Surviving in the outdoors depends largely on how prepared you are. No one expects to get lost or injured while on a camping or hiking trip, but sometimes it just happens. Preparing a survival kit beforehand and carrying it with you can be critical if you have to wait for help or stay out longer than expected. Packing your kit based on the conditions where you'll be hiking or camping is essential to surviving in your surroundings.
Basic Survival Kit
A primary task you'll have when trying to survive in the wild is to find help. For that reason, no survival kit should be without a signaling device, noisemaker or other similar device. A mirror works well for signaling airplanes, or you can just pack a whistle to blow so your voice doesn't get tired from yelling for help. Pack along a basic knife to cut down branches. You can even cut down small trees if your knife has a serrated edge. Basic fishing gear and water purification tablets can help you stay nourished and hydrated out in the wild. To help treat injuries, include some basic first aid items, such as bandages, antiseptic and tweezers. Pack a tarp and some rope for making a simple shelter as well as fire-starting materials like a lighter, waterproof matches, and flint and steel. Don't forget a map and compass to help you know which direction you're headed so you can find your way back to the trail more easily.
Hot Climate Kit
If you're going to be in a particularly hot climate, pack as much extra water as you can possibly carry. You'll want to ration it if you can't find a reliable water source. A light-colored sun hat is a must for deflecting the rays of sun from your head and protecting you from sunburn.
Winter Survival Kit
Surviving out in the cold means dealing with demanding conditions, so you'll want to include some other pieces of equipment and materials in case you get lost on a winter hike or camping trip. Having a hat won't be enough to protect your face from sunburn in the winter. With snow on the ground, the rays from the sun can bounce off the snow and reflect up onto your face, so pack plenty of sunscreen in case you end up in the wilderness for an extended period of time. It may take up some room, but a compact sleeping bag along with a waterproof tarp or ground cover is essential for staying warm at night. You may even want to pack a small shovel and an extra pair of gloves for clearing a sleeping or shelter area.
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