We receive a ton of suggestions from our readers; but one of the most popular emails we receive is from readers who want to share what’s in their bug out bag or survival kit.
We would like to thank everyone for their suggestions and have compiled a list of the top 101 pieces of Survival gear our readers carry with them. Some of these items are great for Bug Out Bags and wilderness survival, while others might be better suited for an urban survival situation.
This is a list of what our readers find most important to them and is in no way a list of what we think you should or shouldn’t carry. Everyone’s needs are unique and will change depending on a number of factors. The list of survival gear is presented so you can see what others carry, and to give you some ideas if you’re just getting started in preparedness.
Survival Gear List: 101 Top Suggestions from our readers.
- Cell Phone
- Water Bottles
- Flashlights
- MultiTool
- Pocket Knife
- Knife (we recommend the SOG Knives – The Seal Pup Elite Knife)
- Emergency Food or MRE’S
- First Aid Kit
- Compass
- Personal locator beacon (PLB)
- Hiking Backpack
- Sleeping Bag
- Canteens
- Sewing Kit
- Maps
- Duct Tape
- Plastic Tubing
- Lighter
- Space blanket
- Plastic Freezer Bags
- Crowbar
- Fire steel
- Waterproof Matches
- Emergency Candles
- Hiking Tarp
- Water Storage
- Water Filter
- Camp Axe
- Shovel
- Flares
- Signal Mirror
- 4 Season Tent
- Ham Radio
- C.B. Radio
- Bivy sack
- Whistle
- Good Hiking Boots
- Thermos for Cooking
- Chlorine Bleach
- Water-purification tablets
- 550 Paracord
- Hiking Hammock
- Tinder (for fire starting)
- Machete
- Plastic painters tarp
- Salt
- Mylar blanket
- L.E.D. HeadLamps
- Fishing line
- Dental floss
- Extra Socks
- Gloves
- Rain suit or poncho,
- Wide Brim Hat
- Ultimate Survival Kit
- Bandanas
- Bible
- Playing Cards
- Fire Extinguisher
- AM / Weather Radio
- Riffle
- Ammo
- B.B. / Pellet Gun
- Slingshot
- Snare Wire
- Multi-Vitamins
- GPS Device
- Portable Camping Stove
- Propane
- Batteries
- Solar Chargers and battery power banks
- Fishing Pole
- Magnesium Fire Starter
- A Survival Tablet
- Saw
- Plastic Trash Bags
- Binoculars
- Shortwave Radio
- Eating and Cooking Utensils
- Scissors
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Jumper Cables
- Cable Ties
- Oil (for your vehicle, can also be used to start a fire or create smoke for a signal fire)
- Tool Kit
- Tire Repair Kit
- Hard Candy ( can give you a boost of energy and a boost to your morale)
- Emergency Credit Card
- Personal Identification Papers
- Family Photos (morale Booster)
- Dust Mask
- Lantern
- Money (Putting a $20 or a $50 in you kit might come in useful someday)
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Pepper or Bear Spray
- Can Opener
- Chemical hand warmer packets
- Energy Bars
- Survival Books
- YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Survival Gear List at Amazon
cool
this is a good list but the bible has few practical uses. aside from “finding inspiration” and starting a fire. if you actually have to have it being it that’s on you, if you need it for inspiration you shouldn’t be living “off the grid / long term wilderness” I understand the mental side of it and see that someone that can’t see that the bible is a man made fiction book “actual referance” and is just extra weight is foolish. do a test run of a month with the extra weight of electronics and bibles then revise your own list as you see fit. if you need it being it that simple. personally a gun or two ammo a few knives (and cleaning kit) a four season tent and multiple forms of water purification and knowledge of how to use all of the above and you’ll make it it’s not as hard as most people realize because your used to the comforts of the new age. my only suggestions are if you are unsure about your own skills and capabilities then stay at home.
Late to add. A pistol is easier then any rifle and ammo is pretty much around. Way lighter. The idea of survival is to not be seen and if you have to get up close and back out there you were not seen. You people that have to have cell phones and pads and batteries are almost a joke. Go out to the country and look around and ask yourself if you make it. The idea is to learn to do without, like you were back in the covered wagon days. Lets not put, non or pro GOD into this as to it shows one I Q or not on this link, we each have our own place and what we or where we want or would like to be or end up. Or is it CARE.
Your lists should does, help. Yes we each have our own needs.
Primary, water, food, shelter and survival needs. You most have it already, or a way to get what you need times how many people or not you have to care for.
If SHTF happens, there is no means or ways other then yourself. No power, electric, gas or plumbing. And no way to get anything you need. You have to think, you are on your own.
You have to think, not as you have now at all. You have to prepare now not later as there may not be a later as we have become used to.
Very important, BARTER or TRADE. Alot of states are already doing it with junk silver coins. Gold is and costs to much. Paper money will probably be used as TP.
Stock up some storage containers a little at a time and BE ready.
Love this list thanks so much!!!!
It amazes me how so many people, on both sides of the issue can devote themselves so thoroughly to division. The Bible is one of 101 items listed on this compilation. Nearly every reputable consultant in the field of survival training will tell you that the first and best tool in a survival scenario is WILL. The will to live, the will to go on, the will to make that next step is what will get you through more than any gear, any knowledge, anything you learn in some “live three days in the wild” course. The Bible gives many people, those who are staunch Christians and those who simply have a respect for tenets that Western Civ was based on found in Judeo-Christian beliefs that support. There is no doubt that the Bible for many many people would be very valuable, even if they do not possess a belief in a higher power or authority. That being said, this is SUPPOSED to be a forum to help people come together and strengthen themselves, their families, and their communities through preparation. But once again the ignorant finatics ON BOTH SIDES side track the discussion with their moral signaling and “holier than thou” (many of you atheists fall farther on this scale than many of the Christian) positioning. Here’s an idea ALL: Rule # 1. Don’t be a dumbass troll. Rule #2 If you encounter a dumbass troll, don’t be a dumbass troll feeder. Now how about we all focus on the point of the post and not on the fact that some are doing exactly what the Bible said they would do thousands of years ago OR on the idea that some people believe in fairy tales. I have NEVER onc heard and atheist complain that people teach their kids that there is a Santa Clause or Easter Bunny, but they will interrupt a conversation simply because some says Bible or God. Also so many “Christians” today who state their certainty that they possess the Word of the Only Living God, drooling and throwing the first thing they can pick up because someone disagrees with that. C’mon everybody.
Faith is of free will. I cannot judge those who choose to not have faith in Jesus. I would hope to be able to have faith without judgment from those who do not. My Bible has led me to Love, freedom, caring, compassion, and many other things. I’m sure it will lead me to survival, because I have faith in the words of my heavenly Father and his Son Jesus.
It is my choice to carry a bible or not, as long as YOU do not have to carry my thing is should not matter to you what I have. Now, go mind your own damn business.
I figure if I cover 80% of my needs I’m doing very well. In the long run things would have to be bad for me to leave the house, it being destroyed would be a good reason. Every person has different needs, a guy can cherry pick this list and have a real good kit. No matter what a person does in a situation that turns into a survival event it’s going to be rough going, gaining friends and forming a tribe may be the most important task to complete. Humans are safest in numbers not how much stuff they have. Good Article!
I really don’t see how people are still arguing about the Bible in the list.this website is about preparedness and Survival. but still Jesus is the only way so I would say that u can do this:
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Some of these items are one offs yet there seems to be a lot of focus on the choice of what book he’s bringing. This is his list and his top choices of what he finds important in a SHTF situation. If you don’t agree with an item… THEN DONT PACK IT! All these lists are good for is recommendations from someone that might have some kind of experience. So if you think a suggested item might be worth the space then buy a couple, test them out and see for yourself. most of you can scoff at this list because you wouldn’t use it or think its useless, but if one item helps one person then this list helped someone. Don’t criticize someone for their flaws and mistakes when you cant even see your own.
That thing paper burns real nice…oh but wait there’s nothing on that list to start a fire in guess you hold it up waiting first a lightning strike lol
#85 Oil, listed as usable to start a fire, the flash point of motor oil is 420 – 485 degrees, seriously almost anything else would be easier to “start” a fire with.
Okay before I state my opinion I first just want to say I’m not very educated so I’m apologizing ahead of time. For spelling grammer and so on. Soooo… is it just me!!??? or, is it that,everyone who has made a comment in regards to the first comment by “seriously?!?” missed his question completely and on top of it made his comment about Christianity!!!!!????? Not once did he mention what religious bible he was referring too he just asked why would you pack one. And by bashing everyone’s comments or by judging everyone else’s opinion. I feel the point of this post has been missed.its about survival and things that are good to pack in your bug out bag. The point of packing a Bible is for your mental health a Bible can be anything a physics book, a AA or N/A book, a poetry book, and religious bible. Personally for me it would be a philosophy book :) the point is to have something to keep you sane to make you have something that can bring you good feelings and something to remind you of what you believe in which in turn gives you hope. Hope is extremely important when surviving. It’s what gives you the will to keep living. But yeah I didn’t get through reading everyone’s comments but also a couple other things I would pack in my bug out bag would be – teetree oil, sylica beads, silver spray and water proof bag. But yeah I wish I new some people to go on a trip with to do like a practice survival weekend just for fun :)
Hey dumb asses. This is America. You can believe or not believe in anything. Your choice, but don’t jump on someone who’s religious just because you don’t share their beliefs. Regarding survival gear, most lists leave off extra glasses, either prescription or drug store readers. If you’re beyond mid 40s, you would have difficulty doing some of the thingsto survive without some kind of glasses. Can also use the magnified lenses to start a fire.
Such a great list of survival gear! Thank you