The 10 Piece Kit

Here is Dave Canterbury talking about his 10 Piece Kit. This kit covers his 10 C's of Survivability. For those new to wilderness self-reliance or experienced outdoorsmen, this list provides a very good baseline for the things you should always have on your person in the bush. Dave explains his reasoning behind his choices and the 10 C's themselves.

10 C's
1. Cutting tool - fixed blade knife
2. Combustion device
3. Covering 
4. Container (stainless steel and capable of boiling water)
5. Cordage
6. Cotton bandana
7. Compass
8. Candling device 
9. Cloth sail needle
10. Cargo tape 



Now here is my 10 Piece kit. 
1. Mora Clipper
2. Strikeforce
3. Wool blanket/tarp combo 
4. Guyot Designs 32 ounce Backpacker
5. 1 roll Bankline
6. Cotton bandana
7. Brunton classic
8. Petzl e-Lite 
9. Cloth sail needle
10. 1 roll 1 inch gorilla tape


Anything beyond these items is considered a "luxury." That being said there are a few things I add to improve my kit. When I add an item, it is generally going to be a tool, because tools are going to make my time in the woods much easier and can often recreate any other luxuries I might crave. First is some sort of combination tool. I have a Leatherman Surge that is always in my bag. It has all the tools I need for repairing my gear, etc. When I know I'll be out for an extended period of time I supplement my cutting tool with a Bahco Laplander folding saw and/or my Wetterling's Hunter's axe. The next "C" is cargo. That is something in which to carry all of the above. For a minimal kit Dave's Sealine drybag works great. Make yourself a paracord strap and sling it over your shoulder and your good to go. Otherwise a larger pack like the Snugpak Rocketpack can hold all of this plus an extra set of dry clothes inside a Sealine drybag to ensure they stay dry. Check out my Kit page for a complete list with pictures of what I carry with me into the woods.