Something we did in the Boy Scouts: bring game boards (what?) No, listen. If you carry a sleeping pad, you can use a Sharpie and ruler, make a checker/chess board, backgammon, Chutes & Ladders, etc. Then you just carry what you think you need, like the chess pieces or dice. You can use rocks vs. sticks if you're a checkers player. I've never played backgammon...

Even if you don't carry a sleeping pad, you could use pretty much anything flat, eg your space blanket. Or just get a piece of paper, use both sides for different games, and get it laminated. Fold it up and forget it.

Any source for that?

Howdy everyone... first post here...learnin' a bunch.

Piggybacking on Ironravens dice comment, I have a Crossword Dice game that is great (small, light... http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/9481). Always in my pack on the trail... Levenger has changed it a little over the years. I also have the Pigs game and cards too.

For those of a religious inclination, check this out ( http://www.theoutdoorbible.com/pc-13-2-the-outdoor-bible-nas-updated-nt-with-free-burlap-bag.aspx ) Waterproof, tear-resistant, light...

Amazing what's out there, ain't it?

Hi Matt,

Nice to hear from you; you will enjoy this site, lots of knowledgeable, polite people to learn from.

Welcome,

Mike

A deck of cards is nice (water-proof or in a zip-lock.)
Those magnetic travel games (checkers, chess, backgammon, go, etc.) are pretty compact. With the random aspect of dice in backgammon I used to like to play against myself if no one was available.
Many of these games can be made with a little imagination & some basic materials. Perhaps a book of games/rules could be brought along instead & you just make the board/pieces.
If you are outside & have a knife, whittling would be a good distraction & even useful if you can make simple tools out of carved wood.

Tim

Sorry. Source for what?

In my winter car kit I keep a book I've read a couple of times. I figure if I'm stuck where I need that kit, boredom will be a big problem. I think I might add cards and a pad and pencil now, sketching and doodling can really while away the hours.

Hacksaw, I think he was asking about your mini version of the SAS Survival Guide.

Sue

I own both of the following:
http://www.collins.co.uk/books.aspx?book=27216 (full size)
http://www.collins.co.uk/books.aspx?book=30696 (pocket size)

There is also a 'flash card' version with the book condensed to waterproof cards bound by a rivet. I don't think it's in production any longer.

Both are available via Amazon. I found both in a local book store in the sports section.

So far most of my BOB is theoretical...I know...get it put together!

One thing I carry in my wallet, and will go in every BOB/ditch bag is a couple of family pictures. As has been said before, there's nothing like a good reminder of what you may be surviving for. That is a morale booster for me.

And items like folks have mentioned are all part of the MENTAL part of survival, which has a profound impact on the PHYSICAL part.

With small, relatively lightweight mental distractions...well it just makes sense to pack these things. Now if you're really into bowling...

But the body follows where the mind leads, so never underestimate the importance of mental survival/comfort.

BTW...LOVED the comment about carrying a deck of cards, so someone will happen along to tell you where to play your next Solitaire card!