I grew up in the woods, so I respect the woods. It's kind of strange that I carry more survival gear in the car and truck than I would if I went for a hike.
I never leave home in the vehicle without a parking blanket-summer or winter. The quilted will keep stuff warm or cool, and it's a must in both, yr round.
Winter-never less than a half tank even to the local store-go down in a ditch, a person might be there till a storm clears.
Water, a bag of salted trail mix-flashlight-first aid kit-change of footwear-HANDWARMERS X 3, mitts, gloves.
Even if I go out detecting it's a extra water and a bag of nuts and seeds. I'm known for packing my birdseed around. Nothing worse that the body starts to vibrate-everything goes south in a hurry.
Really believe in good undergarments Merino wool long sleeve/under ware from Oct.-may, the socks are worn 365 regardless. They wick away the moisture, feet feel great even in the summer-no burning sweat.
In the winter, over dress in cheap-then the sweats start as one walks, works, hikes, clothes get damp-then if you get in trouble then one finds out how fast they get uncomfortable when the inner layers are damp from sweat.
Dry clothing = the happy body.
On fishing trips my father used the old gas/oil to start many a fire. Wood matches were the only thing we had back then.
"Every good Boy Scout has these to start the fire" was the play on words, as the fire got started.
Yes we carried the starter kindling/lint/moss and it worked.
Though standing in -25F raging wind snow along a railway track in the inner desert region of the interior of BC-nothing seemed work for a starter as it was a hard go. I found the solution-the big pom-pom on the poly/combo toque I cut it off and put some twigs, sage brush, R/R tie splinters over it and presto-that sucker was an instant torch.
Just keep the mind clear/working-the body will obey most times.
Stay safe-winter is arriving soon enough.
