# What to put in a survival pack?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [December 29, 2012, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444 "2012-12-29T00:44:05Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Hero\_From\_Sector\_7G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hero_From_Sector_7G)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/1 "2012-12-29T00:44:05Z")
I’m putting together a small survival/convenience pack for multi-day hiking. Essentially I want a pack that has all the first aid gear in it, as well as those many small luxuries we often forget when camping. Weight is important, but quality and usefulness trumps.
I am excited to hear suggestions. I also love hearing about other people’s packs. If you have a product you either love, or a good one that is in my list below, please mention it or even link to where I can buy it.
Things I’m thinking of including:
flashlight (suggestions? I want double-a battery and lightweight that doesn’t cost a fortune)
toothpicks
q-tips
blood clotting agent (i’ve heard there is a neat product you can apply that insta stops severe bleeding, any ideas?)
gauze
tape
neosporin
drugs (What’s your travel medicine cabinet consist of?)
scissors (suggestions?)
tweezers
chapstick
rubbing alcohol
wet wipes
tongue depressors
thermometer (necessary?
knife (i’d love suggestions)
band aids
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### Author:  [@scootergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scootergirl)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/2 "2012-12-29T00:57:15Z")
I thought that this belt was really cool. My friend just got one for Christmas. It was around $30. I saw it and was pretty impressed…very well made. [http://savageexpeditiongear.com/](http://savageexpeditiongear.com/)
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### Author:  [@Hero\_From\_Sector\_7G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hero_From_Sector_7G)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/3 "2012-12-29T00:58:44Z")
Link didn’t work for me =(
I am putting all this in a Maxpedition [FR-1](http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/FR-1-Pouch-p404.htm)
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### Author:  [@scootergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scootergirl)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/4 "2012-12-29T01:03:48Z")
Of course it is a one time use only. Hopefully you wouldn’t ever have to use it 🙂 I was just looking at the pics on the site. That is exactly what it looks like. They are made in Oregon.
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### Author:  [@scootergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scootergirl)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/5 "2012-12-29T01:04:49Z")
> [@Hero\_From\_Sector\_7G](#):
>
> Link didn’t work for me =(
>
> I am putting all this in a Maxpedition [FR-1](http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/FR-1-Pouch-p404.htm)
Sorry, I just posted again with a good link. Good luck!
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### Author:  [@Hero\_From\_Sector\_7G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hero_From_Sector_7G)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/6 "2012-12-29T01:09:23Z")
Those paracord belts and wristbands are hella cool. I am including several lengths of paracord in my pack.
I kinda want one of those belts just for daily wear =)
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### Author:  [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/7 "2012-12-29T01:15:02Z")
I think you’re asking about [QuikClot](http://www.rei.com/search?query=quikclot) - pretty sure that’s for major gushers, but it apparently does the trick.
My suggestions for first aid meds:
- loperamide (antidiarrheal)
- diphenhydramine (Benadryl, antihistamine)
- NSAID of choice
- Benadryl spray for anti-itch and/or After-Bite
- triple antibiotic cream
- some kind of antiseptic medical wipes/irrigant like betadine/etc. for wound cleaning
- tincture of benzoin for styptic/antiseptic/bandage-adhering
Don’t forget moleskin pads! Other suggestions: butterfly closures/steri-strips, tough/waterproof/knuckle/fingertip bandages, Tegaderm film. Duct tape! Hand sanitizer.
Is this an additional pack besides your regular packs? Are you covered for things like water purification methods?
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### Author:  [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/8 "2012-12-29T01:21:02Z")
Missed the edit window - I see it is just for a little pouch, so your other stuff will be in real backpacks.
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### Author:  [@Hero\_From\_Sector\_7G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hero_From_Sector_7G)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/9 "2012-12-29T01:23:57Z")
Thanks! I added a 35g pouch of cellox to the shopping cart!
It is a small pouch. When I’m not camping I will let it live in the car. Because of this, I’m looking at rescue knives and things like hemostatic products.
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### Author:  [@Alpine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpine)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/10 "2012-12-29T01:24:14Z")
(On preview some of this was covered, but here you go.)
Great to see you want to get out there and be prepared. I do a lot of solo hiking and snowshoeing, so here’s my two cents.
Survival-type suggestions:
[ul]
[li]Small [headlamp](http://www.rei.com/product/825732/black-diamond-gizmo-headlamp) instead of flashlight - hands free is the way to go[/li][li]Signalling device like a whistle (a mirror will only work in the daytime, but covers more distance)[/li][li]Matches in a waterproof container or a lighter (I actually carry tinder and a striker)[/li][li]Survival blanket/[bivvy](http://www.rei.com/product/813511/sol-emergency-bivvy)[/li][li]Hand warmers[/li][li]Water purification tablets[/li][/ul]
Medical:
[ul]
[li][Here](http://www.rei.com/product/695383/adventure-medical-kits-ultralight-watertight-7-first-aid-kit) is a basic med kit for ideas[/li][li] [More advanced](http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/product.php?product=199&catname=Kits&prodname=SOL%20Hybrid%203#) one (no affiliation to AMK, I just like their stuff, plus the acronym for their gear “Survive Outdoors Longer” is great)[/li][li]Blister care[/li][li]Blood clotting powder - I have some of [this](http://www.amazon.com/Celox-V12090-35-Blood-Clotting-Solution/dp/B004NG8V1M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356743672&sr=8-1&keywords=blood+clotting+powder) but have never tried it out[/li][/ul]
Don’t forget extra clothes as part of your “kit” - in the winter I carry a lightweight hooded down jacket and extra base layers. Having to sit still (if you’re injured or lost) in clothes that are damp from exertion can lead to hypothermia, and it’s those inner layers you need to change.
It might look like a long list, but my kit doesn’t take up a whole lot of room.
I’d question the need for a thermometer, toothpicks and tongue depressors, personally. 🙂
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### Author:  [@Hero\_From\_Sector\_7G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hero_From_Sector_7G)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/11 "2012-12-29T01:31:18Z")
**Ferret Herder** is there a travel pill carrier you like? I would like to include only around 20 pills of each, and find pill bottles to be space intensive.
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### Author:  [@SerafinaPekala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SerafinaPekala)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/12 "2012-12-29T01:32:06Z")
Parched corn! nomnomnom
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### Author:  [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/13 "2012-12-29T01:35:32Z")
Tongue depressors would work for a makeshift finger splint, should an accident happen.
> [@Hero\_From\_Sector\_7G](#):
>
> **Ferret Herder** is there a travel pill carrier you like? I would like to include only around 20 pills of each, and find pill bottles to be space intensive.
There’s [this one](http://www.containerstore.com/shop?productId=10029772&N=&Ns=p_sort_default%7C0&Ntt=pill+box) from The Container Store, but there are little gaps around the lids. Not ideal if you think it’s going to get wet. Either put the whole thing in a ziploc, or just get those little pill ziplocs at a drugstore and write the pill name and dosing instructions on each.
Other suggestions for your first aid kit: ACE bandages, safety pins, gauze (pads and wrap), thicker wound pads (like abd pads). Maybe a tube of those flavored dissolving rehydration tablets like they sell at REI; I know one brand is Nuun. Good for making bleh-tasting water taste better, as well as helping with dehydration.
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### Author:  [@Hero\_From\_Sector\_7G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hero_From_Sector_7G)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/14 "2012-12-29T01:39:44Z")
> [@Alpine](#):
>
> I’d question the need for a thermometer, toothpicks and tongue depressors, personally. 🙂
The idea of the tongue depressor was less to check tongues, and more because the wood seems like it could be useful for makeshift finger splints. I like the potential uses, but agree that it might be a bit silly.
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### Author:  [@Alpine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpine)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/15 "2012-12-29T01:46:33Z")
No, that is a good point about the impromptu splint. But if you’re not carrying them for another reason, why not just carry a finger splint? (Not trying to be snarky.)
> [@Hero\_From\_Sector\_7G](#):
>
> The idea of the tongue depressor was less to check tongues, and more because the wood seems like it could be useful for makeshift finger splints. I like the potential uses, but agree that it might be a bit silly.
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### Author:  [@Hero\_From\_Sector\_7G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hero_From_Sector_7G)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/16 "2012-12-29T01:54:29Z")
> [@Alpine](#):
>
> No, that is a good point about the impromptu splint. But if you’re not carrying them for another reason, why not just carry a finger splint? (Not trying to be snarky.)
Uh oh, perhaps my fetish for sleek and lightweight is showing. A few tongue depressors pack easier than a finger splint. I also like the idea that there might be an impromptu use for them, for example: dry kindle?
Your point is valid, and I’ll asses my space as I fill the pack.
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### Author:  [@Plumpudding](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plumpudding)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 9:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/17 "2012-12-29T09:28:39Z")
I’d take a chinese military showel. Takes up a lot less space than an axe, knife, saw, pick, grapple-hook, hammer, bottle opener, can opener, plier and of course showel. It’s even got amusement factor thrown into the package.
[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b60OZhrTB6o)
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### Author:  [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/18 "2012-12-29T16:58:06Z")
Yes, ideally hands-free light is the way to go, but batteries don’t last forever. I found the [Hand-Pressing Flashlight](http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Matrex-Hand-Pressing-Flash-Light/dp/B004ETEMI4/ref=sr_1_1?s=hardware&ie=UTF8&qid=1356800043&sr=1-1&keywords=hand+pressing+flashlight) to be light, cheap, and easy to operate. Costs less than a pack of AAAs and will last you infinitely longer. Not bad for a glove compartment either.
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### Author:  [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/19 "2012-12-29T17:13:28Z")
> [@Hero\_From\_Sector\_7G](#):
>
> scissors (suggestions?)
Why would you want scissors if you’re taking a knife?
Anyway, you should go visit the Zombie Squad forums for expert advice.
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### Author:  [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)
#### Post date: [December 29, 2012, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-put-in-a-survival-pack/645444/20 "2012-12-29T17:28:25Z")
It’d be easier to trim tape/gauze that is currently wrapped around someone’s injury by using scissors instead of a knife. At the very least, the consequences of slipping a bit are less severe.
(And yay, ZS!)
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