Whether there is a natural disaster, a pandemic, war, civil unrest, or any other emergency situation which requires you to evacuate, being properly prepared can save your and your loved ones’ lives. Hence, the best way to stay prepared for any type of situation is to have a survival backpack.
Such a kit is also very useful for outdoor enthusiasts who often go on adventures around the world. What do you need in a survival backpack? Let’s get into the details.
What Do You Need in a Survival Backpack?
To be prepared means having supplies and equipment that can help you survive in case of emergency for an unlimited amount of time. That said, a survival backpack should consist of basic supplies such as a water bottle, ration packages, a breathing mask, a sleeping bag, a knife, a fire starter, a compass and a map, and other essentials. Read on to find what else you need to put in your backpack for survival.
Preparing Your Survival Backpack
In this article, I will get into more detail on what you need in a survival backpack regardless of the emergency you are dealing with.
To start off, I recommend getting a durable and easy-to-carry backpack with a lot of compartments where you can store all of the necessary items.
If possible, opt for a water-resistant backpack with comfortable straps that is made from high-quality material.
Basic Supplies
Water bottle
Once you find the right backpack, it is time to start filling it with basic supplies. Among the essentials is a water bottle. If possible, I recommend getting a water bottle that is made from stainless steel, which will protect your water from bacteria.
However, given the fact that each adult needs one gallon of clear water for one day to stay hydrated, you might not be able to store all the water you need. Therefore, you can also store water purification tablets or a lightweight water filter in case you find a source with unclear water in case of an emergency.
Food
Food is a must when it comes to survival kits, as it is known that humans can’t survive without food for more than 3 weeks. Make sure to get easy-to-prepare and non-perishable foods. In terms of survival, it is necessary to pack food that is full of calories and contains a combination of carbs, proteins, and fats. Ration packages are also a very good option.
Knife
Carrying a knife in your survival backpack can make many activities much easier. You can use the knife to hunt food (if necessary), cut branches to make a shelter or start a fire, cut ropes, create holes, and do so much more. A knife can also be used for self-defense when in danger. However, you need to get a quality knife that is durable and sharp.
First aid kit
First aid is a necessity, given the fact that you can get hurt while you are out in the wilderness or are dealing with a natural disaster. The kit should include plenty of bandages, painkillers, safety pins, needles, tweezers, a burn gel, antiseptics, sunscreen, and latex gloves.
Read more: How to Survive in the Woods Without Supplies
Tent/sleeping bag
For the purpose of your body to function properly and stay healthy, you will need restful sleep. Hence, having something that will shield you from weather conditions and protect you from predators and insects is also recommended. If you are not a fan of creating a shelter from mud and leaves, you can get a sleeping bag, a tent, or a space blanket.
Clothing
As clothing can easily fill your backpack and make it heavy, I recommend carrying only essential items. Get comfortable but durable clothes, a waterproof jacket, and a hat or bandana to protect yourself from the sun.
Breathing mask
It is known that a person cannot survive without oxygen for more than three minutes. Therefore, I would recommend getting an air filtration breathing mask which can protect you during a volcano eruption or allergic reaction from pollen, but also from dust, chemicals, and other dangerous compounds.
Related: How to Save Glow Sticks
Other Essentials to Store in a Survival Backpack
Flashlight
Even though it is possible to survive without a flashlight, it can definitely be beneficial in certain situations. Whether you are exploring a cave or looking for shelter, a flashlight can save you from falling into a hole in the ground at night.
Map and compass
It is very easy to get lost if you are heading toward an unknown location. For this reason, you can get a map of the area you plan on going to, and the same applies if you are thinking about hiking in the wild. In terms of survival equipment, equally important is to carry a compass to help you with orientation.
Firestarter
A fire can help you warm yourself during extremely cold temperatures at night and help you cook your food to eat in order to survive. Therefore, in your survival backpack, you can bring matches, a fire striker, and flint or a BIC lighter. It is also important to store all types of fire starters properly.
What Else You’ll Need to Bring
Now that we have talked about what you need in a survival backpack in terms of essentials, if possible, you can also get the following items:
- Personal hygiene items
- Copies of personal documents
- Multi-purpose tool
- Emergency blanket
- Extra money
- A sewing kit
- Tape and cord
- Whistle
- Fishing kit
- Long rope
- Cell phone and a battery-powered radio
- Self-defense tools
When packing your backpack, it is important to mention that you need to be able to carry your backpack for an extended period of time easily. It is also necessary to get items based on your and your family’s needs, depending on the area you live in.
Also read: What Are the Top 10 Survival Items?
Conclusion
If you have been wondering what do you need in a survival backpack, hopefully, this article will give you sufficient information. A survival backpack and the things that you carry in it can help you out survive in emergency situations as well as help you out during exciting adventures. However, you will need a durable backpack so you can store all of the basic supplies and necessities without any issues.