Top 5 Best Survival Kits for Camping

If you like to hike or camp you need to have the best survival kit in case of emergency. When deciding what to bring camping, a survival kit needs to be at the top of the list. All survival kits are different and come with different things, so it can be difficult to pick the right one. If you want to know more about some of the best survival kits on the market, keep reading for camping survival kit reviews and ratings.

The 5 Top Survival Kits

Having a camping survival kit is absolutely necessary if you’re planning on going camping. Having one on hand can be the difference between life and death if you find yourself in an emergency with nothing but what you’ve got on your back. If you’re looking for the best survival kit, keep reading for reviews of our the five best survival kits.

* Ratings are determined using our specialized rating system.

Fortis EDC Emergency First Aid Survival Kit

Coming with over 250 pieces of equipment in this kit, it is clear to see how the Fortis EDC Emergency First Aid Survival Kit Molle Bag became the first to mention on this list. Some of the tools that are included are a knife, flint and steel, multi-tool, glow sticks, flashlight, and a lot of medical supplies.

Unlike most survival kits which are either focused on outdoor survival or medical survival, this kit is a combination of the two, containing a variety of tools and medical supplies.

This camping survival kit comes with a camo tactical bag that has many different storage areas inside to keep everything organized. It can also be attached to another bag or strap if it is not being carried by itself. Altogether, this is one of the most valuable and possibly the best survival kit for any situation.

Uncharted Supply Emergency Survival Backpack

Another kit that is well-stocked and organized, the Uncharted Supply Emergency Survival Backpack – SEVENTY2 50L is similar to the last one in the sense that it can be used for different types of emergencies. Even though it has less in the kit, just 35 pieces, there is a wider variety of tools in this kit, and it’s a great choice for backpacking.

Coming with rubber gloves, a thermos, water filtration systems, winter hat, goggles, glowsticks, paracord, a knife, flashlight, filtration mask, shovel, duct tape, radio, first aid kit, warmers, and more, you could truly use this camping survival kit in practically every situation.

While it does not come with as many medical supplies as the previous kit and the radio and multi-tool are on the cheaper side, the tools that it does come with are durable and long-lasting. It also comes with instructions and survival tips for those who are unfamiliar with the rules and guidelines to follow, making it the best survival kit for non-survivalists.

Justech Emergency Survival Kit

The Justech 13 in 1 Emergency Survival Kit is one of the better choices if you are on a tight budget or if you are simply looking for a simple kit. This one comes with the basic tools in a small black case that clips shut and protects the contents with a foam lining.

While it does not come with any medical supplies, it does come with the standards: a flashlight, knife, multi-tool credit card, tactical pen, paracord bracelets with a compass, fire starter and more.

The kit is also available in larger sizes: a 16- or 18-piece that comes with a bigger carrying case or a bag depending on the size. The most inconvenient aspect of this camping survival kit is that the larger compass is frail and can be damaged quite easily. Beyond that, it is possibly the best survival kit if you are looking to save some money.

SUPOLOGY Emergency Survival Gear Kit

The SUPOLOGY Emergency Survival Gear Kits 23 in 1 Outdoor Tactical Tools comes with high-quality tools. Unlike other kits, this one comes with a tactical utensil that is a spoon, fork, knife, bottle opener and more in one. This camping survival kit also comes with a wire saw, something many other kits do not have.

While the bag does make things more inconvenient, if you already have a small bag, you can simply turn that into a survival kit using these contents. I did that with this one and it worked perfectly, making it one of the best survival kits to be used with another bag or kit.

EVERLIT 250 Pieces Survival First Aid Kit

Another survival kit with medical equipment, the EVERLIT 250 Pieces Survival First Aid Kit IFAK Molle System gets the honorable mention for being the best survival kit if the others did not catch your eye. It does contain a few survival tools, but the majority of the contents of the kit are basic first aid supplies.

The one reason it did not get higher on this list is due to the lack of tools and supplies when compared to the other camping survival kits. It has enough tools to be useful for a camping trip and enough medical supplies to be used as a first aid kit, but the lack of survival tools and medical tools beyond the bandaids, gauzes, and sanitation wipes do not exactly make this a trauma survival kit. However, this does make for a well-stocked kit in the event of someone getting injured while camping. 

Important Survival Kit Features to Consider

No two survival kits are exactly the same, and you need to decide what you want out of a kit before buying one. Here are some important things to consider before buying a survival kit.

Size

Many survival kits come with either a backpack, case, or small sack that is used to hold all of the contents of the kit. Most of them come with a medium-to-large backpack that usually has a lot of extra space for you to fill it with other essentials that were not included or with personal objects.

If you are looking for something minimal, you may want to consider a kit with a sack or case. However, the backpacks are convenient since you can keep them practically anywhere and they can be ready to be grabbed at a moment’s notice. From there, it depends on how big of a bag you would want and need.

Purpose

Survival kits can range from a basic tool kit to a particular event bag. Most kits usually come with the standard tools: a compass for hiking, knife/multitool, light source, fire starter, thermal blanket, and more depending on the quality of the kit. 

Although, there are some kits that contain much more for specific needs like a severe weather event, hiking or camping, and even situations that would call for a well-equipped trauma bag. A notable thing to mention is that, usually, the more well-equipped and packed the kit is, the more expensive it will be.

Even so, there are some kits that have a ridiculous amount of supplies in them for different events, and they can still be more affordable than other kits.

Number of Pockets and Storage Spaces

If you are in need of a flashlight or some bandages, then you don’t want to be fumbling around in your bag trying to find them. Remember to take the number of pockets and storage spaces into consideration when looking at survival kits. Some are highly organized for easy access, while others don’t provide that luxury.

If you are getting a smaller pack, then you are less likely to have to worry about this. However, if you are getting a kit with a backpack, then you may want one with multiple pockets—especially if you end up in a scenario like the one above.

Benefits of Using a Survival Kit

Survival kits can be used to hold valuable items that can make the user more prepared in practically any survival situation. The best survival kits can be stored or grabbed anywhere, hold any and all necessary supplies, and are quick and easy to use.

Also, between them being able to last for years and the fact that they are nearly all affordable, they are extremely cost-efficient for the years to come.

You can also add to your survival kit if it doesn’t include something you want. Making your own emergency kit is also viable, but purchasing a ready-made one is more convenient for most people.

Precautions for Using a Survival Kit

Many survival kits come with sharp tools like knives, multitools, flint and steel, and more. It is very important that any such tools are either stored separately from the kit if children are going to be handling the kit. If you’re camping with kids, you could also have a separate kit for them that does not contain anything that could be dangerous.

Always remember where the sharp objects are stored so that you do not accidentally hurt yourself when trying to get them, but many some with plastic or fabric coverings to avoid such situations.

Where Should You Store Your Survival Kit?

When camping, you should have your survival kit on you at all times. If you fall and cut yourself while hiking on a trail, your survival kit isn’t going to be very helpful back at the camp or in your car. Most survival kits are made with portability in mind for this reason. Keep it in your backpack or strapped onto it so it’s always nearby in case of emergency, otherwise you risk your survival kit not being on hand when you need it.

How Should You Update Your Survival Kit?

Make sure that any perishables are checked regularly to ensure they do not go bad. It is also a good idea to check the tools that can be reused at least twice a year to ensure they are working properly, and check the container for damage or wear just as often.

If your kit has medical supplies for tending to cuts, treating burns while camping, treating chafing, or other necessities, check any expiration dates as well as packaging for bandages to ensure they remain sterile and safe for use.

A Survival Kit is Not a First-Aid Kit

Though the two have some overlap, a survival kit is not the same thing as a first-aid kit, which would provide you with equipment to treat snake bites or cuts and sprains. First aid kits assist when giving medical attention—such as for sunburn or treating poison ivy—but survival kits provide the tools to survive if stranded in the wilderness or elsewhere. Be sure to purchase both to be fully prepared to an emergency situation. You can also use an app on your phone for information while camping as well.

Conclusion

When comparing the size, purpose, and storage, it is easy to find which of all of these is the best survival kit: the Fortis EDC Emergency First Aid Survival Kit Molle Bag.

It has enough room to store all of the supplies it comes with, and the supplies themselves make it ideal for any purpose whether it is to be used in case of natural disasters, getting lost while hiking, and many other similar scenarios.

The amount of medical and survival supplies it comes with, the quality material of the carrying bag, and the fact that it can easily be stored or picked up from anywhere at a moments notice are additional features that push it straight to the top, making it the best survival kit on this list and possibly off the list as well.

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