If you could only choose 10 essential items to put in your survival kit, what would they be.?
Well, the first thing to consider is what type of survival situation are you likely to encounter and plan accordingly.
Will it be hot, will it be cold? How long is your initial trip for? What is the terrain like? Will you need to hunt for food and use traps and snares or fishing?
Of course the very first thing to consider is the likelihood of getting lost or injured or forced to take a different route are – these are real possibilities in the wilderness and would mean you are now in a rescue situation. So always think ahead and consider how you intend to be found if any of these occur.
* If you do get lost there are several survival items that will help you – this list does not cover that type of rescue situation. see my list of equipment for being prepared to get lost.
So… assuming you are not lost or injured there are still lots of ‘what ifs’ which makes a definitive essential list quite difficult, however, when faced with the very basic top 10 list, I have my own.
This is it: (in no particular order) – remember, this list is not including any survival/rescue equipment.
Well, the first thing to consider is what type of survival situation are you likely to encounter and plan accordingly.
Will it be hot, will it be cold? How long is your initial trip for? What is the terrain like? Will you need to hunt for food and use traps and snares or fishing?
Of course the very first thing to consider is the likelihood of getting lost or injured or forced to take a different route are – these are real possibilities in the wilderness and would mean you are now in a rescue situation. So always think ahead and consider how you intend to be found if any of these occur.
* If you do get lost there are several survival items that will help you – this list does not cover that type of rescue situation. see my list of equipment for being prepared to get lost.
So… assuming you are not lost or injured there are still lots of ‘what ifs’ which makes a definitive essential list quite difficult, however, when faced with the very basic top 10 list, I have my own.
This is it: (in no particular order) – remember, this list is not including any survival/rescue equipment.
You can also get a really nice bit of survival kit, it’s still a wind up / solar combination, but comprises of a radio, flashlight and a cell phone charger, all without the fear of the batteries running out – I like this a lot, especially as it’s very compact at only 5.5 x 2 x 3 inches – this Emergency Solar Combination currently sells for $35 on Amazon – a lot of kit for your money.
8) Knife – any knife is better than no knife – however, with a good survival knife you can strike a spark on your ferro rod as well as provide wood for a fire, help build shelter and a host of survival tasks. Most people will carry at least two (including a Swiss Army style knife and maybe a multi tool knife)
My personal favourite, the KA-BAR US Marine Corps Fighting Knife (shown here), is one of the all round ‘good guys’ of survival knives and won’t let you down – I highly recommend this knife and if you need to know some more, take a look at my Ka-Bar knife review.
9) Map & Compass – goes without saying really – a map and compass are your best friend, especially if you get lost.!
But please, learn how to navigate using your compass before venturing out into the wilderness. (see my article – how to use a compass ). Practice in a small area of woodland first and get yourself used to orienteering with via a map and compass.
10) Paracord – a 1001 uses. Far more than just tying things up.
- So there you have it – my top 10 Essential Items in a Survival Kit