7 Tips for Creating Your Own Survival Kit

From extended power outages to rough wilderness conditions, unexpected things happen. Do you know what you would do? Or how to start a fire? While you may have some decent survival knowledge, few things provide peace of mind like a survival kit. It’s an indispensable tool, packed and ready to use in a variety of environments and situations. Be prepared for anything and learn how to build your own military survival kit with our simple tips.

1. Start with a Lightweight Bag

You’re going to need a spacious bag to fit your essentials before you even create an emergency kit. Be sure to opt for a tough yet lightweight military bag that you can comfortably carry. Tactical backpacks and MOLLE backpacks are great options because they’re built with utilitarian features like added compartments and PALS webbing for modularity.

2. Make Sure Food and Water are Covered

You can’t build a survival kit without including the basics. Drinking untreated water is never ideal. There’s a serious risk of waterborne illnesses. That’s why you want to pack water purification tablets or drops in your survival kit. They’re designed to kill bacteria and ensure your water source is safe to drink from. 

It’s also a good idea to pack your bag with non-perishable provisions. You never know what you’ll be able to find hunting or foraging – if anything at all. Nutritionally rich foods such as nuts, jerky, and military MREs are preferred.

3. Don’t Forget to Pack First Aid Supplies

Learning how to create a survival kit? Don’t skip the medical supplies! Keeping a well-stocked first aid kit in your bag will help you effectively respond in the case of common injuries and emergencies. You can grab a pre-packed first aid kit or create an emergency first aid kit with these basic supplies:

• Antiseptic wipes
• Antibiotic ointment packets
• Cold compress
• Various bandages
• Sterile gauze pads
• Latex/non-latex gloves
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Tape roll
• Aspirin

4. Utilize Fire-Starting Tools

You may be a seasoned pro at starting fires, but we still recommend including several fire starters when you build a survival kit. They help ensure you can build a fire for warmth and cooking, no matter the conditions you’re facing. Waterproof matches and a magnesium striker are a good place to start. 

5. Consider Field Manuals

Whether you’re a wilderness expert or a beginner learning how to create a simple survival kit, field manuals are invaluable. These books are like your survival how-to’s. No need for a GPS when you can read maps and navigate the land the good ol’ fashioned way with help from a field manual! You can also learn about boobytraps, first aid for common injuries, finding water, making shelter, and more survival skills.

6. Stock Up on the Essentials

The contents of your kit can vary depending on its purpose and your environment. Use your best judgment when you create an emergency kit. With that said, these tools are must-haves to build a survival kit regardless of terrain or environment:

• Multi-tool - The most versatile tool in your bag. Multi-tools can open cans, cut rope and various materials, and more!
• Military canteen - Your purified water needs to go in something! A military canteen keeps you hydrated while you’re on the move.
• Hunting knife - Ideal for camping and hunting trips and emergency situations, hunting knives make dressing and deboning simple. 
• Light source - Any survival kit you build should include a light source. They can be used for everything from signaling for help to warding off animals. Tactical flashlights (don’t forget batteries!) and glow sticks are great options.
• Rope/paracord - This military rope can be used as a fishing lure/line to create a simple snare, build shelter, and in countless other scenarios.

7. Do Not Overpack

One of the most vital things to remember as you build a survival kit: do not overpack. This is only going to weigh you down, making it difficult to navigate emergency situations. You’re also unlikely to need most of what you’re packing. How to create a survival kit: ask yourself whether each item is a must-have or a nice-to-have before adding it to your bag.

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