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A few inexpensive pieces of equipment that will fit in your pockets are all you need to make survival and rescue a sure bet and your unforeseen stay in the wilderness a lot more comfortable.

• Identification and/or Medical Alert Tag or Bracelet (Vital if unconscious when found.)
• A Loud Whistle (On a lanyard around your neck so it can't be lost -- useful all the time, not just in the wilds. The lanyard should not be so strong that it cannot be broken in an emergency to prevent strangling.)
• 1 or 2 Large Garbage Bags (Fit in your pocket.)
• 1 or 2 Canteens of Water
• A Pocket Flashlight (Handy if you find yourself out over night and another item that's very useful many other times as well.)
• A Brightly Colored Bandanna (International, Neon, or Blaze Orange is preferred - has multiple uses.)

In the modern world, you also often have the advantage of direct communication using a cell phone. Even in many wilderness areas, cell phones will work. So, if you have one, make sure you take it along. However, it can be a tragic mistake to rely exclusively on a cell phone. They are simply too unreliable to bet your life on, will not work in many circumstances due to technological limitations and too often don't work just when you need them the most, as many of us have discovered even in urban surroundings.

Two other items can make a big difference and are considered among the most fundamental survival tools by experienced outdoorspersons, if you know how to use them properly and safely.

• Pocket Knife (a sturdy locking folding knife is best and the safest -- non-locking pocket knives are accidents waiting to happen)
• Firestarter (matches, lighter or flint and steel)

These are not toys and can be dangerous and destructive if misused. They should never be carried or employed unless you have received instruction from an adult in their safe use.

Once you know how to use these tools safely, you should never venture into the wilds without them.

For additional information related to this subject on Equipped To Survive:

• Sound Off! (Which survival whistles are best.)
• Folding Sharps (What features to look for in a pocket knife)
• Firestarters (evaluations and recommendations)
• Light On The Subject (Flashlights - evaluations and recommendations)
• On Your Own (Advanced Personal Size Survival Kits)
• Basic & Wilderness Survival Equipment
• A Kid's Wilderness Survival Primer
• Survival Schools and Courses

• Texas Parks and Wildlife - Kid's Page: Safe, Smart, Survival!

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Publisher and Editor: Doug Ritter
Email: Doug Ritter
URL: http://www.equipped.org/kidequip.htm
Revision: 12 June 30, 2005
 

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