Must Have Survival Gear To Go In Your Survival Backpack
Survival gear can be split into a few categories, including fire starting tools, signaling equipment, food and water related items, first aid supplies, shelter accessories and lastly tools. All of these items have different weights and sizes which may affect your decision on what to take. Here are the must have survival gear to go In your survival backpack:
1) First Aid Kit
A basic first aid kit should include bandages of various sizes for both large cuts and for smaller scrapes or burns. It should also contain gauze pads and rolled gauze in case larger wounds need to be wrapped up. A bottle of antibiotic ointment is also important to have on hand in case of wounds that need to be cleaned and disinfected. Many first aid kits come with a first aid manual as well, which will teach you how to use the supplies. This can be an extremely helpful tool if you are lost in the wilderness or left injured on a hike.
2) Compass
If you are hiking or spending time outdoors away from cities, it is important that you have a compass with you at all times. Depending on how far from civilization that you are out, there may not be cell service and GPS devices could malfunction, so it is wise to take along a compass. They are also helpful for orienting yourself towards the sun, or getting a general sense where you are on the Earth. The compass you take with you should be a good quality one that can stand up to the elements and is easy to read, but there are cheaper compasses that have a compass that can be used in various conditions.
3) A survival knife
You don’t have to take one of the fancy ones that are made by established companies; any basic survival knife will do just fine. Buy a knife that is one of the following:
a) A fixed blade knife- This is the best kind to use, as it can be used both as a weapon and for cutting food. It should also have an impact resistant handle so that you do not cut your hand off while using the knife.
b) A folding blade- Folding knives are great because they pack up into very little space, and they can be used in multiple ways. They are simple and easy to use, but they cannot really be used as a weapon or for cutting. An exception would be if you bought one specifically for self-defense purposes and could keep it concealed on your person without drawing any attention.
c) A multi-tool- These are very handy to have on hand, and the more tools you have, the better. They can be used for screwing in screws, prying open doors, extracting broken nails and even as a weapon when needed. They are also very useful for opening things, such as food packages or packing materials. If you find that you need to cut something with your knife other than carving a stick, consider getting a multi-tool.
4) Fire Starting Kit
As the name suggests, fire starters are essential for any trip where fire is required. These tools can be used for starting fires that burn hot enough for cooking meals, boiling water and even lighting campfires. There are many different fire starters on the market, so what you will choose depends on the activity you are headed out on. If you are going to be spending a lot of time in the wilderness, then consider a multipurpose fire starter with multiple ways of starting fires. If you are going to be doing a lot of cooking and need pure heat for your meals, then perhaps go for something that burns hotter and is a bit smaller.
Whistle
Whether it is in survival mode or just simply wanting to have one around, whistles can be an essential addition to your backpack. They can be used for signaling for help, or just to let others know your location. You can buy whistles that are colored and will glow at night, which is a useful addition to your survival gear. They are also relatively cheap, so it is a good idea to stock up on them while they are on special.
5) Carbon Steel Knife
This kind of knife is made out of very strong metal, and it does not rust like other stainless steels. It is important that you sharpen your knife before you go out into the wilds so that it is ready for anything that you might encounter. Take some time to clean and sanitize it as well before putting it in your bag, because you do not know what all might be stuck on your knife.
6) Rubberized Poncho
Ponchos are a great way to stay dry while camping or hiking. They can also be used as makeshift tents by lashing sticks together and draping the poncho over the frame. They can also be used as waterproof sandbags if you find yourself in a flood situation. The water will simply pool up beneath the poncho and run off instead of soaking you through.
7) Duct tape
Duct tape can be used for many different things, from repairing clothing and gear to making shelters or even building various survival items. Make sure you get a large roll and that it is quality, so it will last a long time and help you out in your emergencies.
8) Water Filter System/ Filter Straws
Whether you are camping or lost in the wild, it is important that you always have a way to get fresh water for yourself. Depending on where you are and how far away from civilization that you are, there may not be any drinkable water around so it would be important to find a way to get clean drinking water. Water filters are great because they do not require the use of chemicals or boiling the water, they simply filter out the impurities with gravity. There are many different types of filters for the market, so find one that works for you.
If you are heading out into the wilderness for an extended period, you can also have some water purification tablets. These will ensure that your water is clean and safe to drink, which can be invaluable in an emergency. They can be used for a number of different things, such as filtering out chemicals from the water or even removing debris from large amounts of water. You can never have too many of these on hand!
Safety is your number one priority when you are out in the wild, but being prepared for any situation will make your time that much more enjoyable and safe.