing to bet your life that the offending snake is nonpoisonous. A bite from any type of poisonous snake should always be considered a medical emergency. Even bites from nonpoisonous snakes should be treated professionally,
as severe allergic reactions can occur.
4) Immediately wrap a bandage tightly two to four inches above the bite to help slow the venom if you are unable to reach medical care within thirty minutes.
The bandage should not cut off blood flow from a vein or artery. Make the bandage loose enough for a finger to slip underneath. If you have a first aid kit equipped with a suction device, follow the instructions for helping to draw venom out of the wound without making an incision. Generally, you will need to place the rubber suction cup over the wound and attempt to draw the venom out from the bite marks.

What NOT TO DO

• Do not place any ice or cooling element on the bite; this will make removing the venom with suction more difficult.
• Do not tie a bandage or a tourniquet too tightly. If used incorrectly, a tourniquet can cut blood flow completely and damage the limb.
• Do not make any incision on or around the wound in an attempt to remove the venom—there is danger of infection.
• Do not attempt to suck out the venom. You do not want it in your mouth, where it might enter your bloodstream.

worst case scenarios ...

HOW TO ESCAPE FROM A BEAR



1. Lie still and quiet.

[ Documented attacks show that an attack by a mother bear often ends when the person stops fighting. ]

2. Stay where you are and do not climb a tree to escape a bear.

[ Bears can climb trees quickly and easily and will come after you. The odds are that the bear will leave you alone if you stay put. ]

3. If you are lying still and the bear attacks, strike back with anything you can.

[ Go for the bear's eyes or its snout. ]


What to do IF YOU SEE a BEAR

Make your presence known by talking loudly, clapping, singing, or occasionally calling out. (Some people prefer to wear bells.)
Whatever you do, be heard—it does not pay to surprise a bear. Remember, bears can run much faster than humans. Keep children close at hand and within sight. There is no guaranteed minimum safe distance from a bear: the farther, the better.

If you are in a car, remain in your vehicle. Do not get out, even for a quick photo. Keep your windows up. Do not impede the bear from crossing the road

How to AVOID AN ATTACK

• Reduce or eliminate food odors from yourself, your camp, your clothes, and your vehicle.
• Do not sleep in the same clothes you cook in.
• Store food so that bears cannot smell or reach it.
• Do not keep food in your tent—not even a chocolate bar.
• Properly store and bring out all garbage.
• Handle and store pet food with as much care as your own.
• While all bears should be considered dangerous and should be avoided, three types should be regarded as more dangerous than the average bear:

Females defending cubs.
Bears habituated to human food.
Bears defending a fresh kill.

bushcraft - [p4]

[ INTERNAL FRAME BACKPACK ]

Internal frame packs are constructed with a resin or aluminum frame sewn into pockets in the harness of the bag. Often the frame consists of two “stays” running vertically along the backplate. Aluminum stays are meant to be moulded to the shape of your back. The bag is designed to carry all your gear internally with only pockets and accessories attached to the outside. Some smaller packs may offer the option of attaching a sleeping bag stuff sack to the top or bottom. Like the external frame packs, it is important to correctly size your internal frame pack. Some models offer a range of pack sizes and some offer adjustable or replaceable stays.

The opening to the bag is an important feature. A small opening aids in weatherproofing but makes packing and unpacking more difficult. A wide opening is handy but the longer zippers or extra fasteners are often more prone to trouble. Be sure that the zipper or fastener for the opening(s) is not at a place that will receive a lot of stress when the bag is packed and carried. If the zipper breaks you might not be able to close the bag! Most larger bags will offer two or more compartments inside the pack. This will assist you in placing heavier items in the proper place, and keeping all your kit organized.

The benefits of an internal frame pack are:

a. comfortable harness that can be adjusted and moulded to you;
b. a bag that holds its load close to your back and close to your centre of gravity;
c. easy to pack bag; and
d. the lack of projections and protrusions from pack make trekking in forests and through tight spaces easier.

The disadvantages of this design are:

a. hard to move equipment from one person to another;
b. hard to carry large or awkward objects;
c. with the backplate pressed against your back, care must be taken while packing to pad sharp or hard objects; and
d. ventilation is restricted across your back.

These characteristics make internal frame packs a good choice for treks with light to medium weight packs through forest or hilly terrain. Internal frame packs are excellent for climbing and mountaineering where range of motion and a lower centre of gravity are important.

bushcraft - [p3]

[ BACKPACKS ]

EXTERNAL FRAME BACKPACK

External frame backpacks are constructed with a bag attached to a visible metal or resin frame. Some external frame packs offer a frame that adjusts in length, however most are not adjustable. It is important to choose a frame that is the correct size. Try the pack on and ensure the hip pads and hip belt rest snugly on your hips – the shoulder straps should connect to the harness at the same level as your shoulders.

External frame packs have the advantages of:

a. adaptability of components – bags can interchange and you can add objects from one person’s pack onto another’s (great if one of your teammates is having trouble and you want to help carry some of their kit);
b. you can carry large and awkwardly shaped objects;
c. the bag and cargo does not press against your back, offering ventilation and a comfortable carry;
d. frames can be used to make an emergency stretcher; and
e. heavy objects are easily attached close to the shoulders.

The disadvantage of this frame is that the pack is very rigid and the load is held higher up your back, raising your centre of gravity.

These characteristics make an external frame pack great for novice trekkers, and for carrying heavy loads over worn trails and fairly level terrain.

bushcraft - [p2]

[ CLOTHING ]

Clothing that you wear for outdoor activity must protect you from sun,
wind, rain and snow, variations of temperature and insects.

In general, your clothing should be comfortable and loose fitting. Try all your individual items on before going out to ensure fit and that there is no damage or missing parts. Check your range of motion with all your layers on and be sure that you can reach and stretch without being bound by your clothes. You can complement your cold weather clothing with mitts and a toque made from a good insulator that sheds moisture. Keep all your clothes as clean as possible, repair and wash when required.

Moisture management is a technique of controlling moisture build-up in your clothes. Along with choosing appropriate outdoor clothing you can manage moisture by:

a. ventilating your clothing by opening cuffs, “pit zips” and the front zipper;
b. wearing clean layers that are loose that don’t retain moisture;
c. removing your hat when participating in strenuous activities – except when in direct sunlight;
d. choosing insulation that is appropriate to the temperature and activity, and adding or subtracting layers for changes as they occur; and
e. keeping your socks clean and dry. Always carry extra socks, and change your socks regularly.

bushcraft - [p1]

[ WEATHER AND SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS ]

When you select your personal clothing and equipment for an outdoor activity, the elements of weather and season will have a significant impact on your choices. Air temperature, wind, precipitation, altitude, humidity and the UV index are elements of weather that will need consideration. Your local media, or Environment Canada, will offer weather forecasts that are moderately accurate for your area for short periods of time (2-3 days). You can also research weather averages, highs and lows for the area you plan to travel to for your activity. Remember that weather is not constant or 100% predictable.

When you are in the outdoors keep your eyes open for changes in your environment that could lead to weather changes, and be ready to adapt your clothing and equipment choices. Changes in air temperature, air pressure, wind direction or cloud cover often signal upcoming weather changes. More people die from being improperly prepared for weather changes than any other cause in the outdoors.