Ever wondered what you’d do if you found yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere? Having the right gear can mean the difference between a rough night and a total disaster. Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or just starting to put together a go-bag, let’s look at some of the best survival gear to keep you ready for whatever comes your way.
Covering the Basics
When building a survival kit, you need to cover the essentials: health and safety, food and water, shelter, and fire. These are the four corners of staying alive in any situation. Let’s break it down:
Health and Safety
No survival kit is complete without a solid first aid setup. You don’t want to get caught with an injury and nothing to patch it up. Look for kits that include more than just bandages—think tourniquets and clotting gauze. A great option is the Uncharted Supply Co. Seventy2 Pro Survival System, which includes a variety of medical tools for handling emergencies.
Tip: Keep your first aid kit easily accessible, and check it regularly to replace expired items.
Food and Water
Staying hydrated and fed is non-negotiable. Portable water filters like the LifeStraw allow you to drink directly from streams or ponds without worrying about contaminants. For food, freeze-dried meals like ReadyWise are ideal; they last a long time and are easy to prepare—just add water.
Scenario: Imagine trekking through the backcountry with a dwindling water supply. A LifeStraw allows you to sip from a stream and keep going without carrying extra water.
Shelter and Sleep Systems
Mother Nature can be unforgiving, so shelter is crucial. Lightweight emergency blankets, like the SOL Emergency Blanket, keep you warm. For a more solid option, compact tents like the MSR Access Tent are easy to set up and provide reliable protection from harsh weather.
Tip: Practice setting up your tent before you need it. You don’t want to struggle with poles in the middle of a storm.
Fire Starting Tools
Fire isn’t just for warmth; it’s also for cooking, signaling for help, and boosting morale. Reliable fire starters like Pyro Putty work even in wet or windy conditions. Always keep one in your kit—it can make a difficult situation more manageable.
Top Survival Kits
Having a well-stocked survival kit can make all the difference when things go wrong. Here are some top picks to help you handle any emergency:
Uncharted Supply Co. Seventy2 Pro Survival System
This kit is often considered one of the most comprehensive options available. Designed to support two people for up to 72 hours, it includes over 35 high-quality items, including a full-tang knife, heat-retaining bivvy, a water filter that can purify up to 100 gallons, and a hand-crank radio that doubles as a phone charger. Everything is organized for quick access, which is essential during high-stress situations.
Everlit Large Pouch Survival Kit
If you’re looking for something compact yet packed with essentials, the Everlit kit is a great choice. It’s small enough to keep in your car or add to a larger bag, and includes around 30 medical supplies, among other survival essentials.
Conclusion
In the end, the best survival gear is about being well-prepared with reliable, multi-use items that can handle whatever comes your way. By covering the basics and investing in quality gear, you’re setting yourself up to tackle emergencies with confidence. Remember to check your gear regularly and practice using it, so you’re fully prepared if the time comes to put it to the test.