An Emergency Kit for Wilderness Use

Probably the very first thing to be put into your emergency kit when you are going hiking or camping is a map.  While this may seem obvious, the number of people who get lost every year are testimony to the fact that it is often forgotten or neglected. 
Along with a map, every wilderness emergency kit should have a compass in it.  Even if you are able to tell direction by the sun or stars, the sky is not always clear. 

Another nice thing to put into your emergency kit would be a couple of twenty dollar bills.  And, be sure someone knows when you are due back, and who to contact if you fail to appear.

Fire and Shelter

Any number of things can cause even an experience hiker to become lost, but being able to make a fire and have some sort of emergency shelter available can make the experience at least tolerable.  While there are waterproof matches, a better choice would be a magnesium firestarter, it is much more dependable.  Shelter can be provided by an emergency tent can provide protection from the wind and rain, and is easily carried in your backpack.  A small coil of rope should be included as well, as you will need this to string the tent.  A mylar blanket or sleeping bag will make the tent more habitable, too.

Safe Water To Drink

Even if you carry a bottle of water with you, it will soon be exhausted and you will need to find water to drink.  There are simply too many biological pathogens present in nearly every source of water for you to take a chance on getting sick as well as being lost.  There are several ways to provide for safe drinking water while you are waiting for help, or until you find your way back.  Water purification straws are small and easy to put into an emergency kit, water purification tablets also take up little room, and portable water filters are easily carried.  Being able to drink safely will mean that you remain well hydrated and be better able to deal with your situation.

First Aid

No emergency survival kit for wilderness use should be without a first aid kit.  Some of these kits are quite compact, but will provide the items necessary for you to deal with cuts, scrapes, stings, and pain. 

A Few More Important Things

Besides the above, you might want to pack a multi-tool into your kit, it can be useful in a number of ways – even sawing branches for a fire or shelter.  You should also have a few packets of some kind of energy food, food that will not need any cooking.  Do not forget to include a flashlight, the woods are very dark at night, and it can also be used for signaling.  A small roll of duct tape can help with emergency repairs or to help put together a shelter.

For a kit that offers these and many other essential survival products, we recommend the Smart Kit With First Aid Supplies. This kit offers food, lighting supplies and a first aid kit! 

More Articles:

 Building A Wilderness Shelter