The best tactical tools for camping and survival don’t have to be hard to find. If your tactical boots are ready to head out into the woods, you must ensure you get the rest of your equipment ready.
Before you can shop for each product, you have to take some time to figure out what you need. Here’s a quick guide to the most basic tactical equipment and where to buy it.
1. Fire Starters
Fire starter tools come in handy in camping and survival situations where you need to warm yourself, cook food, ward off predators, or boil drinking water.
You can use different tools to start an outdoor fire, such as matches, magnifying glasses, fire pistons, signaling mirrors, steel wool and battery, flint and steel, and rubbing sticks to produce friction.
Each fire starter type has advantages and shortcomings that define its suitability for wet or dry wood conditions.
Flint and ferrocerium or magnesium rods are among the best you can buy, such as the Freigeist Esprit Libre Fire Starter, which features a ferrocerium rod that sparks when struck to ignite your tinder.
The Freigeist Esprit fire starter also works as a multi-tool that comprises elements like an emergency whistle, ruler, 10ft paracord, map scale, carabiner, and hex wrench.
2. Survival Knife or Multi-tool With a Knife
A survival knife is a must-have tool when venturing outdoors on a camping trip. A sharp blade is useful when you have to cut items like food or carve off wood shavings to start a fire if you don’t have tinder.
The Mossy Oak Tactical Knife is ideal for survival situations and hunting or camping expeditions. Plus, it comes with a fire starter and a sharpener.
Alternatively, you can choose to carry a multi-tool. This option gives you more leverage as you have the right tool when the need arises, including pliers, multiple knives, and other tactical tools.
The US-built Leatherman Wingman Multi-tool is an excellent option with its 14 tools, which include a knife.
3. Compass and Topographic Map
Carrying a compass and topographic map on an outdoor trip helps you find your way out of a place more quickly if you get lost. However, you must be able to read the two tools accurately.
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE: This professional grade military compass will always lead you in the right direction. The hiking compass is ideal for camping, military usage, emergencies, and anywhere the beaten track takes you.
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: The lensatic military compass 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. Please keep the compass as horizontal as possible so that it turns and points in the correct direction.
- MILITARY CONSTRUCTION: The lensatic compass is tough and tenacious, the military construction with waterproof and shakeproof properties is built to survive the harshest of hike.
- PORTABLE: Keep the hiking compass near you with a belt loop attachment, or place survival compass safely in your pocket with a carrying case, so you can keep your hands gripped on the mountain you’re scaling.
- FLUORESCENT: The sighting compass’ interface glows in the dark, so even when night falls are easy to get a clear and fast reading, ideal for camping, hiking, hunting, mountain climbing, adventure.
The Sportneer Military Lensatic Tactical Compass is ideal for camping, hiking, and hunting trips since it’s waterproof and easy to carry in your pocket or using a belt loop attacher.
4. Water Filtration Device
A portable water filter is another must-have outdoor tool. Once you have depleted your drinking water, you’ll survive by drawing water from streams or shallow wells.
- Removes Bacteria & Parasites: The Microfiltration Membrane Removes 99.999999% Of Waterborne Bacteria (Including E. Coli And Salmonella), And 99.999% Of Waterborne Parasites (Including Giardia And Cryptosporidium)
- Removes Microplastics: Removes The Smallest Microplastics Found In The Environment (Down To 1 Micron), And Reduces Turbidity Down To 0.2 Microns
- Rigorous Testing: All Claims Are Verified With Laboratories Using Standard Testing Protocols Set By The Us Epa, Nsf, Astm For Water Purifiers
- Long Lifetime: The Microbiological Filter Will Provide 4,000 Liters (1,000 Gallons) Of Clean And Safe Drinking Water With Proper Use And Maintenance
- Make An Impact: For Every Lifestraw Product Purchased, A School Child In Need Receives Safe Drinking Water For An Entire School Year.Bpa Free Materials
Even in the wild, what may look like clean water may be contaminated, necessitating a reliable water filtration device, such as the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, to remove microplastics and waterborne pathogens.
You can alternatively carry some water purification tablets if you can’t bring a water filtration device.
5. Space Blanket and Tarp
- Effectively reflects & retains heat: engineered with advanced dual-sided aluminized mylar technology, these thermal blankets are designed to maximize heat retention and reflection to retain 90% of your body heat, completely blocking rain, snow, moisture. Perfect for any emergency situation and ideal for nasa-inspired survival gear, outdoor camping, or as a crucial part of your first aid car kit, ensuring you stay warm when it matters most
- Portable design for any adventure: built with military-grade 12-micron aluminized polyethylene mylar - its ultra-compact to fit effortlessly into backpacks, go-bags, and vehicles, making them the perfect travel companion. Whether you're hiking, camping, or preparing for unexpected weather, these blankets are easy to carry, ensuring you're always prepared without the bulk
- Heavy duty yet lightweight: don't let the lightweight design fool you; these blankets are constructed to withstand harsh conditions. Made from durable, high-quality materials, they are designed to be hard to rip, offering reliable protection against wind and rain. Despite their strength, they're light enough to carry anywhere, making them essential for survival kits and outdoor adventures.
- Waterproof and versatile: stay dry and protected in any weather! These mylar thermal blankets are not only waterproof but also versatile. Use them as ground cover, shelter, or to protect your gear from the elements. Their waterproof nature makes them indispensable for outdoor activities, and the perfect gift to for the homeless as an act of kindness.
- Bonus space blanket included: with every purchase, receive a bonus space blanket - a smaller, more compact version of our emergency mylar thermal blankets. This bonus blanket is perfect for keeping in your glove compartment, hiking backpack, or emergency go-bag. It offers the same heat retention and waterproof benefits in a more compact size, ensuring you're prepared for anything, anywhere, anytime.
In addition to building a makeshift shelter when camping or in survival mode in the wild, you need a space blanket to reduce heat loss and keep your body warm.
You’ll also need a large tarp to cover your tactical gear and protect it from precipitation and strong winds.
6. Tactical Folding Axe
You can use a tactical folding axe survival tool for vital activities such as chopping and splitting wood, hunting, gathering and preparing food, hammering nails and tent stakes, self-defense, and sawing.
Folding axes are actually multi-tools whose functionality depends on the number and type of tools incorporated. Other common elements include fire steel, bottle opener, and whistle.
7. Tactical Folding Shovel
A folding shovel survival tool works the same way as a folding axe because it also has different elements.
Besides the shovel as the main element for lightweight shoveling, it may also feature elements for opening bottles, hammering, whistling, lighting, breaking glass, sawing, and starting fires.
8. Tactical Flashlight/Headlamp
A tactical flashlight or headlamp is another must-have for outdoor activities in dark areas or those that extend into the night.
9. First Aid Kit
A first aid medical kit can quickly become too much clutter to carry on an outdoor expedition, but you can save yourself the trouble by only carrying the essential equipment.
- The basic 228 pieces of comprehensive first aid treatment products is manufactured from the Modern aseptic facility, exceeding safety standards for emergency first aid for adults and kids. See the product images and the product description below for a full list of contents.
- Compact High-end first aid kit (8.3”×6.3”×3.2”). Using EVA mold case that is Lightweight, shockproof and not easily deformed. The PU surface is smooth, waterproof and easy to clean with Waterproof Laminate Bags You Protect Your Supplies(Do not soak).
- Make sure you keep your kit close to hand when professional medical care may be some distance away. Store it in your bug out bag, backpack，car or med cabinet for quick access.
- We don't know when there will be an emergency, earthquakes, accidents and injuries can happen suddenly. We also include advanced selection of emergency supplies, such as first aid blankets, scissors, whistles, and multi-function saber cards. Help to improve the chances of survival.
- 100% satisfactions or money refund. We commitment to make you happy and satisfied. If they don't work out for you for any reasons, your kit will be replaced /or you’ll get the money back.
Your camping medical kit can feature basic first aid items like bandages, medicines for various medical conditions you may have (such as asthma), dressings, tourniquets, and disposable gloves. You may also want to include a card with personal information, just in case.
10. Paracord
- 550 PARACORD with a diameter of 4mm (5/32”) and a 7-strand inner core made of 100% nylon covered in a woven nylon sheath. Endures any job with a tensile strength of 550 pounds for dependable tie downs, makeshift shelters, and transporting equipment.
- SECURE YOUR GEAR like bikes and kayaks whether that’s on your car or in your garage. Keep this cord at home or stash it in your outdoor bag so you always have a reliable option for repairs, crafting, and even creating a quick fishing line or replacement tent line.
- CREATE DIY CRAFTS such as bracelets, lanyards for ID badges, belts, keychains, tool wrappings, and collars for your pets. Not only does this cord help keep you safe roaming the outdoors, it also provides excellent versatility when at home looking for a new project.
- 100 FT HANKS available in our top 40 colors. Relied on for its strength and versatility, this cord is a must-have addition to your hiking gear, camping setup, and fishing supplies.
- PARACORD PLANET strives to create paracord of the highest quality to complement outdoor enthusiasts and crafters of all levels. Paracord is the perfect companion to tackle outdoor tasks and creative endeavors. Always be prepared and add this cord to your kits.
Paracords are lightweight ropes made of resilient nylon and fiber strands that are ideal for outdoor use, such as hauling, tying, repairing tactical gear, ripping apart to obtain sewing thread or fishing line, and rigging tarps.
Survival experts recommend carrying a paracord at least 100 feet long, which might prove helpful if things turn nasty in the wild.
11. Signaling Mirror/Signaling Whistle
If you get lost in the wild and can’t find your way out, you can use a signaling mirror or whistle to alert others of your location and need for help.
The signaling mirror reflects light from the sun, making it possible to alert a search party passing overhead in a plane of your whereabouts. You could also use it as an ordinary mirror when applying sunscreen.
A signaling whistle also serves the same purpose as the mirror, only that this time you use sound rather than light to alert people nearby of your presence.
A whistle with more decibels will enable you to find help easier if there are people near you. Blowing it could also scare wildlife away.
12. Bear Spray/Pepper Spray
Both pepper spray and bear spray are excellent self-defense tools that can help you incapacitate your attacker momentarily to give you a window to escape or think about what to do.
Pepper spray works well on human attackers and small predator animals. Bear spray is a better choice for larger predators like bears, which aren’t affected much by pepper sprays.