Why do I need 'one square yard of aluminum foil' in my Survival Kit?

Question

Where can I find Waterproof, strike anywhere matches?

Where can I find Waterproof, battery-less flashlights?

Where can I find free topographic maps?

Is there a product called 'smoke signals' ? Where can I get them?

Thanks in advance. I am putting together a Survival Kit.

Answer 1

Aluminum foil is fairly generically useful. You're most likely to use it as an improvised container / pot, as it can contain water and handles heat quite nicely. It's also a large mirror, whether you're bouncing radio or light, when rescuers are looking for you, mirrors are very good thing. By the way, a foil tag on a branch isn't such a bad way of marking a trail, especially if you take the time to twist it on securely, and leave a nice large tag, which your flashlight can spot at night.

Battery-less flashlights can easily be found by googling "shake flashlight", as you charge them by shaking. They are a great choice for the flashlight you put in the car, next to your bed, and by the fuse box. The light is generally not as bright as a maglight, but not having to buy or swap batteries makes them much more affordable to keep around. http://www.survivalsolutions.com/store/page8.html For a survival kit on a budget, these are wonderful: http://www.amazon.com/Illuminator-Powered-focused-flashlight-charger/dp/B000HF2RVI/ref=pd_sbs_sg_3/102-0845529-2108940

For topographic maps, stop by the local library, and bring a few nickels for the photocopier. If you're looking for maps of the best places to hike locally, I'd also post on freecycle, and check with your local hiking groups for old, unused maps. Don't forget detailed local road maps in your emergency kit, it can be worthwhile to mark at least one flood route, and at least two back routes you could use in case of natural disaster.
- By the way, topographic maps are most useful when you're trying to navigate an area with few roads. If you're planning to really use it, paying a few bucks to have your map all in one piece can make things much less confusing.

I've found orange Smoke Signals made by a few companies, including Orion and Wessex. You can buy them here: http://www.landfallnav.com/-ssohs.html

Military surplus stores and good camping stores can be great places to visit when you're stocking a survival kit. If you arrive during times when they're not busy (probably weekdays) the clerk may have very good advice, especially in the smaller stores, many clerks are experienced campers. EMS http://www.ems.com is my current favorite, but many suplus stores are run by smart old veterans, who have great advice. They'll have all the little essentials like matches and waterproof containers for them.

One last piece of advice: a small all in one like this, which just sits in your pocket, can be invaluable. They're also allowed onto airplanes with you, and when the matches aren't allowed, the magnifying glass is a good emergency replacement.
http://www.amazon.com/AdventurePlus-Hi-Intensity-Flashlight-Thermometer-Compartment/dp/B000FYZQMI

Answer 2

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Answer 3

The first place I'd shop would be an Army/Navy surplus store/outlet. Then I'd be looking into Sporting goods stores; IE: "Bass Pro Shops" etc.

The foil could serve multiple purposes; heating/ insulating/ signaling/ cooking over an open fire/ etc.

Topographic maps certainly would depend on the location. It's not like there is some huge warehouse allowing a topographic map for every sq. mile of the planet. Local to you.
Obviously you've gotten this far to ask us; just use the WWW in a more specific sense BROWSER/Keywords.

Steven Wolf

Answer 4

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According to recent studies made by World Bank, the coming crisis will be far worse than initially predicted. So if you're already preparing for the crisis (or haven't started yet) make sure you watch this video at http://www.familysurvival.tv and discover the 4 BIG issues you'll have to deal with when the crisis hits, and how to solve them fast (before the disaster strikes your town!) without spending $1,000s on overrated items and useless survival books.

Answer 5

A survival kit isn't going to do you a lot of good if you don't know how to use what's in it. I'd suggest you do some research on how to use what you are putting in your kit. Make sure to bring water purification of some type since drinkable water is one thing you can't survive without in any situation. Try a camping store for most of what you are looking for. If you have a Bass Pro Shop in your area, they have a good supply of camping equipment. Make sure anything you buy is still within it's expiration date.

Answer 6

Aluminum foil also comes in handy in the making of a solar still in the event you are stranded, lost or injured in a hot, dry environment and have no reliable source of water nearby. Not a bad idea to fold up several sections and take it with you. It weighs next to nothing, folds up flat and can be stuffed anywhere.

Answer 7

the foil is a moon helmet to prevent radiation and governmental esp spies from penetrating your mind. The waterproof matches can be purchased at most gas stations, grocery stores and survival outfitters (really). If you have access to a store that specializes in camping or outdoor 'survival'/hiking you should be able to find most of what you need. In reality, the foil can probably be used to heat food as well as other purposes as it's highly reflective.

Answer 8

You need aluminun foil for emergencies,is reflective,use for warmth,tear into strips if your lost,it has a lot of uses,also put chap stick in your kit,ask why?No mathes are truly water proof,you need to know how to keep your stuff dry,a lighter is a better choice.I hope you learn more about survival before you venture out,its fun and exilerating,but very dangerous,be careful,cautious,good luck

Answer 9

an aluminum foil has many uses ...

you can use it as a reflector, for cooking, etc...

you can buy all that in an outdoor shop.
where are you from???
if your from manila go to mega mall look for the shop habagat.
or visit any outdoor shop near you.

or you can buy it online at

for your survival kit
http://www.rei.com/search?vcat=REI_SEARCH&query=survival+kit

for your flashlight
http://www.rei.com/product/761382?vcat=REI_SSHP_CAMPING_TOC

for you topographic map visit your local Department of Environment and Natural Resource.
or if you have GPS device. area you need for topographic map should be downloadable.

Answer 10

Many of the outdoor stores have pre-made kits with a little or alot of stuff depending on where you are going to be keeping it. On you person hiking, in your car, at your home. One thing to consider is chem lites verses flash light.

http://www.survivalkitsonline.com/