A couple of friends and I are trying to survive off the land by my cottage in Beckett, Massachusetts with limited supplies. Almo

[Chris Bachand]

A couple of friends and I are trying to survive off the land by my cottage in Beckett, Massachusetts with limited supplies. Almost as if we survived a plane crash. We want to bring a backpack each which holds a hatchet, a multipurpose knife, 2 pairs of shorts, a pair of pants, a T-shirt and a canteen. We really want to have to build our own shelter, hunt our own food and make our own fire. We will only be about 1 mile away from the cottage in case we need to abort the plan. Any suggestions on anything we should bring or do to make the experience better?

[jhjimbo]

Rain gear and a candle come to mind. Flashlight, parachute cord would be useful.
good luck, report back with how it went.

[99explorer]

Pack some fishing tackle and a .22LR pistol for small game, assuming you will be doing this during an open season. Check the fish and game laws in Massachusetts.

[ITHACASXS]

I'd wait until the woodchucks start showing themselves with regularity if you wish to eat meat, or wait for the autumn seasons.

[Hobob]

Water filter, Even if you think the water is probably good, why risk it. Is not very Bear Grylls but bad water can put a world of hurt on you. Its cheating but the good kind.

[Pray- hunt-work]

If you're doing it this time of year, go to camp first and light a fire or turn on the heat. It can be a hard task to get a camp up to temperature in the winter months even when you're in good standings. If you're planning to use camp as an emergency back up, you don't need to go from bad to worse. It can sometimes take 24 hrs here in Maine to make camp a cozy place to stay. Just my two cents. Also, if you're survival situation is because of a hypothetical plane crash, use what was only hypothetically in you're luggage during said accident. Were you flying out to the Bahamas to fly fish for bones? Or to Disney on vacation? Or kodiak Island on a hunt? Make it real. After all, camps only a mile away.

[Sourdough Dave]

A roll of TP would be good for all concerned. Multiple means/methods for making fire. When it is needed most is often when it is hardest to make. A way to carry and purify water. A simple pot covers both tasks. Some cordage such as 50' of 550 para cord. Snare wire if you know how to use it, a slingshot if you can hit anything with it, A .22 or .410 or better yet a .22/.410 combo gun if that wouldn't be considered "cheating", an 8'X10' tarp can become a snug shelter

[JPMNTMAN]

love the idea would like to know how it turns out and what you used.

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...


So you're going to have three hatchets and three multi-use knives? You shouldn't need so much duplication. Get rid of two hatchets and two knives.


Do add paracord, a slingshot or a .22, a GOOD water filter unit (unless you know for a fact that nearby water sources are potable), first aid gear and fire making sources.


Rain gear could also be a life saver. Fishing gear, if applicable.


Sounds like an interesting project. How long do you anticipate to be camping?


Good luck.

[Gary Devine]

Before you hunt or fish off the land, make sure the animals and fish are in season within your Fish and Wildlife game laws. The water filters helps but take the pills or powder that purifies the water. You do not want any bacteria or beaver fever from your drinking water.

[thehunter98.6]

The other people have great suggestions but I would also bring snare wire and duck tape. Duck tape has many uses such as being great for starting fires.

[1ojolsen]

I assume from your list that this will be a summer adventure. Take bug spray.

[99explorer]

A small pruning saw with a curved blade is light, and could be a great labor saver in cutting wood.

[upland4]

a flint sparker to get fires going if your matches get wet or you run out