Personal survival kit
Ever since I had a cold night sleeping on a track (separated from my pack and my torch failed) I have been carrying some items in my clothing. Usually a minimum of a Mylar blanket, mini survival kit (AMK pocket survival pak) and a glow-stick (which I'm looking to replace with a Photo micro torch and an extra set of batteries).
I'm now moving it away from my pockets (which tend to get weighed down/stuff damaged or lost) to my waist bag.
Unlike a day pack or jacket, the waist bag rarely gets taken off (usually only when bathing/sleeping)
Currently its an old Fairydown waist bag that's got a hidden pocket in the back, that I can accommodate up to half the volume (so about 2 packets of two-minute noodles worth).
The above items take just over one noodle packets worth of space.
Normally I would carry a pocket knife, snacks and other handbag sundry in the front that I want ready access to. The stuff in the back will rarely get used and I'm considering making it shrink wrapped to reduce the overall volume.
AMK survival kit contains items like whistle, compass, cord/string, fire starter, signalling mirror etc.
You can see the full inventory here;
http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/survival/pocket-survival-paktm-1.html
I've squeezed in a surgical scalpel blade and a Leatherman Micra multi-tool (with scissors/tweezers etc)
First aid kit is basically consisting of plasters, tablets and some antiseptic sachets in a small zip-lock bag
Some other items I am considering;
- extra first aid in form of a small elastic bandage and dressing pad.
- disposable poncho. Handy if there is downpours when you don't have your rain jacket or keeping you drier if you have to sleep in the rain. It's about the size of the survival kit but weights nothing.
I currently carry it in my day-bag (picked it up when visiting a theme park last year)
- water bag. Either a larger zip-lock or Mylar bag with some water purification tablets. Can also use the zip-lock to further waterproof the items I am already carrying.
- 550 para-cord, This is a lot stronger than the cord in the survival pack and I could braid it on the strap of the waist bag if it doesn’t fit in the pocket.
- glucose lollies for an energy boost.
Anyone has some good suggestions what I am missing or what doesn't work from the above list/considerations ?
34 comments
Its not a separate bag .,.. its the back half of a item that Im already wearing but typically only has a few items in it.
My original post was asking if anyone had an opinion on what differentiates the wheat from the chaff.
I also started solo tramping about 30 years ago, but taken a break for the last 10+ year because of family/work commitments. So I have some background but not familiar with gear used in the last decade (like PLBs were not common before)
I' will carry a PSK, of some variety, and Im not going to keep in my pack (it will comfortably fit in my waist pack allowing me to carry other stuff). Actually most of the items I listed I got before I took my break and I have carried while on tramps (Mylar blanket and glow lights had remained in an inside pocket in my jacket for many years since I spent the night on a track about 20 years ago ... the pocket survival kit I got about 10 years ago) ... I also tended to keep a muesli bar/scroggin and some plasters etc in other pockets.
Tell me which items I listed could not be useful for Dusky Track vs Cascade saddle? (trying to think of 2 different track types). Theres nothing specialised listed. I am not putting in elastic crampons or a tarp.
I've also got out of all scrapes in the past mostly without assistance (buggered my foot so I had help carrying my gear) which doesnt mean my next tramp will put me in a precarious position ... but it might.
I'm very happy replacing my heavy old gear with new/light stuff. My first torch contained C batteries and I carried spare set of batteries (including a spare bulb). I also had a gas lantern. Gaiters changed from canvas to ripstop nylon. Sleeping bag was triple the size before I got a compact down bag.
So my current pack (Macpac Canyon) looks actually too big for me now ... with new gear I will probably downsize to something around 60ltr. I'm not in my 20s when I could fill it and still carry a daypack in the front.
Dusky, ,the odd person has had to scramble up a tree to escape rising river levels.
cascade is usually straight forward because its a complete no go in bad weather... too dangerous to be sure of any safety.
I broke my leg (split my tibia up the middle) a few years ago and it was a horrible experience ... thats when a PLB will get switched on.
As I have mentioned this stuff should fit within the size of a packet of Griffins Afghans ... its not exactly going to fill my pack.
But I do see some other nifty stuff I may end up splurging on :-)
BTW I was in a Marine store today and saw a tiny PLB from Ocean Signal ... is there much of a difference between the brands of PLB apart from size and battery life?
Not really, the main differences between PLB brands is size, weight, battery life, warranty and price. The ones with a GPS receiver are also more accurate, but feel that is fairly standard nowadays.
The KTI PLB are great value if you do not mind a slightly larger one.
Yep, unless I pick up the Aussie version of the Ocean Signal (for NZ$370 shipped) it looks like the current price of the KTI is NZ$319)
So for the 10 year battery life (assuming it doesnt get set off) it works at $32/year.
The Ocean Signal has a 7 year battery life which means $53/year.
KTI reports a AU$140 battery replacement ... anyone know what the Ocean Signal is?
re PLBs Not sure what Ocean Signals battery replacement options are but I believe Lusty and Blundell are the NZ distributor and if you called/emailed them I'm sure they could tell you.
re Survival kit, if you wanted to carry a kit on your body at all times I believe everyone's milage will vary on it and most of the basic items would be the same for everyone with a few "personal preference" items thrown in.
As was said though it's easier not to get separated from your pack. I find mine is so comfortable and the weight has a negligible effect on my movement that I seldom take it off in a day's walking. Probably only if I was stopping for lunch or if I needed to make some major clothing adjustments for the weather.
I do usually carry a tiny Sea to Summit day bag that rolls up smaller than my fist. If I am going to leave my main pack I throw my PLB, first aid/survival kit, jersey/jacket, food and water bottle in that.
However, looking back I think more often I've ended up carry two packs than going any great distance without mine!
Ocean signal is $195+GST to replace battery.
by the time it comes to change the battery there will be more cost effective beacons on the market... with better functionality.
Always good to have the essentials in one place for quick access or extraction. Like @Dodgydave, I have my s-kit stored in a small bag inside the top pocket of my pack so if I leave the pack somewhere (rarely so) the bag goes with me.
It's a Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Day Pack (68g). Anything that shouldn't get wet is in a drybag.
http://www.seatosummit.com/product/?item=Travelling+Light+%26trade%3B+Ultra-Sil+Travel+Day+Pack&o1=0&o2=0&o3=427-41
Thanks @JETNZ, that's the one.
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| Forum | Gear talk |
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| Started by | pseudo |
| On | 10 May 2016 |
| Replies | 33 |
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