The Best Survival Kits
Having the proper supplies for emergencies offers a peace of mind that you can't put a price on. When you're looking for a compact package that includes basic tools and first aid equipment, a survival kit is the way to go. Survival kits are meant to be stored in a convenient location in case of disaster, whether it be man-made or natural. Commonly referred to as "bug-out bags", this essential equipment can help treat wounds, provide emergency rations, or give you added security. If you're concerned about your family's level of preparedness, check out the survival kits we've selected as our favorites.
Everlit Survival First Aid Kit
Survive and Thrive
Picking a survival kit is a game of finding the right blend of supplies in a package that won’t weigh you down. This kit from Everlit offers a fine combination of medical supplies and camping gear that will take care of most immediate needs when you’re undersupplied. The medical portion consists of wound dressings, sterile pads, bandages, and protective equipment for treating mild to moderate lacerations. In terms of tools, the kit includes a waterproof firestarter, utility knife, and several light sources, to name a few. If adverse weather is coming your way, don’t sweat it; the included poncho and blanket will keep you dry and warm until the storm passes.
Pros:
- Extra space for your own additional supplies
- Water-resistant pouch
- Only two pounds total weight
Cons:
- Cannot treat more serious, traumatic injuries
Kosin Emergency Survival Kit
Pint-Sized Protection
If having the right tools is your mission, Kosin’s emergency survival kit will help you reach your goal no matter where you are. This kit is great for newcomers to backpacking, car owners, or hunters that plan on being out in the woods past nightfall. It contains enough supplies to set up a basic camp in just about every environment thanks to the thermal blanket, spare rope, firestarter, and wire saw. For troubles on the road, the included tactical pen can shatter car windows, while the multi-tool can handle an array of fasteners, bottles, and cans effortlessly.
Pros:
- Compass and two whistles included for navigating
- Wire saw is tough enough to cut through some metals
- It fits in the palm of your hand
Cons:
- Tedious repacking once the kit is open
Everlit Bug Out Bag
Hit the Road, Jack
Anticipating emergencies doesn’t need to be a last-minute scramble any longer with Everlit’s bug-out bag. This survival bag is certainly a step up from smaller tool kits meant for those who find themselves isolated in rural areas; rather, this one is geared towards multi-day survival. To start, the bug-out bag has an assortment of first aid supplies, including tourniquets for more uncontrollable blood loss. In the realm of survival, the pack includes supplies for two, including everything from emergency shelter to goggles and gloves for transversing thick overgrowth. Most importantly, this kit will keep your body fueled during power outages with nearly 8000 calories of long-lasting rations prepared for your consumption in the worst of worst-case scenarios.
Pros:
- The water and food rations are made in the USA
- Medical aid for burns, sterilization, and triage
- Portable hand-crank radio/phone charger included
Cons:
- Backpack straps have questionable stitching
Redfora Complete Earthquake Bag
Family First (Aid)
Having a backup plan for every household member just became as easy as clicking “buy” with Redfora’s Complete Earthquake bag. Emergencies that require roughing it off the grid for several days require extra provisions that are all too often left out of survival kits. Redfora makes sure that every individual is taken care of with packs designed for up to six people’s food, water, and shelter necessities. Each person is equipped with a grooming kit, sleeping bag, poncho, protective mask, and more, while the group shares primary tools. With an included charging station and multiple light sources, the primary tools leave a major impression and elevate Redfora’s pack above others.
Pros:
- The six-person pack has wheels and a retractable handle
- The food has a five-year shelf life
- Each tablet can purify one gallon of water
Cons:
- Much heavier than comparable kits
Tianbo First Survival First Aid Kit
Small-Sized Savior
If preparing for clumsy accidents, sports injuries, or minor mechanical nuisances is more your speed, this kit from Tianbo is your compact companion of choice. It weighs 1.3 pounds and is smaller than a boot, giving you unmatched convenience off the beaten path. On top of this, the MOLLE-compatible grommets give this pouch versatility when connecting to anything from vests to belts and backpacks. Unfortunately, this pack is primarily for personal aid and won’t be of much use when you’re stranded in the woods but otherwise healthy. If you don’t mind that and instead, you’re focused on the positives — such as being able to treat insect stings, splinters, and bruises —you’ve come to the right place.
Pros:
- Available in shades of green or yellow
- 600D Nylon construction
- 120 individual pieces for a fantastic price
Cons:
- The included tourniquet is not very useful
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water do I need to survive?
Hydration is the single most important factor to consider when surviving an emergency. We cannot survive without water because everything from maintaining body temperature to keeping our organs working depends on it. Studies have shown that you can survive for up to 21 days without water, but the damage your body incurs can be irreversible. In order to keep your blood pressure, energy levels, and electrolytes in balance, medical professionals recommend 3 liters of water daily.
What about food intake?
Limits for starvation are much less precise than dehydration because body types and diet can cause major variations in survival. While direct research in this field is sparse, terminally ill patients tend to encounter issues at around 80 pounds total weight. Before this happens, your body will first exhaust its fat reserves and ultimately protein (or muscle) to keep the brain and vital organs running. This all can be avoided, of course, by meeting our body’s goal of approximately 2000 calories per day.