The truth of the matter is that no matter what you have with you during times of stress, they are useless to you if you do not know how to use them. Even something as simple as a first aid kit may go unused without the proper skill set. If we don’t take the time to learn what the appropriate response is to any given situation, our other preparations are for naught.
It is my philosophy that each of us should make a habit of always carrying a few basic tools.
- A good sharp knife
- A flashlight – preferably rechargeable
- A length of cord
- A lighter
- A basic first aid kit
- A bottle of water
- A backup power source with cables
- A pen or pencil
- A small pad of paper – preferably waterproof
These items should go with you everywhere, as they will empower you.
The Rule of Threes
In an emergency, you will not last more than …
- Three seconds without staying calm.
- Three minutes without breathing
- Three hours without taking shelter
- Three days without water
- Three weeks without food
- Three months without human contact
These numbers are not concrete because they depend on the situation, environment, and person, but the rule of threes gives us a solid baseline to start from. With this understanding, we can develop our priorities effectively.
First Aid
In the survival community, we spend a lot of time talking about what equipment you need and what supplies you should stockpile. We also spend a fair amount of time talking about the most important asset anyone can bring to the proverbial table, skills, and knowledge. Through many exercises and practice scenarios, we come to find that a common weakness in the skill department is first aid and especially advanced first aid. In an austere environment, even the smallest injury can spell disaster… (Source; NW Survival LLC, www.nwsurvival.us)
It should go without saying that First Aid is an important survival skill. It is everyones responsibility to know basic first aid.
Building Your Fire
Always build your fires in a safe location, and on bare ground far from any structures or trees that may catch fire. You are trying to get warm and potentially cook food and boil water, not burn down the forest or your shelter. If you have rocks available, make a nice little fire ring about the same width as your forearm is long… (Source; NW Survival LLC, www.nwsurvival.us)
Fire is the most important skill to have. It will allow you to manage several of the Threes!
Shelter
Having a good quality tarp in your kit is essential, that is why it is one of the 10 C’s, Cover. Learning how to use it to create adequate shelter will serve you well in an emergency as well as everyday applications. A shelter is critical to keeping you dry, preserving heat, safety, and some comfort… (Source; NW Survival LLC, www.nwsurvival.us)
Shelter is essential to your survival, you need to be able to provide shelter for yourself and those that depend on you.
Knots
Knots are extremely useful and there are a myriad of choices. But, today we are going to examine what I consider to be the 7 most important knots that you need to know. With these knots in your skillset you will be able to deal with most any situation, requiring a knot, that arises. But please don’t consider this an all-encompassing list, learn as many knots as you can… (Source; NW Survival LLC, www.nwsurvival.us)
Knots, know them, love them, and learn them. There are seven basic knots that will get you through almost any given situation. Without them, you could be lost.
Water, Finding it and Making it Safe
In the wilderness there are no artificial water pipes, but there is plenty of water, even in the desert. Nature has a way of finding water, it is the only way it can survive. So, keep your eyes open and look for the signs. Mother Nature will show you where the water is, or at least where it usually is. Animals need water so look for signs of activity. Small birds that are grain eaters like finches will lead you there in the mornings… (Source; NW Survival LLC, www.nwsurvival.us)
Some people believe this is more important than fire, but the truth is you can die of hypothermia long before you die of thirst. How will you boil your water without fire?
That being said this skill is very important to your survival when faced with a multiple day emergency. Remember the rule of threes.
Basic Land Navigation
To get a more exact fix on your location you first break the two sides (from right to left and bottom to top) into ten equal parts each. To get the next set of numbers for your coordinates you first go from the right and figure out which of the… (Source; NW Survival LLC, www.nwsurvival.us)
Land Navigation can be a daunting subject for many, as it can be very complex. Don’t let that dissuade you from learning some basic principles. It could be the difference between life and death.
The 10 C’s of Survival
1) Cutting Tools:
- Knife: Should be non-coated with a 90-degree spine.
- We recommend the Morakniv 11863 Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Carbon Steel Blade, 4.1-Inch.
- Folding Saw
- We recommend the Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw
2) Combustion Devices: Fire Kit Components
- Two Bic Lighters
- 5x Magnifying Glass
- ½” x 6” Ferrocerium rod
- Flint and Steel
3) Cover: Emergency Shelter
- Grabber MPI Space All Weather Blanket/Tarp
- Four, 6mil, 55 gallon Drum Liners
- Wool Blanket preferably queen size
4) Cordage:
- 25ft Paracord
- 100ft #36 Tarred Bankline
5) Container: Drinking & Cooking
- 32oz Single wall Stainless Steel Bottle and Nesting Cup
6) Compass & Map
- Must have bezel ring, sighting mirror, and magnifying lens
- We recommend the Silva Ranger CL
- Ranger Pace beads
7) Cloth & Repair
- 3′ x 3′ of 100% Cotton Material (Shemagh or Oversized T-Shirt)
- Scrap Cotton material like an old T (100% Cotton)
- One #14 Sail Needle
8) Candling Device: Lighting
- Headlamp with Spare Batteries
9) Cargo: Tape
- 1 Large Roll of Gorilla Tape
10) Combination Tool: Multi Tools
- Leatherman Style Multi Tool or Swiss Army Knife
Additionally, you will want:
- Clothes appropriate for weather conditions
- Appropriate Hygiene Items
- Any and all medications for personal use including bug sprays.
- Individual First Aid Kit
- Trauma Kit
As Always,
Stay Vigilant and Be Prepared