Minimal Survival Kit based on the 5C’s Mentality

All sound advice. If you swap out the black duct tape for a bright orange one, it would do the same job but also ensure if you leave your lighter on the ground it will be easier to see. Strips of the tape can also be used to mark a trail or a natural resource you want to return to.

Always loved the idea that a little bit of gear and some knowledge you turn "survival situation" into inconvinent camping.

Two weeks ago my 16 year old nice Dakota and her 17 year old boyfriend wandered off into the woods and were found dead. They had no jacket and were wearing holey jeans and wearing tank tops. They were lost in the woods in upper Wisconsin. This video could of saved them if they would of watched it.

For my emergency pocket carry fire starter kit, I put a Bic lighter and one of those cheap Walmart (orange) tiny ferro rods. in a plastic prescription bottle that has a water resistant lid. It might be water tight, maybe not, but it helps. keep the stuff dry and contained. If I fall in a creek, the fire starters should work, right out of the creek. This is where Dave shines. His basic kits can be made up of stuff that can be used in many ways. Superb. ;-)

In addition to a minimal kit like this that must be carried off body, I've put together a miniature 10cs EDC kit that fits in a cargo pocket organizer like a Maxpedition micro. The idea being that as long as I have my pants, I'll have this. I'd be interested in comments on this idea: 1. Mylar Space Blanket 2. Razor blade in addition to belt knife 3. A few Waterproof matches + striker inside medicine ziplock 4. 1-liter MRE style gusseted drink pouch + water tablets 5. 25-50' of #12 Bank Line 6. Thin Bandana 7. High quality button compass 8. Micro keychain light 9. Needle + thread 10. Wrap a small ferro rod or mini lighter in duct tape.

You've always emphasized "mentality" and "multi-purpose" over the years and it matters. Things don't always stay the same, situations aren't always the same, heck we don't remain the same! Great job as usual!

The 5 Cs concept is so simple and versatile. I love it. Ive used it to set up small emergency kits for many many people..family and friends. It doesn't take much more than that to spend several days pretty comfortably in the woods.

I wouldn't allow myself to watch this video until I remembered what the 5 C's were and I'm proud because I remembered lol. Cut, Combust, Cordage, Container, Cover.

Consider the following: Tarp stakes: Okay, have 6. Only need 1 plastic one to shave off some plastic to help start a fire. Rest could be metal stakes. Metal stakes could have multiple uses: Support a container over a small fire; Attached to a stick to be utilized as a tool and/or weapon; Utilized in a trap, pit trap or otherwise. In other words, metal stakes could also be utilized in food procurement and/or protection from some wildlife.

Dave. It's an honor to have you as a mentor. God bless you and may he be with on all of your future adventures

Upgrade idea I use. instead of the heavy trash bag I got a ripstop nylon 6' x 6' sewed it up like a sleeping bag with one side open. to make is 6'x2.5' rectangle with snaps on the open end. Then I waterproofed just one side. I sleep on the waterproofed side up. inspired by civil war browse bed. is lighter, quieter and folds up smaller. Feel free to steal :)

I appreciate the constant evolution of your thought process on such topics. This was an innovative week! First the new ridge line innovations and now the simplified 5c emergency kit. Good stuff Dave! Thanks!

There's so many guys on the internet, giving their 5 cents on what you need in the outdoors. Now, I've always felt, that Dave's 5 C's matter most. Gives you a solid start and no BS. Thanks a lot for that, Mr. Canterbury. I really appreciate it.

I remember once getting into a conversation with a young lad in England who was so hyped up on being prepared that he wouldn't even walk to the shops in the town he lived in without taking a backpack loaded with a full trauma kit and emergency survival gear. Trying to get through to him that part of learning bushcraft was to be able to rely on yourself and your skills rather than things you had bought were a dead end, so it's nice to see this type of basic minimalism and realism be preached by one of the top bushcraft guys in the world.

Firearms classes cost about the same as Canterbury's (or others in this field) with the added cost of ammo (1000-1500 rounds for a two-day class in my experience). Everyone (ANYONE) can afford to take ANY of these classes with financial discipline. Everyone seems to have an excuse and opped out. I'd rather have no kit or firearm and have great training than the best kit or firearm and no training. Everyone seems to focus on the gear and not on the skills. Invest in yourself and get trained.

Just a suggestion. Add a zip-tie to the bic lighter to keep the "trigger" from depressing in your pocket and emptying the lighter.

I taught survival and field-craft when I was a soldier (11B &12B), and I used the three-layer concept, with the most important component of layer 1 (on your body) being your brain. If you don't have the ability to think through a situation and improvise a viable solution, you will not survive no matter how much "survival" gear you're carrying.

I truly appreciate your candor and willingness to share knowledge gained from years of living what you teach. You are extremely generous with your time and wisdom. Thank you Dave.

I like using a sleeping bag liner from Walmart to stuff debris in for a bed. Its reusable, durable, and put in its stuff sack its smaller than some inflatable pillows. Best sleep pad in the world only 10 bucks.

Dave is the King