If you’re not someone who constantly prepares for catastrophic events, it’s likely that you rarely consider creating survival kits. However, possessing suitable equipment during an emergency situation can potentially be a lifesaver.
Step 1: Understand Your Environment
In order to begin constructing a survival kit that can potentially save lives, it is essential to take into account the specific design that is suitable for its purpose. Essentially, you must ensure that your emergency equipment is appropriate for the environment you are in. The hazards and difficulties present in a desert setting are notably distinct from those you may face within an urban environment.
Making wise choices about the contents and appearance is crucial when building a useful survival kit. Initially, determine the location in which the kit will be utilized as this will significantly influence the supplies it should contain (expounded on in the subsequent step). Additionally, ascertain the type of survival kit that suits your needs. For instance, if you are embarking on a wilderness trip, your kit should be more comprehensive compared to the one you would carry as an everyday essential for commuting. At the outset, decide whether you prefer a large, well-equipped emergency kit or a smaller, more specialized one that can be swiftly deployed.
Step 2: Build Your Survival Kit
Once you have established the purpose and design of your survival kit, whether it is a duffel bag-sized disaster bag or you prefer cramming all the supplies into an old Altoids tin, it is crucial to ensure that you include the appropriate supplies in your kit.
Forest Survival Supplies
Here are some supplies that will ensure your safe return home if you live in a remote woodland area or are preparing for a forest expedition to hone your Land NAV skills.
- A Way to Start Fire – Fire is nature’s multitool. You can use it for light, warmth, cooking food, deterring predators, signaling for help, purifying water, and much more. Having a reliable fire starting method will save your life in an SHTF scenario.
- Signal Mirror – Forests are a search and rescue team’s worst nightmare. Thousands of hectares of dense brush make finding a lost person nearly impossible. Get a signal mirror and learn how to use it properly.
- Compass and Local Map – If you’re walking off the beaten path, forest navigation gets incredibly disorienting even for the most experienced explorers (especially at night). Get a compass and local topographic map to save yourself from walking in endless circles.
Desert Survival Supplies
If you were compelled to compile a list of the most undesirable locations to be trapped in a survival situation, the desert would rank high (just after an active volcano or a raft stranded in the vast ocean). Deserts lack almost any plentiful natural resources, hence unless you can devise a method to employ sand as a weapon, you will solely rely on the provisions already at your disposal. Below are a few essential supplies you should possess:
- Water Purification Tablets – Without the natural resources to build a fire, you need a way to ensure any water you collect is safe to drink without boiling it.
- Reflective Survival Blanket – Desert climates can be scorching during the day and freezing at night. Use a reflective blanket to keep the sun’s heat out or to keep your body heat in. You can pick one up for just a few bucks online.
- Bandana / Afghan Scarf – Sand storms have a unique way of ruining your day. Use a bandana or Afghan scarf to protect your face and neck from the elements or build an improvised water filter.
City Survival Supplies
Here are essential supplies that can be helpful for surviving in the urban environment, which is distinct due to its lack of typical dangers found in traditional survival situations. The city provides an abundance of food and water, with readily available assistance nearby, and the absence of hazardous wildlife.
- Cell Phone Power Bank (Portable Charger) – Did your battery run out while checking out the latest OA guide or podcast episode? Hey, we get it – it happens to the best of us. Having a reliable and compact power bank will let you charge your cellphone on the move.
- Extra Cash – Cash is king: untraceable, efficient, and accepted nearly everywhere. Having a few extra bucks in your survival kit will save you if your wallet is ever lost or stolen.
- Self Defense Weapon – If your city or state permits carrying a concealed firearm, do it. A responsible, armed individual can save countless lives in an emergency scenario. Hit the range regularly and make sure you have the skills to use your weapon under pressure.
Step 3: Place Your Survival Kit in a Strategic Location
If your survival kit is not easily accessible during an emergency, it doesn’t matter how well-equipped it is. Position your survival kit strategically so that it is within reach when needed. If you opt for a compact emergency kit for everyday carry (EDC), keep it conveniently placed by storing it in your backpack or attaching it to your belt loop. When carrying a concealed firearm, always keep it on your person.
If you have constructed a larger survival kit, you must carefully consider where to position it. In such cases, it is generally advised to keep your emergency kit in a location that can be easily accessed. For instance, if you have assembled a survival kit for your car, place it somewhere within reach from the driver’s seat. Having your equipment readily available can be life-saving in case you become stranded inside your vehicle, so avoid the error of stowing it in the trunk.
How to Choose a Survival Bag
When selecting the perfect survival bag, it should be both sturdy and spacious while not being excessively cumbersome. Additionally, it should provide a comfortable fit to your body and include multiple compartments for organizing your supplies. It is also crucial to consider how much weight you can bear without compromising your mobility. If you are petite and tall, your ideal bag will differ from that of a sturdy and towering individual. In essence, the key principle is to opt for a bag that can accommodate as many items as you can manage without causing harm or premature exhaustion.
Irrespective of the bag’s size, ensure that it is constructed from durable materials like canvas, cordura, or rip-stop nylon. Examine the stitching and seams closely; are they thick, tight, evenly spaced, and robust enough to withstand harsh conditions? Additionally, assess the buckles; are they composed of inexpensive plastic or sturdier materials like aluminum?
To ensure durability, it is advisable to opt for a bag that has sturdy zippers or no zippers at all. Zippers are easily susceptible to malfunction, particularly when exposed to moisture, dirt, and outdoor elements. In the unfortunate event of the zippers on your survival bag failing, you could end up with little more than a piece of fabric instead of a bag. By selecting a bag that solely features straps and buckles, this issue can mostly be eliminated.
You may choose to have hip and chest straps on a survival bag, but they are not necessary. However, if you plan on filling a large bag with heavy supplies, having additional support can potentially alleviate back pain. On the other hand, smaller and lighter bags typically do not require such straps.
Make sure to have sufficient compartments and pockets in your survival bag for organizing all the contents.
Tips for Packing Your Bag Efficiently
Your survival bag can be packed in various ways while still achieving the desired outcome. The key is utilizing the space effectively, being aware of the location of all items, and ensuring quick access to critical supplies. Other than these factors, the rest depends on your personal preferences.
However, there are a few general tips that can assist you in packing your bag like a professional.
Arrange your bag with heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top.
If feasible, store small items and containers that are not needed for immediate use inside other containers that would already be occupying space anyway (such as placing fishing supplies, fire-starting tools, and a signaling mirror inside your first aid kit).
Unless space efficiency requires otherwise, categorize supplies into different compartments based on their category, such as food, ammunition, and medical supplies.
It is recommended to set aside outer compartments that are easily reachable for storing essential items that may need to be accessed quickly, such as tourniquets, flares, and extra ammunition. Ideally, opt for a bag that has a few pockets located in a way that allows you to easily reach them without having to take off or readjust the bag.
Ensure that loose items are bundled and securely fastened within your pack using straps, tape, zip ties, or bungee cords, to prevent them from scattering or shifting to different pockets while you walk.
To consolidate loose items and maximize storage capacity, tightly roll them with blankets or additional clothing.
To conserve valuable space inside your bag, fasten large, lightweight items like bedrolls and rope on the exterior.
Maximize your bag space by including a vest or bandolier in your loadout, allowing for additional savings.
Make it a habit to frequently pack and unpack your bag, mastering the skill of quickly locating specific items to ensure you are efficient when needed. Additionally, regularly assess the condition of your bag and its contents to spot any signs of wear or harm. Establish a routine for replacing expired medications and perishable items. Lastly, dedicate time to regularly honing your proficiency in utilizing the tools and gadgets you carry.
Universal Survival Supplies
A well-structured survival kit, which is light, compactly arranged, and adaptable to different environments and situations, is considered excellent. The ideal contents of the kit may differ based on your location and the emergencies you perceive as most probable, and this inventory is not comprehensive. However, certain versatile tools hold significant usefulness and warrant their inclusion in nearly any survival kit.
A top-of-the-line survival knife is essential and arguably the most important item in any quality survival kit. With a superior knife, you can effectively dress game, ensure self-defense, and create various useful tools. Invest in the finest knife possible as a remarkable one will prove its worth multiple times.
Having multiple types of fire-starting tools is essential for ensuring warmth, a certain level of safety, and the ability to cook food in almost any setting. A reliable trio includes waterproof matches, a magnifying lens, and either flint and steel or a magnesium striker. These compact and lightweight items enable you to ignite a fire using various techniques.
Generating a fire using resources found in nature can be unexpectedly difficult on Tinder. If you gather some cotton or dryer lint and store it in a waterproof container, you’ll acquire sufficient tinder for approximately six fires.
When it comes to medical supplies, it’s important to carefully choose what you include. They can occupy significant space and advanced medical equipment is only beneficial if you have proper training. It is advisable to pack only the essential items in your bag, such as a suture kit, tourniquet, hemostatic agent, bandages, iodine or alcohol, pain relievers, and broad-spectrum antibiotics if available. These items are compact, lightweight, and generally do not demand extensive training for efficient usage.
In many survival scenarios, there is often a need for construction and repair. Therefore, a compact multitool, such as a reliable knife, is a practical addition to your bag’s occupancy due to its versatility.
It is never ideal to drink untreated surface water, and even in a survival situation, the skill of finding water is crucial. Water purification tablets are small in size but have the capability to purify numerous gallons of water when just one bottle is used.
Having extra water on hand is always beneficial. The presence of a sturdy canteen in your survival kit is essential. You may want to contemplate acquiring a collapsible version that occupies minimal space when not filled.
To be prepared for various climbing, hauling, sewing, and tying requirements, having a combination of strong nylon rope, paracord, and thread is essential.
To ensure you are adequately equipped for fishing or hunting, it is essential to have certain items in your gear. A basic fishing kit should consist of various line thicknesses, hooks, a compact net, as well as a handful of lures and weights. Similarly, for both fishing and hunting expeditions, it is advisable to carry a few compact knives suitable for dressing, skinning, and deboning tasks, provided you have the extra space in your bag. Otherwise, you can rely on your survival knife.
It’s always useful to be able to sketch maps, make diagrams, and take notes, especially when you’re in the wilderness. If feasible, ensure that your paper and pencil are waterproof because you can never predict the weather conditions.
Ensure you have essential light sources by including a hand-crank or battery-operated flashlight, some road flares, and a selection of glow sticks in your bag. Besides being used for illumination, the flares can serve various purposes such as deterring animals, seeking assistance, or even starting a fire as a last resort. Glow sticks are an excellent alternative to flashlights as they provide reliable and low-intensity light without relying on bulbs or batteries. To prevent them from cracking and rendering them useless, store the glow sticks in a sturdy plastic or metal container within your bag. If you’re uncertain about which light source to opt for, consult our guide on selecting a tactical flashlight.
A compact mirror serves the purpose of signaling others or igniting a fire by concentrating sunlight. It is a straightforward yet highly efficient instrument that occupies minimal space in your survival gear.
A hand-crank radio is an efficient means of monitoring broadcasts that might contain valuable information without relying on batteries. Nevertheless, these gadgets often have a larger and heavier build in comparison to most items in your survival kit. Thus, depending on your anticipated requirements, a radio may not be indispensable.
If you assume that your phone or GPS will remain operational during an emergency, it is essential to ensure they stay charged. Hand-crank chargers are dependable and do not rely on any additional energy sources, despite being labor-intensive and inefficient. Conversely, solar-powered chargers can efficiently and easily charge, but they are dependent on sunlight.
After packing all the necessary items in your survival bag, it is advisable to utilize any available space for food. It is crucial to carry food along as you can never be certain about hunting or finding edible items. It is recommended to prioritize calorie-dense foods that are rich in protein and fat and have a long shelf life, like beef jerky, peanut butter, and nuts. Add as much food as possible to your bag without making it excessively heavy or difficult to handle.
