Survival Kits for Hiking in the Desert

When you plan a hiking trip through the desert, the last thing you may expect is to get lost or trapped in an emergency situation. Although you will hopefully never need an emergency survival kit, it is important to prepare for hiking in the desert. A survival kit will help you survive for a few days in the desert before help arrives. You can purchase commercial kits from outdoor stores or assemble your own.

  1. Food and Water

    • Whenever you set out for a hike, you should carry a water bottle with so you can stay hydrated. When planning a hiking trip, you will need one gallon of water per person per day, but try to take enough water to survive an extra day or two in case you get lost while hiking. Having Ziploc bags or dromedary bags in your pack will give you a vessel to store water should you come upon a water source. It is a great idea to pack some water purification tablets to avoid drinking contaminated water. To minimize the weight of your pack, bring foods that require no cooking. Energy bars, granola, trail mix and dehydrated foods are lightweight, nutritious and an excellent sources of energy.

    Gear

    • Your desert hiking survival kit should include some basic camping gear, such as a tent for protection and shelter, a lightweight blanket, waterproof matches or a flint, a fixed blade knife and a flashlight. A lightweight blanket or campers emergency blanket can be stored in a small place, but will keep you warm and protected on cold desert nights. Waterproof matches and flints make it easy to light a fire in case regular matches or lighters get wet or damaged during your hike. A fixed blade knife is safer and more versatile than a folding knife and will prove invaluable in an emergency situation. The most essential items to have in your pack are a map of the area and a compass to help you navigate. If at all possible, laminate the map to protect it from water and practice your navigation skills before setting out on your hike.

    First Aid

    • A basic first aid kit is essential to carry in any survival kit. The contents are small enough to fit in a waist bag so that you always have it with you if you lose the rest of your gear. Include in your first aid kit bandages, medical tape, triple antibiotic ointment, rubbing alcohol wipes, butterfly bandages, safety pins and pain medication. If you have allergies, be sure to include any medication that is necessary to treat your allergies, such as an epipen to treat bee stings.

    Emergency Items

    • There are a few optional items to include in your survival pack, but they may prove indispensable in an emergency situation. You may wish to include duct tape which can be used in numerous emergency situations. Avoid the bulk of the cardboard roll by wrapping it back on itself, sticky sides together, making it flat and easy to store in your pack. Many survivalists recommend carrying 30 to 50 feet of sturdy parachute cord in the survival pack. You may not need the it, but the cord can have many applications to help you survive an emergency situation. Fishing line and fishing hooks will prove invaluable if you get lost in the desert and run out of food. You may also want to include a signaling device like a signal mirror or flare gun which can make it easier for rescuers to locate you if you get lost.