Gear Discussion and Links: Florida Wetlands Hunter-Gatherer Course

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Fire Kit (Belt)

My fire kits always start with redundant open flame ignition sources. This is something I rely on for emergency “right now” fires that I am counting on to potentially save my life, so the “two is one, one is none” principle is appropriate for this. In conjunction with that, I always carry an emergency tinder source, as well as some redundancy in that with fatwood. For routine fires, I will use solar if the sun is out, and a ferro if it is not. I also equip myself to char natural material for the “Next Fire Mentality”, and have the ability to gather natural tinder at every opportunity so that I have it available when I need it. My motto is “be prepared first, then be prepared to find yourself completely unprepared”, so I also like to carry cordage and a bow drill bearing block to make friction fires easier should I choose to do one. The bearing block also acts as my fire steel for traditional flint and steel, opening up a couple more fire making options with a multifunctional piece of gear.

Be prepared first, then be prepared to find yourself completely unprepared.

Fire Kit (Pack)

I will always use my backpack kit while I have it available so that if I am ever down to just my belt kit, I have a full kit to work with. 

Shelter Kit

Every good shelter kit consists of something to sleep under, something to sleep on, something to sleep in, and cordage to hold it all together.

Water Kit

My standard water kit includes a stainless steel set that can also be used to char natural material for fires with, a cotton pre-filter, and fish jaw spreaders to either retrieve the bottle from or suspend it over the fire. My normal preference is to thermally disinfect by boiling.

Food Kit

For food procurement, I prefer passive means over active. I plan for both land-based and water -based food sources. Because of the environment I planned to be in, I went heavy and redundant on the passive water-based trapping capabilities. For active food procurement, I choose a frog/fish spear for its versatility both in the water and on the waters edge. 

First Aid Kit

The two most common injuries would likely be mechanical injuries that I can easily improve splints for, or lacerations that I may not have time to improvise for. I carry a fairly substantial “bleeder” kit for just such an emergency.

Navigation Kit

The area I planned to be in consisted of very dense underbrush and swamps, so rather than carry a map of the area, I chose to self-map using the PAUL system.

Signal Kit

A good signal kit has both active and passive signaling devices for both day and night, and includes a universal (audible) signal that works day or night. 

Tools, Maintenance, and Repair Kit

The tools I chose were a good belt knife and a compromise between a chopper and a machete to fit the environment I was in, in addition to additional tools to meet the “5 Tool Rule”. I also had items to maintain those tools and a small repair kit.

Miscellaneous

Links are provided for your convenience and reference. However, Joshua Enyart does receive a small commission from anything purchased from Amazon, Wazoo Survival Gear, or TITAN Survival (and is appreciated greatly).

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