Certain items of equipment are considered essential for hunting, fishing, backpacking or other trips into the bush. Success or failure of the trip may well depend on the selection and use of specialized equipment.
The number of successful trips in our 50 states can only be a guess as no accounting is made. However, the trips that didn't go as planned are recorded. Approximately 2600 people became lost or needed rescue assistance in 1975. Their plans were changed in the field. For many who were not prepared and who could not adopt to the change, their outing turned into a failure. All too often a small failure turns into a disaster and loss of life.
To reduce the possibility of failure and prolong life expectancy, it is good planning to plan for the best and prepare for the worst. Consider the possibility of getting lost. Would you have with you the minimum equipment to stay alive in the bush? Would you know how to effectively use the equipment until rescued?
The following list of items are considered a minimum for the 21st Century outdoorsman. You may wish to add items but don't go out into the field without the minimum. Always dress for the occasion: You want clothing to live in, not to be found dead in.
 | Knife: Big enough to do the job safely. | ||||||||
| Matches: Kitchen type in a waterproof container, such as a film canister. | ||||||||
| Plastic Whistle: Short range signaling. | ||||||||
| Signal Mirror: Signaling search aircraft. | ||||||||
| Fire Starter: Make them yourself by rubbing candle wax into patches of cotton. | ||||||||
| Aluminum Foil: 18" x 18" forming a cooking utensil. | ||||||||
| Cordage or String: Securing shelters, setting gill nets and snares. | ||||||||
| Snare Wire: Brass annealed for animal snares and repairs. | ||||||||
| Fish Tackle
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| Map and Compass: Know how to use. | ||||||||
| Plastic Sheet, Rescue Blanket or Large Plastic Leaf Bag. | ||||||||
| Food: High energy. |
See Also:
Recommendations For Personal Survival Kits
5 Major Functions of Emergency Preparedness Kits
Basic Survival Kit
