Backwoods Repair and Other Emergency Kits

by Gerald Rowan

Whether you’re tent camping, RVing, or in a cabin many miles from civilization, you should have a basic repair kit handy. The following items are necessary:

• Duct tape (1 roll)                                                                        
• Masking or craft tape (1 roll)                                                                      
• Parachute cord (100 feet)                                                             
• Thin iron wire (1 roll)                                                                  
• First aid kit                                                                        
• Fire starter(s)                                                                   
• Magnifier or striker fire starter                                                             
• Waterproof matches                                                            
• Unflavored dental floss and a large needle                                              
• Multi tool                                                                      
• Disposable rubber gloves                                                           
• Plastic zip ties (a variety of sizes)                                                    
• 6 leaf-size trash bags                                                               
• Aluminum or copper tubing to repair tent poles                                            
• Survival blanket(s) (mirrored Mylar type)                                                                 
• Folding shovel                                                                    
• Hand ax                                                                        
• Folding saw                                                                        
• Headlamp or flashlight (crank type)                                                             
• Small mesh bag for a throw sack

Package these items in a plastic tub with a snap-on lid. The tub will keep everything dry, and you will know precisely where the stuff is when you need it.
 
In addition to the repair kit, here are survival-type items you should have:

• 8¢´10¢ blue tarp                                                                   
• Candles                                                             
• Fishing kit                                                                       
• Leather palm work gloves (1 pair)                                                       
• Orienting compass                                                               
• Ponchos                                                                  
• Quadrangle maps                                                                
• Safety goggles                                                                     
• Signal mirror                                                                      
• Snare kit                                                                         
• Solar-powered weather radio                                      
• Survival whistle                                                                 
• Toilet paper                                                                     
• Wet wipes                                                              
• Wire saw

 
Suggested items for an emergency food kit:

• Beef jerky/sticks
• Bottled water
• Canned juice
• Canned nuts or nut mixes
• Canned or foil-packed chicken or tuna
• Crackers
• Fruit rolls
• Hard candy
• Peanut butter and crackers (not premade packets)
• Powdered milk
• Powdered soup mix
• Protein/granola bars
• Vacuum-packed trail mix or gorp

Be sure to include plastic plates and cutlery, as well as a small can opener. Store items in a plastic container. Not all foods are appropriate for everyone, so choose those that fit your needs. Safe storage times vary with each food.
 
Suggested items for a hygiene kit:

• Baby shampoo
• Bar soap
• Comb
• Dental floss
• Feminine hygiene products
• Hand sanitizer
• Paper towels/terry cloth towels
• Tissues
• Toilet paper
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Wet wipes

 
Suggested items for a medicine kit:

• Antacid                                                                       
• Antidiarrhea medication (such as bismuth subsalicylate, loperamide)            
• Antifungal and antibacterial ointments/creams                                             
• Antihistamine                                                             
• Cough drops/suppressant/expectorant                                                    
• Decongestant, alone or in combination with antihistamine                                   
• Hydrocortisone cream                                                             
• Laxative                                                                  
• Moisturizing skin cream
• Motion sickness medication                                                     
• Pain- and fever-relieving medication (such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen)

 
A basic first-aid kit should include a quick-reference first-aid card, along with a digital thermometer, antiseptics, bandages, cotton-tipped applicators, gauze, scissors, and tweezers. Other items to consider:

• Ace bandage(s)
• Aloe vera gel/ointment for sunburn
• Bandana for arm sling, etc.
• Hand sanitizer
• Insect repellent
• Moleskin for blisters
• Oral rehydration solution packets
  
• Sunscreen