If you are an avid outdoorsman, you likely know that you should always have a survival kit with you. Wilderness survival kits are relatively easy to assemble; you just need to plan ahead. Read on to find out how to make a survival kit.

Survival kits are part of the essential equipment carried by any camper, hiker or other type of outdoors enthusiast. These compact kits should be assembled with the right things to keep you alive if disaster should strike during your outdoor adventure.

(Creative Commons photo by robinvanmourik)

• Ask anyone who spends a great deal of time exploring the wilderness, and they will tell you that planning ahead is the most important thing you can do to ensure your safety. What you do now, before you set off for the great outdoors, could save your life or the life of your companion.

• Consider your surroundings. Will you be hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park or traipsing across the Appalachian Trail? Plan your dress accordingly; it may be the single most important piece of survival equipment you have. Remember to:

1. Layer your clothing
2. Bring a hat and a light jacket
3. Take along a poncho

• There are some common items that should be in every wilderness survival kit. These include:

1. First aid supplies
   1. Butterfly sutures
   2. Sterile gauze
   3. Sterile bandages
   4. Neosporin
   5. Moleskin
2. Water purification system: water purification tablets
3. Fire starting equipment: a butane lighter or waterproof matches
4. Signaling items: a signaling mirror
5. Length of rope
6. Food procurement items: fishing line and hooks
7. Shelter items

• Other items you should consider adding to your survival kit list may include:

1. Insect repellent
2. Sunscreen
3. Map
4. Compass
5. GPS
6. Knife

• When assembling your wilderness survival kit, keep in mind that you will be carrying all of this with you at all times. Try to make the kit as compact as possible. Survival kit items can be placed in:

1. A Band-Aid container
2. An empty travel soap dish
3. A small coffee can
4. A small nylon bag
5. A fanny pack

• Remember, the key is putting together a small kit that you can keep with you at all times. The more simple you keep things, the more apt you are to bring the kit with you when you explore.

• If you plan to spend time in the wilderness—whether camping and hiking, fishing or hunting—a survival kit is a must. Planning ahead for any possible disaster scenario could mean the difference between life or death.

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• Introduction
• Step 1: Plan Ahead
• Step 2: What You'll Need
• Step 3: Putting It All Together
• Conclusion