Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
8.
Candles
(usefulforlightingfireswithdampwood)andlightsticks(emergencylightwhennothing
else works or explosive gases are present).
9.
Toiletries
, including toilet paper, toothbrush, soap, razor, shampoo, sanitary napkins (also good
for severe bleeding wounds), a pack of dental floss (for sewing and tying things), sunscreen, extra
eyeglasses, diapers, and so on.
10.
Food for three days per person, minimum.
Use foods you will eat and that store well, such as
nuts, sport bars, canned vegetables, fruits, meats, dry cereals, and military-type preserved meals
(available at surplus and survival stores).
11.
A Swiss Army knife
,Leatherman, orotherstainlesssteelmulti-tool knifewithscissors,canopen-
er, blades, and screwdrivers (see
fig. 2-6
).
Figure 2-6. Multi-tool knife by Leatherman.
Photo courtesy of Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)
12.
Map, compass, and whistle.
When you are in a weakened state, or have a parched throat, a
whistle may draw someone's attention and save your life. In smoke or fog, a compass may be the
only thing pointing you in the right direction. The dial on the compass should glow in the dark.
Put a string on your compass so you can hang it around your neck for quick referral.
13.
Sewing kit with extra-heavy-duty thread.
Shouldbestrongenoughtostitchatornstrapontoyour
backpack (I never travel in the backcountry without a sewing kit and have had to use it several
times).
Note:
May be used to suture (stitch) wounds in an emergency (soak needle and thread in
boiling water first)!
14.
Towel or dishcloth.
Knives, forks, spoons, and so on. A camping “mess kit” is a compact set of
utensils.
15.
Tent
and/or 50-foot roll of plastic sheeting for shelter.
