List of Survival Needs

Whether you're hiking, stranded in your car or displaced by a natural disaster, survival tools could keep you alive. While nearly every outdoors person has his own list of things to put in his knapsack, not everyone will agree on what is necessary. But when you look at what humans need to survive it becomes easier to build a packing list or kit, whether you're out on a hiking trip or thrown into survival conditions by a natural disaster.

  1. Water

    • The body needs water to survive. In most cases, it needs a gallon a day. While fresh water is difficult to carry--a gallon weighs 8 lbs.--water is something you can't go without. To be safe, carry water purification equipment, either filtration equipment or purification tablets. You can also boil water to kill any microorganisms living in it. You will need something to carry the water in, such as a canteen or water bottles.

    Food

    • You will need food in survival situations, but your choices will be limited. You don't want something that requires refrigeration or takes up a lot of weight. Concentrated food such as beef jerky, grains and dried fruits are best.

    Shelter

    • A tent might be necessary to protect you from the elements and to help keep your gear dry. When roped between two trees and staked down, an 8 foot by 10 foot tarp can be made into a serviceable tent. A stand of trees or a rock outcropping can protect you from the elements in a pinch, but in survival conditions you won't want to leave that open to chance. A bivy sack, while expensive, can serve as a combination sleeping bag and emergency shelter.

    Clothing

    • Warmth is as crucial a need as water. Unprotected exposure to freezing temperatures will kill you faster than dehydration. Extra clothes and blankets should go with you if you are in cold climates. In extreme cold, it is best to dress in layers. If you have a sleeping bag, you're in good shape. Add an emergency poncho to protect you and your gear from rain.

    Fuel

    • In survival settings, you need to know several ways to make a fire.

      You will probably need to make a fire to survive, and it's important enough that you will need more than one way to do this. Waterproof matches and lighters are effective, but you should have other options. If you have tinder, anything that generates a spark will do the job. Tinder can be something as simple as lint from your dryer. Load the tinder in with some kindling and larger pieces of wood and you should get your fire going without matches.

    First Aid Equipment

    • Accidents can happen in survival conditions, and you need to be prepared. Pack a small first aid kit. This first aid kit should include bandages, alcohol pads, peroxide, and various antiseptic creams. While a store-bought kit should cover all these needs, consider assembling your own from home.

    Tools

    • At a minimum you will need a knife, rope and a flashlight. Plastic bags are a must, particularly for keeping wet items separate from the dry.