20 Items For Outdoor Survival

ByKen J. Last Update

There are seemingly countless survival items that you could choose to have with you for outdoor survival. However there certainly are items that are more common among those who are asked what they would carry.

The selection of survival items to have (e.g. within your your kit /bag) should be tailored for the specific outdoor environment to be traveled. Region. Season. Scenario. Etc..

Survival items that you might carry with you in a small day-pack for a 3 hour summer hike will not be all-inclusive compared to what you might take with you during an overnight in the wilderness, for example. Or what you might choose for a general purpose bug-out-bag.

The time of year, the weather forecast, the geographical region of travel. All these and more will affect your choices if you take the time to analyze them.

The purpose here is to simply provide some thoughts and ideas. Individual choices will be unique to you. And the circumstances you’re planning for.

Well lets have some fun… I’m going to list 20 items for outdoor survival. And an additional brainstorm list of more things. Add your own thoughts below.

Outdoor Survival – The First Five Cs

Note: Lets assume that we already have an amount of food and water, and we are equipped with adequate clothing.

I’ll start off with Dave Canterbury’s 5 Cs of Survival:

Cutting, Combustion, Cover, Container, Cordage

1. Fixed Blade Knife (such as the Full Size US Marine Corps KA-BAR)
2. Fire (BIC Lighter / Magnesium firestarter / FireSteel / flint rod & steel)
3. Tarp (Camo Tarp)
4. Stainless Steel Canteen (G.I. Military w/cup)
5. 550 Paracord (e.g. 500 FT Spool Titan Military Type III from ReadyMadeResources)

Tip: Whatever style of ‘canteen’ that you choose, choose metal (e.g. stainless steel) to enable water purification via boiling. And, do NOT get one that is insulated (e.g. double-walled) because you need single-walled for efficient boiling over heat.

Now let’s add 5 more to the list.

6. Firearm (Rifle 1st-choice, Handgun 2nd-choice, Ammo)
7. Folding Saw
8. Water Filter (e.g. Katadyn Hiker Pro from RMS, or a Sport Berkey from ‘the Berkey Guy’)
9. Headlamp
10. Fleece Blanket

Note: Wool is great, but Fleece has some advantages… dries quickly and weighs little. However be very aware (cautious) that polar fleece is highly flammable.

Okay we need 10 more items for outdoor survival. Here are some more thoughts…

We’re presuming you’ve already got the food department covered. And you’re starting off with some water (and you have already included a water filter and/or means to boil water).

Also with reference to FOOD, I just want to mention that MRE’s sure are convenient and space-saving.

“Grab 6” from Military A/B cases at ReadyMadeResources

More Outdoor Survival Gear

A brainstorm list, in no particular order.

  • Steel Pot
  • Hand Axe
  • Hammock with bug netting
  • Folding Saw
  • Machete
  • First Aid Kit
  • Bandana
  • Duct (Duck) Tape
  • Snare Wire
  • Flashlight
  • Multi tool
  • Fish Hooks (and line)
  • Tent
  • Tarp
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Camp Shovel
  • Compass
  • Cell Phone (well, most people have one with them anyway…)
  • Whistle
  • Mylar ‘Space’ Blanket
  • Area Topographical Map
  • Candle
  • Dry Tinder (e.g. cotton balls w/Vaseline)
  • Toilet Paper
  • Walking Stick
  • Walking Shoes / Boots
  • Clean Socks
  • Chapstick
  • Mosquito Repellent
  • Walkie Talkies
  • Rain coat with parka hood
  • Band-aids or Moleskin for blisters on the feet
  • Personal medication
  • Extra eye glasses (if I go blind so to speak I am no good)
  • Toothbrush & paste
  • Soap
  • Gloves

From the list above, I might choose to add the following items (of course I would want ALL of it, and more… <grin> )

11. First Aid Kit – at least a compact one for starters…
12. Bug Repellent – Ugh, I hate mosquitoes! (Read about Permethrin)
13. Toilet Paper (no explanation necessary!)
14. Walkie-Talkie 2-way Radios (especially with two people)
15. Rain coat with hood (I know we mentioned clothes, but this one’s important)
16. Fire Starting Kit
17. Compass & Topo Map of the AO
18. Tent
19. Hygiene products
20. Garbage Bags (multiple uses)

 
What additional items might you consider for outdoor survival?

[ Read: 5 Cs & 10 Cs of Survival ]