Top 5 Survival Items

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Depending on the survival situation everyone will have their personal preferences and what they would consider the top 5 survival items may be a little different from others, however in this post today we will be focusing on the top 5 survival items we picked that are the best in a wilderness situation.

Also, keep in mind I decided to pick items that are the best for where I live in the eastern part of the United States so that may be a little different from what you would choose if you live somewhere else.

Okay, so based on our environment and location these are the top 5 items I picked for my survival pack if I could only pick five pieces of equipment.

List of the Top 5 Survival Items

Now it is time to jump right into our top 5 most important survival items that every prepper should have when going out into the woods alone.

1. Firestarter

2. Tarp shelter

3. Sleeping bag

4. Water purification

5. Knife

Fire Starter - Bayite Survival Flint

bayite 4 Inch Survival Ferrocerium Drilled Flint Fire Starter, Ferro Rod Kit with Paracord Landyard Handle and Striker, 4"(Long) x 3/8"(Diameter)

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Here it is now for the number one survival item I choose for me in my kit is a fire starter strictly due to where I live. Having a way to start a fire can be a big deal, especially if you don’t have the tools to do it. It is no wonder most survivalists have strikers, flints, and other means to get a fire started because they know how very important a fire-starting item can be. Some preppers may choose to use a regular big lighter too and that is fine. Even if you have a good skill set and know how to create a fire with starting techniques you are setting yourself up for extra stress. In most cases, it can be a complete nightmare and there are so many variables that can come into play here with the weather so to keep all this in mind so if you are having a way you can easily start a fire consistently with a product such as a flint, that is so important for me. Fire will give us warmth; the fire will help give me a way for others to locate me if I get lost and especially at night. There are so many important reasons why fire is so important in a survival event but the most important reason for us is to use as few calories as possible. So we want to lay on our tarp wrapped up in a sleeping bag near our fire and wait it out as we regain energy or wait until the next day for local help.

Tarp - FREE SOLDIER Portable

FREE SOLDIER Waterproof Portable Tarp Multifunctional Outdoor Camping Traveling Awning Backpacking Tarp Shelter Rain (Brown 10×10.5ft)

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So, imagine you are out in the middle of the woods lost and it starts to down poor rain, if you aren’t prepared then you could be in for a horrible time. Having a place you can go back to and kind of look to it as your “home” base can give you comfort in this type of situation. It’ll keep the rain and weather off you. Just take your sleeping bag and get into your tarp bunker and you’ll be able to huddle up and stay fairly warm. There are many options available when looking for a tarp and you can pick some up at your local convenience store for a couple of bucks but if you go with something like the Free Soldier tarp, it comes with a variety of tools that helps you set up a tent-like shelter. Again the home base is probably underrated but if you have a tarp set up and you are in a survival situation you will want to be able to come back to a home-like base and mentally this can be beneficial when all the mental stress from being in this type of situation.

Sleeping Bag - Browning Camping McKinley -30 Degree

Browning Camping McKinley -30 Degree Sleeping Bag, Clay/Black, 36-Inch x 90-Inch

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You know one of the things you want to do in a wilderness survival situation is you want to be found as quickly as possible but as you know when the day comes to an end we can deal with a cold night brisk to below freezing. Having a blanket or sleeping bag will be an item you want in your survival kit. By staying warm you do not have to use up a lot of calories and a decent sleeping bag will do the job. There are lots of different options out there and you may be thinking about something for light travel or something you can fit into nice and snug with your clothes on but the main thing here is to find something of good quality. One of the main reasons we choose a sleeping bag is because staying warm during the night can mean a world of difference, or say if I got injured I can lay down and stay warm and wait until rescue. At night sleep is difficult is hard to get out in the woods and be uncomfortable due to the cold and the feeling of being lost so having a good sleeping bag that will keep you warm throughout the night is important for one of your top items in your kit.

Water Filtration - Survivor Filter PRO

Survivor Filter PRO - Hand Pump Camping Water Filtration System Survival - Water Purifier Survival

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Water is one of the most important you need and can not run out of and lost in the wilderness or in a survival occurrence, you are going to need plenty of water. One rule is to follow is the rule of three, if you do not drink water for three days you will start to have health problems. Staying hydrated is key here. Although, a lot of water sources are going to be not safe to drink straight out of so that is why I would want a water purification as one of the more important items in the top 5. Our top pick is the survival filter pro because it is easy to use, fast and effective. Perfect for any preparedness kit as far as we are concerned.

Knife - ESEE-6 Fixed Blade

ESEE-6 1095 Carbon Steel, Black Sheath (Dark Earth Blade, Black G10 3D Handle)

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There are many advantages of having a high-quality sharp knife if when you are in a real life survival situation. So, finding a good knife that is solid you can carve a spear with or making a frog gig or fishing gig. Clearing branches, helping to create fire wood, a tool that can help make a base layer so you have somewhere to lay during the night. A full tang knife or a survival edc will be sufficient enough as long as it is a durable. Having a knife like the ESEE 6 will make things go a little easier in the wilderness. Of course, you can always find a way to make a cutting tool in the woods and then you may have to find a certain type of rock and the other right type of materials to create a cutting tool, that’s why I would pick a knife for the fifth item on the list.

In Addition

I never go anywhere without having adequate equipment in case of emergencies, injuries, and survival. Having a first aid kit that is built for survival will help anyone in the wilderness.

First aid kit - EVERLIT 250 Pieces Survival First

EVERLIT 250 Pieces Survival First Aid Kit IFAK EMT Molle Pouch Survival Kit Outdoor Gear Emergency Kits Trauma Bag for Camping Boat Hunting Hiking Home Car Earthquake and Adventures Red

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The EVERLIT 250 Pieces Survival First Aid Kit is your ultimate companion for any outdoor adventure or emergency scenario. This comprehensive IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) is designed for versatility, featuring a rugged MOLLE pouch that easily attaches to backpacks or gear. Whether you’re camping, boating, hunting, hiking, or preparing for unexpected situations at home or in your car during an earthquake, this trauma bag has you covered. Packed with essential supplies, it empowers you to respond promptly and effectively to minor injuries and emergencies, ensuring peace of mind wherever your adventures take you. Be prepared, stay safe, and embrace the great outdoors with confidence!

Summary

We covered the top 5 items that would be most important and based on the Eastern United States where I live. These are the items that will be most helpful in the event of a real-life survival situation.

Then we concluded a Fire Starter product would be the number one item to bring along on your solo wilderness retreat and following some other important gear such as a way to filter water and a tarp for creating a home base so you can use a sleeping bag as we recommend you to do.

Finally, we mentioned it is smart for any prepper to have a first aid kit in their gear if they are planning on going out into the wilderness alone. Being prepared is key to bettering the odds of coming out of a real-life nightmare alive.

If you enjoyed this article then you might also like to read Surviveware First Aid Kit