10 Things Your Ultimate Outdoor Survival Kit Should Have

 

Ultimate Outdoor Survival Kit

Whether you’re planning for a disaster or you regularly spend time outdoors hunting and camping, you should always be survival ready. No matter what situation you encounter in the outdoors, your bushcraft kit must contain some absolute essentials. Wondering what your outdoor survival kit needs? Check your kit against these top 10 outdoor survival must-haves. 

  1. Water Source

While it varies based on age and circumstance, the time you can survive without water is usually no longer than 72 hours. From purifying tablets and filters to water pouches and UV water pens, there are plenty of options to ensure you have access to clean water at all times. Depending on how long you plan to spend outdoors, you need to have one or more of these available. You can also learn how to make your own filtration system in cases of emergency. Often, boiling is enough, but if you don’t have a heat source, you can filter dirty water through layers of sand, crushed charcoal, and then grass to purify it.

  1. Hunting Tools

You won’t have your kitchen tools and a grocery store in the wild, so you need to consider how you plan on acquiring tools. A bow and arrow or gun are good long-range weapons, but you also have to consider what happens after you’ve caught and killed an animal. Skinning and preparing it for eating is a lot of work that requires a good knife and plenty of practice.

  1. Clearing Tools
Clearing Tools

If you plan on fighting your way through the brush, clearing tools are essential. Axes, hatchets, and machetes can cut a path in thick woods and brush and chop wood for a fire. If you plan on building your shelter from the surrounding resources, clearing tools will also come in handy to cut down the large branches that act as a support for tarps.

  1. Rope

Cordage — the common term to describe all strings and wires for tying — is a critical survival item because it has so many uses. It can help you climb in steep areas, bind and drag game, lash firewood bundles, put up your shelter, tie a food line, and much more. Consider bringing several types of rope, including lightweight, high-quality cords, and thick, sturdy ropes.

  1. Flashlight
Flashlight

A light source is one way to keep working after dark, and a UV rechargeable flashlight is a great resource. You won’t always be able to start a fire, so keep your vision sharp with a headlamp or handheld lantern.

  1. Cooking Gear

If you plan on carrying all of your equipment wherever you go, versatile, lightweight cooking gear is one thing you can’t do without. You might think you can dangle your food over the fire with a stick, but what if you can’t start one or there isn’t enough wood around to keep your fire going? A miniature camping stove with fuel doesn’t take up a lot of space, and a single pot with a lid that doubles as a pan can handle most things.

Part of your cooking kit that also serves another purpose is a firestarter. Bring plenty of options just in case one of them gets wet and stops working. Matches, lighters, flint, and Ferro-rod starters are all excellent choices for your kit.

  1. Weather Appropriate Clothing
Weather Appropriate Clothing

The right clothing for your environment can be life or death in the great outdoors. High-quality athletic gear should be your base layer to prevent chafing and discomfort. Your next layer should be thin long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from the sun. You might also consider a cold-weather layer, depending on the temperature in your area, and a camouflage layer that fits in your environment.

  1. Tarp

You may not always need a tent and sleeping bag, but a tarp is a multi-use tool that can serve as a shelter, as a footprint, protection from the sun and rain, and so much more. Make sure your tarp is waterproof and in an appropriate color for your surroundings. Also, consider the different size options available to you and decide on a size based on the planned usage.

  1. Navigation Tools

If you’re staying in one area, a map can keep you on track wherever you roam as long as you keep track of how far you’re traveling. You should also consider a compass to ensure you know your direction. Many watches today come with a compass already integrated, so it’s an easy item to include in your kit.

  1. First Aid Kit
First Aid Kit

The chances of getting injured when you’re spending a lot of time outdoors are pretty high. Scratches from fighting through brush, sunburns, sprained ankles, and bug bites are all part of the package. Create a first aid kit that considers all of these things and includes disinfectant, antibiotic cream, bandages, and superglue.

With these essentials in your bushcraft kit, your chances of survival are much higher. Customize this list to include specifics that fit your needs to ensure you’re prepared for anything!

Post a Comment

0 Comments

close