Basic survival items

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It may help make good kits if you start to separate survival and emergency items for the kits.



Emergency candle tins-larger 3 wick weighs around 50 grams, smaller tin is considerably less.
I keep some good stormproof matches and a striker in the larger tin.

Emergency- quick, e-z, fast and light shelter. Heat source/flame extender. Trauma treatment-tq, tape, and ect. Signaling items (signal panel-road flares). Water treatment tablets & one gallon zip lock bag.
Light wrist compass-cammenga.
Small-simple kit for an 'emergency'.
JMO-YMMV

 

[Macintosh]

@txtransplant @Pilsner @sierracharlie338
@justinspicher

On the tq (or 2). Ive always been with Justin on this, in that I think for what I do in the backcountry—including hunting—the odds of a wound requiring a tq are so low that I havent even considered carrying one, let alone 2. But I grew up long before cell phones, gps’s, sat phones, and other such things were even available, and its been a while since I was carrying a fa kit for work, so its entirely possible I’m just set in my ways and not seeing a scenario that makes it a likely must-have. Could you guys outline some of the scenarios you see a tq (or two) being necessary OTHER than being shot or shooting someone?

 

[*zap*]

Anytime you use a knife or posses broadhead tipped arrows you can have an accident which may produce profuse bleeding. Israeli bandage and tq to be safe but the tq needs to be easily accessible.
YMMV

 

[justin davis]

Fire starter. A little Leuko tape and Duct Tape.

I don’t carry a tourniquet but I’ve transported a couple people to the hospital at the fire department that accidentally stabbed their legs hitting major arteries while field dressing animals and would have died had they not had one.

 

[justinspicher]

I see everyone’s point, it’s noted, but what about if me or my buddy have a heart attack, guess I should have an AED with me as well.

 

[txtransplant]

@txtransplant @Pilsner @sierracharlie338
@justinspicher

On the tq (or 2). Ive always been with Justin on this, in that I think for what I do in the backcountry—including hunting—the odds of a wound requiring a tq are so low that I havent even considered carrying one, let alone 2. But I grew up long before cell phones, gps’s, sat phones, and other such things were even available, and its been a while since I was carrying a fa kit for work, so its entirely possible I’m just set in my ways and not seeing a scenario that makes it a likely must-have. Could you guys outline some of the scenarios you see a tq (or two) being necessary OTHER than being shot or shooting someone?

Blade accidents always have that potential. Even worse if you’re archery hunting - a lot more opportunity for a blade to catch you. Somebody on Alone a year or two ago put a broad head into their thigh - could have died quickly if it hit a main artery.

If you’re not aware, the trauma guidance on TQs has changed over the years. In the 90s, it was “apply a TQ as a last resort.” They found that a lot of people that needed a TQ were not getting it and bled out as a result.

It really only takes a few seconds to lose consciousness from blood loss, and several more to lose a pulse. You can find plenty of videos online of folks getting cuts and passing out moments later.

You need to have a TQ somewhere that you can deploy and apply it QUICK.

 

[Macintosh]

Thats correct, in the 90’s we were absolutely taught that you’re as likely to do more harm with a tq than you are good, and they were actively discouraged even for folks with a reasonably decent amount of training. And it was in the 90’s when I last re-upped my more-involved fa training.

I remain skeptical. Been using knives and arrows for 40+ years without more than a superficial cut. Worst Ive seen is a few cuts to hands requiring a few stitches, certainly nothing id use a tq on. BUT as you said a tq is very light and takes up little room, so the cost to have it is low. I keep one in the med kit in my truck. I’ll chew on it.

Why 2 tq’s? Are you carrying two in case one isnt sufficient to stop heavy arterial bleeding? Or for ambidextrous access? Im thinking two is excessive, but if im going to consider it might as well actually understand the why.

 

[RockAndSage]

Thats correct, in the 90’s we were absolutely taught that you’re as likely to do more harm with a tq than you are good, and they were actively discouraged even for folks with a reasonably decent amount of training. And it was in the 90’s when I last re-upped my more-involved fa training.

I remain skeptical. Been using knives and arrows for 40+ years without more than a superficial cut. Worst Ive seen is a few cuts to hands requiring a few stitches, certainly nothing id use a tq on. BUT as you said a tq is very light and takes up little room, so the cost to have it is low. I keep one in the med kit in my truck. I’ll chew on it.

Why 2 tq’s? Are you carrying two in case one isnt sufficient to stop heavy arterial bleeding? Or for ambidextrous access? Im thinking two is excessive, but if im going to consider it might as well actually understand the why.

TQ has been a big pendulum swing, and it's coming back around to being recommended less:

Thread ''Cult’ of tourniquets causing thousands of unnecessary amputations and deaths in Ukraine, say surgeons'

Aug 4, 2025

Posting for general consideration, especially for those who may find themselves in remote places beyond the 2-hour window of receiving hospital care. The pendulum needs to swing back a bit towards judgement and more thorough, nuanced training on tourniquets and bleed control.

And seriously - if you carry a TQ, have actual TQ training, or especially if you provide emergency medical training, please read thoroughly and consider before commenting...

• RockAndSage
• Replies: 41
• Forum: General Discussion Forum

• 

 

[RockAndSage]

Regarding superglue: Any old SG will do? Or go with medical grade SG?

Also, no SG I've ever used will survive a pack so you folks must put the SG tube in a small tin of some sort?

Thanks,

Eddie

This has been one of the best super glue purchases I've made: Single-Use Minis.

They're tiny metal-foil tubes, sealed, and are pretty tough to being in your gear. I went to these because large bottles kept going bad after being used even once, with just a month or two on the shelf afterward. In my pack, I keep them in the same small plastic box I keep a selection of band-aids in. And 9 times out of 10, the super glue has turned out to be the better choice for anything I would otherwise put a band-aid on. Especially in the field. Seals things right up, and gets you back to work.

 

[sierracharlie338]

Thats correct, in the 90’s we were absolutely taught that you’re as likely to do more harm with a tq than you are good, and they were actively discouraged even for folks with a reasonably decent amount of training. And it was in the 90’s when I last re-upped my more-involved fa training.

Why 2 tq’s? Are you carrying two in case one isnt sufficient to stop heavy arterial bleeding? Or for ambidextrous access? Im thinking two is excessive, but if im going to consider it might as well actually understand the why.

The war in the Middle East has changed a lot of theories in trauma medicine and TQs specifically. For instance we know now that a proper TQ can be applied and left in place for 6-8 hours without any damage to the limb. There are even documented cases where a soldier sustained a blast injury and was kept alive due to the use of a TQ despite losing a limb.

Aside from impalements, crushing injuries (rock slide or timber fall) or broken bones can also cause an arterial bleed. I know of an instance where a guy stood on his brake pedal in an attempt to prevent hitting another vehicle. Impact broke both femurs, cutting his femoral arteries, and he bled out sitting in the driver seat of his vehicle. Same impact could potentially occur from a fall?

Just because you never have had a knife slip doesn’t mean it won’t ever happen.

Yes carrying two can be for leg injuries as sometimes one is not enough. Also once you place a TQ generally it only gets removed by medical professionals so in the event your injury doesn’t stop bleeding you will need a second.

The weight penalty for a North American Rescue CAT tourniquet is negligible even if you never need it IMO.

The only wrong answer is taking medical supplies you don’t know how to use other than that, it’s all personal preference.

 

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