The 13 Best Survival Gadgets You NEED to Carry (UPDATED)

The Coolest Survival Gadgets You Should be Carrying

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been in a sticky situation when out camping with the family or out wild camping.

Whether you’ve been in need of a decent multi-tool, a good stove, a good cookware kit, there’s always something that makes your life a bit easier while out and about.

So, before you set out on your next outdoor expedition, here are some of the best survival gadgets you should be carrying.

Why is Survival Gear Important?

According to statistics, 150 people die every year, with 1000 more injured in hunting accidents. Generally, most of these people die due to a lack of preparedness.

This is usually the likely ending when you roam about without enough food and water supplies.

Sometimes, bad weather such as extreme heat or cold condemns some adventurers to their unfortunate demise. The only way to survive all these risks is to have a decent survival kit in place.

There are various survival kits for different purposes. Depending on the adventure you’re planning, you might want to find the ideal kit for the situation. Alternatively, you can customise the kit to fit your needs better.

A survival kit will shield you against adverse weather conditions, thirst, wild animals, and unexpected injuries during your hiking, backpacking, or mountaineering expeditions.

Best Survival Gadgets

The Black Diamond Storm headlamp

The only thing worse than getting lost in the middle of nowhere or trying to survive an emergency is having to do all this in pitch black darkness.

Illumination is always important, even if you’re only going for a day hike. You may find yourself in part of super dense forest where a headlamp will be super handy.

Headlamps make a great survival tool that will not inconvenience your adventure. They enable you to operate in dark spaces without hassle while freeing your hands to carry out other needed functions.

The Black Diamond Storm Headlamp will be a nice option for you. It is not only waterproof but also offers a multi-mode operation with a max 250-lumen output. The bright beam will come in handy for distance lighting while the strobe and dim modes serve other purposes.

You will also appreciate the green and red night vision modes if you like to continue hiking into the night. The headlamp comes in a slim design that holds 4 AAA batteries with durable burn time. The waterproof and dustproof housing also means you get rugged performance from this hands-free lighting tool.

 MSR Pocket Rocket 2

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs explains that the most important things to a man are water, food, warmth, and rest. A fire starter could be the single most essential survival kit in your kit since it helps you to achieve all four needs.

It will help you prepare a meal, boil water to drink, and stay warm without a worry about the predators lurking behind the trees. The MSR Pocket Rocket is an ultralight camp stove that you can carry easily during a hike.

It is a perfect choice for long-distance adventurers and backpackers looking to spend multiple nights in the outdoors. Its weight has been halved from the initial iteration to make it easier for you and it can boil water in just over three minutes. However, you will need to carry a fuel canister to use alongside the stove. Its high temperature and altitude tolerance mean that you can use it on different kinds of adventurers without trouble.

Using the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 is a relatively straightforward process that should not be a hassle. You only need to screw into place the self-sealing fuel canister and the rest is a breeze.

The serrated port support can hold different types of pans and pots to support cooking different kinds of meals. Meanwhile, the adjustable flame can be used to simmer food or fast boil it.

You can even use the stove like a blowtorch when you want to start a bonfire in the wild. Finally, there is a lightweight case to protect the stove during use.

Military Glass Signal Mirror

A high-quality signal mirror or heliograph is another important survival tool that could get you out of danger. Glass mirrors are generally preferred to plastic alternatives by adventurers for their effectiveness. Ideally, you should stash the mirror in your first aid kit when not in use to prevent any kind of damage.

This military glass reflector is specially designed for outdoor use when you want to reach out to other people around you.

Ordinarily, you may also use it to apply sunscreen without missing any spots. The reflected light can travel as far as 7 miles depending on the state of the weather, alerting pilots or drivers to your distress and location.

Ledeak Tactical Edition Flashlight

The Ledeak Tactical Edition Flashlight is a military-grade flashlight that delivers on every front. It is designed to be extremely durable and provide up to 25 times illumination compared to ordinary flashlights. This must-have survival tool will come in handy in a number of situations. Not only will it suit you for lighting a dark path but also sending signals when in distress.

The Ledeak offers 1200 lumens brightness with 5 different lighting modes, including high, low, medium, strobe, and SOS.

The lamp can also run for 100,000 hours, which should last you weeks in the outdoors. A zoom-in option allows you to send a telescopic light beam whenever necessary, proving to be a versatile tool to have.

This torch is so durable; you can run it over with a truck and will still remain in one piece. It can also survive being dropped in a pot of boiling water or ice-cold water thanks to the aircraft-grade materials applied to its construction. If you need a powerful flashlight that you can use in any kind of condition, this is one of the best survival gadgets you can get.

Mpowerd Survival Solar Air Lantern

The Mpowerd Survival Solar Air Lantern is a patented survival gear that will provide you with a source of light in extreme scenarios. The best part is it doesn’t need batteries to do this or any other type of fuel

As long as you leave it in the sun to soak in some rays, you’ll be able to enjoy hours of dependable lighting. The lantern also comes with a raft of features that will be crucial during your rendezvous in the open spaces.

For instance, it features four different modes, ranging from low light to flashing light, and a waterproof design to survive wet weather.

This lightweight and easy-to-carry package comes with ten white LEDs that can provide lighting in a tent, boat, or the woods.

When fully charged, the lantern can go the whole day and night without needing exposure to the sun. It is also built with safety features that prevent short-circuiting, overcharging, and over-discharging.

A year-long warranty is offered when you buy this useful lantern to safeguard your investment. Furthermore, you get a paracord survival kit free of charge to equip yourself with the tips and tricks needed to survive the uncertain outdoors with every second lantern that you buy.

Overall, the Mpowerd Survival Solar Air Lantern will be crucial for you in the outdoors.

Don’t Die In The Woods Emergency Blankets

Keeping warm can be a bit of a challenge when you are outside the comfort of your city apartment. It even gets worse in the outdoors, where temperatures can drop without warning, especially when stuck in alpine or desert conditions.

Humidity or moisture can have an adverse influence on your body’s ability to retain heat, even during the daytime. If it happens to rain and your clothes end up getting wet, your body will struggle to stay at a comfortable temperature.

That is why you need to have emergency blankets on your survival gear list. These make a reliable substitute for sleeping bags when you want to travel light and serve to reflect body heat when you cover up so that it’s easier to stay warm and cosy.

The Don’t Die in the Woods emergency blankets are a perfect option for adventures such as hiking trips, camping expeditions, marathons, and other challenging expeditions.

The blankets reflect up to 90% of your body heat, helping to stave off hypothermia. They are pretty compact and easy to carry so that you don’t feel burdened on the way.

A waterproof design means they’ll be the perfect cover when the heavens open and you have nowhere to run to. Overall, the package features a tough zipper pack with 4 blankets, nylon stuff sacks, as well as a carabiner. With these, you can always look forward to staying warm as you venture into the open spaces.

The Lifestraw Universal Water Filter kit

Studies have shown that the average human being can only go 3 days without water. This is a crucial statistic for adventurers who plan to stay in the outdoors for multiple days.

Considering you can never be sure how far the hike will take you; you need to stock on more water than you assume you’ll need. But just so you end up exhausting your reservoir before the end of your adventure, it would be smart to carry a water filter for when you need an alternative water source.

In such a scenario, the only place you can get your water is from rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds in the wild. Unfortunately, these water points are generally a breeding zone for bacteria and other harmful micro-organisms, hence you can’t drink the water directly.

The same is true when you want to cook or clean wounds. This is where the Lifestraw Universal Kit comes in handy.

The package features a 2-stage filter with two different sized caps, as well as a leak-proof lid. It is also compatible with most adventure bottles from brands like Nalgene, Hydro Flask, Klean Kanteen, Under Armour, Gatorade, Camelbak, etc. The Lifestraw filter will remove 99.9% of waterborne bacteria and any other protozoan parasites in the water, making sure that your health is fully safeguarded.

Other than that, you also get an activated carbon capsule that eliminates different chemicals, as well as improves the water’s taste.

You’ll also want to know that all the materials used on the Lifestraw Universal kit are FDA approved and created using food-grade silicon, ABS plastic, and Polysulfone. There is also a standard mouth cap, a wide mouth cap, a standard mouthpiece, a sports mouthpiece included on the kit for your drinking pleasure.

Lastly, it comes with a carry bag for easy portability on the trail.

Garmin InReach Mini Handheld Iridium Satellite Communicator

Keeping contact with the civilised world is not a luxury that not many adventurers can afford once they venture into the remotest parts of the outdoors. However, this is an essential aspect of outdoor survival and may mean faster access to aid when you have nobody to come to your rescue in the vicinity.

However, one of the best gadgets to allow you to do this is the Garmin InReach Mini Handheld Iridium Satellite Communicator.

Despite its miniature frame, this piece of technology could be the difference between life and death. It is conveniently lightweight and allows you to communicate smarter.

This gadget comes with unlimited cloud storage, which enables you to create quick texts and even plan your excursions well in advance.

You can send and receive messages in remote areas with zero network coverage, meaning you never lose contact with civilisation.

Overall, it is the ultimate survival gadget to carry into the wild. Whether you wander off-trail and get lost or you discover crucial information that you need to pass urgently, this satellite communicator from Garmin will be your go-to gadget!

Gerber Bear Grylls Folding Sheath Knife

A knife is another device that will be practical in various survival situations. Whether you want to find your way through a thicket, make a quick shelter from tree branches and leaves, or defend yourself from a charging wild animal, carrying a pocket knife might be the best decision you made before leaving home. One of the best brands you can consider for outdoor survival equipment is Gerber.

The Bear Grylls folding sheath knife is a tried and tested device that will come to your aid when you need it. Endorsed by the ultimate survivor, Bear Grylls, this sturdy and dependable knife is suitable for all kinds of outdoor expeditions.

It is constructed using high-carbon stainless-steel for excellent durability and features an ergonomic rubber grip to ensure comfort and safety whenever it’s in your clutch.

A military-grade nylon sheath encases the blade and this is mildew resistant to prevent rust from forming. You can either carry this sheath horizontally or vertically depending on what you prefer while its compact and lightweight frame makes it easy for you during your adventure.

Furthermore, you get the Bear Grylls pocket survival manual when you buy this knife to make ensure you’re fully equipped with all the tips and tricks to get out of a sticky situation.

Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag

A dry bag is a nice way to protect all your important survival gear like matches, phones, digital compasses, fire starters, etc., from wetness. This is especially true for adventures where you have to cross rivers, streams, and even swim in lakes.

The same is true when the weather is defined by constant precipitation. It doesn’t matter what sort of emergency you find yourself in, your survival gear needs to always stay dry.

The Marchway Floating Waterproof Drybag keeps your emergency supplies from water damage. It will stop your food from getting damp and moldy, keep your clothes dry in the rain, and makes sure that your fire starter doesn’t fail.

The bag’s capacity can hold 10 litres of content comfortably, but you can always go for a larger size if you want to. It is also made from entirely waterproof material to keep the contents dry.

The tarpaulin fabric used in its construction is designed with firm seams that not only prevent leakage but also unnecessary rips and tears.

It won’t puncture when exposed to rough scenarios, making it the ideal choice for on-the-go purposes. The bag will also float on water, allowing you to swim with it minus the risk of losing your valuables. Overall, it offers an excellent and easy way to keep small accessories safe and protected.

Camillus Multi-Tool Survival Axe

Choosing the correct multi-tool or survival knife is a personal decision that may vary from one adventurer to another. Ideally, you should look for a tool with features that complement your skills as an outdoorsman and the kind of challenges you look forward to encountering during your escapade.

Furthermore, you want something compact and lightweight for a comfortable time on the trail. While some people prefer to bring along their knife, others choose to stick with a multi-tool.

If you’re in the market for a single survival tool to tackle any emergency that comes along with, the Camillus Multi-tool Survival Axe will be a nice consideration. It is as small as a standard hatchet and comes with a variety of features to make your survival easier.

A sheath covers the axe for safety and this opens up to 14 different tools. The stainless-steel axe can be used as both a hammer and a saw, enabling you to chop your firewood or pitch a tent.

You also get a bottle opener, knife, and pliers. For fishermen, you will find great use in the fish descaler when you want to prepare a meal. Having all this set of tools in a single and easy-to-carry piece means you won’t have to worry about the uncertainties outside. It is a versatile piece of survival equipment that remains relevant throughout the time you’ll be in the outdoors.

Go Time Gear Life Tent Emergency Survival Shelter

Shelter is one of the most crucial features when you venture into the outdoors. However, those who want to travel light may not have the luxury to bring along a traditional tent.

This is where the Go Time Gear Life Tent Emergency Survival Shelter comes into play. This will keep you warm and toasty when night falls and protect you from the cold winds.

It is a two-person tent made out of fully waterproof and hardwearing fabric. The tear-resistant polyethylene material will easily cope with the rugged outdoor weather conditions. It is also quick to set up and weighs a mere 8.7 pounds, ensuring that you remain mobile on the trail. Another great thing is that you can also use it as a sleeping bag.

Included on the emergency shelter is a 550lbs paracord drawstring for effortless setup, as well as a 120dB survival whistle that can be heard from a mile away. This should make sure that your alarm is heard when you find yourself in an emergency. The drawcord may also be used to tie down or fix other gear.

Conclusion

Nobody wants to find themselves stuck in a survival situation. However, this is a risk that you’ll have to contend with if you like to venture into the outdoors. Aside from having the right survival skills, carrying the appropriate survival gear goes a long way to ensure you come out of the hopeless situation unscathed.

This article lists some of the best survival gear you’ll need on your next outdoor expedition.

FAQ

What is the Best Survival Gear?

various kinds of gear will come in handy in a survival situation. However, you should primarily have the following to get you out of that sticky situation:

• Walter filtration system
• Space blanket
• Flashlight
• Signal mirror
• Paracord
• Spot locator
• Dry bag/sack
• Tarp
• Multi-tool

What is the Most Important Survival Skill?

To survive the wilderness, different skills put you among the fittest of the bunch. If you ever find yourself marooned on an island with nowhere to go, these are the kind of skills that will define your survival instincts. In short, you should be able to do the following to survive a difficult situation in the outdoors:

• Start a fire
• Make a homemade compass
• Look for food in the wild
• Treat injuries on your own
• Tie a few good knots
• Build a shelter from scratch
• Make a signal fire

What Type of Strength is the Most Valuable in a Survival Situation?

Mental strength beats all types of strengths when it comes to the survival of the fittest. You might be the strongest person out there, but your physical strength can be a liability if your mind is running out of control.

You will only survive when you use your brainpower to avoid panicking and make strategic decisions to get out of harm’s way. Although the average person will choose physical strength over anything; mental strength is the key to surviving a difficult scenario.

What are the Three Top Priorities in a Survival Situation?

According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the three most basic needs for a human are food, clothing, and shelter. So, if you find yourself in a survival situation, be sure to place yourself in a position to access shelter, water, and fire to make food.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Survival_kit