Ten Essential Items for the Field

The greatest cause of failure is lack of preparedness. Not having the equipment needed to deal with a situation can turn a minor problem into a major emergency. While this may sound like the world’s most obvious statement, it is a statement that bears repeating. Too often people enter into uncertain or even hostile situations with little or no preparation and little or no equipment to support and sustain themselves.

The following 10 categories of items are the basic essentials for being prepared in the field.

Knife – A good quality knife, designed for hard use is an essential tool. A fixed blade knife with a blade length between five and nine inches allows for most cutting tasks in the field. In addition to this large fixed blade knife, a smaller folding knife or multi-tool allows for work on finer and more varied tasks. Including a small knife sharpener or whetstone can help you keep your blades sharp.

Fire – Having the ability to make a fire is an absolute must in any remote or wilderness area. Always carry at least two ways to light a fire. Recommended are quality lighters, such as those made by Bic and Cricket, and a magnesium fire steel (ferrocerium rod). A waterproof case with storm matches takes up little space, and provides one more way to start a fire. Adding a candle in a can (such as the Coghlan 36-hour Survival Candle) lets you keep a small flame going when a bigger fire is not needed or wanted.

Cord – Cordage has multiple uses, and is an important item to carry with you. Para-cord (550 cord) is commonly recommended, but can be bulky. Tarred bank line, heavy fishing line, and heavy duty waxed sail / canvas thread are all also possibilities. In the cordage category, it is also a good idea to carry some duct tape. I like “Gorrilla Tape”, but any quality duct tape will work. You may not want to carry a large role of tape, but making a small roll from the larger roll, or wrapping a few feet of tape around other gear (wrap a couple feet of duct tape around your Bic / Cricket lighters) will ensure that you have it available when needed. Wire, such as military tripwire can also be useful for constructing traps and making repairs in the field.      

Lamp / Flashlight – When the sun goes down it can be very dark in remote areas. People used to the constant artificial lights of the city are sometimes surprised at just how dark the night can be. Headlamps are our first choice for light in remote areas. A headlamp is simply a small flashlight on a headband, allowing you to keep both hands free while using the light.

Canteen / Container – A stainless steel canteen or bottle allows you to carry water, cook over a fire, and boil water to help purify it for drinking. Having both a stainless-steel bottle (such as the 40-ounce Klean Kanteen) and a stainless-steel cup (such as the GSI 18-ounce Bottle Cup) lets you both carry water and still cook at the same time. Whether you keep your canteen / water bottle filled with water or hope to collect water in the field depends on the amount of weight you are willing to carry, and the general availability of water in your area. If you are planning to obtain water from natural sources, include a water filter in your kit.  

Tarp / Shelter – A tarp, shelter-half, or military style poncho all help to protect you from the elements. The Russian / Soviet poncho/tent (Plash Palatka) is one example of this type of gear. Having something that you can quickly set up to protect you from the rain and shield you from the wind can be a life-saver in a remote area. In addition to the poncho / tarp you may want to include a wool blanket or a sleeping bag. This will also be the bulkiest item of your essential gear.        

Food – Many survival manuals will tell you that you can survive for weeks without food. This is true, you can survive without food, but after the first couple of days without food, your energy levels become depleted, you begin to think less clearly, and your stress level goes up. In an area where you can obtain water carrying various dry grains, groats, soups, and cereals can provide you with a few days of food without a great increase in the weight of your pack. Some possibilities include: Brown Rice, Buckwheat, Bouillon Cubes, Dry Soup Mix, Instant Oatmeal, and Quinoa. Other ready to eat food, such as military rations or canned goods, can also provide you with a food supply, but at a greater increase in weight that you must carry in your pack.  Having at least a small amount of food readily available is important. At a minimum include a couple emergency ration bars, such as those made by companies like: Mainstay, S.O.S. Food Labs, or Datrex; or carry freeze dried camping food such a that made by Mountain House.

Compass & Maps of the Area – As part of understanding your operational area you should have acquired local maps. Keep these maps along with a good quality compass in your fieldcraft essentials kit.

First Aid and Health – Having basic supplies to treat injuries and illnesses, and to maintain your health is important in remote areas. These supplies include a basic first aid kit, medication to treat illnesses, and hygiene supplies to maintain your health.

Saw – A folding saw, such as those made by Silky and Laplander, is an essential tool in remote wooded areas. The saw allows you to quickly gather wood for building a fire or constructing a shelter. The saw is lighter and smaller than the axe, and generally takes less energy to gather the same amount of wood.