Defending St. Louis from Attack Saves STL
The Colonial Days His Bride
Valles Mines, Missouri, U S A
Founded in 1749 by Francois Valle in the French Upper Louisiana before Lewis and Clark. 275 years later the Valle Mining Company's 4000+ acre property every year absorbs 21,000 tons of carbon dioxide and generates
14,000 tons of oxygen, enough to meet the needs of 63,000 people. [USDA Forest Facts]
Skip Navigation Links

Survival Camping with Survival Gear

Designed and photographed by Cpl. Sandy Reid of the British Army from his visits to Valles Mines.

Photos of a few basic outdoor skills to master, making surviving a lot more comfortable if you have to be "out there".

Aims of this project and a list of what to bring

Kit List

Clothing Checklist

  1. Sensible outdoor clothing is essential. We recommend that you bring a wool or fleece hat, a waterproof and windproof Jacket and trousers, wool or fleece base layer/s and mid layer/s, and several long and short-sleeved T-shirts.
  2. It is useful to also bring base layers (wool or fleece) that you use to sleep in. Cargo/combat trousers are ideal; as they are strong, light and fast drying.
  3. Please do not bring jeans!
  4. Sturdy hiking boots are a must, as some of the terrain is steep and rocky.
  5. We also recommend that you bring a pair of old trainers for the evenings and keep your spare changes of clothes stored in a plastic bag to keep them dry.

Equipment checklist:

  • Small day-sack or bum-bag in addition to your main rucksack, for short hike's to gather materials
  • Sleeping bag, preferably 3 season
  • Self-inflating or closed-cell foam sleeping mat
  • Tent or basha Bivi bag
  • Torch and spare batteries
  • Small first aid kit, including plasters, blister kit, tweezers, foot powder and any personal medication
  • Sun block and lip balm
  • Good insect repellent
  • Wash kit and towel
  • Knife, fork and spoon
  • Mug, plate & bowl
  • Water bottle
  • Notebook and pencil
  • 10 meters of parachute cord
  • Swim wear and towel
  • Some zip-lock or plastic bags are useful for keeping tinder dry
  • Spare Clothes for sleeping in, old pair of trainers kept in plastic bag to keep them dry
Optional extras: Camera and film
Optional extras: Binoculars.
Optional extras: Tampons: it is not uncommon for a sudden change of environment to start an unexpected period.