Survival Gear You Have to Have for Extended Outdoor Trips

The closest town is miles away, and the sun is starting to set.

The only sounds you hear are your boots crunching on the trail. You’ve been planning this for months, and it’s supposed to be the ultimate adventure, something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

But then… You take a weird step, and you twist your ankle.

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Now what?

Outdoor adventures are exciting, and for many people, they’re just the right way to deal with the stress of modern life, information overload, office settings, social media, etc. But the fact is that they can change in a split second, and wilderness couldn’t care less if you’re prepared for it or not.

That’s why survival gear isn’t optional.

Let’s talk about what it needs to have,

Must-Have Survival Gear

An extended outdoor trip has one simple goal: enjoy the experience.

And, well, survive, but does that really need to be mentioned? (seems kind of obvious)

Still, in order to actually enjoy yourself, you have to have some essentials, and you might even need some of them before you get to your destination. Nobody’s trying to tell you to be paranoid, but let’s say you leave without a first aid kit and you plan on taking a bus to wherever you’re going.

What if you’re in an accident? They’re more common than you think.

Just look at how many Chicago bus crash claims are being processed each month, or ones in Los Angeles, New York, or any bigger city, really. And it’s not just buses; obviously, any kind of traffic has a certain amount of risk attached to it.

You really can’t overestimate the importance of being prepared, so let’s see what you need to take with you.

First Aid Kit

This can be a lifesaver, and you absolutely can’t leave your house without it. Sooner or later, you’re bound to have some sort of accident, and even a small scrape can get infected and cause problems.

Your first aid kit should have the basics: bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, scissors, and painkillers.

If you use any medication, you need to take that, too.

Multi-Tool

This is like having an entire toolbox, but it fits in your pocket. You’ll use it for everything from fixing gear to opening cans, so don’t forget to take it. Get one that has a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, and scissors. It’ll be one of the things you’ll reach for the most, and it’s the closest thing you have to being fully prepared.

Firestarter and Waterproof Matches

Every outdoor adventure has to have fire, and not just for warmth.

You’ll also use it for cooking and staying safe from wild animals. There are many ways to start a fire, and you need to make sure that you don’t depend on just one.

So pack waterproof matches, a good fire starter like a ferro rod, and maybe a magnesium starter.

Don’t forget to store extra matches and fire-starting materials in something waterproof to keep them dry.

Water Filtration System

You can’t survive without clean drinking water, but you also can’t carry several huge containers with you because that would be too heavy. So your options are water purification tablets, portable filters, and UV sterilization pens.

Regardless of what you choose, ALWAYS filter water from streams or lakes before you drink it because natural water sources are full of bacteria and parasites.

Emergency Shelter

Shelter can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency because being exposed to wind, rain, and cold can kill you. Fast.

Look into emergency space blankets, bivy sacks, or a compact tarp; all are lightweight and excellent for protection.

Conclusion

The difference between the adventure of a lifetime and a life-altering disaster often comes down to the gear you have packed, so make sure to pack the right stuff.

The ‘it’ll be okay’ attitude has no place in the wilderness, and if you pack smart and stay aware, you might just have the time of your life out there.