Survival Kits 

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•  Whistle [1 blast means: ” Where are you? 2 Blasts means: “Come here, to me!” 3 Blasts means Emergency! ]

•  Emergency blanket: These can be a Mylar (shiny plastic) blanket, or even a large, thick brightly coloured garbage or yard waste bag.

•  “Strike anywhere” matches in a waterproof case. There are “waterproof” matches on the market but many people don't feel they work well. Or mix both types. 

• Signalling mirror, or if space is very limited, thick aluminum foil that can be used to reflect sunlight to a search plane or search party on the ground.

•  Fire starter like one here at the Scout Shop. http://www.scoutshop.ca/eSolution/search.php?type=Title&cat=0002&entry=25&data=fire+starter&lang=en There are several styles around at varying prices.

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•  Duct Tape — Wrap it around your pencil 

•  A length of nylon rope, preferably what is often called “parachute” cord. It can usually be found in Army surplus stores, (locally) K-W Surplus or outfitter stores. Canadian tire may have a version of it though without the military designation that “real” parachute cord has.

•  Emergency food bars

• Needle and thread. Put the needle inside a piece of plastic drinking straw to protect the point.

•  First aid gloves 

•  Disinfectant swabs 

•  Elastoplast Bandages 

•  Triangular bandage 

•  Tweezers 

•  Q-tips 

•  Needle and thread — strong button-hole thread. strong button-hole thread. Store the needle by poking it twice through the sides of a short piece of a straw with the point on the inside. A few safety pins can be handy too.

•  Emergency phone numbers card with numbers for police, fire, ambulance, and Poison Information Centre, and collect calling instructions. Card should also identify the carrier and provide emergency contact information, such as parents' phone numbers 

•  Two quarters 

Other Important Items

The items below are good to have, but are expensive. One is better off waiting and buying high quality than getting a cheap one. Specific brands and models are recommended based on years of experience in the outdoors field. These items make great gifts for Scouts.

• Folding knife — Genuine Swiss Army Knife with a locking blade. Fake Swiss Army knives are not worth buying 

• Flashlight — Compact LED headlamp 

• Compass — Silva Polaris, Suunto A-10, or Nexus Star 7DNL