Emergencies can occur at any time, but usually when you least expect them. Whether you are heading out for a daylong hike or a weekend in the wild, basic survival supplies can mean the difference between life and death. Prepackaged survival kits are available at most outdoor supply stores, or buy individual supplies and create your own.
Fire
The ability to make fire is crucial to surviving in the wilderness. It provides light that can signal would-be rescuers, provides warmth and allows you to cook food, purify water and dry wet clothes and gear quickly. Whether you plan on going for a day hike or a weekend camping trip, at minimum bring a butane lighter and waterproof matches. Matches and butane can run out if you are in survival mode for longer than expected, so bring a flint or a parachute cord to make a bow-drill friction fire-making device.
Water
Clemson University reports that on a normal day, a healthy adult needs roughly 8 to 12 cups of water to avoid dehydration, and people engaged in exercise or strenuous activity require more. Much of the water available in the wild contains bacteria and parasites. If you have fire and a vessel to hold water, boil the water to purify it. By the time you boil water and allow it to cool, the water is safe to drink. If you do not plan to carry a metal pan to boil the water, bring water purification tablets, a water-filtering bottle or pump filter. When on a boating trip, ensure the boat is equipped with a hand-operated reverse osmosis desalination unit.
Navigation and Signaling
Survivalists generally recommend staying in one place when lost in the wilderness, but that is not always possible. Make sure to bring a simple compass, GPS navigation device and maps or nautical charts. Make certain that rescuers can find you. Author and survival expert Gregory Davenport recommends carrying a small mirror and whistle to signal to rescuers, as well as survey tape to leave ground signals and trail markers and a marker to leave messages. A flashlight will help to signal rescuers and provide light after the sun falls if you have not built fire.
Food
Pack plenty of protein bars when heading into the wild to keep your energy level up when the unexpected happens. Bring basic fishing equipment, like a fishhook and line, if you plan to travel near any water supply. Pack a sturdy knife to aid in making traps for small animals or cleaning fish.
Shelter
If you do not plan to pack any type of tent or pod, bring a sturdy knife and some wire or rope to build a rudimentary shelter. A waterproof tarp, sleeping bag, solar blanket or wool blanket will make you feel like you are at a five-star hotel in a survival situation.
First Aid
The proper first aid equipment can mean the difference between life and death. Bring extra prescription medications, like epi-pens or insulin, with you on any outdoor expedition. Outdoor enthusiasts should always carry basic first aid kits that contain at minimum ace bandages for making splints, antibiotic ointment, bandages, iodine wipes, superglue for closing wounds and adhesive tape.
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