Getting away from everything has no comparison. Filling a backpack with supplies and venturing into the vast open spaces for some backcountry camping is an activity that charges the soul and rejuvenates. It not only provides a break from the struggles and hardships of daily life but also reveals aspects of oneself, including preparedness skills and resilience.
Regardless of whether you are exploring the wilderness alone or with companions, it is crucial to bring tactical survival gear. In the majority of cases, hikers or campers find themselves in trouble while in the wild due to their lack of preparedness for unexpected situations. By creating a checklist and ensuring you have essential survival equipment packed for your next excursion, you can easily avoid possible hazards.
Matches & Lighters
Including matches and lighters in a home emergency kit is an obvious choice since it is one of the ten essentials. Whether for igniting a camp stove, a candle, or in the absence of heat, having the means to create fire is essential. So, remember to grab some matches and lighters from the gas station or while browsing Amazon.
Portable Lighting
When camping, it is common knowledge that lanterns, flashlights, and headlamps are essential once it gets dark. While some may argue that light is not as essential as food, water, or shelter, it would be challenging to do anything in complete darkness if the power goes out. Fortunately, human civilization has developed various alternative light sources, giving you numerous options to include in your emergency kit. Examples of these options include candles, solar lights, crank-powered lights, and battery-powered lights. If you already have reliable and preferably portable lights in your camping kit, that is perfect! Just make sure to keep them in an easily accessible place, fully charged, and with spare batteries nearby. As mentioned before, a portable light source is ideal for any outdoor or emergency situation as it offers flexibility and does not rely on an electrical grid. If your light requires a battery, such as an LED light, the battery life is important since you cannot predict how long you will need the light source.
Cooler
In the event of a power outage, not only will your lights go out, but your appliances, including your fridge and freezer, will also stop working. To preserve your perishable items for as long as possible, it is advisable to have a cooler on hand. This cooler can not only keep your food fresh, but the ice inside it can also be utilized for cold compression to treat potential injuries. Store a cooler near your at-home survival kit and ensure that you have 3-5 ice packs in the freezer at all times. The same cooler you use for road trips, camping trips, and fishing trips will suffice. However, it is important not to solely rely on the cooler as your sole emergency food storage. Always ensure you have a supply of non-perishable foods.
Camp Stove & Fuel
Canister stoves for camping, which can be as small as a Pez dispenser when packed, have a starting price of approximately $50. Including one in your house’s emergency preparation kit, along with a few fuel canisters, doesn’t require much expense and serves as a contingency option for cooking meals and boiling water. Several reliable brands manufacture camping stoves.
First-Aid
Ice and Band-Aids are not universal remedies, but having Band-Aids in a first aid kit is crucial. A first-aid kit is necessary for hiking or backpacking, as well as for emergencies at home. You can either make your own kit or purchase one, but it should be customized based on your family’s needs. Include necessary medication, bandages, Band-Aids, cleansing wipes, safety pins, tweezers, and scissors. Research and educate yourself on additional items to create a well-suited kit.
Tool
In the 1990s, multitools gained significant popularity. There was good reason for this, considering the limitations of the previous multitool, the Swiss army knife, particularly its tiny scissors that were difficult to use. While the Swiss army knife was excellent, especially during childhood scouting, our requirements adapt as adults who engage in outdoor activities, necessitating the use of tactical survival equipment such as mini saws, pliers, and screwdrivers.
In today’s market, there is a wide range of multitools available, offering various combinations of tools in a single device. It is advisable to explore different options from both online and local retailers. Additionally, seeking recommendations from friends who already use and carry multitools is crucial. After all, the person at the other end of the bass boat would make an excellent product tester.
Water
If you find yourself in the wilderness, chances are that there will be a limited supply of water for you to carry. Taking water purification tablets or water filtration devices is essential when packing your tactical survival gear, as nothing on earth can survive without H2O. This could potentially save your life, particularly if you are venturing into a harsh environment with little or no protection from the elements.
If you lack a means to stay hydrated, all the tactical survival gear will be useless. It is important to consider this item. Nowadays, numerous backpacks have pockets specifically designed for water bladders, enabling you to conveniently carry water. The current water purification and filtration devices are both efficient and lightweight, so ensure you pack accordingly.
Connectivity
We are not referring to the signal strength on your phone, but rather the importance of carrying duct tape, fishing line, and parachute cord along with your tactical survival gear. These items have the ability to help you connect various things, which can potentially save your life. With cord and duct tape, you can lash objects together, construct emergency shelters, prevent leaks and bleeding, and even catch fish. The possibilities are endless.
Repellant
In the recent years, criminal activity in wilderness areas has increased. However, it is important to note that camping and hiking remain generally safe activities enjoyed by many each year. It is worth being aware that there are isolated instances of criminals and wildlife encounters, and being prepared is advisable to avoid any unfortunate incidents.
When you are packing your tactical survival gear, make sure to include animal repellant and an item for self-defense against deranged individuals as well.
GPS
Investing in a high-quality GPS for your tactical survival gear is highly valuable and worth the expense. It’s important not to be tempted by cheaper options just to save a little money, as spending more on a GPS usually ensures better equipment. Prioritize your safety and well-being by opting for a high-end device.
A high-quality GPS is an essential component of any tactical survival gear package. In the event that you are lost, it can provide crucial assistance and illuminate the severity of your circumstances. Even the most proficient outdoor enthusiasts can make mistakes in the wilderness. By combining a reliable GPS with a well-made topographical map, you can identify the best exit route or regain your sense of direction before veering off course. Even a simple compass and map, if utilized skillfully, can serve as a lifeline.
