Introduction to Survival Wallets
Survival wallets provide essential tools for emergency preparedness in a compact, portable package. They contain basic survival gear like fire starters, fishing line, and first aid items. Survival wallets are designed to be lightweight and discreetly carried in a pocket or bag. Having key survival tools on hand can be invaluable in an unexpected crisis situation. This article will provide an in-depth overview of survival wallets, their key features and contents, different types, top brands, and DIY customization ideas. Read on to learn all about these discreet and potentially lifesaving preparedness tools.
What is a Survival Wallet?
A survival wallet is a specially designed wallet containing various survival tools and gear. It looks like an ordinary wallet but has hidden compartments and features for storing critical items. Survival wallets provide basic equipment for wilderness survival or urban disasters. They are lightweight, compact and easily fit in a pocket or bag. Survival wallets allow discreet carrying of essential emergency items that could save your life in an unexpected catastrophe.
Key Features
- Durable, weather-resistant materials such as ripstop nylon or stainless steel
- Specialized compartments and sleeves to organize tools
- Slim profile for easy portability while keeping tools accessible
- Waterproof pouches protect fire starters, matches, documents
- Strategically packed selection of multi-purpose survival tools
Common Contents
- Mini fire starting kit (flint, stormproof matches, tinder, firestarters)
- Fishing line, hooks, weights, and lures for catching food
- Signaling tools like a safety whistle, signal mirror or glow sticks
- Bandages, medications, ointments in a micro first aid kit
- Knives, can openers, screwdrivers and other multi-function tools
- Emergency cash stash and photocopies of important documents
Benefits
- Provides access to critical survival items when you need them most
- Compact size allows discreet carrying in pockets or bags every day
- Having basic tools on hand can literally be a lifesaver in a disaster
- Peace of mind knowing you have essential gear if an emergency strikes
- Allows you to be self-reliant and prepared in unexpected situations
- A survival wallet makes a great addition to any emergency kit or bug out bag
Types of Survival Wallets
Survival wallets come in a variety of types designed for different environments and needs. Some common categories include:
Urban Survival Wallets
Urban survival wallets focus on lightweight, low-profile designs that discretely carry critical tools for city disasters. These may include:
- Pepper spray, handcuff keys or tactical pens for self-defense
- Lockpicking sets, pry bars and door stop alarms
- Micro first aid kit, medications, bandages
- Signaling tools like a safety whistle or flares
- Collapsible water bottle and water purification tablets
- Fire starters, multi-tool, emergency blankets
Wilderness Survival Wallets
For extended wilderness survival, look for heavy-duty wallets with:
- Fire starting tools like waterproof stormproof matches, firesteel, tinder
- Snare wire, fishing line and assorted hooks and lures
- Camping multi-tools with knife blades, pliers, screwdrivers
- Water filters, purification tablets, collapsible water bottles
- Reflective thermal blankets and heavy-duty 550 paracord
Waterproof Survival Wallets
Waterproof survival wallet features include:
- Vinyl, silicone or rubber materials to withstand submersion
- Sealed, watertight compartments keep contents dry
- Floats if dropped in water during an emergency
- Protects critical items like fire starting kit, matches, documents
- Perfect for boating, fishing, camping or flood prone areas
What to Look for When Buying
When shopping for a survival wallet, consider these factors:
Construction
- Durability of stitching and materials (ripstop nylon, stainless steel)
- Weather resistance depending on climate (waterproofing)
- Compartments and organization for quick access
Tools and Features
- Comprehensive selection of survival components
- Outdoor options like fire starters and fishing gear
- Urban tools like self-defense items and lockpicking sets
- Bonus features like emergency whistle or button compass
Carry Considerations
- Slim, lightweight, and compact for daily carry
- Comfortably fits in pocket without bulging
- Discreet appearance if concealment needed
Quality and Customization
- Reputable brand known for survival/tactical gear
- Modular design to customize interior contents
- Option to add your own tools and supplies
Top Survival Wallet Brands
There are many high quality survival wallet brands on the market. Some top options to consider include:
- Survivor Industries - Rugged tactical and concealed carry designs
- Dango Products - Modular, customizable interior components
- Roo-Loo Leather - Handcrafted leather wallets made in USA
- Ready Man - Affordable everyday carry survival wallets
- Off Grid Tools - Utilizes top-grade stainless steel multi-tools
- Pro-Mart Tac - Waterproof vinyl wallets with bonus tools
- Journeyman Corp - Innovative patented wallet with built-in tools
- Rogue Wallet - Aluminum wallets with firestarter, fishing gear
DIY Survival Wallet Ideas
You can create a custom survival wallet with these DIY tips:
- Start with an existing sturdy wallet as a base
- Install hidden compartments for storing concealable items
- Waterproof wallet by sealing seams with adhesive laminate
- Paracord handles provide carrying options and emergency cordage
- Stitch on external MOLLE panels to attach modular pouches
- Print survival references or personal info on lining as a backup
- Include redundancy of critical items like two fire sources
- Maximize all pockets and sleeves to organize your gear
Conclusion
Survival wallets provide portable preparedness tools discreetly carried daily. Consider your needs when choosing wallet features and survival components. Look for durable and weather-resistant construction from trusted brands. With some DIY customization, an ordinary wallet can transform into a compact survival kit. Having a survival wallet offers peace of mind and self-reliance to handle life's unexpected emergencies.