Wanted to share a few quick photos of a homemade SERE & survival kit, housed in a Topo Designs small accessory pouch. This is still a work in progress, with items that need to be added (Kevlar cordage, snare wire, fish hooks, etc.). The idea is that this kit will be layered with other items carried, so it's not really meant to be completely stand-alone. I haven't completely decided about including any sharps yet -- as there are already several as EDC.









Flickr album link @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/26438889@N08/sets/72157650992532671/

You can put a little scotch tape on the contacts of your spare battery to save some room.

I have two methods I've used to prevent accidental activation of a Bic: one is a zip-tie exactly the width to fit underneath the gas button, cut off. The other is a short piece of relatively-large diameter shrink tubing, shrunk over the top of the lighter. Either way it prevents accidental loss of fuel while still being something you can remove in the field.

Does this kit assume that you have something to carry water in? There are plastic bags that hold water securely and fold-down very small that you might consider.

What's your use case for the lockpicks? Some places you risk arrest by carrying them, even where there is no illegal intent.

Great suggestions, thanks!

Still need to find some O-rings for the Bic, thanks for reminding me! I've used that zip-tie approach before, but as this kit might get opened up more often, I would like to have something that can be replaced after use.

Usually I've got a water bottle with me wherever I go, but I might see about adding a small Platypus or Vapur collapsible bottle to the larger backpack, or else one of those small zippered water storage bags.

The picks are for educational purposes. Plus, not too worried about a stop 'n' frisk where I am.

Interesting kit. Hard to comment on the contents because you know best what you're likely to need. But - assuming there is an expected need to get in or out of locked places (hence the lockpicks) - you could add a small prybar, which might work better in many situations. There are already plenty of mini prybars on the market, or you could make your own (a modified tire iron or the like). It is a good tool to have, mine has already saved the day on several occasions.

Also, I don't know what your EDC includes at this point. You said you do carry a few sharps. But I would add a small multitool to the SERE kit if you don't carry one already. Maybe something small like the Leatherman Squirt. Doesn't look like much but can be very handy.

Are you planning to carry this on person or in a pack.I consider a pack a large survival kit in itself.It's a kit you can get separated from.Will this go in a cargo pocket or other?

BOATMAN
John

It's wilderness with a little splash of urban (The lockpicks) so the intended use is not really clear. Feedback works a lot better if you tell what it's supposed to be used for.

Note that the acronym "SERE" means Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape.

Therefore, the title of this thread could be translated as "Homemade Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape & Survival Kit"

-We bring you this courtesy message, brought to you as a courtesy by the Department of Redundancy Department.

Just disguise your lockpick set..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1EXRw-ENS8

Good catch! Oops, not enough java that day.

Here is my daily pocket EDC:



Beyond that, there's the EDC pack (either Goruck Bullet at10L, or else TAD Litespeed at 22L capacity). Here's a somewhat recent pic of what is carried. There has been some movement & changes since then, but it gives a good rough idea:


https://flic.kr/p/jnyvci

So I see this small SERE kit as boosting the capabilities of what is carried on person, and also what is housed in the pack. Overall, the pack contains a mix of urban and wilderness gear, with some snivel gear and daily use items thrown in.

This one I'm anticipating keeping in the pack. Although, it definitely is small enough to stash in a cargo pocket if needed.

Next step is coming up with something small enough to always keep along with the on-person daily EDC goodies... might return to an Altoids tin sized kit.

Add a Swiss Army Knife. Make sure that it has a saw and sissors.
More puritabs and some snarewire.

I find this rather curious, particularly your use of the SERE acronym and the lock picks (educational use?? - nice try). If I weren't concerned about Escaping and Evading, I would include some first aid items and something that would be useful for sheltering, as well as more emphasis on signalling. Most often in a tight situation,one wishes to be found, thus leading to a new acronym - SEFR (Survive, Endure, Find, Rescue).

Sorry, I just don't get the lock picks....

Hikermor, you are just being picky!

If he truly wants to evade and escape, he should include a thousand bucks in small bills, hair dye, fake mustache, a passport with assumed name, etc.

You know,like Jason Bourne.....

BOATMAN
John

Don't lose any sleep over it.

Looking at the rest of the items, you'll notice a trend -- signal mirror, whistle, signal panel, Glo-toob attached to a lanyard. All things to attract attention and be noticed, as you yourself mentioned. (Still need to add a little flagging/surveyor's tape, too.) As far as the FAK goes, it is carried in another pouch (modified AMK kit). Picture below...