No one kit is suitable for all situations and occasions. Customise your kit and equipment based upon your knowledge of the terrain, climate, and your foreseeable circumstances. Constantly review the items in your kit, and ensure no items are deteriorating or rusting.

Here is my list of useful items to consider putting in:

Flint and striker: produces thousands of sparks even if wet. Practise lighting a fire with a spark before you actually need to.

Matches: either buy specially made survival matches, or dip non-safety ones in molten wax to waterproof them.

Fishing kit: include a selection of fish hooks, weights, and a length of fishing line. You can use the items to catch birds and game; not just fish.

Water purification tablets: I find the iodine-based ones best. Always follow the manufact

Other useful non-military items, including the watches, can be obtained from Field and Trek (tel 01268 494444), or Cotswold (tel 01285 643434)

Wrist watch: useful for psychological reasons as knowing the time and date gives some structure to an otherwise chaotic situation. Useful for checking a pulse in medical situations, and also when using water purification tablets as some require the water being left for a prescribed amount of time before it is safe to drink.

Leatherman tools and Tool Logic’s credit card tools can be obtained from Whitby & Sons (tel 01539 721032)

Survival is largely about anticipating and preparing. Any equipment must be as multi-functional as possible, and essential survival items should always be on you, not in the car, not in your bag.

Some topics in this essay:
Survival Kit, Helly Hansen’s, Special Forces, Kit Basic, Heliograph Mirror, Cooking Pots, Gerber Leatherman-type, KITS EQUIPMENT, Casio Timex, Field Trek, survival kit, credit card, scalpel blades, water purification tablets, fish hooks, fishing line, useful items, water purification, survival kits, purification tablets, cotton wool,