Ten Gifts for Dad’s Survival Kit on Fathers Day
I hope every dad gets something really cool like that on Father’s Day. But suppose you also want to get that hunter/fisherman, prepper or survivalist dad something he can add to his personal survival kit?
The best Father's Day gifts are handmade.
By Leon Pantenburg
Here’s my top 10 list of survival kit choices, and links where you can find them, for Father’s Day gifts. (I own all these items, and they work!)
1) A good, instructional survival book: The book seller shelves are full of how-to survival manuals, but these are good choices:
“Surviving a Wilderness Emergency” by Peter Kummerfeldt is my go-to manual for anything related to wilderness survival.
2) A survival knife: I’ve carried a Cold Steel SRK for nearly 20 years, and it has never let me down. Another knife I carry on my keychain and use constantly is a Swiss Army Classic. A third choice is a Mora-style knife. Looking like a paring knife with a sheath, this style is incredibly useful as a camp knife or for cleaning fish or small game. My Leatherman Wave has gotten hard use for ten years and shows no sign of wearing out.
3) Fire Making Tools: Get a magnesium stick, then let the kids make up the
Flint or magnesium sticks come in different sizes. Find a size that is handy, so it will be easy to take along!
cotton balls and petroleum jelly. This firemaking kit could save Dad’s bacon in the backcountry, and because his children helped make his firemaking kit, Dad will have another reason to take it along!
4) Wool socks: Cold feet are awful – and dangerous! If Dad still uses thick cotton socks, his feet will eventually get cold and clammy. Get him a couple pairs of thick wool-blend socks and his toes will thank you!
5) Tarp: A lightweight backpacking style tarp can be used in a multitude of shelter situations. A lightweight tarp weighs hardly anything, and should be included in Dad’s survival kit.
6) Maps: Get Dad updated topographical maps of his favorite outdoor areas. Even though he knows the terrain well and probably won’t get lost, Dad will enjoy seeing it on a topo. Dad can also mark this map before he goes on a hunting or fishing trip, and leave it with Mom. Then, if he doesn’t show up when he’s supposed to, Mom can give the map to the local Search and Rescue team.
7) Mapping software: I love making maps of special areas. Just this week, I printed off some maps for a scout troop that is hiking on the weekend. Get the software, and Dad can have an updated map every time he goes to a new place.
Compass: Get Dad a good compass and a book to show how to use it. The best way to make sure he gets back from the woods on time is to make sure he never gets lost.
9) Fanny pack: A small fanny pack can be used to carry his survival gear, so Dad never has to worry about leaving it behind.
10) Small, laminated picture of Dad with his family: If you’re only going to get one gift for Dad on Father’s Day, make it this one. Dad should always carry the photo with his survival gear. Then, if an emergency happens and he is in a bad situation, Dad has a reminder of why he can never give up and the reason(s) it is so important to get back!
great i have to prepare this for the next fathers day to came. great idea.
Good info! Sealing up a pair of socks is a great idea, as is the fire kit materials.
Good post. When I’m out on the trail, I keep a pair of wool socks in a heat-sealed food-sealer bag. They compress well, stay dry (and warm) and the sealed bag makes me less likely to just wear them and then be without when my feets get wet. I throw a couple of boot warmers in as well. You can also seal up a little kit with firestarter, a fire-source (even a little Bic lighter) and a few sheets of paper for tinder. I’m going to give the waxed cotton sheets you described elsewhere here a shot as well.
You got it!
Keep posting stuff like this i really like it