Do it Yourself Survival Kits

Whether you are an avid hiker, or simply live in an area where the weather is unpredictable, it is important to have a survival kit in your car or in your pack. You can buy ready-made survival kits, or you can save some money and make your own. Do-it-yourself survival kits are easy to put together and are essential for emergency situations.

Things You'll Need

• Food
• Water
• Candles
• Matches
• Compass
• Knife or multi-tool
• Rope
• Garbage bags
• Waterproof pouch or can

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Instructions

• 1

  If you are hiking, purchase a good backpack that evenly distributes weight.

  Purchase a waterproof pouch that will hold your survival supplies. If you are going to carry it with you when hiking or camping, make sure it is compact and light weight. If you will be leaving it in your car, or you think you can carry something a little bulkier, use a coffee can instead. Coffee cans can be used for water collection, cooking and storage in a survival situation.

• 2

  Keep warm clothes in your car if you plan on driving through snow-ridden areas

  Include extra clothing and weather protection. You should have a good wool hat (cotton is useless if it gets wet) and a windbreaker. Pack two large, bright-colored garbage bags. They fold up compactly and are lightweight. They can be used for ponchos, shelter from the rain and rain-collecting receptacles. The bright color will help rescuers see you.

• 3

  Learn to use a compass if you plan to go backpacking or camping.

  Add a compass, a knife and 25 feet of braided nylon rope. Include a first aid kit that you can purchase at sports or camping stores. Also pack small candles and a map of the area you are exploring. You should keep an atlas in your car.

  Fire is essential in a survival situation for heating and cooking. Make sure you have two packs of waterproof matches along with an alternative fire-starting mechanism, such as a magnesium flint.

• 4

  Freeze dried survival foods can be purchased at camping stores.

  Place small packages of high-calorie foods and nourishment in your emergency container. Include energy bars, candy bars, small honey packets and soup mixes. You should also purchase some water purifying tablets. If you have the room, or if you are packing a car, include bottles of water. Remember, water is the one thing you will not be able to live without.

• 5

  Include paper and pen so you can leave notes for rescuers if the need arises.

  Include several types of signaling devices in your survival kit. Aside from surviving during an emergency, you also want to be able to signal for help. A reflective solar blanket will not only keep you warm, but will reflect light to help rescuers see you. Add in a whistle, a flare and a signaling mirror.