10 Things You Need in a Survival Kit: Complete Guide

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Rob Johnston

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10 Things You Need In A Survival Kit

You never know when an emergency may occur, which is why it’s always good to be prepared. When I’m hiking, hunting, or camping, I always pack a survival kit separate from the rest of my gear.

A survival kit should include everything needed to survive outdoors for several days.

Whether you suffer an injury or get lost in the woods, these items may save your life. Here are the top 10 things you need in a survival kit.

1. Water Hydration Kit

Water is the source of life. If you get lost or injured, you’re going to need water to survive, making a water hydration kit essential.

There are many types of water filtration or purification solutions. You can purchase purification tablets, filtration straws, and compact purifiers.

You may also want to include some type of container for holding your water. A metal container can be held over a fire to boil and sterilize the water. Filter the water first and then bring to a rapid boil for one to three minutes.

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2. Fire Making Kit or Ferro Rods

Besides water, you also need a fire when you’re stranded outdoors. Every survival kit should include fire-making tools. In fact, you may want to pack a few different types of fire starters.

The most basic types include lighters, matches, flint fire starters, and Ferro rods. All these options can be used to start fires. However, the Ferro rod is one of the most efficient options.

With a Ferro rod, you can produce sparks that reach 3000 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter. Striking flint and steel may only produce about 800 degrees of heat.

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3. Paracord Bracelet with Fishing Kit

A paracord bracelet is a multi-purpose piece of equipment. When the cord is extended, it can be used for a wide variety of survival tasks including setting a small animal trap, applying a tourniquet to an injured limb, or creating a splint.

The paracord may also be used as a fishing line. You can find paracord bracelets with hooks for fishing or you can just pack an extra hook that you can attach to the paracord.

As a word of warning, don’t attempt to climb with your paracord. There are accessory cords that you can use for climbing while paracords are not rated for this use.

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4. Compass, Handheld GPS Unit, and Paper Map

If you get lost outdoors, you may need to find your way back to civilization. A compass is a great tool for staying on track and not traveling in circles. You may also want a paper map of the region to help you navigate the area.

A handheld GPS unit may also help you find your bearings. While the GPS device provides a convenient way to determine your current position, they may not work in every region.

If you’re in a forest or mountainous terrain, you may not get a signal, which is why you still need the compass and paper map.

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5. First Aid Kit

Even if I’m not hiking or spending time outdoors, I keep a first aid kit in my car. These are must-have items for all types of trips and one of the most important items for a survival kit.

A typical first aid kit includes an assortment of medical supplies for treating minor injuries. You get a mixture of bandages, ointments, and disinfectants.

However, there are more comprehensive first aid kits. You can find kits with instant cold packs, emergency blankets, and other useful items.

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6. Multitool with a Small Saw Blade

Every guy I know carries some type of multi tool. These compact units typically include a mixture of useful tools including a screwdriver, can opener, and a knife blade. However, I suggest that you try to find one that includes a small saw blade.

You can use the saw to cut through materials, saw bark off tree limbs for kindling, and perform other survival tasks.

While you can find multitools with a variety of attachments, the best tools are made from durable metals such as titanium, aluminum, or steel.

Even a small multi tool such as the Gerber Dime is a great piece of kit to have on you in a survival situation.

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7. Survival Knife

A standard survival knife is also a must-have item. You should pack a knife that you can use for a variety of tasks. With a quality knife, you can cut, dig, pry, and split. You can also prepare food and craft traps.

Bigger isn’t always better when choosing a survival knife. If the blade is too long, you’ll have more trouble controlling it when using it for detailed work. If it’s too short, it may not work for cutting or chopping wood.

I typically pack a knife with a five-inch blade in my survival kit. Five inches is long enough for most tasks and short enough for more control and precision.

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8. Tarp or Shelter

A mobile shelter or tarp is also useful when you need to survive outdoors. Even in warm regions, the temperatures can drop significantly at night. You may also need shelter to protect against predators or to stay warm after getting wet.

Finding a compact shelter that you can fit in a survival kit limits your options. While you may not want to carry a full-size tent, there are emergency blankets and pop-up tents.

You can find emergency pop-up tents that weigh just a couple of pounds. There are also emergency lean-tos and tarp canopies.

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9. Flashlight

A torch or flashlight is also useful to have in an emergency. Besides providing light at night, a torch can be used to signal for help.

While you can find solar-powered or hand-crank operated flashlights, you should ensure that you have a battery-powered flashlight. You may need to use the flashlight when there is no sunshine or when you’re too injured to turn a hand crank.

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10. Three-Day Supply of Non-Perishable Ration Packs

Your kit should also include food. The best options include non-perishable ration packs. The main two options include emergency food bars and MREs. Both options provide you with the calories that you need to survive outdoors.

When choosing non-perishable ration packs, pay attention to the calorie count and compare it to the number of calories that you need. Instead of the 2000 calories per day recommendation, the average person may need about 3500 calories when trying to survive outdoors.

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Summary

These are just ten of the most essential items that I always pack in my survival kit. However, you may need to pack a few other items, depending on the situation.

Always consider the environment and the types of items that you may need during an emergency.