Be Prepared
Every time I walk out the door, there are several items I always keep on me without exception. These items are crucial to have on hand if I were stranded due to an accident or car breakdown, severe weather, becoming lost, or if experiencing some sort of natural disaster. It gives me peace of mind to know that I would be prepared in the event of an emergency or unforeseen event.
Below I have listed each item with a direct link so you can put together your own kit. Or you can order a complete kit directly from me for $489.00 plus $25 shipping within the USA. These kits make great gifts for friends and family!
Fire
Ferro Rod — Weighing less than 3 ounces, this lightweight firestarter includes a military-grade paracord lanyard, multi-tool striker, concave tinder scraper, map scale, ruler, hex wrench, and bottle opener. It works well for starting a fire even when wet.
Here’s a quick video tutorial on how to use it.
Lighter — I always keep a one on me to be able to quickly start fires if needed.
Fire Starting Tinder — Made of long-burning cotton, this fire-starting tinder can be used to start fires even in damp conditions with your Ferro rod.
Fresnel Lens — A must-have for any survival kit, these ultra-lightweight PVC full-page lenses provide up to 4x magnification and double as a fire starter. With dry tinder and sunshine, you can easily spark a fire. The lens also works well to help magnify your map so that you can leave your reading glasses at home.
Signaling
Map Compass — Essential for any survival kit, this simple and lightweight map compass will help you to clearly orient direction.
Emergency Whistle — Used to help others track your location if needed, this whistle is also exceptionally loud to frighten away animals that may be threatening.
Signal Mirror — This handy mirror can be used to signal even when it is overcast. It has an attached paracord and also floats in water. Additionally, I keep a bright neon flag on hand to signal for help or to tie on my pack to increase my visibility.
Small Flashlight — You should always keep a compact, ultra-bright flashlight in your kit, along with an extra battery.
Water
Water Bottle Kit — This stainless steel water bottle also comes with a nesting cup and lid that can be used for boiling water or cooking.
Water Bags — Collapsible, lightweight, and BPA-free, use these bags for collecting and storing water.
Water Purification Tablets — Killing disease-causing microorganisms within 30 minutes, these tablets can help you avoid water-borne microbes, including those that cause cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.
Sawyer Mini Water Filter — An important part of any emergency preparedness kit, this mini water filter is also helpful for hiking, camping, and international travel since it removes 99.99999% of all bacteria, such as salmonella, cholera, and E.coli; removes 99.9999% of all protozoa, such as giardia and cryptosporidium.
Shelter
Paracord 16′ — Military-grade paracord is essential for creating a makeshift tent or creating a lean-to with branches. I really like Titan SurvivorCord since it has 620 tensile strength and has a fishing line, snare wire, and tinder built right inside the cord.
Wire Saw — Made from stainless steel wire, this saw works! Plus it’s compact and lightweight. It is helpful for cutting wood and branches to be used for fire and shelter.
Emergency Rain Poncho — Keep yourself and your family dry with these disposable rain ponchos. They also can be used to reinforce a makeshift shelter.
Mylar Blanket — 100% wind and waterproof, these thick mylar blankets are sturdy and can be used as a tarp/emergency shelter, ground cloth, or to wrap around yourself to conserve 90% of your own body heat to stay warm.
Food
In a short-term emergency situation, food is not an immediate concern. While it may be uncomfortable to go without food, water, shelter, medical, fire, and signaling are your most pressing priorities. If you have a medical condition that requires regular food, make sure to have a supply of jerky, nuts, or pemmican in your car or kit.
You can also keep a 28 Gauge Brass Snare Wire and Fishing Line and Hooks in your kit for an emergency. Both are lightweight and compact.
Other
Two knives I keep in my kit are a Mora carbon steel fixed-blade knife and a tiny folding ceramic knife.
Small Sewing Kit — This kit contains everything needed to repair tents, tarps, leather, canvas, cotton, clothes, shoes, packs, and more.
Basic Medical
For any first aid kit, always include emergency basics such as aspirin, ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal, Benadryl, etc. Also, make sure to keep a small supply of prescription medications. Band-aids and a pair of tweezers are important too. Don’t forget a tin of my All-Purpose (First-Aid) Salve for cuts, scrapes, and burns, as well as a SWAT-T tourniquet to control bleeding.
Everything I have listed above should fit into an easy-to-carry sling bag and removed from its packaging so that it is ready to go. I keep my kit in the car or take it along when I go for a walk.
Purchasing My Basic Emergency Field Kit
I would love to put together a Basic Emergency Field Kit for you. Complete kits are $489 plus $25 for shipping within the USA. Keep in mind these also make a perfect gift for friends and family. To purchase a convenient, ready-made kit get in touch today.
Nicole Apelian
