Carry these items when you venture into the field, just in case you become lost and have to "camp out." A knapsack works well, and a hunter's vest or fanny pack will hold the most important items if you need to travel light. These items ought to get you by for up to 72 hours.

• Medicine (whatever you need for at least 72 hours--mark all drug containers with use, dosage and expiration date)
• Compass (with instructions for proper use)
• Paper and pencil or pen (you can write down your compass bearings)
• Map of the area
• Lighter (Bic disposable or equivalent)
• Waterproof matches
• Magnusium stick (for starting fires)
• Fuel tablets (fire starters)
• Utility candle wrapped in aluminum foil
• Old newspaper or some sort of tinder for fire making (in a plastic bag)
• Utility knife (Leatherman, Swiss Army, etc.)
• Canteen or water bottle that can hold about 750mls
• Water purification tablets
• Rain poncho
• Plastic ground cover
• Space blanket
• Tube tent
• 25 feet of nylon line
• Flashlight
• Watch
• Snacks (trail mix, MRI, candy, etc.)
• Signal mirror
• Whistle
• This list (so that you know what you have in your survival kit)

You may want to add:

• GPS unit (with fresh batteries and instructions for proper use)
• Trail / Kit gun (.22 handgun and ammo)
• Two way radio

If you have any items that you think should be added to this list, please e-mail me at: jfleck@efn.org

- Jim Fleck