With the recent natural disasters that have been occurring more and more, it is never too late to prepare your home and family for such an emergency. Hurricanes, tornados, flooding, snowstorms, earthquakes, and fire… these events may seem frightening and overwhelming, but with a little education and preparation, we can increase our chance of survival and the ability to cope with whatever emergency may arise. We need to know and have the correct survival gear to help us through.
Surviving in an emergency or natural disaster is 90% psychological, therefore, preparing for these types of situations increases odds of survival. Taking steps like making an emergency plan, stockpiling food and water, and gathering supplies like flashlights, candles, and solar chargers are all simple steps we can take to be more prepared in the event of an emergency.
COMPARISON TABLE
[amazon box= “B00EEIPOOQ,B000YAFS8A,B003A21DQA,B004MIBPVO,B006QF3TW4,B019EN82P8,B00IIOJSX0,B07BTPMGB9,B07981X5XL,B007KAX77G,B01H0UZ92Q” template=”table”]
Product FAQ
1. What Is Survival Gear?
Survival gear is a basic device or pack that provides one with essential supplies to get through an emergency or natural disaster. Such emergencies may range from earthquakes, tornados, or even man-made disasters. Survival gear may include water, food, portable chargers, tools, lights, and medical kits.
2. What Does Survival Gear Do?
Survival gear provides essential items when common luxuries are unavailable such as food, safe drinking water, and power for heat or lights. Preparing survival gear ensures that one is better able to cope if an emergency or natural disaster should arise.
3. How Does Survival Gear Work?
Survival gear such as dehydrated food and water filters ensure enough food and safe drinking water will be available in the worst case scenario. Items like flashlights and solar-powered chargers provide light and power when these resources are unavailable. Common survival gear tools may include fire-starting devices and all-in-one multifunction tools.
4. Where Can You Buy Survival Gear?
A wide range of survival gear, and all gear reviewed here, may be found on Amazon.
How We Reviewed
The items reviewed were based on price, pros & cons in relation to the ease of use, availability to buy the product, and whether the item offers a warranty or guarantee.
What We Reviewed
- SURVIVE2THRIVE 40 DAYS/NIGHTS 100% ORGANIC FOOD SUPPLY
- Orbit 26097 Gas And Water Emergency Shut Off Tool
- Kaito KA500 5-Way Powered Solar Power Emergency Radio
- Emergency Zone Honey Bucket Style Toilet
- LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
- Leatherman Multi-Tool
- Titan Warriorcord
- Solar Powered Tactical Flashlight
- Power Bank 50000mah Solar Battery Charger
- 115 Hour Plus Emergency Candle Clear Mist
- Titan Extra-Thick Emergency Mylar Sleeping Bag
SURVIVE2THRIVE 40 DAYS/NIGHTS 100% ORGANIC FOOD SUPPLY
[amazon box=”B00EEIPOOQ”]
Features
Survive2thrive is the ultimate in survival gear with a 100% organic vegetarian food preparedness pail. The meals are nutrient-dense and provide an adult with enough food for 40 days and nights. Each ingredient in the pail is vacuum-sealed and nitrogen-washed in 5ml bags for maximum shelf-life. The bucket includes food such as black beans, garbanzo and pinto beans, rolled oats, lentils, quinoa, millet, chia seeds, buckwheat sprouts, brown rice, sprout blend, Enerfood, pancake mix, gluten, miso powder, and spice mix.
PROS
- USDA Organic
- Individually vacuum-sealed
- Easy to transport and store
- A shelf life of 15 years
CONS
- Lack of food variety
- Vegetarian only
Orbit 26097 Gas and Water Emergency Shut Off Tool
[amazon box=”B000YAFS8A”]
Features
Among the most important survival gear is this gas and water emergency shut-off tool. In an emergency, it is important to turn off water and gas in case of a leak. This multi-functional tool is designed to open both standard and Texas meter covers and shut off water and gas mains. It is made of durable metal and features a glow-in-the-dark comfort grip handle.
PROS
- Shuts off the gas and water mains
- Glow-in-the-dark handle
- Comfort grip
CONS
- Not long enough
- No instructions for use
- May not fit all meters
Kaito KA500 5-Way Powered Solar Power Emergency Radio
[amazon box=”B003A21DQA”]
Features
A portable emergency radio is a must-have survival gear item that every household should have. The Kaito KA500 uses different methods to power on including an AC/DC adaptor, a built-in rechargeable battery, a compartment for 3 AA batteries, hand-cranking or USB power source, and adjustable solar panels. It features a wide range of band reception including AM, FM, shortwave, and NOAA weather stations. It has seven pre-programmed weather channels and will be automatically activated when it receives alert signals from weather stations when set to “alert” mode. This emergency radio also acts as an emergency battery charger with its standard built-in USB port for charging devices like smartphones, GPS units, and MP3 players. Other features include an LED reading lamp, LED flashlight, and red LED beacon light.
PROS
- Made of impact-resistant material
- Water resistant
- Available in a variety of colors
- Headset jack socket
- May also be used for camping, road trips, RVs
CONS
- Crank power device is weak
- Batteries not included
- AC/DC adaptor sold separately
- No warranty
Emergency Zone Honey Bucket Style Toilet
[amazon box=”B004MIBPVO”]
Features
Be prepared when modern conveniences are unavailable by adding a toilet set to your survival gear list. The Emergency Zone complete toilet set includes items needed for a mess-free and hygienic way to manage waste in an emergency. The complete toilet set includes 10 toilet liners, 10 toilet chemical packs (which contain deodorizer and a gelitanizer that turns a 1/2 gallon of liquid waste to gel for disposal), and a removable toilet seat.
PROS
- Includes instructions for use
- Lightweight
- Durable
- May also be used for camping, road trips, RVs
CONS
- Must dispose of waste
- Does not specify a weight limit
- The seat does not fit bucket
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
[amazon box=”B006QF3TW4″]
Features
Lifestraw personal water filter safely turns up to 1,000 liters of contaminated water into drinkable water. The microfiltration device removes 99% of waterborne parasites and waterborne bacteria including E. coli, salmonella, giardia, and cryptosporidium. It also filters micro-plastics often found in the environment and has been rigorously tested using standard protocols set by the US EPA. With proper use and maintenance, LifeStraw provides 1,000 gallons of safe drinking water and is the perfect addition to any survival gear list.
PROS
- Laboratory-verified testing
- For every straw purchased, a child in need receives safe drinking water
- Long lifetime
CONS
- Hard to suck water through
- Difficult to use
- Does not provide enough water
Leatherman Multi-Tool
[amazon box=”B019EN82P8″]
Features
A multi-tool is a crucial piece of survival gear, as it provides several tools in one. The Leatherman multi-tool features 19 tools in one, including a variety of pliers and wire cutters, a knife, a saw, a hammer, and a bottle and a can opener just to name a few. Special features also include a fire-starting rod and a safety whistle. This tool only requires one hand to open and use and it is equipped with a pocket clip and carabiner, making it easily within reach. Leatherman also offers a 25-year limited warranty.
PROS
- 25-year limited warranty
- 19 tools in one
- Comes with sheath
CONS
- Difficult to use
- Not big enough
- Loose-fitting tools
Titan Warriorcord
[amazon box=”B00IIOJSX0″]
Features
Titan Warriorcord may be the most versatile of survival gear. This cord is made from 100% military-strength nylon and has a minimum tensile strength of 550 pounds. It is rated as 100% bump, bulge, and kink-free. Titan paracord may be used for home and auto emergency kits, survival kits, and bug-out bags; it is designed for strength, durability, and compactness. Warriorcord may be used to tie things down to the top of a vehicle, string things up, such as wet laundry or a rucksack of food, or create a dog collar in a pinch. There is no limit to the uses of Titan Warriorcord.
PROS
- Made to military specifications
- Available in a variety of colors
- Variety of uses
CONS
- Snags
- Frays easily
- Inside cord slips away easily
Solar Powered Tactical Flashlight
[amazon box=”B07BTPMGB9″]
Features
No survival gear stash should be complete without a dependable flashlight. This solar powered, tactical flashlight made from durable aluminum offers a 3W LED front light that lights up to 200 meters of lighting distance. It boasts several all-in-one features such as an attack hammer for escape in a vehicle emergency, a built-in compass and magnetic side piece for attachment to a vehicle or other metal surface, side lights, and a solar-powered rechargeable emergency power bank. It also includes 1 lanyard and 1 USB cable.
PROS
- Portable
- Durable
- Multi-function all-in-one
- Includes lanyard and USB cable
CONS
- Long charging time
- Heavy
- No warranty
Power Bank 50000mah Solar Battery Charger
[amazon box=”B07981X5XL”]
Features
This high capacity 50000mah solar battery charger features two USB output sockets and 2 LED lights. It features protection against overcharge, over-discharge, overload, and short circuit incidents. It is compatible with USB digital devices and electronics and most cell phones, including an iPhone. This power bank comes with a USB cable and is waterproof. It also includes a built-in compass and mountaineering hook, making it perfect for attaching to a survival gear bag.
PROS
- Includes built-in compass and mountaineering hook
- Waterproof
- Portable
CONS
- Long charging time
- Only 2 USB output sockets
- No warranty
115 Hour Plus Emergency Candle Clear Mist
[amazon box=”B007KAX77G”]
Features
These 115-hour emergency candles are ideal in any situation where light is needed. They feature liquid paraffin in a plastic container for a clean burn and boast over 100 hours of burning time. The package includes a plastic storage cap to prevent messy spills. They emit no odor and are a must-have survival gear item.
PROS
- Long burning time
- No odor
- Includes storage cap
- Long shelf life
CONS
- Open flame
- Not refillable
- Lack of light
Titan Extra-Thick Emergency Mylar Sleeping Bag
[amazon box=”B01H0UZ92Q”]
Features
The Titan extra-thick emergency sleeping bag is designed to be used for heat retention in an emergency and to help survive unfavorable weather. Each sleeping bag is heat-conductive, waterproof, and tear-resistant. When used properly, this sleeping bag will reflect up to 90% of body heat back to you. Originally designed for NASA, these sleeping bags can also be used as bivvy sacks, sleeping bag liners, ponchos, tarps, ground cover, and rescue or distress beacons. This survival item can be stowed easily in an included nylon drawstring bag and has a lifetime guarantee.
PROS
- Lifetime guarantee
- Waterproof
- Portable
- Reflects body heat
CONS
- Thin material
- Holds in moisture
- Small size
Closing Thoughts
With prices ranging from $10 to $260, even the most modest of budgets can afford these survival items, and when disaster strikes, we can’t afford to be without them. Being prepared for these events by making a plan and having supplies readily available are steps we can easily take to increase our chances of coping with such disasters. There are many uncertainties in life and being unprepared for an emergency shouldn’t be one of them. Prepare yourself today with these survival gear must-haves so that tomorrow can take care of itself.
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