The Best Hiking Survival Tools

Before you leave for a hiking trip, sit down and make a list of the best tools you would need if the trip turns into a survival situation. Don't leave on the hike until you have packed every tool essential to your survival. Taking the extra time to equip yourself with survival tools, even if you don't end up using them, increases your odds when forced into a survival situation. Expect the best, but always be prepared for the worst.

  1. A Knife, an Ax and Cooking Tools

    • Bring a lock-blade knife that can be used for a number of survival requirements. The lock-blade will ensure that the blade doesn't close on your fingers during use. A small ax will help with collecting firewood and building shelter. Special compact camping pots come with a cup, bowl, plate, knife, spoon and fork conveniently enclosed. Bring these along to make it easier to prepare food in a hiking survival situation. Aluminum sets are better than plastic ones.

    Cigarette Lighter or Matches

    • Learn to start a fire with a cigarette lighter and matches before you leave on your hike. Place the lighter and the matches in a watertight container before packing. Keeping warm and preparing food require these lifesaving tools. Fire can also be used as a signal to help rescuers find you.

    Bottled Water, Iodine Tablets and a Small Shovel

    • Bring a couple of bottles of bottled water. The empty bottles can be used to collect water out of a stream or lake. Use the iodine tablets to treat the water for parasites. A small collapsible shovel will most definitely come in handy for a number of survival situations. Get one that has a blade that folds down. This will make it easier to pack.

    High-energy Food and a Tent

    • A trail mix with nuts, dried fruit and candy will provide protein and carbohydrates for the hike. Sports bars will help boost energy and reduce the amount of time you'll need to take to prepare food. A compact tent works great for providing immediate shelter.

    A Map, a Compass and a Cell Phone

    • Learn to read a map and use a compass before going on the hike. Get a map that shows elevations, rivers, streams, roads, ranger stations, towns, lakes and forest trails. The more detailed the better. With cell phone companies all trying to outdo each other, cell phone towers are going up everywhere. Bring your cell phone and a couple of extra batteries. This one tool can help searchers find you faster than anything.

    Rain Gear, Warm Clothes and a Sleeping Bag

    • Bring waterproof clothing rated for zero-degree temperatures. These can make all the difference in a life-or-death situation. Technologically advanced sleeping bags compress to small spaces, but can provide cold protection below sub-zero temperatures.

    A Whistle and a Signaling Mirror

    • Whistles can be heard farther away than a scream and they require less physical effort. Save your energy and blow a whistle. If you're noticing search aircraft, but they aren't noticing you, use a signal mirror.

    Medical and Emergency Kits

    • From scissors and solar blankets to Band-Aids and painkillers--don't leave home without them. The medical kit will provide you with wound ointment and gauze, while the emergency kit will have everything from fishhooks to granola bars.