How to Build a Backpacking Survival Kit: A Complete Checklist

 More than 80 million people in America enjoy hiking every year. This is a great way to get outdoors, destress, and find amazing natural beauty spots near you. However, all hikers need to prepare properly before a trip. Having a backpacking survival kit with you is essential for the safety of you and whoever you're hiking with. Each year, more than 4,000 hikers are injured while out on trails in the US. Having a survival kit with you can help you reach safety, contact help, and take care of your injuries if the worst happens. So what should you include in your kit? Read on to find out everything you need to know about emergency survival kits. From portable power generators and solar power stations to first aid kits, here's everything you'll need.

Choosing the Right Survival Backpack

It is important to choose a good backpack for your survival kit. Heavy packs can put a serious strain on your back and shoulders. If your pack is disorganized it can also be difficult to find the equipment you need in emergency scenarios. Because of this, your survival backpack should:

• Be waterproof
• Be lightweight
• Provide proper support and weight distribution
• Have plenty of storage space and compartments

This will make it easy to organize and carry your pack. So when you need to use it everything is ready!

A Knife

A sturdy knife can help you in a huge number of situations. You can use it for:

• Cooking
• Starting a fire
• Digging
• Self-defense
• First aid
• Slicing through undergrowth
• Batoning wood
• Extracting tree sap
• Hunting

So make sure you have one in your pack.

Emergency Rations

Of course, you will pack food with you before you go. However, it is important to bring emergency rations as well. These should include high-energy foods, such as nuts, flapjacks, and energy bars. Avoid anything that will go off quickly or needs cooking.

A Survival Straw

Survival straws are small, life-saving devices. These let you suck up water from any nearby source. The straw then filters the water so it is safe to drink.

Warm, Protective Clothing

You don't want to overpack your emergency kit but warming clothing is a must-have. Even in summer temperatures can drop very low at night. Ideally, wear what you can but make sure you always have an extra layer and a waterproof jacket in your pack.

A Map and Compass

Around 2,000 people get lost hiking every year. Even if you think you know your trail well it is important to pack navigation equipment. You shouldn't just rely on GPS devices either. If these fail, having a map of the local area and a compass will help you find your way to safety.

Two Meters of Strong Rope

You can use your rope to make shelters, fish for food, and repair your kit. You could even use it as a tourniquet in an emergency. Two meters should be enough to get you out of a tricky situation and won't take up too much space in your pack.

A Head Torch

If you get lost and night then a head torch is the first thing you'll need. This frees up your hands while showing you the way. You can get solar-powered head torches that recharge during the day. If your torch does need batteries, make sure you pack a spare set.

An Emergency First Aid Kit

An emergency first aid kit is a must-have for anyone out backpacking. Yours should include:

• Plaster spray
• Quikclot
• An oropharyngeal airway
• A chest seal
• A tourniquet
• An EpiPen
• Zinc oxide tape
• Disinfectant wipes
• Plasters, bandages, and gauze dressings
• Scissors and tweezers
• Skin rash cream
• Painkillers
• Antihistamine
• Safety pins
• Bite and sting cream
• A foil blanket
• Condoms (you can use these as gloves to treat wounds or for carrying water and keeping your property dry)

You can also buy pre-made emergency first aid kits if you're short on time. Before packing yours make sure you check what's inside it. You can always pack a few extra items if your kit is missing some essentials.

A Portable Power Generator or Solar Power Station

Very few people go hiking without their phones. These aren't just useful for taking pictures of the scenery. You can also use them to contact help or find your way if you get lost. However, your phone or GPS equipment will only work when it is charged. This can give you a very short window to get help in an emergency. Fortunately, you can now charge your devices while on the go, with the help of a portable power generator or solar energy power station. Generators have a limited amount of charge, so make sure you charge them up before you leave. In contrast, solar power stations can recharge while you're out in the wilderness.

However, they do need light to do this. So solar survival gear is ideal for use during the summer months and works fastest in open land. This will give your solar panels the best chance of recharging your generator quickly. Of course, you also need to pack your charging leads along with your generator!

Waterproof Matches

If you need to make a fire you don't want to waste time bashing rocks or rubbing sticks together. Waterproof matches will see you on your way in no time. Making a fire will keep you warm, draw attention to your position, and, of course, cook food. So make sure you have a pack of waterproof matches in your kit.

A Survival Spade

A survival spade is essential, especially if you're hiking in winter. A poorly designed spade can take up a lot of space. So make sure you find a lightweight one that folds up.

A Flare

If you get lost while backpacking, finding your way back isn't your only option for getting to safety. In fact, it can be much easier for people to find you. Of course, to do this you'll need to let them know where you are. This is why carrying a flare or two is always a good idea.

Stock Up on Your Backpacking Survival Kit Essentials Today

As you can see, when it comes to surviving in the wild, you need plenty of things. Having these in your backpacking survival kit will help you face even the toughest emergency scenarios. So what are you waiting for? If you are looking for a portable power generator or solar power station for your kit, you're in the right place. Check out our latest power stations and complete your survival kit now!