• Stop
• Think
• Plan

Of course, the chances are that you won't get lost and you will not require to put into practice the skills you can learn, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

(2) - The Right Kit
Let's start with a basic survival kit that everyone should carry with them when you go (for example) for a hike across Dartmoor.

Rucksack - strong, waterproof, light, containing:

• Water - at least 2 litres. The average person requires around a gallon of fluid every day. This is virtually impossible to carry with you, but two bottles (each containing at least a litre of water), should be carried with you at all times. When the opportunity presents itself, re-fill the bottles. How you can obtain water in the wild will be covered later, as will water purification.
• Matches - waterproof, or non-safety matches with the tip previously dipped in candle wax to keep them dry.
• Candle - very useful for starting fires, and for the 'comfort factor' when your torch expires.
• Flint & Steel - a good flint and steel will work even when wet, and should be used whenever possible instead of matches.
• Magnifying Glass - not only useful for starting fires using strong sunlight, but for map reading.
• Needles & Thread - carry several needles, including one with a large 'eye' which can be used for sewing sinew and coarse threads. Carry a length of strong thread, preferably nylon.
• Fish Hooks & Line - carry a small selection of hooks, and remember that a small hook will catch both large and small fish. Hooks and line are also good for catching birds.
• Compass - there are several types of compass, from the basic orienteering compass to the Lensatic type. If you want to carry something light and small, a button size compass will do in an emergency. If all else fails, a light metal object (like a sewing needle) suspended from a length of cotton will point to magnetic north.
• Snare Wire - preferably made of brass, but any strong flexible metal will do. The snare should be around 60-90cm in length (handle with care!).
• Flexible Saw - useful for trimming lengths of wood, removing bark, cutting firewood into lengths. The saw should have to large rings, one at each end through which a short length of wood should be passed to make a handle. There are rules for the use of this piece of equipment that can make the difference between it being piece of kit and a potentially lethal tool. Practice in its use before you set off on your trip.
• Basic Medical Kit - items should include a triangular bandage, plenty of plasters, at least one medium wound dressing, a hypothermia blanket (space blanket), 10ml saline, analgesic (e.g. paracetamol, not Aspirin), cotton wool (not for covering wounds, but it's an excellent tinder for fire lighting).
• Torch - Make sure you have spare batteries! Ideally the torch should be metal (difficult to break), and uses zinc carbon alkaline batteries rather than the rechargeable type which tend to suddenly run out of energy rather than fade.
• Knife - Carrying a knife can present legal complications. The best type in a survival situation is the lock knife with a wooden handle. Make sure the blade is sharp, a blunt knife is almost useless. The handle should be made from one piece of wood, the knife 'tang' passing through it and fastened at the end. A riveted handle can cause blisters, and a knife with a short tang can snap off under stress. The knife's sheath should have at least one fastening to prevent the knife from falling out. A sheath that has a pocket for the sharpening stone is best.
• Purification Tablets - if you can't boil the water you find on your travels, use purification tablets. Remember to read the instruction! Avoid stagnant water, water that has no plants growing near it, or has animal bones in the water, the chances are it's poisonous. Ideally, you should boil water and purifiy it.
• Map - choose your map from the Ordnance Survey 'Landranger' 1:25,000 collection, and if possible have it laminated (a) to prevent it becoming wet in bad weather, plus (b) you can mark your position and route using a 'Chinagraph' or wax pencil without leaving a permanent mark on the map. Use a black pencil as the red or yellow pencil cannot be seen using a red torch! Make sure your map not only covers the area you are operating in, but any area you are likely to wander into.
• Whistle - a good whistle is a great way of attracting attention to yourself - make sure you have one!
• Marker Sheet - made of tough but lightweight nylon, the marker sheet should be bigger than a standing person with arms stretched out, and of a bright colour (yellow or orange). This sheet can be useful as (a) groundsheet, (b) way of attracting attention to your position, (c) a temporary and quick shelter from the rain, and (d) as a waterproof liner for your rucksack.

That's a list of the 'must have' gear. What about stuff that would make life easier?

• Flares - signal flares are extremely useful if you are seriously into getting found in a hurry, however, you are unlikely to be able to purchase these! Ideally you should carry a battery powered stroboscope light with a white lens.
• Food & Drink - it may sound obvious but do you have the right sort of food? Most camping shops sell excellent pre-packed meals similar to the 24 & 48 hour ration packs issued to the armed forces. Remember to pack salt as you will undoubtedly be sweating, even in cold weather and you will need to replace salt lost in the sweat. Better still, buy an electrolyte powder which you mix with water, this provides all the salt, vitamins and other minerals you need in one go.
• Specialist Knives - if you are walking in countryside where there is thick undergrowth, or you may be required to build a shelter, consider carrying either a machete or ideally a Parang. Again, be aware of the legal position with carrying knives, you may be asked to justify why you are carrying a potentially lethal weapon by the Police.
• Spare Clothes - you may not need them, but if you get wet there is nothing worse than trying to work when you are soaked to the skin. Not only is there the danger of hypothermia, but you just won't feel like doing anything that means moving around a lot. Ideally, get under your shelter, get yourself dry, wait until the rain has stopped and carry on. Carry at least one complete change of clothes.
• Sleeping Bag - this can be termed as a luxury item as you can survive quite well using natural items for bedding like chopped tree branches plus the items from your essential kit such as the space blanket and marker sheet. Remember to air the sleeping blanket in the morning and make sure it remains dry. Check before you get inside for any multi-legged unwelcome visitors!
• Radio - by radio I mean the type that picks up your favourite music station! After you have set up camp for the night, cooked a meal and obtained all the wood you need for the fire you will get bored. A small battery powered radio is always good company, and if you are lost, is a good way of hearing from the local news if a rescue attempt is being launched.
• Black Bin Bags - always useful for a variety of reasons, and at the very least can be cut open and used as a groundsheet. As they are lightweight, you can afford to carry 3 or 4 with you.

What to wear, the type of rucksack, boots etc will be covered on another page, but for now we will concentrate on the basic needs for survival.

Wind Chill Factor