The what if gear list.

[Dirtydan]

With the tragedy in Colorado and the two lost hunters that passed away, it got me thinking about what we should be taking into the woods for that just incase moment. I think a discussion of what is and isn't essential could maybe help someone in the future. Lets get some ideas rolling and come up with the best "what if kit".

My kit always consists of
-tarp with stakes and cordage
-water filter and cnoc bag
-compass
-lighter
-mini flashlight
-fire starter
-suture kit

Things I probably should add
-whistle
-ultra light bivy
-PLB

Obviously not the best lists so lets hear what everyone takes.

 

[rogerdoger]

With the tragedy in Colorado and the two lost hunters that passed away, it got me thinking about what we should be taking into the woods for that just incase moment. I think a discussion of what is and isn't essential could maybe help someone in the future. Lets get some ideas rolling and come up with the best "what if kit".

My kit always consists of
-tarp with stakes and cordage
-water filter and cnoc bag
-compass
-lighter
-mini flashlight
-fire starter
-suture kit

Things I probably should add
-whistle
-ultra light bivy
-PLB

Obviously not the best lists so lets hear what everyone takes.

I carry most of that stuff as well. The other items I include are an emergancy blanket and I bring a paper map. This year I am adding a waterproof torch lighter as well.

 

[BCsteve]

Tourniquet

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Is there a particular fire starting kit you use? Or materials you make sure you have in it?

 

[Whaledriver]

I always carry what I need for a night or two out . I had a situation where I got wet and a long ways from the tent. I always have my 10x10 tarp, borah bivy and puffy jacket and pants (5 pounds). My stove usually goes too. Can double as getting hot liquids in me and blow torch for fire starting. Trioxane too for fire starting in the rain. Tough mitigate all risks as much as we try. Last thing I will say is try to keep the pack with you. I have ditched mine twice and it cost me a bunch of miles for no good reason.

 

[Whaledriver]

For fire starter trioxane and soto windmaster stove. Stove has built in igniter if lighter or matches go out.

 

[Dirtydan]

Is there a particular fire starting kit you use? Or materials you make sure you have in it?

Trioxane is probably the best I've used but it's starting to get hard to find. I've done cotton balls with vasaline but have now switched to Blackbeard fire stick.

 

[rogerdoger]

Trioxane is probably the best I've used but it's starting to get hard to find. I've done cotton balls with vasaline but have now switched to Blackbeard fire stick.

Cotton balls and vasaline is my go to. They are also a fix for athletes foot when it flares up, I can rub some vaseline in the area and it helps until I get back home.

 

[TaperPin]

30 years ago I was shown this exact thing in the survival day of our hunters ed class - making these was a requirement to pass the class. The instructor worked on different firestarters over a few decades of mountaineering and hunting and settled on this design. I’ve tried all different combinations and sizes and never improved on it. Waterproof, indestructible, light weight, always works and only takes 10 minutes.

- 1/4” thick stack of paper towels & block of paraffin.
- double boiler to melt wax.
- cool off in a plastic bag with pot or book for weight.
- cut into 1-1/4” squares, keep half of them (2 oz) in your pack.
- flip up a corner to light & burns with a 6” flame for over 5 minutes.