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by richard@io.org

Items: Quantity and Purpose

Remember to use wooden matches and to have them waterproof by dipping them in hot wax before going out in the bushes. If you don't have the Hudson Bay Kit then use an army kit canteen which is rectangular and fit one into the other easily and easy to make watertight as well and has a collapsible handle.

Pocket Kit

Here is another s/kit to be carried in a jacket pocket.

Survival Kit

  1. Matches: Waterproof matches are useful but bulkier than ordinary non-safety, strike anywhere matches, which can be made shower proof by dipping the heads in melted candle fat. To save space, snap off half of each match stick. It is much easier to use matches than to make fire by other methods but don't waste them, use only when improvised method fail. Take them one at a time from the tin and replace the lid. Never leave the container open or lying on the ground.
  2. Candle: Invaluable for starting a fire as well as a light source. Shave square for packing. If made of tallow it is also fat to eat in an emergency or to use for frying. But be sure it is tallow; paraffin wax and some other candles are inedible. Tallow does not store well, especially in hot climates.
  3. Flint: Flint will work when wet and they will go on striking along after you run out of matches. Invest a processed flint with a saw striker. Recently on the market you can buy a magnesium flint fire starter which is great on all occasions.
  4. Magnifying Glass: Can start a fire from direct sunshine and be useful for searching for splinter and stings and to replace lost reading glasses. One of the advantage of the top of the line swiss knife is that it has a magnifying glass incorporated within.
  5. Needles and Thread: Several needles, including at least one with a very large eye that can be threaded ith sinew and coarse threads. Choose strong thread and wrap it around the needles.
  6. Fish Hooks and Line: A selection of different hooks in a small tin or packet. Add a few split lead weight. Remember that a small hook will catch both and large fish but a large hook will only catch big ones. Include as much line as possible, it will also be useful for catching birds.
  7. Compass: A luminous button compass. But make sure you know how to read it as some compass can be confusing and remember never make a reading close to any metallic surface. A liquid type is the best but also make sure that it does not leak, has no bubble in it and is fully serviceable. The pointer is prone to rust. Make sure it is on a pivot and swings freely.
  8. Beta Light: A light-emitting crystal, only the size of a small coin but ideal for reading a mag at night and useful fishing lure, expensive but just about everlasting and well worth to buy.
  9. Snare Wire: Preferably brass-wire - 60-90cm (2-3ft) should do. Save for snares, but could solve many survival problems.
  10. Flexible Saw: These usually come with large rings at the ends as handles. These take up too much room, so remove them, they can be replace by wooden toggle when you need to use it. To protect from rust and breakage cover it in a film of grease. Flexible saws can be used to cut even quite large trees, but be slow when cutting.

Medical Kit

What you include depends upon your own skill in using it. Pack medicines in airtight containers with cotton wool to prevent rattling. The following items will cover most ailments but they are only a guide.

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