Having a hiking survival kit with you can increase your chances of surviving a potentially dangerous situation while hiking or camping, whether you’re only going a short distance or venturing into a remote forest. Regardless of how well-prepared you are for your hike, the possibility of unexpected overnights, inclement weather, or injuries is always present. Emergency situations can happen anywhere and at any time, even to experienced individuals. However, by having a hiking survival kit in your possession, you can improve your likelihood of escaping danger and staying alive.
Regrettably, the majority of individuals are unaware of the contents of a hiking survival kit. Consequently, we have compiled a comprehensive inventory of indispensable survival items and tools that all hikers should carefully contemplate including in their pack.
What to Pack in a Wilderness Survival Kit
Survivalism entails strategic preparedness, and the most useful advice for newcomers is to prioritize readiness for more probable scenarios rather than a catastrophic event. This motto suggests taking into account the most likely emergencies in your locale and stocking up on essential items for regular use until normalcy is reinstated.
To ensure you are prepared in the wild, print out this free checklist and follow along. It will guide you in packing the right gear for a wilderness survival kit, which contains the necessary tools for emergency survival in remote areas. By having the appropriate equipment, you can overcome probable obstacles and maintain your safety and well-being until you reach civilization.
Basic Necessities
Begin your checklist by ensuring that you have secured the necessities, which consist of items that are vital for your survival and cannot be easily done without. These items hold utmost importance and will probably occupy the greatest amount of space in your survival kit for outdoor emergencies.
Water
Considering each step, it is crucial for everyone to have at least one gallon of water per day for staying hydrated, cooking, and sanitizing purposes. Given that a gallon of water exceeds eight pounds in weight, the amount can accumulate rapidly.
If you want to make sure you have enough water for survival purposes, it is important to have a method of collecting and purifying it. One way to go about this is by using empty containers to collect water from streams and then boiling it for 15 minutes to eliminate harmful microorganisms.
When you are unable to easily create a fire, it is essential to have a handheld water filtration device such as the LifeStraw, as it guarantees access to clean drinking water, making it an extremely useful tool for survival.
Food
It’s a no-brainer that when it comes to survival in the wilderness, planning what to eat after an emergency situation is crucial. Many hikers prioritize bringing the most delicious foods for their outdoor trip, without taking into account their shelf life. Instead, opt for nourishing foods that are high in calories.
For any outdoor trip, we recommend bringing the UST 5-Year Emergency Food Ration Bar. Each pack contains more than 2,400 calories in total and can be divided into 6 parts for rationing purposes. These UST Survival Ration Bars are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, eliminating the need to search for food in emergency situations. They are lightweight, easy to prepare, and can be conveniently stored in your backpack. Additionally, for longer trips, it is advisable to also pack some dried and freeze-dried foods.
Emergency sleeping bag
When considering survival in the wilderness, one major concern is maintaining warmth and protection from natural elements. Extreme cold temperatures, particularly during the night, can overwhelm your body’s ability to cope. If you are forced to remain overnight without any means of staying warm, the likelihood of survival is significantly reduced.
We suggest bringing the TACT Bivvy Emergency Sleeping Bag with you when you go hiking. This sleeping bag-like sack is constructed from a material that can reflect 90% of your body heat. In case of emergency, the bivvy’s bright orange color can help catch the attention of rescuers. Additionally, the bivvy is designed with sealed seam edges to ensure you stay dry when it rains. It weighs a mere 3.8 ounces, so carrying it in your backpack will not be a problem.
Navigation
Having navigation tools such as maps and compasses could be considered as the most crucial equipment for survival. Possessing a map and compass to aid in your navigation can significantly impact your likelihood of surviving. A single incorrect turn has the potential to lead you off the main path and result in becoming lost. This type of situation can occur to anyone, including experienced hikers, should they fail to exercise caution.
If you don’t have a map, finding your way once you get lost will be challenging. The trails can be bewildering and disorienting, potentially leading you further away from the hiking trail. The fear of not knowing where you should go when lost is overwhelming. This is precisely why it is imperative to carry a map. Ensure that the map you purchase is waterproof. Nonetheless, remember to acquire the skills of using a map and compass before embarking on the trip.
Fire starters
Fire is crucial for survival as it provides warmth and illumination. It is also effective in deterring dangerous wildlife. Therefore, it is essential to have a reliable fire starter with you at all times. Our recommended choice is the Überleben Zünden Bushcraft Fire Steel, specifically designed to ignite fire even in wet conditions. Unlike lighters and matches, this fire steel is not limited by wetness and has waterproofing properties. Additionally, it is guaranteed to withstand 20,000 strikes and is composed of ferrocerium, making it suitable for use at high altitudes.
Headlamp
It is important to always carry a headlamp, even on day hikes, as it can be a useful tool to have in your backpack. You never know when you might lose track of time and your surroundings, potentially requiring you to spend the night outdoors. Without proper visibility, you won’t be able to accomplish much. Our eyes are not effective in the dark, which is why headlamps are crucial. They allow you to see in the dark while keeping your hands free for other survival tasks, unlike a torchlight.
First aid kit
It is recommended to always have first aid medical supplies with you when going on a hiking trip. A first aid kit is an essential item for any outdoor expedition as injuries may occur or you may encounter someone in need of medical assistance. Therefore, we suggest bringing the Surviveware Small First Aid Kit on your upcoming hike.
The Surviveware Small First Aid Kit, weighing just 1 pound, is compact enough to conveniently fit in your backpack. Despite its small size, this first aid kit is equipped with 100 assorted medical items. It is also accompanied by a water-resistant carrying bag. However, it is important to dedicate some time to familiarize yourself with basic first aid medical treatments before utilizing this kit. It is advised not to employ it without understanding its functions, as doing so may potentially exacerbate the situation.
