Survival Shopping List

A properly prepared emergency kit will increase your chances of survival and prolong the amount of time you can live away from society. A survival-shopping list will vary depending on the type of emergency you face and the location in which it happens. But having a few essential items on hand can give you an edge on survival in any conditions. You should plan to have three days' worth of supplies ready, according to Ready.gov.

  1. Food

    • Having the necessary food is essential in survival situations. Prepare non-perishable food with stable shelf life that is durable enough to remain undamaged during transport or extreme weather. Canned goods are a long shelf-life durable product that you can buy in a variety of options, including vegetables, meals and fruits. Dried fruit and powdered milk provide the vitamins and protein your body needs, and save space and weight. MREs, or "Meals Ready to Eat" are a convenient survival meal package originally designed for the U.S. military that you can order from online retailers.

    Water

    • Water is the basis for life.

      Water is essential to survival as your body needs it for basic functions; in addition, it can perform many other uses, including washing wounds if injury occurs. Bottled water has a long shelf life and durable construction, which makes it ideal for survival situations. Purchase iodine water purifying tablets as a space-saving survival item when a source of water is not present. Additionally, portable battery-powered and wind-up water filtration units will filter harmful imperfections from any water source.

    Gadgets

    • A multi-tool is a useful gadget in a survival situation since it provides a wide range of devices in one unit. Multi-tools often include a series of knife blades, screwdrivers, eating utensils, pliers and a corkscrew along with various other items, depending on the unit. A compact flint is a necessity in any survival situation since it allows you to start a fire to keep warm and cook food. Flints come with a magnesium bar and striker that produce sparks when rubbed together.

    Shelter

    • All survival kits should contain a few basic shelter building items. You can use rope in many ways including building shelters. In addition, rope is often used to bind tree branches and other items to trees to form a tent or overhang. Zip-ties are lightweight plastic cords that are helpful when building structures. Purchase a building pack if you plan to hike long distances. In addition, add a solar blanket to your survival-shopping list, especially if you are in a cold climate. A solar blanket will retain your body heat and comes in a small, compact and lightweight package.