In my fifty years of column writing, I don’t believe that I have ever devoted a column to backpack survival gear on hunting/fishing adventures. In the January 2022 issue of American Hunter, Mark Kayser wrote that water and food are basic, with water being the first priority. He states that our bodies can be sustained through self-cannibalism (living off of our own body fat), but that we will only last 3-5 days without water. He goes on to say that we need to carry a minimum of two liters of water along with a compact water filter such as a Lifestraw. Food wise, Kayser recommends packing some energy bars.

Other than an unanticipated fall, getting lost, or a sudden change in weather, we might believe that there is little need for a survival kit. With today’s accurate weather forecasting, we will know about threatening weather. The exception might be high altitudes. I do believe that if we are going to be alone, we should ALWAYS let someone know where we are going along with an expected time of return. Betsy, my wife, likes me to give her a time when she should hit the panic button.

I find this 3-5 day thing without water not only deadly but interesting. What’s happening? Bodily functions including behavior, lowered blood pressure, muscle cramps, constipation, and dizziness are experienced. Affected organs include the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, intestines, and skin. When a dehydrated body is pushed as it might be in an emergency situation, collapse is possible. It once happened to me.

I recall a day when I was 15 years-old. I was pitching (and doing very well) for our baseball team on a humid, hundred degree day in Chicago. I didn’t realize that I wasn’t keeping myself hydrated, and while running around second base, I passed out and collapsed.

Assuming that clothing is appropriate for the season’s nighttime temperatures, what should be in that backpack? Other than food and water, a lightweight Coghlan’s foil-lined space blanket that reflects heat back to our body can be had for $5.99. Next would be matches in a waterproof container along with a highly flammable tinder such as cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly. A first-aid kit with bandages, gauze, etc. is paramount. Duct tape could stop bleeding and serve other multiple purposes. Now throw in a mini-flashlight, a Leatherman tool kit, some cord, and plastic wire ties. Last but not least, a cell phone if you have one.

Though not an absolute necessity, Kayser suggests a compact tarp for shelter. Some survival experts add a twentyinch bow saw to their gear – perhaps to mark a trail or cut firewood.

Betsy and I have been in more trouble in our vehicle (blizzard white-outs) than anything I’ve encountered in the field. During the winter, we learned to carry blankets, food, water, matches, and candles. Also that aforementioned flashlight.

In my 1/12/22 column, I wrote about dogs and what people spend on them. I mentioned that one of my daughters ordered a puppy from Massachusetts. In spite of checking things out (not thoroughly enough), it was a scam. Fortunately she used PayPal to pay for the pup, and the expense was covered as a service. Moral of the story: Buy locally and see the pup you are buying.

I received a nice letter from Andy Williams of Lake Andes. Andy is probably South Dakota’s most talented bass fisherman. Other than relating how much he enjoyed my column, he pointed out that my recent sportsman evaluation instrument was more hunting oriented than fishing, and that he didn’t score very well. I’ll plead “guilty” to that. My questionnaire needs additional work. Anyway, I’ll look forward to getting out on the water again with Andy and passing on some pointers.

See you next week.