Identify the most important survival kit items and consider needs vs wants when building an emergency kit.
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Essential Survival Kit Items You Can’t Live Without
What You Need to Consider Before Collecting Survival Kit Items
Do you know what the important survival supplies and equipment are in your survival kit items list? If you don’t, no worries, because most people ask themselves the same question.
There are factors to consider, though, before you come up with bits and pieces in your survival kit. You would want to know the risks you will be facing.
Basically, you will have to determine where you’re going to use them. Each person can have their own personalize survival kit to fit their needs and to what purpose it will serve them most.
However, there are basic survival kit items that you cannot afford to be without, no matter who you are and what your special needs are. These are truly the most essential survival kit items because one can’t afford the luxury of time and space in an emergency.
1. Water
You will surely end up dead without water for three days because water is something we really need to survive. You must have 2 gallons of water per person per day for at least 3 days.
2. Water Purification Kits or Filters
Since you can only bring a limited amount of water, there’s a probability you’ll run out of water. You will need a background on water purification methods, though technology allows for convenient water purification tools.
If the disaster lasts longer than your stored supply, then purification kits or filters will definitely be a lifesaver. There are tons of these on the market today.
3. Food
This may seem to be a no-brainer, but the difference comes in the purpose of the kit. If it’s for a short-term kit only, then power bars are most convenient.
Other food choices could be MREs, freeze-dried foods, and meat jerky.
4. Knife
This tool can do a lot of wonders for you, from making weapons, creating fire starters, to cutting branches for building emergency shelters. Fixed-blade knives are the best because they are durable and require less energy when performing tasks.
5. Waterproof Matches or Lighters and Fire-starter Kits
Strike anywhere matches stored in watertight plastic bags or a case with a striker board, and waterproof lighters are great because they are easy to use. Fire-starter kits usually include fire steel rods, tea light candles, Vaseline-coated balls, and fire-starter sticks.
6. First Aid Supplies
It is not a surprise to get a wound or cut during and after a disaster. If you are unable to treat it accordingly, you could die from infection or sickness for sure.
There are prepackaged first aid kits in stores, or you can customize one that would meet your needs at a more personal level. You can include OTC meds and personal prescription medicines if you have someone in your family who takes them.
7. Handgun
Although ammo may be limited, a firearm would be the direct way to get rid of a threat, either animal or human. A survival and self-defense gun would also be the easiest way to kill a game.
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8. Cordage/Paracord
A 550 paracord is preferred because it’s lighter, stronger, and requires very little space. There’s almost unlimited use for this item, from holding your tent down, as a fishing line, to climbing.
You can wear them by coming up with various project designs, as a paracord bracelet, a paracord belt, and a dog leash. A quick-deploy paracord would also be best.
9. Map and Compass
Learn how to read and navigate using maps and a compass. Otherwise, it would still be utterly useless.
A GPS is alright with extra batteries, of course, but it’s also important you know how to go back to the basics in case everything else fails.
10. Personal Documents and Cash
In any survival scenario, one’s identity is very important such as passports, government IDs, and birth certificates.
Include personal medical history for each person so it will be easier for the medical personnel to know how to treat an injured family member. The cash is for emergency purchases or renting out a vehicle if needed.
11. Signaling Equipment
If cell phone service is down, you will need the suggested tools to signal and communicate with people or even search and rescue units. Below are a few examples:
- Mirrors – This can be used to reflect sunlight to flash signals to aircraft.
- Whistle – This can be used to catch the attention of people driving cars or other campers in a wooded area or under a collapsed building.
- Flashlight – Other than breaking the darkness, this can be used to do Morse code.
- Lighter and matches – You can create signal fires by lighting up green leaves to let out a lot of smoke.
- Flare Gun – The most direct and easiest way to get spotted.
- Pocket-sized rescue balloon – This little gizmo self-inflates, can stay afloat for days, and even has a strobe light.
12. Duct Tape
is arguably the most multifunctional item you might have in your survival kit. It’s waterproof and durable.
You can make shoes, hats, shelter, water canteens, hammocks, to anything you want. Your imagination is the limit.
13. Emergency Thermal Blanket
It’s small, light, and keeps you warm during the night or in extreme cold weather conditions. It can be used as an extra layer in your sleeping bag, reflective signal device, and as a lure for fish.
When you combine multiple blankets together, you can create a tent or temporary shelter. It has more or less 50 other uses that will fascinate you.
14. Extra Change of Clothes and a Pair of Shoes
If you get yourself wet it’s important to stay dry by changing your clothes.
In cold temperatures, this will help you avoid hypothermia. When taken for granted can absolutely kill you.
15. Multitool
I cannot tell you enough just how much a multitool really comes in handy in a survival situation. The more tools it can offer the better it will be for you.
In fact, the flexibility of this item to address almost every need in an emergency is almost limitless. It is the ultimate survival tool indeed.
This video from Do It On A Dime will show you how to build a 72-hour emergency kit from the Dollar Store items:
These survival kit items don’t go in any particular order but are equally important for your survival, not for your comfort. This is so you could live past whatever disaster or emergency you might find yourself in.
Remember to orient yourself and learn how to use all of the items you put in your emergency survival kit. Having the tools but not the skills can still come as a disaster for you and the people around you.
Did I miss on some items on your survival kit checklist you think are also important? Please feel free to add them in the comments section below!
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Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Tumblr!***Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.***Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on February 9, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
