EQUIPMENT

Listed below is a description for each article of equipment that should be considered before making a purchase. Beside each equipment item description is an Amazon link an option you might consider. For a more complete list of purchase options please review the “Clothing & Equipment spreadsheet” available on the Resources/Forms/Training Materials tab.

Sleeping bag

  • Compact, synthetic fiber filling.
  • Good to around 30-40 degrees.
  • Mummy shaped and not rectangular.
  • NEMO
  • TETON
  • KELTY

stuff sack

  • Highly recommended.
  • A good compression sac will help save space and waterproof your sleeping bag.

Sheath knife

  • The blade should be a minimum of 0.25″ thick.
  • Full tang blades are highly recommended.
  • The blade should be at least 6″ long.
  • This is a tool used to cut, slice, chop and baton.
  • The top part of the knife’s handle should be level with or slightly below the top edge of your belt when it is in the sheath.
  • Survival Knife Review

Mug

  • Military grade, thermoset plastic available for purchase at The Barn.
  • A sturdy cup with a handle.
  • Used for coffee, tea, cocoa, tang, pudding, pie and of course water.

Belt pouch

  • Useful for keeping certain items very accessible.

Survival Kit

  • Must carry on your person and not in a backpack.
  • Candidates will make kits at The Barn.

sewing Kit

  • For when you get a training patch, voyageur tab or rip something that needs to be stitched back together.
  • Put into a pill bottle, a bobbin full of upholstery thread (very strong) or floss, 2-3 needles, several pins, and a small Swiss Army knife with scissors. A piece of cloth for patching.

Hygiene Kit

  • Store these items in a waterproof container like a small peanut butter jar or bag.
  • Small deodorant, small toothbrush, travel toothpaste, floss, baby powder, camp soap, mirror, contact lens case & solution, comb, nail clippers.

Small towel

  • Small and quick drying.

Bandana

  • Multipurpose piece of cloth.

Toilet paper

  • Stored in a waterproof container or bag.
  • Traditional and/or coin type.

Storage container

  • Used for toilet paper coins or matches.

matches

  • Strike-anywhere type matches.
  • Waterproofed.

compass

  • Something simple but reliable.

rope

  • 3/16 or 1/4 diameter.
  • Nylon or paracord.
  • (4) pieces of 8’ length.

sunglasses

  • Long exposure to light reflected off the water will result in eye discomfort.
  • Polarized sunglasses suited for fishing work well.
  • Use of a lanyard is advised.
  • This is a common item to break or lose.

Flashlight

  • Something LED, waterproof.
  • Consider USB-C rechargeable OR bring spare AA or AAA batteries.

headlamp

  • Optional.
  • Something LED, waterproof.
  • Consider USB-C rechargeable OR bring spare AA or AAA batteries.

insect repellent

  • Keep a bottle of bug spray handy for when the bugs get really bad.

Sun screen

  • Spray or lotion.
  • Waterproof.
  • Everyone should wear sunscreen.
  • Choose the SPF strong enough to protect your skin type.

rain gear

  • Warning: FrogToggs are not durable and melt near fire.
  • Warning: Ponchos blow in the wind and are hazardous when swimming.

watch

  • Always know the time.

notebook

  • Bring your own or use the community notebook.

boot treatment

  • Take care of your boots and they will take care of your feet.
  • 3 treatments of waterproofing works great for most boots.

boot laces

  • Always nice to have a spare.

personal flotation

  • Optional.
  • Group provides a basic PFD.

paddle

  • Optional.
  • Group provides a paddle.

Hydration / filtration

  • Optional.
  • Can be attached to your PFD.

NATA / KUKRI / Hand axe

muli-tool

  • A handy tool to have in the kitchen and elsewhere.