I'm sure I'm going over others replies...but if your going to create a survival kit, you might as well do it right. The very first thing you need to
do is "educate" yourself in how to survive in case scenarios. There are various books/articles on the web, as well as military training/courses on
survival. Knowledge is key in this scenario...
Survival Kit:
1. Pencil & Waterproof paper: You may find "waterproof paper" at any Army surplus store, or PX. These items can be very useful for making notes to
yourself or to others who may be searching for you.
2. Leatherman/Swiss Army Knife: (blade, scissors, file, small screwdriver, can opener, tweezers, etc) Essential for a "survival" kit.
3. 550 lb.test Para Cord (also found at Army/Navy surplus stores/PX): The uses of Para Cord in a survival situation are too numerous to fully list.
4. Small lighter/water-proof matches: I prefer the MRE water-proof matches, but you can make the call.
5. Magnesium/Flintbar Firestarter (also used as signaling device): Just shave the magnesium with a knife (or file if you're carrying a multi-tool
that has a file), collect all the shavings into a pile about the size of a dime. Just rest the corner of the bar right in the pile of magnesium
shavings and run the NON-SHARPENED corner of your knife down the flint. Practice this a bit...it's real easy to get the hang of. The magnesium
ignites with a flame like a blow torch, and will burn for several seconds. Keep your tinder and fuel ready to pile on, or build the tinder pile around
the magnesium in such a way as to still allow the magnesium to be hit with sparks.
6. 30/50ft Fishing Line and 6/12 Fish Hooks.
7. Small hand mirror (signaling, grooming).
8. Compass.
9. Small sewing kit: Excellent for mending clothing and other items
10. A few safety pins.
11. Survival Blanket
12. Painter's Tarp 9'x7: This is a thin plastic sheet that can be used for a variety of purposes. It can be used with a little para cord as a Tarp
Shelter, or as a waterproofing for the roof of whatever you construct for a shelter. It can be laid out to collect rainwater, used as a poncho, or
employed as a Solar Still. This item can be purchased at your local hardware store for a couple dollars.
13. Water purifying straw or Water Purification Tablets:
www.nitro-pak.com... here.
14. Duct tape or 100MPH (military duct tape).
15. Suture/Surgical Kit with small 1st aid kit. Must have, from motrin to deep cuts...it's got you covered.
16. Ziploc freezer bags.
A few things to remember:
1. Improvise to Survive: The five rules of improvisation are:
1. Determine what you really need.
2. Inventory your available materials, man made and natural.
3. Consider all alternatives.
4. Select the best one that takes the least amount of time, energy and materials.
5. Do it, making sure it is safe and durable.
2. Shelter: Shelter is a basic necessity.
3. No Substitute for Water, NONE.
4. Food, a low priority. You can survive without food for weeks without permanent side effects. After the first day or two, which can be difficult
psychologically and physically as your mind tries to "encourage" you to eat, your body and mind adjust and it is more easily tolerated. Food can be
an asset, particularly in cold climates, and is good for morale; but be cautious and careful about obtaining it in the wild if you do not know how.
Plants offer the most common and ready wild food source. Some basic rules to stay safe (there are always exceptions, but don't risk it unless you are
positive): Avoid all plants with white sap, tiny hairs, umbrella shaped flowers and white or green berries. Red berries are less risky, but eat only
if you recognize them as safe. Black or blue berries are generally safe. Aggregate berries, like raspberries, are always edible. Single fruits on a
stem are generally safe. Avoid mushrooms and fungi, plants with bulb roots and fruits from plants with shiny leaves.