First I have my "on my person" stuff. These are the things that go in my pocket/on my body. I try to keep all of them on me or atleast near me as much as possible. They are:
1. Benchmade 705 BT in a sheath that also holds a two AA Mini-Maglight.
2. Benchmade 5BLK rescue hook
3. Butane lighter
4. Wallet with all the regular stuff plus bandaides, Swiss Card, and metal money clip.
5. My cell phone (Model 720c Motorola)
6. Leatherman wave
7. Keyring with my keys, photon micro light 2, and a Leatherman Squirt S4.
8. A hand assembled first aid kit that fits in my back pocket.
9. On a seperate keyring is a CPR microshield, Flint firestarter bar, and a whistel/compass/thermometer thing.
10. A Back pocket survival kit made out of an altoids can, sealed with electrical tape.
11. An analog watch
12. Sometimes I carry my Garmin E-trex and/or a two-way radio on my belt.
13. A bandana or 2 (I prefer atleast one dark colored and one light colored one)

In the little back pocket survival kit I have:
-A small Swiss Army Knife
-Waterproof matches (one of which is wrapped in black thread) with 2 waterproof strikers.
-A few bandaids
-A few butterfly bandages
-Alchohol pad
-Folded heavy duty tinfoil
-Tweezers
- about a foot and a half of that thin flat white cord
- 2 different size saftey pins and a needle
- solid fuel tabs
- a Suunto wrist compass (minus the strap)
- a roll of dental floss
- bullion cube (Chicken flavored)
- a 2 inch length of natural fiber rope
- a P-38 can opener
- a small salt packet
- 2 razor blades
- A length of black electrical tape sealing the case
- The "altoids can kit" is kept in a little handmade soft leather "sheath" that stops it from wearing out my back pockets. I would list the first aid kit contents but I don't feel like going through it since its packed pretty tight. <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I also have a survival kit in a little bag thats about the size of a camera case. If need be I can put it on my belt fast. Its contents are:
- A bandana (spare to the one(s) I carry)
- A Tool Logic card
- A bottle of water purification tablets
- 2 solid fuel tabs
- A "fishing kit" that consist of a small spool of fishing line, 3 pre tied hooks, and 2 weights.
- A small compressed roll of orange marking tape
- A small two bladed knife (Carbon Steel blades)
- About 15 or so feet of parachute cord
- A triangular bandage
- A compass/magneyfying glass/ thermometer/ ruler thing I got in Switzerland
- About 25 feet of this thin green line (its a 1 mm thick)
- A flint/magnesium bar (spare to the one I usually carry)
- A steel signal mirror
- folded Heavy duty tinfoil
- A space blanket
- A matchbox filled with matches, bulion cubes, sewing needel, saftey pins, sewing thread, enough change to make a phone call, and some other stuff I forgot (its sealed to be waterproof so I don't want to rip it apart.
- Some first aid supplies such as gloves, bandages, medicine, wound cleaning stuff, neosporing stuff, ect.
- 1 large garbage bag
- my pocket saw

A also have a kit in a fanny pack sized bag. Its contents are:
- 2 ponchos
- extra batteries for my maglight
- 1 "write in rain" pad and pencil
- 1 signal mirror
- 1 24 hour candle
- A roll of campers toilet tissue
- A set of Cub scout silverware
- A pen sized flare gun with 3 flares
- Chapstick type Aloe Vera Sunscreen Lip Balm
- A small Deep Woods Off spray bottle
- a small bottle of biodegradable soap
- my full sized Suunto compass (MC-2)
- A triangular bandage
- a CPR microshield
- a Fox 40 whistle
- A compressed tinder bar
- A bottle of waterproof matches
- A small container of strike anywhere matches
- 2 small button compasses (1 also functions as a sundial)
- A "space pen"
- A sewing kit in a film container
- A climbing rated carabiner with attached:
>Dog tag with my name and address
>small Swiss Army Knife (the one with the light, pen, and bottle opener, I think its called a midnight manager?)
>cutco Serrated knife
>ceramic V-type knife sharpener
>another whistle
>waterproof knot card of the "12 most usefull knots"
>15 or so feet of parachute cord

I also have my mess kit in a seperate bag:
- It consist of a pan, a pan with its fold out handle, a pot, a metal cup, bullion cubes, 4 solid fuel tabs, and assorted fire starting stuff (2 lighters and 2 bottles of NATO matches, some assorted tinder)

So, anyone have any ideas on things to add/change? I need some imput <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I am going to take your advice and add some heavy tin foil and a good wire saw to my kit.

Suggestions:
In your larger kit I would suggest a space bag not the blanket which is near useless. I would add a couple of heavy garbage bags. Your fire making is a little weak. Throw in some more bics and water proof strike anywhere matches in all your kits as well as some vaseline cotton ball tinder and maybe consider a gerber strike force. I hate the magnesium striker bar with a passion.

Water containers like condoms and a platypus container.

More "real" Paracord 30-50 ft is better.

Your fishing kit is very small. I once had a small one like that and tried it out. In 30 mins I blew through the entire kit by loosing hooks, line and sinkers to snags. I suggest at least 20 hooks and sinkers and swivels some lures and longer better line. 10 lb test line wont cut in survival. Get some 30-50lb test line from spider wire its very strong and not big in diameter. It can be used for anything.

A small tube of sunscreen, your skin will love you. Water purify tabs in all kits.

Some things may not be needed; cub scout cutlery?
Carabiner?
Pen flares? Questionable...
P38? Should have a can opener on your SAK & Wave
Tool logic card? what does this do that your knife can't?
2 ponchos, I assume they are the disposable kind. Get 1 good quality poncho.
Where is your duct tape?
In this age of bio warfare, maybe some protective masks and gloves are in order.

I would add some quick energy foods like power bars or the like.

I don't carry a signal mirror because my Silva ranger compass has a mirror already.

Well you asked haha, my opion only of course.

Mike

Hi Paul810,

Welcome to ETS! <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

It appears that you have been putting some thought and effort into your kits. As with most of us, you'll probably have discovered that there is no such thing as the ultimate kit, and that they are constantly evolving to meet the users current needs and will continue to improve with time. <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

May I suggest that the "Fanny Kit" seems to have all of the compasses in it. It would be advantageous to split them up among the various kits. Redundancy is a great idea, but what if the fanny kit was lost / unretrievable /misplaced / stolen etc. <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Best not to place all the eggs in one basket as the old saying goes.

Regarding the flare pen, please review go to the review section of the ETS site and peruse Doug's reviews on them. You might come away with a different opinion on using them. For myself, if I had one (and room in the kit) I would put it in the kit, but would not want to depend soley upon it. Neither would I rush out to buy one, feeling that the room could be better used by other things.

Re: Firestarting, it is hard to beat the price and availability of the "bic" type lighters, I have several spread out in my kits, however, that said I recently invested in the "Blast Match" which has also been reviewed on this site. Having used it several times, I am impressed with its ability to start a fire.

Re: P-38's ...I have several distributed among the kits, even though there are other methods of opening cans included in the kit. My thought here, is that IF, I had to provide others with the ability to open cans, I would like to keep the other instruments available for my use. Would really not want to end up giving away a useful tool to others that may not know how to use and/or properly care for it.

Perhaps you might want to include Bill Vannersons modified "STOP" document in your kits as well.

Re: fishing kit stuff: Definitely get the "spiderwire" line. You will find that it is thinner and stronger than most other lines around. This means you can carry more & stronger line in the same space as the current low test line in your kit. You will need to learn the "Palomar" knot for use with this type orf line, it is easy. Do a forum search on "knots" & " spiderwire" and you will find several relevant threads about this.

The comment regarding adding more hooks and sinkers being advisable is also appropriate, I even included some swivels as well. Consider adding a big hook or two, 7/0 or 8/0 for use as a gaff or gig on a pole. A lot of fish are lost while being pulled out of the water, using a gaff could increase the success rate. They have other uses as well, put on a long stick you could pull down fruit from trees etc.

Your post did not state whether this was for urban or wilderness use, but in either event, some maps would be appropriate as well. Which maps? Good question...review topographic, street and state maps then make your own conclusions based upon your location, travel intentions, personal knowledge of the area etc.

Just my quick two cents from the peanut gallery. <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Regards,
Comanche7

Thank you guys, keep the ideas comming....this is great. <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Oh, I forgot to tell you guys that I added a scout "hot spark" to my pocket kit. I have to find some way to store the vasiline soaked cotten balls in my kit without getting vasiline all over the place. <img src="images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Film Canister with duct taped lid.

Thanks <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> By the way, where do you guys get your parachute cord from? I saw some in home depot but I wasn't sure if it was the true strong stuff or just some cheap imitation. Is their a certain weight rating or type i should get? <img src="images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Paul810,

Real parachute cord is rated at 550# and contains 7 inner strands which can be removed and used for additional line if needed. There are many imitations of real 550 cord, some pretty good, most are a waste of time. Do a forum search for "paracord" "parachute cord" "550 line" . There have been several pretty good discussions in the past regarding such cord and sources.

Regards,
Comanche7

Paul,

Beware of the so called paracord knockoffs.

Like Comanche says there are many. Real paracord has no equal in utility and quality and its cost reflects that.
I remember in the military blowing through spools of the stuff and chucking it away like nothing. If only i had known it is a rarity in civi life and expensive, i would have procured a few spools before I retired.
Home depot "does not sell real paracord" at least where i live.
Check surplus stores and e-bay. Make sure it is 550 lb rated and has 7 single inner strands. You will know it when you see it.

Most people have never seen the stuff and thus call anything nylon paracord.
I picked up a 1200 ft spool on ebay for $37 which is the cheapest way to go. The best purchase I have made in years.

Duct tape and paracord it holds the world together.

Mike

I have a store by me called EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports). They sell climbling rated rope and climbing stuff, as well as outdoors supplies. Do you think they will have the real stuff? It will be expensive from them but if its the good stuff i'll pay. <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Notes on cordage.

Paracord is workable for everything. You can use it whole for light climbing but I wouldn't unless there were no other option - it's really too weak for that. You can pull out the inner strands and use them for tying out shelter tarps or fishing or even unravel it an use the individual strands for sewing. For all these reasons it is wonderful stuff!

Masons twine is close to equivalent of one of the inner strands of paracord. It is much cheaper and will serve many light uses. Much smaller diameter makes it possible to pack more in less space. Also it is usually availabe in neon colors which makes it useful for trail marking and the like.

Spectra cord is much more expensive than paracord and much stronger. You can get spectra cord the diameter of masons twine that has tensile strength around 2500 pounds. If you used this for climbing you would probably be stopped in a fall for just as long as it takes the cord to slice through you. If you have a climbing harness then you might do well with this.

Don't forget the other cordage equivalents that you will probably want to be carrying, nylon thread, snare wire, dental floss, wire-ties and zip-ties.


I carry some generic nylon twine for lashing and general purpose use such as lashing Christmass trees to the top of the car or constructing a debris hut shelter that might stand a chance of surviving a storm. I also carry some light weight masons twine for tying up packages for mailing or marking trail or repairing / replacing broken belts or straps. I also carry some real paracord, around 10' around my PSK because of it's versatility. I also carry around 20 yds of HD nylon thread wound around the needle in my PSK. I also carry a small spool of dental floss and 50 yds of monofiliment line (haven't gotten around to replacing this with spiderwire yet. I also carry around 10' of snare wire. My larger kits all have a selection of wire-ties and zip-ties and coat hanger wire and in my BOB I have some real climbing rope and my vehicle kit contains tow-straps and tie-down straps.

I doubt EMS will have it. It is not considered climbing rope or mainstream outdoor cordage. It is pretty much an army surplus type thing. EMS will have cordage similar and may even have stuff called paracord but it ain't.

Remember the 7 inner strand test. It should look like 7 individual little cords inside the outer sleeve.

Mike

Quick note - (now, climbers don't jump on me - this is not about double ropes and single ropes) - the smallest line diameter - regardless of fiber - used for that sort of thing is 8mm "personal rescue line" or "self rescue line". And not any old 8mm kernmantle will do. And they are NOT fall-rated.

I have some of it - enough to egress my office from my windows - and it's tiny enough to scare the bejabbers out of me. If I ever use it - window or wilds - I guarantee I'll have that coppery taste in my mouth, complete with rocketing blood pressure and pounding pulse... I like my 10.5 and 11mm ropes just fine, thank you, and I'll stick to 12mm for rescues if I have a choice.

I can and have broken 550 cord - easily - I would not trust my life to it, period. I'll find another way...

Whew! Makes me break out in a sweat thinking about it, LoL! I love 550 cord - been using it for almost 30 years - but not for lowering anything heavier than my rucksack. Although I carry 550 cord... as I've stated before, I prefer Dacron cord of slightly larger diameter than 550 for general utility cord. Not as "SAK" a cordage as 550 cord, but it has many virtues that endear it to me.

I think I carry about the same stuff you do - a bit more cordage, but same things (love that bright mason's twine) plus the Dacron as my "workhorse" for non-climbing apps. Plus waxed linen (floss), carpet thread, and a hank of very heavy nylon thread used for repairing cargo parachute webbing. (No, not all in my PSK!)

Ayers, how could you not expect a climber not to pounce when rope is under discussion....

Rope, like so many things we discuss, comes in many different sizes and types. It all depends on what you want to do.

About the only climbing use for paracord, even the real stuff, is for shoelaces. In the early 60s, there was a minor fad in the climbing community involving the use of paracord for rappel anchors. Even tripled or quadrupled, several people died. Rappel anchors don't have to be that strong, either.

8mm cord could be just fine, if used properly. One important point - ropes often fail, not because of overloading, but from abrasion. It is amazing how fast a rope can abrade, especially under load (as when your bod is haning from it as you rappel). One jerky, poorly performed rappel can slice a rope much thicker than 8mm. So padding the rope, as you exit your building, is super critical - not just the lip, but very likely any point where the rock touches the building.

Don't even think about Spectra (previous post). It is strong but it has virtually zero elasticity. This is a critical attribute for climbing purposes. I don't think I would want to try to handle something as thin as mason's twine in any climbing situation I can think of.

I would agree with you, thicker rope is better than thinner unless weight and bulk is really critical. Some cavers, I understand, are dropping on 7mm rope, but they treat it right.

How far do you have to rappel from your office to reach the ground? FWIW, it seemed to me from SAR experience that groundfalls of more than forty feet (four stories) were generally fatal, while shorter drops were typically survivable, unless you impacted very badly.

Climbing has a lot more to it than just getting a rope, especially if you want to survive.

On this forum, many members proposed to use plastic straws to store vaseline impregnated cottonwool.
I thought it was a "bizarre" idea, but I tried it today : seems a perfect solution for small amounts and really easy to do :
- I took plastic straws at Mc Donald's (No, I don't want to start a thread on gastronomy <img src="images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> ...) ; they are large enough ;
- I cut these in 4 pieces, each about 5 cm long (so they fit in my PSK) ;
- with a BIC lighter I heat one end and immediatly seal that end with the pliers of my Leatherman ;
- then I stuff the vaseline impregnated cottonwool inside the tube ;
- and repeat the sealing operation at the open end ; seems to be a good seal, waterproof and vaselineproof ... to be confirmed ;

I still have now to test this tinder : is a 5cm long straw stock enough to light a fire ? I guess it should be, with practice ...


Alain

By rights 1 vaseline cotton ball should start about 5 - 10 fires easy. I have about 25 cotton balls in 1 film canister so I am good to go for MANY fires.

Mike

This is from an early post, it may be of interest. Pete

http://www.equipped.org/ubbthreads/showt...h=true#Post6533

It seems to be all guys replying in this thread, so I don't know if you'll be able to help me, but if you were a woman (just go with this!!) then where in your survival kits would tampons go, and do they even have a place in survival kits for us gals?? It's not the easiest thing to plan for e.g. quantity, so any suggestions / help would be appreciated!

cheers for some great ideas from your list by the way!

doozer

Doozer,

My wifes small fanny pack kit has half a dozen tampons and a couple of pads.

She plans on using a product called the "keeper" when and if needed.

Don't ask me any more cuz I don't know haha.

http://www.keeper.com/

Mike

I would suggest going with sanitary napkins, as they can double as a trauma dressing. Pete

Ok, I took some of your guys advice.
I bought some 50 pound test Spider line and included some in all my kits. I also got rid of my old fishing line and replaced it with the spider. I also added a bottle of Polar Pure to my big kit. I increaded my amount of hooks but I don't have a big gaff hook, yet. I also added some cotten ball/vasiline tinder to all my kits. In my bigger ones its kept in film containers sealed with electrical tape. In my altoids can kit I put the stuff inside straws and heat sealed the ends. I also put a red photon II light with the white one I normally carry. I have about a foot of teflon tube im trying to fit in the altoids tin like Doug has. I think I said this before but I threw a Boy Scout Hot Spark in my altoids kit (I'll use the small SAK as the striker). I also threw a few Bic lighters (with child locks) in my bags. Do you guys know if they make the mini ones with child locks? I can't find them. I will add some duct tape after I find some sticker backing and which do you guys think is a better one-handed fire starter.......Spark-Lite or Blast match? Thanks <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

P.S. I couldent find any Paracord nearby, so I got some of this http://www.ems.com/products/product_deta...D=1046749033940 since it was easy to come by. Do you think its a good substitute for paracord, or should I keep looking?

Paul,

Some excellent additions IMHO.
The spider wire can be used for near anything its that strong, it will slice into your hand VERY quick tho.

Polar pure is a superior water treatment system for sure. The larger bottle is a bit bulky but thats liveable.
They do make mini bics with childproof tops at least here in Canada anyway. You can get sticker backing by buying a role of double sided tape and using it, seems a waste of dbl sided tape tho. Havn't found another solution for that yet.

This is my opinion only Paul and others will disagree I'm sure but I have owned used and broke the blast match. I returned it and got a strike force and like it much better. But it is not one handed operated. The blast match is just as good for sparks as the strike force but because it has moving parts it is subject to breakage. I never had a problem starting a fire with 2 hands using the striker, just get your tinder sorted out and spark away. The strike force is a heavier duty built sparker.

Any cord you have is better than none. That EMS cord has an even higher break weight than paracord but thats not really the point of paracord.
Sure there are stronger cords out there but none that can be separated into 8 new cords by itself. Its the multi use utility of paracord that makes it great kit.

I would keep the cord you have now if you bought it already and search the surplus shops in your area until you find some, surely you have surplus stores in New Jersey. Hell if I lived close to you i'd give you a hundred feet. E-bay has spools and 50-100 foot hanks for resonable money, the more you buy the cheaper per foot.

*Warning: the surplus store habit is very addictive once started. Send out the SAR techs boys we lost another one haha.

Mike

Although, up to this point in time, I've never attempted this, it might be worthwhile using a vacuum sealer to reduce the overall volume of the pads. I doubt that they will ever reduce down to the standard Altoid tin size, but any reduction at all can make a positive difference.

Comanche7

Just out of curiosity I tore a piece of the EMS cord apart. It has 6 inner-strands with the outer covering. Not as good as seven but it will do for now. There is an Army/Navy surplus store about an hour from me. I know they carry surplus paracord, if I am heading that way I might just stop and pick up a roll, im sure the stuff comes in pretty handy for stuff other then survival. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Any more ideas for me anyone? Im still open to suggestions. <img src="images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Heya Doozer!
I keep a few tampons in my kit but mostly pads because they can be used as wound dressing.
As for "the keeper" thing that Mike suggested,well...
it's a bit of an icky little device,but i have tried it(yup,I'm female!), and the one thing that you should do if you plan on adding it to an emergency kit ,is to practice using it a couple of times first. It can be a little tricky,and the last thing that you need in an emergency situation is to worry about leaking. *ahem* (sorry guys).
The good thing about "the keeper" is that it is reusable and can last for years.However if you are allergic to latex do NOT use it.

MY son lives in Philly, when i go to visit i uauslly stop in at I goldbers army navy they have the biggest selection of army navy surplus you could ever think of, there web site has some info and some products but not all there proudcts there site igoco.com gives you there history,hours....ect
Tom