17/07/2024

18 Non-Essential Items People Think They Need for Survival

We all want to be prepared, but some of the stuff we think we need for survival isn’t important. Today, we’re looking at 18 “essential” things you don’t need to survive and why. Let’s lighten that load.

Gallons of Water

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Of course, staying hydrated is important, but lugging around a mini ocean isn’t worth the hassle. Instead, try using a small, portable water filter or even carrying iodine tablets because they’ll allow you to drink far more safely from streams or ponds. You’ll be able to keep moving without throwing out your back from all that extra weight.

Canned Foods

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Canned beans and corned beef are probably the most popular survival foods, although they are pretty heavy. You should swap out those heavy cans for lightweight dehydrated meals or perhaps some high-calorie energy bars. They’ll give you the same amount of nutrition, making your pack lighter and your trek easier.

Matches

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Matches are not good once wet, so you should use a waterproof lighter instead. Better yet, get a Ferro rod, as these bad boys work rain or shine and won’t quit working after a few strikes. They also last for thousands of uses, meaning you won’t be left in the cold after a damp day or if you drop your pack in a stream.

Fancy Gear

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There’s no point wasting money on high-tech, laser-cut gear because your old, reliable basics often do the trick. All you really need for tools is a solid knife and a good multitool, which can handle practically anything. You should save your money as you don’t need stuff that’s harder to repair or replace if it breaks.

Battery-Powered Flashlights

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Flashlights are great until the batteries die, so why not go for a solar-powered or hand-crank version? These sustainable lights will keep shining if you’ve got some elbow grease or sunshine. This way, you won’t be left in the dark searching for batteries when you really should be settling in.

Emergency Blankets

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It’s easy to be tempted by shiny emergency blankets because they’re so compact, but the reality is that they’re not as comfortable or useful as you might think. You’re much better off investing in a good sleeping bag or figuring out how to layer your clothes, keeping you far warmer. Emergency blankets are an additional layer, but nothing more.

Big First Aid Kits

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You might think you must prepare for surgery in the wild with those giant first aid kits. The truth is, a few essentials like bandages and disinfectant will cover most of what you actually might need to deal with. It’s also more important to learn some basic first aid techniques rather than carrying a massive kit that you may not know how to use properly.

Lots of Guns

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You’ll definitely need a gun in survival situations, but only one. Carrying more than that is just extra weight and yet another thing to worry about, so stick to having one reliable firearm. After all, ammo takes up quite a bit of space, and focusing on a single firearm means you’ll have a much lighter burden.

Too Much Clothing

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When trying to survive, efficiency is most important, so don’t pack your entire wardrobe. Instead, choose versatile pieces that you can layer up or down depending on the weather. They’ll save you a lot of space, and you’ll also be able to adapt to changing conditions far better with these pieces than with many single-purpose items.

Hard Copies of Documents

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You absolutely should keep your ID on you, but keep digital copies of your other important documents on a waterproof USB stick. It’s far lighter and just as effective, especially since you won’t panic when it starts to rain. Excess paper is excess weight, and these digital backups are much easier to carry.

Heavy Cooking Stuff

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You can leave heavy pots and giant spoons at home by investing in a small camping stove instead. A single pot can cook anything, whether beans or bear, and it won’t weigh you down. Plus, it’ll improve your setup and make the time it takes to cook much faster, giving you more time to rest.

Comfort Items

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While it might be nice to have home comforts like pillows, they’re just dead weight in a survival kit. Stick to the essentials and think about comfort in practical terms, like a good sleeping pad or an extra jacket. They’ll give you some real comfort, and you can also use them in more ways than one, unlike a pillow.

Signal Flares

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As dramatic as they look, flares are one-and-done, and they’ll also take up valuable space. Carrying a whistle or a mirror is far better because they’ll get you noticed just as well, and you can also use them repeatedly. There’s also the risk of fire with flares, which is something you definitely don’t want to deal with.

Bulky Tents

Carrying a big tent around can be a real workout, and honestly, who needs extra gym time when you’re trying to survive? Instead, get a lightweight tarp, as it’s super easy to pack, and you can set it up or pack it down in no time. It’ll keep you safe and dry from the wind, which is really all you need to get a good night’s rest outdoors.

Booze

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Even though a bottle of booze might seem useful for a quick antiseptic or a makeshift currency, it’s really quite pointless. There are better ways to use that space in your pack, like carrying some extra food or a way to clean your drinking water. They’ll do a lot more for you than a nip of brandy.

Valuables for Bartering

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When times get tough, knowing how to do useful things, like making a fire or finding clean water, is way more valuable than any gold watch. That means you should leave any jewelry or other fancy items at home, even if you think they’ll be useful for bartering. Stick to the essentials and let your survival skills do the talking.

Survival Books

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Dragging along a hefty survival manual is completely over the top, and you’re better off learning some key survival skills before you go out. If you need to carry a guide, make sure it’s small and laminated. This way, you’re not just prepared in theory, but you actually know your stuff and are ready to deal with whatever comes your way.

Gas Generators

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A gas generator is big and noisy, so there’s really no point in taking it with you. Plus, you’ll have to waste time trying to find fuel. A better idea would be to get solar panels or portable battery packs because they’re much lighter and they don’t rely on fuel. They’re also good for the environment.