Surviving The Wild Outdoors Surviving_the_Wild_Outdoors | Page 6

Compass- Of course you need a compass. Don’t just go buy one and throw it in the bag either. Learn how to use it. I also advise you don’t purchase a cheap one. This is one of your lifelines we are talking about here! Small Coffee Can- I take along a small can that has 2 drilled holes at the top. I run a wire through the holes for a handle and make a hook so that it can be hung over a fire. You can also take a small pot, but the can cuts down on baggage. This is great for boiling water or warming food if you don’t have a pot. First Aid Kit- This is valuable to have if you get injured. This kit provides everything to aid to most common wounds. Sorry, they don’t include a serum for a zombie bite  yet! Whistle- A whistle is a great way to attract a search party. Ball of Red or Orange Yarn- There won’t be any crocheting, this will be used for markers to help you identify areas of your surroundings and for search parties to find you. Just cutting off a 12 inch piece and tying it to a tree limb where it’s easily visible will do the trick. Flashlights- I would suggest 2 flashlights and back up batteries just in case. You will thank yourself 1,000 times over at night or investigating a cave for shelter and it will also help search parties find you at night. Hand Sanitizer- This is good to have on hand after cleaning fish or field dressing an animal and keeping down on the chance of you getting an infection and becoming ill. Identification- It’s always a good idea to have identification on you. Who knows, you could hit your head and forget who you are!  3ft Long Steel Rebar- This is great to have with you! I find two sticks shaped like a “Y”. Simply stick them in the ground on the outsides of the fire and place to metal rebar in the “Y’s”. Now you can hang your can or pot over the fire. Small Tarp and Emergency Blanket- The blanket will help keep you warm and the tarp can be used for a roof or walls for a makeshift shelter. Just roll them up and tie them to the bottom of your pack. Fishing Line, Hooks, and Bobbers- You will need to find a water source and begin fishing too. I suggest you just go buy and entire roll of 8 pound test line and some hooks. It wouldn’t hurt to grab a few small bobbers. This is great to hand with you and it doesn’t take up much room. You can grab some lures, but there will be plenty of bait in the woods. 4