Whether you are going for a weekend backpacking trip or a short day hike, it is recommended that you always be prepared for the worst. If you have to pick the top 10 items for survival for any environmental conditions, you should consider items that are portable, versatile, and essential to your survival.
Keep these items with you as the ultimate survival kit:
1. First-aid kit
A first-aid kit can be extremely useful if you get hurt while trying to survive. A typical first-aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gloves, and gauze. If you suffer from specific health conditions such as diabetes or other conditions, you might want to have relevant items for that in the first-aid kit.
One of the best-selling first aid kits sold on Amazon is the First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit.
Purchase a Survival First Aid Kit
You can pick and choose the items you want to keep with you or you can keep the entire kit with you if you have enough space. You must get yourself familiar with the all items in the first-aid kit so that you how to use the items when needed.
2. Knife
The ultimate survival knife is versatile in application, portable to carry, and sturdy enough to not easily break or get damaged. Whether you need the knife to sharpen sticks, skinning a hunt, or for self-defense, a knife is essential to the top 10 items for survival.
You also have the option of carrying more than one type of knife, but that would use up space and increase the weight you have to carry.
Purchase a Survival Knife on Amazon
A good choice for a survival knife is the stainless steel Mossy Oak Survival Knife with a 15-inch blade. It comes with a comfortable rubber handle and a sharpener. This item is available for sale on Amazon.
3. Flashlight
A flashlight provides you a source of light if the lights go out or if it gets dark outdoor. Visibility is essential to your survival as it can help you find your way back, or help locate a missing item in your kit. A flashlight can also be used to signal for help. When choosing the right flashlight for your survival kit, a few important factors to consider include battery life, weight, and durability.
Purchase a Survival Flashlight Here
The GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight S1000 has received over 40K reviews on Amazon with an overall rating of 4.5/5. Users have written positive reviews for its excellent ultra-bright and long-lasting light, compact design, adjustable focus, and good value for money.
4. Firestarter
Fire offers several key uses in a survival situation. It can be used to stay warm, purify water, cook food, signal for help, provide light, and comfort. A device that can start a fire is an essential part of the top 10 items for survival.
For a firestarter, you can go with a conventional item such as a box of waterproof matchsticks or a more high-tech device such as the UST StrikeForce available on Amazon. The UST StrikeForce is designed to last over 4000 strikes. It also has a cap to prevent unintended spark. It works in wet conditions such as rain and only weighs 3.7 oz.
5. Signal mirror
Whether you are trying to get the attention of a rescue aircraft or a person, a signal mirror can be a handy tool to include in your survival kit. Signal mirrors are specially designed to signal in case of distress. The light reflected from a signal mirror is extremely bright and can be seen from far.
On Amazon, there are several signal mirror products to choose from. You can consider the UST StarFlash Micro Signal Mirror. The compact and robust design allows this item to be an ideal signal mirror for a survivalist situation.
6. Portable water purifier
Humans can survive without food for an extended period but without proper drinking water, the human body does not last long. Not all types of water are drinkable. For example, the salt in sea water doesn’t allow it to be safe for human consumption. It might cause severe dehydration and can be toxic to humans.
Other types of water such as water in ponds might also not be drinkable for humans.
Purchase This Portable Water Purifier
This is why a portable water purifier can be crucial for survival. An item to consider for this purpose is the LIfeStraw Personal Water Filter specially designed for hiking, camping, and emergencies. This item is available for sale on Amazon.
7. Map and compass
In a survivalist situation, one of your goals is to correctly navigate yourself to the desired destination. The last thing you want is to use up energy and time is going in the wrong direction. A properly functioning map and compass can be extremely useful for navigation purposes.
Buy a Map and Compass on Amazon
You can keep a copy of a map of regions where you travel to and have a reliable and robust compass in your top 10 items for survival. One of the best-selling compasses on Amazon is the Orienteering Compass made by TurnOnSport.
8. Solar emergency blanket
A solar emergency blanket is useful in protecting you from hypothermia. If the temperature drops below 50 F, you need to keep your body warm and dry. A solar blanket is easy to pack as it takes minimal space.
Purchase This Emergency Sleeping Bag Here
Have a look at the emergency blanket sold by The Atomic Bear on Amazon. This blanket is reusable, water-resistant, water-proof, and windproof. It comes with a risk-free satisfaction and lifetime warranty.
9. Parachute Cord
Cordage can useful in different situations such as climbing, making a fish line, making a shelter, and more. For cordage designed for survival use, check out SurvivorCord, which is available on Amazon.
Made from a blend of polyester and nylon, the SurvivorCord is available in different lengths, load capacity, and colors. You would want to keep the length to something easy to carry on you when walking.
10. Personal locator beacon (PLB)
You should be using all the latest technology to help you survive. One such technology is a personal locator beacon (PLB). Once a PLB is activated, it sends a powerful distress signal to a satellite, which then transmits the signal to the nearest emergency assistance authority to pinpoint your location and get you help.
Get a Personal Locator Beacon from Amazon
This device is a game-changer in tools for survival and is an invaluable addition to the top 10 items for survival. On Amazon, you can find Garmin inReach Explorer as one of the best PLB products in the market. It offers 100% global satellite coverage and two-way text messaging.
