When it comes to survival situations, being prepared with the right gear is essential. Most people know the basic items needed for staying alive in emergencies, such as a knife, compass, or fire starter. However, there are many other lesser-known items that can prove just as useful in a pinch.
Here we will explore 10 surprising survival items you may not have considered before. These items can make your experience in the wilderness more comfortable and potentially save your life.
1. Tampons and Pads
While typically associated with their intended purpose, tampons and pads offer diverse uses in survival scenarios. Tampons can be used as kindling for starting fires, makeshift water filters, or even first aid dressings for wounds. Pads are also effective as additional insulation, bandages, or even pot scrubbers when cleaning cookware.
2. Condoms
Although not an obvious choice, condoms are surprisingly versatile in survival situations. Their ability to stretch and hold water can be used as emergency water containers. Condoms also provide a waterproof barrier to protect valuable items such as matches or cell phones from moisture.
3. Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil has a multitude of uses in the great outdoors. It can be folded to create makeshift cooking vessels, utilized as a reflective surface for signaling, or wrapped around food in a fire for even cooking and heat retention.
4. Dental Floss
Strong and lightweight, dental floss can be an invaluable tool for a variety of survival tasks. It’s useful for tying together shelter materials, as makeshift fishing lines, or woven together to create a rope or a strong net for catching prey.
5. Pantyhose
Pantyhose can be surprisingly resourceful for survival situations. Their ability to stretch and their strength makes them ideal for use as a makeshift water filter, tourniquet, or even as a lightweight rope to secure items together.
6. Super Glue
Super glue is a valuable addition to any survival kit. It can be used to repair damaged gear in a pinch or even applied as a temporary solution for sealing small cuts or puncture wounds to help prevent infection.
7. Trash Bags
Trash bags offer a lightweight and compact option for emergency shelters, makeshift ponchos, or even as a ground cover to insulate yourself from cold, wet surfaces. They can also be used to collect rainwater or store gathered materials, such as firewood or food. If that wasn’t enough, plastic garbage bags can also be used in solar still construction and even have the potential to be utilized as emergency wound dressings.
8. Wire Coat Hangers
Wire coat hangers can be bent and shaped to create makeshift hooks, fish hooks, or sturdy pins to secure your shelter. They can also be unraveled and used as a makeshift snare for capturing small animals or as a campfire cooking grate.
9. Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is crucial for maintaining hygiene when access to clean water is limited and can double as a fire starter. The high alcohol content of hand sanitizer makes it exceptionally flammable and ideal for igniting tinder in challenging conditions.
10. Baking Soda
Baking soda can be a multipurpose tool in survival situations. It can be used as a toothpaste alternative, a gentle abrasive for cleaning, or as a means to neutralize acidic substances. Additionally, baking soda can be added to water to help settle an upset stomach.
Additional Survival Uses of Common Items
When considering effective survival items, focusing on items with multiple uses is crucial. These multifunctional items can serve various purposes and save lives in critical situations. Here are some surprising survival items and the various functions they can offer:
- Hammocks: Far more than a comfortable sleeping platform, a hammock can provide protection against the cold and wet ground, act as a makeshift stretcher, and even work as a fishing net.
- Paracord: A versatile tool, the paracord serves various purposes, such as securing shelter, fishing, trapping, and making a tourniquet. Its durable and flexible nature allows for countless applications in survival situations.
- Duct tape: Famous for its endless uses, duct tape proves invaluable in survival situations. It can seal leaks, keep wounds clean, and serve as a reliable cordage for tying or securing items.
- Safety pins: Safety pins can hold torn fabric or bandages together, be used as makeshift fishing hooks, or even as emergency suture materials for wounds.
- Zip ties: These useful fasteners can secure shelter or gear, attach items together, or even act as makeshift handcuffs in self-defense.
- Chewing gum: Besides providing oral hygiene, chewing gum can be used to repair leaks or create a temporary adhesive, particularly when combined with duct tape.
How to Incorporate These Items into Your Survival Kit
In order to make the most of these survival items, it’s essential to effectively incorporate them into your existing survival kit.
Proper organization is key to ensuring that you can quickly locate and utilize your survival items in emergency situations. Here are some tips to help you organize your kit effectively:
- Use a durable and compact container to store your survival items, such as a waterproof, hard-shell case or a heavy-duty backpack.
- Separate items into categories (e.g., fire-starting, shelter, food collection) and store them in individual compartments or Ziploc bags for easy access.
- Keep frequently used items, such as a flashlight or multi-tool, in an easily accessible pocket or pouch.
- Regularly inventory and update your kit to ensure that all items are in good condition and that you’re aware of their locations within the kit.
Wrapping up Surprising Survival Items
It’s crucial not to underestimate the value of these lesser-known survival items. Incorporating them into your emergency preparedness plans can increase your chances of overcoming unforeseen challenges and staying safe in the wilderness or during a disaster.
Discover even more surprising survival items on Survival World.
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa writes about homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Whether it’s canning vegetables or setting up a rainwater harvesting system, Lisa’s goal is to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.