Whether you’re spending the night in the woods or genuinely fighting for your survival in the deepest parts of the wilderness, having the appropriate equipment at hand is absolutely essential. You’ll need to make sure you are fully kitted out with everything the experienced adventurer or explorer would keep with them.
Remember that the items included in this list are designed to keep you alive and not to keep you comfortable. The more time you spend in the wilderness or the more experience you have in these situations, the more you will learn about what each piece of equipment can be used for, allowing you to customise your kit to suit your requirements.
Survival Tool 1 – Knife
A knife may well prove to be the most important tool of all and is absolutely vital if you hope to survive the wilderness. There are many different uses for a knife, ranging from everyday camping requirements to hunting. A knife significantly increases your chances of survival, so always have a pocket knife with you.
Folding blades are not the best choice of knife as they do not have the same amount of strength or durability as a fixed blade. Some of the various uses for a knife include cutting ropes, building weapons, opening packages, starting fires, cutting bandages and even relief from boredom.
Survival Tool 2 – Water Bottle/ Storage/Hydration System
Water is essential if you plan to survive in the wilderness and that’s pretty obvious. However, if you do come across a resourceful supply of water during your travels, you’ll need to have an appropriate method of storage.
Many people watch the movies and notice those distinctive canvas packs and presume these to be the best way to carry water around, yet this is certainly not on the preferred list of storage options. Hydration systems prove to be the most efficient form of water storage and are easy to carry around.
Survival Tool 3 – First-Aid Kit
First aid-kits include everything you would possibly need to treat an injury that you sustain in the wilderness. Without proper medical, even the smallest of cuts can prove to be a problem due to the risk of infection.
A first-aid kit should include all the medical equipment required to treat an injury. It’s quite possible for complications to arise without proper treatment but items such as bandages, cleaning wipes, plasters and other supplies will help you. Any prescribed medication should also be kept in the first-aid kit at all times.
Survival Tool 4 – Backpack/Pack
All of the stuff you’re hoping to bring with you will need to be carried in some way and the standard procedure for most people trekking through the wilderness is to keep a comprehensive backpack with them.
The more pockets on your backpack the better as you can organize your things and know exactly where to go if you need something. You can also pick up useful items along the way and store them in your backpack.
Survival Tool 5 – Cords/Rope
Rope is an incredibly useful tool that benefits all kinds of survival scenarios, with parachute cord proving to be a light, strong and space-friendly option for most. You should bring a spare paracord as well in case you plan on camping overnight.
There are many different uses of rope or cord including hoisting food away from wildlife, making splints, repairing tents, fishing line and building emergency shelters. If you want to create a strong knot or grip around an object, wet the rope first. As it dries it will tighten and create a strong knot.
Article provided by Cadet Direct, the leading surplus superstore acting as suppliers to Military Personnel, Cadet Forces and the General Public – since 1999.
