Effective Survival

[...] he is beginning to think he should have taken the other fork in the road, some miles back. He keeps repeating to himself that he never gets lost and tries to cheer himself up with thoughts of finally being on an adventure. Suddenly he is startled when his car hits a sharp rock protruding into the side of the road. Slowing to a stop he hears the loud hiss of air [...]

Anna, thank you for your comment and you make a good point. Yes, there is something larger than a survival kit, it’s called a survival pouch. To always be even more prepared for any circumstances you should have a survival pouch. This would be larger than your survival kit, so you wouldn’t carry it around [...]

Just a few important items can make all the difference in your struggle for survival. Collect the items listed below. They can all fit into a small container, like a 2oz tobacco tin, that will hardly be noticeable when slipped into your trousers or jacket pocket. Don’t choose a larger container, you may find it [...]

If something is unexpected, how can you prepare for it? It’s already hard enough  preparing for what you do expect, so how can you hope to get yourself equipped for an unknown and sudden disaster? Try to imagine the maximum threat in terms of survival situations and think of what would be necessary to prepare [...]

Whether traveling privately or commercially you should take note of and learn the safety procedures. The authorities for both maritime and aviation have ruled that all passengers should be informed of them, and remembering them in an emergency could save your life. On an aircraft the cabin crew will point out the exits to you [...]

Motor vehicles need to be prepared properly when taking them out on an expedition or long journey. They need special adjustments and adaptation for high altitudes and extreme conditions. Any vehicles you are planning to use should have a thorough overhaul to ensure they are in perfect working order and to make any needed modifications [...]

If you’re going into a remote area for a long voyage or expedition then communications equipment such as a radio or sat-phone are necessary. Prearrange a communications plan, or “signals plan” with scheduled calls in the morning and the evening so that it is easy to establish two-way communication. Making a signals plan includes setting [...]

To carry your gear you will need to have a strong, comfortable, lightweight, waterproof and tough backpack. Get the best you can afford, because having a sore back and damaged or lost gear can ruin your entire trip. Look for backpacks that have tough and fully adjustable webbing or straps, remember that heavy loads can [...]

The two basic types of sleeping bag available are 1) the kind that uses a man made fiber and 2) the kind that is filled with down. Both are good choices, but down, while being very light and providing excellent insulation (and also more expensive), loses both qualities when it becomes wet and is very [...]

Planning and Organization If going as a group, meet often with the other members of your party to set the goals of the trip and discuss how to achieve them. Assign specific duties and responsibilities for each individual member to learn about, prepare for and specialize in while on the ground. Such duties include: leader, [...]