When it comes to venturing into the wilderness, you need to have some items in your outdoor survival kit just to be ready in case something happens.
The Scout motto of “Be Prepared” is only two small words, but those words say a lot. They give every scout the guidance needed to be ready for every situation to make sure they have items requires in case of many scenarios. While its nearly impossible to predict everything that could happen while hiking or camping, having these ten must-have items in your outdoor survival kit will certainly help.
Map & Compass
You shouldn’t rely solely on the map on your cell phone because your battery could die, or you might end up in an area without reliable cell phone coverage. Your electronic device can be used during most of your hikes, but when you have a topographical map of the area and a compass to help guide your way if you’re lost and lose signal while on the trails. Of course, you need to know how to use these items that you put in your kit.
First-Aid Kit
Your first-aid kit should include some small items that can help while on the trails. Your outdoor survival kit is something you carry with you while hiking, camping, or backpacking and needs to be lightweight. This means including some small bandages, antibacterial ointment, triangle bandages, and gauze.
Signal Mirror
A small handheld mirror is ideal for signaling passing aircraft, and some can be seen from up to 15 miles away. If it’s a clear and sunny day, a signaling mirror is an effective way to get the attention of search and rescue crews looking for you in the area. Many compasses have a mirror, which makes it easy to have the compass and mirror you need in one small package.
Fire Starter
If you’re stuck in the wilderness during colder temperatures, you’ll need to be able to start a fire. This means you should pack a few types of fire starters in waterproof bags. You can bring matches, a lighter, a striker, and a small amount of dry tinder to help get things going. You might never use your fire starter, but having it in your outdoor survival kit is important.
Water Purification System
When you’re lost in the wilderness, you never know when you’ll make it back to civilization. Your body needs water much more than food. You can only survive for a week without any water, but you might not make it more than three or four days when exposed to the elements. This means a water purification system is requires ensuring you can purify the water you find in the woods.
Knife
There are many uses for a knife in the wilderness, especially if you’re stuck and need to survive. You want a good, sharp, folding pocket knife with a non-serrated blade and a small saw in the knife. These two blades can be good for sharpening sticks, cutting cords, cutting bandages, and possibly skinning fish or prey that you catch to eat. A good pocket knife is an essential part of your outdoor survival kit.
Paracord
Paracord is light, easy to carry, and extremely strong. Paracord can hold up to 550 pounds, which makes it extremely useful in many situations. You might need to use it to climb up a steep embankment, hang your clothes on when they need to dry, tie down a shelter, or make lines to catch fish or other game while you’re trying to survive your time in the wilderness.
Fishing Line and Hooks
Your paracord can be good as a fishing line, but you might need it for other purposes. If you carry a little bit of fishing line and a few hooks, you can make a fishing rod and catch your dinner in a nearby stream. This might be one of the most important parts of your outdoor survival kit when you get stuck in the wilderness, but you’re near a stream or lake where you can catch some fish.
Flashlight or Headlamp
You will need a dependable light source if you’re stuck in the wilderness, especially if you’re there overnight. A headlamp allows you to keep your hands free to complete some tasks and see what you’re doing during the dark hours of the night. When it gets dark outside, having a light source will make it much easier to navigate at night. Make sure you pack a few extra batteries in case you need to use the light for a few nights.
Solar Blanket
A solar blanket can help keep your body warm and its extremely lightweight, making it the perfect addition to your outdoor survival kit. Your body can experience hypothermia when its only 50 degrees outside, which is a real problem when you’re stuck in the wilderness overnight. A solar blanket will keep your body warm and help you survive your time in the wilderness.