Wilderness survival requires certain tools to meet the basic necessities of life. These include clean water, food, shelter, warmth and the means to signal for help. There are many items available to assist you in surviving in the wild, there are a number of essentials that should be included in every survival kit.
Knife
A good knife is a must-have survival product. The knife should be large, with a blade heavy enough to chop wood, but small enough to carve and whittle, as needed. The K-bar military knife is an excellent example.
Multi-tool
Multi-tools contain several different types of tools including files, pliers, scissors, small knife blades, and other implements all in one neat package. This item packs down into a very small space and can be worn on your belt or included in a survival kit.
Compass
A compass is essential for identifying your location and determining how best to proceed when trying to rescue yourself. Spend a little extra on a good compass that will remain waterproof and functional in any situation.
Survival Blanket
A mylar survival blanket can provide immediate warmth and protection from inclement weather. The thin material it is made of is very tough and packs down to a very small size. The reflective side of the blanket can also be used for signaling.
Fishing Gear
Fifty feet of 10-lb. test fishing line, half a dozen hooks and some split shot weights can go a long way to obtaining food when in a survival situation. Make sure these are part of your survival kit.
Lighter and Magnesium Striker
Fire is essential for maintaining warmth, providing protection against wild animals, cooking, and signaling for help. Both a lighter and a magnesium striker can help make starting a fire a simple task.
Canteen
A container of some kind, such as a canteen, will ensure that you have access to clean water at any time. Canteens are inexpensive, durable, and come in a range of sizes and designs.
Water Purification
When in the wild, drinking contaminated water is an easy way to become sick. Water purification tablets and filtering straws that remove both particulate material and infectious pathogens such as Cryptosporidium or Giardia can help prevent a life-threatening illness.
Paracord
Paracord, used for parachutes, is also a useful tool when in the field. Paracord will fit in a very small space and can be used for anything from building a snare to lashing at tent to tying a split for a broken leg.
Flashlight
A small LED flashlight is also an excellent product to add to a survival kit. These flashlights, while generating a great deal of light, require very little power and last for long periods of time.
Plastic Sheeting
A role of plastic sheeting, available at any hardware store, takes up little space but can be used for many purposes, including weatherproof clothing, shelter and storage.
Folding Slingshot
Small but powerful, folding slingshots are available at a relatively inexpensive price. This weapon is an effective means for taking small game for food, which can include squirrels, groundhogs, birds and other animals.
About this Author
In Jacksonville, Fla., Frank Whittemore is a content strategist with almost a decade of experience as a Navy Hospital Corpsman and licensed paramedic and more than 15 years writing for several Fortune 500 companies. Whittemore writes on topics that include medicine, nature, science, technology, the arts, cuisine, travel and sports.
