Hello all. I recently joined the forum and was wondering if anybody could give me some tips on improving my mini personal survival kit. I think i have the essentials but theres always room for improvement. I carry my kit in a Blackhawk Industries vest. Since i live in alaska, and fly for recreation I am often miles away from any form of civilization. I do have a comprehensive survival kit that stays in the plane at all times but am trying to pare down the essentials for carry in my vest. Let me know what you think as to the quality and completness of my kit. I am also looking for a very small medical kit and fishing kit to add (still have a little spare room), preferably each allready fully assembled. Any suggestions appreciated.<br><br>Survival Vest:<br><br>Silva compass<br>Pelican waterproof flashlight<br>30 ft parachute cord<br>1 cyalume lightstick<br>3 Thompson snares<br>1 small "Sparky" flint fire starter<br>1 all weather " space bag"<br>1 "Survival Straw"<br>1 collapsible "Stansport" water bag<br>1 "speedy sharp" knife sharpener<br>1 Gerber E Z Out knife<br>1 saber cut saw<br>1 star flash signal mirror<br>5 wet fire tinder<br>1 match holder/15 waterproof matches and striker<br>3 black plastic garbage bags<br>10 ft aluminum foil<br>

I would consider a gill net for fishing. One of my favourite fishing units is assembled by Chris Janowsky of WSI up there in Tok. It is in a large round can inside a ziplock baggie with additional line so size may be an issue. Chris even includes a small CRKW folder and a metal match. Our friend Barry @ Blueline Outfitters has a mini kit of hooks, sinkers, swivels and line in a tiny plastic vial. If you can find orange( or another bright color) bags of thin mil ( I assume these are also in the vest) your visibility to searchers will improve. A small selection of needles will be critical for mending your clothing if torn, scorched etc.

Their's a new fishing kit be sold by bcb called fishing kit universal that consists of 30m of line(not sure of the test)<br>12 hooks 4 flys 24 split shot weights and 4 swivels and instructins. The kit costs about £20.<br>Also what about some water purification tablets.<br><br>Also consider a few trauma dressings if you can fit them in.

How about some nylon net for mosquitoe protection? In the plane, maybe.

Hello Jamie,<br><br>Welcome. You seem to be pretty well covered. I don't know what you have for EDC besides what's in your vest, but I would also include a storm proof lighter like the Windmil Delta, A good whistle like the Storm or Fox40, and one or two more knives (including a fixed blade), and a multi tool and definitely some water purification tablets. Oh, and definitely some of the good stuff.<br><br>Have fun.