Whether you go camping over the weekend, drive your car daily or set off on a cross-country bike jaunt, every individual should be prepared for an emergency. Survival is especially important to address in scenarios like deserts, mountains or cross-country travel in winter. Packing a basic survival kit to keep in the car, at home or in your camping gear may help you survive unexpected events and emergencies.
Warmth
A good survival essentials list will include an extra blanket or jacket in the car in case of cold weather, to help a victim in shock or to protect against the environment. Extra clothing or a sleeping bag may be used not only for warmth, but protection against the sun, as well as for shelter, suggests SurvivalTopics.com, a website offering resources and information regarding survival basics in a variety of scenarios and environments.
Extra Food and Water
No survival kit is complete without extra water and food. Whether you pack extra in your backpack while snowshoeing or have an extra case of water and non-perishable foodstuffs in your vehicle, try to have at least one day's supply of food and water to protect against exhaustion and dehydration. If you have limited space in your backpack, choose water over food, as you can survive longer without food than you can without water.
Rope
Try to always carry a length of rope or cord, anywhere from 25 feet to 50 feet, when you're camping, traveling cross country or enjoying winter sports or summer hikes. A rope can help build shelters, bind a splint or pull a friend from a gully. Parachute cord is lightweight and extremely durable and strong.
Matches
Waterproof matches are a must. Be prepared for the unexpected and carry a box of waterproof matches with you whenever you venture into the wild. Matches will help you to build a fire for warmth or signal for help. If you want extra assurance, purchase a fire steel or flint.
First-Aid Kit
No survival kit should be without a basic first-aid kit that contains gauze, bandages and antiseptic ointment. A pair of tweezers, anti-diarrhea tablets, cleansing pads and sterile rubber or surgical gloves should be a part of your first aid kit too, suggests the Mayo Clinic. A supply of ibuprofen and your regular medications should also be included in the first-aid kid.
Extra Protection
Whether you carry them in your backpack or store them in your car, a survival kit should also include a flashlight, light sticks, duct tape and a knife or multipurpose tool that contains a knife, pliers, screwdriver and other assorted tools. You never know when such items will come in very handy.
