The Ultimate Travel Survival Kit for your Trip

It is the greatest instinct lying deep inside every human being’s psyche: the survival instinct. Many men and women have been lost to the woods, to the snowy mountains, to rivers and valleys, only to reappear weeks later having survived on nothing more than a candy bar.

These stories may be the stuff of legend, but no one knows when their trip will go wrong and they have to find a way to survive; at least until they can be rescued. If you’ve watched TV series’ such as Lost and Survivor, you understand by now how the smallest tools can make a major difference in your survival chances. Here is a list of essential items required to make your ultimate travel survival kit:

1. Maps and compass

A compass will help you get your bearings and get you one step closer to finding your way home. If you are familiar with the terrain, having a map will be essential in guiding you to safety in a shorter time.

2. Water bottle

You need to carry a refillable and reusable water bottle for all your trips. If you are not properly hydrated when you get lost, it can be just a matter of time before you suffer from heat stroke and die. The body needs water to function and it is important to identify a viable water spot as quickly as possible. One way to do this is by finding animal droppings. These droppings form trails that most likely lead to water sources. You can also collect rain water using plastic bags. Once you find a water source, you should use desalinating kits or water purifying tablets before drinking, otherwise, you may experience a very painful stomach ache.

3. First aid kit

Medical kits are important for any survival situation. The terrain you find yourself in is never the most habitable. Therefore, there is a chance you will get banged up a little and suffer cuts and bruises. The essentials for the first-aid kits are bandages, medication (especially painkillers), first aid manuals and bug repellent.

4. Survival Tools

The multi-purpose knife is probably the most important survival tool of all. You can do a lot of things with a great knife. You can use it for digging, cutting and slaughtering some animals for food. You cannot leave this tool behind. Other tools such as shovels have also become compact enough to carry. You will also need an LED flashlight. Waterproof matches will make it easier to start your fire.

Duct tape has become an important add on to all survival kits. It can be used to wrap damaged tools, fasten items and even act as a temporary bandage. If there is enough space, some trash bags can be used for wrapping items, setting up a mini toilet or even acting as a roof for your temporary shelter. Though you can make do without toiletries, you should still find compact packs for carrying toilet paper, a toothbrush and toothpaste

5. Emergency kits

Emergency kits can include items used for security. Whistles and pepper spray can act as a deterrent in case you are attacked. There should always be enough space to carry an emergency radio, a GPS system, flares and light sticks, sewing needle, and fishing hooks and lines.

6. Sanity packs

Such as books and CDs can be included in your survival kit. When you are all alone and scared, you may start to lose your mind. You can lift your spirits by listening to your music. You can also keep a journal of your experiences. You never know, it may end up being a best-selling book.

7. Nourishment

Energy bars are absolute essentials as they are easy to carry. Other sources of nourishment can include dried fruit, cereal, peanut butter, and honey. If these are not packed, you can always feed on insects. For example, some people feed on locusts in desert areas. If that doesn’t work for you, you can use the fishing tools to get fish.

You should make sure you have most of these items in your survival kit. They are all compact and will not take up too much space in your survival bag. Also, they will not weigh you down; you need all the energy you can muster to get yourself to safety.