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Trail News

Backwoods Repair and Other Emergency Kits

6/23/2017

0 Comments

 
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
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  • Home
    • About
    • Work For KTA
    • Our People
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    • Multimedia
  • Events
    • KTA Trail Challenge
    • Spring Hiking Weekend
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