If you are an outdoor enthusiast, then you cannot undermine the value of a well-equipped survival kit. It is considered a mandatory piece of equipment with good reason. The outdoor environment is unpredictable. From weather challenges, dangers from strangers and animals to accidents, and many others, having the right tools could be the thin line between life and death. Here are the top essential features of a survival kit:
1. Backpack
It is the most obvious piece since it makes it easy to contain all the rest of the items. The bag chosen should be lightweight, tough, and waterproof – you never know when you could need to swim or the weather could change. It should also be comfy to carry over long distances. which makes backpacks the best option instead of the slim bags, clutch bags, or other types of bags.
Its capacity should also accommodate all your belongings comfortably. Finally, one that allows you to attach your gear to the outside when prudent such as those with external webbing or MOLLE compliant will benefit you a great deal. If you happen to have extra gear that is cumbersome to carry, simply create a horseshoe pack to make your work easier.
2. Maps/ Master Plan
The more you have a bearing of the direction you’re headed, the more control you have. Whenever you are caught off guard by a challenge, knowing your environs will help manage the situation instead of aggravating it. Imagine running away from an animal, only to find yourself at a dead end. This also prevents you from moving further away from your desired area. As a rule of thumb, always carry your immediate location and wider location in a ziplock bag.
3. First Aid/Medical Kit
You will find many preassembled medical kits from pharmacies and grocery stores. Some essentials of a medical kit include antiseptics, needles, sutures, antidiarrheals, pain killers, plenty of bandages, tweezers, and latex gloves. They help prevent infections when injured and also relieve pain from accidents.
4. Sharp Knives
This is perhaps the most essential survival tool. It can be used to hunt, defend, sharpen arrows, cook, gather wood, and everything that you will need to survive in the wild. A fixed blade with a full tang makes the strongest knives, therefore is the best option. Serrated knives may be more durable, but they are harder to maintain. To guarantee efficiency throughput your journey, opt for a half-straightened half-serrated one. To take your caution to the next level, you should also carry extra knives, such as a folding knife in case you lose your first.
5. Multitool
It combines a knife, chisel, bottle opener, and many other tools into one and will be extremely useful.
6. Crowbar
You may not only have the woods to conquer but may come across rocky, hilly grounds, and a crowbar will be the lifesaver you need in such a situation. With the right rope, it can be an invaluable climbing apparatus.
7. Hatchet
Everyone has heard of the great reality show-survivor. If you are a survivor fan, then you know the first thing to do while caught up in the wild is to build a shelter and fire. Both of these will make your life more bearable, even in the toughest of situations. To make either of these, a hatchet will be your golden apparatus. It can be used to collect wood, build traps to catch rodents, build shelter, and so on. Though heavier than a saw, it is more efficient
8. Shotgun
When it comes to life and death situations, you need everything that will ensure that you remain alive packed in your backpack. One of these items is a firearm. A gun will face even the toughest of animals with courage. Consider a pistol for self-protection, and if you do not know how to use one consider taking classes. You could also use it to hunt some birds, rodents, deer, and so on.
9. Ammunition
What’s a gun without bullets! Since ammunition is quite heavy, a quality we’re trying to avoid when fighting for our lives, consider smaller rounds of ammo, those that you comfortably carry around without being too cumbersome.
10. Collapsible Shovel
Shovels are used for digging and compaction. You could use your shovel when constructing your shelter, a fire pit, looking for root tubers for food, and could even be used as a frying pan after cleaning!
11. Water Bottle.
Water is life. You would rather go without food than water. That said, carry some water with you, and since you can only carry enough to last you a few hours, carry a water bottle to collect water along your path.
12. Water Purification
Since you are collecting water in the wild, it might be contaminated, which may yield infection and make you vulnerable. You should opt for compact purification systems like iodine tablets, but when camping for a long while, a purification system should be chosen.
13. Sleeping Bag
For some warmth at night and to keep away the cold.
14. Collapsible Tent
If you have space for a tent in your bag, it will be of great value. You will have shelter everywhere you go, eliminating the need for the tedious construction process. You could also attach the tent to the exterior part of your bag to avoid taking up too much space inside.
15. Lighter, matchbox, or a magnesium block and striker.
Fire will keep you warm and light the way when batteries and Torch-charge run out. Having a lighter or any means of lighting a fire is therefore key.
16. Cotton balls
This will make a great fire especially when it rains and there are no dry leaves to start your fire. You could also use tampons.
17. 50-100 feet of climbing rope
It will handle shock when sliding down a steep slope since the rope is made to be resilient, and with its high tension resistance could also handle your weight when climbing. It will, therefore, be important when navigating tricky areas.
18. General Purpose Rope
It’s not as sturdy as the climbing rope but will be effective in creating traps, dragging and lifting game, making rafts, building shelters, and so on. Speaking of ropes, having a knot tying skill will also come in handy.
19. Appropriate Clothing
Even with the best survival kit, if you are uncomfortable, perhaps too hot or cold, chances of survival are compromised. With this in mind, assess where you are and where you’re heading then pack appropriate clothing for daytime and at night. Remember to pack some underwear and socks too to avoid infection.
20. Dry Energy Dense Foods.
You are not assured of finding game in the wild, or fruits to feed on. It is therefore wise to carry some nonperishable foods like nuts, dried pinto beans, or smoked meats. Peanut butter and chocolate also contain a lot of calories which will keep you going for a long while. Learn everything you need to know about survival food here.
Even in the toughest of situations, with these 20 items in your survival kit, you are assured of emerging strong!
