There are enough survival gadgets on the market to keep you safe in just about nay disaster. With so many choices available, however, the next step is to always get the most bang for your buck.
Let’s see what are some of the best of the best gadgets, devices and gear for newbie and seasoned preppers alike. And we’re gonna start with none other than the…
1. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Launched in 2005, this handheld filtration system won Time Magazine’s ‘Invention of the Year’ and is used by leading NGOs for global humanitarian relief.
It’s compact and ultralight-weight, making it the most advanced personal water filter on the market.
It contains no chemicals or iodinated resin and is battery-free, so you can use it whenever you like.
There are no delicate moving parts, which means it’s resilient to damage and won’t break easily in tough terrain.
The device weighs only 2oz. It contains cutting-edge technology in the form of hollow-fiber membranes, small porous tubes that allow water to pass through, but prevents contaminants larger than 0.2 microns from entering.
Using LifeStraw, you can drink directly from water sources, such as puddles, streams and freshwater pools. Simply uncap the top and bottom caps and insert the base of the straw into the water, keeping the mouth piece dry. Allow the water to seep through the pores for half a minute, and then take a few quick sucks to get the flow going.
When finished drinking, purge the filter by blowing into the straw, removing debris.
You’ll have fresh, bacteria-free water without the fuss. LifeStraw has been lab-tested and proven to remove a range of harmful water-borne bacteria, including Cholera, E.coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter. There’s also no aftertaste when using LifeStraw.
Remember that LifeStraw does not desalinate water or remove dissolved chemicals and minerals. It is also not effective against viruses that may be present in the water source. Try treatment tablets if you suspect your water has been contaminated by a virus or human waste.
LifeStraw is the perfect device for the light traveler or backpacker, and is an ideal addition to your BOB.
2. Matador Pocket Blanket
Another BOB essential, this patented super-blanket is versatile and hardy.
It’s compact enough to fit into a small bag or purse, yet stretches out to a substantial size of 55” X 44”. It even comes with an ‘easy-pack’ pattern which will guide you in folding the blanket back into its storage pouch.
The weighted corners keep it grounded in windy conditions, so you won’t have to worry about your blanket blowing away while you sleep.
It’s water-resistant to keep you clean, warm and dry.
The anti-puncture fabric will protect you from spiny twigs, thorns, rocks, sand and insects and ensure you have a comfortable night’s rest, even in the harshest conditions.
3. The Friendly Swede Caribiner “Grenade” Survival Kit
This bomb-proof survival kit contains your basic essentials: fire starter, alcohol pad, tinder, aluminum foil, a fishing kit (including lines, hooks, weights and swivels), a knife blade and 500lb of paracord.
These basics are the hardest to improvise when you’re stuck in the wilderness, so it’s a good idea to have them ready to go in an emergency.
Paracord can be lashed, tied or pulled apart to serve a number of nifty uses. Create a sling, use it to tie firewood together, pick it apart for some fishing line or create a pulley line with it. The possibilities are almost endless.
Aluminum foil is a survivor’s best friend, and can be used for signaling, cooking and reflecting heat.
4. Paracord Planet Type III 7 Strand 550 Paracord – Made in the USA
This powerful paracord contains 7 inner strains, each of which are made up of 3 strands.
With a diameter of 1, 8’ and an impressive load-bearing capacity, it is far stronger than the commercially-available 550 civilian cord.
It cuts easily and the ends can be melted to combat fraying.
5. Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter
This is a compact fire starter with a ferrocerium rod and metal striker.
The waterproof storage compartment will keep your tinder dry and is large enough to store four cotton balls comfortably.
Its lanyard cord will keep the device close to your body. The emergency whistle attached adds extra safety.
Besides assisting you in building a quick, healthy fire, this fire starter comes with a land-to-air rescue and SOS instruction booklet, to make sure you get help as soon as possible.
The device is water-resistant, sturdy and carries a lifetime warranty.
A smooth, sweeping motion is recommended when starting a fire with this device. This allows for greater friction against the fire steel and more chances of getting a spark in seconds.
Before first-time use, be sure to strip the rod’s black outer coating away to expose the metal beneath.
6. Safe-T-Proof Solar, Hand-Crank Emergency Radio, Flashlight, Beacon, Cell Phone Charger
This is a multi-functional survival tool that will keep you connected during an emergency, and much more!
You’ll never have to rely on batteries again, because the Solar Handcrank Emergency Radio is solar or hand-powered.
It’s a flashlight, cellphone charger, AM/FM radio and alarm hybrid, with a beacon and siren thrown in for good measure: the ideal disaster preparedness gadget!
The compact, dependable device contains an integrated rechargeable battery that needs only the sun or your muscle power to charge.
7. UltraFire 7W 300LM Mini XPE Q5 Zoomable LED Flashlight
This small carry torch does everything you expect from a mini light. Its miniature size, impressive brightness and adjustable focus make it survival essential for illuminating the treacherous path ahead.
The design is skidproof and waterproof.
The brightness output can reach a maximum of 300 lumens, giving off a blinding effect, a perfect deterrent for unexpected foes.
The flashlight uses AA-size alkaline, NiMH and lithium 14500 batteries, all easily available.
8. BioLite Wood Burning CampStove
This low-maintenance cooking unit combines the benefits of a light-weight backpacking stove and an off-grid power charger, so you can cook a meal while charging your gadgets at the same time.
All you need to do is collect twigs or kindling as fuel, because it’s designed to run on any biomass you can find. No need to worry about heavy, expensive gas that pollutes the environment and may be very hard to come by when SHTF.
It’s quick to light, boils fast and is easy to use. Its patented thermoelectric technology coverts heat to electricity that powers a fan and makes the fire ultra-efficient.
At maximum burn, the fire can boil a 1-liter pot of water in only 4 minutes.
The heat from the cooking fire converts into usable electricity, allowing you to recharge your LED lights, cell phones, USB-chargeable devices and other gizmos while you prepare a heart dinner. 20 minutes of charge time gives you 60 minutes of talking time on most smartphones.
Unlike solar, the BioLite CampStove is a true on-demand source of energy. It uses renewable resources for fuel and reduces your carbon footprint, even in the midst of a disaster!
When SHTF and the power lines are down, you’ll be happy you chose this fuss-free cooker. Plus, you can sit around it and toast marshmallows, if the mood takes you.
9. Partstock Aircraft Aluminum Defender Tactical Pen
They do say that the pen is mightier than the sword. This has never been more true for a heavy-duty writing tool like this one.
The high performance pen is not only a tool for jotting down important survival notes; it’s also a self-defense weapon.
It has excellent anti-skid properties, complete with a diamond thread designed handle and effective tactical action.
The body is made from aviation aluminum material, making it practical and durable.
The cartridge is a common size, making replacements easy to come by.
It is fully retractable with no mechanical glitches and there is no risk of it leaking even when securely clipped to clothing or belts.
This is a solidly-built pen, so it may take some practice to master its textured grip and weightiness.
10. Survivor Outdoor Fixed Blade Knife with Fire Starter
This 7-inch, full-tang stainless steel blade is perfect for cutting robust paracord, as a spear head, or for splitting kindling. Plus, it comes with a fire starter, so you’re good to go!
The magnesium-alloy fire starter is a small steel rod which can be scraped with the knife blade to create a spark.
If your new knife is a little on the blunt side, simply sharpen it with a pocket sharpener.
11. Victorinox Swiss Army SwissChamp Pocket Knife
This iconic knife comes with a lifetime warranty and the superior quality of Swiss precision engineering.
Its 33 dynamic tools can be used for a myriad of activities, from scaling trout to rewiring an electronic device.
The variety of implements, including blades, openers, pliers, scissors, files and saws will cover you in any sticky situation. It even includes a pressurized ballpoint pen.
The 3-and-a-half-inch knife fits beautifully into a jacket pocket or BOB, equipping you to take on any challenge the great outdoors throws at you.
12. PockeTech – 48 Inch High Limb Hand Chain Saw
The PockeTech is not only a quality high limb-hand chainsaw, it is also light-weight and compact with dual blades
It comes with a blade sharpener, extra handles, a throwing weight pouch and ropes to make sure you’re extra prepared.
The Bimatic chain blade is manufactured from patented 48-inch carbon steel, designed to encircle tree limbs and saw them off with a back-and-forth motion. It’s ideal for limbs greater than 14 inches in diameter.
Two control ropes, 25-feet each, are attached to the ends of the blade for more accurate cutting action.
13. Jackie Portable Extra-large Head Windproof Waterproof Matches
These are the superheroes of matches. Weather-resistant and reliable, they’re a must-have for any BOB or survival kit.
They’re wax coated and waterproof and boast the ability to burn even in the strongest winds.
Even in bad weather, these strong-lighting matches won’t lose their glow. They’re packaged in a water-tight tube, which includes a waterproof coating and a striking surface.
The matches have extra-large heads for maximum burning time and lighting efficiency, even when damp. These aren’t your typical birthday candle lights: they are designed to continue burning until the fuel has been exhausted, so don’t expect them to be easily blown out.
14. Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets
These tightly folded blankets are individually packaged in Ziploc bags, making them compact and perfect for light-weight packs. When spread out, it expands to the size of a regular bed sheet.
Mylar is designed to keep your body temperature regulated, no matter what the environmental conditions.
Make sure you have a good supply of these emergency warmers nearby, because when SHTF, you may be exposed to the elements for hours, even days, before you can build or find shelter.
15. UST Waterproof Paper Pad
Every aluminum survival pen needs a handy pad of waterproof paper to complete it.
This pocket-sixed paper pad serves as a preps check list, and is durable, waterproof and tear-proof.
Even if your notepad is drenched by a sudden downpour or a leak in your pack, it’ll stay usable, once the slight moisture has evaporated.
When SHTF, you’ll need to communicate with others, write inventories, keep logs and take notes on your surroundings. With a 50-page count and unmatched durability, this little notepad is the perfect writing companion.
16. SOG Specialty Knives F08-N Entrenching Tool
The ToolAll steel entrenching tool uses a tempered steel blade equipped with teeth for cutting and slashing.
It contains a compact folding shovel and pick, and comes with a nylon carry sheath.
When you need to move sand, snow or dirt to clear your path, dig a hole to dispose of waste or dig out a fire pit, a folding shovel is indispensable.
The triangular folding steel handle is designed to fit snugly in your hand.
In an unpredictable, constantly changing environment, this handy tool is both deadly and effortlessly easy to wield.
17. Bushnell Unisex SolarWrap Mini
A portable and consistently reliable power source, the Bushnell SolarWrap will cover you when you’re off the grid.
It solar charges your devices as well as stores power, boasting high solar collectivity even in low sunlight. Solar charging requires 10 hours of charge time (in full sunlight) and will last around 8 hours: enough time to charge your smartphone.
Durable, flexible solar panels can be easily rolled up in a BOB for effortless storage.
It contains 1 USB output for charging your devices, as well as 1 micro-USB for charging from a wall outlet. It also houses dual long-life Li Ion batteries.
Remember to prime your solar recharger by charging it for a minimum of four hours from your computer for extra preparedness.
18. LED Headlamp
Equipped with 18 super-bright white LEDs and 2 red, this neat headlamp provides visibility and defense while out in the wild.
You can adjust the brightness levels and toggle between white and red lights.
It takes 3 AAA batteries, which are included.
The secure, adjustable head strap keeps the headlamp in place even during vigorous movement, such as running, gathering wood, or hunting.
It’s shockproof and vibration proof, which means you can do almost anything while enjoying reliable, long-life lighting. The high-end white LEDs, with advanced optical design, last over 30 000 hours!
When you’re off the grid, having the best survival gear can make life a whole lot easier. Even for the seasoned prepper, buying gear that’s right for your needs, environment and the kind of disaster you might face can be tricky terrain. Can you think of any other survival gadget must-haves to add to the list?
The post SURVIVAL GEAR MUST-HAVES appeared first on Advanced Survival Techniques by Dan Sullivan.