Are you fond of taking trips to the wilderness? Well, one can never be safe from the hazards of the jungle, involving the risk of getting lost, experiencing turbulent weather, or coming eye to eye with a savage animal.
Therefore, outdoor enthusiasts should be prepared for any kind of emergency that comes along the way. Purchasing the right survival kit is what every adventurer needs before going hiking, skiing, hunting, or engaging in any other type of activity.
We hope this detailed guide helps you pick the best model.
Look for the right type
Survival kits aren’t universal in terms of components, which is why buyers are expected to buy gear that matches their requirements. For example, comprehensive kits are equipped with all of the necessary items to assist you in the event of an emergency, including food and water.
Add-ons, on the other hand, are designed to complement bug-out –bags, as these are rather small in size. Similar to first aid kits, these boxes are armed with the most basic survival components but contain substantially fewer items in comparison with the comprehensive models. Click here to check out the essential items in first aid kits.
Ultimately, the specifically designed models are meant to be used in particular activities like skiing, hiking, camping, hunting, etc. These emergency boxes are best suited for people who engage in hazardous activities and require special items to treat injuries related to a certain sport or hobby.
Check the size and weight
An important consideration when shopping for such a piece of survival equipment is the size and weight of the kit. Backpackers and campers are encouraged to opt for models that are portable but contain all of the necessary components. There’s no point in purchasing a low-quality lightweight model only for the sake of portability.
Furthermore, you’re expected to check the contents so as to see if they match the survival items you need for your trip. As long as the box includes everything you need, don’t invest in a bulky model full of a myriad of items, half of which you won’t ever use.
Inspect the contents
Even though survival kits differ in the choice of components, every model is expected to include the essential items for survival, regardless of the activity and destination. For instance, it should include enough food and water supplies to satisfy the needs of all individuals that take the trip. It’s crucial for the box to incorporate a portable filtration system and water purification tablets should you run out of water supplies.
Furthermore, these kits should contain a multitude of handy items for emergency situations, such as matchsticks, a compass, GPS, a flashlight, and a whistle. Bear in mind that survival whistles are much louder than the traditional ones in order to be heard as far as possible in the event of getting lost. For guidance on using international signal whistle codes in emergencies, go to the following link, https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/survivalist/2013/06/survival-skills-signal-whistle-codes-%C2%A0/.
In addition, a safety blanket is supposed to be a part of such survival equipment in order to prevent hypothermia. Spending the night in the wilderness is a challenging experience, as temperatures fall way below zero. Unlike regular blankets, safety blankets are designed to endure snowfall and heavy rain while remaining perfectly dry.
A mosquito net is a valuable item of every survival kit, protecting people from the plethora of mosquitos in the jungle. Also, a fire starter, a survival knife, and a couple of utensils should be included to assist users in starting a fire, eating, and making a shelter.
In terms of medicine and hygiene, these boxes need to incorporate painkillers, allergy medications, masks, alcohol swabs, etc. Additionally, make sure the kit contains wipes, toilet paper, liquid soap, and a hand sanitizer.
Check the shelf life of all supplies
Another thing to remember when shopping for a survival kit is checking the shelf life of all supplies. There is a myriad of survival gear review sites, like Survival Techie, which inform buyers about the vast choice of survival kits in the market. Such reviews will help you learn more about the pros and cons of these products.
Naturally, the expiration date of food supplies is the first to consider, as you don’t want to deal with food spoilage in the middle of an emergency. Nevertheless, these supplies aren’t the only ones to take into account when checking the shelf life of the entire kit. Bear in mind that water tablets and medications also have an expiration date that one should keep track of. Most high-end models come with a shelf life of a minimum of five years.
Consider the weather
In order for this piece of emergency gear to endure the weather condition of the area that you plan to visit, it’s supposed to be waterproof or water-resistant. When traveling to regions prone to heavy snow and rain, purchase a waterproof model so as to protect the condition of items inside.
When uncertain about the weather condition, you can’t go wrong with purchasing a waterproof plastic cover to protect the entire box. Additionally, medicine should be stored in separate plastic bags to provide better protection.
Final thoughts
Never take a trip to the wilderness unprepared.
Having the right supplies at hand will help you go through any challenges that wait for you in the heart of nature!
