Survival success depends on three things: your knowledge, your skills, and the tools at your disposal. That’s why you try to learn and put that knowledge into practice as often as you can. However, you don’t have to hoard and keep just about every “useful tool” out there in your bug out bag.
Sometimes all you need are these 4 essential survival tools:
Multitool
Multitools are good everyday carry (EDC) devices, but they’re even better in a survival situation. These survival tools have been around since the late 1800s, when Victorinox first introduced the Swiss Army Knife. Since then, the multitool has been a fixture in survival and prepping circles, undergoing many transformations in the process.
The multitool was created with efficiency in mind; it’s basically a toolbox that can fit in your pocket. This compact contraption includes tools like pliers, scissors, bit drivers, and even serrated blades.
Some multitools, like the Leatherman Signal, are specifically designed for the great outdoors. Aside from the standard tools, it has a semi-serrated blade that can double as a small saw, a removable ferro rod for firestarting, a diamond file sharpener, and a whistle. You can use this multitool to make shelter, cut cordage, prepare food, light a fire, fix broken gear, and the list goes on.
Sleeping Bag
Never underestimate the humble sleeping bag. It’s one survival tool that’s pretty hard to duplicate using natural materials.
As Survival Lilly quips in this video, it’s pretty easy to make cordage from natural materials like vines and plants, but it’s pretty darn difficult to make a sleeping bag from scratch. A sleeping bag not only keeps you relatively comfortable; it also ensures that you are not in direct contact with the ground. This way, you’re less susceptible to hypothermia.
Select a sleeping bag that is lightweight and not too bulky. Also, take note of its temperature rating. If you’re living in a cold climate, it may be best to choose a winter sleeping bag that can tolerate temperatures 10 degrees Fahrenheit and lower.
Firestarter
While primitive fire-starting methods look cool, they also eat up a lot of time. By the time you’ve managed to create sparks from your bow drill, it might be well after dark (especially if you’re still a beginner working on your skills). This is why you should always carry a modern survival tool like a ferro rod or fire steel in your pack.
Here’s a good description from Blades and Bushlore on how ferro rods work:
“Ferro rods create fire by scraping a striker along the length of the rod to remove fine metal shavings. The friction generated by this action causes the shavings to ignite, creating hot sparks and molten metal.” With this, you save time and energy—which are precious resources in a survival situation.
Stainless Steel Water Container
Like the sleeping bag, don’t underestimate the water bottle or canteen, especially in a survival situation where hydration is of utmost importance. Go three days without clean water, and you’ll be in big trouble. Also, remember that even when appearing clear, outdoor water sources can still be contaminated. It’s always wise to purify them.
Boiling is the most effective form of water purification as it kills almost all microorganisms present in the water. That being said, one survival tool that is important to have in your pack is a water container (preferably stainless steel). You can use this to boil and store your water. This way, you’re safe from dehydration and water-borne diseases.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to survival tools, it pays to keep them simple. Expertise in essential tools like these can lend you a better chance of survival than a bug out bag full of fancy bells and whistles.
Of course, preference also matters. Some preppers prefer cordage over sleeping bags, while some may pick portable water filters over a canteen. It really depends on your priorities and skill set.
Now, if YOU have to pick 4 survival tools to stake your life on, what would they be? Let us know in the comments below!
