HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

At the very least, carry a basic first aid and survival kit in the field. However, always keep a complete first aid kit back at camp or in the truck. We tend to opt for food over rolls of gauze when our packs get too full. So avoid having to negotiate what to leave behind and pack right. Use a compact, waterproof, metal container (it will double as a cooking device) and pack it with the following essential items:

• Waterproof matches.
• Waterproof lighters (at least 2).
• Fire starter pucks.
• A small pocketknife.
• A large hunting knife.
• A flashlight (with spare batteries).  
• Bug spray.
• Basic fishing equipment (a roll of line, a few hooks and a lure will do).
• Safety pins (4-6 in different sizes).
• A needle and thread.
• A handful of nails.
• Copper wire (for making snares).
• Food and drink (high calorie/protein bars and water).
• Duct tape.
• Candles that burn for 6-8 hours.
• A spoon.
• Heavy duty aluminum foil.
• An emergency blanket.
• Rope (at least 3 yards in length).
• A whistle.
• A few garbage bags.
• A compass.
• A GPS (with extra batteries).
• Water purification tablets.
• A set of bandages.
• Pliers, scissors and tweezers (or a multi-tool device).
• A signal mirror.

Check This Out: Raid Your Kitchen for Loot

Aluminum foil is handy stuff. We can use it to cook food over a fire, as a reflective signal, or you can cut and fold it into cups and bowls. Garbage bags are another glorious kitchen product. A garbage bag with a hole in the top becomes an instant rain poncho. A garbage bag on the roof of your shelter will keep you dry from the rain. A stretched out garbage bag can collect rainwater for drinking or showering. Garbage bag? More like awesome bag.