Heading on a camping trip requires a long list of gear, including food, water, shelter and survival tools. At any time, you can encounter a survival situation, and having the proper tools could potentially save your life. Camping survival tools may vary based on the time of year and location, but there are essential tools, such as a compass, fire starters, whistles, shelter and water purification, for every scenario.
Compass
Camping can take place in remote, unfamiliar locations where you could easily become lost. Often, the dense vegetation prevents you from using the sun as a directional indicator. Using a compass for navigation is one of the most important camping survival tools. In conjunction with a map, a compass can help find civilization. Read the compass directions and practice with the compass to learn how to use it before the camping trip.
Fire Starters
Survival situations can last for several days requiring you to sleep through the night. Starting a fire at night will keep you warm along with keeping animals away from the campsite and providing a way to cook food. The most common fire starters for survival include magnesium-flint and steel fire starters that use magnesium shavings and a spark to ignite a flame. Before making the spark, prepare tinder and fuel to build the fire. Survival fire starters can start a fire in extreme weather conditions, including rain, snow or wind.
Security Whistles
If you find yourself in a survival situation, most places prevent you from using your voice to call for help. Companies have produced survival whistles that provide a noise-making tool that can be heard for miles. The whistles can be easily packed in your camping gear and most models will include additional survival items such as a signal mirror, small compass and waterproof container for matches.
Shelter
The survival rule of threes states that you can live without shelter for three hours in a survival situation. Three hours isn't a long time, making it essential to have tools for shelter while camping. You can pack shelter items, such as an emergency blanket and emergency tarp. Shelters can also be made with your knife and survival tools from surrounding vegetation.
Water Purification
One of the most important factors in a survival situation is hydration. Hydration is important for several bodily functions and can help you stay focused on the survival situation. The survival rule of three says that you can survive for three days without water. Water purification tablets, such as iodine tablets, are the most common form of purifying water for survival. The tablets are small, lightweight and can be easily stored in a backpack. Most tablets have the ability to purify up to a quart of water.
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