Best Survival Kit, Checklist and Products

Survival Kits (Get Home Bags)

Survival kits are intended for outdoor use. They're classified as a "Get Home Safe Bag". Picture a backpacking backpack full of gear needed for the trail and overnight camping - that's what we're shooting for here. The goal is to leave the home for any length of time, head into the wilderness, and get home safe.

Experience: Bad Sprain

A few years ago we were on a hike to an alpine lake in Northern Idaho. One of the kids we were with sprained an ankle badly enough he couldn't walk on it. Fortunately, we had the right gear to wrap and splint his foot and lower leg so he could get off the mountain with a make-shift crutch. The survival gear we had in our hiking bags made all the difference.

Survival kits are usually portable and contain gear and supplies for a day or more. Our personal kits include water filtration, fishing and hunting options for food, and gear for fire and shelter among other things. We even have allergy meds, sunscreen, sting relief, etc. While we end up packing some extra weight, the number of times we've had to use the gear makes it well worth it. Never head into the wilderness without the right gear!

Recommendations:

Build your survival kit for your environment. For example, dryer climates require more water because filtration may not be an option. Colder climates may require more insulated clothing.

1. Look at your region and consider the gear you need
2. Consider the activities you'll be doing (i.e. bikers might need flat fix gear)
3. Consider the essentials for survival
4. Make it modular
5. Check out ready-made kits to get started
6. Get the best gear your budget will allow

Your survival kit should be tailored to your needs. Get started on it and never venture out without it!

Survival Priorities

The human body has certain requirements to survive. For example, we need clean air, water, food, etc. We also want our blood on the inside of the body. These human needs can be prioritized based on urgency (i.e. drinking water doesn't matter if we can't breathe, etc.)

We recommend gear based on our list of survival priorities. The gear we recommend at each stage will have these priorities in mind. We should purchase critical gear and supplies first and organize it so it's portable and accessible.

We also take into account the likelyhood of needing a particular item in most survival situations. While it's possible, the odds aren't high that we might need a facemask over a flashlight or multitool, etc. We do recommend some tools early in the checklist because they facilitate other higher priority items. For example, a good multi-tool can help out in so many ways. We push it toward the top of the list.

Our survival kit checklist takes into consideration years of experience in the outdoors as well as the checklists provided by the Boy Scouts, research on the web, military personnele we know and recommendations from first responders. 

We do urge you to customize your kits to tailor to your needs. Consider your common activities, health requirements, people in your household, etc.

Make sure you have Stage 1 Emergency Essentials as you build your survival kit.

Complete Survival Kit Checklist

Step 1. Start here: A great Survival Kit requires the modular, portable emergency essentials survival kit designed for all go-bags. It contains the most essential gear, first aid, and toiletries for emergencies. Be sure to start with the essentials.

Step 2. This Survival Kit checklist has everything you need for a complete survival kit. We recommend you download and print out the checklist. Then below, shop for recommended products you need.

Survival Kit

Pack highly effective gear for the critical functions of life. Gear should be stowed in a sturdy, comfortable backpack for mobility. Here's a sample of some of the recommended survival items:

Recommended Survival Kit Products

Explore recommended survival products for the bug out bag survival gear. Below we go through each checklist item and suggest highly-rated, quality products.

Headlamp

Hands free working during an emergency is crucial. A rechargeable headlamp is perfect for activities in the dark.

Required Attributes:

• rechargeable
• multiple brightness modes (to save batteries or brighten an area intensely)

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

We have multiple options here. They are all quality products. The ultra bright lamp lights up a whole section of the forest and lasts for hours at a time. The others are more modest in brightness but last much longer.

Multi Tool

A multi-tool might be one of the most used, most handy items on the list. You'll use it to build shelter, process firewood, process and cut food, fix gadgets, etc. You should have a multi-tool in Stage 1. We recommend having a second, more robust multi-tool in Stage 2 as well - it's worth the extra weight.

Required Attributes:

• 2 blades
• pliers
• saw
• file
• screw drivers
• can opener

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

The Leatherman Wave is the most popular multi-tool for sale - and for good reason. It is super reliable and has all of the required functions plus other hand items. We use our Wave all the time - seriously, every outing.

The ACTION Survival Multitool has the ideal tool set for emergencies and survival situations. It's our current favorite for go bags and EDC.

There are other great options but if you can, spring for the Wave or Signal.

Cell Phone

A cell phone can be a great communication device if the grid is still up. It can also connect you with the internet and provide entertainment in dull periods.

Required Attributes:

• phone
• GPS
• data connectivity

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

If the grid is still up your cell phone can be used to call for help, find your location (GPS), look up first aid and edible plants, keep from boredom, etc.

We strongly recommend including a method of generating power (solar, crank or both) so you can keep the phone going. We live where there are a lot of clouds so a crank option is best.

Field Knife

Some sites claim that a field knife is the primary survival tool. We've seen claims that they would choose a field knife over any other tool in an emergency. We don't agree but we do see the value. You can process wood, build shelter, hunt, build weapons, build tools, etc. We still like a multi-tool because it has more functions but we do recommend a field knife at this level. 

The one function we like most is the ability to split wood in the absence of an axe or hatchet.

Required Attributes:

• full tang
• sturdy
• drop point, clip point, tanto
• no serration
• no-slip grip
• standard/medium size (3.5" to 5.5")
• stainless steel (420C or HC, 154CM, etc)
• sheath

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

You want a durable, non-corrosive blade that keeps an edge or can be sharpened easily if it becomes dull. You also don't want to break the bank. Buy as much blade as you can to get going.

Fire Starter (x2)

A Bic lighter is the easiest tool for starting fire. However, a good ferro rod is more durable and lasts longer. We recommend packing both.

Fire is required for warmth, cooking, light, sterilization, etc.

Required Attributes:

• light weight
• adjustable flame
• reliable
• low effort

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

Bic lighters have a reputation for reliability. The one-flick open flame is a welcome site when it's night or cold. They require so much less effort than a ferro rod, bow, etc. Of course they'll eventually run out of fuel, but while they last they're ideal.

The Hot Strike Ferro Rod is ideal for survival bags. It is durable, long lasting (hundreds of fires), and works when wet.

Tinder

Having dry, flamable tinder on hand can help you get a fire started quickly. Don't plan to include a lot but enough for the first few fires.

Required Attributes:

• light weight
• long burning

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

The squares light up quickly and burn for awhile. They're light weight and easy to use.

The SurvivorCord has a strand of wax covered jute that lights right up and burns for a long time.

Duct tape burns for quite some time and lights quickly.

Alcohol lights very quickly, burns slowly but blows out easily.

Paracord (50 ft) (Extra)

Paracord can be used to build shelter, hunting traps, attach gear, make a perimeter, etc. You should have 50 ft in Stage 1 and we recommend another 50 ft in Stage 2.

Required Attributes:

• Type III 550
• certified paracord
• 7-strand

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

For the weight 550 paracord is widely regarded as the standard. The military has chosen type 3 550 paracord for its parachutes and other functions. We're going to side with them on our recommendation - especially for the cost.

Bivvy or Sleeping Bag

A good night sleep is crucial to attitude and decision making - especially in stressful circumstances. We prefer a full cold-weather sleeping bag here but can settle for a bivvy in warm weather climates.

Required Attributes:

• light weight
• warmest you can afford
• water resistent if possible

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

Cold weather sleeping bag - getting through a night in an emergency is hard enough. Getting through the night in the cold is debilitating and dangerous. Having a cold-weather option is the best. 

Budget sleeping bag - Having a sleeping bag with insulated clothing and shelter can help you get through a night, especially in a warmer climate.

Bivvy - a bivvy is light weight but lacks insulation. It can radiate heat back to the body but anything your body touches gets cold. It can work well if you have the right clothing layers or another source of heat.

Sleeping Pad

At Stage 2 we recommend a sleeping pad for comfort. Get the best night sleep possible.

Required Attributes:

• light weight
• foam (inflatables eventually give out. I have used the same inflatible for 50+ camp nights but it's less reliable than a foam option.)
• reflective

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

We like a reflective surfaced, closed-cell foam pad. They are reliable, durable and can be used for more than just sleeping (i.e. sitting on a cold surface). They are easy to hang on a pack.

Tent (2-man)

Shelter protects you from the elements. Saying warm is key to survival and saying dry and out of the wind help keep you warm.

Required Attributes:

• light weight
• backpacking tent
• rain fly or sealed tent
• vestibule for gear storage
• 2-man

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

We like a tent in this level but it may not be required. We prefer a tarp because it is very light and versatile. We keep our camping tents near our bug out bag so we can grab it if we think we'll need it. However, we don't reserve space in our bag for one. It can be added to the outside easily. 

Having said that, having a tent in an emergency could make the world of difference. We recommend a quality tent so you can rely on the waterproof seams, poles and zippers.

In Stage 3 we require a tent for the household.

Water Container (Bladder)

Hydration bladders are typically larger and more flexible. You want to carry as much water as your weight limits will require. We strongly recommend including one. 

Required Attributes:

• light weight
• name brand (a cheap bladder can fail quickly)

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

Carry as much water as you can. This water bladder is name brand and reliable. Your back pack may come with a bladder so buy this after the pack.

Hand Saw/Hatchet

Process firewood, remove obstacles, and make tools and weapons with a sturdy handsaw. We reserve a hatchet for Stage 3 because of the weight factors.

Required Attributes:

• light weight
• sturdy
• highly rated

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

Cutting is a more efficient activity than chopping. A saw is also lighter than a hatchet. Besides, you can use the field knife for splitting small rounds. 

A 0.5 lbs this hand saw is very highly rated because it is durable and reliable.

Maps

In an evacuation you may end up in a location you don't know. Keep maps of areas you may relocate to.

Required Attributes:

• trail map - should have roads, trails, and land features. Topo maps are handy too.
• current - have a recent edition
• water resistent

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

We like area maps with enough details to see creeks, small trails, and other features. We have 4 maps for our area and surrounding areas. We don't keep them in the go bag since we use them frequently but they are stored near by. 

Blade Sharpener

Keeping a sharp blade is crucial in a survival situation. Any number of activities depend on a sharp edge.

Required Attributes:

• light weight
• easy to use

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

Pull-through sharpeners are easy to use and pretty light weight. They do remove more material than a stone but they tend to be lighter and easier to guarantee a sharp edge.

Fasteners (Safety Pins, Carabiners, Zip Ties, etc)

Having handy safety pins and other fasteners can help keep gear together, clothing in place, and get you out of a bind.

Required Attributes:

• light weight

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

Several safety pins work on clothes and cloth gear.

Use 2-4 carabiners to stow gear.

Include 10 zip ties at least 12 inches long to lash items and stow gear. 

Backpack (Tactical or Hiking)

Make all your gear mobile with a well fitting, comfortable backpack. Consider tactical packs because you can attach molle pouches to them or a waterproof option if you live near a lot of water.

Required Attributes:

• Backpacking or military style
• Internal frame
• Right size for your body size
• Has a number of compartments and pockets

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

We highlight a number of packs to fit your size, climate, and preference. We've used a number of these packs and they've held up well.

• We like our compression packs because you can get a lot of gear inside a compact format.
• We like our military pack because its versatile and we can add pouches
• We like the waterproof option for people on the water

Excursion Gear Organizer (Tactical, Full Size, MOLLE)

Gear organizer for tactical and hiking backpacks (full size, MOLLE)

Buy On Amazon

Excursion Gear Organizer (Tactical, Compact, MOLLE)

Compact gear organizer for tactical and hiking backpacks (compact, MOLLE)

Buy On Amazon

Solar Charger (USB)

Portable solar chargers can be very helpful in the right climate. We live in a place with a lot of cloud cover so they're not super effective. However, in many locations they are a great option for off-the-grid power. If you get one, be sure to use it before an emergency so you know if it's effective.

Required Attributes:

• light weight
• high rating

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

Most solar chargers are similar. The size of the cells usually directly correspond to the effectiveness of the device. Direct access to the sun is the bigger factor. 

These options are very highly rated meaning a lot of users have tested them for you.

Field Guide Book

Learn what to eat, how to survive, and what first aid to use during an emergency.

Required Attributes:

• includes
  • first aid
  • shelter building
  • food production
  • tool usage
  • etc.

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

Even survival experts carry a book like this in their bug out bag. There's no way to know it all and having a reference can be lifesaving. Besides, having something useful to read can be a very positive activity.

This survival guide book is highly rated by experts and has sold a lot of copies. We've read it cover to cover and most of its recommended survival skills and products are still current. 

Bear Spray

Bear spray is our preferred self defense method. While we love to shoot guns, we even prefer bear spray to guns.

Required Attributes:

• name brand

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

Every go bag should have some form of self defense against animals or people. Bear spray is a great option.

Pistol and Holster*

A pistol is an optional self defense and hunting measure. 

Required Attributes:

• mid-weight (should have enough rounds to be effective and a large enough caliber to handle threats in your area)
• holster

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

When it makes sense we'll carry a 9mm as a secondary defense method. We chose a 9mm because my wife and kids can shoot it without flinching. There are a million debates and justifications for various calibers and sizes. We determined that the best gun was the one we'll actually practice with.

Extra Magazines*

Optional extra rounds (adds weight) for the handgun.

Required Attributes:

• 10 round minimum

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

Self explanatory.

Survivor Cord (15 ft)*

Survivor Cord is a great secondary backup for a number of items. 

Required Attributes:

• 25 ft

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

It contains paracord to backup your 550 cordage. It contains waterproof tinder for firestarting. It contains fishing line and copper wire.

Sunglasses

Optional eye protection. When you're outdoors having sunglasses can keep your eyes healthy.

Required Attributes:

• 100% UV protection
• 40-60% shade

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

While I see the point, we don't require sunglasses. They are a great option if you can justify the weight. Their value goes up in sunny climates.

Recommended Survival Kit First Aid Kit (IFAK)

Explore our recommended survival products for the survival kit First Aid Kit (IFAK). Below we go through each checklist item and suggest highly-rated, quality products.

Personal First Aid Kit (IFAK)

Treat injuries or illnesses with your robust field individual first aid kit IFAK. We haven't found the perfect bug out bag first aid kit. The best way to build this kit is to purchase a couple of first aid kits and merge them to get the best collection of first aid supplies. The extra supplies go in your House Kit (Stage 3).

See the checklist for the complete list.

Required Attributes:

• modest weight
• compact, pocket-sized
• contains bandages, meds, and other items for very common cuts, scrapes, etc.

Reasons for Our Pick:

The First Aid Kit EDC kit is a field/tactical first aid kit with uncommon, advanced supplies like a tourniquet and pressure dressing. The larger first aid kit has the remaining supplies. 

Use the smaller case for your Stage 1 first aid kit and use a molle pouch for the other supplies to remain with your bug out bag.

Recommended Survival Kit Toiletries Kit Products

Explore our recommended survival products for the Toiletries Pouch. Below we go through each checklist item and suggest highly-rated, quality products.

Portable Toiletry Kit

Stay clean and comfortable with a personal, portable toiletry kit. A toiletry kit tends to unique to each individual. Select products you enjoy day to day.

Required Attributes:

• complete
• compact

Reasons for Our Pick:

We recommend you make a list and buy extra items next time you go grocery shopping. Include the items in a cosmetic or toiletry bag. 

This kit needs to be mobile so weight is still an issue. Include only critical supplies in this Stage.

Recommended Survival Kit Extra Clothing Products

Explore our recommended survival products for survival kit extra clothes. Below we go through each checklist item and suggest highly-rated, quality products.

Complete Change of Clothes Plus Cold Weather Gear

Your change of clothes should be waterproof. Use a drybag and pack a complete set of clothes. Also include the cold-weather gear and jacket. It is so important to maintain a healthy body temperature. Stay dry, stay warm.

Required Attributes:

• underwear/socks
• base layer
• shirt/pants (we love zip offs so you have shorts as well)
• hat/gloves
• insulated, waterproof jacket
• good footwear - we expect you'll have this at the time of evacuation 

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

In a bug out situation you want extra clothes and outerwear to stay clean and warm. At the same time you don't want too much extra weight so only carry what is recommended.

Emergency Wool Blanket - XL

XL, 72x92 in, 5.35 lbs
Queen/King, 1 or 2-person

Warm, comfortable, durable military survival wool blanket for bedding, emergencies, and the outdoors

Buy On Amazon

Recommended Survival Kit Food Products

Explore our recommended survival products for survival kit extra food. Below we go through each checklist item and suggest highly-rated, quality products.

Food Ready to Eat and Food Production

A bug out bag has limited space for food and water. However, it's important to have light weight calories ready to go. We recommend keeping energy bars, trail mix, and dehydrated meals along with a light stove and fuel. 

Also include fishing gear, snares, and paracord to make a bow. Of course you want to modify your emergency kit for the area you live in. 

If you know you'll be in the outdoors indefinitely try to save the ready made food by eating food you can forage or hunt.

Required Attributes:

• light weight
• effective
• legit

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

We live in an area where fishing, hunting, and foraging are options. We recommend buying a fishing kit and modifying it for the fish in your area. Add bait you know will work. 

Also, we like real snares over cheap wire. They're more effective and ready to go.

Recommended Survival Kit Documents Products

Explore our recommended survival products for survival kit documents for evacuation. Below we go through each checklist item and suggest highly-rated, quality products.

Documents, ID, and Cash

Keep critical ID and docs on a small thumb drive as well as paper copies. Keep an amount of cash in a variety of bills.

Required Attributes:

• light weight
• waterproof container

Reasons for Our Recommendation(s):

Stow important documentation in a waterproof ziplock bag or container. In an evacuation it's possible you may need to verify who you are and purchase things like food, fuel, ammunition, etc.