Getting Prepared for Survival
May 23rd, 2009 by DavePF
Getting ready for a disaster is like having savings in the bank. Disasters can strike at a blink on an eye.
It’s always a good idea for you to have your hiking backpack ready in case a situation arises where you need to make a quick evacuation. A survival pack should contain both short term and long term survival needs.
A good survival pack should be lightweight and include items like knives, tools, water, seeds, clothes, fire, shelter, light. These items should be able to help you survive in the harshest of conditions.
To carry less, you need to know the likely conditions. A hiking pack that’s prepared for all the possible conditions are probably the best but they’re likely to be too heavy and bulky. If it was to be carried in a car you wouldn’t to worry about size and weight.
The problem is that things happen when you don’t expect them at a time when you’re not ready. Different experts will have different choices of survival equipment in their backpack. These guys are always trying to be prepared for sudden manmade or natural disaster in a variety of ways for the unexpected. A good survival equipment should take up little space and an indefinite shelf life.
Want to know what military operators and hunters carry?
They carry a fixed-blade knife in a sheath strapped to the outside of the pack, and a Leatherman Wave multi-tool inside the pack, along with two very compact Mylar blankets that have a variety of uses like signaling for help, collecting water or as a waterproof lean-to.
These professionals also carry waterproof matches, a disposable lighter, a magnesium bar with striker, a credit-card-sized plastic Fresnel lens, a zip-lock bag filled with mugwort and a two-quart Platypus bladder system or a hydration pack for drinking water.
For clothes are two pairs of underwear and socks, a hat, a fleece skullcap and a pair of lightweight gloves, plus two pairs of sunglasses, two pens, a notepad and a pair of pruning shears. Other useful items include garbage bags, zip-lock bags, freeze-dried meals and some utensils.
Don’t forget the first-aid kit, water purifier, ground tarp, compact binoculars, synthetic and leather cord, roll of electrical tape, wind and weather meter and roll of toilet paper. You may also consider carrying firearms and a lightweight bivvy.
The typical cost of a survival pack is around $2,000 but there are economical ways to pack an effective survival pack. A topic we hope to cover soon.
