If you are going into an area where you've never been, there are a few things that would be a good idea to do, prior to going.

1. get maps of the area, and look them over. Local forest service offices have very detailed maps of their areas. From these, you can find access roads and know what sort of terrain to look for.

2. a cell phone. Now a days, cell phones have become very important as a survival tool. If you can get into troulble, you can let someone know.

3. food. Even if you are going out for what you plan to be just a couple hours, take enough food for a day or two. The reason is that if you DO get stuck out in the woods, you will not go hungry.

4. Be SURE to tell other people where you are going and what route you are taking. If you are then "missing" after a time, people know where to search for you.

Hello Rev. Rex

What about your compass? I rate this as one of your most important survival tools - right up there at the top of the list along with your first aid kit, some waterproof matches and a good knife.

Also, if your compass is one like the Silva Type 54, it includes a magnifying glass (for reading small-print details on a map) that can also be used to start a fire on a sunny day.

Enjoy!

__________________
Yours for happy camping,
Mary Rice-Johnston

Please visit our website at www.tipsforsurvival.com or email me at mary@tipsforsurvival.com for a chat.