Wilderness Survival Kit

Fact Checked

If you love the outdoors or spend more time in remote places, you must always be ready for possible accidents and injuries. Seeking medical treatment is not always easy when you are in remote environments; as such, you should be equipped with necessary supplies, equipment and skills to properly treat possible injuries. Before you plan for your next trip, you should consider bringing essential survival supplies in case unwanted events happen. Also make sure that your survival kit is lightweight but fully stocked with life-saving supplies.

If you go to the wild on a guided trip, the event organizer or travel guide would normally brief you on what items to bring and even train you with basic emergency skills. But if you are going without any assistance from a professional, you should pack your things and learn wilderness first aid by yourself.

Here are the basic needs your wilderness survival kit must contain.

1.     Shelter and warmth

In any emergency situation in the wilderness, shelter and warmth are the priorities. Equipment you must have includes:

  • Secured tent or sleeping bag
  • Survival bags: tough body-sized bags that are made of polythene and can be used for protection against the element. They are usually brightly colored for easy recovery in case emergency help is needed.
  • Several sets of spare clothes
  • Method for cooking or warming up food and drinks

2.     Communication equipment/tools

In case of an accident or injury, wilderness experts often recommend staying put in one place and calling for help. Bring a combination of these effective communication tools with you.

  • Mobile/cellular phone (make sure there is network coverage in the area)
  • Flashlight
  • Mirror
  • Rescue flare
  • Whistle

3.     Protection

If shelter is limited and walking long distances is necessary, you have to be ready to protect yourself from the elements and wildlife. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real risks if you are exerting yourself walking. It is important to wear cool clothes that allow heat to evaporate freely and to keep the head covered at all times. Drink regularly and try to stay under the shades when the sun is up. Be always on guard against possible animal attacks.

Be sure to bring:

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and sunburn treatment
  • Insect repellent
  • Treatment for insect bites or stings

4.     Basic first-aid supplies

Limit the number of first aid equipment you bring to the minimum to keep it lightweight. Here are the basic first aid supplies you must have:  Wilderness First Aid Training

  • Triangular bandages (2 pcs)
  • Sterile dressings (4 pcs of various sizes)
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Hypoallergenic tape
  • Conforming bandages (designed to mold itself to the body part it is applied to)
  • Clean gloves
  • Face shield

5.     Medications for common health problems

Bring over-the-counter medications for common health problems such as analgesics, antipyretic, common colds and others. If you have any special medical needs, be sure to bring sufficient supplies of your personal medications.

It would also help if you bring a simple guideline for basic first aid techniques. Better yet, you can complete wilderness first aid training course.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • All emergencyfirstaidcourse.ca content is reviewed by a medical professional and / sourced to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

  • We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable websites, academic research institutions and medical articles.

  • If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact us through our contact us page.

The information posted on this page is for educational purposes only.
If you need medical advice or help with a diagnosis contact a medical professional