Having a kit and not knowing how to use it is far better than not having a kit at all. In most cases you will not be alone when the emergency strikes. Someone else in your group might know how to use the items in your kit even if you don't.

I went on a morning canoe trip with some co-workers a few years ago. (One of those team building things.) DH packed my bag with a bunch of preparedness stuff in it. I had no idea what he put in it, but I carried it because he asked me to. We ended up using all sorts of stuff on the trip out of the bag. The running gag was if someone needed something, DH had probably packed it for me -- bug spray, extra napkins, plastic baggies, bandaids, sting-ez, etc. I had no idea what was in my pack, but it ended up being useful anyway.

On another note, I have always carried jumper cables in my car. I also have the stuff to change a tire. Do I know how to do either of those things? No. However, I am also physically incapable of doing either all by myself. I figure that in the event that I need any of those items, I can put on my best "I'm a pitiful girl incapable of taking care of herself" act. Eventually someone will come and help me and presto, I'll have the equipment available. At least it's worked every time I've needed it to.

Of course, that isn't to say that I shouldn't get off my bum and learn how to use the items in my kit. However, I see no reason to be embarrassed that I don't know how to use the stuff that I carry. At least I carry it. (And it took DH a long time to convince me to carry some of the stuff.)

-Kuovonne

Get yourself over to the closest bookstore and pick up a copy of the SAS Survival Guide.

Many, if not all, of your questions will be answered.

And remember - your best survival tool is between your ears.

There are all sorts of stainless steel wires, straightened, anealed and on and on. The best I have found for snares is .015 inch aircraft safety wire. It is the exact same wire packed in parachute harness survival kits for C-9 emergency chutes, and in other US military survival kits. It is about 30 to 40 Lb test for folks that worry about that. More than strong enough to snare small game. It also can be formed easily with just your fingers, no tools needed. It is hard to cut without a good cutter though! Do a web search for .015 stainless steel safety wire, usually about $10 per pound. A pound is a lot of snare wire!! CHeers!