Essentials For Your Stocked Survival Backpack
The end of the world is probably not around the corner, but it pays to be prepared. For lovers of the survival programs that appear on our television screens every week, there may be a bit of concern that we should all be prepared for the worse. However, the truth of the matter is that every household should have what is called a 'bug out pack' which is a fancy way of saying a stocked survival backpack. We do after all live in a world of uncertainty.
It's not necessary to set up a camp in a remote area, but some good old-fashioned common sense never hurt anyone.
So here are some items that might be useful if you are faced with an urban disaster.
Firstly the rule of three applies to the stocking of any survival pack. The rule of three states that you cannot survive more than three minutes without air, you cannot survive more than three days without water and you cannot survive more than three weeks without food.
So let's examine water first. Water weighs too much to transport more than essential supplies for a day or two in a backpack. It is therefore essential that you have the correct equipment to purify water on the go.
There are many different types of water purifying systems on the market, however, in a survival situation the simpler the better. In the case where you are isolated from any help your best bet is a survival stove powered by gas that will allow you to boil the water that you require. The addition of chlorine to boiled water will usually do the trick. Iodine in small amounts will also usually render water potable (safe to drink).
You can also purchase hi tech drinking straws that will allow you to drink out of potentially dangerous water sources. These are lightweight and highly effective.
As far as food is concerned the best bet for someone (or a family) that is leaving the scene of a disaster are MRE's - military grade 'meals ready to eat'. These single serving meals are usually supplied with a heating element which requires only the addition of water in order to heat the meal.
Many are supplied with other meal elements, such as coffee or tea, snacks and high energy bar and will supply enough calories for a grown man or woman to operate in the harshest of environments. They are lightweight and last for years in storage. The modern versions are surprisingly palatable and there are enough different types for a fairly varied diet. All will fit in a backpack for easy transportation.
As to the other components of any survival backpack there are a few different components that should be included.
These include a flashlight which should be of the type that allows for wind up charging - you simply do not want to rely on battery power. A small portable FM / AM radio is also essential in order to keep track of emergency broadcasts.
A portable medical kit is also highly recommended.
In addition survival blankets are a must have to deal with both emergencies and cold weather.
A portable pup tent or at least a length of heavy plastic material for the construction of outdoor shelters is a must have.
The following are also must have pieces of equipment:
A sturdy multi use knife or multi tool and a good length of paracord (rope) which can be obtained already folded and easy to store.
If you have a license to use a firearm there are several models of small caliber rifles that can be broken down into easily transportable parts. These may be a lifesaver if you have to live off the land. And a gas canister with a small pan will round out enough to get you the food that you need to keep alive even in the most harsh of environments.