Emergency Kit and Outdoor Recreation Essentials List
For most people planning for emergencies is similar to planning for a camping trip or any other outdoor adventure. The biggest difference is determining whether to plan for camping away from home or in your own residence - or perhaps both. The equipment to include in your emergency kit or camping supplies list will be very comparable. Differences and variations will generally depend upon the severity and length of time you anticipate for your emergency scenario. Long term emergencies and explorations will require, in addition to this list, more extensive planning and provisioning.
Important questions to answer as you do your planning: Are the equipment and supplies necessary to fulfill your needs going to
be based on how cheap they are , or on the quality, value, and
reliability of the product? What are the repercussions or benefits
from the choices that are made? Who is affected? What chances are you
willing to take with inferior and inadequate provisions?
These suggestions focus on basic necessities, and are not intended to be an exhaustive and detailed list of all choices, as each person or group has their own special requirements and needs. While there are numerous options to choose from in each category, use this guideline of essentials to ensure you have evaluated all the possibilities given the scenarios and circumstances for which you are preparing and provisioning, whether for preparedness planning or outdoor adventuring.
Be clear about the time factors, persons involved, and situations that you anticipate will occur in an emergency or an outdoor experience. Knowing this information is crucial to stocking the appropriate items in the appropriate quantities. Proper provisioning is about safety, health, protection, comfort, and peace of mind - for not only yourself but also your family and friends.
1. Carrier
If you anticipate having to relocate, have your transportable supplies in one or two easily accessible carriers, especially if you must leave in a hurry.
Backpack
Large duffle/canvass bag
Lightweight suitcase
Wheeled device
2. Water
An obvious necessity for everyone. Know what water sources are available to you during an emergency, or in the outdoors. Plan accordingly and don't hold back preparing for this essential category.
Water purifier/filter
Purification tablets
Separate containers for dirty and treated water
Multiple containers depending upon situation
Specially packaged water
3. Food
Numerous options are available. This category must be accessed carefully depending upon the length of time of the emergency or outing, and severity of circumstances you anticipate might occur.
Bars
Freeze-dried/dehydrated
Canned
Boxed
Bulk
Ready-to-eat
Cooking/heating required?
4. Food preparation
If you must relocate and plan on cooking or heating water, consider lighter weight and efficient equipment.
Stove
Pot
Utensils
Cookware kit
Fuel
Water/food bottle
Hand operated can opener
5. Fire starter/matches/lighter
Be prepared for any situation and the possible need to start a fire, especially if weather conditions are severe.
Flint/magnesium starters
Waterproof tinder
Windproof high quality lighters
Matches in a waterproof container
6. Medical
When your health and survival during a medical emergency is at stake, you don't want to rely on cheap or inadequate medical supplies. This is an important category to thoughtfully evaluate. Don't forget medications or products needed for those with special medical conditions.
Quality kit
Accessories
Essential medications
7. Personal Hygiene/sanitary supplies
Depending on individual circumstances and your location, it is vital to prevent any problems that might arise from unsanitary conditions. Take precautions to ensure a disease free environment. The length of an emergency and living/camping conditions require different approaches to personal hygiene.
Personal hygiene items
Feminine hygiene
Treated towelettes
Sanitary toilet provisions
Plastic bags
8. Clothing
For warmth, comfort, and protection from insects and the elements.
Proper clothing
Appropriate shoes/boots
Rain gear
Cold weather gear - layered clothing
Hat/gloves/bandana
9. Shelter
For protection from insects and the elements, warmth, sleeping, comfort, privacy.
Tarps
Plastic sheeting
Tent
Sleeping bag/bivy bag
Hammock
Emergency/regular blankets
Insect netting
10. Communication
It is important to keep informed during an emergency with friends, family, and appropriate governmental agencies and emergency organizations. When in an outdoor environment, unsettled weather considerations necessitate weather alert radios. Avoid a sense of isolation during serious emergencies.
Radios - hand cranked, solar, batteries
Two-way radios
Cell phones
Whistle
Signaling devices
Notebook/pen
PLB (personal locator beacon)
Weather alert radios
11. Lighting
This is an essential category to address when anticipating any situation where you may be in darkness. Not only for a sense of security and comfort, but to be able to see clearly and act accordingly if emergencies happen in the dark.
Flashlight - hand cranked, solar, batteries, LED and regular bulbs
Lantern - hand cranked, solar, batteries, propane/mantel, candle, LED and regular bulbs
Strobe light
Extra batteries/power source
Candles
12. Tools/Instruments
Numerous unforeseen situations or just routine conditions occur during an emergency or during an outdoor adventure. Be prepared and secure with the proper quality tool.
Knife
Multi-tool
Repair tools
Axe/saw
Rope/wire/bungee cords
Shovel
Fishing/hunting gear
Duct tape
Plastic bags
Sewing and repair supplies
Weather condition instruments
13. Emergency instructions, guidance, support, back up
Important and accurate information can not only be helpful it can be life saving. Researching reliable and trustworthy information sources is a vital component to preparedness and outdoor survival planning. Establishing family communication and reunion plans is also essential for security and peace of mind.
Books
Medical information
Emergency/survival information
Maps
Compass
Edible wild foods publications
Essential personal documents
Phone numbers and addresses of friends, relatives, and emergency organizations/agencies
Spare keys
Instructions on meeting and/or communicating with family and/or friends during or after an emergency
14. Solar/storage/hand cranked power devices
A reliable power supply can be crucial in an emergency or for various outdoor recreational activities. Many valuable communication, radio, and lighting devices require power. Currently there are a number of dependable solar, storage, and hand operated units available to power your electronic devices.
For power
Lighting
Radios
Electronic devices
Communication
15. Cash
It is impossible to know for certain what circumstances might exist during a serious emergency and for what duration normal financial activities will be disrupted. Access to electronic funds or use of credit cards may not be possible. Cash or barter may be the only means of paying for goods or services.
Cash in smaller denomination bills
Smaller items for barter
16. Personal Security
Each individual must decide the extent to which they will provide protection for themselves and their families from physical harm by others or wild animals.
Weapons
Tazer
Mace
Bear repellant
17. Special Needs
This category must not be overlooked if you, other family members, or friends have specials needs and require individual attention.
Personal items specifically required by special needs individuals
Medical items and prescriptions - consider having an adequate supply on hand in the event of a prolonged emergency
Special foods or other items for children, elderly, disabled
Other special needs individuals requiring attention
18. Transportation support
An often overlooked category, specific transportation support must be assessed especially for longer duration emergencies or for outdoor activities where the transportation devices are critical. Evaluate these options, determine which ones you will utilize, determine what you will need to ensure safety, comfort, repair potential, and adequacy to handle the transportation of your provisions.
Share this page
• • • • • • • • • •
