The type of survival equipment you need may vary depending on the time you will be out in the wild. Here is a list of vital survival equipment for a short term situation in the wilderness.
Survival Knife
A survival knife is one of the most important things that you need. In general, a knife has so many functions, and the same applies when you are in a survival situation. The level of surviving in the wild is much increased when you have a proper knife with you. For everyday use, make sure you have a pocket Bowie knife as a survival knife. Bowie knife has a fixed blade making it more resilient and durable than folding knives. An ideal knife should be multipurpose, they should be able to sharpen wood sticks, cut things, and skin your game hunt, and much more. It should also have a razor-sharp that is strong to cut even the most robust objects with ease. A Bowie knife comes in handy.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is a critical item when heading to the wilderness. Its purpose is to ease healing in case of an injury. Chances of surviving in the wild with gushing blood, infections, or dangling skin are close to minimal. First aid kits have supplies that help you heal soonest. Items contained in the kit include gloves, alcohol cleaning wipes, bandages, gauze, among others. You can supplement your first aid kits with other vital elements such as pressure dressings etc.
Flashlight/Torch
Nothing can disorient even the most experienced adventurer than complete darkness. The flashlight is perfect when in such a situation. Since carrying a burning stick can cause wildfires, a reliable torch or flashlight can be used to see in the dark. In recent years, flashlights are getting lighter and smaller in size, making them reliable for survival. A flashlight can also be used for signaling. A flash from a signal mirror across the sky can catch the attention of people miles away. In case of danger, you can signal some pattern, and people will realize there is someone who needs help.
Cordage
In your survival situation, you need a rope, anything from nylon string to metal wire. You need this to hold on tightly to something, tie bundles of firewood, drag game you have killed, climb steep places, and much more. Cordage can also serve other purposes such as food line, cloth line, the fishing line, among others. So, in a survival situation, a multipurpose, high quality but lightweight cord is a vital component.
Map and Compass
In a survival situation, you should not rely on GPS only. You need a compass to get back to civilization. A map of the local area is also helpful, and you need to carry it with you to help you navigate your way back. A compass will help you find a road or other essential signs on the map to help you navigate. Both topography and road maps are useful just in case. These are lightweight and easy to park, and so easy to carry in your survival kit.
Emergency Survival Whistle
The sound of a whistle is unmistakable. It’s recommended to have a whistle tied on your neck in case you get lost. Whistles are used to catch attention, and in case of danger, they can be used to grab the attention of nearby people. In times of distress, a whistle can reach far than your voice. Survival whistles must have these characteristics – non-rust, floatable, and lightweight.
Water Bottle/ Water Filtration
Water is everything; without it, you die. For survival, you need to have an ideal water bottle for a backpacking trip. Also, water in the wild can make you sick, and you need a proper filtration system. Get a hydration system that can provide easy access to water and not too heavy to carry. Having a survival water system can mean a difference between life and death in the wilderness.
When surviving in the wilderness, nothing should be taken for granted. You need all the above survival equipment to endure demands that come with your survival in the wilderness. So, when considering weight and space, don’t overlook these critical survival items.
