Changing odds..

[saxonaxe]

I've just about finished getting some kit ready for a January trip, conditions may become a little harsher than what is winter normal for where I live, so a little extra prep is called for. This is what I think of as my 'emergency' kit. I tend to shy away from 'survival' purely because, to me at least, survival is about extreme climates, terrain or danger from people, animals or even insects. In these islands it's unlikely that I will run into violent conflict ( as long as I steer clear of football stadiums on a Saturday)..:D. Not too many wild animals intent on eating me and killer bugs are equally uncommon, so that leaves extremes of climate...and that... along with other associated factors is what kills people in the UK.

People get lost and die every year sure, but they don't die of starvation or thirst. Agreed they may be hungry and thirsty when they die but it's usually the cold and wet, exposure and often injury which is the main cause. So for those reasons plus some added considerations my emergency kit is what I think will give me the best chance of...can't think of another word....survival..:D

This is what is always on my belt, summer or winter, when I'm in the woods or wandering in the more remote places ( away from public areas.

http://i.imgur.com/suR3DiBl.jpg.http://i.imgur.com/McQLKXul.jpg

Self explanatory really, one of HillBill's excellent knives (with a specially requested longer blade)
Webbing pouch with small first aid kit and a small multi tool. The camo pouch is a Webtex item with tinder in a tin, lighter, firestick, those white skinny things are firestraws I make, (good for lazy fire makers you can build the fire and then poke a straw into it and light the end...:o ) Sharpener and the rectangle thing is a steel mirror. Sometimes a different knife, but the kit doesn't change.

In my bergan is a..I think Swiss respirator case which I suppose replaces what people call their survival tin or kit..

http://i.imgur.com/Voge6eIl.jpg

Top left First aid, next a commercial survival suit, tinder tin, the plastic bag has tea/coffee in it, won't keep me alive but will cheer me up..:p. Next row, that grey thing rolled up is a very tough plastic bag (water carrier). Para cord, light sticks, another steel mirror, the wire saw will cut me fuel if I'm injured and have to think about a proper fire, A commercial strobe which I know is visible at 2 miles+, spare batteries, T light candle, storm matches, mug to brew up. Small very powerful torch and whistle attached to bag (a whistle on a cord with my compass is round my neck anyway)
Probably seems a bit cumbersome compared with a small tin but I don't find it so. It's in my Bergen or if I wander a short distance from camp I just sling the small bag over my shoulder.

I'm reliably told that there is nowhere in the Uk where it is possible to be more than 11 miles as the crow flies from a road or track. All roads and tracks lead somewhere even if it's to an isolated barn (shelter) or habitation. There's also a chance of at least 1 vehicle passing within a few days...So... no fishing kit, snares, survival spear points etc: By the time I've caught a fish to stop myself starving to death I could have walked 11 miles found a road and be sitting in a MacDonalds somewhere..
Same with snares and hunting Bunnies with an Assegai...

But if I'm injured and people are looking for me, a signalling kit will help me. If I'm not injured then 11 miles in a straight line walkies it is...:D

Survival or the chances of surviving alter from person to person, fat ladies do well, as do fit determined men and women, those without motivation usually become casualties. Nature also decides that the very young and the old have less chance of survival in adverse climatic conditions...I'm just a little shout off 71...:shocked: Fairly fit still, regular 6 milers are still on the menu BUT for the very young and old to maintain core body temperature is much more difficult, just a few degrees makes all the difference in extreme conditions, and so it will for me I know. So shelter, first aid and signaling ability are top concerns for me.

Just to illustrate the point about the vulnerability of the young and old...
In 2007 I had sailed to the Canary Islands from the Mediterranean where I had been voyaging around Greece and the Greek Islands (Cyclades)for 2 years. My plan was to cross the Atlantic but as I'm sure you all know there is a Hurricane season, which very roughly coincides with a UK summer, so I decided to wait in the Canaries until after the Hurricanes had blown themselves out. Single handed ocean crossing can be tough at the best of times and I definitely didn't fancy crossing before the really bad weather had finished.

I found a marina berth in the Canaries and one day I was wandering around being nosey when I saw the Guardia Civil towing in this " Boat"

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk136/highandry_photos/002-1.jpg..http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk136/highandry_photos/bushcraft1.jpg

You can see what it is, a builders skip with a "Bow" section welded on and an outboard engine rigged on the "stern"

The coast of Africa lay just 80 odd miles to the East, there was famine, war and ethnic murders on a massive scale and people were trying to escape to safety. 28 men, women and children climbed aboard the skip and tried to make the crossing to the safety of the Canary Islands. The outboard engine failed and they were swept off course and days later were found far out to the West of the Islands. 8 young men and 3 young women all in their late teens, late 20's were found alive by the rescuers. The children and older folk had all died of exposure. Nights at sea if you are wet, cold and lack shelter can be just as unkind as a night stranded on a Uk hill/mountain, Moor or Fell.

So as not to end on an unhappy note...

Good bye Canary Islands..

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk136/highandry_photos/2007_0220Image0001.jpg

Running hard in the Trade Winds..Big seas and a squall building 2000 miles out.

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk136/highandry_photos/5fd81535-a0a3-478a-ad35-d1abea020278_zps5fb71912.jpg..http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk136/highandry_photos/2007_0220Image0003-1.jpg

A long way from home..

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk136/highandry_photos/2007_0220Image0008.jpg

30 days and Land Ho!

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk136/highandry_photos/2007_0302Image0013.jpg

And safely into the anchorage at Port de France, Martinique..

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk136/highandry_photos/005-1.jpg

Sax. :D

[OakAshandThorn]

T^ Got to agree with you about the "survival" aspect of things, or at least the popular ideas about it. What I see is a bunch of marketing tactics, product promotion, and "the-lost-Bushcrafter" backwoods-Rambos wannabes, all of which is distorted from the reality of things. I always chuckle at the casual use of the word "wilderness"...I had no idea that one's backyard was a "wilderness" :p. Apparently, state parks and forests are also count.
And it is for these reasons that I don't pay attention to the yolos tooting their horns nor the "survival" paraphernalia. I could care less about bug-out bags, "survival" knives (or should I say "sharpened crowbars"? :p), the 10 things I need to "survive", the ultimate "survival" kit, or any of that junk.
What is most disappointing to me, though, is that the crucial mental aspect of survival is almost always completely left out. You can have all the fancy kit you like, but if you don't know how to properly use it, you're asking for trouble. You can have your "survival" knife (....sharpened crowbar...), bug-out bag, and so forth, but the REAL test of true survival is if you have enough mental stamina/will-power to get out alive. Your brain is your best tool.

I was reminded of a recent incident reported from Hawaii, of a man lost in the Pacific for 12 days - http://www.kitv.com/news/rescued-fisherman-recounts-ordeal-at-sea/30171644

[FishyFolk]

T^ Got to agree with you about the "survival" aspect of things, or at least the popular ideas about it. What I see is a bunch of marketing tactics, product promotion, and "the-lost-Bushcrafter" backwoods-Rambos wannabes, all of which is distorted from the reality of things. I always chuckle at the casual use of the word "wilderness"...I had no idea that one's backyard was a "wilderness" :p. Apparently, state parks and forests are also count.
And it is for these reasons that I don't pay attention to the yolos tooting their horns nor the "survival" paraphernalia. I could care less about bug-out bags, "survival" knives (or should I say "sharpened crowbars"? :p), the 10 things I need to "survive", the ultimate "survival" kit, or any of that junk.
What is most disappointing to me, though, is that the crucial mental aspect of survival is almost always completely left out. You can have all the fancy kit you like, but if you don't know how to properly use it, you're asking for trouble. You can have your "survival" knife (....sharpened crowbar...), bug-out bag, and so forth, but the REAL test of true survival is if you have enough mental stamina/will-power to get out alive. Your brain is your best tool.

I was reminded of a recent incident reported from Hawaii, of a man lost in the Pacific for 12 days - http://www.kitv.com/news/rescued-fisherman-recounts-ordeal-at-sea/30171644

This is why my plan for when and if I find my self in a survival situation. My plan does not consist of setting up snares, fishing and hunting...instead it consist of the following:

A: Going home.

Now I am in the arctic, so I realise that if I am in the mountains, things can go south pretty quickly with the weather. Specially in winter so in that time of year I add the most important piece of survival gear I own. - a spade and a survival bag to keep me warm in snow cave I will have to dig myself.

In all other circumstance I will be able to go home. Unless I am injured. If I am so gravely injured that I can't effect self rescue, I do not really think that I will be able to hunt, fish or set snares either...
It's time for a cuppa....

[TheDaddy187]

i carry fishing kit and snare wire purely on a "better to have and not need, than need and not have" basis...

both weigh just a few grams and take up no space...

snares and fishing can be achieved without kits, but saves time making the raw materials needed to have one on you...

but each to their own on the survival extras...

i dont carry food nor water in my survival kit... in uk its not an issue finding water nor food outside...

i do take food and water when i go camping, but my bug out bag wont contain these...

maybe a few tea bags and sugar :p

[saxonaxe]

" but each to their own on the survival extras..."

I agree 100% with that statement, accepting that survival is as much about a state of mind as a ton of kit. Whatever aides an individual to achieve that " I'm gonna survive" attitude is good and those items should be part of their personal kit. Notice that me and Rune would probably sit down and put the kettle on with our tea bags and coffee..:D :D
The reason I posted my explanation of my personal kit was purely to illustrate to someone who might ask.."Where's your trapping,fishing,hunting capability?" The answer to that for me in the UK is, it's the weather or injuries that will be my problem, not starvation. Actually I think the survival industry can be a good thing too, as occasionally useful bits of kit become easily available where once only specialist suppliers would stock them. Mini torches, steel mirrors, wire saw are all in my kit, but I'll give OAT's sharpened crowbar a miss I think...:D :D

[TheDaddy187]

i have my hawk for heavier work...
a mora robust for any more intricate bits...

though i am waiting for an enzo trapper...

;)

[midas]

Interesting read saxon,Oh for a life on the ocean waves......
Strobe lights a good idea.tho ive got a torch programmed with S.O.S.flashing.especially when in Highlands,were there is no phone or radio coverage.

[Valantine]

These days it's a survival expedition travelling by car for 15 minutes ;)

[jus_young]

Thanks for that Sax, an interesting and thought provoking read.

[Ehecatl]

Thanks Sax - an interesting read. Not all forum members may know, that like coconuts, you cannot live off of MacDonalds indefinitely! It really should be considered a last resort :happy-clapping:

-> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2diPZOtty0

[saxonaxe]

" you cannot live off of MacDonalds indefinitely! It really should be considered a last resort "

I must stop using references to MacD's in my posts...:D :D In fact a visit to one of their emporiums is an extremely rare event for me..:D

[midas]

[QUOTE=saxonaxe;123484]" you cannot live off of MacDonalds indefinitely! It really should be considered a last resort "

Or Burger King n KFC.lol.

[OakAshandThorn]

This is why my plan for when and if I find my self in a survival situation. My plan does not consist of setting up snares, fishing and hunting...instead it consist of the following:

A: Going home.

Now I am in the arctic, so I realise that if I am in the mountains, things can go south pretty quickly with the weather. Specially in winter so in that time of year I add the most important piece of survival gear I own. - a spade and a survival bag to keep me warm in snow cave I will have to dig myself.

In all other circumstance I will be able to go home. Unless I am injured. If I am so gravely injured that I can't effect self rescue, I do not really think that I will be able to hunt, fish or set snares either...
It's time for a cuppa....
Sounds a lot like my plan, as well, minus the jerven and snow shovel :p. And unless I'm seriously injured, I'm never more than 10 miles from civilisation in this state. I'm not one to waste time with snares and traps, either, especially since I'd end up in a load of trouble if I got caught. "But officer, I'm SURVIVING!!!" LOL :D
The biggest issue that would directly effect me is that my cellphone does not have WiFi, and there are several 'dead-zone' spots because of the hilly terrain. I'm starting to experiment with radio comm, and for the moment, they seem more reliable than the celly.

[FishyFolk]

Sounds a lot like my plan, as well, minus the jerven and snow shovel :p. And unless I'm seriously injured, I'm never more than 10 miles from civilisation in this state. I'm not one to waste time with snares and traps, either, especially since I'd end up in a load of trouble if I got caught. "But officer, I'm SURVIVING!!!" LOL :D
The biggest issue that would directly effect me is that my cellphone does not have WiFi, and there are several 'dead-zone' spots because of the hilly terrain. I'm starting to experiment with radio comm, and for the moment, they seem more reliable than the celly.

Unless the area is really well covered with repeaters That won't help you much in hilly terrain...A typical VHF hand set has range of 2-3 km...at best. Well, up to ten in ideal conditions but you won't be in ideal conditions. I'd go looking for something like a SPOT sat.

I am lucky that most places I go are well covered. And the batteries for my Sony Xperia seem to last forever too. I do not trust it completely...but back in the day it was a case of telling someone where you are going and when you will be heard from again. Still a very good survival tactic.

Else it's just to dress fro the climate you are in, or at least bring the clothes to dress for it in my case.

I sweat a lot. So in most cases I only wear a base layer and a thin shell. The warm clothes are in the pack. I.e Thick (Wool or fleece, whatever preferance you have) middle layer for both upper and lower body, plus mittens, hat and over boots. The snow often falls wet here, so my army over boots helps keep the feet dry.

And since I have Chrons I fatigue very quickly, so I tend to carry a sports drink and some energy bars, as I often walk myself empty. A sit down, and something to drink and eat fixes that, and ensures that I have the energy to trundle myself home. And on the way home is were I struggle the most. I forget that I have to pace myself, and walk myself empty.

[OakAshandThorn]

Unless the area is really well covered with repeaters That won't help you much in hilly terrain...A typical VHF hand set has range of 2-3 km...at best. Well, up to ten in ideal conditions but you won't be in ideal conditions. I'd go looking for something like a SPOT sat.

I am lucky that most places I go are well covered. And the batteries for my Sony Xperia seem to last forever too. I do not trust it completely...but back in the day it was a case of telling someone where you are going and when you will be heard from again. Still a very good survival tactic.

Else it's just to dress fro the climate you are in, or at least bring the clothes to dress for it in my case.

I sweat a lot. So in most cases I only wear a base layer and a thin shell. The warm clothes are in the pack. I.e Thick (Wool or fleece, whatever preferance you have) middle layer for both upper and lower body, plus mittens, hat and over boots. The snow often falls wet here, so my army over boots helps keep the feet dry.

And since I have Chrons I fatigue very quickly, so I tend to carry a sports drink and some energy bars, as I often walk myself empty. A sit down, and something to drink and eat fixes that, and ensures that I have the energy to trundle myself home. And on the way home is were I struggle the most. I forget that I have to pace myself, and walk myself empty.
I'm no electrical engineer, so I can't really say what the towers are (maybe for cell phone reception??...), but they seem to cause more interference than the hills. The ones I use in the National Park Service are bulky bricks, very limited range because they're outdated :p. I need to buy a set of new ones for better testing. Aye, the SPOTs are great, I know a few folks here who use them - those are also worth checking out :).
The problem with telling only one person is that unless you leave behind a written route plan, they are liable to forget. This happened to Steven Green in the Scottish highlands back in '99. He did have a cell phone, and he told his girlfriend of his intended route. He slipped on wet grass down a waterfall descending a mountain and busted the phone in the process. When he failed to return home at the planned time, his girlfriend notified authorities, but she couldn't remember his intended route. Search-and-rescue teams found him 4 days after he fell after locating his car and finding his route map inside.

[FishyFolk]

Very likely for cell phones. And also you have to belong to the VHF network they cover if they are VHF. You can't just buy a VHF and start japping away on someone elses network.
At least you can't do that around here, expect the maritime channels.

I have a map at home of the local area with my susual routes drawn in and all my cap, rest spots drawn in.

All of them is within easy range of a VHF handset on half -duplex, So I just may buy a set to kkep in touch with home when I am out near the house :-)
Not two years ago a local lady was surprised by the dark, got lost and was found only after 3 days...sadly she did not make it. She had fallen, fractured a leg. I do not know if the injury or exposure was the reason of death. She was found only a km from my house...

[saxonaxe]

In my original post about my personal emergency kit I purposely didn't mention my 'phone as I was concerned that it might cause heart palpitations or even mild terror amongst the more technically reliant on the forum.....:D :D

This hard spectacle case contains my hightec super kit..........

http://i.imgur.com/RzPO0v9s.jpg...........http://i.imgur.com/MoEb0TQl.jpg

It's a mobile phone designed primarily for pensioners and older people. Big buttons so reading glasses are not required to see to operate it. No camera, GPS, Internet or games and it's not possible to speak to Nasa's space station, but the battery will last 5 days with light use and it's got a text facility.

On a more serious note, there is an alarm button on the phone and it's possible to preload up to 5 telephone numbers plus a short message. In an emergency press and hold the button for 3 seconds and the 'phone starts transmitting the message to the first number. If there's no reply, then the message automatically transmits to the next number on the list and so on until someone reads the message. So an elderly person suffering a fall at home and immobilised simply has to press one button.....or Sax with a problem out in the boondocks..likewise. :D

Purchased after much bullying by my Grandaughter...:D Of course, like more sophisticated kit it relies on good reception of signals but it adds another chance of surviving the unplanned..

[midas]

Wonder if anyone ???Takes Flares.???
Had some when I had a "Boat"! n sure Saxon will have some on board.???

[FishyFolk]

Wonder if anyone ???Takes Flares.???
Had some when I had a "Boat"! n sure Saxon will have some on board.???

Only when I am on the boat. Besides SAR have FLIR, so sparking off you lighter, or firesteel will show up very clearly on that. They will spot you from miles away

[saxonaxe]

Wonder if anyone ???Takes Flares.???
Had some when I had a "Boat"! n sure Saxon will have some on board.???

Yes Mike. Flares on board. I've thought about flares, certainly at sea where vision is unobstructed they work well but I'm not convinced about ashore, except in barren areas like desert. In woodland a handheld distress flare probably hasn't got that much advantage over a really powerful torch and a parachute flare as you know climbs to a height before igniting, so although it might let them know you're in the forest somewhere unless they see it climb the first they know is when the sky lights up. Different at sea where they can do a 360 degree scan and hopefully spot you, but in dense forest it's probably more like " Did anybody see where that came from? "
I've played with that strobe of mine when ashore and found the best tactic is to tie a weight on a length of paracord and throw it over the highest tree branch I can. Then haul the strobe up to the branch and let it hang and swing. The hope is it will be spotted high in the canopy easier than on the forest floor. I can do the same with those Cyalume lights I carry. That's assuming I'm mobile enough to start heaving paracord about..:D

Sapper has more experience than any of us in search and rescue and I suspect very often it is down to a good systematic search plan and a four legged Detective that finds most lost people in the UK..

[FishyFolk]

Yes Mike. Flares on board. I've thought about flares, certainly at sea where vision is unobstructed they work well but I'm not convinced about ashore, except in barren areas like desert. In woodland a handheld distress flare probably hasn't got that much advantage over a really powerful torch and a parachute flare as you know climbs to a height before igniting, so although it might let them know you're in the forest somewhere unless they see it climb the first they know is when the sky lights up. Different at sea where they can do a 360 degree scan and hopefully spot you, but in dense forest it's probably more like " Did anybody see where that came from? "
I've played with that strobe of mine when ashore and found the best tactic is to tie a weight on a length of paracord and throw it over the highest tree branch I can. Then haul the strobe up to the branch and let it hang and swing. The hope is it will be spotted high in the canopy easier than on the forest floor. I can do the same with those Cyalume lights I carry. That's assuming I'm mobile enough to start heaving paracord about..:D

Sapper has more experience than any of us in search and rescue and I suspect very often it is down to a good systematic search plan and a four legged Detective that finds most lost people in the UK..


We had a good lecture by somone from the Norwegian Rescue Coordination Centre. He told us most of the time they have a pretty good idea, and often pin point idea where people are, thanks to their cell phones. This as most people call in themselves, rather than being reported missing, and unless they are completely lost, they are able to tell their position, or at least describe the area. . So most of the time it's quite simple "fetching" missions. I.e they send out the helicopter to pick somoene who has been injured off a mountain, or if feasable, a mountain rescue team from the Red Cross.

[midas]

Sapper has more experience than any of us in search and rescue and I suspect very often it is down to a good systematic search plan and a four legged Detective that finds most lost people in the UK..

Might be an idea to take some marrow bone jelly,Or in the case off our dog "Boris"(in France)a piece of STILTON CHEESE.
I swear he can smell it the moment I drive off the boat.He'll go or do anything for a piece.lol.

[saxonaxe]

Calling for help via 'phone is getting very common over here amongst coastal sailors too Rune. Many don't bother with channel 16 the distress/calling channel on VHF, or even the DSC which identifies the vessel and gives it's position (if the set is properly installed) They just pick up the mobile phone and dial the Coastguard. The rescue services can normally get a fix on the phone eventually.

A cheese eatin' dog..sounds a character Mike..:D

[FishyFolk]

Calling for help via 'phone is getting very common over here amongst coastal sailors too Rune. Many don't bother with channel 16 the distress/calling channel on VHF, or even the DSC which identifies the vessel and gives it's position (if the set is properly installed) They just pick up the mobile phone and dial the Coastguard. The rescue services can normally get a fix on the phone eventually.

A cheese eatin' dog..sounds a character Mike..:D

I got an app on my phone that when i push the "button" will send my GPS coordinates to the Rescue Coordination Centre as a text message.

[midas]

[QUOTE=saxonaxe;123500
A cheese eatin' dog..sounds a character Mike..:D[/QUOTE]

Yes John,Boris sure is.Was a rescue dog,Part Husky,Part sheep dog.one white eye,one blue.
Lives on my cousins farm in Fougerolle de Plessis,or with me if they are in Canada.
Known him to find and eat apiece of stilton in the bottom of his bowl.even when there is a heap of Roes liver on top of it.
Just glad he doesnt want a glass of port with it. lol.