Oh, yes. They're ranked from first in order of importance to last - however, I'm assuming that my glasses are broken or something, that's the only reason the mirror is ranked so high. 1 quart of water per person Parachute (red and white) Jacknife Cosmetic mirror: Plastic raincoat (large size) Bottle of salt tablets (1000 tablets): 1 topcoat per person: .45 caliber pistol (loaded) Flashlight (4 battery size): 2 quarts of 180 proof vodka: Compress kit with gauze: Magnetic compass: Book entitled, Edible Animals of the Desert: Sectional air map of the area: Pair of sunglasses per person:
I put them in this order and several could go farther down the list. The first plan is to stay put for a couple of days and allow search and rescue to try and locate you. In the mean time, you should set up shade, comfort, and familiarize yourself with the contents of the book and the map. Make notes on one piece of paper to carry with you. Weight for value should be the criteria if you do have to leave. The tobacco can be used for sting removal. The pen has many uses including medical. The money is fire fuel. The handkerchief is for head covering as most body heat is lost and gained here. Hiking will take a minimun of three days and probably 4 or better. Assuming you can find water, you can last that long without eating. Looking for bees at evening and morning is a good way to look for water. They will indicate where it is if you see more than one. -The water is evident. You will need far more. Moving in heat increases the need of fluids. -At night the coat will come in handy as it is cold, but can be subsituted. -The sun can be blinding in the desert during the day (sunglasses) -The jackknife is the most useful tool of all. From skinning, general cutting, to making easy fire starting shavings. -The parachute serves as both shade and signal device during the day. It also weighs little without harness and has cordage to be used for rope and traps for game. The same rope serves to make traveling harness for it. While having little weight, it can also be used as a jacket, if needed. It can also be used for bandaging. They are normally 30+ in diameter. -The plastic raincoat can be used for moisture gathering during the night. It can also be used to make water during the day, provided there is greenery around and assuming it is clear. -The mirror should be used for a signaling device and weighs little but should be left behind in favor of the flashlight reflector, which weighs less. -The book should be read and then used as fire starting material. Do not carry it with you. -The vodka is an excellent medical sterilizer and anesthesia. It is not worth carrying if you walk. However the bottom of the bottle could be looked into for magnifing purposes as a fire started if you find no lighter. -The compress kit goes with the anesthesia. Most compresses have a band, that can be useful for a head tie to help carry a small amount of weight if needed. -The .45 would be the first item left behind if walking. It is far to heavy to carry for any length of time. The gunpowder could be used to start a fire or give a flash if needed at night. -The flashlight would be another left behind for the same reason. Not to mention that it will destroy your night vision. You might be able to use the reflector as a fire starter. -The salt tablets are useful for restoring electrolytes to the body. Something that you will lose while sweating. Salt is one of the most difficult items to obtain naturally. While salts do occur in the desert, I am not comfortable that I would be able to distinguish it from alkali. Take some with you folded in the paper with your notes. -The magnetic compass is all but useless. You have the sun during the day and the stars during the night. Unless it contains a magnifying glass. -Sectional air map is another that will be almost useless. Look over well and leave behind or use for fire starter. While air routes and traffic control towers, general land features, and cities are marked, there is little on topgraphical features on it in detail. If it is plasticized you may use part of it to wrap your notes and salt tabs in. 1 1 quart of water per person 2 Parachute (red and white) 3 Pair of sunglasses per person 4 Jackknife 5 Plastic raincoat (large size) -All beyond here are not necessary unless in part. It matters not in what order. 6 Cosmetic mirror 7 2 quarts of 180 proof vodka 8 Compress kit with gauze 9 .45 caliber pistol (loaded) 10 Flashlight (4 battery size) 11 Bottle of salt tablets (1000 tablets) 12 Magnetic compass 13 Sectional air map of the area 14 Book entitled, Edible Animals of the Desert 15 topcoat per person
