I am looking for recommendations for reasonably-priced survival kits for one person. I won't be flying over large bodies of water so no need for that type of equipment. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

 

You can build your own on the cheap, you just need to know the survival priorities so you can allocate your weight/volume accordingly. Everything you need is at REI or a drugstore. Pilots stores have aviation specific kits also. The advantage of building your own kit is that you know how to use everything, and are not wasting weight/volume on things not applicable to your skills or climate.

Shelter: In a harsh environment, you have mere hours. Cold water, sub-freezing conditions, extreme sun exposure are all concerns but it depends on where you fly. Raft/dry suit, tent, blanket, sleeping bag depending on climate. Don't forget waterproof matches and a tool to cut wood for fire/shelter. Assume the airplane fuselage will be unusable.

Water: 2-3 days before you are incapacitated/dead . Carry some in a container, plus some means of purification. Pure water or gatorade, not beer, soda, etc. Carry plastic sheet for solar stills in a desert environment.

Food: You have up to thirty days. The first few days will suck but then you get used to it. You can function OK for a few weeks, but I would bring some high-energy snack bars. The more you eat, the more water you need so if water is the problem don't eat much. However, in a cold climate you will need a constant food supply. In some climates you can find food (fishing line is light weight can also be used to snare small animals).

Mental stimulus: This will actually become critical after a day or two if you are alone. Bring a puzzle like a rubics cube or something along those lines. Also a small survival book might be good (specific to your climate and vegetation).

Medical: Pack according to your medical skill level. At least bandages, ointment, and something for a tourniquet.

Rescue: If there are injuries, the first 24 hours are critical. There are a variety of communications/signaling tools, select appropriately. Might want to invest in a new 406MHz ELT, since they don't monitor 121.5 by satellite any more.

 

Thanks Rick for the excellent post. I've always wondered what is the best way to go about getting a kit. I remember a while ago, I cut my finger on the control wheel lock and did not realize it until I was in the air. I couldn't stop the bleed and got blood all over the yoke. A small survival kit is probably a good idea for even a small flight. I learned this the hard way.

 

EQUIPPED TO SURVIVE - Outdoors Gear, Survival Equipment Review & Survival Information

I like their pocket survival pack (sold at REI), although I had to remove the fishing hooks for TSA whining purposes.

 

an old compact disc as a signaling device

 

one good piece of advice: make sure you can operate everything in the kit one-handed. a broken arm or smashed hand can make a lot of nifty gadgets useless. also buy extras and practice using things like firestarters one handed, so you know the tricks before you truly need to use the gear.