Kits & Lists for Outdoor Survival

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General:

COMMON SENSE IN THE WILDERNESS: THERE is more danger that a man take too much than too little into the wilderness. No matter how good his intentions may be, how conscientiously he may follow advice, or how carefully he may examine and re-examine his equipment, he will surely find that he is carrying a great many pounds more than his companions, the professionals at the business.

SB034 Skin cancer and outdoor work It's not always the visible or immediate threat we have to guard against. See also: Farmers’ and outdoor workers’ beliefs about skin cancer and ...

Outdoor clothing and equipment - Practical walking advice ... This page is an introduction to clothing and equipment for walking in lowland countryside and low hills: if you are walking in more mountainous or remote countryside you will need additional equipment as shown under mountain walking. We can't cover all the possibilities and variations in personal taste: most walkers find the gear that suits them through experience. The golden rule is, be comfortable, dress for the sort of weather and terrain you are likely to meet, and never underestimate the changeability of British weather!

Dressing for Cold This book tells how to dress for cold weather in Alaska and the North. It will help you dress for temperatures and wind chill to –50°F. (PDF) [Link recovered 4/9/11 - now hosted on site!]

Backpacking clothing It takes some practice to get the outdoor clothing formula just right, since every person has different insulation requirements depending on body size and fitness level. Your backpacking clothing must keep you warm and dry but also have plenty of ways to keep the body ventilated.

Head

[Hats, Goggles, Glasses, Ear Protection, Facemasks, Scarves, Insect Nets, Night Vision Goggles, Protective Masks]

As the centre of the body heat regulation is in the head/neck area, always carry some kind of hat. An old but still valid rule says 'If you have cold feet, wear a hat!

Information About the UV Index, UltraViolet Radiation ... Detailed (but simplified for the layperson) info on the exposure hazards, with links to UV Indexes for many areas and cities.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HATS DURING VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS This paper presents the results of the ultraviolet (UV) protection for 3 types of hats commonly used by Queensland schoolchildren This was achieved through using 16 polysulphone dosimeters placed at selected anatomical locations over each rotating headform during cloudy conditions compared to clear sky conditions. From these experiments, the facial distribution and erythemal UV exposure at facial sites were measured. The overall picture of the facial sites receiving high UV exposure was provided, both with and without hats for cloudy and clear atmospheric conditions. A reduction in the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), averaged over all measurement sites of 22%, 11% and 13% compared to clear sky conditions occurred for the 3 hats used in this study when they were worn in cloudy conditions compared to clear sky conditions.

Ultraviolet & the eye » Optometrists Association Australia More than 99% of UV radiation is absorbed by the anterior structures of the eye, although some of it does reach the light-sensitive retina. The UV radiation present in sunlight is not useful for vision. There are good scientific reasons to be concerned that UV absorption by the eye may contribute to age-related changes in the eye and a number of serious eye diseases. Protection can be achieved by simple, safe and inexpensive methods such as wearing a brimmed hat and using eyewear that absorbs UV radiation. [Link fixed 4/9/11]

Protect Workers Against Ultraviolet Radiation Sunlight is the main source of UV radiation known to damage the skin and to cause skin cancer. The amount of UVR exposure depends on the strength of the light, the length of exposure, and whether the skin is protected. Even on cloudy days, outdoor workers are at risk of overexposure from the sun’s UV rays. Clouds, wind or other weather conditions, and shiny or reflective surfaces like water or metal intensify the sun’s ability to burn the skin. UV rays are most intense when the sun is highest in the sky, generally between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. And, certain medications, such as antibiotics and retinoids, can increase the risk of sunburn. [Link fixed 4/9/11]

Accessories to Heat Your Head When choosing a hat or another garment to insulate your head, several things should be kept in mind. First, consider your environment and weather conditions. A hat suited for a fall hike will be a lot different from one needed when ice-fishing on a wind-blown open lake.

Proper Eye Protection is Essential When Enjoying the Great Outdoors With more Americans heading outside to enjoy the spring and summer activities, the potential risk of damage to the eyes from ultraviolet rays from the sun increases greatly. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause burns to the surface of the eye. And, the cumulative affect of UV damage has been linked to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration later in life. See also: It's Your Health - Sunglasses

How to Choose Sunglasses Different sunglasses provide different types and different levels of protection. To find a pair that's right for you, begin by considering the kinds of activities you have planned, your destinations and your budget. (PDF) [Link recovered 4/9/11 - now hosted on site!]

Picking Polarized Sunglasses Come and explore the fascinating world of polarized glasses. Knowing what to look for in terms of quality and lens type will enable you to get the most out of the pair you ultimately decide to purchase.

Kayak Wiki: Prescription Eyewear Paddlers who require prescription glasses have a unique problem with paddling. They need something that can survive dunkings and not get pulled off your face. Two approaches are usually advised - get contact lenses or get special glasses for water sports.

Buying Sport Goggles - Tips and Resources In the United States, 38,000 sports-related eye injuries are reported each year, according to Consumer Product Safety Commission. Many could be prevented if the athletes had been wearing protective eyewear, such as safety goggles with polycarbonate lenses.

N95 Mask story Petti Fong, Vancouver Sun. Ensure you get the proper mask. While most look similar, only the N95 model works in keeping corona virus at bay.

Gas Mask recommendations - joelskousen.com On October 4, 2001 Joel was interviewed the Coast to Coast AM radio show. He was asked about preparing for Biological Terrorist Attacks. He has summarized his response on this page.

Buying A Gas Mask, and Other Considerations Right now gas masks are harder to come by at a reasonable price. Once the initial panic buying subsides, not only should you be able to purchase gear at less expensively, chances are these products will have optimum shelf life. There are some things to consider so you don't get ripped off.

Recalled Mask/Filter info If you own or intend to purchase one of these masks, YOU WILL have NO protection against ANY form of attack. They offer NO protection against: NBC -Nuclear, Biological, or Chemical agents. Many offer NO protection against even tear gas! Also old, (even sealed) filters may become toxic.

The SURVIVAIR Quick2000 Escape Hood - Official website "provides clean, filtered air in the event of a nuclear, chemical warfare agent, or biological disaster. Once reserved for federal agencies and the armed forces, the Survivair Quick2000 now offers everyone the very highest level of protection."

How Gas Masks Work - howstuffworks.com In this edition of HowStuffWorks, we will look at the technology behind gas masks so you can understand how they work, and when they won't.

Using Sunscreen and Sunglasses to be Safe in the Sun Experts recommend broad-spectrum products with SPFs of at least 15. A hat with at least a 3-inch brim all around is ideal because it can protect areas often exposed to the sun, such as the neck, ears, eyes, and scalp. Large-framed wraparound sunglasses are best because they can protect your eyes from all angles.

Science NetLinks: Snow Goggles As part of this lesson, students will build snow goggles similar to those used by the Inuit peoples. The goggles are meant to block unwanted light, while increasing the viewer's ability to see in a bright region. Students will also create their own version of the goggles to improve upon existing designs. See also: Snow Goggles And Limiting Sunlight [PDF] or Take me to the complete lesson

Hearing Protection Options Darn fine article from a manufacturer and distributor of protection devices.

Ch. 15: Improvised Clothing and Protective Items - Nuclear War Survival Skills.

SURVIVAL ESSENTIALS - GAS MASKS, BIOLOGICAL OR CHEMICAL ATTACK There are two "camps" on the use of or need for gas masks in these troubled times. Some say they are essential, and others say "You're crazy!" The decision of their value is one that only you can make for yourself and your family.

Polarwrap Exchanger Mask Warmth from cold biting winter air ... The Polar Wrap Exchanger mimics the natural ability of cold-weather mammals by capturing the heat and water vapor that we exhale and using it to transform cold, dry air entering the body into warm, moist air. The thermal exchange device within each Exchanger traps the heat and water molecules, and recycles them back into the respiratory system. With each breath, the Exchanger enables the respiratory system to transfer warmth to the body's inner core in a continual process.

Personal Protective Equipment -Masks and N-95 Respirators Surgical masks and surgical N-95 respirators are disposable devices that cover the mouth and nose during medical procedures. They help protect the caregiver and patient against microorganisms, body fluids, and small particles in the air.

Choosing a respirator - you may be considering getting your own gas mask. The number and type offered can be bewildering. Let me trim the weeds for you a bit and be your guide!

MASK FACTS Masks are not created equal, nor are the definitions of masks quite the same.

Choosing the Right Protective Equipment The primary consideration in selecting appropriate equipment is whether it will be worn in the hot zone (exclusion zone or contaminated area) or in the warm zone (contamination reduction zone or area where decontamination of victims takes place).

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Hands [Gloves, Mittens]

See How to make Chopper Mittens Simple chopper mittens are not too difficult to make for someone who has a little experience in sewing with leather. The most involved part is sewing the thumb-piece to the rest of the mitt. Here is the Chopper Mitten Pattern For Child and Here is the Chopper Mitten Pattern For Adult

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Torso

Choosing a Back Pack , Caring for your Backpack , Backpack as Emergency Survival & archive Backpacking Tips

Choosing the Right Wading Jacket - any time a trip is being planned to spring feed waters, northern destinations or just when the temperature starts to dip down low; retaining body heat is an absolute must in order for anglers to stay comfortable and out fishing longer.

Choosing a Parka Parkas constitute one of the most basic survival elements for the extreme outdoors. They bear the brunt of the weather and wear, keeping you warm, dry and safe from hypothermia. A good fit is crucial to the parka's ability to protect you from the elements. If the fit is too tight, you will compress the fill and loose the insulating benefits. If it is too loose, the heat loss will be very rapid, again loosing the insulating qualities you seek. A good fit requires proper wind seals occur at the neck, hood, sleeves and waist. The sleeves should extend over the wrist to trap the warmth. Pay close attention to the way a parka fits around the neck. Wind reaching the bare neck and chill you quickly. A good parka will have a tunnel collar that seals the neck area, and a hood that attaches below the collar with a draw cord that pulls it close around the face.

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Legs

Easy-Fit, Easy-to-Make Suede Pants & How to make a skirt out of an old pair of pants

Making Perfect Pants The first key is knowing which pants styles to avoid and which styles to use with your figure type. Pants styles fall into three basic silhouettes—fitted, straight, and flared. The silhouette you select should be flattering to your figure type.

Reproduction Clothing— Men's Pants, by J. Gottfred. In this article I will present the information that I have been able to dig up on the subject of men's pants, and give some advice on how to go about constructing a pair for re-enactment use. There is no doubt that pants are the most challenging, time-consuming, and frustrating garments to recreate.

Handy Home Projects: How to make easy kids pants

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Feet

Indian Fiber Sandals by Paul Holman The California Native Americans are famous for many of their crafts with one of the most integral of these being the fine art of weaving. Nearly every aspect of their life included some woven object. Cradle boards, seed beaters and collection baskets, nets, weirs, skirts and even footwear were created using naturally occurring vegetation. (PDF) [Link recovered 4/9/11 - now hosted on site!]

Homemade Moccasins Pretty good, easy to follow instructions with pictures. (PDF) [Link recovered 4/9/11 - now hosted on site!]

Overview of Native American Footwear ~ Moccasins and See Instructions for Making Center-seam Moccasins

Choosing and Layering Socks Blisters and sores can shut down an outdoor activity in very short order. But a well-fitting sock system, tailored to your activity can keep your feet dry and comfortable when you're running over trails, hiking up hills, or approaching rocks. (PDF) [Link recovered 4/9/11 - now hosted on site!]

How To Choose Snowshoes Snowshoes allow you to go to places in the snow that normally you wouldn't be able to get to and snowshoes also allow you to climb steep hills and mountains. There are many snowshoe features to consider when choosing snowshoes and all the options available are important.

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Tools

Basics of grinding, sharpening, and honing edge tools Edge tools need to be sharp to work efficiently. The bevels of a sharp edge tool end in a uniform tip. After a period of use the tip becomes rounded and the edge is no longer sharp.

The Birch Bark Torch by Kevin Finney “There is one peculiarity among these Indians however, that they entrap deer by fire, and shoot from their canoes at night. The Indian hunters drift down the stream towards them; and in his canoe an Indian will make less noise than in his soft moccasins on the snow. In the bow burns a light or a torch, which they make very neatly of birch bark. The strips of such torches are bound together with a quantity of rings. The flame burns down from one ring to the next, and bursts them one after another, while the lower ones keep the torch together.” (PDF) [Link recovered 4/9/11 - now hosted on site!]

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Kits

Thoughts on a car emergency kit. My wife's job forces her to travel throughout the western region of North Carolina regardless of the weather. Western N.C. is predominately mountainous and rural with weather that is unpredictable in any season. My intentions were to create a kit that could be useful throughout the year, provide aid and comfort for the most likely contingencies, be portable, inexpensive and simple enough for her level of survival training. With these design criteria established I assembled the following units.

Alas Babylon survival list This list was prepared some time ago and appears elsewhere in my journal. It has also been sent out on email as well. In the story the hero puts away some tins of meat, some chocolates, some bullion cubes, and the like, in a footlocker and forgets them. Later in the story they come as a blessing in a time of need. He calls them "iron rations." Not all of these items came from the book, but it charged my thinking. Paul (SurvivalPrimer)

A basic medical kit for a 10-20 person shelter Compiled by Doctors for Disaster Preparedness. (PDF) [Link recovered 4/9/11 - now hosted on site!]

Huge Compendium of Collected Kits & Lists or you can download the pdf format

Survival Backpack: Bug Out Kits: What is a Bug Out Kit? This is a packed bag or backpack that you have packed to evacuate your residence for a 3 - 7 day time frame. In certain situation's it may be for somewhat longer but you will have the basics, except for generally food and water (Which are very difficult to carry more by backpack).

TC 31-29/A - U.S. ARMY SPECIAL FORCES CACHING TECHNIQUES

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Lists

OA Equipment List Page. All kinds of lists for: General Group Equipment List, First Aid Equipment List, Warm Weather Backpacking Personal Equipment List, Moderate Weather Backpacking Personal Equipment List, Cold Weather Backpacking Personal Equipment List, Winter Camping Personal Equipment List and the Marrison Bear Bag System

The BIG List. Collected Wisdom - Survival Lists. Anyone who’s spent time on misc.survivalism has probably seen this huge list maintained by David Lee. Now, it’s available on SSRsi as a saved file, since Dave's site went down in 2000. "The following lists were culled from the best survival books on the market. Each book is worth a place in your library! Any errors/omissions are mine. Please refer to the listed book for more information." David Lee. from the net

SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT - WHAT TO STOCK UP ON IF YOU'RE SURVIVAL MINDED - AND WHY. The "and why" part is what makes this particular equipment list so unique. Fun & informative, pretty well thought out, with some insights you won’t find elsewhere. Great read & very helpful.

Bug Out Bag Item List. By Geoffrey Hardin Originally posted to the Misc.Survivalism newsgroup.

100 Items to Disappear First in A Panic It might be a good idea to stock up on some of these BEFORE the panic strikes...

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Gear

Bedrolls & Sleeping Bags - You do not need to have a sleeping bag to camp out. Many campers prefer to make their own bedrolls. To make a bedroll, you will need a large waterproof covering, as many blankets as desired, and a sheet or sleeping blanket. Follow the instructions to put the bedroll together.

About Backpacking Stoves by Ron Blackwood. See also: About Sleeping Bags

Camping & Hiking Gear By L. S. Barrel: Includes a quick tip on drying-out on the fly.

SURVIVAL BLANKET MODIFICATION

Homemade Equipment The original file for these low-cost equipment/ideas/fixes for Scouting and camping in general was originally found on a F-Net Scouting board and was reposted on Fidonet on Nov 11/92 by Steve Simmons. The file evidently originated with BSA Troop 886 in the USA.

Washing Clothes Sans the Machine Well it's wash day again and you've got piles and piles of laundry that needs to be taken care of right away! But you have no electricity! Now what? (PDF) [Link recovered 4/9/11 - now hosted on site!]

Survival Supplies Long, fairly interesting article on supplies. The site it originally appeared on went down in 1999, so we rescued it here.

The Art Of Concealment: How to Pick the Right Camo Clothing by Mark Romanack. The selection of camouflage clothing is something a hunter should take seriously. Besides being critical to concealment, choosing the proper clothing allows a hunter to endure the unpleasantness Mother Nature so frequently dishes out. Very good, informative article of moderate length.

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