If you are planning on going to spend some time in the wild or woods far from everything, you must ensure that you go fully prepared, and the only way to do that is to read what are the top 10 survival items that I will share with you in the continuation of this article.
So, without further ado, let’s begin.
What Are the Top 10 Survival Items?
As the number of hiking or camping accidents that could have been easily prevented rises daily, people started being more cautious and started taking survival kits much more seriously than before. Although these items might sound basic and not very effective, they have the power to save your life during hiking emergencies and ensure that you return back successfully.
So, with that being said, in the continuation of this article, I will share the upgraded and the ultimate guide on what are the top 10 survival items that absolutely everyone that plans to go in the woods needs to carry with them.
Related: What Is the Rule of Three in Survival?
Although you might have GPS and maps and whatnot on your cell phone, in cases of emergencies, you can not always count on it. Therefore, you must always bring maps, GPS, or compasses, which will work even when every other electronic device turns off.
Moreover, before you go on a particular adventure, you must always study the topographical or relief properties of the terrain, path, mountain, or place in general, wherever you will be staying. If you can carry these types of maps with you, it would be amazing and of enormous help.
Signaling device
If you get lost or if the sun goes down, you must ensure to have with you a flashlight or a long-lasting lamp, such as a solar lamp, as well as signaling devices, such as a mirror or laser. This is important because, with the help of some of these tools, you will be able to draw other people’s attention to you. Also, ensure to pack extra batteries if you have a battery-powered flashlight.
Water purification system
If you do not have a place in your backpack to carry a water purification system, although I strongly recommend always carrying one, then you need to at least have water and water treatment supplies with you. Pack enough water supply to last you for about a week. You can also try to find water purification tablets that can act as a substitute for the water purification system.
Another great tip I want to share with you is that before going on your trip, you study the maps of the places you will be visiting, try to find any water sources, and, more importantly, try to remember their locations.
Read more: How to Survive in the Woods Without Supplies
First aid item
Carrying a first aid item will increase the chance of your survival significantly. Therefore, always ensure to include some type of gauze, a pack of band-aids, or alcohol-based clean wipes. Moreover, you can decide on carrying with you a pack of antibiotics or pain medication, which would come in incredibly handy during any medical emergency.
Additionally, if you are on medication therapy, do not ever leave without your medication because it is of essential importance that you have it with you all the time.
Fire starter
Having a fire starter with you will help you resolve more than 50% of the problems you might encounter while hiking or camping. As you will use the fire to warm yourself up, dry your clothes, prepare food, protect yourself from wild animals, etc., you should never forget to pack a fire starter kit.
You can carry waterproof matches, lighters, fire starters, ignitions, etc. To ensure that these things will not get wet, it is always smart to pack them in a ziplock bag just to ensure that they will stay dry and safe.
Knife
A knife might greatly help in different types of unpredictable situations in the wild. A well-structured knife might help you in various situations, such as clearing paths, preparing food, hunting, defending yourself, building shelter, skinning animals, cutting branches, etc.
Insulation
Regardless of whether you plan camping or hiking in warm or cold places, insulation is an absolute must. As even in warmer places, the temperatures at night can drop significantly, you want to do anything you can to protect yourself from the cold weather, winds, snow, and rains so that you avoid possible hypothermia.
To keep yourself safe and warm, you must always carry a pair of gloves, a raincoat or rain jacket, an umbrella, a water-resistant hat, thermal underwear, and a rain shell. Additionally, a wise thing is always to pack an additional layer of clothing so that you have what to change into in cases of unpredicted emergencies.
Nutrition
The best type of nutrition to pack for hiking or camping is a high-calorie and pre-cooked food, ready to eat. Try and incorporate a food high in fats and proteins that will keep your energy levels up much longer. You can take granola bars, nuts, protein cookies, snacks, etc.
Emergency shelter
As you do not want to be exposed to environmental dangers, you need to pack an emergency shelter, such as a waterproof tent and tarp that protects you from animals and bad weather. You must always include a warm blanket and maybe a sleeping bag.
Sun protection
Sun protection, such as protective cream with UV, sunglasses, hats, and long-sleeved apparel, is a must if you want to avoid all the unpleasant side effects from too much sun, such as sunburn, dizziness, fatigue, and skin irritations. Therefore, even though you plan on hiking in colder places with less sun, you must always ensure that you have the appropriate sun protection accessories with you that will keep you safe from harmful UV rays.
Also read: How to Make a Bow and Arrow in the Forest
Conclusion
In this article, you could have read what are the top 10 survival items you need to always carry with you for any type of hike or camping trip you might take. Make sure to follow the list carefully and include every item before heading off into the wild. Happy hiking!