Some say the proven method of saving your own life as a final act of survival is a delicate balance of mental and physical strength.
A knife, water, a fire starter, and cordage are among the most commonly suggested items, and for good reason, as each of them could prove vital in any situation.
Also, depending on what’s happening during that time span, we all need a little encouragement, something that will keep us moving forward instead of throwing up our hands and giving up.
This could be a photo of our loved ones or perhaps a pocket-sized version of your chosen text. Anything that brings a positive outlook if we find ourselves in a life-threatening situation.
Duct Tape can be rolled onto a pencil and a pencil sharpener, not a pen. Pencils are less affected by temperature and weather conditions. All are necessary to use as issues arise and along with a small pad to make notes, such as observations or thoughts. They also allow for messages or drawing a map, helping to prevent wrong turns. Consider a Rite in the Rain notepad, as they hold up far better. Also, pencil sharpeners make wonderful shavings for tinder without dulling your knife and add almost nothing to the weight of your backpack.
A sewing kit for tears in your clothes, coat, or tent isn’t going to stay small when you’re on the move. Make repairs as soon as you can, before the damage gets worse. A small sewing kit like the ones sold for travelers is a great addition to your kit. If you run out of thread, you can use dental floss. it is very strong and it has the bonus of an easy-to-use container with a built-in cutter. Perhaps the most common suggestion is to use floss as a fishing line. It can also serve as a snare line and a tripwire if you’re in need of some sort of primitive alarm system.
Trash bags the contractor-grade bags are thicker and tougher. Use one to keep your pack contents dry on days when the rain just won’t stop. Cut a hole in the bottom and one on each side to turn it into a makeshift poncho. Fill one with pine boughs, dry grass, and leaves to have a cushion against the ground. Or, cut it all the way open and use it as a layer on the roof of your shelter to keep the rain out.
Deck of cards is a great way to occupy your time, but consider decks devoted to wild edibles, knots, animal tracks, and similar topics. These decks can then serve the dual purposes of educating and entertaining.
Bender clips and zip ties they’re like paper clips on steroids and come in many sizes. They work well for affixing a tarp or for building other types of shelters. They can also help secure cordage to branches or a tree.
These are another good helper for shelter construction, albeit a bit more permanent than the binder clips. They can also be used to hang things in camp for the night. Secure items to your pack for safekeeping or use one to “lock” the zippers on your bug-out bag so nobody rifles through it when you’re not around. If you plan to use snares or similar types of traps, a zip tie can keep the wire securely attached to a tree or weight. They can be used to cinch pant legs to help prevent ticks, too.