It’s Go Time: Bushcraftpro’s Best Survival Kit
What safety items should you have with you when traveling? Bushcraftpro's Ultimate World Travel Safety Kit offers a comprehensive list of safety items that you can use to build your own kit. Select the essentials you'll need to go on a fishing trip, for example (communication device, first-aid kit, knife, and rain gear), or for a camping trip , such as navigation tools, headlamps, and parachute cord.
It's not just the safety kit that travelers should be considering.
A sudden emergency such as civil unrest or a natural catastrophe could require a Survival Kit. It should include "items that will increase your chances of survival in an emergency situation," according to Jeff Weinstein, Bushcraftpro's operations supervisor.
If you live in an area where there are frequent weather hazards, such as natural disasters, tsunamis or volcanic eruptions, it is likely that you have a Go Bag in your closet.
A go bag contains all the things you will need in an emergency, when you "have to drop everything and run away," according to Harding Bush. He is a former Navy SEAL who now manages security operations at bushcraftpro.
What is in a survival kit?
A survival kit should include six essential elements: water and food, communication, navigation, fire, and first aid. You will be able to survive Mother Nature's worst storms by being able to eat and drink, treat injuries, signal for assistance, stay warm, and protect yourself from the elements.
Dave Keaveny is an advanced wilderness EMT and medical operations specialist with Bushcraftpro.
Adam Bardwell from Bushcraftpro, the medical operations supervisor, said: "A survival kit is designed to provide for more primitive needs such as shelter, fire, and water." Pack items that will last a long time and are versatile. Paracord, for example, can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used as a line to fish, to attach a tarp or a shelter to a tree, to weave a net, and so on. "It is not how long the kit should last but how long can you survive with it."
Survival kits are designed to be multi-purpose in the wild. The reflective side of a space blanket can be used to signal and provide warmth. Leatherman has all the tools that you may need: needle-nose pliers and regular pliers as well as a combination knife, bottle opener, large screwdriver, and a locking blade. Outdoor knives are available with an LED flashlight, a magnesium fire starter and a seatbelt cutter.
Bush stated that items with multiple purposes or those that fall under different survival categories are more practical and can save space and weight. "A multi-bladed folding knife fits into almost all categories. The saw can be cut to make a temporary shelter, a fire to signal or prepare food or for signaling purposes. And the tweezers are useful for first aid."
Packing should be done in lightweight, compact carriers that are preferably waterproof.
Carlene Merola is a senior specialist in Medical Operations at Bushcraftpro. She recommends creating a travel survival kit that meets your needs. Items can be adjusted for extremely cold or hot environments. She said that if you're hiking or paragliding and may need shelter for several days, it is best to bring the necessary gear.
You should update your kit frequently. It's not a good thing to discover that your lighter is leaking butane when the temperatures drop.
Do not underestimate the possibility of a survival situation. You must prepare for the possibility of an injury, getting into trouble, or being stuck in the wilderness survival. Bardwell says that planning ahead for these scenarios could mean the difference between life or death.
Are you ready to create your own survival kit according to your destination, your activity, and the season? Our travel and safety experts have selected 22 items.
Air Filtration Mask
We're already used to packing a face mask as protection from COVID. But cloth masks are only designed to keep particulates in, not filter particles from the outside. If you're traveling to an area prone to wildfires or volcano eruptions, you might want to tuck a N95 mask in your bag. The entire mask is a respirator and, if worn correctly, will filter out the small respirable particles found in wildfire smoke.
Aluminum Cup
Need to melt snow into water? Need to boil water? An aluminum cup will come in handy. Some canteen kits come with a heavy gauge aluminum cup while others are designed to fit over a 1-liter water bottle. A stainless steel water bottle is also an easy way to boil water in a hurry, right in the water bottle.
"A fire-safe pot is durable, multiuse, and can be used to purify water, cook, and collect water," Bardwell said.
Bivy Sack
"A Bivy sack is a perfect, lightweight emergency shelter for when you find yourself spending an unexpected night under the stars," Weinstein said.
Communication Device(s)
Most everyone has a cell phone. If you are traveling overseas, make sure you have a local SIM card, a cable and adapter and a battery bank.
Going remote? Consider a two-way satellite communication device, like a Bivy Stick or a Zoleo device. They feature SOS buttons that directly link to the appropriate emergency resources, including your travel protection provider.
Duct Tape
Duct tape, also known as a survivalist's best friend, can be used to stabilize a limb, patch a leaky tent, keep food bags closed, or twist into rope or loops to hang items from your backpack. Experts recommend bringing about 20 feet and wrapping it around your water bottle to minimize its size.
Emergency Blanket
Wool is hands down everyone's favorite material to stay warm even if you get wet. Space blankets made of lightweight Mylar might be easier to pack and can double as a reflective device. No matter what you bring, the key question: will it hold in body heat?
First Aid Kit
A stripped down first aid kit would include the bare essentials: a Sam splint, some Ace bandages and gauze pads of various sizes. Merola and Weinstein also recommend a tourniquet, a compression device that could be a lifesaver when you need to stop the flow of blood.
Fire Starter
Whether you need to stay warm or to cook food, you will need to be able to easily light a fire.
"Fire is a top priority in a survival situation," Bardwell said.
There are many ways to start a fire. "Weatherproof matches, lighter, tinder, magnifying glass, flint and steel, magnesium bar or a durable reusable fire starter," said Garrett Dejong, senior medical specialist at Bushcraftpro.
Only pack the fire starter if you know how it works and you've practiced with it at home. "Be familiar with all your equipment and practice using it before leaving for the backcountry," Bush said.
Gloves
Consider your destination, and choose the most appropriate type of glove. Earthquake prone environment? Work gloves in case you have to move debris. Cold weather? Waterproof mittens will keep your fingers warmer. Hiking or trekking? Gloves should combine warmth, waterproofing, dexterity, durability and usability. Having an extra pair is always a good idea.
Hygiene Items
If space is limited, stash away some biodegradable face and body wipes. It will go a long way to help you keep your sanity if rescue is a day or so away. Second priority: a toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste.
High-calorie Food
vDon't just pack any food in your survival kit. "Pack high-calorie food," Merola said. You need a blend of protein, fat and carbs.
Energy bars are a good choice. Look for options with high protein, like an RX Bar with 12 grams of protein. Look for real ingredients, like LARABARs with dates, fruit and nuts. Choose an organic bar (a regulated label) over a natural bar (less stringent standards).
Bouillon cubes -- either veggie or meat stock -- have a two-year shelf life. You'll be able to stay hydrated, have a small amount of nourishment, and the warmth of broth is a morale booster.
Other ideas: trail mix, jerky, freeze dried meals and dry goods, like dried beans or rice.
Light
Flashlights are usually the go-to light source when you are out after dark. Consider a hand-crank version if you don't want to lug around extra batteries. Even better: a headlamp, which leaves your hands free. Chemical light sticks, found at any dollar store, are small and easy to pack.
Navigation Tools
We said it in our Ultimate Travel Safety Kit, but it bears repeating: No matter how well you know the area or terrain, mistakes can be made. Never leave home without navigation tools, including a GPS unit with cellular or satellite coverage, a map and a compass.
"It's crucial to understand your area and the cardinal direction to move to in the event of an emergency. GPS and smartphone navigation apps are a good idea, but batteries die and machines break," Bush said. "Know how to use a map and compass. Review the map and your location before setting out. Have your map properly folded, so your location is easily referenced, and store it in a waterproof case. There are no substitutions for a printed map."