Build a Wilderness Survival Kit for $27

The busiest season for Search and Rescue is the summer, according to a volunteer with Washington King County Search and Rescue. Hikers leave the trails, underestimating how easily they can get lost. With inflation and higher fuel prices, more vacationers are expected to opt for cheap wilderness adventures this summer. An emergency kit tucked in a pocket will increase their chances of survival in the event they get lost. Here are insider tips for saving money on building a personal survival kit.

Signaling Mirror $0

Five years ago a Northwest family was stranded in a snow storm, resulting in the death of the father who tried to find help on foot. A rescue chopper had flown overhead but didn't see the car through the trees. Instead of buying a mirror for your wilderness survival kit, use an old music CD. To signal, locate the plane or chopper through the hole in the CD, then rock the CD up and down to reflect light up at the sky.

Wet-Dry Firestarter $8

In a wilderness survival situation fire can warm you, cook your food and keep wild animals at bay. Instead of bulky matches, which cost a lot more in the long run, include a firestarter with your wilderness survival kit. Spark-lite firestarters used by the U.S. Military are the easiest to use and cost less than firestarters often carried by adventure stores.

Tinder $0

In dry conditions, you may find tinder in the wilderness. It's best, however, to pack tinder in your wilderness survival kit. You probably have what you need at home. Just smear Vaseline on cotton balls, then pack them in a sealed bag.

Water $5

Before you go out in nature, always be sure of the location of water around you. Water is a source of life without which you won't survive. Include water purifying tablets and a collapsible bottle with your wilderness survival kit.

Food $3

As long as you have water, you can survive without food for 3 weeks. However, if there's fish near you, why not live off the land in case of an emergency? In a sporting goods store buy a small package of fishing hooks and fishing line. Dig for earthworms in the ground to make bait.

Flashlight $3

Instead of a bulky expensive flashlight, add an LED keychain flashlight to your wilderness survival kit. In a survival situation, you'll need a little light to start a fire in the dark or identify any sign of danger.

Knife $3

Include a small folding knife with your wilderness survival kit. Keep it sharp enough to cut wood with, tear clothes in case you need to make bandages or gut a fish.

Compass $3

Add a keychain, mini compass to your survival kit. This will give you an idea of the direction of magnetic north. If you know the direction of the nearest highway in relation to you, the compass will help you find a way back to civilization and help.

Whistle $2

A human yell in the wilderness will carry an estimated distance of 70 feet, while a whistle will be heard half a mile away. Add a distress whistle to your wilderness survival kit to direct search and rescue to your location or signal other hikers for help in case you're injured.

Shop for your wilderness survival items at search and rescue or EMT online stores to find the best deals. Seal your wilderness survival kit in a Ziploc bag and carry it in your jacket or hiking pants pocket every time you go into the wild.

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