7 Essential Items You Should Have in Your Wilderness Survival Kit

So, you have decided to go into the wild for that much-needed break in nature. Before you head out, make sure that you have a wilderness survival kit that is packed with important items that you’d need should you encounter the worst out there. You never know when you’re out there in the wild, so it’s best to be prepared.

Here’s what your wilderness kit should contain:

1. First-Aid Kit

The first thing that you should not forget in your wilderness survival kit is a first-aid kit. You never know what could happen, which means a kit that contains antibacterial ointment, some medicines, bandages, etc., will give you peace of mind while you’re out there. A first-aid kit is also vital if you’re going on a long backpacking trip.

2. Map and Compass

You don’t want to get lost in the middle of nowhere. A map and a compass (assuming you know how to use them) will guide you in the right direction. Your mobile phone may be useless in times like this due to dead signal spots, which is why you need to go back to the basics.

Before your trip, make sure to study the map, and if you don’t know how to use a compass, learn how to use it first. It’s also a great idea to watch videos or read articles about the place that you’re visiting.

3. Fire Starter

Temperatures fluctuate in the wilderness, and it often comes as a surprise. Having a fire starter with you is a good idea. There are different types of fire starter that you can get, such as matches, lighter, dry tinder, etc. Make sure that they’re all packed in a waterproof bag.

4. Signal Mirror

A signal mirror will be your “life vest” when you find yourself lost in the wilderness. Most signal mirrors that you can get today can be seen up to 15 miles away. With that, you have higher chances that someone will see your signal and help you.

5. Water Purification System

Water is essential. You can go for weeks without food but not water. That is why it’s crucial to have a water purification system as part of your wilderness kit. The system will ensure that you have clean drinking water when you run out of your packed water.

6. Knife

Don’t go into battle without a weapon, so make sure to pack a knife with you. A knife can help you sharpen sticks, cut bandages, cords, or even skin and hunt a fish. Let’s hope you don’t use it to fight off a bear. If it comes to that, you’ll be thankful you’ve brought a knife.

7. Proper Set of Clothes

When you’re out in the wild, even when it’s sunny outside, you need to have a set of clothes meant for the worst weather conditions. The cold of the night in the wild can cause hypothermia, so make sure that you have enough warm clothes to last you through the night. Wear loose, layered clothing with wool. As a general rule, stay away from cotton because it can retain moisture, which makes it less insulating and harder to dry out. Cotton is also heavier on the body.

Conclusion

These are some of the essential items you should have in your wilderness survival kit. You can easily get these from your local hunting store or camping store. Make sure that your kit is well-packed before you traverse the wild.

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