It’s January, and with the beautiful snow capped landscapes (if you happen to be where it snows) comes a very real danger. Getting lost in the middle of no were in sub zero temperatures. Weather your snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or just out for a long stroll, it’s always a good idea to bring a survival kit with you. So what goes into a good survival kit?

-Steel pot (big enough to hold everything) with a lid:
Just because water looks fresh doesn’t mean it is. And eating snow will get you hydrated, but it will also lower your core temperature, so you really need a way to boil water. The pot will also allow the kit to be easily transportable.

-Headlamp:
It’s always good to see in the dark.

-Space blanket:
They work really well at insulating and are really compact. Combine this with a shelter and you should be able to keep your core body temperature in a survivable range.

-Whistle (a plastic ball-less one that will work when wet.):
Three of anything indicates trouble. Some whistles can be heard from a very far distance and they will help searchers locate you.

-Water proof matches
-Magnesium-and-steel sparking tool:
A fire is essential. It will keep you warm, boil your food, and keep your morale high.

-Signal Mirror:
When used correctly, these tiny survival titans can send a flash for miles.

-Small pencil sharpener:
It’s cheap, small, easy to carry and can creates tones of tinder really quickly. Grab a pencil sized stick and start sharpening it. You have lots of tinder ready to burn and will have saved your knife blade.

-Water purification tablets:
*see steel pot.

-Oven bags:
These can be used to store water.

-Hand Chainsaw:
These hand saws can be easily compacted; they save space, and are extremely useful in cutting wood for a shelter or fire.

-Fishing line with hooks
-Snare wire.:
Obviously you got to eat. If you are able to catch rabbits for food, be aware that you should supplement them with other foods.

-Meds:
Aspirin, antibiotic topical, personal medications as well.

-Pictures of your family:
The most important thing in survival is actually the will to survive. Carrying a picture of your family will help remind you that you have someone waiting for you when you get back, and it will really help you through.

-Compass:
Something small that will work.

Remember, when trying to signal for help, three of anything is a sign of distress. Three blows on a whistle, three gun shots, three flashes from a signal mirror, three burning fires at night all can be signals that you are in need of help. Even writing SOS in large letters using pine branches in a open field will help searchers find you. Only move if you know where help is. By moving you can become more lost and far harder to locate a missing person that is moving than it is one who has made a camp.