Civil unrest, a virus pandemic, a nuclear fallout- these are all real emergency situations. Are you prepared for any of these disastrous events? It does not hurt to have an apocalypse survival kit, even if your family and friends think you’re nuts.
To survive in apocalyptic circumstances, you need to stock up on several essential items like food, water, fire starters, etc. Apart from the necessities, you need to think about water purification, first aid, shelter, and even electricity. When shopping for survival items, consider the space, weight, and quality of the products.
Before we jump into our list, watch this video, it goes over some very important items to have in your apocalypse survival kit as well. There may be some cross over on their list and ours, but when the SHTF you’re gonna want as much as possible to help you survive.
Here are 14 must-have apocalypse survival kit items:
1.Potassium Iodide.
In case of a nuclear war, getting melted in the blast is the biggest danger. If you are lucky enough to survive, you still need to take care of the nuclear fallout. This is lingering radioactive material that suspends in the atmosphere. It puts you and your loved ones at risk for cancer. Radioactive iodine is a component in a nuclear fallout. It is gets absorbed by the thyroid, causing thyroid cancer. Potassium iodide will protect you from this risk.
Once you are exposed, start taking the pills immediately. This non-radioactive iodine salt will stop the absorption of radioactivity.
2. Non-Perishable Food.
To ready yourself for an emergency, stock up on nutrient-dense foods with long shelf lives. Good examples to include in your apocalypse survival kit are:
- Peanut butter
- Canned fish, chicken, or any other protein source
- Canned vegetables and fruits
- Beef or fish jerky
- Brown rice
- Coffee/tea
- Trail mix
- Energy bars
- MREs or meals ready to eat.
Peanut butter is an excellent choice because it contains carbs, proteins, and fats. A single MRE contains approximately 3,000 calories, which is enough energy to last you for two days. In fact, most people can survive on a single MRE per day. Having only two of these items can help you survive for a few days. Yes, you might get bored with eating peanut butter and canned fish for ten days, but it’s better than starving to death.
3. Pulaski Axe.
This is an axe affixed to a long handle. It will come in handy when you need to build a shelter, breakthrough a barricade, or even chop food for a fire. A Pulaski axe is the top tool of choice to include in your apocalypse survival kit. This tool features a hoe on one side and an axe on the other. This axe is perfect for digging, chopping, and prying.
4. Water Purification Supplies.
During a war or civil unrest, the water infrastructure in your city may get disrupted or destroyed. You will have to find clean sources of drinking water. It’s difficult to survive without water after two days. If you reside in the city, set aside a gallon of water per person. In case you live in the wilderness, you will require a water purification device. There are many versions of this ranging from battery-operated devices to water jugs with built-in filters.
5. First Aid Supplies
When the world is in turmoil, the last thing you want to experience is an injury. A first-aid kit is an absolute must in your apocalypse survival kit. You can get a ready-made kit or make it yourself. Create a first-aid kit with the following items:
- Loose gauze
- Bandages
- Rubbing alcohol
- Backup supply of prescription meds
- Allergy medications
- Pain relievers
- Antibacterial ointments
Be sure to keep tabs on the expiration dates. Replace them as required.
6. Fire Starter.
Fire is an essential survival item. You will need it to cook, boil drinking water, generate heat, and even ward of wild animals. A box of match sticks can get wet and even damaged, but a fire starter will last for a long time. Look for a fire starter that can last for more than a month.
7. Gun.
You will need a gun for self-defense. Although they are very powerful, avoid using it as a primary weapon. Guns are very loud. They are great to scare off wild animals and even zombies! You can use it to hunt for food if your stock reserve runs out. Keep a decent stash of ammunition with you but not too much that it takes up too much space. In a survival situation, you want to be as stealthy as possible. Gun use should be your last resort.
8. Camping Stove with Liquid Fuel.
Although it’s fun eating trail mix and peanut butter for the first few days, you will crave a hot bowl of soup or coffee at some point. A camping stove can help in these situations. Choose a stove that works with different liquid fuels such as diesel, kerosene, naphtha, and unleaded gasoline.
9. Rucksack.
This is a vital piece to include in your apocalypse survival kit. Invest in a high-quality, lightweight rucksack. Keep in mind that it is spacious and weatherproof. It must have enough space to stash all your apocalypse items. A good rucksack also supports mobility. You should be comfortable lugging it around on your back. Good quality rucksacks are also ergonomically designed. It shouldn’t feel painful to carry.
10. Rope.
Don’t even think about ignoring this apocalypse survival kit item. The funny thing is, when you think about buying rope, you’ll think you don’t want it. However, in tough situations, you’ll regret not having it. What can a bit of rope do? You can use a rope to set a trap to catch a game, tie a hammock, hang up food in a tree, away from animals, and even to dry your clothes. The strong rope has many uses which come to light in need.
11. Knife.
Life rope, the knife is an absolute have to include in your apocalypse survival kit. You can use a knife to cut meat and vegetables, or even as a tool. This gear serves as a good weapon and a tool. A top quality knife can spell the difference between surviving and dying.
Choose a knife that is durable and sharp. It should be a good length so that you can use it to cut, skin, and hunt. Ensure the knife has a protective sheath. This is important because you might accidentally cut your fingers on it, which is detrimental during a disaster.
12. Shelter.
When you are trying to thrive in a survival situation, protection from the elements becomes necessary. You can opt for something very simple like a tarp or sleeping bag. For better protection from the elements, consider a tent or Bivi bag. Other sound options include a foil blanket or a Bothy bag.
13. Personal Documents.
It is always a good idea to keep your personal documents within reach, especially if you are facing a potential Armageddon. Keep copies of birth certificates, driver’s licenses, family passports, social security cards, and other legal documents. In addition, keep a record of important phone numbers such as your:
- Insurance company
- Bank
- Relatives and Friends
14. Compass.
A compass is an absolute necessity in your apocalypse survival kit. An analog compass should be lightweight and easy to use. Be sure you know how to use a compass beforehand. Consider taking an orienteering class beforehand so that you know how to use this classic survivor’s tool.
Are you ready for a natural disaster? Our apocalypse survival kit checklist will help you get there.
