Last Updated on October 13, 2022 by admin_hunter
Whenever you are thinking of survival, always think special forces, they can handle anything, throw them out in the air, release them in the water, subject them to close combat, survival in the jungle, desert arctic for weeks, make them fight with knives, rifles or bombs, they will find a way. Some are even medics, engineers, and IT specialists in the middle of all this.
They say your greatest asset is your brain. Learn to mitigate the situations that require extreme survival techniques in the first place but always be prepared for the unforeseeable.
Being prepared means equipping yourself with the tools that will give you a chance to survive all situations like the special forces guys. We have compiled our list based on availability, functionality, and consideration of emergency scenarios.
Fire Starters
Fire has many crucial applications for survival; it enhances safety by warding off predators, it is a source of warmth, light and facilitates cooking. Your survival tools must include either matches, flints, lighters, and tinder pieces (cotton, kerosene, or wax). You may pack more than one for backup as they don’t take up much space.
1. Bayite Ferro Rod
- 5ft Paracord included, gives you a good grip and never comes off. Comes with a bayite Striker-Pro striker attached to the paracord, always be prepared to start a fire
- bayite 6 Striking Edges Striker-Pro striker is made from TOOL GRADE HSS STEEL and has a distinct hardness, maximizes a shower of hot sparks, no matter whether you prefer to use your left hand or right hand to scrape. Don’t use bad quality Knife as striker. Otherwise it will not produce enough sparks due to insufficient hardness of blade
- Ferrocerium Rod Length:4″(10cm). Diameter: 3/8″(10mm). Large enough for a shower of sparks and small enough to carry
- Made of high effective ferrocerium rod. Waterproof & Weatherproof, fits all weather, works in any weather condition
- Sparks shower at 5,500 F (3,000 C) to ignite a fire in any weather (even wet), at any altitude. Perfect emergency fire starter for Bushcraft, Hiking, Hunting, Fishing, EDC, Emergency, BBQ, Gas Camp Stoves, etc
This is our recommended flint fire starter for survival as it is waterproof and weatherproof at just the right size to produce an impressive shower of sparks while still petite and portable. It also comes with a 9-foot Para cord that holds the striker in place while providing a good grip.
Light Tools
The ability to see in the darkness is crucial for survival as you may need to maneuver at night or in dark spaces like collapsed building rubble, caves, and canopied jungles.
2. LE LED Camping Lantern Flashlight
- High Brightness & Dimmable: Long press the button to adjust brightness up to 1000 lumens, suitable for reading or illuminate the whole space.
- 4 Lighting Modes: Short press the button to switch light modes (daylight white, warm white, full brightness, flashshing).
- Long Battery Life: Powered by 3pcs D alkaline batteries, it can last 12 hours even under 1000 lumen brightness setting. Not rechargeable.
- IPX4 Water Resistant: It could protected against splashing water from all angle, suitable for outdoor activities in rainy or snowy day.
- Hanging Hook & Removable Cover: With a hook the bottom and a metal handles on the top, it can be hung back and forth for all sorts of purposes.
This is a versatile survival tool that can give you up to 25 continuous hours of light and is battery powered so you can stock up on backup power. You can adjust the brightness to suit your needs. It is waterproof and can be hanged upright or upside down to suit your prevailing needs.
Water Tools
Water is essential for hydration, cooking, and sanitation and should feature in all your survival planning. There is a limit to the amount of water you can carry in an emergency; you will find yourself having to make do with what is locally available soon enough. This will not necessarily be consumable in its natural form and will require some work.
Water can be made consumable using water filtration powder and chemical water treatment tablets that easily fit the first aid kit. You can also acquire a water filtration system that allows you to consume the water from the source.
3. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
- Protects against 99.999999% of bacteria (including E.coli, Salmonella), 99.999% of parasites (including Giardia and Cryptosporidium), 99.999% of microplastics, silt, sand, and cloudiness
- Ultralight and durable, the LifeStraw weighs less than 2 ounces (46 g) so you can pack it anywhere
- Long-lasting membrane microfilter will last up to 1,000 gallons (4,000 L) of water, that’s enough drinking water for an individual for over 5 years
- Be prepared with the ultimate survival tool, the LifeStraw has an unlimited shelf life and has been tested all over the globe to face the harshest conditions
- Your purchase has impact: one purchase, one child, one year of safe water
Our recommendation for your survival tool kit; each can filter up to 1,000 gallons of water, removing bacteria, protozoa, debris, and dirt. You can drink directly from the river or water container through the filter, using it as a straw. It can also be used to dispense filtered water into your water bottle or cup. It is very compact with a 1-inch diameter and length of 8 inches.
Food Security Tools
To survive, you will require nutrition and energy so that you can keep moving. As you plan for survival, you should stock up on convenient emergency foods that are self-preserving, high energy, and dry, so they are easy to carry.
You may eventually be forced to learn to survive on natural resources like plants if you lose your stock or the emergency extends beyond your rations. Additionally, not all emergency foods are consumable while dry, and some are better served hot. These scenarios call for a cooking pot. A quality cooking pot is durable, light, easy to carry, corrosion, and abrasion-resistant.
4. Stanley Adventure the Nesting Two Cup Cookset
- IDEAL OUTDOOR ACCESSORIES: The Stanley cook kit is perfect for outdoor cooking for hot meals, coffee, or boiling water Our cooking pots come with a vented top to let steam escape or strain liquid This is a great survival supplies gift too
- VERSATILE HANDLE: We designed the handle to provide maximum comfort and stability while it’s on the stove The locking handle extends for stable cooking but folds over the lid to save space with the rest of your gear
- DURABLE AND BPA-FREE: The kettle / coffee maker is constructed with 18/8 stainless steel and features two insulated portable 10oz/295mL tumblers to enjoy hot and cold beverages The entire kit is made with BPA free materials
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: The stovetop mess kit with cups loaded weighs 13 9oz and empty it’s only 7 8oz which makes it travel and backpack friendly The kettle has graduated marks going up to 20oz
It is a great survival accessory for hot meals, boiling water, and hot beverages. It’s lightweight, made from durable stainless steel, easy to carry, and comes with two insulated cups that fit snugly inside it.
First Aid Medical Kit
If you are susceptible to or have existing health conditions like diabetes, asthma, or epilepsy, it is recommended that you include extra medication in your kit for those days when you can’t access the pharmacy. Keep checking to ensure the medicine you have is not expired and replace them as soon as they do.
5. First Aid Only’s All-Purpose First Aid Kit
- Kit Includes: Adhesive fabric and plastic bandages, antibiotic ointments, BZK antiseptic towelettes, burn cream packets, aspirin, ibuprofen, gauze roll and pads, wound closures, cold pack, and other multi-use items for any potential emergency
- Convenient Packaging: Fabric case with clear plastic pockets for organization and easy access to first aid supplies in an emergency
- Compact and Spacious: Two separate layers with individual compartments make retrieval easy and quick. Soft sided, zippered case great for travel and on the go use
- First Aid Ideal For: home, travel, and on the go use
The package comes with 299 pieces, which cover every imaginable medical emergency. It has clear plastic pockets that enable you to arrange your supplies, so they are easily accessible. It comes with a soft bag, which allows it to fit in compact spaces. Feel free to add your extra medication in the bag, so they are easily accessible in a crisis.
Navigation Tools
Survival requires a consistent awareness of your environment and the ability to navigate through it. You will need a compass and map, especially if you are stranded in unfamiliar territory or when the safety zone is unfamiliar. The ideal compass is versatile and can endure the harshest environments and is also easy to carry along.
6. Sportneer Military Lensatic Sighting Compass
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE: This professional grade military compass will always lead you in the right direction. Ideal for camping, military usage, emergencies, and anywhere the beaten track takes you
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: The lensatic function increases the reading’s accuracy with a lens on the rear sight that magnifies the card dial – so you’ll always get an accurate reading
- MILITARY CONSTRUCTION: Tough and tenacious, the military construction with waterproof and shakeproof properties is built to survive the harshest of hikes
- PORTABLE: Keep the compass near you with a belt loop attachment, or place it safely in your pocket with a carrying case, so you can keep your hands gripped on the mountain you’re scaling
- FLUORESCENT: The compass’ interface glows in the dark, so even when night falls, you can still soldier on
This is our top pick because it is tough, shake-proof, waterproof, and has a fluorescent interface that glows in the dark. It also comes with a belt loop attachment and is compact enough to fit snugly in your pocket along with its carry case. Your hands are left free to handle other essential tasks.
Self Defense Tools
They come in many forms, from stun guns, telescopic batons, pepper spray, knives, and guns, and protect you from predators, both human and animal. Ensure they are permissible by your local laws and regulations before including them in your essential survival tools.
We can’t all have legal Kalashnikov AK-47s or other firearms, and there is a risk they may be turned on us during emergencies. A minimalistic approach when protecting yourself is safer and more likely to be legal.
Bear spays are more versatile than pepper spray because pepper spray does nothing to bears. If you have to pick one due to logistical purposes, bear spray is recommended. Bear spray covers a larger distance and lasts longer. This gives you a better chance to escape and plan the next move. You should carry them on a shoulder or waist holster, so you don’t have to fumble in your backpack when under attack.
7. SABRE Frontiersman Bear Spray
This is billed to be 50% stronger than police pepper spray and reaches up to 35 feet, giving you more reaction time and repelling the bear at a greater distance. It is also non-flammable, which is a safe option for a survival tool.
A stun gun is more suited for close contact when the assailant sneaks up on you, and they are also compact enough to be added to your survival tools without too much trouble. It disables your aggressor so you can make your escape.
8. VIPERTEK VTS-989 Heavy Duty Stun Gun
- PROFESSIONAL SELF DEFENSE EQUIPMENT: Powerful heavy duty stun gun flashlight combination. Delivers painful stoppping power and backed by a Lifetime Warranty.
- SNATCH PREVENTION TECHNOLOGY: Shock plates on the side of the stun gun will shock an attacker if they attempt to take the gun from you; Contoured grip aids hand alignment making it easy to use and control.
- INTERNAL RECHARGEABLE BATTERY: Our stun gun simply plugs into a standard wall outlet for a complete recharge. No Batteries needed! Charging cord included.
- ULTRA SHARP SPIKE ELECTRODES: Helps penetrate through thick clothing. COMPACT SIZE: 6.5” long x 2” wide x 1″. This stun gun also comes with free wrist strap and holster case for easy everyday carrying.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY
This is our top pick as it has an intimidating sound and a jolt that causes loss of balance and muscle control, enough to put the attacker down. It has shock plates on the side and a contoured grip to prevent your attacker from prying it from your hand. It also packs a flashlight, which is a great backup for light.
Rescue Signaling Tools
These enable you to call for help or send distress signals. It can be a whistle, a glass mirror, or heliograph to reflect light in flashes and signal where you are to potential helpers or a flare gun.
9. NOOPEL Emergency Whistles
- Super loud survival whistle: double tubes emergency whistle can provide up to about 120 decibels, enough to be heard at long distance.
- Premium Quality: Aluminum Alloy Material, strong and durable.
- Lightweight: only 12g, easy to carry.
- Water-resistance camping whistle: Be used in all-environment all-weather, rainy day, humid weather with excellent airflow design.
- Versatility: Loud safety whistle for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, boating any kind of outdoor activities.
We like that they have double tubes and provide up to 120 decibels that can be heard over long distances. They are built to last and come with a lanyard and keychain making them easy to carry around the neck for easy access.
Multi-Tools
These survival tool essentials are used in everyday tasks you will be forced to perform like cutting food, clearing paths, digging, breaking through debris, self-defense, among others. They usually come as a combination of tools for ease of use and portability. Our combination of some of the most versatile should complete your survival kit essentials.
10. Rhino USA Folding Survival Shovel
- Folding Survival Shovel W/ Pick – Heavy Duty Carbon Steel Military Style Entrenching Tool for Off Road, Camping, Gardening, Beach, Digging Dirt, Sand, Mud & Snow
- Support A Small Family Co. – Buy From a Father/Son Business in California
- Military Style E-Tool – 2lbs of Powder Coated Carbon Steel, Tough Pickax & Sharp Rugged Saw Teeth.
- Compact & Portable – Full 23″ Long Extended but only 9″ x 6″ when Folded into Included Carry Case.
- Multi-Functional – Shovels = Great Garden Tools, Backpacking Gear and Metal Detector Accessories.
It is a shovel that can be transformed into a pickax made of tough powder-coated carbon steel. It is foldable to fit into its designated carry bag, which in turn fits into your survival kit bag.
11. LEATHERMAN Super Tool 300 Multi-Tool
- GET WORK DONE: Built with the strongest pliers we’ve ever produced, a handle made to be gripped with gloves and 19 hand tools, the Super Tool 300 is a workhorse
- 19 TOOLS IN 1 HAND: The Super Tool 300 features knives, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, an electrical crimper, a wire stripper, bottle and can openers, a file, a saw, an awl and a ruler
- OUR GUARANTEE: We’re proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon; That’s why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts a lifetime
- WORK WITH CONFIDENCE: All-locking features mean that every tool and knife (with the exception of the pliers head) will lock when fully opened, keeping you safe and the tools securely in place
- ALWAYS ON HAND: With its heavy-duty yet portable size and lanyard ring, your Super Tool 300 is always within reach and ready to work
This is a stainless steel workhorse with 19 hand tools that can be used for a wide range of tasks. It has different knives, pliers, different sizes of screwdrivers, a saw, a wire cutter and stripper, an electrical crimper, an awl, a file, and a ruler, among other things. It is heavy-duty but portable with a lanyard ring that enables you to carry it within reach for easy access.
12. BlizeTec 5-In-1 Survival Knife
- BEST EMERGENCY TOOL: Premium 5-in-1 pocket-size stainless steel survival knife with nylon pouch. Functional components include: Serrated saw, bright LED flashlight, magnesium alloy fire starter, blade lock, window breaker, seatbelt cutter and pocket clip.
- ALWAYS BE READY: BlizeTec multi-purpose lock blade knife is perfect for all occasions; you can use it for camping, hiking, hunting and any outdoor activity. A MUST HAVE item for emergency preparedness; great gift for outdoor adventurers, campers, hikers, hunters or even constant travelers.
- POCKET SIZE & LIGHT WEIGHT: The knife is designed to fit perfectly into your palm. Weighs only 5.46oz, allowing you to avoid the hassle of carrying a big knife, while enjoying all the benefits of what a big knife can offer, and more. The knife can be carried with the belt clip or with the nylon pouch. This ultimate multi-emergency tool kit is produced with “ease of use” in mind.
- EASY TO KEEP: BlizeTec emergency knife is easy to carry and easy to keep. The entire knife including handle is 8.5 inches long when open and it contains a mini LED light, seatbelt cutter, window breaker, magnesium fire starter and a pocket clip, Flexible carry options with the included nylon pouch, belt clip or just put it in your pocket. The blade is 3.5 inches long, and the whole unit is only 5 inches when closed.
- QUALITY ASSURANCE: BT985LE is your every day carry knife. Invest in quality, BlizeTec is trademarked protected and your purchase is backed by our lifetime warranty with purchase directly from BlizeTec on Amazon only.
This is originally a knife with feature enhancements, including a bright LED flashlight, a magnesium alloy fire starter, a window breaker, and a seatbelt cutter. It is ideal for getting out of a car crash and has a blade lock and nylon pouch for safe storage when not in use.
13. LEATHERMAN Tread Bracelet
This is a wearable multi-tool with up to 29 tools and customizable links, giving you the option of using it as a strap for a watch. It has Philips and flat screwdrivers, hex drivers, box wrenches, glass breakers, SIM card tools, bottle openers, an oxygen tank wrench, and a host of other applications. Since you wear it on your wrist, it is always accessible, and you need not worry about packing it.
Handbooks
Having gone through all these survival tools, the average person may still not know how to use them or how to identify the applicable circumstances. It will take some adjustment for those untrained to survive outside their normal homely environment. Since there is no knowing when the emergency will arise, it is good to have an operational manual that summarizes some of these situations for ideas on how to handle them.
14. 100 Deadly Skills- Survival Edition
- Touchstone Books
- Emerson, Clint (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 272 Pages – 10/18/2016 (Publication Date) – Atria Books (Publisher)
This is a guide compiled by Clint Emerson, a retired Navy SEAL, which advises on how to survive in the wild and general disaster preparedness. It is a good place to start as you build your own experience.
We believe that this combination of tools will comprehensively cover all your bases in an emergency. Some actually serve as backups for others, enabling you to extend their useful life.