When starting out as a prepper, deciding what essentials to include in a survival kit can be an overwhelming task.
This article will provide new preppers with a comprehensive guide on the most vital items to equip themselves with for emergency preparedness and self-reliance.
You'll learn the core components that should go into any well-stocked survival kit, from sustenance and medical supplies to navigation tools and signaling devices. With this essential knowledge, you can confidently assemble your own tailor-made gear kit for facing disasters or outdoor emergencies.
Introduction to Survival Kit Essentials
A survival gear kit is an essential part of any prepper's supplies. When an emergency or disaster strikes, having the right equipment can make a huge difference in one's ability to endure difficult situations. This section will explore some of the key items every survival kit needs.
Defining a Survival Gear Kit
A survival gear kit is a collection of basic tools and supplies designed to help you meet your core needs during an unexpected emergency or natural disaster. At minimum, a basic survival kit should contain gear to help you obtain shelter, water, fire, food, and navigation tools.
Survival kits come in all shapes and sizes - from compact altoid tin kits for your bug out bag to larger packs with enough supplies to sustain multiple people. The right survival gear kit prepares you for scenarios ranging from getting stranded while hiking to weathering a hurricane.
Some key characteristics that define survival gear kits:
- Portable - Fits in a backpack, bag, or tin for mobility
- Durable - Made of sturdy, weatherproof materials
- Multi-functional - Items serve more than one purpose
- Sustaining - Contains the basics to maintain survival :shelter_with_cross:☝️
Why Carry a Survival Gear Kit
You never know when an emergency might occur, which is why having survival gear on hand can save your life. A well-stocked survival gear kit provides solutions for critical needs in a crisis when you don't have access to everyday amenities, such as:
- Shelter - Protection from the elements like extreme weather with tarps, blankets, or tents
- Water - Filtration and purification systems to make water drinkable
- Fire - Ignition sources like matches and lighters for warmth, boiling water, signaling
Additionally, survival kits should contain tools for light, navigation, and communication. For example, flashlights, compasses, maps, whistles and distress signals.
Pre-packed survival gear kits take the guesswork out of emergency preparedness. Having supplies consolidated in a portable kit means you can grab it and go when disaster strikes unexpectedly.
Are survival kits worth it?
Investing in a pre-packed emergency preparedness kit is absolutely worth it for several reasons:
- Peace of mind - Having survival gear ready in case of an emergency gives you confidence and reassurance that you and your family will be taken care of. You can rest easy knowing help is on hand.
- Save money - Pre-packed kits contain all the essentials you need, avoiding the hassle and extra costs of sourcing each item individually. Plus, kits often provide good value.
- Save time - Rather than researching and shopping for each component, a full kit offers an efficient, ready-made bug-out bag solution.
- Tailor-made essentials - Reputable brands research exactly what you need to survive, meaning you can trust your kit contains the right gear.
- Portability - Grab-and-go kits mean you can evacuate fast. Being prepared with the basics can buy you time until help arrives.
- Peacekeeping - Having your own reserve supplies reduces panic and avoids relying solely on limited community resources during mass emergencies.
When investing in a survival kit, be sure to choose a reputable brand that offers quality gear to cover your basic needs. But ultimately, being even partially prepared beats having nothing at all.
Why do you need a 72 hour survival kit?
A 72 hour survival kit is essential for every prepper to have on hand. It provides the basic supplies you need to endure an emergency situation for 3 days until help arrives or you can reach safety.
Having a packed 72 hour kit ready means you and your family don't have to frantically gather supplies when disaster strikes. The key items in these kits include food, water, first aid, shelter, hygiene products, tools, and communication devices. They should be portable enough to take with you if evacuation is necessary.
Some reasons why every prepper needs a 72 hour survival kit:
- Provides sustenance - Packed with non-perishable food and water for 3 days of nourishment per person. This buys you critical time until supply chains are restored.
- Enables self-reliance - With basic necessities covered, you avoid dependence on external aid. This also reduces strain on first responders.
- Portability for evacuation - Kits are designed to be lightweight and transportable in cases where bugging out is required.
- Peace of mind - Eliminates panic about accessing fundamental provisions, allowing you to focus on next steps during disasters.
When bundled with an emergency action plan that outlines roles and responsibilities, a 72 hour survival kit forms the foundation of your preparedness strategy. It enables you to shelter-in-place confidently until the situation improves. Every prepper should invest in these basics. Check out our survival gear kit list for recommendations on what to include.
What should I put in a doomsday survival kit?
A doomsday or disaster survival kit should contain the essential items you need to survive for at least 72 hours in case of an emergency evacuation or a 2-week supply if sheltering in place at home. Here are some of the most critical components to include in your survival gear kit:
Water
Having an adequate survival gear kit supply of water is vital - plan for at least one gallon per person per day. A 3-day supply is recommended for evacuation kits, while home shelter kits should contain a 2-week supply if possible. Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers.
Food
Stock up on non-perishable, nutrient-dense foods that require no refrigeration and little to no preparation, such as protein bars, canned goods, nuts, dried fruits, beef jerky, and meal replacement shakes. Like water, a 3-day supply is ideal for evacuation and 2 weeks for home sheltering.
Flashlight
A flashlight with spare batteries or crank charging can provide light in case of a power outage. LED flashlights last the longest. Glow sticks also work when packed properly.
Radio
Pack a battery-powered or hand crank AM/FM radio to stay updated about the situation and learn when it's safe to evacuate or return home. Choose one with NOAA weather band access if possible.
Having the right survival gear kit essentials is key to enduring a crisis scenario. Tailor your kit to your family's unique needs and update it every 6 months.
What top 5 survival items would you equip yourself with to survive in the wild?
As a beginner prepper putting together your first survival gear kit for the wilderness, having the right items can mean the difference between life and death if you ever find yourself lost or injured in the backcountry. Here are the top 5 must-have survival items to include:
Map & Compass
Relying solely on your phone's GPS is risky since you may lose signal or the device could die without a way to charge it. A survival gear kit should include a detailed paper map of the area you'll be in and a high-quality compass. Knowing how to navigate terrain the old-fashioned way is a critical wilderness survival skill every prepper needs.
First Aid Kit
A compact, well-stocked first aid kit prepares you for minor injuries like cuts, sprains, and burns. Look for kits designed specifically for survival situations, as these include trauma items like tourniquets and sutures for major wounds. Getting medical help may not be possible, so your supplies could save a life.
Fire Starter
In cold environments, starting a fire is key to regulating body temperature and purifying water. Pack weatherproof matches, a flint rod, tinder, and kindling. Practice fire starting techniques before an emergency - having this skill down is vital. We recommend adding a small hatchet or saw to collect firewood.
Water Purification
Clean drinking water is one of the most important survival gear kit items. Products like portable water filters and chemical treatment tablets remove bacteria, viruses and protozoa from water sources. Ensure your kit has enough capacity and supplies to meet daily hydration needs.
Flashlight
A durable, long-lasting LED flashlight provides light for hiking out of woods at night or finding your way if injured. Headlamps work too, keeping your hands free. Choose an model with multiple settings, including strobe and SOS signals. Spare batteries are a must!
Equipping your survival kit with these 5 items prepares you for numerous wilderness emergency scenarios. Learn essential skills like navigation and fire starting before an unexpected disaster strikes. What items would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
Crafting Your Survival Gear Kit List
A comprehensive survival gear kit is vital for ensuring all your bases are covered in an emergency scenario, from sustenance to safety. Having the right supplies on hand can be the difference between life and death when you find yourself in a difficult situation without access to everyday conveniences. This guide will provide tips on crafting your own custom survival gear kit list.
Best Survival Gear Kit Items for Sustenance
When planning your survival gear kit, food and water should be top priorities. Without proper sustenance, your chances of survival drop exponentially. Focus on non-perishable, high-calorie options that will keep you fueled when typical food sources aren't available:
- Canned goods: Canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and beans can last for years and provide protein, carbs, vitamins and minerals. Choose pop-top cans that don't require a can opener.
- Meal replacement bars: Compact, calorie-dense bars like SOS bars provide balanced nutrition. Most have 5+ year shelf lives.
- Freeze-dried meals: Freeze-dried camping meals only require hot water for preparation. They're lightweight and boast 10+ year shelf lives. Mountain House is a popular brand.
- Water packets/tablets: Packets like those from Wise Company or water purification tablets allow you to make contaminated water safe to drink. They're light, compact survival gear kit options.
Rotate through non-perishable food supplies to use them before expiration. Mark packages with purchase dates and try to eat oldest items first.
Military Survival Gear Kit Tools for Shelter and Warmth
In outdoor emergencies, shelter and warmth are imperative for survival, especially in extreme weather. Military survival gear kits prioritize robust tools and materials for creating shelter:
- Emergency sleeping bags: Insulated, waterproof sleeping bags like the SOL Emergency Bivvy provide shelter and retain body heat.
- Paracord: Strong, versatile rope for building shelters or traps, securing items, and more. A military kit has 100-200 feet.
- Space blanket: Lightweight reflective blankets boost warmth by retaining body heat. Can also be used as a ground cover.
- Hand warmers: Disposable heat packs activated when exposed to air provide emergency warmth for hands and body core.
- Fire starters: Waterproof matches, lighter, flint rod, tinder, and kindling help start campfires for cooking, light, and warmth.
Practice using these survival items at home so you know how to deploy them in emergency scenarios. Check expiration dates and replace worn gear annually.
Having the right survival gear kit packed with sustenance, shelter, and other vital supplies can make all the difference when facing emergencies. Use this list to customize your own kit for your needs.
Food Rations and Nutritional Supplies
Food rations provide sustenance when typical food sources aren't available. The key is packing calorie-and-nutrient dense options with long shelf lives. Having the right food supplies in your survival gear kit ensures you and your family will get the nutrition needed to stay healthy during an emergency situation.
Canned Goods and High-Energy Snacks
Canned goods like meats, fruits, vegetables, and beans are essentials for a survival gear kit list. Canned foods are:
- Dense in calories and nutrients
- Portable and durable for transport
- Able to be stored for years when properly sealed
Stacking cans makes efficient use of space. Focus on nutritious options like chicken, tuna, beans, vegetables, or fruit packed in juice rather than heavy syrups.
High-energy granola, protein, or fruit bars provide an immediate boost when energy levels dip. Choose individually-wrapped bars for convenience. Rotate stock every 6 months to keep snacks fresh. Place 3-5 bars per person in your kit.
MREs or Freeze-Dried Meals
Shelf-stable meals like MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat) or backpacker freeze-dried meals ensure you have a hot, hearty meal option if facing prolonged displacement from home.
Key features:
- Long shelf life of 5+ years
- Lightweight and portable pouches
- Self-contained - no refrigerator or heating access needed
- High in protein, calories, and nutrients
MREs provide calorie-dense meals developed for the military. Freeze-dried backpacker meals offer civilian-friendly options in various cuisines. Include a couple meals per person in your survival gear kit.
Having the right food supplies packed ensures you and your family continues getting proper nutrition during emergencies. Focus on shelf-stable, calorie-and-nutrient dense options tailored to your family's needs.
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Water Storage and Filtration Systems
Water is crucial for survival, so carrying water pouches plus having the means to filter or purify found water is essential. Having reliable water storage containers and advanced water purification tools in your survival gear kit can be the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.
Reliable Water Bladder or Bottles
Store several liters of water in durable bladders, bottles or canteens made of BPA-free plastic or stainless steel. Popular options include:
- Collapsible water bladders - These have a tap for easy pouring and fold away into a small size when empty. CamelBaks and Platypus are quality brands. Get a 2-3 liter capacity.
- Stainless steel bottles - Very durable and won't leach chemicals. Klean Kanteen and Hydro Flask make excellent vacuum-insulated models that will keep water cold for hours. 1 liter size is good for portability.
- Plastic water bottles - Cheaper than steel but still reliable. Nalgene wide mouths are easy to fill and clean. Carry a few 1 liter bottles.
Multiple water containers allow modular storage and provide backups. Prioritize BPA-free plastic or stainless steel over cheap bottles that could leach chemicals.
Consider water pouches with molle webbing to attach them modularly onto backpacks, vests, belts, etc. Having readily accessible water storage visible also reminds you to stay hydrated.
Advanced Water Purification Tools
Purification tablets, advanced filters like LifeStraws, or UV sanitizers allow drinking from natural sources by removing pathogens.
The most popular portable methods are:
- Water purification tablets - Small, lightweight and cheap. Kill bacteria and viruses. Add one tablet per water bottle, wait 5-10 minutes before drinking. Won't remove chemicals.
- Lifestraw personal filter - One of the best innovations! This straw simply filters water while drinking from lakes, rivers, etc removing 99.9% of waterborne bacteria and parasites. Fantastic ease of use.
- Sawyer Mini filter - Attaches to most water bottles for on-the-go filtering. Reliable protection from bacteria, protozoa and parasites. Filters up to 100,000 gallons!
- UV water purifiers - Battery powered wand exposes water to UV light, killing 99.9% of pathogens by damaging their DNA/RNA. Fast and effective but requires batteries.
Purification ability varies so research before purchasing a water filtration or purification tool. Assemble a modular water purification kit combining tablets, filters, UV as backups. Proper hydration is vital in emergency and survival situations, so this should be a focus of any survival gear kit.
First Aid Supplies for Medical Readiness
A well-equipped first aid kit provides critical medical supplies to treat injuries and ailments when professional care isn't available. Having these items on hand can make a crucial difference during emergency situations by enabling you to provide basic care until you can get medical assistance.
Comprehensive Medications and Ointments
Stock a variety of over-the-counter medications to address different symptoms and conditions. These may include:
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin to alleviate pain and reduce fevers
- Anti-inflammatory medications to decrease swelling and joint discomfort
- Antibiotic and antiseptic ointments to prevent and treat infections - useful for minor cuts, burns, and skin irritations
- Antihistamines like diphenhydramine to manage allergic reactions
- Hydrocortisone cream to relieve rashes, insect bites, skin inflammation
- Antidiarrheal medication in case of stomach issues
Be sure to check expiration dates regularly and replace any expired or nearly expired medications. Rotate stock to use older ones first.
Wound Care Essentials
Having the necessary items to dress injuries is vital for managing wounds. Essential wound care supplies include:
- Sterile gauze pads and rolls to control bleeding and dress injuries
- Adhesive bandages of multiple sizes to protect minor cuts and scrapes
- Roller bandages and triangular bandages to secure dressings and support injuries
- Adhesive tape to hold dressings in place
- Antiseptic wipes to disinfect wounds
- Medical trauma shears to cut away clothing from injuries
- Disposable gloves to protect yourself from bodily fluids and contamination
Prioritize stocking different sizes of most supplies. A variety enables you to treat injuries across your family or group members more effectively.
Be sure to check wound care items for damage regularly and replace as needed. Keep extra scissors handy in case trauma shears become dull.
Multi-use Tools and Reliable Navigation Aids
Tools assist with survival tasks like hunting, building shelters, or starting fires. Navigation items help travel and orient yourself in unfamiliar terrain.
Versatile Multitool or Pocket Knife
A multi-purpose tool or sturdy foldable survival gear kit knife provides a range of necessary capabilities like cutting, screwing, and can be a cornerstone of the best survival gear kit.
A versatile multitool or pocket knife is an essential item for any survival gear kit. These tools provide crucial functionalities like:
- Cutting ropes, bandages, tinder
- Opening cans and packages
- Screwing and unscrewing bolts
- Carving wood for making tools or shelters
- Defending yourself if needed
When selecting a multitool or knife, prioritize ones made of durable stainless steel that resist corrosion. Look for models with locking mechanisms on the tools so they stay fixed in position while in use.
The Leatherman Wave Plus multitool or Benchmade - Bugout Folding Knife are excellent survival gear kit options combining robust build quality with portability.
Dependable Fire Starters
Stay warm and cook food with stormproof matches, flint strikers, and ample tinder, a vital component of a survival gear kit list.
Having reliable methods to start fires is crucial for:
- Keeping warm in cold environments
- Purifying water by boiling
- Cooking food
- Signaling for rescue
Essential fire starting items in a survival gear kit include:
- Stormproof/windproof matches or refillable lighters
- Flint fire starter with striker to create sparks
- Tinder like cotton balls, dryer lint soaked in petroleum jelly to easily ignite
Group items together in a waterproof container. Test gear periodically and replace worn products.
The Ultimate Survival Technologies Wetfire Tinder paired with a Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel 2.0 Army Model provide rugged, all-weather performance.
Shelter and Warmth: The Fundamentals
Proper insulation and cover are crucial to preserving body heat. Shelter-building supplies create a habitat when seeking long-term refuge. Having the right gear to create warmth and shelter can be the difference between life and death in a survival situation.
Emergency Space Blankets and Bivvies
Ultralight, reflective blankets and bivvies retain a high percentage of body heat to prevent hypothermia. These are must-have survival gear kit essentials.
Space blankets made of heat-reflective thin plastic are extremely useful for retaining body heat. Weighing only a few ounces, they can fit into any survival pack. Unfurl a space blanket and wrap it around yourself like a cocoon in cold weather. The crinkly material traps air and reflects back radiant heat from your body.
Bivvy sacks are waterproof outer shells lined with heat-reflective material. Slip inside one at night and it will insulate you from the cold ground while blocking wind and moisture. Top brands like SOL make bivvies durable enough for regular use. They roll up small for backpack portability.
Having a few space blankets and a bivvy sack provides lightweight, effective options for preserving core temperature if caught without proper bedding or outerwear. They take up barely any room in a survival gear kit, so there's no reason not to include them.
Portable Tents or Tarps
Carry durable, lightweight shelters like tents, tarps, and parachute cord to quickly build cover in the wild.
While space blankets trap radiant heat close to your body, you'll also need overhead cover and shelter from wind or rain. Packable tents offer sturdy construction with lightweight materials like ripstop nylon. Leading brands have waterproof flooring and rain flies to shed moisture.
Silnylon tarps are ultra-portable shelters that can be configured into makeshift tents. Tie cordage to trees or stakes to create A-frame, lean-to, or other shelter shapes. Top makers use durable, water-repellent fabric with reinforced stress points.
Include at least 50 feet of strong parachute cord. This allows you to lash tarps or tie together natural materials for small huts. Useful cordage knots like the trucker's hitch provide tension for quick shelter set-up.
Choosing compact yet rugged tents and tarps prepares you to create essential overhead protection. Combined with space blankets and a bivvy, your survival gear kit will have you covered from harsh elements.
Self-Defense and Personal Safety
In unstable times, self-defense items provide protection against threats to personal safety, which can be a core part of survival gear kits.
Robust Tactical Flashlights
Tactical flashlights optimized for self-defense feature rugged, waterproof aluminum bodies and ultra-bright LED bulbs projecting over 1000 lumens. These high-performance lights enable momentarily blinding an attacker by shining the powerful beam directly into their eyes from up to 100 feet away.
Look for small yet robust flashlights like the Anker Bolder LC90 that fit easily into a pocket or belt while providing 900 lumens of light. Key features are a focused hot spot beam for distance illumination coupled with a wide peripheral beam for situational awareness. Useful modes include high, medium, low white light settings plus an emergency strobe. These professional-grade lights run on rechargeable batteries to avoid wasting disposable cells.
With their rugged aluminum bodies, IPX7 waterproofing rating to 3 feet depth, and impact resistance from falls up to 1.5 meters, durable tactical flashlights withstand tough use when you need them most. They allow safely traversing unfamiliar terrain at night during a blackout or dangerous situation. The extremely bright, focused beam also serves as an improvised self-defense tool to temporarily blind assailants while making an escape.
Compact Pepper Spray
Small pepper spray canisters provide a non-lethal means of self-defense for warding off threatening humans or animals. Key features include a grip-friendly ergonomic shape and easy point-and-shoot operation.
Look for pepper sprays like SABRE Red designed for close-quarters use with a 10-foot spray range. A 25-burst capacity allows multiple usages while the canister itself acts as a further improvised weapon if needed. The formula contains between 0.9% to 2% Major Capsaicinoids, delivering severe temporary irritation to the eyes, nose, lungs and skin on contact.
A vital tactical component is the safety cap preventing accidental discharge while being easily disabled in an instant when needed urgently. The compact 2-ounce canister fits discretely on a keychain or in a pocket when walking alone. If traveling abroad, check regulations, as some countries restrict higher-concentration defense sprays.
Having non-lethal pepper spray at the ready acts as an equalizer to enable escaping confrontation or temporarily incapacitating aggressors until authorities can assist. With training on proper use, it significantly enhances personal safety and confidence.
Communication Devices and Signaling Gear
Reliable contact devices connect you with help or rescue teams. Signaling items visually or audibly call attention to your location. Having the right communication and signaling gear in your survival gear kit can make a huge difference in an emergency situation where getting help quickly is critical.
All-Weather AM/FM/Weather Radios
Staying informed about weather conditions, news, and other alerts can be critical when in a survival scenario. An AM/FM radio that includes NOAA weather band reception ensures you can listen to emergency broadcasts and weather reports even if cell towers are down.
Look for a radio that has multiple power options like hand crank charging, solar panels, and battery power. Top options like the Midland ER310 allow charging via a hand crank, solar panel or USB port. This gives flexibility and redundancy to ensure your survival radio keeps working if batteries die. The Midland ER310 also has a bright flashlight and phone charging USB port built-in.
Having an emergency radio that works in any conditions and isn't dependent on wall power is one of the most useful pieces of survival gear kit equipment. It keeps you informed, provides light, charges devices, and works for as long as needed no matter the weather or environment.
High-Visibility Signal Mirror or Whistle
When lost or needing rescue, signaling your location visually or with sound can save your life. Every survival gear kit should contain a high-visibility signaling device.
A signal mirror is lightweight and compact but allows bright light to be reflected over great distances to flag the attention of search and rescue teams. Models like the Coghlan's Signal Mirror have a retro-reflective aiming aid to accurately target light at airborne rescue teams.
Including a whistle like the WindStorm Safety Whistle provides an extremely loud, penetrating sound that can be heard over long distances. The WindStorm whistle reaches loud volumes up to 96 decibels yet is compact and never requires batteries or charging.
Packing both a signal mirror and whistle gives both visual and audio signaling options. This redundancy combined with their durability, portability and ease of use makes carrying signaling gear absolutely essential for emergency best survival gear kit setups. Stay visible and get heard when it matters most.
Assembling the Ultimate Survival Gear Kit
Equipping your survival gear kit with carefully selected food, water, first aid, tools, and other essentials prepares you to handle a multitude of emergencies with confidence. As a new prepper, having the right survival gear kit essentials is key to being ready for anything.
Here are some must-have items to include in your survival kit:
Food and Water
Having enough non-perishable food and clean water is critical in an emergency situation. Some important items include:
- Canned goods and MREs (meals ready-to-eat)
- Water filtration device like a Lifestraw or Sawyer filter
- Water purification tablets
- Reusable water bottle
Stock up on calories and nutrients that don't require refrigeration. Aim for at least a 3 day supply to start.
First Aid
Being able to provide first aid greatly improves survival outcomes. Make sure to have:
- First aid kit with bandages, gauze, ointments
- Medications like pain/fever relievers, antibiotics
- Tourniquet and trauma items
Having the ability to treat injuries, infections, or illnesses can save lives when professional medical care is not available.
Tools and Equipment
Reliable gear for survival tasks makes a big difference. Some must-haves:
- Knife, hatchet, or multi-tool
- Fire starting kit with matches, lighter, fire steel
- Paracord and duct tape
- Headlamp, flashlight, and extra batteries
Choose durable, high-quality items that will hold up during an emergency and equip you to handle various challenges.
Building a well-stocked survival gear kit takes time, but is one of the best ways new preppers can prepare for uncertain situations ahead. Start with the basics and expand your supplies over time.
