The Simple Survival Kit List … Because Anything Can Happen

“The end of the world is on people's minds. We have the power to destroy or save ourselves, but the question is what do you do with that responsibility.” ~ Nicolas Cage

“What are you going to do if it's the end of the world? You better go out having fun instead of stressing about it.” ~ Kirsten Dunst

Two different takes from well-known actors, both of whom have starred in films with apocalyptic themes. The quote from Cage implies that humans have a responsibility to take steps before it’s too late, while Dunst’s quote reflects a more laid-back, devil-may-care attitude. The truth is, with 7.45 billion humans in the world with a median age of 30.1, there are going to be a plethora of opinions on the end of the world, survival strategies, and prepping for the unlikely or inevitable! Consider this—in 2015, there were 10 extreme weather events in the U.S. alone that killed 155 people, at a cost of more than $1 billion each. Believing in a zombie or political apocalypse is not a prerequisite for creating a simple survival kit.

Power-Related

You would be hard pressed to find adults who have not experienced a power outage, even if relatively fleeting. If you have experienced severe weather, you likely know how hard it is to live without electricity. Kit necessities run the gamut from low tech to state-of-the-art, including candles, matches, flashlights, disposable lighters, battery-powered and solar-powered chargers, and rechargeable batteries. You could opt for the 5-Day SOLAR Powered Survival Backpack, the first all-in-one backpack that provides survival supplies, solar power, and long term food products.

Money

During a disaster, there is a good chance banks will be closed and ATMs may either not work or run out of cash quickly. Keep about $200 on hand in small bills in a safe place like a fireproof, waterproof metal lockbox.

Food

Perhaps you already have a well-stocked food pantry with long-shelf life foods. If not, here are a few foods that won’t take up much room and can be lifesavers in a pinch. Ready-made freeze-dried and dehydrated meals are not only a perfect option for camping, but also ideal for survival prepping. Freeze-dried food is lightweight, comes in handy Mylar packets, and can last as long as 30 years.

Water

You should store one gallon of water per person per day and need to plan accordingly. Clean drinking water may be scarce during a disaster. Lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, rainwater, and other bodies of water are potential sources, however, you cannot drink this water without filtering/purifying it. Of course it isn’t practical to carry around a large filtration system. Portable options include the Seychelle Water Bottle that removes up to 99.99 percent of pollutants for up to 100 gallons of great tasting filtered water, and the Katadyn Pocket, a rugged, long-lasting warrior—the only portable device that comes with a lifetime warranty.

Shelter

If you are lucky, you will find space in a community shelter. However, you may live in a rural area or discover all the shelters are full. You’ll thank your lucky stars that you purchased an all-weather sleeping bag and tent for that camping trip a few years ago. And if you didn’t, these are two items you should consider putting on your survival kit shopping list.

Basic First Aid Kit

It is a wise idea to prepare a basic first aid kit with bandages, alcohol pads, medical tape, gauze rolls, scissors, eye drops, hydrocortisone cream, antibacterial ointment. If applicable, set aside an extra set of eye glasses, contact lenses, a cane, hearing aid batteries, over-the-counter medications, and any personal items you may need. Preferably, you should have two kits—one for your vehicle and another one in your survival kit.

Personal Documents

If you are displaced, it is important to have copies of your photo ID, passport, birth certificate, and insurance policies readily available. It is a good idea to back up documents on a flash drive and store this in a fireproof, waterproof metal lockbox or off site, e.g. a bank safe deposit box.

ReadyWise has put together some great 64 Piece Survival Backpacks to help get you started. Each backpack provides you with everything from first aid necessities to waterproof matches. It even includes 32 servings of entree options to keep you replenished and energized for the days ahead and a portable stove to simplify reconstitution. Our freeze-dried meals are super easy to make and only require water. 

If you are one of the 7.45 billion people on this planet who has a philosophy that falls somewhere in between “life is beautiful” and “the world is doomed—a fully stocked emergency survival kit might be the best option.