Building your own basic survival kit is easy and fun to do.  It is the perfect addition to your pack when you’re camping, fishing, hiking or hunting.  By making your kit ahead of time, you can take it with you whenever your adventure leads you into the wilderness.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind.  A survival kit such as this one is only useful if you know how to use the items in it.  So be sure to practice proper use of the items with your family before you head out.  Also, JM Cremp’s carries some excellent survival books that give instruction and tips for survival situations.  Two of our favorites are The Ultimate Survival Manual and Essential Survival Skills.

Put Your Pack Together Today! (Click here to download your Basic Survival Kit Checklist)

• Signal Mirror
• Firestarter
• Firestarter material (dryer lint, cotton balls, or commercial firestarter tabs work great)
• Candle
• Windproof, waterproof matches and/or a lighter
• Pocket knife or multipurpose tool with blade
• Cordage – 550 paracord, nylon rope, paracord bracelet or fishing line
• Compass
• Poncho or garbage bag
• Signal whistle
• Paper & pencil
• Mini Fishing Kit (10 hooks, 2 swivels, 4 split shot, 25 ft. of 20lb line, and 10 ft. of 8 lb. leader)
• Chapstick
• Travel size sunblock­
• 2 small/medium size bandaids
• 2 large bandaids
• Antibiotic cream or ointment
• Several feet of duct tape
• 6 safety pins
• Small flashlight and extra batteries
• 2 Ziploc bags
• 2 candy bars
• Mini Sewing
• 1 pair of extra socks (can be used as mittens if needed)

Remember:  This is a basic starter list, so you can add or take away whatever you need to customize your pack for your situation.  JM Cremps carries the Gerber Bear Grylls Survivial Kit.  This survival kit is small and compact and  will fit in a large jacket pocket.  You can use it as is or build upon it to include more options for your situation.