A Few Helpful Items for your Survival Pack

Whether you’re preparing for a weather-related emergency or may just need to get out of the house fast, it can’t hurt to have a survival pack on hand in case something unexpected happens.

Here are a few things to consider when creating your own survival pack.

While there are plenty of already assembled packs available, it’s best to customize them to your individual needs.

What sort of supplies do you need for your survival pack?
Most of what you’ll need falls into three categories: first aid, food, and navigational tools. While this may initially sound like a lot, it’s more than possible to pack these essentials without overburdening yourself. Here are a few things to keep in mind when creating survival packs.

First aid kits vary in size and variety. The most basic types come with a simple array of bandages, disinfectant, and cleansing wipes, whereas the more complex kits come with a wide assortment of different supplies, including rash creams, burn creams, fish hook removers, wound irrigation systems, bone splints, antibiotics, and more. Regardless of what kind you get, it’s a good idea to check the expiration dates of any medicines. There’s nothing worse, after all, than being stuck in an emergency, only to discover your antibiotics or creams are useless. If you plan on carrying survival packs on a journey, there are plenty of small, lightweight first aid kits to consider.

Food is another common issue for survival packs. Even if you plan on being away only for short time, it’s a good idea to stock up on long lasting snacks such as granola, jerky, or fruit strips just in case you need them. For longer periods, freeze dried, vacuum sealed, or dehydrated meals are another easily packable food that can last for months. If you plan on foraging, keep a field guide to various fungus, plants, and berries in your survival packs as well, as this will help you learn how to find these foods as well as prevent you from picking anything poisonous.

Finally, navigational tools are a must for anyone venturing outdoors, even if you plan on entering someplace otherwise familiar. Some basic supplies include compasses, maps, flashlights, and emergency flares. If you plan on exploring unfamiliar territory, it’s a good idea to invest in a GPS device as well. Many of these have an emergency button that will allow the authorities to find you should you become lost or stranded.