One of the most underrated skills in today’s high-tech world is knowing how to endure the harsh wilderness. The first thing you need is a universal survival kit filled with useful tools.
Survival kits are usually very portable, well-packed sets that can save your life. Naturally, different situations and biomes require different approaches to what you should pack, but generally speaking, the following ten items will be most useful in any situation.
1. Survival knife
A sharp, cutting edge is always good to have in your kit. A knife can be used both as a defensive weapon and as a basic craft tool. You should also be familiar with sharpening techniques, as a dull blade is worse than none.
2. Igniters and tinder
If you have a weapon and can create fire, your chances of survival increase a lot. Fire is warmth, food and good protection against wild animals. It is possible to find dried leaves and use them as tinder, but why leave it to chance when you can buy the stuff on Amazon? While you’re at it, get some waterproof suits and a focusing lens.
3. Medicines
You should pack only the essentials: a suture kit, tourniquet, hemostatic agent, bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. This first aid kit is small and light enough to fit in your bag.
4. Multitool
Sometimes a knife is not enough. When that happens, having a multitool with a billion different uses can turn a dilemma into a fun experience. By the way, many modern survival knives have additional tools, so take a good look at the user’s guide.
5. Kitchen Utensils
Two words: collapsible containers. Easy to pack, easy to clean – bloody genius! Of course, you may need some utensils too, but forks and spoons are far less important than bowls. Don’t forget to pack a metal pot for cooking!
6. Rope
Some nylon rope and sturdy paracord will help you be prepared for a variety of situations, such as securing the tent, sewing and tying things.
7. Fishing products
Fishing lines can be used not only for fishing but also for sewing and securing small items. Ideally, you need a hook to do it, and even better – some lures. Remember that fishing (and hunting) are skills that need to be practiced. This means that if you haven’t learned how to fish, all these tools won’t help you.
8. Flashlight
Having a light source is very important. For more reliable, low-intensity light, you can use a battery-powered flashlight or chemical sticks.
9. Power cells
Speaking of batteries, if you plan on packing anything electronic, you need to have something that can power its batteries. The hand-cranked dynamo machine is a chore to use and you’ll get tired after the first five minutes, but it’s very reliable. On the other hand, solar powered batteries only need sunlight to work and charge your things, but their performance is completely dependent on the current weather. Pack both if you can.
10. Food and water
Finally, once you’ve added all the ingredients mentioned above, fill the remaining space with water and high-calorie foods. Who knows, maybe you’ll use those beef or nuts as bait to trap a squirrel or something. You never know, but at the very least, you get to eat for a while.