Hi All,
Les Stroud has been writing a 1/2 page monthly column for Ontario Out-Of-Doors magazine called "Survival Tips". I tried to post a link to the magazine but the column is not available to read on-line. I encourage you to check out the magazine if you ever intend on hunting or fishing in Ontario, it is quite good and very supportive of Ontario's outdoor sports.
Basic link found here
http://www.ontariooutofdoors.com/feb03/index.htmlLes's first article was on preparing before going out on the ice. He talks about dressing in layers and filling your pockets (or a pouch) with survival gear.
The following is his basic pocket kit list:
- Robust torch-type butane lighter
- Strike-anywhere matches in waterproof case with striker
- Magnesium flint stick
- Small battery-operated flashlight
- Folding metal cup
- 1 or 2 large orange garbage bags
- 2 high energy Power Bars
- Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife (with saw blade)
- Robust, sharp belt knife
- Whistle around neck
- Small Pocket Warmers
- 25 to 50 feet of parachute cord or 1/4" rope
- Compass
Les then references another article in the same magazine by Senior Editor, Gord Ellis.
Gord writes about Outdoor Enthusiasts (Woodsmen) having a healthy respect for extreme conditions. It is a good article on common sense thinking about outdoor challenges and activities. Gord's list adds: 1st Aid Kit, water, toilet tissue, flagging tape, electrical tape, space blanket, spare vehicle keys, GPS and cell phone.
I think this is an excellent combined list but I would add a couple of items:
- Ice Extraction Picks (when traveling on ice)
- Signal Mirror
- Map of area
- PLB/Sat. Phone in waterproof bag (expensive but good when you need them).
- Snare Wire
- Duct Tape (the strong stuff)
- Needles/Thread/Safety Pins
- Knife Sharpener (small)
- Water Purfication Tabs and something to carry water in
- Sunglasses
- Skin Protection (insect repellent and/or sun screen/Chapstick)
- Better shelter (Heetsheet, Bivy or light tarp)
Within Les's article he talks about keeping "things light and small, so you don't feel like you are becoming a gear geek".
I have seen on Suvivorman how Les lives for a week on almost nothing, I am afraid I proably lean a little more toward the heavy "Gear Geek" side of the scale. The more you know, the less you carry -- Mors Kochanski
Feel free to comment, it is Les's list, not mine.
Mike