Build Your Own Emergency Kit  

Having the unexpected happen and coping with it is part of the allure of outdoor adventures. Being prepared for the unexpected makes the coping much easier and increases the chances of laughing about it later.

This article details what to take with you every time you go into the outdoors whether it’s a two hour afternoon hike or a week long horse camping backcountry trip. These are items to keep on our person. A small candy tin (such as Altoids) works well and  fits easily into a pocket.  Size is important because if the kit grows in size it’s much more likely to be left behind or stashed in a pack pocket or saddle bag where it can't help you should you become separated from you horse or pack.

The items in this kit were selected to provide for your three primary needs; WATER - SHELTER - FOOD.   The specific contents of any kit should be optimized for you and the areas you frequent. For example; If you do much horse riding or hiking in the desert you might replace the fishhooks with something more appropriate for the area.

 Kit Contents and reasons for having are below:

Garbage bag – Can provide Shelter and/or Water

In addition to helping you observe good LNT practices, a standard garbage bag can serve a  myriad of other uses. Use it to carry water. Cut holes for your head and arms and you’ve got a rain/wind shirt. Split in half and you’ve got a quick tarp for a shelter. Fold tightly and wrap with dental floss to keep the bulk manageable.

Matches – Stay Warm

Only a stone cold moron would neglect to keep a few matches in their kit. Make sure that your matches are the strike anywhere variety and that they have been waterproofed.

Duct Tape – Make Repairs on the Trail

Hole in your shoe?  Garbage bag ripped? Need to fix something? Duct tape it! Wrap several yards around the outside of your emergency kit tin. The duct tape helps keep the inside contents dry and holds the tin together so you don’t lose the kit contents.

Knife – Can help provide Shelter / Food / Warmth

A knife can provide tinder for starting a fire, help create a shelter, and help prepare dinner. Find a small pen knife to keep in your kit, if you lose your main knife it will be worth its weight in gold.

Candle – Warmth

Several trick cake candles that relight when blown out can help start a fire in wet or damp conditions. 

String – Shelter / Food

Dental floss is cheap, strong, lightweight, and low volume. You can use it to construct shelters, fishing line, and for repairs on the trail. Dentists often give sample spools when you get your teeth cleaned. Save the small roll for your kit and buy a regular roll of floss to keep your teeth intact!

Fishing hooks – Catch Dinner

A couple fishing hooks together with your dental floss or other bit of string can provide a fine meal that’s guaranteed to boost your spirits. Place a split weight on the leader and cover the point with a piece of duct tape to keep from catching yourself.

Cotton Balls – Provide Warmth

I use cotton balls that have been saturated with petroleum jelly as firestarters. Pack as many of these as you can into your tin to eliminate rattles.  

Candy  Tin –Container / Reflector

Besides holding the contents of your kit the tin itself can serve as a signaling device and as a water collection tool.

I hope this list helps you in creating your own emergency kit and laughing about it later, should you have an adventure.

Information on horse trails, hiking paths, and mountain bike single track for horseback riders, hikers, and mountain bikers  throughout the US; focusing on trails, parks, and camps in Washington and Ohio