Survival Backpack & Survival Kits

A survival backpack or survival kit should include all essentials needed for a camping or hiking trip. Whether you are going for a long time, or planning to go for a short journey.

Anything can happen during your adventure, and you need to make sure you are properly prepared. The weather could turn unexpectedly bad, you could get sick or injured, or you could end up getting lost, and off track for longer than you planned.

Another thing to consider, is the idea that every home and vehicle should have some sort of survival kit in a safe place. They are not only for hikers and outdoor recreational use. Disasters and emergency situations can occur anywhere, and you should always be ready!

Always make a list of essential items you should pack before you go, to make sure you have everything you need.

You could manually prepare a survival backpack from scratch, by following a list, or you can buy a survival backpack online that comes with everything you need, including things that you probably never even thought of.

This page will provide examples and information about both strategies:

Various survival packs already packed with survival essentials. You can buy one of these backpacks online, then keep a contents list to replace items as needed.

Another thing to keep in mind, are the unpredictable wet situations you may find yourself in. Backpacks can be found with waterproof materials. Spend the extra few bucks to make sure the contents of your backpack will stay safe and dry.

You can also find more information about Waterproof Backpacks HERE!

Here is some food for thought for preparing your own survival backpack or survival kit.

There are many things to think of, and therefore you could miss something that should have been on the list. You can never think of absolutely every possible scenario unless you pack your entire household including the kitchen sink.

However, here is a basic category breakdown to brainstorm and do the best you can. The concept here is based on a very simple principle:

If you survive at home comfortably, then in theory, you should be able to survive in any situation if you have supplies that at least mimic the essentials you have in your day to day life. You can break these essentials down into 5 main categories: Food, Shelter, Clothing, Transportation, and Utilities. These are the same essentials you would refer to when making a household budget!

Hopefully, this can serve as a good guide for packing a survival backpack, or any other type of survival or emergency kit.

Let's get started!

The food category would include anything for nourishment and health, and anything that enters your mouth (including clean oxygen).

Survival Packing Suggestions:

- Water and other drinks

- Non perishable foods

- Face Masks

- Medicine

- Fishing and other hunting tools

Shelter from the elements is the next survival thing to think about. Here are some suggestions:

Survival Packing Suggestions

- Emergency tent. Many types on the market that will fit in your survival backpack or survival kit.

- Blankets to stay warm at night

Probably the most obvious category. Dress appropriately for the weather and pack your survival kit or survival backpack with extra clothing that for the most extreme weather situations.

Survival Packing Suggestions

- Ponchos

- Warm Heavy Duty Hiking Coat

- Thermal underwear, socks, gloves, pants.

If you are packing for a survival kit or survival backpack, it is pretty tricky to cram a 4x4 truck, or an off road quad in with your gear. As far as I'm concerned, the "transportation" category would include your main mode of transportation on a hike, which is your feet. In fact, I would include the health of your entire body and well being. It is hard to travel by foot when you have sore feet, or a broken bone. It also includes navigation and not getting lost.

Survival Packing Suggestions

- Emergency First Aid kit

- High quality hiking boots

- Floatation Devices

- Compass and maps

Obviously we are not talking about cable tv, or electricity like at home. This category would cover concepts that replicate the power, heat, and communication needed for survival.

Survival Packing Suggestions

- Emergency Power Supply

- Fire Starters

A cool idea for a multi tool that fits nicely into your survival backpack. These are called "credit card" survival tools, because they are shaped like a credit card and fit into your wallet. Many different types available. They come with things like a compass, a knife, LED light, wrenches, and many other handy things.

Find more images, and information about Survival Cards HERE!