Repair Kit Essentials

by Bill Beach

One of the great pleasures of hiking, biking or kayaking in the great outdoors is being away from the hustle and bustle of civilization. If this is the yin of experiencing the outdoors, then the yang of the experience is being prepared to handle an “Oh No” situation. Unfortunately, the essence of an “Oh No” experience is having the unexpected occur away from outside help.

My “Oh No” bag contains those items I trust will allow me to survive the unexpected. Here are the items in my “Oh No” bag.

1. Space blanket (tube type) – it is amazing how much warmth these retain.
2. Water purification tablets
3. Fire starting material
4. Water proof matches
5. 30 feet of parachute cord
6. Duct tape – can be used to fix many things….shoes, tents, air mattresses, etc.
7. Small leatherman type multitool
8. 5 wire ties (2 large and 3 small)
9. Eye glass repair kit
10. Spare boot lace
11. Needle, thread and buttons
12. Tent repair sleeve

Given access to water, I think my “Oh No” bag will keep the unexpected at bay for many days alone in the outdoors and keep me from being “Oh Dead”.

I always carry a map, compass, whistle and First Aid kit, too. Enjoy the wilderness, Grasshopper.