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Must-Have Tools for Surviving in the Wild

A person needs the correct tools to survive in the wild. A plane may go down in a deserted wilderness, with all communications down. Until the crew and passengers are discovered missing and a rescue team sets out to finds them, the missing people need food and water -- and a way to acquire it. Whether it is to find your way through the wilderness or cook your food, packing a well-prepared survival kit is a necessity that can keep you alive until help arrives.

  1. A Knife

    • A knife is an important tool for survival that is useful for protection and other necessities. A non-folding 3-inch knife is sufficient for your needs. You can use a knife to carve the end of a long branch into a sharp point. This spear-like object will aid in both catching fish and warding off invading animals. A knife also comes in handy for hunting and killing small game animals and preparing them for cooking.

    A lighter and Matches

    • A lighter is a necessity for cooking, comfort and sterilizing. Matches are a good back up when a lighter runs out of fluid or malfunctions. When you capture and prepare your meal, a lighter starts the fire to cook it. If you get something in your foot when venturing for food, a fire sterilizes the end of your knife when you are in need of a small operation to continue walking. When it is cold at night, a fire keeps you warm.

    A Compass

    • A compass will show the direction you venture in as well as help you return to your campsite. You may remember a small lake to the north from a previous hunting or fishing expedition. The compass guides you to the destination and shows you which way is south to find your way back. If you are moving your campsite each day to try to get closer to civilization or rescue, the compass aids in guiding you in the correct direction as you travel.

    A Metal Bowl

    • A metal bowl aids in boiling water, cooking food and storing small objects. Boiling water from a stream or lake will make it sterile and suitable for drinking. You can use the bowl to make a stew from fish and vegetation gathered from the wild. Leftover food can be stored in the bowl and covered to eat the next day. When the bowl is not in use, small object or personal possessions can be stored in it so you will not losing them.

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