March 28, 2024
Man Wearing Black Hoodie Carries Black and Gray Backpacker Near Trees during Foggy Weather

Man Wearing Black Hoodie Carries Black and Gray Backpacker Near Trees during Foggy Weather

Once you have found the most reliable backpack for survival, you need to fill it with the right supplies. A good survival backpack with the best survival essentials will keep you sustained for 72 or more hours during a disaster.

Here, we have compiled a list of 8 things you need for survival during a worse case scenario.

1) Hydration

Your survival backpack needs 1 – 3 quarters of water per person. Ideally, you should plan to drink 1 quart of water a day. Rationing will be important during an emergency. Of course, you also need to carry that water in something like a water bottle or camelback.

Water might also need to be treated, so a mini filter or other treatment option will be necessary. You should pack with the assumption that normal water sources can be contaminated or even unavailable on your journey. Keep in mind water should always be treated first during an emergency since contaminants can be undetected and cause harm.

2) Establish Shelter

This next supply category is based on personal preference. Often, survivalists suggest a tarp or a tent to provide shelter in an emergency. The size of your backpack might play a role in which option you’re able to carry.

Additionally, if you are not experienced with setting up and sleeping in a tarp shelter, you may need to go for the tent option. If you use a tent, you should look for a lightweight, waterproof option. Other shelter supplies include a sleeping bag or blanket for each person.

3) Food

Technically, survival rules state that you can go three weeks without food. However, humans tend to get grumpy and angry when hungry and this is not desirable in an emergency setting. So, take some time to pack non-perishable, high fat, and high protein foods. These will provide energy over the course of time that you’re in crisis mode. Some solid food options for emergency survival kits include:

  • Beef jerky
  • Peanut butter
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Cliff bars
  • Banana chips
  • Meat paste

4) Fire

Fire is not just essential for warmth; it is also useful for keeping wild animals away, creating signals, use as a weapon, and boiling water for first aid or drinking. With this in mind, your survival pack should have something capable of starting a fire, like a lighter, matches, or flint. This will be essential if you find yourself stranded in the woods overnight and in need of warmth and ward.

5) Self Defense Options

Just as fire can be used for self-defense, there are other items to pack in your tactical backpack for protections. An obvious one might be a firearm, but these can run out of ammunition or become too heavy to carry. Instead, think about packing:

  • Knives
  • Pepper spray
  • Machete
  • Other lightweight, portable weapons

These are ideal in the event of an attack or if you need to hunt for additional sources of food.

6) Hygiene

Yes, even in an emergency you need to think about hygiene. While you might not need to wash your hair frequently or wear deodorant every day, hygiene still matters to help ward off infections. Essential hygiene items include:

  • Small bar of soap
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Baby wipes
  • Feminine hygiene products

7) Clothing

Chances are if you are in an emergency, you will need more than the clothes on your back. For this reason, your backpack needs certain items.

Wool socks are great because they dry rather quickly, as do other wool clothing items. You do not want to be stuck in wet clothes or wet socks since it can lead to hypothermia and other risks. If it is sunny, a wide-brimmed hat will keep the sun blocked but can also double as a rain protectant as well.

8) First Aid Kit

A first aid kit will help you address minor health concerns and will be comprised of the absolute medical essentials.

Some of these include:

  • Scissors
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Bandages
  • Burn gel

Avoid larger items like a tourniquet, as those can easily be handmade when needed.

Bonus: The Right Mentality

This last item is not really an item. Instead, it is the mindset that you can – and will – survive whatever situation you are in. Emergencies are unpredictable but they are not impossible to overcome. With the right equipment on hand and a reliable survival backpack, you can make it through.

SaltLife.com