Let’s be honest, survival is not something you want to gamble your life on. Meeting your basic needs during a disaster is key to survival, and having the right set of tools to fall back on is paramount in your preparedness endeavors.
The ten tools listed below are some of the most important survival tools that should be in your 72-hour bags or survival bags. Of course, other items can be included, but these essentials are a must-have for every survival pack. Practice using these tools regularly so that you know their capability and their strength.
- Water Treatment: We simply cannot live without water. The more energy you consume, the more water your body will need. Having a means to purify water in a survival situation will help keep you hydrated, your brain functioning properly and your focus on survival. In addition, if you sustain an injury, water can be poured over the wound for cleaning. I recommend investing in a LifeStraw Go Water bottle of Katadyn Hiker Pro water filter.
- Compass and Map: Knowing which direction you are headed and where you need to be are essential. Keep maps of your surrounding area in your preparedness manuals, in your car and in your survival bags.
- Fire Starter, flint bars, matches or lighter: Having a way to produce fire can help you cook food and keep warm and prevent hypothermia.
- First Aid Kit: You do not want to be caught in a survival situation without a first aid kit. This kit assists in injury treatment and helps prevent infections from perpetuating.
- Mirror: Used for signaling, checking face for wounds, looking at your back for wounds/ticks, and can be used to start fire.
- Rope or Paracord: This can be used for making snares or assisting in making other traps lashing branches together to build a shelter, assisting in first aid (splints, tourniquets, slings), or to make survival tools such as spears.
- Survival Blanket or Bivvy: A bivvy or survival blanket can be used as an emergency shelter, sleeping bag or can be an extra layer added to your existing sleeping bag if you are expecting a cold night. Read more about the product here.
- Multi-tool: Used for notching or more complex woodworking skills, opening cans, altering equipment, medical uses, if snare wire is around wire cutters can cut it.
- Lighting: Lanterns, light sticks, flashlights, and headlamps can help you find your way if in the dark. LEDs, solar and hand crank will get you the most for your money.
- Survival Knife: Survival knives should be made of good quality steel. Invest in one you can rely on. Make sure it is well made, is strong enough for rough field use, and is the best you can afford. K-Bar is one of my favorite knife brands.
Bottom line is your preparedness tools are your life line and without them, you could be ill-equipped in a survival situation.
