A Pound (or so) of Prevention to Keep You Out of Trouble

The old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” may be true in civilized society, but off the beaten path, it takes more than that to prevent a tough situation from becoming worse. Make it a pound of prevention with a simple, lightweight survival kit. Weight is important (size, too) as the collection must be portable enough that you’ll take it with you every time. There is nothing more embarrassing for a supposedly self-reliant outdoorsman than to be the subject of a news story about being lost, cold, wet and bailed out by search and rescue.

If you don’t carry it you may die, or at least be really, really inconvenienced. But pack this unassuming little parcel and you’ll stay warm, dry, hydrated, rested, find your way out or help others find you, and possibly save a life … maybe yours. Find a handy container—I like a Magpul DAKA Pouch—and get the following stuff together. When it’s gathered, you’ll have a comprehensive packet that, with luck, you’ll never have to use. Wouldn’t that be great?

STAY DRY AND WARM

Hypothermia can kill you even if the temperature never drops to freezing. It will get you faster if you’re wet. Lay in these essentials to fend it off.

• Shelter: This can be as simple as a heavy-duty garbage bag with a hole for your head, or a store-bought bivy bag, lightweight tarp or space blanket. (Open and check Mylar blankets periodically; folded tight in the original wrapper they tend to rot into a pile of shiny ribbons). Block wind and rain, and retain body heat, and you’ll stay warmer.
• Fire starters (two types): Options include a windproof lighter (caution: cheap butane versions may not function under 32 degrees), waterproof matches in a waterproof case, 21st-century versions of flint and steel … just make sure you have two just in case. Include a bag of clothes-dryer lint or other tinder from home. A candle stub saves your lighter or matches; light it, and then light your tinder with it.

FIND YOUR WAY BACK

It’s usually many hours or even days before search-and-rescue operations are called by concerned family or friends. Depending on your situation, it might be best to hike your way out. Pack items that will help you avoid stumbles and go the right way.

• GPS: Make it a habit to mark your starting point, and pack extra batteries or a backup power source. A mobile phone with a mapping app that doesn’t require a cell signal to function qualifies.
• Headlamp or flashlight: Here again, add extra batteries.
• Paper map and compass: Just as important is having the skills to use these items, so brush up on basic orienteering skills. Phones break or get lost, batteries croak, and you’re up the proverbial creek (literally) without a paddle. To save space, make photocopies of the relevant areas on a big map and leave the oversized original at home.

HELP OTHERS FIND YOU

“Hug a tree” is not just for lost kids; in many cases it’s the right strategy for experienced woodsmen. For example, if you’re injured or ill, or someone else in your party is, staying put could be the right choice. Build a smoky fire during the day and a bright blaze at night. If you’re truly lost and would be faking it on your escape route, these components will add hope to your dire situation.

• Aluminum foil or a signaling mirror: Use it to attract attention from a search party or hail a ride from a rescue helicopter. (Foil can also be used to boil water and cook.)
• Whistle: Saves your voice for mumbling regrets. Carries farther, too.
• Personal locator beacon: Think Garmin InReach, SPOT and similar devices that communicate via satellite. Again, pack extra batteries.
• Pencil stub and note paper: If you move, leave a note in your abandoned camp.

MAKE DO, MAKE CAMP

If staying put is your strategy, get more comfortable or mend a broken limb with these handy items.

• Duct tape: It can be a bandage, windproof note sheet, gear repair and one of the best tinders in the universe (last resort, unless you packed the whole roll). Wrap 5 feet of tape around your pencil stub or water bottle.
• Water purification: Tablets, filter or ultraviolet light wand like the Steripen are options. You can boil water in your aluminum foil, too.
• Something to carry water: Bottle, bladder, even aluminum foil in a pinch. I like bladder-style water bottles that collapse when empty for easy packing.
• Multi-tool: For every other problem you’ll face short of a grizzly attack.
• 20 feet of paracord: Lash together parts of a shelter, make a bootlace, use internal threads for clothing and gear repair, and more.
• Bandanna: It can serve as a bandage, sling, oven mitt, first-pass water filter, headband, dog leash ... don’t leave home without it.

Notice something missing? Nope, food is unnecessary for survival. Fish hooks, line, snare wire, nah. You can live three minutes without oxygen, three days without water, three weeks without food. Bring some if you want, but don’t leave out the important stuff above to make room for it.

And yes, all of these items together weigh a little more than a pound, but you’ll likely already be carrying a phone, some sort of lighting device and maybe a locator beacon and multi-tool on any hunting or fishing trip. You’ll want to customize your survival kit to your own needs, but these basics will get you out of a fix and possibly back to camp. If nothing else, you’ll be safer, warmer, drier and hydrated while you ponder your regrets and await help.

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• This article was featured in the March 2024 issue of Game & Fish magazine. How to subscribe.