SURVIVAL HANDBOOK

THE DAY KIT

Fishing line in your wallet:

12 TO 15 4 to 10 pound mono filament test. If you really get into it get low

stretch and little memory line. Line loses up to a third of its strength at the

knot, so we recommend that you size fishing line generously Make sure the

line's test matches the average weight of the targeted species, is capable of

absorbing shock loads when the fish hits, and has enough strength in the

knot areas. Bait-casting on a lake requires lighter and more sensitive line than saltwater game fishing because it is a more active style of fishing and the targeted species are smaller.

Common mono-filament has more stretch than braided high-tech line and takes up more room

on the spool. Performance lines such as Spectra sell at a higher price point because their production is

more lavish than Nylon or Dacron but we consider them a good value because they offer more sensitivity,

abrasion resistance and knot strength, while they have low stretch and next to no memory. Line with moderate stretch is good for trolling because it may be the difference between hooking the fish or ripping the hook right out of its mouth. Good advice when buying line is to buy lots of it because you will find that you lose more than you expect.

Candy:

Hard candy is the best, it's small, light, concentrated sugar.

Great for quick energy and calories.

Belt and shoe laces:

Belts suspenders, shoe laces are all very portable (you wear them) and can be used for all kinds of binding, straps, packs and tent draws, tourniquets, slings, garrotes.

Pocket knife:

The uses for a pocket knife are unbounded, even more so if it’s a “gadget” knife with

attachments for pliers, screw drivers, tweezers.

Charged cell phone:

(with emergency phone numbers already programmed in) also think about one of those portable rechargers.

Bright colored material:

To attract aerial rescuers (bandanna). Also can be used for clothing, bedding, slings bandages…

Pocket compass:

Tiny compasses are invaluable in the wild. If you haven’t the wilds skills sets to find you

directions or create a compass. Light, small, fairly durable.

Chewing Gum

Chewing gum seems relatively useless at first glance. It does not really maintain its stickiness and it cannot be eaten. It can, however, help to combat feelings of hunger.

This is due to the chewing motions that one does while using the gum. It can also help to maintain necessary saliva production. It can also be used as a temporary sealant and adhesive.

Coins

Coins can be used as scrapers as in cleaning an animal hide. They make excellent pestals

for grinding grain and minerals. Even being used as a screwdriver is not out of the question.

Condoms/Balloon

You can use a condom to store drinking water in. It can hold 1 - 1.5 liters of water so if you can find drinkable water, a condom is a great vessel to carry it. Other survival uses of condoms are: as a flotation device, slingshot, latex glove, tourniquet and hair tie.

Dental floss

In addition to helping you maintain your dental health, dental floss is strong enough to be used to bind objects together like sticks to build a makeshift shelter. They can also be used to make snares for catching small animals or as a fishing line. Dental floss can also be used to hang food or clothes, to stitch wounds, to make a net and to mend clothing.

Eye glasses

True glass eye glasses can do all the same things a magnifying glass can do, concentrate

the sun to build a fire or reflect the sun or light to signal for help. You can also dismantle

your glasses and use the wire pieces as a fish hook or as a small tool.

Paper clip

A little bit of wire can be used in so many ways. Paper clips are small, ridged, and bend easily. This versatility turns a often taken for granted item into a valued multi use s survival tool. Some the many possible uses of this clip include: as splint for minor injuries of toes and fingers, antenna for small electronics, as fingernail cleaner, as an emergency fishhook, as a component for making a compass, as a safety pin and as a threading tool.

Pen/Pencil

Pencils and Pens are extremely useful, not only for their intended purpose of taking notes and

drawing but as part of other survival tools. Splints, props, weapon even a source of fuel for a fire.

Socks

Socks are another multi use item. Not only do they keep your feet warm but can be used to

strain water. Socks are not real effective at removing microorganisms so after removing

particles, boil the water to be safe. Other uses of socks include gloves, potholder, pouch,

sling or bandage, ear muffs, heat pack, weapon (if filled with rock) and as a pillow when stuffed.

IN THE AUTO OR OFFICE

Cars and offices are places we spend a lot of our time and can be equipped with many survival items without taking up too much space.

A first aid kit

First aid kits come in all sizes and can complexities. Use some critical thinking to focus in on what any particular kit must be able to handle. While snake bites may not be an issue are mosquitoes or bees a problem? Bandages are always a must as is some sort of antibacterial. Choose a first aid kit that is diverse but not too outlandish.

Check the kit regularly for out-of-date contents.

Include any personal medications, emergency phone numbers.

The Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a family of four include the following:

2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
5 antiseptic wipe packets
2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
1 thermal or Mylar blanket (space blanket)
1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
1 instant cold compress
2 pair of non-latex gloves (size: large)
2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
Scissors
1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)
2 triangular bandages
Tweezers
First aid instruction booklet

Flashlight with working batteries

A must in almost any survival kit for both lighting you way and signaling others. There are

several excellent flashlights on the market today, you don’t need a very large one unless it

is going to double as a weapon.

Mirror

Another highly recommended item to have in an emergency situation is a mirror.

Signaling again comes to mind but also a fabulous fire starter. In stealth situations

mirrors can be used to look around corners or be a part of a periscope made from

some tubing, a pipe or even cardboard.

Manicure kit

A manicure kit is a marvelous small tool collection and can be very useful in many situations. There are clippers, files and tweezers as well as smallish tools for pushing and molding. These kits are generally small in size and extremely versatile.

Whistle

A whistle is one of the best communications item shy of a cell phone. Small, light and the

sound carries a long distance. They can also be used as a deterrent of wild animals.

Map/Compass

Having a map of the immediate area, makes planning and navigation much easier. Roads, cities and towns, rivers and parks are all very important things to know how to find. Having a compass and knowing how to use it also makes the map more useful.

SPECIALIZED SURVIVAL ITEMS

Preppers are the most adaptable group of people you could wish to meet.

Water filtration bottle

Some are better than others but most will remove the worst particles. If you are counting on r removing toxins you had better do some research. Not many portable bottles will beat boiling.

Mylar blankets:

You can dozens of uses for them and they are light weight, portable and thermal. From

reflecting fires to intensify heat to a mini sleeping bag or poncho these gems are always

handy (and usually pretty cheap).

Activated Charcoal:

Activated charcoal is simply the charcoal resulting from a wood fire. It’s not as effective as charcoal produced from exceptionally high temperatures such as in a wood fired kiln, but it’s still

valuable to have around. Activated charcoal can bind heavy metals and toxins that may

be present in water. Adding a couple of crushed lumps to water and leaving it for 15 minutes

before you drink it will reduce the amount of toxins in the water. It doesn’t remove bacteria

or viruses so boiling or other filtration methods are still needed. It can be used as camo paint

when crushed and mixed with water and removes odors when crushed and mixed with the

offending material. It can be crushed up and eaten in cases of chemical poisoning and although no substitute for medical assistance if help isn’t available you have nothing to lose in trying to bind the toxins with charcoal. the charcoal can be digested by the body without incident but it should not be used by anyone with intestinal blockage/constipation unless their life depends on it.

Upholstery needles:

These are often curved and make suturing wounds much easier. They are also stronger than

most needles and can be used for stitching canvas or clothing together.