5 Essentials for Wilderness Survival Kits First, you’ll need light. Pack a solar flashlight. Considering that you can’t predict the length of time you would be on your own in the wilderness, how much do you want to place your trust in a few batteries? What happens when the batteries die? It’s best to go with a self-charging instrument that can be used and reused over a very long time. A solar flashlight will recharge itself during the day for your needs at night. With a battery dependent choice, you have to worry about (1) running out of batteries, or (2) the batteries expiring while they sit in your emergency kit. The solar powered options won’t need replacement. Purchase a solar flashlight and throw it in your emergency survival kit. You’ll be grateful you did should you need to spend an extended period of time in the wilderness.
Waterproof Matches Second, you’re going to need fire. For that, waterproof matches are a must. Fire brings warmth and cooking potential to the table. With it you can boil water, cook meat, and provide warmth during a cold night. Fuel for the fire is easier to find in nature so you won’t have to take much of that. It’s getting the fire started that is harder to do without something as helpful as a match. Pack a larger box to provide enough kindling for multiple fires. It’s better to have too many rather than too few.
Tools for contacting help Third, you’ll need tools to contact help. Sometimes you just need to make enough of a visual difference in the sky or make as much noise as possible to attract help. You can often use the smoke of your fires or a signal mirror to visually attract attention. A small, shortwave radio can help too.
Plastic whistles are great for attracting the attention of nearby camps or rescue teams. Bring one or multiple of these tools to help you attract help in an emergency.
Drinking water Fourth, the body can’t last long without water and food. If you can fit canned drinking water into your kit, then do it. If you don’t have the room, take an empty canteen and pack water purifying tablets. You need your health to survive and drinking natural water caries a number of dangers. For food, consider bringing a few condensed survival bars that will provide a full meal in a single bar. Also bring snare wire and a pocket knife to kill your own food. Fifth and finally, you’re going to need a way to warm up as you sleep. Pack a sleeping bag. It’ll provide you a place to sleep as well as some protection from the natural elements. These can be a bit bulkier, but they’ll save your life in the cold of the wilderness when your fire dies out. These five essentials will help keep you alive in the wilderness. Collect these essentials into a wilderness survival kit to prepare for an emergency. Make sure you know how to use each piece of equipment and update it as often as needed. It could just save your life one day. Photo Credit: Perfect Zero, Pondering Moose