Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: BWCA survival kit
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Boppasteveg |
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billconner |
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. |
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butthead |
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 |
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MossBack |
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A1t2o |
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. |
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BAWaters |
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. |
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Porkeater |
billconner: "I think PLBs still go through Air Force. Certainly did a the time of original post. Article Garmin recently acquired GEOS. I don't know if this will result in any changes in the service. |
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stubs |
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spydor |
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. |
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Trygve |
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browntrout01 |
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! |
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browntrout01 |
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jwartman59 |
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. |
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Savage Voyageur |
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billconner |
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Icewolf_1 |
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? |
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Icewolf_1 |
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... |
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jdrocks |
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. |
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Jay |
How did you get out? |
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Jay |
I don't think I will do a beacon. |
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EPFD217 |
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". |
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Packfan 4 |
Steve |
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Geezerboy |
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troutbreath |
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 |
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spydor |
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 |
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kanoes |
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Portage Monkey |
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kanoes |
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L.T.sully |
"Your brain is your biggest and best survival tool" - Les Stroud "Survivorman" |
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guest |
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guest |
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kanoes |
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BTravlin |
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troutbreath |
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 |
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snakecharmer |
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? |
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Trygve |
Cell phones dont work up here. Maybe some snacks. |
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kanoes |
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. |
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Merlin |
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. |
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Canoe42 |
canoe42 |
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kanoes |
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kanoes |
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 |
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Merlin |
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snakecharmer |
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BrownTrout01 |
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. |
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Merlin |
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? |
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basser8239 |
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. |
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kanoes |
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faspich1 |
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. |
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Merlin |
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. |
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kanoes |
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L.T.sully |
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kanoes |
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Merlin |
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Bannock |
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kanoes |
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dogwoodgirl |
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canoepaddle |
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. |
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snakecharmer |
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snakecharmer |
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Icewolf_1 |
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. |
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Portage Monkey |
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Singingloon |
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. |
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Madmoney42 |
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Portage Monkey |
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kanoes |
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wetcanoedog |
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.. |
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snakecharmer |
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RunningFox |
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chessie |
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. |