Are you frequently in situations where you wish you had certain items, even though it’s always the same thing and you never have it? Instead of having survival kits for remote locations, you need an urban survival kit that contains essential things you always need. This kit includes items like a pencil, scissors, and tape, and it can be beneficial in various situations, whether you are in Sub-Saharan Africa, a subway station, the Rockies, a rock show, the Outback, or simply out back. Remember, this is just a guide I’ve created, so if you have any suggestions for missing or better items, or if there’s something you think should be excluded, feel free to let me know. Additionally, feel free to personalize your own kit based on your specific situation.
Urban Survival Gear List
When it comes to urban survival gear, the key is to pack efficiently, enabling you to carry all necessary items without being burdened by their weight. Our carefully selected items have received MacGyver’s approval and will give you an advantage over any regular individual striving to survive a city disaster.
In addition to your phone, here are the things you should consider acquiring.
Backpack
If you don’t have a backpack to store your urban survival gear, there is no practical benefit to having it. Using a plastic bag or strapping everything to your body is not an option if you don’t want to attract attention or make yourself vulnerable. Therefore, it is necessary to obtain a backpack that is inconspicuous yet capable of securely accommodating all the essential items you need to bring along.
Flashlight
The tactical flashlight is the most important item on a prepper’s urban survival gear list. It is extremely useful during emergencies like power outages or when navigating through dark roads at night.
It is advisable to avoid purchasing cheap-looking flashlights. When selecting items for your pack, ensure that the flashlights are of high quality. Take into account factors such as size, brightness, and portability. Additionally, a rechargeable flashlight would be beneficial.
Multitool
This is the most important aspect of all important aspects. The sword of the Samurai represented his innermost being, and it still does today–although my innermost being conveniently encompasses pliers, scissors, and screwdrivers in addition to a sharp blade. The Leatherman Juice S2 is the most exceptional choice among these tools, not primarily because of its features, but rather due to the absence of unnecessary ones. There is no corkscrew, no nail file. Absolutely nothing that is not necessary is included. It includes pliers, wirecutters, a knife, scissors, a combination bottle and can opener, a Philips screwdriver, and three sizes of flathead screwdrivers, all within a compact and lightweight package.
USB Storage Device
In this dystopian cyberscape, it goes without saying that data storage is crucial. The most convenient method for portable storage is through a USB storage device, which is also referred to as a USB key, USB drive, thumb drive, jump drive, pledge drive, canned-food drive, or tennis-shoe network router.
Cord
For an extended period, individuals have required the act of connecting objects to other objects, and prior to the invention of the renowned adhesive tape by Wainsborough C. Duct, cord was utilized. Considering your intended purpose, a variety of options are available, ranging from twine to yacht rope (although the latter is not as compact as desired). Personally, I prefer using 550 lb. test nylon paracord, which is approximately half the width of a pencil and considerably more efficient for knotting. A 100′ length of this cord can be obtained for less than $10.
First Aid
Humans, similar to radiators and intelligence agencies, have a tendency to leak. To cover up the holes in oneself, bandaids are used. These can be obtained in compact travel packs, making it a practical choice to acquire one. Bandaids also serve as effective tools for removing small sections of hair from the legs. The healing process of wounds can be expedited with the application of triple antibiotic ointment. Alternatively, if this is unavailable, rubbing a raw steak on the injury can provide a sufficient amount of antibiotics to sanitize a keyboard. It is advisable to carry instructions as well. Despite having attended Red-Cross courses, watched the cheesy videos, and performed chest compressions on the mannequins, it is highly likely that under stressful circumstances, some of the learned knowledge will be forgotten. First aid instructions can be found in almost any kit and prove beneficial to others if you are the one injured.
Power Banks
It is quite easy to understand and serves as an excellent option for charging your devices while being active. However, it is advisable not to depend solely on this, bringing us to the following essential item in our list of survival equipment for urban situations.
Emergency Solar Charger
If you are living in a heavily urbanized region, it is probable that during a disaster, power will be unavailable. While power banks are effective, they become useless once they run out of battery. That is why having an emergency solar charger as part of your urban gear is essential. It allows you to recharge your phone, emergency radio, power banks, and flashlight.
Water Supply
Obtaining drinkable water in an urban environment can be challenging. It is not as simple as entering a store and purchasing a bottle, and it is also undesirable to compete with anxious individuals for it. Ideally, each person should carry three gallons of drinking water.
However, if you fail to do so, you will encounter a substantial issue. Consequently, how can you access a water source while ensuring your safety is not at risk?
If you don’t have a bottle of water, here are a few options available to you.
Four-Way Water Key
Also referred to as a water spigot key, this urban survival gear, despite its small size, can have a significant impact on surviving a disaster in an urban environment. Typically, external water handles are eliminated from commercial buildings to prevent unauthorized individuals from freely accessing their water supply. However, a water spigot key grants you the ability to utilize these faucets in both commercial and residential areas.
Water Tablets
Having access to water is great, but it’s still a good idea to have water purification tablets handy. You can never be completely certain that the water you come across is safe, and in these situations, you can’t be picky about the type of water you find.
Portable Water Filter
Having a portable water filter is advantageous as it can be conveniently stored in your bag and proves to be a valuable tool in emergencies. It serves as a reliable backup and is effective in both urban and wilderness environments.
