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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Ditch Kits
 
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Savage Voyageur
06/18/2011 08:48PM
 
I carry a knife that has a serrated edge for cutting rope, Compass, whistle and waterproof matches.
 
kanoes
06/18/2011 08:54PM
 
a ditch kit is worthess unless you have it on your person.
 
SevenofNine
06/18/2011 09:18PM
 
Agreed, if you never lost your canoe you should never need a ditch kit. Unless it is on you your kit is worthless no matter how well stocked it is.
 
sleepnbag
07/12/2011 09:32PM
 
Here's Mine. (Thinking of additional items I forgot as I'm posting)


Found the small "Sea to Summit" Dry bags at Copia this year. They fit in the pockets perfectly. There is also plenty more room to jamb other stuff too. (No need to carry a 2nd first aid kit either.)


All Packed Up.








Emergency Blanket, Storm Whistle & Compass.





 
Amok
06/18/2011 09:57PM
 
quote kanoes: "a ditch kit is worthess unless you have it on your person."
+1 on that, Jan. if you don't have it on you, you can't use it. As far as I am concerned, it's as important as your PFD. I've got the 'sardine' ditch kit plus other items I always have on my person!
 
Scout64
06/17/2011 08:07PM
 
I carry a lot of the aforementioned items in a small waterproof backpack that I keep attached to the canoe. It has a survival blanket, fire starter, knife, first aid kit, fishing kit, cable saw, et. al. some dry cloths. My first concern is getting warm and dry as quickly as possible.
 
snakecharmer
06/17/2011 05:43AM
 
Helpful link.
 
muddy
06/17/2011 07:14AM
 
quote Wables: " I (now) ALWAYS carry a very loud whistle, a good compass, and a Sweedish Firesteel in my life jacket which is always on me if I am on the water. I also have a leatherman and a waterproof flashlight on me whenever I am camping. I am sure that some have some pretty neat kits including a Rambo knife and fish hooks, but these 5 things can get me out of trouble in most situations. The most important thing to include in your ditch kit is a clear head and a logical thought process. Trust me."



+2


I also have a lighter, food bar and a fire starter either in my pfd or in my pockets.




 
Wables
06/17/2011 12:53AM
 
This is a very good question and I am sure you will get some great responses. I (now) ALWAYS carry a very loud whistle, a good compass, and a Sweedish Firesteel in my life jacket which is always on me if I am on the water. I also have a leatherman and a waterproof flashlight on me whenever I am camping. I am sure that some have some pretty neat kits including a Rambo knife and fish hooks, but these 5 things can get me out of trouble in most situations. The most important thing to include in your ditch kit is a clear head and a logical thought process. Trust me.
 
Bannock
06/17/2011 10:50AM
 
I know I have posted this before, but I take a Sardine can survival kit . It fits in my pfd pocket. Also in my pfd pocket is a Gerber folder knife, a whistle, and a garbage bag. I always wear my pfd, so if I go over and get separated from my canoe & outfit I still have those items.


Along the same line as the sardine can is the Altoid Tin Survival Kit that you make yourself. There are several videos and instructions for them but I like the the Field and Stream Article- about them.
 
canoe212
06/18/2011 07:33AM
 
I keep my ditch kit in my pants pocket instead of my PFD. There are times when I am separated from my PFD. I keep a first aid kit, whistle, compass, small knife, space blanket, 2 lighters, TP, and my map on me almost all the time.
 
bumabu
06/17/2011 11:34AM
 
Left vest pocket: Mini-Bic lighter, matches, water purification tablets, GPS unit.


Right vest pocket: 1 oz Deet pen, first aid kit.


I also zip/cable tied a Sea Line map case to the back of my vest which conatins: extra map, some loose leaf paper, pen, and a large heavy duty construction grade trash bag. The trash bag is an extra liner for my pack but would probably serve as an emergency rain poncho in a survival situation.


I also carry Multi tool and large fixed blade knife on my belt. Compass on lanyard around neck.


It seems like a lot of crap, but I don't really notice it at all. O.K. the compass is a little anooying but not too bad.

 
butthead
06/17/2011 02:06PM
 


Ditch/first aid gear on my PFD. Separate (more comprehensive) first aid kit in pack.


butthead
 
PatnAspen
06/16/2011 11:37PM
 
After reading a post on the general message board I have become interested in something I have never thought about, a Ditch Kit. I have never heard of it/these, what do you keep in your vest or kit, what type of situation do you "plan for" or pack for. I think it is a great idea for a bad situation, what are your thoughts and recommendations. I think I would want a source for starting fire, a temporary way to stay dry, and something to navigate with. Again, I've never heard of this so please excuse my lack of info.
Thanks
Pat and Aspen
 
luft
06/20/2011 12:31AM
 
This is why I love this site. Someone had mentioned a ditch kit in a post a while back and I kept meaning to look up what it meant. Thanks to PatnAspen for asking and all the rest of you for answering! I learn something new everyday on this site.