Survival Kit List

What goes into a well designed Survival Kit?

In line with the UK Government’s latest guidance (2024) on being informed and prepared for emergencies, it's important to equip yourself with a well-designed survival kit that can help you manage during unexpected events like flooding, fires, or power cuts. Taking proactive steps now ensures you're ready to support not just yourself, but also those around you, including family, friends, and neighbors, in case of an emergency.

A well prepared survival kit is invaluable for any emergency situation. While most survival kits are specifically intended for outdoor survival situations some are primarily designed for urban situations (Go Bags and Preparedness Kits). Many items in your outdoor survival kit list will overlap with your urban survival kit and vice versa. But there are priorities depending on your most likely scenarios. Consider weight, space and other situational priorities when making your choices. Remember to carry high quality items that you know you can depend on in a real emergency or disaster situation.

Equip yourself with a ready-made 2-Person GoBag

Your Essential Survival Kit Checklist:

shelter	Shelter Options for Urban Survival Kits: Shelter is vital in emergency situations. For outdoor shelter, consider including one or more of the following: a lightweight tent, a bothy bag (a temporary shelter resembling a tent), a waterproof tarp, an all-weather blanket, or a bivi bag (a compact waterproof survival bag). Additionally, sleeping bags, foil blankets, and ponchos are versatile and can be handy in both outdoor and urban settings Bivi Bag - a compact waterproof survival bag Bothy Bag - tent-like temporary shelter Foil Blanket - heat-reflecting and waterproof Tarp - use as a ground-sheet, canopy, blanket Sleeping Bag - if you have the space Tent - if space allows
tools	Must-Have Survival Tools Multi-Tool - A versatile tool for cutting, sawing, and making repairs. Knife - A sharp, reliable blade. Saw - Ideal for cutting wood and plastics. Crowbar - Useful for prying open jammed doors and windows, especially after an earthquaqe or similar. Axe - Essential for chopping wood. Mini Shovel - Handy for digging and constructing shelters.
food	Sustenance - Food Supplies: add enough long-life, ready-to-eat food for each person to last a minimum of three days; ideally up to seven to ten days. You can store canned food, long life processed meals or specialist emergency survival rations (also see Food for Survival) MREs - sealed ready to eat meals Survival Rations - long life survival biscuits Energy Tablets - sweets or dextrose tabs Ration Heaters - instantly heat your mre
fire starting	Matches - weather-proof type to light tinder Lighter - a windproof version for outdoors Tinder - to help you start a fire in all conditions Candles - start a fire or use as a light source Flint - and striker for sparks in any weather
water	Water Necessities: Have drinking water ready for immediate access, at least 1.5 litres per adult per day. Even when sheltering indoors the water mains could become disrupted. This can be in the form of standard water bottles or long-life emergency water rations. Water Purification Tablets to treat suspect water Purification Straw will purify water from streams Filtration Bottle treat almost any water Water Storage - a bottle, bag or camp shower Water - carry for immediate use
light	Illumination Tools: a good torch that uses LEDs instead of a bulb is best for most emergency situations. A head-torch will provide personal light while leaving your hands free to complete your tasks. Don't forget spare batteries or choose wind-up technology. Head Torch - for hands-free activity Hand Torch - lighting and signalling Light Sticks - single use safety glow sticks Backup Torch - a micro torch or pen torch
heating cooking	Heating and Cooking Supplies: Hexi Stove - solid fuel micro stove & tablets Mess Tins - cook and heat water on campfire Aluminium Foil - for the minimalist Can Opener - always useful Spoon - multi-use implement Fuel - depending on your stove choice Solid Fuel Kettle - when space allows
first aid	First Aid and Health: The type and extent of the first aid kit you pack is dependent on your level of proficiency and training. A universal first aid kit with the addition of burns dressings should suffice for basic purposes. First Aid Kit - treat injuries and ailments SAM Splint - immobilise limbs, improvised tool Burns Dressings - soothes and protects burns Suction Pump - removes venom from stings Haemostatic Powder - to stop dangerous bleeding Wound Closures - adhesive plasters for wounds Insect Protection - repellent, covers & relief Sun Protection - sun screen
repair	Repair and Maintenance: Duct Tape - or gaffa; fixes (almost) anything Cable Ties - use to bind and repair Utility Cord - nylon paracord or general purpose Fishing Line - for fishing and repair Brass or Steel Wire - snares and repairs Sewing Needle - and thread
power	Power Sources: Batteries - AA or AAA alkaline batteries Lithium Batteries - AA size for extreme cold Emergency Charger - for mobile phones Solar Charger - charge batteries or devices directly
signalling navigation	Signaling and Navigation: Compass - for navigation Beacon - flashing waterproof light for signalling Whistle - pea-less design that doesn't freeze Mirror - specialized signal mirror or camping mirror Orange Blanket - warmth and signalling Satellite Comms Device - tracker or sat phone
comms	Communication Tools: Radio - listen to broadcasts during power cuts Walkie-Talkie - independent communication Satellite Phone - voice, message and location