Surviving in the great outdoors is not as easy as the picture is always painted. It’s even harder when you don’t have the tools for it. Sustenance is also a crucial aspect as you’ll need all the energy you can get to get through a day in the wild. There are also unenforceable circumstances, including medical emergencies that need to be factored in before venturing into the wild. But all these are issues that can be tackled with just the right equipment. For this and more, below are four essential items you need to survive life in the outdoors.

A Backpacker’s Sleeping Bag

It’s almost next to impossible to spend a night out there in the wild. Your survival in the great outdoors is so much dependent on your quality of sleep. You need a warm place where you can rest and get rejuvenated. This guide from the experienced backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts at BestSurvival.org will provide you with insights on how to pick the right sleeping bag as well as other survival items. Now, and come to think about it, not all sleeping bags are best suited for the outdoor environment. It’s important that you pick the right type of sleeping bag as it will not only jeopardize your quality of sleep but your comfort levels as well. Below are important factors to consider when it comes to choosing a backpacker’s sleeping bag. They include:

• Weight – The weight of the sleeping bag will have an impact on packability. The right type of sleeping bag will have just the right weight, making it easier to carry around.
• Warmth and temperature ratings – Nights in the outdoors can get cold and it’s then that you’ll require a warm sleeping bag. Sleeping bags are categorized into three main temperature classifications; summer sleeping bags (32°F), winter sleeping bags (20°F), and multi-season sleeping bags (20°F – 32°F)
• Insulation – Basically, all the above factors will in so many ways be affected by the type of filling. Synthetic sleeping bags are the most common, but the caveat is that they tend to be heavier than sleeping bags insulated with down.

Survival Knife

An adventurous lifestyle requires dexterity and self-reliance. The same principles apply if you want to survive in the wild. Having a survival knife will help you achieve this because it’s quite a handy tool with many uses. You could use the survival knife to make additional tools, make fire, adjust your gear, in preparing food, and as a weapon. Today, you have survival knives that come in different shapes and sizes. So, what makes up the best survival knife? You might ask. Well, here’s what:

• It should be partially serrated or straight-edged with a serrated spine
• It should be of the right size to make packing easier
• It should come with a sheath
• Choose full-tang survival knives as they are stronger and more durable

You might be tempted to go for a folding knife, which is okay. The caveat with folding knives, however, is that they are not as resilient as fixed blade knives. In addition to this, they are limited to certain uses making them ideal to be carried only as pocket knives. But then again, having one on standby is still a welcomed idea.

Flashlight

Being aware of your surroundings at night is not only a tactical strategy but also a survival one. While having a fire might help to keep you warm and most probably scare off curious animals, having a powerful source of light will go a long way to help you achieve a successful experience in the outdoors. Now, this is where a flashlight comes in handy. Today, and thanks to modern technology, you have both solar and rechargeable torches. In addition to this, there are also LED torches that are more energy-efficient and brighter at that. Depending on your inclinations, choose a flashlight that combines these features.

First Aid Kit

Spending time outdoors doesn’t come without its fair share of risks. Lack of preparedness is not an option and it’s for this reason that you need a first aid kit. Your emergency kit should be stocked with the right items including bandages, surgical spirit, eye drops, scissors, insect repellent, and pain meds to mention but a few.

Depending on how long you intend to spend time in the outdoors or the location, the above items will help to get you by with ease. In case of an emergency, don’t forget to call home or the police. Having a buddy with you should also get you covered.