Hiking, bikepacking, or paddling into the backcountry offer few better ways to enjoy the outdoors. However, these vast landscapes come with significant challenges, rewards, and risks. The isolation of these wilderness areas means that adventurous explorers are far away from assistance in case of emergencies, requiring them to rely heavily on their own resourcefulness compared to casual hikers. To ensure they are adequately equipped for the numerous dangers of venturing into the wilderness, experienced outdoors enthusiasts usually bring along a selection of twelve essential survival items, although these necessities may vary depending on the individual and the specific journey.
Survivalists argue that it is necessary to have 200 feet of paracord, a 13-inch survival knife, and a week’s worth of emergency rations. However, the issue with these kits designed for surviving an apocalypse is that they are impractical to carry. Moreover, a survival kit loses its purpose if it is left behind at home. In order for a survival kit to be worthwhile, it must be lightweight and compact, weighing no more than a few hundred grams at most. Additionally, it should only include items that are genuinely essential. Is a knife necessary? Yes. Is a 7-inch blade resembling John Rambo’s weapon necessary? Probably not. Is it worth the extra weight? Definitely not.
What is a trail-ready survival kit?
Survival kits typically consist of a variety of items, with uses extending beyond pure survival. For instance, a headlamp, which comes in handy during survival situations, can also be utilized in scenarios that don’t necessitate emergency signaling.
A survival kit is a compact bag that holds essential items you may require for an extended wilderness journey, which are not needed for a one-day excursion. These items encompass not only those necessary for extricating oneself from challenging circumstances but also those needed for gear repairs. Alongside a flint striker, signal mirror, and water purification tablets, this versatile kit also includes all the necessary tools for mending punctured sleeping pads, ripped jackets, and broken trekking pole tips.
When do I carry a survival kit?
Survival kits are most valuable during backcountry adventures, but it is important to remember that survival preparedness is not limited to overnight trips in remote areas. Even on day hikes, certain survival-related items, such as a compass, headlamp, and emergency bivvy, can be beneficial, especially when there is a possibility of temperatures dropping below freezing. Every year, numerous hikers underestimate the time needed for their day hike or their proximity to help, and find themselves in trouble when they become lost with only a few hours of daylight remaining. As the light diminishes and temperatures decrease, they are suddenly unable to navigate safely or protect themselves from the cold.
It is understandable that you may not want to bring your entire survival kit for a leisurely day hike. However, it is advisable to at least include a first aid kit, headlamp, compass, spare layer, and even an emergency bivvy. These items can be incredibly helpful in case you find yourself outdoors after the sun sets.
Survival-related items
Although these items are valuable for survival situations, it is unlikely that you would include them in your dedicated survival kit because you would probably use them more often in less grave circumstances. However, always make sure to pack them whenever you anticipate difficulties with darkness, exposure, or navigation.
Water filter & backwash kit
Using filters to eliminate bacteria and protozoa from drinking water is a popular choice among individuals due to the inconvenience of boiling water and the high cost of chemical purification. In North American backcountries, viruses are not as worrisome. Sip & squeeze filters offer a compact and user-friendly solution that requires minimal upkeep. By backwashing the filter approximately every five days, it will continue to function efficiently. For extended trips on the trail, it is advisable to bring a backwash kit for your filter, which often consists of just a syringe.
First aid kit
Before venturing into the wilderness, it is crucial to prioritize self-repair. Ensure to thoroughly inspect the contents of any store-bought first aid kit before using it.
Phone
When going on outings where there is cell signal coverage, your cell phone is possibly the most crucial tool to have. Not only can it be used to call for assistance, but it can also determine your GPS coordinates using either the iPhone compass app or one of several android apps (which is extremely helpful if you require rescue). It is advisable to save all emergency numbers in your favorites or under the prefix AA in your contacts. By doing this, your most important numbers will be conveniently located at the top of the list. Lastly, it is worth considering placing your phone in a neoprene pouch. This not only protects it from scratches but also helps the battery last longer in colder temperatures by providing insulation.
Satellite messenger
In order to maintain communication while outside of cellular coverage, it is necessary to have a satellite-enabled device. Until recently, this would have necessitated carrying a bulky and costly satellite phone. However, nowadays, we are fortunate enough to have various smaller alternatives available that are specifically designed to facilitate communication with emergency services.
The operation of these devices depends on the utilization of satellite emergency response services such as GEOS, for which the user incurs a monthly subscription cost. Once registered, one can transmit an SOS alert along with their location to a center responsible for coordinating emergency responses, as well as exchange text messages with stored contacts.
Knife or multitool
Unless you have intentions of hunting or skinning large animals, there isn’t any practical reason to possess a full-sized survival knife. Opting for a pocket knife or compact folding knife is a smarter choice, as it is lighter in weight and equally efficient for tasks like shaving tinder or making notches in branches for a basic shelter.
Headlamp
Thinking “I will be back before dark” may lead one to believe they do not require a headlamp, yet nobody anticipates getting lost. It is best not to subject oneself to the unpleasant circumstance of navigating unfamiliar surroundings with limited illumination from a mobile phone. By simply packing a headlamp each time you go on a trail, you can effortlessly prevent a minor adventure from turning into a distressing experience. Additionally, it is advisable to carry three or four spare AAA batteries if your headlamp allows for them (which is typically the case with rechargeables).
Power bank
Having a charged phone is crucial in emergencies, as it acts as a valuable tool. To ensure its functionality, a power bank with a capacity of 2,600 mAh is sufficient for charging a phone or satellite-enabled device. However, if multiple charges are required, a power bank with approximately 7800 mAh is necessary. Moreover, if you plan to venture into the wilderness for an extended period, a solar panel is advisable to sustain power for headlamps, cameras, and GPS devices. Additionally, it is essential to remember including a charge cable in your kit bag.
Compass
In a world where smartphones come equipped with compasses, there seems to be no need to carry a separate magnetic compass. The advantage lies in the fact that a magnetic compass functions independently, without relying on battery power or signal. However, if one wishes to determine their latitude and longitude using traditional methods, a map and orienteering skills become essential. In this era of widespread GPS usage, possessing such a rare and valuable skill set becomes noteworthy.
Please be aware that compasses are typically calibrated for specific geographic zones. A compass specifically designed for the Northern Hemisphere may not function correctly if used in the Southern Hemisphere. If you plan to purchase a compass online, ensure that it is suitable for the corresponding zone. Additionally, if you frequently navigate different zones, it may be beneficial to invest in a global compass.
Being a survivalist entails being able to adjust to any circumstance by utilizing appropriate tools, advice, and survival tricks. Numerous websites may suggest slightly differing items for your indispensable survival kit, but the aforementioned items are widely utilized.
Customizing Your Kit
After preparing the necessary items for your survival kit, it is advisable to assess your individual requirements and adjust the equipment accordingly. To initiate this procedure, you can consider the following five questions:
1. How many people will be sharing this survival kit?
It is crucial to personalize your survival kit based on the number of individuals relying on it. A solitary expedition generally demands fewer supplies compared to an 8-person camping excursion. As the group size grows, certain equipment must increase in direct proportion to the number of hikers, but others can remain constant. For example, the entire group can share one fire starter, while space blankets can be used individually by each person.
2. What sort of emergency might you face?
The type of emergencies that may occur vary depending on the activity. If you are intending to travel in either a forest or a desert, tick-removal ointment should be included in your survival kit for the former, whereas sunburn cream is required for the latter. It is important to carefully consider and evaluate the distinct risks associated with each individual scenario when assembling your survival kit.
3. Where will you be using the kit?
When considering the creation of a survival kit, it is important to take into account the varying climates of different locations. For instance, if you are traveling to areas in the northern latitudes, you are likely to face extremely cold temperatures. This type of weather might encourage you to invest in items such as emergency hand warmers and space blankets.
4. How much experience do you have outdoors?
In general, the fewer items you require in your survival kit, the greater your proficiency in outdoor survival skills. If you possess great expertise in starting campfires, you may not have a necessity for matches and emergency tinder, as a basic fire starter will be sufficient.
5. How long are you likely to wait before help arrives?
If you find yourself in an emergency situation at a state or local state park, it is likely that rescue teams would arrive within a few hours. Nevertheless, if you are trekking through the Yukon or attempting to cross the Darien gap, you might have to wait for several weeks for rescue teams to reach you. The duration of the rescue wait can also provide valuable insights into the quantity of food or water one should bring along.
Additional Considerations
Apart from the mentioned considerations, it might be worth including a few additional crucial survival items when assembling your kit.
Medical Conditions
It’s worth considering including an extra set of your daily medications in your survival kit if you take them regularly. Hiking trips often end up being longer than expected, so it’s a good idea to be prepared and fully stocked. Doctors also highly recommend having over-the-counter medications, such as high-altitude medicine, in your kit for specific patients. Make sure to consult your medical provider for personalized recommendations based on your health background.
Self-Defense
Regrettably, there are certain individuals or hazardous creatures that pose a threat to outdoor enthusiasts. As a result, some individuals opt to include a weapon or self-defense tool in their survival kit as a preventive measure.
Having a survival knife is essential for self-defense, as it is known for its sharpness, non-slip grip handle, and compatibility with folding. Seasoned hikers strongly advise having one of these readily accessible. However, it is important to check and adhere to all local laws and regulations before adding any weaponry or self-defense tool to your survival kit.
Cash or Currency
In case local towns and service stations do not accept cards, it is important to take precautions by carrying a small amount of money. This will help you address any urgent issues and enable you to return home if necessary.
Communication Devices
Typically, survival kits are intended for situations where outside assistance is not available. Nevertheless, by having a satellite phone, prepaid cell phone, or two-way radio, you can promptly and effectively reach out for support.
A Word about Redundancy
If a hiker lived in a perfect world, they would carry duplicates of each item in their survival kit. This would allow them to have a replacement readily available in case one breaks. As the saying goes, “Two is one, and one is none.” However, in reality, outdoor activities impose limitations on the weight and space available for your survival kit.
Multiple-purpose items are essential because of their versatility. For instance, duct tape is commonly included for fixing clothing or camping equipment, but it can also be used as an emergency band-aid. Similarly, safety pins are another valuable multi-purpose resource. They can be utilized for clothing repairs, fashioned into fishhooks, or even employed for suturing wounds when necessary.
How Should You Contain Your Survival Gear?
Once you have gathered a variety of supplies and tools, it is important to find a practical and effective method to organize and store them.
Backpack
- Backpacks are large and offer plenty of capacity which is great for keeping everything tidy and in one place. The downfall is it is too large and bulky to move agilely through the terrain. Understanding one’s own body and its limitations are the first steps to understanding which backpack is the best fit for you!
Soft-Sided Carrying Case - Usually made from fabric and equipped with a single zipper, soft-sided carrying cases are probably the most popular containers for survival kits. Soft-sided cases are lightweight and easy to store. The only issue that arises with soft-sided carrying cases is that they don’t offer much protection for the fragile items inside. Thus, it is recommended to pack fragile items strategically.
Rigid Carrying Case - Rigid carrying cases typically feature plastic or metal sides. While they are heavier, bulkier, and more difficult to pack than soft-sided cases are, they better protect the gear.
Float Bag - If your adventures will take place on or near the water, the float bag/waterproof bag is highly recommended. Often, it will make the most sense to store your survival kit in a small carrying case, which is then placed inside a float bag, but you could just use the float bag if you prefer. Once again, circumstance will dictate the gear of best fit!
Conclusion
Assembling a survival kit is an individualized process that demands meticulous attention to detail and caution. The equipment selected for your kit are the resources that will aid you in not only surviving but also flourishing in any circumstance. Our team envisions this article as a valuable stepping stone for numerous secure yet exhilarating expeditions in the future!
