Dave Canterbury is the owner and instructor of “The Pathfinder School” in Jackson Ohio (which provides training in wilderness and survival techniques) and a former co-host of Discovery Channel’s “Dual Survival”. He promotes what he calls the 5 C’s (and the 10 C’s) of survivability.
When thinking of putting together a basic survival kit or minimal items to take with you on a camping/hiking trip, etc., consider these basic prep items for survivability.
These are the core elements of survivability, and things that would be difficult to reproduce in an outdoor situation if you didn’t already have them.
The most difficult thing to reproduce in an outdoor situation. A high quality knife, preferably in a sheath and strapped to your belt.
You need ‘something’ that will start a fire, whether the environment is wet or dry.
Cover & Shelter to protect you from the elements. This could be a wool blanket, a tarp, mylar foil blanket, etc.
A container for water, preferably capable of boiling. A 32oz. stainless steel container with cover, etc.
Paracord, rope, twine, etc. will facilitate building shelter and other uses.
These are the expanded elements of survivability.
Any cotton material (~ 3×3 feet) can be used for head-cover, cleaning, filtering water, making charpaper, etc.
Also known as Duct tape. For repairs, making things, and a zillion other uses.
A heavy duty needle for repairs, sewing, and many other uses.
The following two videos are Dave briefly explaining the 5 C’s and 10 C’s of survivability.
Written by: Ken Jorgustin on September 18, 2014.