Ocean and Desert Survival - items

[Kata]

Hello all,

We have a wide variety of expertise here so maybe you can help me with a little brainstorming.

If you were to ditch/force-land a small plane in the Meditteranean, or in the Tunisian desert, what gear would you want with you? You'd be on a flight plan, and have a satellite emergency beacon, so rescue within a day or so is most likely; but never 100% assured.

So far, I have:

Satellite/GPS Emergency Beacon (waterproof)
Handheld radio in waterproof bag
Handheld GPS
Space blankets (to keep one warm at sea, or shaded in the desert)
One shedload of water, in a variety of bottles
Food
Spare clothing
Life raft
Life jackets

Any other bright ideas? A decent first aid kit, I'm thinking, would be a good plan. And to pre-empt the idea, I do not know where to get shark repellant

[Flibb]

Flares (not the trouser kind) for both situations
Desalintaion water filter for the sea (havent a clue about the specification of these)
Standard water filter for desert (traveltap ?)
Knife- spyderco salt
Good first aid akit and knowledge to use it
Signalling mirror
Fire lighting kit
Lightweigh insulation for the desert (cold at night)

Large lorry or helecopter to carry the above.

[rox0r]

A satellite phone and Bear Grylls mobile number

[TheAnimus]

Compass, good old magnetic compass.

Depending on the map your using for your plan, a waterproofed copy (laminated or plastic map, or in bag). I trust the two way you have can cover the common shipping frequencies, its busy waters round there, and if you've got the flare gun, the compass and the GPS you should be able to find small vessel rescue quickly.

But also a good torch, I like the 5W LED kind myself, they are great for walking too, the beam can be seen a bloody long way away, and the battery lasts a good couple of hours of continuous use.

I have used my one very well as a beacon for people who were lost in a thicket, a little before midnight a few miles deep in to this wood. A signalling switch helps with this, but apparently someone could see the beam well over 1.5km away (the 'enemy' started questioning it on the radio). So I'd highly recommend a good quality one of these. They are also very effective anti-intruder devices, people naturally freeze and become startled when first presented with such light.

[Funkstar]

Solar charging panel? Would be a shame to have any gadgets with you that will, in all likelyhood, run out of power when you absolutely need them

[Kata]

True, it would be a shame not to be able to post on Hexus from my liferaft and report my whereabouts!

[MaddAussie]

A solar still for converting vegetable matter into drinkable water (can be knocked up quite easily) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_still
Flares
signalling mirror
Some heavy gauge twine
hooks for fishing
depending on where you are going a fire arm and ammunition (and the training to use it safely)

[Stringent]

So you flying to/from Australia and you need all this stuff if you get 'Lost'?

[kalniel]

Surgical wire/saw
Matches
Tallow wax
Potassium pomangemate
A towel

[Lee H]

A solar still for converting vegetable matter into drinkable water

All you need is some plant matter, a hole which can easily be dug, a clear plastic bag and a stone.

Dig hole and fill with plant matter. urinate onto said plant matter and then place a cup into the middle of the hole. Cover with the plastic and then place a stone in the centre of the bag.

Volia, 1 easy to use water providing system and you can't even taste any pee in it (I've tasted stuff processed like this in the Army Cadets and it was nice)

Also, you might want some Pottasium Permanganate & glycrol in small vials to provide you with a chemical means of lighting a fire incase the conditions get too bad and your conventional means of getting a fire lit are exhausted.

I would also say some form of squewers so you can cook things while turning them so you can ensure that food is evenly cooked.

[Stephen C]

A satellite phone and Bear Grylls mobile number

He's very much frowned upon in the survival community, he's more likely to get you killed than be of any help. You want be packing Les Stroud's phone number

[Lee H]

Ain't some of the Bear stuff setup?

Give me Ray Mears anyday, at least he can cook a good meal from the floura and fauna in an area

[Stephen C]

Ain't some of the Bear stuff setup?

Give me Ray Mears anyday, at least he can cook a good meal from the floura and fauna in an area

Yeah, plus he tends to recommend routes and tips that will put you in severe cases of danger. I've met Mears, very nice bloke! My personal favourite show is definitely Survivorman with Les Stroud though.
My mates site on UK Bushcraft if interested - http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/

[MaddAussie]

Ain't some of the Bear stuff setup?

Give me Ray Mears anyday, at least he can cook a good meal from the floura and fauna in an area

Give Ray a couple of days and he will have a fully central heated/air conned lodge for you the guys a Legend, Bear Grylls on the other hand is a bit of a Walter Mitty compared to Ray

[MaddAussie]

Bloody funny mickey take of Bear Grylls

*** NOT SAFE FOR WORK ***
** and Possibly those with a weak stomach ***
Bear Grylls born **** eater

[Stephen C]

Well, I need to get packing my survival shiz too.. actually out on a bushcraft style week from tomorrow.