Survival Tools List

Survival scenarios can happen when least expected. Being prepared is critical, and part of being prepared is having the right tools handy. Some survivalists spend the better part of a lifetime acquiring skills and tools for survival situations, but you don't need a bunker stocked with provisions to survive. A few necessities are all that is required.

  1. Blades

    • Humans need cutting tools to perform certain tasks, such as hunting and forming other tools. A good-quality knife should be a part of every survival gear list. Suggested knives include a rigid, fixed-blade knife, a serrated pocketknife or a pocket multi-tool with a variety of blades and tools.

      Other blades to consider are a machete or a hatchet. A hatchet comes in handy for hammering things or chopping hearty woods. Machetes can be used as a weapon, with a much longer reach than a knife.

    Fire Starters

    • If faced with an outdoor survival situation, the ability to start a fire can be the difference between life and a freezing death. Starting a fire at night calms the senses and keeps animals away; it also builds morale in desperate situations. Waterproof matches in containers -- and dependable lighters - are a good part of a survival kit; flint and tinder are a fail-safe method for starting a fire. Flints are struck with the back of a knife blade to produce a spark, and last much longer than lighters or matches. Cotton balls make good tinder, especially if you are traveling in wet conditions.

    Water Containers

    • Water is the most essential element for survival. Going without food can be done for weeks, but a human can only survive a few days without water. Any vessel that holds water is an essential survival tool. These might be canteens, water bladders and sealable plastic bottles. A metal coffee can is effective for collecting water; boil the water in the can if needed.

    Safety Tools

    • Good safety tools include a compass and map. Rope and wire are useful for setting traps and binding a shelter. A signal mirror, flares or whistle might alert a rescue party. Another important safety tool to consider is a firearm. This is used for hunting and for self defense. A large caliber handgun such as a .45 or .357 magnum can bring down large game with a close shot. A small-stock shotgun or rifle are ideal for portability, and are indispensable for hunting and self defense.