How to make a lightweight survival kit

Hiking, hunting, fishing and skiing are great ways to enjoy the wild places of the world, but every year a few unlucky outdoor enthusiasts become lost or injured and spend a night or two in the wilderness. Whether your next outing is a day hike or an extended backcountry elk hunt, be prepared for the unexpected by carrying a lightweight survival kit on your person at all times. With the ability to purify water, make a fire and protect yourself from the elements, you can survive a night in the woods.

Things You'll Need

  • 5 water purification tablets
  • Unlubricated condoms (to serve as a water bladder)
  • Space blanket
  • Heavy-duty 55-gallon trash bag (to serve as a sleeping bag)
  • Small butane lighter
  • 20 waterproof matches in zip-top bag
  • Bandanna
  • Small pocket knife
  • Mini LED pinch light and spare battery
  • Emergency whistle
  • Button compass
  • Small signal mirror
  • 3 feet of duct tape wrapped around a 1/4 inch wooden dowel
  • 25 feet of 550 parachute cord
  • Photo of friends or family
  • Selection of small and medium-size zip-top bags
  • Nylon fanny pack
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Instructions

    • 1

      Organize your survival items into five separate groups based on their use: the water purification tabs and condom go together; the space blanket and trash bag go together; the lighter and matches go together; and everything else goes together.

    • 2

      Put each group of related items into the smallest possible zip-top bag. This makes each subgroup of items easy to locate all at once when you need them in the field.

    • 3

      Place the four zip-top bags into the fanny pack.