Survival Kit 101
Life can throw a lot of curveballs at you, and while you can't always be prepared for a lot of them, there is one thing you can do. Preparing an adequate survival kit can be the big difference between life and death in an emergency situation. While we seriously hope no one ever has to actually put theirs to use (knock on wood), it never hurts to have one ready. Here are 20 things you should always pack in your survival kit - these things will undoubtedly come in handy.
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1. Bottled Water
If there's one thing you definitely need to keep on hand in an emergency, it's bottled water. After all, it's one of the two things you need to survive! It's recommended that you keep enough on you for a couple of days if it's for an evacuation pack, and up to several weeks if it's for keeping at home.
2. Phone Chargers
In our connected world, being online is more important than ever before. It's your one way to get the information you need and fast. Not only is it crucial to keep your phone charged up should you need to contact someone, it's your best bet for staying in the loop. The last thing you'll want to happen is see your phone run out of battery when you need it most.
3. Non-Perishable Food
Just as you need water, you also need food if you want to survive. While you may groan at the thought of eating only canned food, in an emergency, these long-lasting goodies are your new best friend. Many canned goods have an infinite shelf-life as long as you store them properly, meaning if you play your cards right, you won't have to worry about staying fed.
4. Toilet Paper
While you're stocking up on food and water, it's easy to forget about other essentials you use on a daily basis. For instance, did you ever think about preparing toilet paper for your survival kit? No matter what's going on in the world, having to go number 1 & 2 is unfortunately just a part of the human body. That just means you've got to be prepared.
5. Flashlight
In a worst case scenario where all power gets lost, you'll be relieved knowing you have a trusty flashlight on you to provide you with light. Sometimes we take electricity for granted, and we don't know how difficult it is to live without it until forced to. That's why it's always better to be prepared - it takes up so little space too!
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6. Batteries
For keeping your flashlight and other necessities powered up, having extra batteries on hand never hurts. They're small, light, and you'll be so happy you brought some along when you realize how valuable they are.
7. Spare Socks
If you're forced out into the wild and away from your home, chances are you might be dealing with terrible weather and rough environments. The least you can do is spare some space for your own comfort. Pack some spare socks so you can keep your toes warm and dry for whatever trek you have ahead.
8. Sleeping Bag
Sadly, without your heater by your side, you're likely going to face some cold nights ahead. It's important to always plan for the unexpected and packing a sleeping bag will make your life so much easier. It'll help make the chilly nights a little more bearable, that's for sure.
9. Towel
Towels can be pretty multi-functional when you need them to be. It's easy to pack a really light one in your bag which will take up little to no space. Whether it's used to clean a wound or keep yourself dry, you certainly won't regret bringing one along.
10. Spare Underwear
One of the most essential pieces of garment to pack in your survival kit is some extra underwear. While you can definitely get by with wearing the same shirt and pants in an emergency situation, you'll definitely want some fresh and clean underwear to change into. You can definitely afford this amount of comfort for yourself.
11. First Aid Kit
If there's one thing for certain, your survival kit would feel empty if you didn't pack a first aid kit. In the case of an emergency, you never know what wounds or injuries might happen. Be prepared for the worst and pack a hefty first aid kit that will have everything you need in case something needs to be treated.
12. Knife
Packing a knife in your survival kit will be one of the greatest decisions you'll ever make. You don't understand how useful this item is until you're in this situation. Great for protecting yourself, preparing food, or gathering materials, a knife will always come in handy in an emergency.
13. Extra Pair of Glasses/Contacts
If you're vision-impaired, your worst nightmare probably has to do with being stuck in an emergency but not being able to see. If that rings true for you, it's a good idea that you pack an extra pair of glasses/contacts in your survival kit right away. We're guessing you want to be able to see past 3 meters if you're stuck in a bad situation.
14. Battery-Powered Radio
When the power goes out, you'll definitely want to have a battery-powered radio on hand. Sometimes, old school is just better! When the wifi becomes unreliable and electricity is lost, the best way to get information or news is with a radio. They're certainly trustworthy during times like these!
15. Whistle
It doesn't have to be expensive, it can just be a cheap plastic one, but having a small whistle in your pack can be very useful. It's great for using as a signal or getting the attention of someone when you're in need of help. Don't underestimate the power behind these little things!
Image by Davie Bicker from Pixabay
16. Emergency Contact Numbers
What are you going to do if you need to call someone for help but don't know their number? Don't let your poor memory get the best of you. Writing down emergency contact numbers requires no money, takes little time, but can really save your life (or someone else's) in a moment of danger.
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17. Female Hygiene Products
Ladies, we know the thought of having your period during an emergency sounds absolutely terrible, but like we said, it's always best to plan ahead. Make sure you pack some female hygiene products like pads or tampons for when your time of the month comes. We're guessing you wouldn't want another thing thrown on your plate during a stressful time like this.
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18. Cash
When credit cards and debit cards no longer have any effect, good ol' fashioned cash can always come in handy. Always keep some on hand for emergencies - you never know what you might need to buy.
Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
19. Map
You can't always count on Google Maps being there for you. If your battery dies or you lose your phone, what are you going to do? Having a physical map on hand can save you from getting lost when you need it most. It might be hard to read at first, but it's definitely better than nothing.
Photo by Stephen Monroe on Unsplash
20. Can Opener
If you have the space, bringing along useful tools like a can opener can really make your life a lot easier. Imagine bringing a bunch of canned food to eat but you have no means of opening them! What do you plan on doing then - smashing the can onto a rock? Skip the hassle and just pack a small, simple can opener.
