Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities for Americans, being both healthy and fun. However, even a simple day hike can become dangerous if you aren’t careful. Thousands of people each year become lost and in need of rescue, including many who are experienced in the outdoors. Of all the National Park Service search and rescue missions for 2005, nearly half of those were in search of hikers on day trips or overnight camping trips. Numerous factors contribute to people needing to be rescued, but the most consistent reasons are also quite avoidable. Fatigue, insufficient equipment or experience and errors in judgment top the list. For just $4, survival expert Mike Marcon assembled a kit which anyone can put together, and which can save your life in an emergency situation. The most important thing is to not panic, as a clear head is critical to guiding emergency decisions. But following his suggestions, and carrying just these few items could very well save your life:
- A space blanket can keep you warm when temperatures begin to drop, but also can be used to flag down rescuers.
- A nylon parachute cord is very versatile, and can be separated into individual fibers which can be used as a fishing line, setting a hunting trap, building shelter, and many other uses.
- Magnesium or flint striker bar for igniting a fire.
- A tube of lip balm. The main ingredient is petroleum jelly, which is flammable. By smearing over leaves or other materials, it can make starting a fire easier in undesirable conditions.
For some more information, check out these tips from the National Park Service to help you plan a safe and fun trip into the wilderness.
15 Comments on "Wilderness Survival Guide"
Kris Nelson
I do a lot of hiking all the time. Thanks for the helpful tips. I have never been in need of rescue, but I know what to do, should I need help.
sara d
Where can I find this emergency survival kit? Tks,
Jannette Meeks
How & where can I get some wilderness survival kits.
Jo Frey
These are excellent tips for outdoor survival, but mention should be made that the lip balm to which is referred should be a name-brand balm. I make handcrafted lip balms, among other bath-and-body products, and one of the best things about handcrafted balms is that many of them do NOT contain petroleum products in them. So these wonderful balms, although great for your lips, will NOT help you to start a fire as stated.
Len
A hand held GPS would be a definite help in avoiding getting lost.
Patti
Thanks so much for valuable guide. Where can I buy this exact kit?
Scout dog
A small tube of vaseline will work well as the petroleum product necessary.
jim
Very good advice. I manage a wilderness area/hiking trail and would like to tell my visitors where they can purchase this kit. Where is it avalible?
AMW Safety Producer
The items in the kit are found at your local drug store, discount, camping supply store and army surplus store. They’re easy and inexpensive to purchase on your own.
Eric
The safety kit sounds good. However, having the kit is only part of the protection. Knowing how to use it is essential.
Are there any videos on line or National Parks courses available on survival and the use of the items?
Susan
Just as important as knowing how to start a fire is knowing how to safely start and control the fire. No matter what your situation, it is essential to remember to clear an area, build a ring or enclosure and have something nearby to douse the flames immediately, should they begin to spread out of control.
Carl Boll
The safety blanket is essential as is the parachute cord however a good substitute for the magnesium (eisier to find as well) is a 3 pack of road safety flares. Much easier to use and guaranteed to light and burn longer than the magnesium and do not require dry tinder. I’ve always carried these when hiking. Dehydration is also a concern so I always carry a thin plastic drop cloth available at any paint outlet. Spread out it will collect rain or dew overnight. A container for the water should be incldued. Aspirin is also in my kit, it can bring down a fever and relieve pain. Taking four asprin at once will noy have the detrimental effects that some pain relievers have but of course a doctor should be consulted to see if can tolerate aspirin. Finally a tool of some sort for digging is a good idea. I carry a small All Mettal hatchet. It can perform a variety of tasks.
Judy
Were can i buy this kit ?
A
what else can i use to go along with the kit incase it might take 2-3 days for someone to rescue me?
Joe
The space blanket and the magnesium striker bar can be found at any large sporting goods store, such as REI.com, Big 5, Sports Chalet, etc. The parachute cord is also available there, plus at most hardware stores. And the lip balm at the drug store, of course. While you are at it, get a tiny carrying bag which attaches to a belt, and you will always have it with you.
Some of the other comments suggest more equipment, which is OK. The nice thing about this kit is that it is light weight and small enough to always have with you. Other items you might consider could be a whistle and a signal mirror.
Remember, always let someone know where you are planning to hike. If you get lost, stop immediately, stay where you are, protect yourself from the elements, conserve your energy, and have faith. These actions are what separate those who are found from those who are not.
– a retired park ranger
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