Being prepared for disasters, catastrophes, and emergencies shouldn’t be just left for preppers alone. In case SHTF happens, every person will be affected and only the prepared ones will have an edge over the others. I understand that many people look at prepping as a cumbersome practice as it needs one to acquire various gears and supplies, and also to train for particular survival skills. Becoming a survivalist is easy as one only needs to start small and advance step by step until they have all the required gears and skills.
If you plan on coming up with survival gear, you need to consider various factors. For instance, you have to know which emergency situation you are likely to face. Moreover, you can decide to make your survival list to be modern or simple, depending on where you will go to hide during the SHTF. But it is always good to have a mixture of both worlds. Furthermore, the type of gear that you include should be something that you are familiar with and able to use. Start with basic and simple tools. Then, learn different skills needed for survival.
Ensure that you have a mix of different tools and not just one type to rely on. For instance, you can include a water filter and water purifying tablets on the list. Also, instead of carrying a tent, you can include a hammock on your list, too. As a result, you will have various alternatives in case one tool fails. But don’t forget that the bag should be lightweight and not heavy. Carry the amount of survival gear that will be enough for the period that you think you will be out there.
Summary of Contents
Life Saving Best Survival Gear List 2024
On this list, we’ve included different gears from both worlds. Choose the ones that you feel will be ideal for your emergency and environment.
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Survival bag
There are various bags that you can choose from. It can be a bag out bag, survival bag, or backpack. Choose a bag that is sturdily made but lightweight. It should be spacious enough to fit almost all your gear. Also, it should have straps and side pockets for keeping extra gear.
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Tent or tarp
Depending on where you live, it may be a good idea to pack a tent or tarp. Tents are best for cold weather while tarps are great for hot environments. Whether you select a tent or tarp, it should be easy to set up and made of quality materials. Check its weight as it shouldn’t be very heavy.
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Hammock
This is another option for sleeping. If you are afraid of crawling insects and the cold ground, then a hammock is the best choice. It is very easy to set up and can be great during heavy rains. It should have an enclosed top to prevent things from falling on you as you take your nap.
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Thermal blanket
It can get very cold out there due to extreme weather conditions. To be safe and to prevent yourself from becoming sick, pack a high-quality blanket with good material that will keep you warm during cold nights in the woods.
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Duct tape
Duct tape is one of the most versatile tools on this list. Not only can it be used to construct a structure in the forest, but it can also be used to fix things and secure items like boxes. This is one of the highly recommended tools by professional survivalists and preppers.
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Aluminum water bottle
If there is one thing you are certain to need no matter the location or the SHTF incident, it is water. So, carry it in an aluminum water bottle as this is a good material that can defy accidental falling or tough conditions. It is recommended that you should carry at least 3 liters of water.
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Mini water filter
When you run out of water during an emergency, you can’t say that you won’t take water because it is unfit for consumption. Instead, you need to have alternatives such as a water filter or purifying tablets to make water fit for drinking. A mini water filter or having water purification tablets is a good idea.
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Utensils
Of course, you will get hungry. If you had carried readymade food, energy bars, or even dried fruits, all of these will deplete and you will have to cook food. So, you better be prepared by carrying cooking utensils like a pan, pot, spoons, forks, cups, and plates. These will help you to prepare different meals.
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Butane/propane stove
When your canned food and the readymade food are depleted, you will have to cook food using a portable butane or propane stove, so you need to carry spare fuel for refilling when it is depleted as well.
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Survival firearm
During a disaster, people can become very violent. This is very true especially if every person is fighting for survival. Hence, you have to be prepared and ready to protect your family from any kind of attack. Carry a firearm and ammunition for use as a self-defense weapon.
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Tactical knife
A tactical knife can offer a wide range of uses. First of all, it can help in setting up the tent. Secondly, you can use a tactical knife to cut food or skin an animal. Additionally, if you are attacked and don’t have any weapon with you, a tactical knife can come to your rescue.
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Tactical flashlight
A survivalist cannot be considered to be ready if he or she doesn’t have an illumination tool. Even with a firearm, you need to see the target clearly in order to shoot them. A tactical flashlight can help you see the attacker, where you are going at night, and also allow you to be aware of your surroundings.
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Survival headlamp
A headlamp is very suitable especially if you intend to go hiking or fishing. Since the hands will be busy with other activities, a headlamp allows you to carry on with your duties but at the same time offers you light without holding it in the hand.
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Lantern
Lanterns are great especially inside the tent or in the camp. A flashlight can be amazing for providing light for moving around, but a lantern is excellent if you want a broad light that you can use to cook or organize things inside a tent. Choose a compact and lightweight lantern.
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Tactical Pen
I am not a fan of a tactical pen as a defensive weapon but I highly recommend it. If you are not fond of guns or flashlights as weapons, you can at least carry something compact, lightweight, and undetectable like a tactical pen. Choose a quality pen and it should be sturdily made to impact pain on the attacker.
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Pepper spray
This is another excellent defensive tool, especially for urban people. A pepper spray not only allows you to confuse the attacker, but it also leaves a mark on them for easy identification.
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Firestarter
If you are not good at starting a fire in the traditional way while in a survival situation, you can pack different firestarters to make your work easier. Select a firestarter that is reliable and easy to use.
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Lighter
Even if I don’t smoke, I normally carry a lighter on me everywhere I go. A lighter can be used to start a fire and alternatively, it can be used as a source of light if you don’t have a flashlight.
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Waterproof matches
With so many watches on the market, you need to select a quality one. It should be made of quality material and be water resistant. A good watch should be used to check on the time and to hit the assailant as a defensive weapon.
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Survival Axe
From clearing thickets in the area where you want to set up a tent to slicing firewood, a survival axe is definitely one of the must-have survival tools. Choose one with a hammerhead so that it can provide you with various uses.
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Credit card tool
Unlike other tools on this list, a credit card tool can be kept with much ease. Simply put it in the wallet and have it ready for use. A good number of credit card tools have at least 6 different tools. Choose a card with various tools.
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Multi-tool
This is another survival tool that I love. There is no day that goes without me stacking my Swiss multi-tool in my pocket. It has helped me on many occasions and I highly recommend it. It has a scissor, a bottle opener, a nail cutter, tweezers, etc.
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Signal mirror
A signal mirror can help you when you are stranded or in danger. You can use it to divert light to the rescuers and find where you are stuck or located. Besides being used for rescuing, a signal mirror can be used to start a fire. Place it between a flammable substance like tinder and sunlight.
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Bandana
A bandana can be used in so many ways. First of all, a bandana can be used as a dust mask by tying it around your nose in a dusty area. Also, it can be used as a smoke mask, a sling, a cooling towel, and as a bandage, among many other uses. It is small and it won’t take up much of your space.
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Survival whistle
If you are ever attacked and need help, a survival whistle may be your savior. This is because it is louder and travels a longer distance than your voice. Tie it around your neck and have it ready in case of an emergency in the woods.
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Walkie-talkie
If you have escaped an apocalypse as a family, it is great that you keep in touch all the time. For instance, if a person goes to look for food and water and is delayed to come back, you should call them right away. A walkie-talkie is a reliable and great tool for communication in a group.
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Traps and Snares
If you intend to hunt for animals in the wild, it is a good idea to carry some of the animal traps. Also, wire snares are a great choice. Choose traps or snares that will catch the animals that you desire.
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GPS, maps, and compass
During a disaster, you may run aimlessly as long as you are safe. After the disaster is over and you want directions to get back home, you can use a GPS, maps, and compass. Have all these three and you will have your way around strange places easily.
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Binoculars
Not just any binoculars will do the trick. Select survival binoculars that are created for tactical use. They are normally sturdy and can be even used for hunting.
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Portable solar charger
Your phone or even radio will run out of power after some time. As a survivalist, you need to be prepared as you can’t afford to lack a communication device. A portable solar charger will help to recharge a flashlight, radio, and phone.
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Rain jacket
In case of rain, a rain jacket will keep you warm and prevent you from getting wet. Select a rain jacket that fits you and covers the whole body.
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Trekking boots
Since you are bound to walk or run on different terrains, you need to wear trekking boots which are more durable and can withstand tough conditions. The boots that you choose should be well made and very durable.
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First aid kit
Whether it is accidentally cutting your hand as you slice a mango or having a headache after a long hunting day, you need to have a first aid kit to help you out. The first aid kit should have enough supplies to handle different accidents and injuries.
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Medicine
Carry painkillers, aspirin, topical supplies, Advil, and Benzocaine gel. If you are on certain medication, don’t forget to include it in the bag out bag.
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Hand sanitizer
When there is an emergency, you cannot risk getting any infection. For this reason, you should carry at least a pack of hand sanitizers. This will keep germs away.
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Fishing and hunting gear
If you think that the situation will prolong, it is advisable to carry both fishing and hunting gear. Things like a fishing hook, fishing rod, fishing line, a hunting rifle, and a skinning knife will help you fish and hunt easily. Also, learn some skills about hunting and fishing.
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Gardening gear
This is another activity that can be carried out in case the disaster makes you stay where you are for a very long period of time. Learn different things about gardening such as what foods can be planted in the area and how to grow food quickly.
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Sunglasses
Survival glasses can save you a lot. First of all, you can put them on when there is dust and also to protect your eyes from the dangerous UV light.
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Sturdy gloves
Survival gloves help you in a number of ways. You can wear them as you construct your tent, slice firewood, or carry different things in the woods. They will protect your hands from swelling or being hurt. Choose sturdy and durable gloves. They should also fit you snuggly.
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Extra cash and documents
Never forget to carry your documents whenever you leave the house. It doesn’t matter if you are going hiking or to work. Documents like your ID and passport will save you to cross borders or even for identification purposes. Additionally, carry some extra cash just in case of an emergency befalls you and you have no time to rush back home.
Summary
Our guide on survival gear includes most of the items that you require to survive for at least three days and some can go even for several days. If your survival list is outdated, you can use our guide to add some more tools to it. Most of the items that we have included are light and compact, making them ideal for a bag out bag.
Note that all the items that we have included on this list may not be important to you. Therefore, only select items that can be applied in your environment or situation to benefit fully. Why should you add something that you will probably never use? It doesn’t make sense at all. Hope you have found this survival gear list to be useful. Leave a comment or ask any question below regarding the survival gear list.
