What Things Would You Need If You Were Stuck on an Island?

The essentials for surviving on an island depend on the island. Many islands, whether tropical islands or not, are densely inhabited by plants and wildlife. These plants and wildlife can simultaneously assist and imperil your survival. For example, they can offer sources of food while also threatening poison or injury.

Compass and Map Materials

• A compass can help you survive on a deserted island. A compass helps you navigate the island, which may seem like a confusing labyrinth. Since you would probably build a hut or shelter for sleeping and go out during the day to gather food and supplies, you must have a means of locating your shelter at the end of the day. Paper and writing instruments are also essential. Without paper and a means of writing, you have no way of creating a map of the island. A map is critical to help you locate steep terrains, cliffs or dangerous areas to avoid. You could note trails, streams and other landmarks on the map to navigate the island and explore new territory with some security of finding your way back to refuge.

Headlamp or Flashlight

• A headlamp, flashlight or other lighting device would also greatly assist your survival efforts, as long as it was accompanied with replacement bulbs and batteries. A lighting device of some sort would enable you to be productive in the evenings and early mornings. Without a light, walking in the dark would be dangerous. You could easily stumble and injure yourself, or fall prey to animals.

Insect Repellent and Sunscreen

• Insect repellent is a necessity. Insect bites can be itchy, painful and irritating, but they also pose a risk to your health. Insects and bugs can transmit diseases. Deserted islands particularly tropical islands, can be overrun with flies, ticks and mosquitoes, all of which are notorious for carrying sickness. In addition, sunscreen is critical to prevent sunburn. Excessive sun exposure can cause skin cancer in the long run, but it can also cause pain and dehydration in the short term. Also, blisters from sunburns are vulnerable to infection, particularly on an island inhabited by wildlife.

Water

• Water is an essential item for survival, no matter where you are deserted. On an island, you could probably locate sources of food and nutrition in the form of berries, leaves and small animals. However, you may not have access to potable water. Salt water is not safe to drink and can cause dehydration. If you did not already have a plentiful supply of drinking water, some sort of purifier or filter would help you remove impurities and toxins from the water before consumption.

Knife or Dagger

• A knife, dagger or other sharp weapon is another essential island survival item. A knife or dagger could be used for various purposes, such as killing animals and then removing the hide or skin to cut out the flesh. Also, a knife could whittle sticks and branches to make spears for spearing fish or to shape other pieces of lumber for a hut.