By Leon Pantenburg

My most cherished Fathers Day gifts have been handmade. My daughter’s  “Best Dad Ever” painting hangs in the library. My coffee cup, with my kids photos inset, gets regular use. My collection of Father’s Day cards is filed safely.

The Leatherman Wave, below, and the Swiss Army knife would make good Fathers Day gifts for an outdoorsman dad.

I hope every dad gets something really cool like that on Father’s Day. But suppose you also want to get that hunter/fisherman, prepper or survivalist dad something he can add to his personal survival kit?

Here’s my top 10 list of survival kit choices for  Father’s Day gifts. (I own all these items, and they work!)

1) A good, instructional survival book: The book seller shelves are full of how-to survival manuals, but these  are good choices:

Surviving a Wilderness Emergency: This book by survival expert Peter Kummerfeldt is my go-to manual for anything related to wilderness survival.

98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive and WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE: Stuff You Need to Survive When disaster Strikes by Cody Lundin. While I don’t care for some of Lundin’s gonzo, borderline raunchy writing, there is no question his books have valuable information. His knowledge and advice are sound.

Bug Out: The Complete Plan for Escaping a Catastrophic Disaster Before It’s Too Late: I reviewed this book last week when it first came out. Writer Scott B. Williams has some valid points about potential forced emergency evacuations, and the book is well-written and a good read. Good information!

2) A survival knife: I’ve carried a Cold Steel SRK for nearly 20 years, and it has never let me down. Cold Steel 38CK SRK Survival Knife Another knife I carry on my keychain and use constantly is a Swiss Army Classic. Victorinox Swiss Army Tinker and Classic Knife Combo A third choice is a Mora-style knife. Looking like a paring knife with a sheath, this style is incredibly useful as a camp knife or for cleaning fish or small game.Victorinox Swiss Army Tinker and Classic Knife Combo My Leatherman Wave has gotten hard use for ten years and shows no sign of wearing out. Leatherman 830039 New Wave Multitool with Leather Sheath

3) Fire Making Tools: Get a magnesium stick, Light My Fire – Mini, Orange Handle then let the kids make up the

Flint or magnesium sticks come in different sizes. Find a size that is handy, so it will be easy to take along!

cotton balls and petroleum jelly. This firemaking kit could save Dad’s bacon in the backcountry, and because his children helped make his firemaking kit, Dad will have another reason to take it along!

4) Wool socks: Cold feet are awful – and dangerous! If Dad still uses thick cotton socks, his feet will eventually get cold and clammy. Get him a couple pairs of thick wool-blend socks and his toes will thank you! Thorlo Unisex Wool/Thorlon Thick Cushion Hiking Sock, Grey,Size 13

5) Tarp: A lightweight backpacking style tarp can be used in a multitude of shelter situations. A lightweight tarp weighs hardly anything, and should be included in Dad’s survival kit. 6 ft. x 8 ft. Ultralight Backpacking Tarp

6) Maps: Get Dad updated topographical maps of his favorite outdoor areas. Even though he knows the terrain well and probably won’t get lost, Dad will enjoy seeing it on a topo. Dad can also mark this map before he goes on a hunting or fishing trip, and leave it with Mom. Then, if he doesn’t show up when he’s supposed to, Mom can give the map to the local Search and Rescue team.

7) Mapping software: I love making maps of special areas. Just this week, I printed off some maps for a scout troop that is hiking on the weekend. Get the software, and Dad can have an updated map every time he goes to a new place.

Compass: Get Dad a good compass and a book to show how to use it. Suunto M-3DL Compass
The best way to make sure he gets back from the woods on time is to make sure he never gets lost.Staying Found: The Complete Map and Compass Handbook

9) Fanny pack: A small fanny pack can be used to carry his survival gear, so Dad never has to worry about leaving it behind. High Sierra Envoy Lumbar Pack(Black/Grey)

10) Small, laminated picture of Dad with his family: If you’re only going to get one gift for Dad on Father’s Day, make it this one. Dad should always carry the photo with his survival gear. Then, if an emergency happens and he is in a bad situation, Dad has a reminder of why he can never give up and the reason(s)  it is so important to get back!

multitools
Swiss Army Knives
GPS

For more related SurvivalCommonSense.com tips and stories, click on the highlighted words:

• STOP: Use this exercise to reduce stress and focus your thoughts.
• Write a note to let people know where you went, before you left.
• Take your Ten Essentials on every outing.
• Dress with the right fabrics.
• Have a plan to make a tarp shelter.
• Carry lightweight, compact firestarter.
• Find the most effective fire ignition system.
• How to make charcloth, a material that can catch a spark from any source.
• Use charcloth as an effective method of catching a spark to make a fire.
• It can kill you: Hypothermia
• Hardtack: A great emergency food
• About Leon Pantenburg

Recommended Compasses:

Brunton Classic Compass
Suunto A-10 Compass
Suunto MC-2G Global Compass
Silva Starter Compass