When you shop for survival gear, it’s typically true that you receive the quality that matches the price. The majority of gear is manufactured and sold in large quantities, resulting in narrow profit margins. This implies that when you make a purchase, you are essentially paying for the materials, work, and technology needed for the gear’s development, production, and distribution.
When there is actually an emergency, you need tools and supplies that can withstand the challenge.
Don’t Buy Gimmicky Gear
There exists a vast variety of survival gimmicks available for purchase. After conducting numerous tests, we have found that many of these products prove to be insufficient when utilized in real-life scenarios. It is advisable to steer clear from inexpensive items and gimmicky solutions.
My son received a knock-off Swiss Army Knife as a gift, which he decided to take on a Scout camp. Upon his return home, he came inside and displayed three broken pieces to me: the blade, the body, and the saw. It was disappointing that the knife couldn’t even endure a single campout.
Shop on a Budget
When it comes to purchasing survival gear, it is not feasible for many of us to acquire everything we need at once. Therefore, it is practical to allocate a budget and determine the necessary gear in order of importance. As it becomes appropriate, purchase the next item on the list. It is astonishing how swiftly your collection of gear grows when you consistently shop at regular intervals.
Choosing Survival Gear
5 C’s of Survival Gear
These 5 words can help recall the most crucial survival tools and supplies.
- Cutting – Get a quality knife or multi-tool. You may need to cut food, wood for shelter, cord, and many other things. A great cutting tool can be your most valuable tool
- Combustion – Fire is super important as well. You can cook, keep warm, provide light, protect against animals, etc. A great firestarter is a critical resource.
- Cordage – Make sure you have paracord handy. You can build shelter, make weapons, fix clothing, secure gear, suspend food, etc. 50ft of paracord should be a minimum.
- Container – You’ll want a number of containers. Organize your gear in pouches, bags, and bins. Store water and food in their containers. Invest in the right containers.
- Cover – Staying out of the elements can be lifesaving. Use a tent, camping tarp, or make a shelter. It’s best to have a waterproof option on hand.
Survival Priorities
In order to ensure our survival, it is important to prioritize our gear purchase according to the survival priorities. Our ability to survive depends on addressing the highest priorities first. For instance, if we are experiencing severe bleeding due to an injury, having a food source becomes less significant. It is crucial to attend to urgent matters first and then proceed to tackle the next obstacle.
When you purchase your survival gear, make sure to prioritize the most critical items first.
Navigation
By thinking in a sequential manner, restate the given text without altering its meaning or leaving out any information. A basic map and compass can transform the notion of becoming disoriented into a slight inconvenience and avert a significant crisis.
When you need to evacuate, a paper map can be an important resource, particularly if your smartphone is not working. Nowadays, many individuals rely solely on their functional mobile devices for navigation, resulting in few individuals keeping a map in their vehicle or considering it as part of their emergency preparations. However, to discover alternate routes, there is no superior method than referring to a traditional (yet updated) street map.
If you have the budget, consider investing in a GPS unit for your wilderness kit. These incredible devices can assist you in returning to the starting point of your journey or the designated parking area, as well as locating difficult-to-find areas.
If you take a methodical approach, you can rephrase the text while keeping the same meaning: When budgeting for your outdoor adventure, consider purchasing a low-cost baseplate compass and a topographical map from your local area. These affordably priced items will equip you with the necessary tools to prevent getting lost in the wilderness. Avoid being overly frugal and invest in a waterproof map to prevent any mishaps. It’s important to note that using self-printed maps may result in them becoming unreadable if exposed to rain.
By following a step-by-step approach, rephrase the given text while preserving the original meaning. Do not introduce new information or eliminate any information. With a kid’s kit, possessing a basic compass and knowing its usage enables children to navigate in a straight course and retrace their route. Furthermore, compasses provide enjoyment. In case your child has an adequate comprehension of elementary mathematics, you may even instruct them to determine azimuths and back azimuths, just in case they become separated from you and find themselves lost.
Protection
Supplies that protect you and your family can vary because threats come in various forms.
When preparing a disaster survival kit, it is important to include personal protective equipment such as dust masks, safety glasses, gloves, and other necessary gear. Additionally, your preferred weapons for day-to-day use can also fall within this category.
The necessary protection needed in your environment will depend on the wilderness kit. “Snow blindness” resulting from sun and snow can be avoided by wearing sunglasses that block ultraviolet light. Other items such as bug repellent, bug netting, sunscreen, and a suitable backcountry firearm may also be desired.
If you don’t have much money, consider going to the dollar store for a budget-friendly kit. There, you can get items like sunscreen, a rain poncho, and other protective gear. Remember that the quality may be reflective of the price. When it comes to weapons, even a low-cost knife is preferable to having none.
When putting together a kid’s survival kit, it is advisable to include items that are safe and not potentially harmful. This means opting for mild protective supplies and equipment. It is important to keep it uncomplicated and avoid including things like DEET bug spray, which could be dangerous.
Insulation
Adding insulation around our bodies is a simple way to protect ourselves from the deadly foe that is cold weather.
When preparing a winter travel “car kit” or 72-hour kit, it is important to include sleeping bags and blankets to provide essential insulation.
When venturing into the wilderness, it is important to remember to pack a jacket or bring a coat. If you ignored your mother’s advice in the past, I urge you to heed mine now. It is crucial to always have a jacket or coat with you, as the weather can unexpectedly shift in untamed areas, requiring you to be prepared for cold temperatures.
Although space blankets are not as warm and cozy as down parkas, they still provide insulation against the cold and are budget-friendly.
When you were a kid, you didn’t want to carry a coat. And you shouldn’t expect your kids to carry one either. Make sure to include a space blanket in their kit. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have hand and foot warmers for kids, as long as they are stored in a waterproof container.
First-aid supplies
If you find yourself having a rough day and require a survival kit, there is a high likelihood that someone has gotten injured and requires medical assistance. Although it is possible to create makeshift first-aid supplies in an emergency situation, it is preferable to possess a specifically designated kit.
When constructing or improving your disaster medicine kit, it is important to anticipate the worst-case scenario. Because you are unlikely to be carrying it with you at all times, it is acceptable to include a few heavier but valuable items. One essential addition should be a well-regarded book on disaster medicine, such as Dr. Joseph Alton’s “The Survival Medicine Handbook.”
In preparation for a wilderness emergency where you may be without assistance for an extended period of time, it is essential to have a well-equipped first-aid kit. Currently, a favored choice on Amazon is the Swiss Safe 2-in-1 first aid kit, which contains 120 medical pieces and an additional modular pocket-sized kit. It is acceptable to purchase a pre-made kit from an outdoor store and make adjustments according to your needs. Be sure to include items such as a tourniquet and other supplies to address significant bleeding and traumatic injuries, as well as some commonly used over-the-counter medications.
When considering a budget kit, it is possible to purchase a first-aid kit at big box stores for as low as $10. However, it’s important to keep in mind that in most cases, the quality of the kit corresponds to the price. As finances permit, it is advisable to supplement this basic kit with additional supplies.
When customizing a medical kit for your child, consider their age, maturity, and first-aid training. If your child is very young or tends to be experimental, restrict their access to supplies that could cause trouble. In such cases, including a few band-aids, gauze, and tape should be sufficient. On the other hand, for more responsible children, you can enhance their kit by adding more supplies.
Getting Started with Emergency Gear
If you are new to emergency gear, it may feel overwhelming. However, here are some suggestions to help you begin:
- Start with the essentials
- Find the right checklist that matches your household
- Set a monthly budget – don’t get overwhelmed with a huge price tag to get it all – buy the urgent items first
- Be disciplined – once you have emergency supplies, only use them for emergencies
- Keep your checklist handy so you can acquire new gear and supplies regularly
