We kept getting requests for 72 hr kits and, while they are good for keeping warm and having enough food for three days, it would not be good for other situations like having to leave your home or getting lost on a hike. So, we put together a pack that is geared more for long term survival. It DOES NOT have things like freeze dried ice cream sandwiches, etc. but you can add things like that if you deem it necessary.
Fire Starter Aids (pick 2 or 3 methods)
What are the benefits of fire besides the obvious keeping warm? It will help you be found, cooking, light, some types of smelting, and many more uses.
Matches (I personally like using matches best but they can get wet or damaged)
Magnifying Glass (have to have sun and it can take a while)
Lighter (We like to have a candle as well because it’s hard to hold a lighter long enough with some kindling)
Zippo Lighter (we like this lighter because you can refill with alternative fuels)
91% Alcohol (for Zippo Lighter)
Cooking
We all need to eat and refuel our bodies. These things listed must come with some knowledge. Don’t just pack things in a bag and expect to know what to do with them. That can lead to waste and other atrocities.
Salt (People don’t realize the importance of salt for preserving food like meat. It is also important for digestion and absorption. It can be used for tanning hides, etc. I’ve heard people say they have made warm wraps for their feet from rabbit hides. Umm it’s possible to do without salt but it would take lots of practice and know-how.)
Water Filter/Tablets (I would have both types. People say they both don’t help with the taste of pond water smell but as long as it won’t make you sick that’s what matters most, right? It’s nicer to know where the springs are but, unfortunately, more and more springs are being capped off.)
Metal Cup and Plate (You’re probably not going to have pans in your backpack unless you’re an avid backpacker but you’ll need to be able to boil water and cook food, etc. so it’s a good idea to have one of those metal cups even though you’ll probably have a water bottle. Stay away from aluminum if you can)
Heirloom Seeds – radishes and other root plants grow quickly and are good in soup. (If you don’t know why this would be important then you have not entertained the thought that you might be stranded for a long time)
Utensils (personal ones will probably do but it would be nice to have a couple of bigger spoons and spatulas)
Seasoning If you have ever eaten bland cooking, you’ll know the importance of this, and seasoning is not very heavy nor does it use up too much space.
Hunting/Trapping
You might find yourself needing to hunt or trap for animals to eat. I’ve never gotten to that point before but I’ve heard a person will eat just about anything when they get hungry enough.
Fishing Line
Weights and/or clear bobber (can be used as weight when filled with water and as a bobber)
Chain or Holding String – It’s important to be able to keep the fish cool until you’re ready to cook.
Hooks
Hook Removal Tool – It’s nice to have one of these so you don’t have to cut your precious line or loose hooks.
String and Wire – wire is easier to manipulate while trapping but string can sometimes be less obvious.
Bow String – A bow string is very compact and light. It would be stupid to omit this item.
Blowgun – While they’re light and easy to carry, they do take practice to use accurately and sometimes can get in the way while hiking. It’s not a must but can be nice. If you choose to include this, you will want to bring some darts along as well as tobacco (has been known to be used as a poison on small creatures).
First Aid Kit
Activated Charcoal – this can help with food poisoning as well as plant and animal poisoning. I can’t tell you how to use it so do some research. You’ll be glad you did.
Antibiotic Cream – a cut can turn deadly so this is a must or at least know how to use pine sap. There’s a product I like better than antibiotic cream and it’s Pinegum Salve. It has lanolin which helps drive the antibiotic deeper into the skin.
Bandages – It’s important to keep a wound dry and clean. Not to mention kept from being bumped again and again. There is so much more I can list here but what you put in your first aid kit depends on your knowledge of how to use it. Some prefer to pack light and learn more about how to use what’s around them in the wilderness.
Miscellaneous Basics
Some of these are a given or have been mentioned above but it’s nice to have a checklist.
Candle
Sewing Kit
Mirror
Wire Saw
Rope
Para-cord
Knife
Spare Shoe Laces
Blanket (a real one)
Energy Blanket
Plastic Grocery Bags
Plastic Baggies
Whistle
Compass
Cloth Rags
Small Shovel
Tape/Duct Tape
Paper
Pencil
Change of Clothes
Toilet Paper or Rags
Work Gloves
Mosquito Net Hat
Energy Tent
All-in-One Tool Kit
Knife Sharpener
Belt
Water Bottle
Handkerchief
Poncho
Shade Cap
Flash Light