A couple of weeks ago the Mpls Star Tribune had an article on survival in the wilderness. Three "experts" provided a list their top 10 essential items you should not be without in any wilderness situation.

All three lists include the following gear:
1) Personal locator beacon or cell phone
2) Lighter
3) Survival blanket

In addition, the following gear appeared on 2 of the 3 lists:
4) Water container
5) Small flashlight
6) Whistle
7) Signal mirror
8) Water purification tablets
9) Braided line/fishing line

The rest of the items were included on only 1 of the 3 lists:
Map
Compass
Small first aid kit
Gloves
Tinder
Large knife or hatchet
9x12 plastic tarp

I want to put together a small survival kit - just the essentials. The first nine items seem pretty logical. A compass and area map would make sense. Any other essential survival gear you would recommend specifically geared towards survival in the BWCA?

They all make sence. There is a thing called "survival friday" on the discovery channel. Shows like "survivorman", and "man vs. wild" are great for suvival. Type survivorman in google and you'll get his for the show and survival tips.

What's a personal locator beacon?

Cell phones dont work up here.

Maybe some snacks.

i saw these at both gander and rei....emerg. kit in a 32 oz. widemouth bottle. i dont remember what was in them and i wouldnt buy one BUT, it is a pretty tidy way to keep a survival kit at hand.

come to think of it...im going to do just that. thanks Snake!

looking at a 32oz nalgene right now im thinking it might be a little big. i may try a 16 first.

Jan. wrong....it would have to be in a 32oz bottle. also, include a couple of power/cliff/ or granola bars.

Check out http://www.equipped.com/survlkit.htm

I made a couple of survival kits based upon the info at that site. They are small enough that I carry one in my PDF and another in my pants pocket.

Also, Adventure Medical markets a pocket survival kit designed by Doug Ritter that you can buy or look at for ideas.

i checked out equipped.com .....that DEFINATELY wouldnt fit in a 32 oz nalgene. LOL Jan

For a signal mirror I use a CD. One of the ones you get for free with AOL on it. Light and durable and cheap.
canoe42

Personal locator beacons are new devices that send a signal to a satellite which then sends it to the air force. The beacon transmits your exact location so help can get to the exact spot you are in.

The beacons are 450 to 550 bucks and there are two basic models. When you buy one you set it up so there are three contact numbers the Air Force calls to make sure you are really out there somewhere. Once that is confirmed a rescue crew heads out and brings you in. No searching as the beacon is GPS driven.

great idea Canoe!

Think of the scenarios that would necessitate the use of a survival kit on a canoe trip…swamping, getting lost, etc. I doubt very much you’d be carrying your nalgene bottle survival kit and CD mirror. The only worthwhile survival kit is one you have with you.

I started to carry survival “kits” after a rather nerve wracking paddle on a large lake in Woodland Caribou Provincial Park. I realized that if I had dumped my canoe, the wind and waves would have made salvaging my canoe and gear next to impossible and would have left me with just the soaking wet clothes (and PFD) on my back. Could I have started a fire in the rain in order to ward off hypothermia? I am not sure. So I’ve put together my survival kits with hypothermia in mind. I want to be able to make a fire and build a shelter. I have fire starting gear (matches, small bic lighter, sparklite, tinder), photon light, braided mason line, and a blade. I figure with a fire and something to block the wind and rain I could survive until a rescue. I vacuum seal them and they go unnoticed in a zippered pants pocket.

aside from swamping...i WOULD be able to have a "nalgene" kit with me. if i got lost, id still have the canoe....the kit would be in the canoe...thus...id have the kit.

good point about carrying the bare essentials in your pocket tho.

i dont swamp...never have...would never put myself in that situation. so, the main concern id have would be getting windblown on a daytrip, away from camp. i want more than the bare necessities then. i even pack a nylon tarp and rope....not fancy rope....just rope. and emergency blankets. along with the dreaded "nalgene". all fits in a good lumbar pack, always in the canoe. Jan

The thing about canoe tripping is we all carry "survival gear". We carry them in duluth packs, barrels, dry bags etc. Being separated from your gear would create a true survival situation, however. If you were lost on a portage or lost all your gear in a swamping would you have enough gear to keep you safe? Everyone thinks those things only happen to the other guy. Being prepared is planning as if you ARE the other guy.

what im SAYING (incase you didnt read what i said the first time) is.. the only situation id be in is being lost or windblown. not on a portage, on a lake. being seperated from gear, like...as I SAID....windblown on a daytrip is the reason i carry more than a pocket full of stuff. and it IS accessible. Jan. you say tomahto.....i say tomayto....

Thanks for your good ideas - great stuff. What I was looking for (and was not very clear on) was putting together a VERY small survival kit with just the bare essentials. It would be carried AT ALL TIMES. It might be the size of an Altoids container or a pack of cigarettes - not much bigger than that. The idea would be that it would fit in the cargo pocket of a shirt or pants without even knowing its there (I'm not a fanny pack kind of guy). Otherwise, I'm afraid, I'd probably leave it at camp, or in a daypack, or in the canoe, etc.

Has anyone ever used one of these? You could put a much better kit together yourself, but it does have some useful items
http://www.whistlecreek.com/surkitinsarc2.html

Survival kit in a sardine can. I got one as a gift awhile ago, kinda took it as a gag, but have never opened to see the inside. It is perhaps a hair taller and wider then a pack of cigarettes, but not as thick.

kanoes wrote "i don't swamp...never have...would never put myself in that situation. so, the main concern..."

Jan, never say never. Up until the day I went swimming in BWCA, after half filling up my canoe with water, you could have heard me say the same thing. Now I know it can happen to anyone, no matter how safe or experienced you are.

canoepaddle.

Snakecharmer do check out the equipped.com link. Scroll down to the personal survival kit. It will get you started with great and practical ideas. They also have a very informative forum. Do a search for personal survival kits and “PSK” and you will find more info than you can imagine.

Hey Kanoes sorry about the misunderstanding. I didn’t realize you have the ability to predict the future. The only question I have is if you, as a prescient master woodsman, are never going to be lost or separated from your gear, what in the heck do you need a survival kit for?

merlin, im sorry youre unable to read and understand what i said. Jan

Thanks everyone for your ideas and suggestions. The link that browntrout01 provided is close to what I had in mind. I will check out the other links provided and should be able to come up with a pretty decent survival kit stocked with some essential items. Thanks again!

I'm surprised that nobody mentioned beer for their survival pack!!!

Seriously, I carry matches in an old prescription bottle. They are water tight and don't take up much room. Use the kind with a safety top that are pretty durable. With the safety top securely fastened, you don't have to worry about it coming off and your matches getting wet or lost. You can put some duct tape around it too. Its a great way to carry the most versatile item in a pack. Duct tape has endless uses.

Kanoes I understand you. You will never be in a survival situation. That must be reassuring. For those of us who are not so sure what the future holds, having the means to build a fire and create shelter on our persons may be valuable.

I have seen those "Nalgene" kits. I take two surviavl tools along. They both have signal mirrors I know it's only on one list but is neccicarry. One has a magnafing glass to start a fire with. One has space for matches. The other has space for the swiss army knife I keep in there. They both have compasses also a must. Both have pealess whistles and go around my neck or in my pocket. One of them is a component of the "Nalgene" kit while the other is avalible through the piragis catalog. Also I keep a wealth of knowledge with me.

"Your brain is your biggest and best survival tool" - Les Stroud "Survivorman"

Those beacons are meant for true wilderness situations. If one is set off they pull out all stops to rescue you and bill you for it. I remember hearing stories of one being set off to see if it worked and another because he wasn't having a good time and wanted to go home. I don't remember the details but they were billed a lot of money -- a LOT of money ($50,000? More? I don't remember).

you STILL are misunderstanding merlin. my last message to you. the frustration isnt worth the effort on my part. Jan

Amazing how many people "misunderstand" your argumentative posts.

not worthy of comment

I'll bet you make one anyway.

You know, it is sad to see this thread deteriorate like this. Play nice, people! We are all entitled to our opinions, and shouldn't have to make cutting comments about others just because their postion on a topic differs from our own.

$50,0000! I'll be crossing the Personal Locator Beacon of my list. Of course, $50,000 would have seemed like a bargain to those folks up on Mount Hood a couple months ago.

I have added a small deck of survival cards to my survival kit. These cards include a wealth of info on emergency first aid, shelter, etc. Very small and lightweight. I think CampMor has them as I'm sure many outdoor stores would.

..........see? (is just typing the word SEE considered "making a comment"?) lol Jan

I always carry a magnesium fire starter and cotton balls soaked in lighter fluid kept in a sealed baggie. A lighter can fail when its wet. Te fire starter works every time even in pouring rain. Don't leave home without it. Beacon - schmecon.

Steve

A wrist watch for sure.

I never considered it until I found the recommendation in a Boy Scout Handbook I was pursuing a few years back. With a watch you can:

1. Know exactly what time it is for planning and preparation.
2. Can be used to find directions using the hour and minute hands.
3. You can judge distances in terms of time and keep track of how long you've been out or lost or whatever.

I don't make any treks in the woods without a watch.

The front page of your website is really awesome!

I bought a used Satellite phone off ebay last year for $100.

I don't think I will do a beacon.

Yes the beacon is for emergency situations. If you were in an actual emergency then insurance would cover most of the costs for the rescue depending on your plan. Its just like dialing 911 for an ambulance. If you called 911 for a frivolous problem or rode the hospital for no good reason you could end up paying the entire bill too and they aren't cheap. I'm an EMT and I get to see the billing forms.

I would consider a satelite phone before a beacon. Since the BWCA isn't all that remote I don't think the beacon is that essential.

We recently performed a "team building" exercise at work called "swamped" that involved this very subject. You were given 10 items that survived and were supposed to rate them 1-10 on importance. The people with the most wilderness experience in the group had the lowest scores, but they still differed with the "experts". In almost every situation they want you to stay put and wait for a rescue, but thats only practical in a few small situations.

I like the idea of having a kit that is sealed in a pants or shirt pocket. It would be something you grabbed as you dressed every day. I have a "5-in-1" survival whistle that my wife bought for me that fits in my pocket on the PFD. Works good, but is the BARE essentials. There is nothing in there for shelter and there is no knife. I will be adding a couple space blankets and a knife for this year. Some parachute cord or similar works great and is strong for its small diameter.

The most important thing is to be mentally prepared. If you go through the planning and have a plan you will be less likely to run into a problem. If you think you're immune to it just cause you think it will never happen or cause you avoid certain sitations than you've never read the real life stories of people who have survived and especially of those who haven't. I personally have never swamped a canoe on accident, but since I paddle tandem 90% of the time I know that I can't avoid it forever. Someday it will happen and I won't be thinking "man I wish I hadn't lost my gear and/or canoe".

Good thread. I don't take this stuff too seriously, but would rather be prepared. I figure if I had my canoe and gear I am good to go. But if I lost the boat and all my stuff this is what I have:

As far as survival tools, I keep a mini-leatherman tool in my pants pocket every day. After a thread I read last year, decided to keep in my lifejacket a magnesium fire starter, and a bunch of waterproof matches in a waterproof container in vaccum packed plastic. I also keep a compass in my life jacket. Usually I have a bandana with me, and I generally have a granola or energy bar or two as well.

I'm thinking maybe I should add a whistle for windy days or around moving water. A couple of those instant heating pads was reccomended on another thread to help quickly warm you up in case of a capsize, and sounds easy enough to stash in your jacket pocket. I'm not sure what else I would easily carry on my person, but it is a good idea to dress for the occasion I guess? Similar to a bush pilot crashed in the woods...what you are wearing is what you got!

I'm guessing having some type of shelter on you is much better then having whatever you can make or use naturally alone? If you ever had to stay out a night, being able to keep the bugs off of you would be priceless.

About swamping. I paddled a canoe all over Ontario and never had a problem UNTIL a nice breezy day in the Wabikimi. Flipped in an inocuous looking set of riffles at the base of rapids. Also I was reading in my tent when my son and one of his buddies decided they were going to take a boat and go exploring on the Steel River. I passed because it seemed like a good idea to take a siesta. Heard a loud splash a couple of bangs and a bunch of cussin'. Got out of my tent just in time to see #l son and his buddy wading out of the river dragging paddles and life preservers ahead of their swamped canoe. Seems the buddy stepped into the canoe a tad off center just as my son reached around for a paddle. Dumped that boat six feet from shore! Kid them about it to this day eighteen years later! What makes it a really memorable story is; the water had to be around fifty degrees.

I have a survival kit with me every time I step into the canoe; it is kept in a pocket on my PFD. It isn't much but it is enough to keep me alive if I had to spend a night out in the bush. Here is what I carry in a watertight bag. The whole kit is about the size of a VHS cassette:

A lighter: easier to use than matches in most situations.

Matches: both as a back up and incase things are damp and the flint won't work on the lighter. These are in a match safe so they are doubly protected.

A small candle: It can be used as light or as a basis for a fire if need be.

An emergency blanket: A great compact way to stay warm.

50 feet of rope: This can be used to help build a shelter among other things.

5 safety pins: These are really there for use in medical situations but are there so I included them.

A candy bar: This gets replaced rather often but is a good quick fix of fuel if I get chilled.

In addition to this one pocket kit, my PFD zipper pull is a whistle for signaling if I am stranded. I also carry some sunflower seeds because, well, they are good protein and I spent enough time on the bench to know how to crack them without using my hands. They are also a good source of sodium and make me thirsty so I drink and stay hydrated.

I also carry a small signal mirror on my belt as well as a knife. With this little bit of gear, I know that I could survive many situations.


TB

After giving it some thought, I've come to the conclusion that matches are dead, not needed, antiquated.... useless.

Let me explain.

We now have lighters, and some really nice ones that kick out a good flame. These are for your everyday fire needs.

Then as a backup get a ferrocerium stick (usually incorrectly called flint and steel).
http://wildwoodsurvival.com/survival/fire/magnesium/index.html

The ferrocerium stick can be used if the lighter dies or gets wet, you can probably start 1000 fires with the stick so that should keep you warm until the calvary arrives.

If I have made a hasty conclusion on matches please let me know, thanks.

-Shane

Survival kit: Knife, Matches and lighter. with these two things a skilled person should be able to survive for quite sometime. Use a knife to make shelter, matches/lighter for a fire. Realistically you would almost never be stranded for a long enough time in the BWCA to require much more. You can survive two weeks without food, and water is everywhere. Most likely you would come across someone paddling by before you starved too death. obviously there is always extreme situations, but ultimately the best tool for wilderness survival is having a positive attitude, and the will to survive (I am speaking from experience, I used to teach wilderness survival).
Since emergency/survival situations are never planned on, it is foolish to assume that you will have your "survival kit" with you at all times. Hence, I feel that too much emphasis is placed on having "the right survival tools" versus having the know-how to handle yourself in a emergency/survival situation. Perhaps these comments will fall on deaf ears, because we all know what to do... Hopefully that is the case.

Browntrout talked about keeping the bugs off. I was thinking maybe Tyvek somehow made into a makeshift sleeping bag? I'm not sure how big this would pack, I can't imagine it'd be too bulky. It could be used as a sleeping bag, used to try to stay warm, and it could also be used for protection from the rain. I'm not sure if mosquitoes would be able to get you through it, but I'm sure it'd be better than nothing.

along with a knife or hatchet, a good multi-tool would be useful in far more situations than you could imagine... I love watching survivorman and man vs. wild too, but Les Stroud is just awesome in how he's so creative and ingenious in the use of the materials he has available.. He's almost a MacGyver of the wild..

Epfd,

Not trying to start a pissing contest! However, the BWCA is a very remote wilderness when you have a medical emergency. When you are 3 days, many many portages, and broken up! Two years ago I fell in Yellowstone while portaging my canoe! I broke my back, I was only 2 lakes and about 2 miles from help! NOT REAL REMOTE... I would have gladly paid $50,000 dollars for a chopper.
As for survival in the BWCA, remember when building your rescue fires, from the air it will look like everyone rescue camp fire! Make three fire in a line, or carry a colored smoke marker.

hey I was fishing in Yellowstone last summer, and they are real strict where they let you put in a canoe, mine came off the rack one day, fishing was great though.

How did you get out?

Jay,
Shoshone Lake is awesome in Yellowstone, a canoe or hike only. Grand Teton Park just down the road has a few nice paddle lakes aswell.
A great book is "Paddling Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks" by Don Nelson (A Falcon Guide book)
It is set up just like Beymer covered the BWCA! Cover permits, campsites,etc. I found mine used online...
Do you live out West? Or visiting?

As for the getting out! While portaging with a 70# canoe (have a lighter one now)and a duluth pack, I stepped into a washout piece of trail, falling about 4ft. Fortunately, or unfortunately my injuries were limited to 2 herniated disks, and one broken vertabrae. My left leg and rearend were numb and tingley, but I could still walk. Although it was very,very slow and painful. my Thirteen year old Son (his 1st trip) was able to carry the gear back to the first lake making many trips! He was unable to carry the 70# canoe, so he drug it across the portage. I was very proud, and glad that he was along. I never thought I would ever say this, BUT I WAS GLAD THAT THERE WERE ALOT OF PEOPLE THAT DAY! We were fortunate to run into some hikers that saw that we were in trouble. One of them went back for help, while the other helped my Son portage the rest of the packs. The Rangers took me to the local hospital. We had spent 2 nights under a tarp, making our plan, and hoping someone might come by. And although the weather was good, and we had plenty of food. I must say it was the longest 2 nights I can remember.
I still try to get were others are not, but I welcome seeing folks once in awhile, just in case! Oh and I am alittle more careful of where I step...

"I have a survival kit with me every time I step into the canoe; it is kept in a pocket on my PFD."

likewise. the "ditch kit" is for when you are separated from your gear. as we go farther out it is even more important. no one paddles with me without one in their pfd. as far as the probability of ever getting separated from your gear/boat/paddle partner(s), the scenario has happened, so the chance of it recurring in the paddling community is 100%. will it be you?-who knows, but the term "accident" somehow found it's way into the english language. hence, the ditch kit in the pfd, and a plan to keep it there.

JD,

I have never heard of it called a ditch kit before but I like the term. It has far to true a ring to it.

TB

A bit of constructive criticism for Kanoes. You may want to slow down in your responses. I have been reading many of the threads on this web site and have found a common theme to be that you seem to overreact or misunderstand something that someone wrote...thus creating undo tension and hostility. Just a suggestion...take it or leave it.

oooooooooooook. ill semi agree. i do overreact at times, ill admit that...but, i *rarely misunderstand. Jan and, thanks for that :) i could say more, but ill just bite my tongue.

i got in on this sort of late but i carry all the "normal"
survival gear in my PFD..i bought one with lots of pockets
and keep the firelighter--foil bag..and so on with me all the
time and wear it on the "walk backs" when i portage in case
something happens on the trail..

Sorry Kanoes, I was in a funk after reading all the postings and was getting a little antsy to get out in the woods. On topic though I pack matches, a lighter, duct tape, an led light, water treatment pills, and rope in a large prescription medicine bottle and throw one in each pack. The bottles are light weight, waterproof, mostly clear, and best of all free.

dont be sorry. everyone needs critisism now and then. i appreciated it. Jan

:)...I also carry a magnesium fire starter, knife, rope, duct tape, etc in my life jacket.

Pretty sure it is not the USAF which receives the signal but the nearest Search and Rescue Team - ie; Cook County or Lake County. These devices are now rentable for less than $100 for a week.

I think PLBs still go through Air Force. Certainly did a the time of original post. Article

Satellite communicators like Spot and Garmin use a private agency, the GEOS International Emergency Response Center.

i believe both notify the appropriate agencies local to the signal.

Reviving a necropost??
Nothing wrong with that. Anyway COSPAS SARSAT is an intergovernmental operation based in Montreal, they handle the satellites used byPRIB EPRIB PLB devices, broadcasting on 406 MHz. When a signal is intercepted it is relayed to the SAR of the nation the signal is sent from.
As such it is not a USAF function. the signal location determines the coordinating country.
Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, handles North American based land signals the USCG does this for US territorial waters. Similar organizations internationally are tasked with handling signals in their respective territories.

butthead

In my opinion a ditch kit is only valuable if you have it firmly attached to your person EVERY time you are on the water. Baggy pockets in pants will let things float out, I learned that the hard way. Buttoned pocket help but are not infallible. I finally settled on a small bicycle seat bag with d-ring straps and a zippered closure . It attaches nicely to the PFD strap on my back . Out of the way and is going nowhere. About the size of a Nalgene bottle.

MossBack: " In my opinion a ditch kit is only valuable if you have it firmly attached to your person EVERY time you are on the water. Baggy pockets in pants will let things float out, I learned that the hard way. Buttoned pocket help but are not infallible. I finally settled on a small bicycle seat bag with d-ring straps and a zippered closure . It attaches nicely to the PFD strap on my back . Out of the way and is going nowhere. About the size of a Nalgene bottle."

This is why I like PFDs with pockets. My chinook has 2 large(ish) zippered pockets that I use to store a lighter, phone, knife, permit, and cigars. I also have my monocular and tie tool attached to the outside. I really should add a survival blanket, but most of my trips are pretty warm and I haven't really felt the need to add one.

A good PFD is essential in the boundary waters. It doesn't cost much compared to some purchases, but you get comfort, convenience, and the space to store a ditch kit for survival situations.

Portage Monkey: ":)...I also carry a magnesium fire starter, knife, rope, duct tape, etc in my life jacket."

I finally have a life jacket with big enough pockets to do the same this year.

billconner: "I think PLBs still go through Air Force. Certainly did a the time of original post. Article


Satellite communicators like Spot and Garmin use a private agency, the GEOS International Emergency Response Center.


i believe both notify the appropriate agencies local to the signal."

Garmin recently acquired GEOS. I don't know if this will result in any changes in the service.

In 45 years of outdoor travels I’ve only been ‘lost’ for a couple hours. However I’ve been in groups where we have lost people. Once on a portage trail and once someone wondering around in the woods until they no longer knew where the campsite was. In either situation it was unlikely the persons would be carrying survival gear.
My survival kit is simple, matches and a lighter obsessively wrapped in plastic. This is always in my pocket. Boy Scout training takes care of the rest of it.

Wow! A 14 year old thread brought back to life. Got to be some kind of record.

Thinking about a true survival situation, and I’m thinking a reliable lighter and crystal meth.

Garmin buys GEOS

After extensive research years ago I made survival kits for us. You can buy them pre-made, but they are expensive. The goal is to make something that is on my person at all times. As you can see, this kit will fit in cargo pocket of pants, or life jacket pocket. I will assume you/I ALWAYS have a compass, pocket knife, and matches/lighter on our person. Kit ingredients:
whistle
compass
duct tape
utility wire - 6 ft
nylon cord - 10 ft
black fishing line 20 lb
fish hooks -4
snap swivel
sewing needle
safety pins -2
aluminum foil
instruction sheet ('how to survive')
Fresnel lens magnifier
reflective blanket
poncho
lighter
matches
tinder
The Fresnel magnifying lens is the size of a credit card - and has obvious survival uses, but also, it can be used to magnify the print of the instruction sheet - important for aging eyes! The instructions walk you through using some of the kit to construct a shelter, etc. Instructions may be helpful if one was panicky or facing hypothermia and not thinking clearly. Total wt. = ~ 10 oz.

Yikes! Where does the time go??? Still solid advice on here.