“Knowledge is the key to survival; the real beauty of that is that it doesn’t weigh anything.”— Ray Mears
Now that summer is near, everyone is making plans to explore the great outdoors. Planning to go off the grid, train for extreme scenarios, or simply enjoying a weekend camping or hiking trip? Conduct research, make plans, secure the right equipment, and prepare for possible emergencies by evaluating current survival gear, especially when heading for new and unfamiliar territories.
Millions of people visit national parks every year, and many get lost, seriously injured, or even worse. According to the Washington Post, the following 10 national parks (of 63 total) recorded the most fatalities over the decade from 2010 to 2020:
Grand Canyon, Arizona (134 deaths)
Yosemite, California (126 deaths)
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina (92 deaths)
Sequoia & Kings Canyon, California (75 deaths)
Yellowstone, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho (52 deaths)
Denali, Alaska (51 deaths)
Mount Rainier, Washington (51 deaths)
Rocky Mountain, Colorado (49 deaths)
Grand Teton, Wyoming (48 deaths)
Zion, Utah (43 deaths)
Survival experts recommend the following factors when scrutinizing tools to include in adventure and survival kits:
Type
Use
Size
Weight
Practicality
Durability
Versatility
Here are examples of tools to consider:
Fire Starting Gadgets
One of the most basic gadgets for surviving in the wilderness is a fire starter. It needs to be wind-resistant, weather-resistant, and easy to use. It also needs to be able to be struck multiple times. It also needs to be small enough to store easily in your kit. One of the best survival fire starters is a 3-in-1 emergency tool with additional benefits like a compass and whistle. Purchase on Amazon.
Water Filter
With no water, you will not last long wherever you decide to go. A LifeStraw water filter is an essential survival gadget. It can remove up to 99.9% of parasites, bacteria, and other contaminants. You can add water to the LifeStraw from any water source and get clean water that you can drink. It can provide up to 1,000 gallons of safe water, which is more than an average person drinks in a whole year. Purchase on Amazon.
Cookware Mess Kit
If you plan to cook during your outing, this FDA-approved gadget combines:
1 pan
3 pots
2 dishes
5 bowls
1 soup bowl
1 fork
2 folding spoons
1 tool card
1 loofah
1 nylon bag
1 survival bracelet
It is very lightweight (.96 lbs) and is made of high-quality anodized aluminum. You can hang it on your backpack or put it inside. It is excellent for dinner in the wild and costs under $25. Purchase on Amazon.
Tactical Flashlight
One of the best and most affordable flashlights on the market today is the JS Tactical V1-Pro Flashlight and is highly rated. It is long-lasting and very bright. It requires a single AA battery and features three different settings, high, low, and strobe. Perfect for indoor and outdoor activities, very compact, water. and drop-resistant. Purchase on Amazon.
Tactical Compass
Can you trust the GPS on your cellphone? How many times has it led you astray? Once is too many. There may be a time when your electronic device breaks or malfunctions, or you may find yourself in an area without satellite coverage. The Eyeskey Multifunctional Military Lensatic Tactical Compass can be an inexpensive lifesaver. It is waterproof, features a 360-degree scale, and is shock resistant. It uses professional-grade design, is lightweight, and can be folded into a compact size. The device is military-grade and has a fluorescent compass Purchase on Amazon.
Survival Tent
This tent is a must-have gadget for any survivalist! This emergency tube tent designed for two people. It is light (8.7 ounces), well-built, and features puncture-resistant material. For $20, you can keep warm and dry; it features a 120-decibel survival whistle that can alert rescuers up to a mile away. It comes with 550 lb nylon for a drawstring. It is not merely a tent. It can be used as an improvised survival shelter, emergency sleeping bag, or blanket. It is easy to use and 100% reusable. Purchase on Amazon.
Whichever survival gadgets you decide on, you first need to acquaint yourself with each device so you can operate them easily, naturally, and effectively.
Try to center your survival gear around water, warmth, shelter, and rescue assistance. If you have too much gear or gear that is too heavy, It will get in your way and could mean the difference between life and death. Only put in your backpack items that are necessary for your particular activities and goals. Redundant or heavy items will slow you down and tire you out.
A survival vest is a great way to store your adventure equipment. The R72 Grab&Go Vest + Modular Bags is a uniquely designed survival vest for adventures and emergencies.
Balance out your gear's weight across your body so that your back doesn't bare all the weight. Add extra modular bags and organize gear according to personal preference. Your activity and situation will differ, but basic needs are the same.
Basic survival items should include water filtration, fire starters, flashlight, survival whistle, knife, compass, and first aid kit. Prepare items required for the activity, terrain, situation, and whether or not you think you will need them. Be prepared to handle all thing related to your particular passion.