According to the news reports that we are exposed to each and every day we live in an increasingly dangerous world. Natural and man-made disasters seem to on the increase. For those who want to escape our stress-filled urban lives one of the refuges is the comfort and relaxation provided by excursions into the Great Outdoors. However, even those retreats can be filled with unexpected dangers – being prepared for the unexpected is an essential part of enjoying Mother Nature at her finest. For those nature lovers (as well as those who are interested in the ‘Prepper’ lifestyle having access to essential survival tools is extremely important.
However, there is simply so much choice – and it is easy to become fixated on equipment that may not be absolutely essential. Here are some essential tools for survival that should be part of any gear choice.
1. Fire Starting Equipment.
That trusty lighter may not survive the rigors of the wilderness – and it certainly will not continue delivering over the long term What is required is a value for money solution which is effective and low tech enough to deal with the rough and tumble of the outdoors. Popular choices include flint and steel – preferably with a magnesium strip. This piece of gear will make fire starting a cinch.
2. Light.
A fire will provide warmth, safety and a way to prepare food. However, a great flashlight is also required. Choose either a handheld model or a headlamp. Extra batteries are great, but an even better choice are those models that use a hand-crank to recharge or even one of the solar-powered models on the market today.
3. Blades.
A fixed blade knife (and a backup) is essential. Knives can be used for a variety of tasks including self-defense, cutting rope and branches to build a shelter and even as part of traps to provide food. An alternative is a good quality hatchet – in fact, hatchets have been called the ultimate survival tools. They can accomplish many of the tasks that a knife can – and many that even the best quality knife cannot such as handling larger branches used for shelter.
4. Rope.
A 100-foot length of Poly-cord rope is one of the most useful survival tools that money can buy. Its uses are almost too many to mention.
5. Hydration.
Aside from food one of the most urgent tasks of anyone faced with a survival situation is to ensure a supply of potable water. A great water filter and water purification tablets are both essential.
6. Shelter.
A low tech solution to building a rough and ready shelter is to purchase an extra-large poncho. It can provide a refuge when inclement weather strikes and form a shelter that will stand up to the worst that Mother Nature can throw at those who are faced with survival situations.
There are many other essential tools for survival situations that should find their place into a gear list. These include fishing line and hooks, a high-quality multi-tool, a survival blanket, a selection of MRE’s and the ever-useful Ziploc bags. The list is almost endless. The trick is to whittle down that list until the essentials are identified.