I’ve read dozens, and I mean dozens, of lists telling me everything I need to have with me to survive. Usually there are no surprises. This list of 13 survival must-haves has some genius suggestions for items your emergency kit might be missing.
Survival Must-Haves
I know a flashlight, pocket knife, and water are essential for my survival or emergency kit, but every now and then I come across some unusual piece of equipment that are brilliant but that I never would have thought of myself. Here are my 13 favorite survival must-haves that you also might not have thought of yet!
Lightsticks. You can pick up one of these every time you wander into a Home Depot. They don’t need batteries and can be hung around the neck with a string making it easier to spot everyone in your party when it gets dark. An alternative is the UVPaqlite, which never needs batteries.
Wool socks and sweaters. People have literally frozen to death wearing their layers of cotton knit tees and hoodies. Fun fact: It takes forever for wool socks to start smelling. On camping trips I have worn the same pair of socks for 6 days in a row, leaving them to air out each night, and in the morning they smell nearly as fresh as they did on Day 1. For true survival conditions, nothing beats wool. A set of merino wool thermal underwear is also a smart long-term investment to make, especially if you live in a colder climate.
Upholstery needles and thread. What if a sleeping bag or tent rips and you have no way of mending it? Knowing basic sewing techniques are a valuable life skill to add to your survival plans.
Roll of quarters. Handy for phone calls, although payphones aren’t as common as they used to be, and laundromats, but if you put it in a sock and wield it like a sling, you have a handy-dandy weapon! If the quarters are pre-1965 and 90% silver, you have a whole new type of currency.
Continue reading, 13 Survival Must-Haves You May Not Have Thought Of, from The Survival Mom, here.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women.
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