Lean and Light wilderness kit

I stumbled across this and wanted to share it Thanks Chris.

by Chris Kearney
(Geneva, OH, US)

Great posts by all I've read. I wanted to contribute as well with my mini-kit for ultra light and fast camping/survival. I'll try to be concise but thorough.

I've selected items based on the following criteria;

1) it must be packable
2) it must be light
3) it must be necessary
4) it must multi-task

Container - I use a Fox Outdoor MOLLE-compliant SAW ammo pouch. It hangs from a belt and at 4x8 inches, it's very portable.

Shelter - nylon poncho and a space blanket (signaling device, solar still).

Fire - Bic lighter, cotton ball, chapstick (lighter will last for months, and if it gets wet, blow on it, and it will fire up. Wax or petroleum coated cottonballs will help in muggy climates.

Water - I pack all my small items in a bandana (sling mud, filter) and drop them all inside a stainless steel water bottle. It can be heated over a fire to boil water. I also carry iodine tablets and taste neutralizer (although I hear there is a better all-in-one tablet now).

Food - heavy test fishing line and hooks (for fishing, snares, and emergency sutures) There is also room in the ammo pouch for a Mountain House single serving dehydrated meal and a candy bar.

Knife - 2 inches straight blade folder. No multitool; no matter how small or cool it looks in the store, I've never needed a nail file or nut driver in the wilderness.

Wire Saw - great for cutting small limbs for bedding or posts for an elevated platform. The finger rings make excellent "slips" for snares.

Light - I carry a penlight with a red lens. It maintains night vision but lets me find my essentials if an emergency happens in total darkness.

Notepad and pencil - paper burns well, make notes/maps when you find resources (water springs, fishing holes, edible plant patches), and it occupies time by writing your will.

Paracord - 20 feet of this stuff is a 1 ounce miracle worker for heavier traps and shelter building. Yes, you could braid your own cordage...but...why?

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