Q&A for How to Make a Survival Kit

The best tool for starting a fire is a ferrocerium rod, or ferro rod. Unlike lighters or matches, a ferro rod can produce thousands of sparks, making it much more reliable for multiple fires. But remember that a ferro rod gives you sparks, not flames. You also have to collect the right tinder. The tinder should be very dry and as fine as possible—materials like the fluffy center of a bird's nest, dry grass, cotton balls, or small bits of bark work well. To prepare your tinder, rub it between your hands to make it light and fluffy. Here’s a helpful tip: anchor the hand holding the striker on the ground and pull the ferro rod backward instead of pushing the striker forward. This technique keeps the sparks focused on the tinder and makes them more effective. Also, try to shield your fire from the wind. When you see a small glowing ember, gently blow on it to give it oxygen. Take your time and blow small, steady breaths. Big, sudden breaths can snuff out the ember. As your tinder begins to catch fire, slowly add small, dry twigs, then larger sticks as the fire grows.

Indeed, you should bring a map and compass too. The safety pins are for your clothes if they should rip, allowing you to hold the clothing together. The cotton balls are for a fire starter and for cleaning dirt off items if needed.

The notebook can be used for anything that you need to take note of, like an emergency plan or escape route. The paper can also be used as a fire starter if necessary.

Batteries are only really necessary if you have electronic devices that are vital to your survival. Flashlights or something like handheld radios/walkie talkie type devices or NOAA weather radios are good devices to have. If you wish to include these in a kit (flashlight strongly recommended), check what size batteries are required for your devices and include spares in your kit. Also, applying both terminals of a 9V battery onto steel wool creates a short circuit, and along with that a fire/embers. This is one of many ways to make fire.

Dried or canned foods store for long periods of time if kept in dry, cool conditions.

It's possible to tap trees for water or wring out wet moss or locate a stream. Also, you can gather early morning dew on grass by tying cloth around your ankles and walking through the wet grass, then wringing out the cloth later.

It is recommended to put antiseptic cream or other hygienic creams inside the first aid kit.

Do research on wild edible plants and how to set traps for small mammals so you'll be prepared to forage and hunt for yourself.

Make the animal aware that you're a human by speaking slowly and waving your hands slowly. Move slowly and sideways until you can find an escape route. Do not run away, bears typically run after fleeing prey.

Put it somewhere easily accessible like under your bed or right by the front door.

You would want to try to build a shelter out of things you find on the ground. You may also want to collect the water with some sort of container to save it for future use.

Zero to none. They are fictional. The real problem in a survival situation could be diseased, hungry and scared people attacked you though.

Any other animals, as described in the article. It is not mandatory to eat fish.

Yes, you can keep many of these items in your carry-on bag (do not attempt to bring a knife or any other weapon). Keep in mind that every flight is equipped with first aid kits, so just bring whatever makes you feel most safe.

Take either or both. They can be useful for carrying important tools and resources.

It shouldn't be too big. You should be able to carry it without much trouble, so if you had to move, you can travel fast and without much restriction from the weight or size of the kit.

I use the small items you can find from the travel section at your local grocery store. Target tends to have the most extensive supply, but Walmart is good too.

If it fits in your kit, then bring it.

Yes, this is the right thing to do, and I think it would be wise to throw in some feminine hygiene supplies and a toothbrush. These items don't take up much space and you'll probably be really happy to have them in an emergency.

Yes. Do some research on edible plants.

Yes, you can. Cotton strips can make excellent bandages in a pinch.

Wherever you would have easy access to it when you need it. I would have an extra one for trips and camping/hunting, just in case.

It depends on the situation. If it's some type of government failure, and people are rioting, then yes, it never hurts to carry a gun to protect yourself. A gun can also help with hunting animals, but are loud and heavy, and could take a lot of space in your survival kit. If you are really keen on bringing a gun, I suggest a small one, like a double tap pistol.