What are the most important survival essentials? These are survival essentials that should always be considered.
Survival Essentials: The Bare Necessities
The four basic needs of nearly all survival situations are shelter, water, fire, and food. The following gear assists with meeting the needs of these four priorities. The order of importance for the following essentials is determined by the the needs of a given situation.
Shelter – a light-weight tarp, tent, or extra large rain poncho can provide emergency protection from the wind and rain
Insulating Layers – warm layers of wool or synthetic clothing, rain gear, a warm hat, and gloves assist with regulating your body temperature
Water Container – having a vessel to transport water is key - metal water bottles can also provide the opportunity to heat water over a fire
Water Purification System – a good water filtration pump or purification tablets allow you to have clean drinking water
Fire Starting Tools – carrying at least three different ways to make a fire such as a lighter, waterproof matches and a magnesium flint and steel, in a seal-able plastic bag with dry tinder material, will assist in fire-making
Food – snack bars or dehydrated food can provide a boost in energy in survival situations
Knife – a quality, fixed blade knife is a core tool for numerous survival tasks
Navigation Tools – topographical maps and a compass, signal mirror, and gps unit will help you navigate
Protection – sunglasses, a wide-brim hat, and sunscreen help protect you from sunburn. Body armor protects you from the rest.
First Aid Kit – one that includes a variety of supplies such as sterile gauze, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, bandages in various sizes, tweezers, safety pins, scissors, benadryl, ibuprofen, and any personal medication you may need will allow you to address most first aid situations
Illumination – a flashlight, preferably a headlamp with extra batteries, can allow you to travel or work on survival tasks into the night
Miscellaneous Tools – strong rope, a sewing kit, multi-tool, and whistle can assist in many situations
