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The 10 C’s of Survivability

We have already gone over the original 5 C’s of Survivability. Now we will cover the next 5 C’s that will better round out your kit. The 10 C’s of survivability are how I start off every kit or list of gear I need. Each piece of the 10 C’s kit is very important to have on you when out in the woods.

Candling Device – Having light can turn any situation into a much safer more relaxed environment. Being able to see what you are facing is huge in any situation and having the ability to have the sense of sight in a dark area makes basic movement that much easier. I usually always carry a flashlight on me whether it’s just a small one in my pocket or a much larger more powerful one in my pack or vehicle. One of the best options for in camp is a headlamp, wearing a headlamp allows you to light up whatever you are looking at while still having both hands free to perform task around camp.

Compass – Having a compass that points north and helps you find your escape route is very important. Just as important is knowing your area and having a plan so when things don’t go as planned you have a general direction to head to avoid major threats. knowing which direction the highway is or a major river makes the compass that much more of a tool to help aid you in self-help or self-rescue. Also, having a compass with a mirror and magnifying glass makes your compass a very versatile piece of kit.

Cotton – Having a cotton bandana is a very important and useful piece of kit. It can be used to help in first aid, filtering water, can be turned into char cloth, protects from the sun and the wind, and when wet it can be used to help cool you down on a hot day. There are tons of uses for a cotton bandana and the uses are extended if you choose to carry a shemagh which is basically the same thing only larger.

Cargo Tape – Having Cargo tape I prefer Gorilla Tape can aid you in many ways as well. It can help with repairs, help waterproof holes in tarps or clothes, can be broken down into a flammable tinder bundle, not to mention all the other things that can be made out of tape such as bowls and cups.

Canvas Needle – Having a sail needle doesn’t seem like a very important piece of kit to carry but it can perform in many different ways. Having a sharp sail needle can be used to help dig out slivers or splinters, it can also be used to punch holes in leather, or start a hole in a piece of wood to start carving out a bow drill set. If the needle is magnetized it can also be turned into a compass to help find your north/south line to help aid in finding your way back to camp.

Having all 10 C’s allows you to have all the tools needed to find your way, shelter in place, or safely navigate through the woods. So all of my kits Start with the 10 C’s which are Cutting, Combustion, Container, Cordage, Cover, Candling device, Compass, Cotton, Cargo tape, Canvas needle. These basic pieces of gear will help keep you safe and somewhat comfortable in the woods. also by having pieces that serves more than one purpose can help you that much more, such as a compass that also has a mirror.

5 C Survival Kit

The 5 C’s of Survivability are 5 items that are the most helpful to have in any emergency. They are also the hardest to reproduce out of natural materials and burn the most calories to make. So by carrying them with you at all times, you will always find yourself in a much better state of well being no matter what might happen in the woods.

I will put them in order of how I feel they are most important.

  1. Cutting Tool – My cutting tool that I carry most often is a fixed blade knife whether it’s my BK9 or my Mora Bushcraft Black I always have a knife at my side. Some other options could include a machete, ax, or a multitool.
  2. Combustion Device – Fire is very important in any situation it is a moral booster as well as a protector of bugs and other animals. It also lights up camp at night, keeps you warm on a cold day, and can be used for cooking or treating water. So haveing a reliable fire starter is one of the most important parts of your kit. I always carry a good old Bic lighter as well as a Ferro Rod along with some Wet Fire or Live Fire to make sure I can start and maintain a fire in most conditions.
  3. Container – Having a container that you can carry water over distance with as well as cook and treat water is a very important thing to keep in mind. I carry a stainless steel water bottle that I can use to not only carry water but I can place it in a fire to boil water for drinking or cooking anything I may find along the trail.
  4. Cordage – Having cordage or rope with you can help aid you in many tasks. It can tie logs together to make a raft, it can be used to help build shelter, you can make a tripod out of long sticks to help cook or smoke anything you find to eat. I always carry 550-paracord with me that I keep in my pack just for emergency purposes only. Other options would be Zing-it which still has a very strong tensile strength but is much lighter. Also, tarred bank line is used by many bushcrafters for the same reason.
  5. Cover – Having shelter from the elements is very important to staying healthy and safe when dealing with weather. The very first defense from weather is the clothes on your back. Always make sure to dress according to the conditions of the day ahead of you. Wearing a swimsuit in a snowstorm will make shelter building a very top priority over anything else. Making sure that not only are you dressed for the day ahead of you but also having something like a light coat or rain jacket can make a surprise rain seem like just another walk in the park. I try to always dress for the conditions, have a coat to help keep me dry or warm, plus I carry a space blanket that I can make a shelter out of and also keep me warm, safe, and dry.

The 5 C’s was a system made up by Dave Canterbury. All of my kits have a minimum of the 5 C’s Dave has also added 5 more C’s to round out a 10 piece kit that will aid you even further. I will be adding those 5 C’s in another post so stay tuned for future posts.