Tag: items

  • 6 Survival Items Every Hunter Should Use

    6 Survival Items Every Hunter Should Use

    6 Survival Items Every Hunter Should Use
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    As a hunter, there are items that you should never go hunting without. These tools are important whether as a newbie or a seasoned hunter.

    This is because no one can be absolutely sure of what will happen while in the field. While hunting, many things can happen. Among the most common things are bad weather, accidents in the wild as well as other emergencies. All these can reduce your chances of success when hunting.

    To be able to able to achieve your targets, you need to know the right tools that will be necessary when hunting. In this article, we shall look at some of the best survival items that as a hunter, you should have.

    Knife

    The knife should rank top on your list of items that you intend to pack for hunting. This is because there are many things that you can do with a knife. The type of knife that you choose to go with should be made of high-quality material.

    Make sure that you can cut anything of whichever texture without it folding. Also, you ensure that the knife is well sharpened before you go. You can use the knife among other things, cut meat as you prepare meals in the wild. Also, you can prepare ropes that you can use to tie the kill, protect yourself from dangerous animals that might reach you without noticing among many other things. The knife should be as close to you as possible. You should not put it in a different bag from the one you are carrying on your back.

    Backpack

    For every hunter carrying a backpack is mandatory.

    This is because many of the tools that you will be carrying will be put in the backpack.

    But even as you consider which backpack you should carry, you need to have in mind the fact that you need to be light for you to walk faster.

    This will mean that the backpack needs to be of a considerable weight which does not weigh too much on you.

    Remember that when the backpack is too heavy, your chances of success are equally reduced.

    As because you might not be able to move with speed when pursuing game.

    At the same time, if you are heavily loaded, you might get very tired even before you reach your destination.

     

    Cordage

    This is another very useful item that any good hunter would not forget to carry. The functions of a cord are many. One can use it to build a shelter, secure loads to the backpack, tie splint, climbing down from steep areas among many more things. You should ensure that you have carried accord of proper length. Hunting experts recommend that one should carry at least 50 meters of the cord if he intends to be successful in the field.

     

    Spotting scope

    As a hunter, you need a tool that will make your work easier while in the wild. You do not have to strain too much when trying to locate game animals to hunt. To be able to spot animals quickly, you need to ensure that you have a spotting scope in your backpack. This is important as it will make it easier for you to spot an animal and quickly take it out without much effort. With a spotting scope, you will be able to locate animals when still far away thus giving you a chance to shoot without them noticing your presence. You need to ensure that the spotting scope is portable and also of high quality.

    Mobile phone

    In the field, you need to be able to communicate with your partners. This is best done when you carry a mobile phone or two-way radios which will enable you to communicate with ease. Communication is key when hunting as you will be able to communicate strategies on how to quickly locate and shoot a game animal. Also, you will be able to inform each other in the event of danger. Even if you are hunting alone, you should never forget to carry your mobile phone. The reason is you might need help from other people back home.

    Blanket

    When one sets out to go hunting, he does not really know for how long he might be out there in the field. It is only prudent for you to remember to carry a blanket that will keep you warm. This is especially important during winter when the weather is generally chilly. The blanket will also be important at night when having a rest after the day’s activities.

    In conclusion, therefore, one needs to know some of the best survival items that are necessary when hunting. This article provides a few of them.

  • 8 Items for Your Boat Emergency Kit

    8 Items for Your Boat Emergency Kit

    Summer is right around the corner and many are in the midst of planning deep sea fishing trips or casual fishing excursions with their buddies.

    Have you considered updating your boat emergency kit? You never know when an emergency situation can come calling!

    Be Prepared for Anything

    While the odds of a mishap are certainly small, the risk of your vessel going down always exists. A car offers the luxury of simply stepping out on to the road and walking to the nearest gas station.  With a boat, the inconvenience of a  malfunction is magnified. Stranded in open water, your chance of returning to dry land is often decided by what is in your onboard kit.

    Here is a look at 8 essentials to consider for your boat emergency kit:

    Empty Milk Jug

    How can a milk jug act as a savior, you may ask?  It can, provided you have a knife or other cutting instrument.  Simply , slice the empty jug horizontally and it immediately becomes a lightweight bailing device. Although much smaller, empty plastic water bottles can also do the trick,  This allows for multiple small hand bailers to scoop out unwanted water.

    First-Aid Supplies

    First-aid supplies are commonly included in all emergency kits. A mini safety kit certainly adds an extra layer of insurance when you are out on the water. Make sure you are carrying a variety of tape, gauze, wipes, anti-bacterial creams, and Band-Aids.

    Also consider equipping your first-aid kit with motion sickness medicine, antibiotic ointment, sunscreen, and Neosporin. Last but not least, an epinephrine auto-injector can useful in case a member of the boating party encounters an unwanted reaction or sting.

    Personal Locator Beacons

    A Personal Locator Beacon is very handy to have on a boating trip.  They are particularly helpful when your mobile network is spotty or non-existent. A PLB such as the ACR ResQLink is capable of broadcasting a 406MHz satellite distress signal to the Coast Guard.  Additionally it sends a separate homing signal is sent out to local Search and Rescue units.

    It’s small size allows several to fit easily into any emergency bag.  Additionally, the design of the ResQLink means it can even be clipped onto lifejackets. Consider carrying one for each boat member.  Because, this improves your chances of being rescued quickly.  Especially if you become separated in the water.

    Emergency Mylar Thermal Blanket

    Mylar Thermal Blankets are excellent for all emergency marine situations.  They can be packed easily and provide much-needed warmth if you find yourself stranded in cold weather. Air temperature on the water is significantly cooler than land temperatures.  So having one of these around while you are out fishing in the middle of the sea can prove to be a lifesaver. These blankets are often called ‘space blankets’ for their futuristic appearance.

    If you don’t need to stay warm, there are other ways you can put this thermal blanket to good use. As a waterproof object, it can serve as storage for electronic gadgets that can become damaged by saline water. It also possesses a shiny appearance which can be used as a signaling object during distress situations.

    If you don’t like mylar blankets, I know of a small camping blanket that is almost as lightweight and much neater.

    Duct Tape

    There are few inventions in the world that can are handier than duct tape.

    This little roll can quickly be added to your emergency bag, and is capable of fixing almost anything and everything under the sun.

    While on a boat, you can use it to patch up leaking areas or mend broken or loose equipment on board.

    Duct tape is one item whose usage need not be explained in great detail for it is universal knowledge.

    Day and Night Distress Signals

    Distress signal flares, or night distress signals, are a common choice for mariners to indicate an emergency situation. Bright lights used in these flares help to alert search personnel of an emergency situation. White, red and orange are acknowledged as the international colors of distress.

    Day distress signals are of two types.

    • Orange smoke handheld flares
    • Orange distress flag. An orange flag is recognized as an international distress symbol and can be seen over many miles. Ideally you should place it somewhere high up on your vessel so that it is visible from both air and water.

    Hand-held orange smoke flares draw attention by emitting a large cloud of orange smoke. Keep in mind that these flares do not last long.  They burn for about a minute.  Deploy them carefully when the possibility of being spotted by a rescue party is at its highest.

    Red flares are the most common with regards to visual distress signals and can be used both during the day and at night. They can be seen from a great distance and even when visibility is not at its best.

    Oars and Paddles

    You may already be aware that the U.S. Coast Guard has a recommendation in place for all boats to be fitted with oars and paddles.

    This is because engine failures can leave you stranded on the water with no way to return to shore.

    Regardless of your vessel size, oars can create a current and provide just enough momentum to safely drift back to shore.

    For faster flowing bodies of water, always keep a compass handy so that you know you are rowing in the right direction.

    Drybag – Survival Equipment Bag

    The Drybag from Watershed is a piece of engineering marvel that can keep items dry even underwater. When river guides voiced their concern over the quality of storage bags used during the 1980s, their problems were solved when the ZipDry technology came into existence.

    Similar to a freezer bag, it offers excellent closure once sealed shut. The bag material is comprised of polyurethane-coated fabrics that are extremely durable, flexible, and resistant towards abrasion. Consider packing all of your emergency and safety equipment in this bag.

    Conclusion

    Any boating trip can turn dangerous and the right emergency kit could be the difference between life and death.

    As goes the old adage “better safe than sorry”.  It is important to be prepared and safeguard yourself against all eventualities rather than waiting for the moment when trouble finally befalls you.

    If you are going boating in someplace else other than your home state, also keep in mind some of the rules and regulations that they may have in place.

    Finally, know that adding these eight safety items to your emergency kit will help you remain safe under all circumstances.  Giving you the peace of mind so that you can enjoy a relaxing, comfortable, and memorable trip.

  • 7 Must Have Items for Wilderness Survival

    7 Must Have Items for Wilderness Survival

    7 Must Have Items for Wilderness Survival
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    If you are going out into the wilderness, you should make sure you are going well prepared with the right items for survival. Sure, no one wants or expects to get into a life threatening situation.  However, in the wilderness, anything can happen at any time. In this article, we have complied 7 must have items for wilderness survival; let’s get started!

    A Survival Knife

    The number one must have item is a survival knife. It has many uses in everyday activities.  In case you happen to find yourself in a dire situation, your chances of surviving are increased if you have a knife.

    Look for a sturdy and reliable survival knife which you can keep on your person. Consider getting a knife which has 4-5 inch carbon steel blade and flattened back edge. This type of knife can easily split kindling, skin an animal, filet a fish, and even cut through the forest and the vegetation.

    The knife can also be used to; create weapons, open packages, create fire starters (like bowing a drill), build an emergency shelter (by cutting branches or cutting tarp), cut clothing for bandages (in case you do not have the first aid kit), and so much more. Keep in mind, your choice of knife is crucial to your survival.

    A Heat Source

    A means of making fire is essential when you’re out in the wilderness. Your survival may completely be dependent on whether you’ve the capability of creating a fire.

    Match boxes are a great source of heat because they are an easy and quick way of starting a fire, keeping warm, finding way through the darkness, making emergency smoke signals, burning parasites like ticks, among many other uses. However, they can easily get ruined if it rains.

    Therefore, it is wise to keep a water tight lighter available. Also within this realm, you might want to make sure to bring a good tactical flashlight. This will help for situations you might run into at night.

    A Map and Compass

    Although modern technology has brought about many changes in this area, when going out into the wilderness, you should always bring with you a map of that area and a compass. This is particularly important in case the area has poor cell coverage, or in case you experience technological glitches, or even accidentally damage your phone. A map and a compass might be the only tools that can lead you to a safe location. Learn how to read a map and navigate with the compass.

    Some Sort of Shelter

    Wilderness survivalAnytime you happen to enter the wilderness, you should carry with you a cover for unexpected overnight stay. A cover is something you should always bring with you even if you are just planning on a quick afternoon hike.

    Having a cover which you can easily pull out and erect a shelter will help protect you from the rain, cold, animals, among others. Even a simple tarp which you can throw over the branches is enough. You should also consider bringing warm covering for your body.

    Depending on where you get stranded, keeping warm might proof to be difficult, but it’s essential for survival. Make sure you bring warm, insulating clothing.

    Cordage Rope

    While it is possible to make ropes out of the plant materials, you do not want to waste valuable time with such unnecessary tasks. Bringing with you a strong rope can be of great help when it comes to making shelter, setting traps, or even climbing terrain.

    A rope can also come in handy when you need to escape, or when you need to climb out of a potentially dangerous situation. Paracord will work great for this, and it doesn’t add too much weight.

    Stainless Steel Water Container

    You will most certainly need water when you are out in the wilderness. That being so, the type of water container you carry the water with can make all the difference. The ideal type of container to use is a stainless steel water container.

    It’s not only durable, but it can also be put over the fire to melt snow or boil water, making it safe for drinking. Take a stainless steel water container which is sturdy enough and big enough to carry enough water for long treks.

    First Aid Kit

    When going out into the wilderness, you should carry a first aid kit with you at all times. It’s an essential item which should never be left in the car or at home. Make sure the kit has the basic first aid items like bandages, band aids, sterile gauze, tape, burn creams, ointments, scissors, soap, personal medications, among such other items.

    It’s super important to make sure you’re as prepared as possible for the situation you’re putting yourself in. You don’t need to have everything you might need for any situation, because you have to keep in mind you have to carry all of it, but make sure you have the essentials.