Emergencies often happen without warning, and when they do, it’s easy to feel unprepared.
It could be a power outage that leaves you in the dark, a natural disaster that traps you at home, or simply being caught in a tough spot when things go wrong so having the right gear is very important in these situations.
In this article, I have compiled 20 survival gear that covers the basics you’ll need to stay safe and comfortable.
These items are practical, easy to use, and designed to help you get by when things don’t go as planned.
If you're looking for more tips on staying ready, check out our guide on how to prepare for emergencies.
1. Charged Headlamp
A headlamp allows you to see what you're doing while keeping your hands free, which is especially helpful when moving around in the dark.
If you're fixing something or setting up a shelter, a headlamp makes it easier to complete tasks without needing to hold a flashlight.
If it’s fully charged (or if you have extra batteries), you won’t have to worry about being stuck in the dark if something goes wrong.
It’s one of those tools you’ll appreciate when you really need it, as it makes tasks much easier during a power outage.
2. Water Containers
IIn any emergency, you need a container that can hold enough water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, especially if you can’t access your usual water sources.
A good water container should be durable and easy to carry, whether you're storing water at home or taking it with you.
It’s best to choose containers made from strong, BPA-free materials to avoid leaks or exposure to harmful chemicals.
You can keep them in different places (like in your car or emergency kit) so you’re never caught without water when you need it most.
3. Portable Solar Charger
If you rely on your phone or other small devices for updates or communication, a portable solar charger can be invaluable during a power outage.
These chargers use the sun’s energy to keep your devices powered, eliminating the need to find an outlet or worry about running out of battery. Simply set it up in a sunny spot, and you’re ready to go.
A solar charger is especially useful in emergencies when staying connected is critical. Whether you need your phone for updates, calling family, or navigation, it ensures you won’t lose power at a crucial time.
Lightweight and portable, it’s easy to carry with you wherever you go.
4. Waterproof Matches/Lighters
You might struggle to start a fire in wet or windy conditions, but with waterproof matches and lighters, you’ll have multiple ways to create a fire.
If you’re caught in a rainstorm or snowstorm, having the right fire-starting tools is essential for staying warm, cooking food, and even signaling for help.
Imagine being stranded in the wilderness on a cold night without shelter. A fire can provide warmth and light, but only if you can get it started.
These fire-starting tools, such as waterproof matches and lighters, help ensure you can light a fire, even when conditions are challenging.
5. Survival Knife
A survival knife is one of the most versatile tools you can carry. It’s invaluable for cutting, chopping, skinning, and even protecting yourself.
If you ever find yourself stranded or need to gather resources, having a sharp, sturdy knife is a significant advantage.
For example, if you need to cut branches for a shelter or prepare food, a survival knife can help you complete the task efficiently.
In dangerous situations, such as facing an animal threat or needing to defend yourself, a survival knife provides a reliable means of protection.
6. Emergency Blanket
An emergency blanket can keep you warm when the temperature drops.
These blankets are designed to trap body heat, making them especially useful in cold weather or after spending a long night outdoors.
You can also use them in your car if you're stranded or caught in bad weather.
They take up hardly any space, so you can always carry one in your bag or car, ready for an unexpected situation.
7. Tent (compact and waterproof)
If you ever find yourself outside during a storm or needing to stay somewhere other than your home, a compact, waterproof tent can serve as your shelter.
It's important to have something lightweight and easy to carry, yet reliable for keeping you dry and safe.
In emergencies where you can’t be indoors, having a tent ready can help you avoid spending a miserable night exposed to the elements.
8. Tactical Pen or Pepper Spray
Sometimes, your best defense is ensuring you can protect yourself.
A tactical pen or pepper spray is a small, easy-to-carry tool that can provide an added sense of security in dangerous situations.
Whether you’re walking to your car at night or navigating a crowded area, having something that offers peace of mind can make a significant difference.
9. Emergency Radio (hand-crank or solar-powered)
When the power goes out and you can’t access updates from your phone or computer, an emergency radio ensures you stay informed.
In a disaster situation, such as a hurricane or flood, an emergency radio provides crucial updates on evacuation orders, weather alerts, and important news.
If the grid is down, a hand-crank or solar-powered radio is ideal since you won’t need to worry about running out of batteries.
It allows you to receive critical information even in remote areas or situations without electricity.
10. Cargo Tape
Cargo tape, or duct tape, is a must-have in any survival situation. It’s strong, sticky, and can be used for a variety of tasks when you’re in a difficult situation.
You can use it to patch up torn gear, seal leaks in your water containers, fix broken equipment, or even make temporary repairs to your shelter.
It sticks to almost anything and can hold things together when you don’t have other tools.
11. Paracord
Paracord is one of those items that seems simple until you realize how many uses it has.
You can use it to make shelters, secure equipment, or even create a splint if you're injured. It's lightweight, easy to store, and can prove invaluable when you least expect it.
Including paracord in your kit is a small addition that can be surprisingly useful in many survival scenarios.
12. Canvas Needle
In an emergency, you might need to repair gear, shelter, or clothing, and a strong needle with a thick eye will help you get the job done.
If your tent gets torn during a storm or your jacket rips while you're out in the wild, a sturdy needle and some strong thread can help you patch things up quickly.
Instead of worrying about being stuck with a damaged tent or cold clothes, you can use the needle to stitch things back together.
This simple tool can save you a lot of trouble and keep you going until proper repairs can be made.
13. Plastic Sheeting (for shelter or sealing)
You can use plastic sheeting to create a quick tarp shelter, cover a makeshift shelter to keep out the weather, or wrap supplies to keep them dry.
It’s also useful for sealing gaps in windows or doors if you’re stuck indoors during a storm or power outage.
Plastic sheeting is easy to fold and pack, and it can be cut to the size you need. It’s a simple but effective tool that can help protect you and make your survival experience much more comfortable.
14. Manual Can Opener
If you're relying on canned food in an emergency, you’ll need a reliable way to open those cans.
A can opener doesn’t take up much space, but having one ensures you won’t be stuck without access to your food.
It’s also wise to choose a manual can opener, as it doesn’t require batteries or electricity, making it a dependable option no matter where you are.
15. Fishing Gear (compact kits for survival fishing)
Fishing gear is a great option if you’re in a situation where you need to find food but don’t have much available.
A basic kit with hooks, fishing line, and a few lures can help you catch fish from rivers, lakes, or ponds.
Even if you’re far from home, having this gear means you can provide yourself with a meal without relying on other food sources.
It’s a practical way to ensure you have a reliable food option if you’re stranded or in a tough situation.
16. Whistle (for signaling)
A whistle is a simple yet effective tool for getting attention. If you’re lost, injured, or in need of help, blowing a whistle is a loud and attention-grabbing way to alert others to your location.
It’s small and easy to carry, but when you need assistance, it can significantly increase your chances of being found.
It’s definitely a must-have item.
17. Compass (and/or GPS device for navigation)
A compass is a classic tool for navigation that still holds its value today. If you’re out in an unfamiliar area, it helps you find your direction and stay on track.
GPS devices are great, but a good, reliable compass won’t let you down when the tech fails or the batteries run out. It’s a backup that ensures you’re never truly lost.
18. Stun Gun (for self-defense)
A stun gun is a small, easy-to-carry tool that can help protect you in dangerous situations.
It delivers a strong electric shock that temporarily disables someone (or even an aggressive animal), giving you the chance to escape.
Stun guns are simple to use and don’t require any special skills. They’re a safe and non-lethal way to defend yourself if you’re ever threatened.
19. Survival Saw
A survival saw is a valuable tool when you need to cut wood for fire or shelter in the wild.
For instance, if you're caught in a storm and need to build a quick shelter, the saw can help you cut branches or small logs to construct a shelter frame.
It’s also handy for gathering firewood to stay warm overnight or boil water.
20. Cotton Bandana
You can use it to cover your face from dust or smoke, protect your head from the sun, or tie it around your wrist to carry small tools.
In an emergency, it can be used as a tourniquet or to tie up wounds to stop bleeding. It’s also useful for filtering water (by tying it over a container to strain debris) or as a cloth for cleaning equipment.
You never know when an emergency might happen, but having the right gear can make handling it much easier.
These 20 survival essentials are practical tools that can help you navigate tough situations.
Take the time to put together your kit, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
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