The 10 C's addresses first aid if you understand the multi functionality of each item. The cotton material is a bandage or splint. A small piece of cotton material with the gorilla tape is a bandaid. The cordage can be used for splints and tourniquets. The needle can sew stitches and dig out splinters. Disinfect the needle with fire first. The magnify lens on the compass helps look at splinters, etc... more closely. The mirror on the compass allows you to look at your face/eyes or check your back for ticks, leaches, etc... The space blanket can wrap up a person in shock or who is suffering hypothermia. He always says the C's are just categories, and you can carry multiple of each if you want. If you watch his videos he explains all of this.
I remember Dave mentioning a couple times that the 5/10 c’s is not necessarily about reducing a kit to 5 or 10 items. I don’t remember the way he phrased it but it’s about a kit that can meet the needs that the 5/10 c’s lays out. It could be 7 items or it could be 23 items. Just a guide to help you put together a kit that can perform basic survival functions if it was pressed into an emergency situation. Sorry if that’s confusing, it makes sense in my head but it’s not as clear when written out.
The ten 'C' are not ten items, but rather ten 'areas' or 'thoughts' that need to be covered. Dave also says that 'two is one and one is none', meaning plan for a backup item, e.g. a hatchet and a knife complement each other other as 'cutting tool'. I do agree with the core message of this video: A minimal first aid kit, tailored to your personal needs, should be on your person at all times. A second, more comprehensive, but still compact kit, belongs in the pack!
@Scott lindholm you are correct, Dave has a few videos posted where he explains that the 5/10 c’s are categories of items and they are not limited to one item each but what you need to facilitate your own survival should you have to inconveniently camp. He has also stated that first aid is a separate kit but, he has demonstrated and explained how the 5/10 c’s can also be use to facilitate first aid and emergency care
The 10 C's are categories. You're not limited to only one thing. A multitool is a cutting device, for example. You can carry an SAK or multitool AND carry a belt knife (that's also what Dave does). A full tang knife is going to be more durable and if you need to baton wood (for making a fire, making a bow drill, etc) you'll want something you can hit without worry of it breaking. Probably not something to worry about for an overnighter, but I'd prefer to have it if I expected to be out for longer periods. I carry an SAK or multitool mainly because it can provide a saw blade. Your "cotton bandana" is a first aid item, among it's many other uses. It's also why a shemagh is better, because it's larger. It can be a sling, a tourniquet, gauze, pressure dressing, etc. Cargo tape is another first aid item. Small cuts are not life threatening issues. Throw a piece of tape on it if you must, but you'll survive if you don't. However, I always have a couple bandaids in my wallet. If people carry a first aid kit, they're better off carry a basic TRAUMA kit and know how to use it. A tourniquet alone could save your life in a bad situation.
@@thomgizziz Nope, I sure didn't spend 12 years in the military, two tours to Iraq, TCCC Tier 2 training, red cross certified, and I definitely don't spend a lot of time in the woods and I certainly don't do a lot of survival, homesteading, and primitive classes all around the country. What even is a knife?
Extra C's can be CARE= First Aid and personal meds and even include basic hygiene CALORIES= some food... even just an energy bar or 2 CALLING/COMMUNICATION= Whistle, bright bandanna, headlamp, chem. stick, signal panel etc.. CASH= some change and paper money for finding a store in town for food and water. The 10 C's of survivability are a GREAT idea for a basic kit and a starting point. Especially the first 5 as they are the most difficult to reproduce in nature but I agree, I always thought they could be expanded upon. Maybe it's time for Dave or someone to UPDATE the 10-C's to maybe the 15- C's (or however many)of survivability. JMHO 👍
Which really makes for the 15 Cs . . . 5 too many to remember. Care, calories and communication are just as important as the original 10-- something Dave Canterbury wouldn't argue against. 10 Cs are merely a starting point, not to mention redundancy with any of the Cs.
I also have a few issues with the 10 C's. One of the philosophy points of the 10 C's is to help with the "lost hiker / lost hunter" in a 72 hour scenario. For the average person who stumbles across the 10 C's there are a couple of additions that will make an outsize difference. Chemical water treatment tablets, or a water filter (Sawyer, et al) for most people is a MUCH more reliable way to get potable water. Requiring a fire to have potable water is a huge issue for people who do not actively practice fire craft in adverse conditions. Communication device - a whistle (and optionally some chem lights). Yes, most people will just have a cell phone, but those are unreliable. Yes, there are multi-functional items in the 10 C's that cover some signaling capability - orange survival blanket, mirror on the compass, fire, etc. A whistle is one of the best ways to make yourself heard if you suspect rescuers are nearby - especially at night. A whistle and a chem light on a 2ft rope is one of the best night time signals you can have. I agree that the "repair" items (Cargo tape, Canvas needle) can be moved into the next 10 C's. Overall, I think in terms of different kits to meet my needs - and then I carry these in a layered way, some in my pockets, some on my body, some in the rucksack, some in the vehicle, etc. Fire Kit Shelter Kit Water Kit Cooking/Food Kit Navigation Kit First Aid Kit Signal Kit Tool Kit
@@charlesgoodroejr9540 I did not miss anything. The Cs are arranged in some kind of relative priority order to help in a survival situation. For the reasons I discussed - Chemical water purification and a Calling device should be seen as higher priorities than Cargo tape and a Canvas needle.
They are arranged in order of being the hardest to recreate in a situation. And are a starting point to build on. Dave never said, don't carry this or that. It is simple stuff that the average person could carry while out and about. By all means, carry your chemical water purification tablets, as he has said to before.
Fire to boil and sanitize water is the most reliable option because it's bombproof, especially long term. Get a pot. Get a stove (like Solo Stove that fits inside the pot) that you can use minimal combustible materials to start and burn a quick and efficient, smokeless fire to boil the water. Add in chemical tablets as a quick backup for on the move but you should always have both options.
I agree on First aid, after that machete attack on Appalachian Trail, I include a Tourniquet, 5x9 sterile pads, gauze roll, cohesive wrap. I don't use the 10 C's, but I include Brunton Map Compass, every time I get off trail to stealth camp or poop, I point Map Compass in direction I am heading, put "Red in the Shed", and that compass is set. Return direction is 180 degrees from that setting. Always have a pocket knife, lighter, whistle, & cash in my pocket. Other than that, I plan for overnight, have Food (+ tooth brush + Poop kit), Water (+ filter + Clorox), Shelter (Per Dave Canterbury: 3x4 piece of tarp + 55gal drum liner to lie on, SOL Escape Bivy to lie in, Arcturus Poncho to lie under), Warmth (clothes + gloves for coldest temperature I am expecting). Basic kit = 11lbs.
Humans have been using the first 5C's since 3100 BC, including yourself. Dave Canterbury will tell you he didn't invent the 10C's. He put it together as part of a system that is easy to teach and remember. They are categories of things needed. First Aid may not be listed in the 10C's but it is listed as "don't forget items" for your kit, both in his books and at his classes.
Dave’s original lists: FIVE C's - Critical Items: (Addressing (Core Temperature Control [CTC]) - Critical for survival situation - Shelter, Fire and Water - Cutting, Combustion, Cover/Clothing, Container, Cordage NEXT FIVE Cs - Comfort Items - - Cotton Cloth, Compass, Candle, Canvas/Sailing needle Cargo Tape (previously included but replaced by tape and needle: Cargo - A good pack; Combination) FURTHER FIVE Cs - Convenience Items - Cutting Tool (2nd), Container (a pot), Cutting Tool Sharpener, Critter Gitter, Combination Tool --(added by ME)-- Complacent Items (Redundant-C’s ) - Capture/Consume (hunting / fishing / trapping), Communications, Currative (First aid), Cleanliness (hygiene), Cooking/Culinary
If you're going to carry cotton cloth for making char cloth, just buy firestarter. If you think you will wear a cotton shirt, keep in mind that Search and Rescue calls cotton clothing Death Cloth. Bic type lighter is primary combustion tool, think of your ferro rod as the backup.
@@USMC6976 Yep, I use a Bic Lighter before one of my Ferro Rods .. and standard Matches before the Bic Lighter. Matches and Bic Lighters can be sourced almost anywhere and are much more convenient than a Ferro Rod. I'm not Ferro Rod bashing .. I have quite a few and stay in practice using them. Perhaps as a 'Boomer', the good old 'Flame Safety Match' has been my GoTo from day one. Also as a never have smoker, Lighters (in my day, and part of the world, the 'Ronson' or equivalent was favourite) never featured.
@@thomasmusso1147 I live in the woods of Arkansas. I practice with a ferro rod at home, but my first choice in an emergency will always be the bic lighter I carry for just that purpose.
@@thomasmusso1147 @Greg Williams agreed! I think that all these types of lists and ‘kits’ are very dependent on their true purpose, your skill, and your situation! I firmly believe that you should BE ABLE to survive on primitive skill and no/little man-made resources. But that is worst case scenario survival - and how often do we realistically expect to be in that situation? Anything less than that is camping and you might as well make it easy on yourself and use modern tools - within reason. So much of these types of videos and concepts of survival and bushcraft are really just for entertainment. It’s men play-acting and reconnecting with their primitive nature. We do this kind of stuff - skillcraft and collecting tools / resources - for fun. So much of it is preference to the individual doing it and not any kind of ‘universal law’ that all must follow or be doomed. Personally, I like the challenge. Do I ever foresee myself being so far from all civilization that I must survive off the land for days or weeks? No. Will I ever really have the opportunity to go pioneering and build my cabin in the woods, 40 miles from the nearest town? No. Do I like dreaming about it? Heck yeah! So to keep that hope alive, I Bushcraft. ;-)
I find many bushcrafters have not worked outside everyday for thirty years. I did commercial landscaping for over thirty years in Florida. The best tool I carried at all times was my Felco #2s. Nobody ever even mentions them. It was much more important than my Leatherman.
Instead of bandanas I use cheese cloth (the white of cheese cloth is easy to the cleanliness of that piece of cloth), but I do usually carry a couple of head wraps of some sort. I sweat a ton. First aid is definitely an essential for being out in the bush, even on a day trip. Never forget to take at least a few thousand calories with you as well. If you get tuck out of doors, you will need the nourishment.
👍 Yes, cheese cloth is a definite Yes! We used it extensively in the Mining Industry as a 'sweat towel' (deep level gold mining .. it's hot down there 😏). Once the 'newness' has been washed out of it, much preferable to the 'bandanna'.
I was trained on the "10 Essentials." Together with Cantebury's 10C's, you get a good framework for outdoor readiness. I also trained as an EMT, so the first aid kit, extra water, and extra food are always on my list.
The thing about the 10-Cs that most don't understand is that each "C" is a category and not individual piece. It is ALWAYS good to have redundancy in the kit. I teach adding 2 additional categories: 11) C = Care (first aid kit) 12) C = Communication (cell phone, satellite messenger, etc)
I agree. For Me, Compass also includes a map, notepad, pencil, march beads. Candling includes spare batteries. Communications also means whistle, flair, glo-stick, mirror, orange trash bags, in addition to cell phone, or radio.
The 10 c's in its entirety is the the 10 categories that are the hardest to recreate in the wild. This is the purpose of the 10 c's. Dave will tell u he did not create this system but made it easier for people to remember and utilize. Of course any system can and should be revisited and modified based on needs and environment. Overall a really great system and u pointed out some really great things as well.
I have a homemade first aid/trauma kit that's extremely small. I created it out of one of these tiny zip blood sugar monitor case... It contains a Swat T tourniquet. Can be used as a tourniquet or pressure bandage... Some gause .. a packet of blood stopper powder available at Walmart... A small scissors and tiny pen light tiny flashlight single AAA... Some med tape and some duct tape and two pieces of plastic that can be used as small chest seals.. large band-aid and small finger Band-Aids. Tiny mini envelope of antibiotic and a alcohol pad..... This kit is only 3 in x2in ×1 in .. and very lightweight
Triangia mess tins are like yours, they fit into an ALICE ammo pouch if you stuff the handle down the side. The original 10 wasn't 10 items like Dave's list; rather it was 10 areas to cover like first aid, extra food, extra clothes. I like Dave's 10C for a basic bushcraft kit, not survival kit. He often mentions mirror on a compass but not everyone wants that style of compass, so I always carry a dedicated signal mirror and whistle. Great video, nice to hear an opinion other than just a mirror of Dave's 10 C's.
I with you Sir! Nice to hear a professional opinion of diffrence. After 40 years camping/bushcraft/survival etc I still use many of the items i had back in the day. I run weekend survival courses back in the 80's using things I had learned from Major Les Hiddings and sergeant Major John Wiseman. In my eyes two of the best survival instructors ever both learned their skills from base elements the tribesmen themselves and enhanced their knowledge with western world equipment. Definitely a first aid kit with pain relief and bite sting cream inc and the biggest thing to carry is knowledge without that all the Gucci kit is not worth a piss. Great topic keep these videos coming 👍
Completely agree about First Aid . I call my 11th C " Care " it's first aid & like half a roll of Toilet Paper. Bonus = Our family has found that we get a nice Dopamine hit by filling up garbage bags of other people's trash that has been left behind. so 12th C = Collect - result You are suddenly overflowing with Virtue. Wink :)
👍👍👍 Good points regarding the First Aid Kit. One can add Signalling (whistle / reflective mirror .. the mirror being also a First Aid Item) and more to the Kit. I see the 10 C's as not 'Cast in Stone' but rather a Basis / Point of Departure .. something from which one can work or something to generate ideas regarding what should be carried at the time. Dave Canterbury does stress 'redundancies' regarding his list .. also interpreted as to 'Adapt the Kit to the Environment / envisaged Activity'. 'Kits' are very much a function of not 'what to include therein, but rather what to leave out'. What I do like is the use of Bank Line over 550 Paracord. '550' appears to have been a Mantra accepted and preached by each and every 'Survivalist / Bush Crafter / Whatever, out there.The last 55-odd years, 'Mason Line' and Nylon Washing Line / equivant has served me well. I have and use cheaper versions of 550 Cord .. having never seen the need to fork out the extra cash for the real deal. Correction, I have used '550' .. when attached to an overhead parachute canopy 😊. 'Search and Rescue'. Could you please talk about this sometimes. Based on your experience, what the average person out there should / should not do when going into the outdoors. I am sure that this would be of benefit to many. Good post .. thanks. Take care ..
great point first aid ( CARE ) should always be included in most if not all kits. and if you wanna make the multitool a "C" call it a combination tool , Yanno just to keep with the C names. Thanks for your perspective.
I used to teach Wilderness Survival, way back in the 80's. I'm 61 now and I've learned a few things. First off, a First Aid Kit, is something you should always carry. Its a Basic needed item. I carry one on my bicycle, and when I hike, it goes in my pack. A Army Medic helped me build it. So here are my 7 C's that I have come up with 1. Cover, a Tarp or Rain Poncho, with stakes. Since you cannot always make stakes, easier to have them with you. 2. Cordage, I like 550 cord, always have, but each to their own. 3. Cutting. One is none, two is on e. So I carry a Swiss Army Deluxe Tinker, and a old Gerber Multi Tool. Plus a sheath knife, a tomahawk, and folding saw. Yep, even on a day hike. Because you never know how long a day hike might last. 4. Combustion. You pretty much covered that one nicely. Except I also carry Strike Any where Matches, yes you can still find them, in a water proof case. And yes, take some tinder with you. Whether you make it or buy it. 5. Container. I will always have a water bottle with me. Be it a Nalgene, or a Klean Kanteen. But that rectangular tin, a very goo idea. As for making drinkable water. I also carry coffee filters, rubber bands and the Pure Water Aqua Drops. Remember the higher up you go, the lower the temp water boils at. 6. Calories. I always have food with me on a day hike. But, I also carry enough food in case I have to spend the night outside, away from camp or trail head. 7. Communications. Now I am not talking a Cell Phone. I am talking a good loud Whistle, a Signal Mirror, a Bright Orange signal panel. Maybe some of the Chem Lights. Also a good bright flashlight. But a flashlight is something I always carry. The cotton bandana is also something I always have on me. My Army friend taught me how useful they are. As far as things like tape and a sewing kit. I think that depends on the person. Yes, I am old school. I don't worry about the weight too much, just if I have the right items I need. So that is my 7 C.s, and my two cents worth. Stay safe.
The 10C'S are all items that are difficult, time consuming, and calorie expensive to make from natural materials in a survival scenario. That is why they were selected as important to have as minimal kit. You can add whatever you want.
I agree with Stan Graves comment, and prefer to think in terms of the eight pillars of survival. Shelter, fire, water, and first aid are the first tier. The second tier is communication/signaling, navigation, food, and personal protection. You can include a ninth category, tools/repairs if you’d like, or the tools can be inclusive within whichever tier that they belong. Thanks for an informative video. The point is, find whichever way of covering your bases works best for you, then run with it.
I have never liked the ESEE Knife I tried but the handle being such a slab handle just never felt comfortable when doing any amount of wood work. Totally agree with you on the need for a first aid kit in any kit. Thanks for sharing great video.
I'm not a bushcrafter or even much of a hiker but I enjoy walking in the woods. My day pack includes; A 5x7 tarp, compass and map, fire kit (fire steel, lighter, matches, fat wood, tinder, pocket stove with 8 cubes and a silky pocketboy) first aid kit with a basic trauma kit, (tourniquet & Israeli bandage) Water kit (purification tablets, water bags and filter) Leatherman sidekick, trail marking tape, modified Stanley cook set, (with bale & sealable plastic lid) A packable jacket, wool socks and hat. Water and food appropriate for a day hike. Emergency food (2 backpacker meals, 2 cups each of oats, lentils, black beans, self rising flour, dried fruit and cous cous, a couple of boullion cubes, instant coffee, sugar, creamer, salt and honey packets) GPS locator beacon and a fixed blade knife (either a Becker bk2 companion or an OKC rat-5) I'm not any kind of survival expert but I have been both lost and medically stranded in the woods. (On separate occasions) now I always go prepared. Something no one ever talks about in these videos is what to do when you're injured. What if you break an arm or leg? Everything becomes incredibly difficult if not impossible. If you can't move around, keeping warm is hard. Practicing survival skills is really just camping. Understand that being trapped either by being lost or injured is terrifying. Have something to focus you if you start to panic (sit down, sing a song, say a prayer, eat a candy bar, smoke a cigarette, whatever) Panicking won't help but being overconfident is more likely to get you killed. Never rely solely on technology. Both when I was lost and when I was injured, search and rescue were delayed by weather. Take with you whatever you would want when you're dealing with extreme stress (for me it's food, music and cigarettes) keeping up your own moral will help more than almost anything. If you give up, your f*cked.
I see the 10c’s as an outstanding survival guidelines that you could modify them accordingly to your needs and environment. Professor Canterbury verbalized it in several teaching videos. The purpose of a guideline, not a policy that is mandatory, is a general recommendation or point of view of how to do things easier due to different proven experiences. Personally, first aid and a traumatic kit must be included as part of an item in the C’s.
I enjoyed this video. As much as I respect Dave Canterbury's willingness and ability to share his knowledge free of charge on RUclips and think the 10 Cs make a lot of sense no one knows everything and it is good to see different perspectives. If I am just going out for a day hike/trail walk kind of thing I will have a FAK along with some, basic version of the 10Cs.. I haven't done a lot of back country camping (yeah, I mostly do campgrounds) but when I do if I plan to use an axe/hatchet/heavy chopper I want at least a real tourniquet and a couple packs of bleed stop with gauze pads and tape as a minimal trauma kit. Caution and prevention are key but an accident with one of those tools striking the wrong place and a basic FAK isn't going to do much good. I am also non-insulin dependent diabetic. My condition isn't severe and I could go one or maybe two days without eating but there will be no going three weeks without food, for me so I will always have at least a little food. Which also brings up carrying at least two or three days worth of your prescription meds along with the OTC stuff in an FAK. Dave Canterbury does talk about first aid but he is often pretty heavy on first aid usage of various plants and things available in the wild or on making tinctures, etc. and having them in his pack. In fact I think he did a whole series of videos on that. I think the subject is cool as all get out and learned a few things I could use in a pinch but for me and my experience level I want that container of commercially produced first aid goodies with me. Also, Mr. Canterbury has a few videos on 'the 15 C's' where he adds more items, including some of what he considers comfort items.
I haven't watched the video yet, but a BOLD statement to say the ten Cs are flawed. I gotta watch! Ok... I watched. Dave doesn't include a boo boo kit probably because nothing in a boo boo kit is central to survival (in the range of snivel gear unless you're talking about a tourniquet... But there's some inherent issues with that level of injury) and with some skills, you can handle most more serious burns, cuts and breaks with harvested materials. Saps being a natural antiseptic and walnut hulls too. Dave knows all that and can do it with a knife and knowledge. I'd say that's where his classes come in and others like it. I say all that, but I too carry a full blow out (IFAK.) But seeing it full circle, my money is still on the 10Cs. But I very much appreciate your 11 Cs idea👍 good video sir. You made me a subscriber👍
Good video! My mental checklist for packing is 13Cs. 10Cs plus: 'Care' (Which is just what I call my IFAK, plus anything else I need to look after my body like a very small hygiene and shit kit) 'Communications' (Whistle, GPS Beacon/EPIRB and my phone and a pencil and paper for leaving notes or keeping track of navigation decisions) 'Consumables' (any food, drinks etc to keep the moral up, this could be coffee, hot chocolate, miso, hydrolytes).
Great kit. I always add a few feet of flagging tape. It's lightweight and takes up almost no space at all. But can be invaluable if you get lost think you might have trouble finding your way back to your Basecamp.
I think after watching and reading comments that the 10 c's are a great idea. Most of the comments are spot on. One thing I would add about the 10c's is most of these items are in a category of items that are very time consuming to create in the wild. Its not that you can't make them but do you need something like a fire right now after falling in cold water. I agree with the category's but don't overlook the ITEM and the time and effort to recreate a cutting edge, or cordage, or a container or friction fire. Spend more time enjoying the outdoors because you have the 10 c's. Never stop learning.
I am in Central Texas. 8 months out of the year. It is hot. Most times lows will be over 65•F highs can be over 100. Shade during peak heat of the day, can be the difference between life and death. Shade cloth is light. Also the need to carry at least half a gallon of water is advised as a minimum.
Remember the 10 C's are basic short term survival items. Dave also stresses multi use items. The bandana, Gorilla tape and sail needle can be first aid items. Personally, I carry more than that for first aid tailored to me. As an example I carry gauze pads. With the gauze pads, bandana and gorilla tape I can make small to large bandages.
My go to survival Headlamp ..is the Princeton Tech "BYTE".. a tiny lightweight waterproof single strap.. headlamp that runs on two AAA batteries...low -high & Red .. I use Energizer ultimate lithium batteries... In spare ultimate lithium AAA.. they are lighter than alkaline.. they do not leak like alkaline.. they work in the cold.. and they have a 10-year shelf life.. yes they were a bit pricey but I get them on sale.. I also have a 2×AAA handheld flashlight also...
I remember the 10 Essentials being emphasized for hunting, as a very basic 24hr kit if one were stuck in the woods, for whatever reason. Therefore, the list included some food and water provision. THE TRICK was to keep it as light and compact as possible, understanding that it was NOT the primary outdoors rig; rather what you would keep with you after making camp.
It amazes me when I get an opportunity to look at what other people are actually carrying in their bushcraft kits. On the onset all of the items in these sacks, bags, or packs seem to belong there, they make sense to carry with you. But when you try to pickup many of these sacks, bags, or packs they are very heavy. Overloaded to the point that they no longer make sense to try to carry. So, we can’t really take everything that we might need with us. We’re limited by weight and space. That is where these lists come in. Setting a definite inventory of items that bring certain capabilities ti our kit. It has been said that the stronger your skills, the less dependent you are on stuff while in the woods. There is some truth to that. However, we are all at different skill levels when it comes to bushcraft. Some think that they are better prepared than they really might be. Some have very little actual experience in the woods. All justification for carrying the stuff you’ll need to survive and thrive on an adventure. I agree with the baseline established with these 10 C’s and other lists. Of course, no one includes food and water on their list, but we all know that it is going to be in the bag. Just my thoughts on your conversation.
I like antiseptic options. Particularly the kind that double for wound treatment and water purification. This might be Iodine or Potassium Permanganate. My view on containers is these have a few basic functions to cover. Water transportation, purification, cooking, char manufacture and containment of sharp objects such as needles. I particularly like items that gracefully fail over from wanted backpacking items. A metal water bottle might normally store dry wood for a twig stove as the hydration bag and filter system has not failed yet. An Altoid mini tin can carry tinder, water purification and a canvas needle. With a light weight survival system near 1 to 3 pounds, the rest of a backpack dry weight can focus on the backpack as planned objective and base weights near 8 points are often easily achieved. Further, Ultra Light objectives have a creditable survival system baked in for the backpack gone sideways.
Duct tape is very versatile in that you can also rip off a section and use it to light a fire and it will burn for a while to get the fire going. I like that you added a medical component to your kit but one other thing I think that would be very helpful in addition to a kit like a 10 C's kit would be water purification. I know the cotton cloth in filtering and then a good boil works wonders but as a redundancy a water filter straw like a life straw or mini sawyer or 2 to 3 tablets really don't weigh much nor would they take up much room. I just know water is very important and to have a surr fire way to have drinkable water is quintessential. Another thing I liked was that you had two containers you can hold and boil water to purify to cook to organize so many things but you're not solely relying on just your water bottle to do all the work you have a redundancy. I like when things are multi purpose
My day hike kit includes a signal mirror & whistle and I have a bandana in a bright blue, so it is a good contrast vegetation for visibility. I also keep a extra snack/meal bar along with my food for the day.
Agreed on first aid and multi tool. Most of my EDC is first aid and hygiene items, with a multitool and some small repair items tucked in it. That all goes into a dayhike/bushcraft pack when I go out. Gotta be prepared when you're cutting and burning stuff in the woods!! I have a list of both the 10c's and the 10 essentials plus my personal list to reference when I'm packing for a trip.
I included a first aid kit with my 10 c’s. But my first aid kit does not have anything with an adhesive. No bandaids. No tape. None of them. Instead I have little rolls of co-band. It has no adhesive and it only sticks to itself. I’m allergic to all adhesives.
I use the 10 C's list as stuff to add to my kit if not already present. Basic 1st aid, mosquito deterrent/protection, sun protection, water/snacks are the #1 item in any of my kits. #2 is navigation, which varies depending on where I'm at or doing (I carry a compass really just for fun in my area). Then, what I consider part of survival: rain/cold protection, water filter and the 10 C's. Over top of that would be comfort items, which are not really needed for a day hike unless it's a really crappy day.
Great video. And for a second I was inclined to totally agree with a first aid kit, which in my case, I’m fond of carrying in my EDC waterproof bandages, pain killers and ointments. But as I’ve watched some (not all) vids of Mr. Canterbury, and others from his school, first aid is also implied in the redundancy of the 10 C’s of Survival. In a survival situation, we got to make do with what we have, what we can make, and how can we enhance survival potential. Great video, and I’m not taking sides. Just my humble thoughts.
The Prepared Wanderer is always a great source of information for the outdoor enthusiasts. You got my mental wheels churning again regarding. My essentials list will follow soon. Stay safe out there. 🤗
The 10c's is a starter kit for beginners, esssentially. Dave has evolved his mentality over time to include groupings of items into each category, rather than single items. Like for me, I have first aid kits, fishing kits, trapping kits, cooking kits, and sewing kits. Then I'll have a shelter and sleep system, a water treatment and storage system, and a weapon system....which are all just more types of kits really. The idea that you need 10 items or are limited to just those 10 things is obviously not a real limitation or requirement.
Totally agree, living in Australia you must carry 2 snake bite (compression bandages) and a very good way of stopping blood flow. Due to the isolation it’s important for those items.
the 10c's are categories of different items. not just one per category. like cutting tool... knife, saw , ax, machete and so on. combustion can be ferro rod, bic, like you show, but also Fresnel lens or magnifying lens, and cover can be a tarp, of several designs, poncho, sleeping bag and so on. so you could carry more than one item . i carry a knife, saw and a hatchet , also a ferro rod, bics, matches, fresnel lens, and fatwood. i also carry a poncho, tarp and a sleeping bag. maybe the 10c's is an advanced form of the 10 essentials. i agree that everyone should carry some form of first aid, and a way to carry and filter water. imo combining both methods will get you a well rounded kit.
I've always treated the 10 c's as categories and not necessarily a single object of each one. Also, I can't remember who it was, but there was a fellow who added another 5 c's for a total of 15 which were: care, consumables, comunication, critter and comfort. I believe these 5 complemented Dave originals which fell short in the first aid, food procurement, and rescue department. I always use the 15 c's as a baseline for my bug out bag, bushcraft or simple camping and hiking gear
The 10 C's are Bushcraft gospel now no denying it. It's very easy to remember the 5 C's and or the 10 C's of survivability. They are the bare-bones basic necessities to have a easy time in a survival situation. Anything can be improved upon this is just your baseline skeleton of needs to smooth it vs rough it.
I think it’s pretty well communicated that the 10 Cs are a base, and don’t mean only 10 individual items. Would you not assume you would also be taking other items like food and first aid? TP is not mentioned but I never go out for even a day trip without it, it going to lose a good pair of socks😂 It’s even mentioned always when talking about the 10 that individual needs and preferences are to be considered. For instance, I prefer a smaller belt knife I like, but it is not made for heavy batoning. I’m not building a bonfire and can make do with wood I can use without doing so. That being said, I also carry a small woodcarver style hatchet that will process larger wood or even dress game if I maintain the edge as I should. I also carry a multi tool. So to count that’s three cutting tools for one of the Cs. One is none, two is one. I can vary my kit easily to suit the days needs, from a basic kit to a full multi day pack. This is the philosophy of the 10 Cs, a base to start with to plan for your needs, which you have done. I don’t think it can be stated that it is a flaw, only that this is how it can be interpreted.
The 10 Cs are a good general starting point, but I've started looking at the rule of 3s as a kit design guide. Can't do anything with air/3 minutes (unless you carry an oxygen bottle with you) Exposure/3 hours. To me this is important. I've been on a number of search and rescue operations and this is the one that gets lost people in trouble the fastest. First thing to do is an exposure kit appropriate to you circumstances. Next, water/3 days. Always carry water and have the means to purify water. If you are lost, then signaling for help is next (yes, not part of the rule of 3s). But I think this is very important if you are not bugging out, but just lost. Food/3 weeks. If you are lost, don't waste time trying to fish or trap. However if you are bugging out, that changes. In all cases the 10 Cs help you pull together your kit.
For the rule of threes, there is something you can do about three minutes of air. Think about a wildfire scenario with smoke and ash, and what you need to breathe in that scenario. A good N95 mask.
Customization of the basic kit for your area of operation is key to success. We always pack a few water purification tablets just in case water is needed pronto. We are retired, and living in the Philippine islands. We have a lot of water sources but you had better not drink any of it without first treating the water. The ability to make a fire is universally important. Pasteurizing water, cooking food, and in some locations, you will need heat. When visiting the mountains of Baguio, 215 Klicks (133 miles) north of our home base, it can get rather frosty. We add a few sachets of electrolyte powder to treat serious dehydration. For our location, bug nets and repellent should be considered mandatory. Some of our skeeters carry bad things such as malaria and dengue fever. Better safe than sorry. We also tend to go full tilt on medical supplies with a large kit. It would be a shame to waste Beautiful Bride's nursing skills. She has worked in many positions including recovery room, ER, OR, and with children and geriatric folks.
Hard to argue with Dave C and I always use his 10 C's as a starting point. However, my belief is there is no universal do it all kit. You really need to modify your kits to account where you are travelling (ie. climate and environment) and personal situation. For example, I add 'Care' (eg. first aid/personal care) and 'Communication' (usually a whistle & mirror). Anyway, thanks for the vid. Love hearing different ideas and opinions - helps improve my own knowledge and makes me think about my own gear.
have to say a multitool is so useful. i was visiting family last year and was snaring and preparing rabbits with just my chinese leatherman copy from amazon. wirecutters for the wire, sawblade for the wood pegs, knifeblade to sharpen pegs and field dress rabbits. it was all i had on me and did the job well.
That's something I always questioned about the 10 Cs was a 1st aid kit of some kind thanks for sharing your knowledge I definitely like the 10 essentials take care & be safe
Not to bash Dave Canterbury but I completely agree with you a first aid kit is the first thing I add to any kit not to mention there is a difference between a first aid kit or boo-boo kit and a trauma kit. A very simple situation in the woods can go very bad very quickly.
Definitely would like to see more people pushing for a good, basic trauma kit solutions, IFAC and a pocket guide like Wilderness medicine and training because emergency prep off grid 'in the wild' has so many variables and ya need to be able to handle each situation, especially in grid down or super lost with potentially days plus with no medical care. And so obviously the severty of wound and location of that injury matters greatly. Some places commomly hiked all over still have spotty cell or none at all. So there really are no guarantees. We can only do our best and make medical a top priority. So....What prep items give you the best running chance without being able to carry a full medic's kit? Surely nothing even close to what I see most people pack especially with the ultra light craze going viral. You said it perfectly to start this conversation. And I am no medic, lol. But I say people working with knives all the time at work or play and really very used to it will say eventually there will be accidents. Bank on it. With fire and burns there are those added issues. Axe use. Falls...the list goes on. True story...I believe it was the two brothers who made Alone, Ted and Jim Baird that later on after the show were out filming one of their extreme white water adventures, hours away from help and in territory even the best recue teams would have issues with. They had to portage an area and Ted fell on his axe somehow scrambling up steep, wet rocks in just horrible cold conditions. Just a freak accident. I think it got his leg. He did go into shock. Luckily his brother knew what to do. I think, pretty sure they wrapped it with a Swat T but dont quote me. Regardless he had to walk atleast part way to an area he could be recused from. I live in NH and watch so many on video walking the AT is similar conditions with a baggie of bandaids and a few packs of creams. ????? Insane. Anyway.... I was a florist cutting flowers for decades so I get it. Bandaids were a joke, useless, especially in trying to carry on with hard on hands labor, aka tasks in messy, dirty, wet and cold conditions with a pretty bad cut. It takes super glue and duct tape and hopefully ya cleaned things out good enough first. Good work gloves would not be out of the question. This just happened to my guy splitting tinder with an axe for out wookstove. His thumb went down on the blade as he was using it to shave wood. Hes done this a thousand times. He is a Marine BTW and his nickname in the service was 'blade', he throws axes and knives for sport, so definately a knife and axe enthusiast for 40 plus years. He just was destracted and exhausted from OT at work, a long stormy commute home, after a long hard day at a very hard larbor job and freezing outside moving heavt sh%÷ the whole time.... and mistakes happen to the best. The point here is he cut deep and it just would not stop bleeding. He was just bleeding through gauze and medical tape like crazy even after using a small travel packet of blood stop. So don't bank on one is done. That is another joke. It took several attempts and wrapping it eventually with gorilla tape over the medical stuff tightly. Hard because it was on the top of his thumb and straight down. Then finally he could clean it a bit and super glue some through the mess of coagulated blood in the gell product. What a mess ! Being a Marine he refused to go to the ER, lol. Definitely needed stitches. So how to take care of something pretty simple like this with no running clean water, no hydrogen peroxide, no roll of gauze, no blood stop, no super glue, no good tape? My first go to always for medical is some kind of full package blood stop product, preferably blood stop gauze and depending on how bad the bleed you may have to use this first or stop bleeding with pressure somehow to clean, which isn't always easy or even completely possible with limited or sample size supplies. Next or beside this really is some way to wash out a wound once the bleed stops, especially if there is debris, dirt, gravel, wood with mold...you name it, and with filtered and purified treated water and not by using water pored out from a container that someone drank from. And you need clean hands to work on this that weren't just burying a duce out in the woods. So nitral gloves, hand sanitizer, stat. Packing out some kind of even small syringe or irrigation spout with dedicated sterile bag would be key like a Hydropak flask style. I was thinking the backflush syrindge from the Sawyer water filters could be key or a dual purpose item as well. Glad I didnt toss mine! But you still need a dedicated bag so packing out a simple dedicated sterile Silcone zip lock bag comes in handy here. These are very popular now as people use these instead of plastic throw away snack or sandwich bags or freezer bags. I buy them in set of 4 each snack, sandwhich, quart and gallon size. Great for organizing all my gear to keep things dry and compressed. Keep my medical supplies dry and sterile. I also carry Aquapure tabs so this takes care of purifying water. You may need allot, you may need atlittle water depending severity of injury, so these tabs are great to customize for amount. Just mark say a quart or gallon bag out with measurements ahead of time. So I have watched allot of professional career medics on You Tubers. Three got together with a challenge to pick only three trauma items. They all agreed a tourniquet, blood stop gauze, compressed gauze. One actually chose the Swat T three in one because it can be used in hard places a traditional won't work, and can be used on children a traditionalmay just be too big for and I am adding use on dogs. And for the fact it's a pretty versitile compression wrap, that fills a big niche. Skinny medic tested it on himself and was impressed. Now for compression and gauze, an Isreali is great but usually packs pretty big, so north American rescue makes some of the smallest packages of compreesed gauze we have found. And we both carry a full sized blood stop gauze. I can fit all this in my jacket pocket. So why not? I see people packing out camera gear, hunks of fat wood, three knives....omg. Ultra lighters have their selfie sticks, bags of junk food and a ton of camera batteries, and a snack bag if that of cheap dollar store bandaids and a pack of med. cream. The world has gone mad ya know. Stay tuned... Next a way to prevent infection. and apply some kind of bacteria killing agent. I go straight for alcohol even though medical professionals shy agains this. I carry this in a key chain flask. Better to carry hydrogen peroxide. Iodyne is great too, and the trusty tripple antibiotic cream applied a few times per day especially if bandage gets dirty, so plan on many packets. For itch or burn creams as well. You can blow through tons. I went to little refillable silicone tooth paste tubes because brand or store packaging is mostly air as we all know and I can buy bigger cheaper by volume and fill my stuff more efficiently to max capacity 8n a t8ny package. Just makes more sence. $....
I’ve known about the essential’s list long before Dave came out with the 10 C’s, which is a great list but I have to agree with you that the 10 C’s & all lists are subject to interpretation & the local environment of the user & the skill level. Bring what works for you. The lists are a guide not a set of rules.
What I got out of DC’s The 10c of survival video was that it was 10 critical categories, not just 10 items. He even said there were more categories and items, but these would make the core kit. And it was because these 10 items or categories were very hard to reproduce in the wild. He also said they could vary in importance depending on where you lived and surrounding environment. If you have the room, absolutely put a boo boo kit in. However I’m under the impression that a boo boo kit is simply not important enough or worth the weight vs it’s value in the overall list of items you could use. 1. Medical use is listed with 8 of the 10 items mentioned. Throw some superglue in there, and you’re set with about anything you could use a boo boo kit for. 2. If you’re in a situation where you’re down to using the 10c of survival, you’ve got bigger worries than not having bandaids and moleskins. You are not gonna die immediately from scrapes and small cuts. Oh, not sure if anybody caught it, but I think you left out the bivy/emergency blanket?
A Swiss Army knife has some small tweezers but, I like to have a decent set in my kit. I also like to have a good pair of toenail clippers and readers as well. If you carry a bang stick add ear pro. Make sure that a good set of eye pro is available. No one wants to poke an eye on a random branch.
From an infantry perspective, if you can't keep warm the kit is no good. Wait till the weather is 20 degrees and go outside with your kit. If you say hell no. Your kit is deemed a failure. A 22 pistol is essential in my mind as well for survival and self defense. Because the 22 is light you can carry more ammo.
Do not switch out any of the 10'C's just add a couple to your kit and call your kit the 12 C's and have it all. The 10 C's is not one item for each of the 10 but each of the 10 C's is a category. Like cutin tool you have a belt knife attached to you as a primary blade but also have a SAK or Leatherman as a additional cutting tool. Cargo tape, needle and bandana are first aid items and the cotton bandages are also in the cotton category not to be left out of the 10 C's. I think Mors Kochanski talked about the 5 & 10 C's before Dave popularized them but Otze the 5,000 year old guy found frozen in the Alps was talking about the 10 C's before Dave & Mors
I would agree with the first aide kit some will argue that you could make some bandaids from tape and bandana ect but in an emergency it can be hard to think let alone recreate what you need that is why i carry a small first aide kit
Walmart, in the camping section, sells a stainless steel camping cup that nests with the Nalgene/ Kleenex kanteen bottles. It is not as large as the military surplus canteen cups, but it works for boiling water, etc.
Think in terms of the essentials that you need to accomplish, staying warm,so good waterproof clothing or gore Tex etc is first layer of protection,water container,water purification,food procurement,fish hooks fishing line,sling shot,first aid,also signaling,signal mirror and credit card sized magnifier for starting fire.
I remember one video a while ago that DC did talk about not having a FAK. His rationale was that he could improvise pieces from what he already had on hand. That being said. I do carry a small FAK. "Knowledge is King"
Dave probably doesn’t include first aid because he expects you would be able to harvest first aid materials from the wild. But you can bet if I’m going away from home I’ve always got first aid nearby. Just added a couple tourniquets to my EDC bag.
The 10 c’s already includes (multi use) first aid items, cotton bandana/shemaugh, Gaffa tape, I always carry some iodine as a back up water purification method, Vaseline/cotton balls, fire starter/first aid. Improvise, adapt and overcome. First aid training should be compulsory, some people though still don’t get it even with training, via work I have to do advanced first aid course every two years, some people on the courses still cannot pass, common failures are strength, stamina and knowledge retention. (Cannot remember things they were taught in the 2 days training before tests)
Nice video man! Great work! I agree with your extras in the 10 c's. I would also add food. Yeah. I dont know why you skipped that. Have food rations with you. Mres perhaps...
Just got to what how much you add before the survival kit is no longer light weight or takes up too much space. Depending where I'm travelling I sometimes add a small chocolate bar and/or small bag glucose lollies and/or similar for emergency use if required. Avoid foods requiring water in your survival kit. Have a great day.
I agree, I learned the 10 essentials in the 60's while in Scouting! Not a tape guy either, different lengths of quick ties work well also. Swiss army with saw, excellent.
Yes i agree bank line is strong but paracord has many more uses! inner strands can be used for fishing or extra cordage to tie down stuff. Many videos showing the uses.
Not sure if true, but I heard the reason paracord has become the cord of choice was not because of any better qualities by itself, but because the original survival handbooks by the military had paratroopers in mind and paracord from the chutes would be plentiful, and modern survivalists have ran with it as if it’s the cordage of the Gods
Some of us have been at this so long that we come close to carrying the original 10 C’s as our EDC. With the exception of the container and a poncho or tarp. Both of which are a tad cumbersome for EDC here in the States but probably live in every bush vehicle in Australia & Africa. One of the beauties of the outdoor mindset is learning to live through deliberate thinking. Adherence to a strict list rather than a mindset gets people in trouble and can even stymie growth. I cringe at the lack of gear that many younger “through hikers” dawdle off with. Gear that that creates independence. They often lack any troubleshooting capabilities at all. Their phone dies or they lose a signal (which is how everyone enjoyed the wilderness prior to 1996-ish) and they have no backup plan whatsoever. True bushmen rarely think about Mr Helicopter. Us old schools still associate litter rescues as indicators of massive trauma.
One thing I always critizes about Daves Cs is the first thing must be care, its crucial, fully agree. But he is not going into detail here often. First aid and out of which number 1 must always be the emergency blanket. He made some videos where he completely ignored first aid and the blankets, focusing to much on making fire etc but the more probable situation is cold and not having time or capability to make a fire due to injury, so having an emergency poncho and blanket and some other first aid stuff must be always number one in any list, before(!) anything else. I have seen videos even of attendees of his clases not carrying any real first aid not to mention emergency blankets ... and some videos of Dave ignore it and others of him he only mentions it very briefly as a side note really. This is against all survival rules I learned from military professionals of the German Mountain Troops in Bavaria (Gebirgsjäger). And more IMPORTANT: Care is not only about yourself but actually about your fellow camerades who are with you and need help, you might not be alone in the wilderness and still be in an emergency. This is true survival, caring is not only about yourself but others in the first place. So thank you for your Video, cheers from Germany
When I list items out , I tend to take for granted everyone already knows to add the most important items to a Survival Kit, I carry a Med-Pak but a decent pocket sized First Aid Kit is usually all that would be necessary, make one! Plastic Heavy Duty Trash Bags I always add in. And always Spare Socks and a good pair of Leather Gloves.
The bags, socks and gloves are required items for SRO basic survival class. Not everyone knows what is needed. We lose people every year here in Colorado.
I own several esee and there awesome but that warranty does mean anything in SHTF.. especially it its bad enough. I recommend esee but i also recommend others also. Any of the kabar BK series. Tops., benchamde, bark river
Wouldn't the cotton bandana and cargo tape cover first aid? The bandanna can be used as gauze, a sling, a tourniquet, wound packing etc and cargo tape can be used as bandaids, blister covers, and with the mylar blanket to make a chest seal. Just to name a few things that come to mind.
If you have the skill and ability you are right - if it's all you got then you use it. However, for those that may not have the skill sets, a few dedicated first aid items such as some sticky plasters, crepe bandages and iodine cream can make it easier. Have a great day.
Carry a candle. A small T candle will give you four hours of burn time for starting a fire. Burning a candle under your poncho for warmth can be a life saver. Also consider taking water purification tablets.
The 10 C's addresses first aid if you understand the multi functionality of each item. The cotton material is a bandage or splint. A small piece of cotton material with the gorilla tape is a bandaid. The cordage can be used for splints and tourniquets. The needle can sew stitches and dig out splinters. Disinfect the needle with fire first. The magnify lens on the compass helps look at splinters, etc... more closely. The mirror on the compass allows you to look at your face/eyes or check your back for ticks, leaches, etc... The space blanket can wrap up a person in shock or who is suffering hypothermia. He always says the C's are just categories, and you can carry multiple of each if you want. If you watch his videos he explains all of this.
I remember Dave mentioning a couple times that the 5/10 c’s is not necessarily about reducing a kit to 5 or 10 items. I don’t remember the way he phrased it but it’s about a kit that can meet the needs that the 5/10 c’s lays out. It could be 7 items or it could be 23 items. Just a guide to help you put together a kit that can perform basic survival functions if it was pressed into an emergency situation. Sorry if that’s confusing, it makes sense in my head but it’s not as clear when written out.
The ten 'C' are not ten items, but rather ten 'areas' or 'thoughts' that need to be covered.
Dave also says that 'two is one and one is none', meaning plan for a backup item, e.g. a hatchet and a knife complement each other other as 'cutting tool'.
I do agree with the core message of this video: A minimal first aid kit, tailored to your personal needs, should be on your person at all times. A second, more comprehensive, but still compact kit, belongs in the pack!
It's based on 5 or 10 categories not 5 or 10 items
Yes, categories of items!
@Scott lindholm you are correct, Dave has a few videos posted where he explains that the 5/10 c’s are categories of items and they are not limited to one item each but what you need to facilitate your own survival should you have to inconveniently camp. He has also stated that first aid is a separate kit but, he has demonstrated and explained how the 5/10 c’s can also be use to facilitate first aid and emergency care
Excellent! Well said! Correct in every way!
The 10 C's are categories. You're not limited to only one thing. A multitool is a cutting device, for example. You can carry an SAK or multitool AND carry a belt knife (that's also what Dave does). A full tang knife is going to be more durable and if you need to baton wood (for making a fire, making a bow drill, etc) you'll want something you can hit without worry of it breaking. Probably not something to worry about for an overnighter, but I'd prefer to have it if I expected to be out for longer periods. I carry an SAK or multitool mainly because it can provide a saw blade.
Your "cotton bandana" is a first aid item, among it's many other uses. It's also why a shemagh is better, because it's larger. It can be a sling, a tourniquet, gauze, pressure dressing, etc. Cargo tape is another first aid item. Small cuts are not life threatening issues. Throw a piece of tape on it if you must, but you'll survive if you don't. However, I always have a couple bandaids in my wallet. If people carry a first aid kit, they're better off carry a basic TRAUMA kit and know how to use it. A tourniquet alone could save your life in a bad situation.
And that is all theoretical to you, isn't it? You haven't done any of the things you are talking about.
@@thomgizziz Nope, I sure didn't spend 12 years in the military, two tours to Iraq, TCCC Tier 2 training, red cross certified, and I definitely don't spend a lot of time in the woods and I certainly don't do a lot of survival, homesteading, and primitive classes all around the country. What even is a knife?
Extra C's can be
CARE= First Aid and personal meds and even include basic hygiene
CALORIES= some food... even just an energy bar or 2
CALLING/COMMUNICATION= Whistle, bright bandanna, headlamp, chem. stick, signal panel etc..
CASH= some change and paper money for finding a store in town for food and water.
The 10 C's of survivability are a GREAT idea for a basic kit and a starting point. Especially the first 5 as they are the most difficult to reproduce in nature but I agree, I always thought they could be expanded upon. Maybe it's time for Dave or someone to UPDATE the 10-C's to maybe the 15- C's (or however many)of survivability. JMHO 👍
Which really makes for the 15 Cs . . . 5 too many to remember. Care, calories and communication are just as important as the original 10-- something Dave Canterbury wouldn't argue against. 10 Cs are merely a starting point, not to mention redundancy with any of the Cs.
I also have a few issues with the 10 C's. One of the philosophy points of the 10 C's is to help with the "lost hiker / lost hunter" in a 72 hour scenario. For the average person who stumbles across the 10 C's there are a couple of additions that will make an outsize difference.
Chemical water treatment tablets, or a water filter (Sawyer, et al) for most people is a MUCH more reliable way to get potable water. Requiring a fire to have potable water is a huge issue for people who do not actively practice fire craft in adverse conditions.
Communication device - a whistle (and optionally some chem lights). Yes, most people will just have a cell phone, but those are unreliable. Yes, there are multi-functional items in the 10 C's that cover some signaling capability - orange survival blanket, mirror on the compass, fire, etc. A whistle is one of the best ways to make yourself heard if you suspect rescuers are nearby - especially at night. A whistle and a chem light on a 2ft rope is one of the best night time signals you can have.
I agree that the "repair" items (Cargo tape, Canvas needle) can be moved into the next 10 C's.
Overall, I think in terms of different kits to meet my needs - and then I carry these in a layered way, some in my pockets, some on my body, some in the rucksack, some in the vehicle, etc.
Fire Kit
Shelter Kit
Water Kit
Cooking/Food Kit
Navigation Kit
First Aid Kit
Signal Kit
Tool Kit
You are missing the point of the ten c's. It isn't meant as individual items. It is meant as ten areas that are hard to make in wilderness.
@@charlesgoodroejr9540 I did not miss anything. The Cs are arranged in some kind of relative priority order to help in a survival situation.
For the reasons I discussed - Chemical water purification and a Calling device should be seen as higher priorities than Cargo tape and a Canvas needle.
They are arranged in order of being the hardest to recreate in a situation. And are a starting point to build on. Dave never said, don't carry this or that. It is simple stuff that the average person could carry while out and about. By all means, carry your chemical water purification tablets, as he has said to before.
Oh and cargo tape will help you get that fire going after lose the ability to call anyone because your cellphone died or broke..
Fire to boil and sanitize water is the most reliable option because it's bombproof, especially long term.
Get a pot. Get a stove (like Solo Stove that fits inside the pot) that you can use minimal combustible materials to start and burn a quick and efficient, smokeless fire to boil the water.
Add in chemical tablets as a quick backup for on the move but you should always have both options.
I agree on First aid, after that machete attack on Appalachian Trail, I include a Tourniquet, 5x9 sterile pads, gauze roll, cohesive wrap. I don't use the 10 C's, but I include Brunton Map Compass, every time I get off trail to stealth camp or poop, I point Map Compass in direction I am heading, put "Red in the Shed", and that compass is set. Return direction is 180 degrees from that setting. Always have a pocket knife, lighter, whistle, & cash in my pocket. Other than that, I plan for overnight, have Food (+ tooth brush + Poop kit), Water (+ filter + Clorox), Shelter (Per Dave Canterbury: 3x4 piece of tarp + 55gal drum liner to lie on, SOL Escape Bivy to lie in, Arcturus Poncho to lie under), Warmth (clothes + gloves for coldest temperature I am expecting). Basic kit = 11lbs.
Humans have been using the first 5C's since 3100 BC, including yourself. Dave Canterbury will tell you he didn't invent the 10C's. He put it together as part of a system that is easy to teach and remember. They are categories of things needed. First Aid may not be listed in the 10C's but it is listed as "don't forget items" for your kit, both in his books and at his classes.
Dave’s original lists:
FIVE C's - Critical Items: (Addressing (Core Temperature Control [CTC]) - Critical for survival situation - Shelter, Fire and Water
- Cutting, Combustion, Cover/Clothing, Container, Cordage
NEXT FIVE Cs - Comfort Items -
- Cotton Cloth, Compass, Candle, Canvas/Sailing needle Cargo Tape
(previously included but replaced by tape and needle: Cargo - A good pack; Combination)
FURTHER FIVE Cs - Convenience Items
- Cutting Tool (2nd), Container (a pot), Cutting Tool Sharpener, Critter Gitter, Combination Tool
--(added by ME)--
Complacent Items (Redundant-C’s )
- Capture/Consume (hunting / fishing / trapping), Communications, Currative (First aid), Cleanliness (hygiene), Cooking/Culinary
If you're going to carry cotton cloth for making char cloth, just buy firestarter. If you think you will wear a cotton shirt, keep in mind that Search and Rescue calls cotton clothing Death Cloth. Bic type lighter is primary combustion tool, think of your ferro rod as the backup.
@@USMC6976 Yep, I use a Bic Lighter before one of my Ferro Rods .. and standard Matches before the Bic Lighter.
Matches and Bic Lighters can be sourced almost anywhere and are much more convenient than a Ferro Rod. I'm not Ferro Rod bashing .. I have quite a few and stay in practice using them.
Perhaps as a 'Boomer', the good old 'Flame Safety Match' has been my GoTo from day one. Also as a never have smoker, Lighters (in my day, and part of the world, the 'Ronson' or equivalent was favourite) never featured.
@@thomasmusso1147 I live in the woods of Arkansas. I practice with a ferro rod at home, but my first choice in an emergency will always be the bic lighter I carry for just that purpose.
@@thomasmusso1147 @Greg Williams
agreed! I think that all these types of lists and ‘kits’ are very dependent on their true purpose, your skill, and your situation! I firmly believe that you should BE ABLE to survive on primitive skill and no/little man-made resources. But that is worst case scenario survival - and how often do we realistically expect to be in that situation? Anything less than that is camping and you might as well make it easy on yourself and use modern tools - within reason.
So much of these types of videos and concepts of survival and bushcraft are really just for entertainment. It’s men play-acting and reconnecting with their primitive nature. We do this kind of stuff - skillcraft and collecting tools / resources - for fun. So much of it is preference to the individual doing it and not any kind of ‘universal law’ that all must follow or be doomed.
Personally, I like the challenge. Do I ever foresee myself being so far from all civilization that I must survive off the land for days or weeks? No.
Will I ever really have the opportunity to go pioneering and build my cabin in the woods, 40 miles from the nearest town? No.
Do I like dreaming about it? Heck yeah!
So to keep that hope alive, I Bushcraft. ;-)
I find many bushcrafters have not worked outside everyday for thirty years.
I did commercial landscaping for over thirty years in Florida. The best tool I carried at all times was my Felco #2s. Nobody ever even mentions them. It was much more important than my Leatherman.
How come you did not touch the survival blanket on the mat
@sholland42 👍+1 for clearing a path or setting up a hunting blind, accept no substitute.
Instead of bandanas I use cheese cloth (the white of cheese cloth is easy to the cleanliness of that piece of cloth), but I do usually carry a couple of head wraps of some sort. I sweat a ton. First aid is definitely an essential for being out in the bush, even on a day trip. Never forget to take at least a few thousand calories with you as well. If you get tuck out of doors, you will need the nourishment.
👍 Yes, cheese cloth is a definite Yes! We used it extensively in the Mining Industry as a 'sweat towel' (deep level gold mining .. it's hot down there 😏). Once the 'newness' has been washed out of it, much preferable to the 'bandanna'.
I was trained on the "10 Essentials." Together with Cantebury's 10C's, you get a good framework for outdoor readiness. I also trained as an EMT, so the first aid kit, extra water, and extra food are always on my list.
Great addition I as a Scout A.B.G.D. trained ex Deputy Sheriff and C.E.R.T. member first aid is a must.
The thing about the 10-Cs that most don't understand is that each "C" is a category and not individual piece.
It is ALWAYS good to have redundancy in the kit.
I teach adding 2 additional categories:
11) C = Care (first aid kit)
12) C = Communication (cell phone, satellite messenger, etc)
Fully agree. Even in a light weight kit 'communication' can even be a whistle and signal mirror. Have a great day.
@@realbroggo
Exactly
Others have added an additional category of consumables. Food water, first aid items, batteries and other items you would use along the trail
I agree. For Me, Compass also includes a map, notepad, pencil, march beads.
Candling includes spare batteries.
Communications also means whistle, flair, glo-stick, mirror, orange trash bags, in addition to cell phone, or radio.
I've recently done the same with my edc. I carry a small Coleman first aid tin and a portable battery for my phone so I can charge it up at least once
The 10 c's in its entirety is the the 10 categories that are the hardest to recreate in the wild. This is the purpose of the 10 c's. Dave will tell u he did not create this system but made it easier for people to remember and utilize. Of course any system can and should be revisited and modified based on needs and environment. Overall a really great system and u pointed out some really great things as well.
I have a homemade first aid/trauma kit that's extremely small. I created it out of one of these tiny zip blood sugar monitor case... It contains a Swat T tourniquet. Can be used as a tourniquet or pressure bandage... Some gause .. a packet of blood stopper powder available at Walmart... A small scissors and tiny pen light tiny flashlight single AAA... Some med tape and some duct tape and two pieces of plastic that can be used as small chest seals.. large band-aid and small finger Band-Aids. Tiny mini envelope of antibiotic and a alcohol pad..... This kit is only 3 in x2in ×1 in .. and very lightweight
Triangia mess tins are like yours, they fit into an ALICE ammo pouch if you stuff the handle down the side. The original 10 wasn't 10 items like Dave's list; rather it was 10 areas to cover like first aid, extra food, extra clothes. I like Dave's 10C for a basic bushcraft kit, not survival kit. He often mentions mirror on a compass but not everyone wants that style of compass, so I always carry a dedicated signal mirror and whistle. Great video, nice to hear an opinion other than just a mirror of Dave's 10 C's.
I with you Sir! Nice to hear a professional opinion of diffrence. After 40 years camping/bushcraft/survival etc I still use many of the items i had back in the day. I run weekend survival courses back in the 80's using things I had learned from Major Les Hiddings and sergeant Major John Wiseman. In my eyes two of the best survival instructors ever both learned their skills from base elements the tribesmen themselves and enhanced their knowledge with western world equipment. Definitely a first aid kit with pain relief and bite sting cream inc and the biggest thing to carry is knowledge without that all the Gucci kit is not worth a piss. Great topic keep these videos coming 👍
Completely agree about First Aid . I call my 11th C " Care " it's first aid & like half a roll of Toilet Paper. Bonus = Our family has found that we get a nice Dopamine hit by filling up garbage bags of other people's trash that has been left behind. so 12th C = Collect - result You are suddenly overflowing with Virtue. Wink :)
Look at what Thru hikers carry, they walk from Mexico to Canada, no big knives, tape, needles, cordage
👍👍👍
Good points regarding the First Aid Kit. One can add Signalling (whistle / reflective mirror .. the mirror being also a First Aid Item) and more to the Kit.
I see the 10 C's as not 'Cast in Stone' but rather a Basis / Point of Departure .. something from which one can work or something to generate ideas regarding what should be carried at the time.
Dave Canterbury does stress 'redundancies' regarding his list .. also interpreted as to 'Adapt the Kit to the Environment / envisaged Activity'.
'Kits' are very much a function of not 'what to include therein, but rather what to leave out'.
What I do like is the use of Bank Line over 550 Paracord. '550' appears to have been a Mantra accepted and preached by each and every 'Survivalist / Bush Crafter / Whatever, out there.The last 55-odd years, 'Mason Line' and Nylon Washing Line / equivant has served me well. I have and use cheaper versions of 550 Cord .. having never seen the need to fork out the extra cash for the real deal.
Correction, I have used '550' .. when attached to an overhead parachute canopy 😊.
'Search and Rescue'. Could you please talk about this sometimes. Based on your experience, what the average person out there should / should not do when going into the outdoors. I am sure that this would be of benefit to many.
Good post .. thanks. Take care ..
great point first aid ( CARE ) should always be included in most if not all kits. and if you wanna make the multitool a "C" call it a combination tool , Yanno just to keep with the C names. Thanks for your perspective.
I used to teach Wilderness Survival, way back in the 80's. I'm 61 now and I've learned a few things. First off, a First Aid Kit, is something you should always carry. Its a Basic needed item. I carry one on my bicycle, and when I hike, it goes in my pack. A Army Medic helped me build it. So here are my 7 C's that I have come up with
1. Cover, a Tarp or Rain Poncho, with stakes. Since you cannot always make stakes, easier to have them with you.
2. Cordage, I like 550 cord, always have, but each to their own.
3. Cutting. One is none, two is on e. So I carry a Swiss Army Deluxe Tinker, and a old Gerber Multi Tool. Plus a sheath knife, a tomahawk, and folding saw. Yep, even on a day hike. Because you never know how long a day hike might last.
4. Combustion. You pretty much covered that one nicely. Except I also carry Strike Any where Matches, yes you can still find them, in a water proof case. And yes, take some tinder with you. Whether you make it or buy it.
5. Container. I will always have a water bottle with me. Be it a Nalgene, or a Klean Kanteen. But that rectangular tin, a very goo idea. As for making drinkable water. I also carry coffee filters, rubber bands and the Pure Water Aqua Drops. Remember the higher up you go, the lower the temp water boils at.
6. Calories. I always have food with me on a day hike. But, I also carry enough food in case I have to spend the night outside, away from camp or trail head.
7. Communications. Now I am not talking a Cell Phone. I am talking a good loud Whistle, a Signal Mirror, a Bright Orange signal panel. Maybe some of the Chem Lights. Also a good bright flashlight. But a flashlight is something I always carry.
The cotton bandana is also something I always have on me. My Army friend taught me how useful they are. As far as things like tape and a sewing kit. I think that depends on the person.
Yes, I am old school. I don't worry about the weight too much, just if I have the right items I need.
So that is my 7 C.s, and my two cents worth. Stay safe.
The 10C'S are all items that are difficult, time consuming, and calorie expensive to make from natural materials in a survival scenario. That is why they were selected as important to have as minimal kit. You can add whatever you want.
Fully agree. The 10 C's just make a sensible and tried/tested starting point. Have a great day.
@@realbroggo Thank you for your reply.
Thank You very much, this video is very helpful!
I agree with Stan Graves comment, and prefer to think in terms of the eight pillars of survival. Shelter, fire, water, and first aid are the first tier. The second tier is communication/signaling, navigation, food, and personal protection. You can include a ninth category, tools/repairs if you’d like, or the tools can be inclusive within whichever tier that they belong. Thanks for an informative video. The point is, find whichever way of covering your bases works best for you, then run with it.
I have never liked the ESEE Knife I tried but the handle being such a slab handle just never felt comfortable when doing any amount of wood work. Totally agree with you on the need for a first aid kit in any kit. Thanks for sharing great video.
I'm not a bushcrafter or even much of a hiker but I enjoy walking in the woods. My day pack includes; A 5x7 tarp, compass and map, fire kit (fire steel, lighter, matches, fat wood, tinder, pocket stove with 8 cubes and a silky pocketboy) first aid kit with a basic trauma kit, (tourniquet & Israeli bandage) Water kit (purification tablets, water bags and filter) Leatherman sidekick, trail marking tape, modified Stanley cook set, (with bale & sealable plastic lid) A packable jacket, wool socks and hat. Water and food appropriate for a day hike. Emergency food (2 backpacker meals, 2 cups each of oats, lentils, black beans, self rising flour, dried fruit and cous cous, a couple of boullion cubes, instant coffee, sugar, creamer, salt and honey packets) GPS locator beacon and a fixed blade knife (either a Becker bk2 companion or an OKC rat-5)
I'm not any kind of survival expert but I have been both lost and medically stranded in the woods. (On separate occasions) now I always go prepared.
Something no one ever talks about in these videos is what to do when you're injured. What if you break an arm or leg? Everything becomes incredibly difficult if not impossible. If you can't move around, keeping warm is hard.
Practicing survival skills is really just camping. Understand that being trapped either by being lost or injured is terrifying. Have something to focus you if you start to panic (sit down, sing a song, say a prayer, eat a candy bar, smoke a cigarette, whatever) Panicking won't help but being overconfident is more likely to get you killed. Never rely solely on technology. Both when I was lost and when I was injured, search and rescue were delayed by weather.
Take with you whatever you would want when you're dealing with extreme stress (for me it's food, music and cigarettes) keeping up your own moral will help more than almost anything. If you give up, your f*cked.
I see the 10c’s as an outstanding survival guidelines that you could modify them accordingly to your needs and environment. Professor Canterbury verbalized it in several teaching videos. The purpose of a
guideline, not a policy that is mandatory, is a general recommendation or point of view of how to do things easier due to different proven experiences.
Personally, first aid and a traumatic kit must be included as part of an item in the C’s.
Carry coffee filters to filter water, also use as kindling.
I enjoyed this video. As much as I respect Dave Canterbury's willingness and ability to share his knowledge free of charge on RUclips and think the 10 Cs make a lot of sense no one knows everything and it is good to see different perspectives.
If I am just going out for a day hike/trail walk kind of thing I will have a FAK along with some, basic version of the 10Cs.. I haven't done a lot of back country camping (yeah, I mostly do campgrounds) but when I do if I plan to use an axe/hatchet/heavy chopper I want at least a real tourniquet and a couple packs of bleed stop with gauze pads and tape as a minimal trauma kit. Caution and prevention are key but an accident with one of those tools striking the wrong place and a basic FAK isn't going to do much good.
I am also non-insulin dependent diabetic. My condition isn't severe and I could go one or maybe two days without eating but there will be no going three weeks without food, for me so I will always have at least a little food. Which also brings up carrying at least two or three days worth of your prescription meds along with the OTC stuff in an FAK.
Dave Canterbury does talk about first aid but he is often pretty heavy on first aid usage of various plants and things available in the wild or on making tinctures, etc. and having them in his pack. In fact I think he did a whole series of videos on that. I think the subject is cool as all get out and learned a few things I could use in a pinch but for me and my experience level I want that container of commercially produced first aid goodies with me.
Also, Mr. Canterbury has a few videos on 'the 15 C's' where he adds more items, including some of what he considers comfort items.
I haven't watched the video yet, but a BOLD statement to say the ten Cs are flawed. I gotta watch!
Ok... I watched. Dave doesn't include a boo boo kit probably because nothing in a boo boo kit is central to survival (in the range of snivel gear unless you're talking about a tourniquet... But there's some inherent issues with that level of injury) and with some skills, you can handle most more serious burns, cuts and breaks with harvested materials. Saps being a natural antiseptic and walnut hulls too. Dave knows all that and can do it with a knife and knowledge. I'd say that's where his classes come in and others like it.
I say all that, but I too carry a full blow out (IFAK.)
But seeing it full circle, my money is still on the 10Cs. But I very much appreciate your 11 Cs idea👍 good video sir.
You made me a subscriber👍
Good video! My mental checklist for packing is 13Cs. 10Cs plus:
'Care' (Which is just what I call my IFAK, plus anything else I need to look after my body like a very small hygiene and shit kit)
'Communications' (Whistle, GPS Beacon/EPIRB and my phone and a pencil and paper for leaving notes or keeping track of navigation decisions)
'Consumables' (any food, drinks etc to keep the moral up, this could be coffee, hot chocolate, miso, hydrolytes).
Great kit. I always add a few feet of flagging tape. It's lightweight and takes up almost no space at all. But can be invaluable if you get lost think you might have trouble finding your way back to your Basecamp.
I think after watching and reading comments that the 10 c's are a great idea. Most of the comments are spot on. One thing I would add about the 10c's is most of these items are in a category of items that are very time consuming to create in the wild. Its not that you can't make them but do you need something like a fire right now after falling in cold water. I agree with the category's but don't overlook the ITEM and the time and effort to recreate a cutting edge, or cordage, or a container or friction fire. Spend more time enjoying the outdoors because you have the 10 c's. Never stop learning.
I am in Central Texas. 8 months out of the year. It is hot. Most times lows will be over 65•F highs can be over 100. Shade during peak heat of the day, can be the difference between life and death. Shade cloth is light. Also the need to carry at least half a gallon of water is advised as a minimum.
Remember the 10 C's are basic short term survival items. Dave also stresses multi use items. The bandana, Gorilla tape and sail needle can be first aid items. Personally, I carry more than that for first aid tailored to me. As an example I carry gauze pads. With the gauze pads, bandana and gorilla tape I can make small to large bandages.
Enjoyed your video, and your thoughts. Thanks for taking the time to make it. I respect your opinion.
Ok, I never heard of the ten essentials. Thanks for bringing that to us. I'm looking it up as I watch your video.
Great video! Thanks for sharing!!
My go to survival Headlamp ..is the Princeton Tech "BYTE".. a tiny lightweight waterproof single strap.. headlamp that runs on two AAA batteries...low -high & Red .. I use Energizer ultimate lithium batteries... In spare ultimate lithium AAA.. they are lighter than alkaline.. they do not leak like alkaline.. they work in the cold.. and they have a 10-year shelf life.. yes they were a bit pricey but I get them on sale.. I also have a
2×AAA handheld flashlight also...
I remember the 10 Essentials being emphasized for hunting, as a very basic 24hr kit if one were stuck in the woods, for whatever reason. Therefore, the list included some food and water provision. THE TRICK was to keep it as light and compact as possible, understanding that it was NOT the primary outdoors rig; rather what you would keep with you after making camp.
It amazes me when I get an opportunity to look at what other people are actually carrying in their bushcraft kits. On the onset all of the items in these sacks, bags, or packs seem to belong there, they make sense to carry with you. But when you try to pickup many of these sacks, bags, or packs they are very heavy. Overloaded to the point that they no longer make sense to try to carry. So, we can’t really take everything that we might need with us. We’re limited by weight and space. That is where these lists come in. Setting a definite inventory of items that bring certain capabilities ti our kit. It has been said that the stronger your skills, the less dependent you are on stuff while in the woods. There is some truth to that. However, we are all at different skill levels when it comes to bushcraft. Some think that they are better prepared than they really might be. Some have very little actual experience in the woods. All justification for carrying the stuff you’ll need to survive and thrive on an adventure. I agree with the baseline established with these 10 C’s and other lists. Of course, no one includes food and water on their list, but we all know that it is going to be in the bag. Just my thoughts on your conversation.
I agree with first aid comment. I would also include a paper map and pocket sized binoculars
great video. going to put together a lightweight kit using this for reference. been really wanting that esee 4!
I like antiseptic options. Particularly the kind that double for wound treatment and water purification. This might be Iodine or Potassium Permanganate. My view on containers is these have a few basic functions to cover. Water transportation, purification, cooking, char manufacture and containment of sharp objects such as needles.
I particularly like items that gracefully fail over from wanted backpacking items. A metal water bottle might normally store dry wood for a twig stove as the hydration bag and filter system has not failed yet. An Altoid mini tin can carry tinder, water purification and a canvas needle. With a light weight survival system near 1 to 3 pounds, the rest of a backpack dry weight can focus on the backpack as planned objective and base weights near 8 points are often easily achieved. Further, Ultra Light objectives have a creditable survival system baked in for the backpack gone sideways.
Great video. Thanks for sharing the items
Duct tape is very versatile in that you can also rip off a section and use it to light a fire and it will burn for a while to get the fire going. I like that you added a medical component to your kit but one other thing I think that would be very helpful in addition to a kit like a 10 C's kit would be water purification. I know the cotton cloth in filtering and then a good boil works wonders but as a redundancy a water filter straw like a life straw or mini sawyer or 2 to 3 tablets really don't weigh much nor would they take up much room. I just know water is very important and to have a surr fire way to have drinkable water is quintessential. Another thing I liked was that you had two containers you can hold and boil water to purify to cook to organize so many things but you're not solely relying on just your water bottle to do all the work you have a redundancy. I like when things are multi purpose
My day hike kit includes a signal mirror & whistle and I have a bandana in a bright blue, so it is a good contrast vegetation for visibility. I also keep a extra snack/meal bar along with my food for the day.
Agreed on first aid and multi tool. Most of my EDC is first aid and hygiene items, with a multitool and some small repair items tucked in it. That all goes into a dayhike/bushcraft pack when I go out. Gotta be prepared when you're cutting and burning stuff in the woods!! I have a list of both the 10c's and the 10 essentials plus my personal list to reference when I'm packing for a trip.
I included a first aid kit with my 10 c’s. But my first aid kit does not have anything with an adhesive. No bandaids. No tape. None of them. Instead I have little rolls of co-band. It has no adhesive and it only sticks to itself. I’m allergic to all adhesives.
I agree gotta have first aid kit
C = Care
I use the 10 C's list as stuff to add to my kit if not already present. Basic 1st aid, mosquito deterrent/protection, sun protection, water/snacks are the #1 item in any of my kits. #2 is navigation, which varies depending on where I'm at or doing (I carry a compass really just for fun in my area). Then, what I consider part of survival: rain/cold protection, water filter and the 10 C's. Over top of that would be comfort items, which are not really needed for a day hike unless it's a really crappy day.
Great video. And for a second I was inclined to totally agree with a first aid kit, which in my case, I’m fond of carrying in my EDC waterproof bandages, pain killers and ointments.
But as I’ve watched some (not all) vids of Mr. Canterbury, and others from his school, first aid is also implied in the redundancy of the 10 C’s of Survival.
In a survival situation, we got to make do with what we have, what we can make, and how can we enhance survival potential.
Great video, and I’m not taking sides. Just my humble thoughts.
The Prepared Wanderer is always a great source of information for the outdoor enthusiasts. You got my mental wheels churning again regarding. My essentials list will follow soon. Stay safe out there. 🤗
The 10c's is a starter kit for beginners, esssentially. Dave has evolved his mentality over time to include groupings of items into each category, rather than single items. Like for me, I have first aid kits, fishing kits, trapping kits, cooking kits, and sewing kits. Then I'll have a shelter and sleep system, a water treatment and storage system, and a weapon system....which are all just more types of kits really. The idea that you need 10 items or are limited to just those 10 things is obviously not a real limitation or requirement.
Totally agree, living in Australia you must carry 2 snake bite (compression bandages) and a very good way of stopping blood flow. Due to the isolation it’s important for those items.
Thanks for the vid...Mors Kochanski...HE is the guy who's knowledge Dave C. stole and profited from. Plain and simple.
Dave said hundreds of times that the 10c is not 10 items, it is 10 categories of items, it can be many items for each c
Great video! I love BOTH the 5c’s AND the 10 Essentials! Why choose between them? Both are GREAT!
the 10c's are categories of different items. not just one per category. like cutting tool... knife, saw , ax, machete and so on. combustion can be ferro rod, bic, like you show, but also Fresnel lens or magnifying lens, and cover can be a tarp, of several designs, poncho, sleeping bag and so on. so you could carry more than one item . i carry a knife, saw and a hatchet , also a ferro rod, bics, matches, fresnel lens, and fatwood. i also carry a poncho, tarp and a sleeping bag. maybe the 10c's is an advanced form of the 10 essentials. i agree that everyone should carry some form of first aid, and a way to carry and filter water. imo combining both methods will get you a well rounded kit.
I always say the tenth “C” should be called “care item” which would be a first aid kit and include items for heath, basic hygiene and repair.
I've always treated the 10 c's as categories and not necessarily a single object of each one. Also, I can't remember who it was, but there was a fellow who added another 5 c's for a total of 15 which were: care, consumables, comunication, critter and comfort. I believe these 5 complemented Dave originals which fell short in the first aid, food procurement, and rescue department. I always use the 15 c's as a baseline for my bug out bag, bushcraft or simple camping and hiking gear
The 10 C's are Bushcraft gospel now no denying it.
It's very easy to remember the 5 C's and or the 10 C's of survivability. They are the bare-bones basic necessities to have a easy time in a survival situation. Anything can be improved upon this is just your baseline skeleton of needs to smooth it vs rough it.
A trauma kit is a good thing to have. Some items in my kit alao fit in the 10 cs like triangle bandages. Some type of Small hunting kit is also good
I think it’s pretty well communicated that the 10 Cs are a base, and don’t mean only 10 individual items. Would you not assume you would also be taking other items like food and first aid? TP is not mentioned but I never go out for even a day trip without it, it going to lose a good pair of socks😂 It’s even mentioned always when talking about the 10 that individual needs and preferences are to be considered. For instance, I prefer a smaller belt knife I like, but it is not made for heavy batoning. I’m not building a bonfire and can make do with wood I can use without doing so. That being said, I also carry a small woodcarver style hatchet that will process larger wood or even dress game if I maintain the edge as I should. I also carry a multi tool. So to count that’s three cutting tools for one of the Cs. One is none, two is one. I can vary my kit easily to suit the days needs, from a basic kit to a full multi day pack. This is the philosophy of the 10 Cs, a base to start with to plan for your needs, which you have done. I don’t think it can be stated that it is a flaw, only that this is how it can be interpreted.
The 10 Cs are a good general starting point, but I've started looking at the rule of 3s as a kit design guide.
Can't do anything with air/3 minutes (unless you carry an oxygen bottle with you)
Exposure/3 hours. To me this is important. I've been on a number of search and rescue operations and this is the one that gets lost people in trouble the fastest. First thing to do is an exposure kit appropriate to you circumstances.
Next, water/3 days. Always carry water and have the means to purify water.
If you are lost, then signaling for help is next (yes, not part of the rule of 3s). But I think this is very important if you are not bugging out, but just lost.
Food/3 weeks. If you are lost, don't waste time trying to fish or trap. However if you are bugging out, that changes.
In all cases the 10 Cs help you pull together your kit.
For the rule of threes, there is something you can do about three minutes of air. Think about a wildfire scenario with smoke and ash, and what you need to breathe in that scenario. A good N95 mask.
@@bradowens4592 Thank you!
Customization of the basic kit for your area of operation is key to success. We always pack a few water purification tablets just in case water is needed pronto. We are retired, and living in the Philippine islands. We have a lot of water sources but you had better not drink any of it without first treating the water. The ability to make a fire is universally important. Pasteurizing water, cooking food, and in some locations, you will need heat. When visiting the mountains of Baguio, 215 Klicks (133 miles) north of our home base, it can get rather frosty. We add a few sachets of electrolyte powder to treat serious dehydration. For our location, bug nets and repellent should be considered mandatory. Some of our skeeters carry bad things such as malaria and dengue fever. Better safe than sorry. We also tend to go full tilt on medical supplies with a large kit. It would be a shame to waste Beautiful Bride's nursing skills. She has worked in many positions including recovery room, ER, OR, and with children and geriatric folks.
Bank line is cool. Dave likes it but you can snap it fairly easy and it frays. Parachord is very strong.
Good video , thanks for sharing , God bless !
Hard to argue with Dave C and I always use his 10 C's as a starting point. However, my belief is there is no universal do it all kit. You really need to modify your kits to account where you are travelling (ie. climate and environment) and personal situation. For example, I add 'Care' (eg. first aid/personal care) and 'Communication' (usually a whistle & mirror). Anyway, thanks for the vid. Love hearing different ideas and opinions - helps improve my own knowledge and makes me think about my own gear.
That's all the ten C's are meant for. A starting point. The ten c's are the hardest items to make in the wilderness.
have to say a multitool is so useful. i was visiting family last year and was snaring and preparing rabbits with just my chinese leatherman copy from amazon. wirecutters for the wire, sawblade for the wood pegs, knifeblade to sharpen pegs and field dress rabbits. it was all i had on me and did the job well.
Thanks for the video
That's something I always questioned about the 10 Cs was a 1st aid kit of some kind thanks for sharing your knowledge I definitely like the 10 essentials take care & be safe
Not to bash Dave Canterbury but I completely agree with you a first aid kit is the first thing I add to any kit not to mention there is a difference between a first aid kit or boo-boo kit and a trauma kit. A very simple situation in the woods can go very bad very quickly.
Definitely would like to see more people pushing for a good, basic trauma kit solutions, IFAC and a pocket guide like Wilderness medicine and training because emergency prep off grid 'in the wild' has so many variables and ya need to be able to handle each situation, especially in grid down or super lost with potentially days plus with no medical care. And so obviously the severty of wound and location of that injury matters greatly. Some places commomly hiked all over still have spotty cell or none at all. So there really are no guarantees. We can only do our best and make medical a top priority.
So....What prep items give you the best running chance without being able to carry a full medic's kit? Surely nothing even close to what I see most people pack especially with the ultra light craze going viral.
You said it perfectly to start this conversation.
And I am no medic, lol. But I say people working with knives all the time at work or play and really very used to it will say eventually there will be accidents. Bank on it. With fire and burns there are those added issues. Axe use. Falls...the list goes on.
True story...I believe it was the two brothers who made Alone, Ted and Jim Baird that later on after the show were out filming one of their extreme white water adventures, hours away from help and in territory even the best recue teams would have issues with. They had to portage an area and Ted fell on his axe somehow scrambling up steep, wet rocks in just horrible cold conditions. Just a freak accident. I think it got his leg. He did go into shock. Luckily his brother knew what to do. I think, pretty sure they wrapped it with a Swat T but dont quote me. Regardless he had to walk atleast part way to an area he could be recused from.
I live in NH and watch so many on video walking the AT is similar conditions with a baggie of bandaids and a few packs of creams. ????? Insane.
Anyway....
I was a florist cutting flowers for decades so I get it. Bandaids were a joke, useless, especially in trying to carry on with hard on hands labor, aka tasks in messy, dirty, wet and cold conditions with a pretty bad cut. It takes super glue and duct tape and hopefully ya cleaned things out good enough first. Good work gloves would not be out of the question.
This just happened to my guy splitting tinder with an axe for out wookstove. His thumb went down on the blade as he was using it to shave wood. Hes done this a thousand times. He is a Marine BTW and his nickname in the service was 'blade', he throws axes and knives for sport, so definately a knife and axe enthusiast for 40 plus years. He just was destracted and exhausted from OT at work, a long stormy commute home, after a long hard day at a very hard larbor job and freezing outside moving heavt sh%÷ the whole time.... and mistakes happen to the best. The point here is he cut deep and it just would not stop bleeding. He was just bleeding through gauze and medical tape like crazy even after using a small travel packet of blood stop. So don't bank on one is done. That is another joke. It took several attempts and wrapping it eventually with gorilla tape over the medical stuff tightly. Hard because it was on the top of his thumb and straight down. Then finally he could clean it a bit and super glue some through the mess of coagulated blood in the gell product. What a mess ! Being a Marine he refused to go to the ER, lol. Definitely needed stitches.
So how to take care of something pretty simple like this with no running clean water, no hydrogen peroxide, no roll of gauze, no blood stop, no super glue, no good tape?
My first go to always for medical is some kind of full package blood stop product, preferably blood stop gauze and depending on how bad the bleed you may have to use this first or stop bleeding with pressure somehow to clean, which isn't always easy or even completely possible with limited or sample size supplies. Next or beside this really is some way to wash out a wound once the bleed stops, especially if there is debris, dirt, gravel, wood with mold...you name it, and with filtered and purified treated water and not by using water pored out from a container that someone drank from. And you need clean hands to work on this that weren't just burying a duce out in the woods. So nitral gloves, hand sanitizer, stat. Packing out some kind of even small syringe or irrigation spout with dedicated sterile bag would be key like a Hydropak flask style. I was thinking the backflush syrindge from the Sawyer water filters could be key or a dual purpose item as well. Glad I didnt toss mine! But you still need a dedicated bag so packing out a simple dedicated sterile Silcone zip lock bag comes in handy here. These are very popular now as people use these instead of plastic throw away snack or sandwich bags or freezer bags. I buy them in set of 4 each snack, sandwhich, quart and gallon size. Great for organizing all my gear to keep things dry and compressed. Keep my medical supplies dry and sterile. I also carry Aquapure tabs so this takes care of purifying water. You may need allot, you may need atlittle water depending severity of injury, so these tabs are great to customize for amount. Just mark say a quart or gallon bag out with measurements ahead of time.
So I have watched allot of professional career medics on You Tubers. Three got together with a challenge to pick only three trauma items. They all agreed a tourniquet, blood stop gauze, compressed gauze. One actually chose the Swat T three in one because it can be used in hard places a traditional won't work, and can be used on children a traditionalmay just be too big for and I am adding use on dogs. And for the fact it's a pretty versitile compression wrap, that fills a big niche. Skinny medic tested it on himself and was impressed. Now for compression and gauze, an Isreali is great but usually packs pretty big, so north American rescue makes some of the smallest packages of compreesed gauze we have found. And we both carry a full sized blood stop gauze. I can fit all this in my jacket pocket. So why not?
I see people packing out camera gear, hunks of fat wood, three knives....omg. Ultra lighters have their selfie sticks, bags of junk food and a ton of camera batteries, and a snack bag if that of cheap dollar store bandaids and a pack of med. cream.
The world has gone mad ya know. Stay tuned...
Next a way to prevent infection.
and apply some kind of bacteria killing agent. I go straight for alcohol even though medical professionals shy agains this. I carry this in a key chain flask. Better to carry hydrogen peroxide. Iodyne is great too, and the trusty tripple antibiotic cream applied a few times per day especially if bandage gets dirty, so plan on many packets. For itch or burn creams as well. You can blow through tons.
I went to little refillable silicone tooth paste tubes because brand or store packaging is mostly air as we all know and I can buy bigger cheaper by volume and fill my stuff more efficiently to max capacity 8n a t8ny package. Just makes more sence. $....
I also carry blood stop and a turnakit.i use warfarin.
I’ve known about the essential’s list long before Dave came out with the 10 C’s, which is a great list but I have to agree with you that the 10 C’s & all lists are subject to interpretation & the local environment of the user & the skill level. Bring what works for you. The lists are a guide not a set of rules.
What I got out of DC’s The 10c of survival video was that it was 10 critical categories, not just 10 items. He even said there were more categories and items, but these would make the core kit. And it was because these 10 items or categories were very hard to reproduce in the wild. He also said they could vary in importance depending on where you lived and surrounding environment.
If you have the room, absolutely put a boo boo kit in. However I’m under the impression that a boo boo kit is simply not important enough or worth the weight vs it’s value in the overall list of items you could use.
1. Medical use is listed with 8 of the 10 items mentioned. Throw some superglue in there, and you’re set with about anything you could use a boo boo kit for.
2. If you’re in a situation where you’re down to using the 10c of survival, you’ve got bigger worries than not having bandaids and moleskins. You are not gonna die immediately from scrapes and small cuts.
Oh, not sure if anybody caught it, but I think you left out the bivy/emergency blanket?
A Swiss Army knife has some small tweezers but, I like to have a decent set in my kit. I also like to have a good pair of toenail clippers and readers as well. If you carry a bang stick add ear pro. Make sure that a good set of eye pro is available. No one wants to poke an eye on a random branch.
From an infantry perspective, if you can't keep warm the kit is no good. Wait till the weather is 20 degrees and go outside with your kit. If you say hell no. Your kit is deemed a failure. A 22 pistol is essential in my mind as well for survival and self defense. Because the 22 is light you can carry more ammo.
Do not switch out any of the 10'C's just add a couple to your kit and call your kit the 12 C's and have it all. The 10 C's is not one item for each of the 10 but each of the 10 C's is a category. Like cutin tool you have a belt knife attached to you as a primary blade but also have a SAK or Leatherman as a additional cutting tool. Cargo tape, needle and bandana are first aid items and the cotton bandages are also in the cotton category not to be left out of the 10 C's. I think Mors Kochanski talked about the 5 & 10 C's before Dave popularized them but Otze the 5,000 year old guy found frozen in the Alps was talking about the 10 C's before Dave & Mors
I would agree with the first aide kit some will argue that you could make some bandaids from tape and bandana ect but in an emergency it can be hard to think let alone recreate what you need that is why i carry a small first aide kit
An 11th and/or 12th "C" could be added in a Cuts (First Aid & Meds) and Critters Catcher (Steel Wire, Snares and Fishing).
Walmart, in the camping section, sells a stainless steel camping cup that nests with the Nalgene/ Kleenex kanteen bottles. It is not as large as the military surplus canteen cups, but it works for boiling water, etc.
Think in terms of the essentials that you need to accomplish, staying warm,so good waterproof clothing or gore Tex etc is first layer of protection,water container,water purification,food procurement,fish hooks fishing line,sling shot,first aid,also signaling,signal mirror and credit card sized magnifier for starting fire.
I remember one video a while ago that DC did talk about not having a FAK. His rationale was that he could improvise pieces from what he already had on hand. That being said. I do carry a small FAK. "Knowledge is King"
Dave probably doesn’t include first aid because he expects you would be able to harvest first aid materials from the wild. But you can bet if I’m going away from home I’ve always got first aid nearby. Just added a couple tourniquets to my EDC bag.
Nice starter kit.
The 10 c’s already includes (multi use) first aid items, cotton bandana/shemaugh, Gaffa tape, I always carry some iodine as a back up water purification method, Vaseline/cotton balls, fire starter/first aid.
Improvise, adapt and overcome.
First aid training should be compulsory, some people though still don’t get it even with training, via work I have to do advanced first aid course every two years, some people on the courses still cannot pass, common failures are strength, stamina and knowledge retention. (Cannot remember things they were taught in the 2 days training before tests)
Nice video man! Great work! I agree with your extras in the 10 c's. I would also add food. Yeah. I dont know why you skipped that. Have food rations with you. Mres perhaps...
Just got to what how much you add before the survival kit is no longer light weight or takes up too much space. Depending where I'm travelling I sometimes add a small chocolate bar and/or small bag glucose lollies and/or similar for emergency use if required. Avoid foods requiring water in your survival kit. Have a great day.
I want 12 Cs: The ten you mentioned plus a Club (weapon) and Comms (phone, radio-also includes battery.) New subscriber, thanks for the video.
And coffee!
@@ThePreparedWanderer I now want 13 Cs LOL
@@ThePreparedWanderer Now that's a good 'C' to have in your kit!!
I agree, I learned the 10 essentials in the 60's while in Scouting! Not a tape guy either, different lengths of quick ties work well also. Swiss army with saw, excellent.
The tape is a fire starter 😊😊
Yes i agree bank line is strong but paracord has many more uses!
inner strands can be used for fishing or extra cordage to tie down stuff.
Many videos showing the uses.
Not sure if true, but I heard the reason paracord has become the cord of choice was not because of any better qualities by itself, but because the original survival handbooks by the military had paratroopers in mind and paracord from the chutes would be plentiful, and modern survivalists have ran with it as if it’s the cordage of the Gods
Some of us have been at this so long that we come close to carrying the original 10 C’s as our EDC. With the exception of the container and a poncho or tarp. Both of which are a tad cumbersome for EDC here in the States but probably live in every bush vehicle in Australia & Africa. One of the beauties of the outdoor mindset is learning to live through deliberate thinking. Adherence to a strict list rather than a mindset gets people in trouble and can even stymie growth. I cringe at the lack of gear that many younger “through hikers” dawdle off with. Gear that that creates independence. They often lack any troubleshooting capabilities at all. Their phone dies or they lose a signal (which is how everyone enjoyed the wilderness prior to 1996-ish) and they have no backup plan whatsoever. True bushmen rarely think about Mr Helicopter. Us old schools still associate litter rescues as indicators of massive trauma.
One thing I always critizes about Daves Cs is the first thing must be care, its crucial, fully agree. But he is not going into detail here often. First aid and out of which number 1 must always be the emergency blanket. He made some videos where he completely ignored first aid and the blankets, focusing to much on making fire etc but the more probable situation is cold and not having time or capability to make a fire due to injury, so having an emergency poncho and blanket and some other first aid stuff must be always number one in any list, before(!) anything else. I have seen videos even of attendees of his clases not carrying any real first aid not to mention emergency blankets ... and some videos of Dave ignore it and others of him he only mentions it very briefly as a side note really. This is against all survival rules I learned from military professionals of the German Mountain Troops in Bavaria (Gebirgsjäger). And more IMPORTANT: Care is not only about yourself but actually about your fellow camerades who are with you and need help, you might not be alone in the wilderness and still be in an emergency. This is true survival, caring is not only about yourself but others in the first place. So thank you for your Video, cheers from Germany
When I list items out , I tend to take for granted everyone already knows to add the most important items to a Survival Kit, I carry a Med-Pak but a decent pocket sized First Aid Kit is usually all that would be necessary, make one! Plastic Heavy Duty Trash Bags I always add in. And always Spare Socks and a good pair of Leather Gloves.
The bags, socks and gloves are required items for SRO basic survival class. Not everyone knows what is needed. We lose people every year here in Colorado.
KFC:
KNIFE
FIRE
COVER
and
signaling
The Cs is the mentality of COLLECTING not preparing.
I own several esee and there awesome but that warranty does mean anything in SHTF.. especially it its bad enough. I recommend esee but i also recommend others also. Any of the kabar BK series. Tops., benchamde, bark river
👍 Excellent video,
And a Compass should be a basic item that you always carry. I do carry one every day in my EDC bag.
Wouldn't the cotton bandana and cargo tape cover first aid? The bandanna can be used as gauze, a sling, a tourniquet, wound packing etc and cargo tape can be used as bandaids, blister covers, and with the mylar blanket to make a chest seal. Just to name a few things that come to mind.
I wouldn’t want to rely on those in an emergency or take the time to fashion them
If you have the skill and ability you are right - if it's all you got then you use it. However, for those that may not have the skill sets, a few dedicated first aid items such as some sticky plasters, crepe bandages and iodine cream can make it easier. Have a great day.
Carry a candle. A small T candle will give you four hours of burn time for starting a fire. Burning a candle under your poncho for warmth can be a life saver. Also consider taking water purification tablets.
12 C's - add Cure Kit and Combo Tool 😊