We recently got stranded overnight in the mountains of northern B.C. We were snowmobiling and couldnt get out of the drop off we went down, so we continued down the trail and eventually ran out of day light.
We had between the two of us:
Gas, Spare jerry can on the back of the sled. 5 Gal.
Saw, Buck folding.
Food and Beer
Lighter - Not working, it rattled around in the sled until it was not functional.
We were dressed for the weather. -15C
Shovel
First Aid Kit
Cell Phone - No Service, great to have just in case you do get service.
We made a shelter from spruce bows using the saw to cut them. Spruce bows also served as our bedding. The saw also cut our fire wood. We used the spark plug from the sled to create the fire. We melted snow in a empty beer can and had adequate food. It took most of our energy to keep the fire going and hot enough to keep warm. Getting fire wood in four feet of snow while walking up hill takes alot of time and energy.
The most critical of items was the saw.
I wish I had at the time:
Tarp
Extra blade for the saw, it could have broke
Matches (Spark plug worked excellent but shouldnt rely on it)
Extra Clothes
Sat Phone, to let everyone know that we were alright.
And I vote for Angelina Jolie......
Of course I have all the other things that I would normally bring but if I really needed to the above items would suffice.
By the way we were reported missing that night and a helicopter came and found us the next day.
I can't stress enough the importance of letting someone know where you are going and when you will be back.
If anyone wants a cost effective alternative to a Sat phone you should google "Spot Messenger"
