When worst-case scenarios come true, you need to have survivalist gear on hand. Most of us could guess the necessary items that any human needs, such as food, potable water, and shelter. Other items are less obvious but no less necessary when it comes to survival.
The National Parks Service put together a list of essential items in your survivalist gear kit. We will list those here, along with recommendations of specific items that will allow you to ride out almost any disaster.
These items are a collection of first aid and emergency items organized into ten categories. It should be noted that health and safety items are not limited to the ones on this list; they can vary widely depending on your activity or location.
Nine Essential Items of Survivalist Gear
1. SUN PROTECTION – Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat
Sun protection, whether sunglasses, a hat, or sunscreen, is vital for protecting your skin and eyes against UV rays that cause sunburns and skin cancer. Other helpful clothing items include pants and long sleeve shirts.
2. INSULATION – Jacket, hat, gloves, rain shell, and thermal underwear
Be prepared for unpredictable changes in the weather. Pack an extra layer of clothing for the most extreme conditions you could encounter. Must-have items also include a jacket, hat, gloves, thermal underwear, and rain shell.
3. ILLUMINATION
Lighting is absolutely necessary where no conventional light sources can be found. Headlamps and lanterns are great, but a truly great source of illumination is the GoSun Solarlight.
This rechargeable flashlight packs 280 lumens of on-demand light. With an integrated solar cell, it has the ability to recharge using solar energy alone, but can also be recharged with the included USB cord. It has a lantern mode, spotlight ability, and a red strobe emergency setting. A magnetic back allows for hands-free use.
4. FIRST-AID SUPPLIES
Any good survivalist gear kit includes a first aid kit.
Be prepared for emergencies by packing first-aid supplies with you. Start with a pre-made kit and modify it to fit your trip and your medical needs. Make sure you have plenty of bandages, medicine, aspirin, etc. Check the expiration date on all items and replace them as required.
5. FIRE KIT
Fire is great for cooking, but it can mean the difference between life and death in low-temperature situations. Make sure you have matches and combustible materials that can start even in wet conditions.
And, of course, if you want to cook without the need to use fire at all, we recommend the GoSun Sport, Fusion, or Go.
6. REPAIR KIT AND TOOLS
Let your inner MacGuyver out with a repair kit that includes all the essentials for overcoming whatever problem you face: duct tape, a knife, and scissors. Multi-tools that include a screwdriver, can opener, and knife are also great in a pinch.
7. FOOD
This is obvious for any survivalist gear, but the amount of food you need isn't. Bring at least an extra day's worth of food that is high energy, salty, easily digestible, and non-perishable. Think nuts, granola bars, and trail mix.
Want to keep your perishables from perishing? Check out the GoSun Chill, a solar-powered fridge that keeps your food cool with no need for grid power.
8. POTABLE WATER
Dehydration is one of the fastest killers in a survival situation. That's why you need plenty of water, and hopefully, you have plenty stored up before you need it.
If you really want to be water ready, we recommend checking out the GoSun Flow. It's a kitchen sink that goes with you. The GoSun Flow is everything you need to purify large amounts of water and sanitize with full sink and shower capabilities.
9. EMERGENCY SHELTER – Tent, space blanket, tarp, and bivy
Shelter is one of the most critical elements during an emergency survival situation. A hot day turns into a shivering-inducing night in a matter of hours, meaning you need to make your shelter as fast as possible. You can fashion a shelter out of all sorts of items: a ten, tarp, emergency space blanket, or bivy sack for lightweight options.