The old saying about opinions also applies to opinions about the best survival tool – every survivalist has one.

Here are what a few survival experts think.

Michael – On Point Preparedness

Recommended Tool: Bolt Cutters

“There is one prepper tool that I have not seen written about too much. However, it is critically important: small bolt cutters. Scenes of refugees climbing through razor wire and border fences bring a stark reminder that we may face similar situations. While these small bolt cutters cannot cut through pad locks or other thick metal, they can definitely chew through razor wire and wire fencing. They are also small enough and light enough to add to your BOB.”
Expert Bio: Michael is the owner of On Point Preparedness, a website dedicated to teaching people how to prepare for any SHTF situation. Since 9/11, he’s been involved in liberty, truth seeking, and preparedness movements across the country. Be sure to check out his site!

Dan – Survival Sullivan

Recommended Tool: Band-Aid

“I know many preppers are going to choose the survival knife or the multi-tool as the most useful survival item and- they’re probably right. But my favorite survival item so far was the one that actually helped me survive: the small and humble Band-Aid. I used it last year when I visited some piers with some friends and injured my fingers. I used it a few days ago when I cut myself while using a folding saw to cut wood.

Many forget the possibility of injury or death in SHTF situations. When you’re injured, you’ll be unable to perform basic tasks, just like I was a few days ago. A small bleeding can prevent you from carrying wood, washing your hands, jumping, climbing and doing anything efficiently. Get an assortment of bandages (that are dirt-cheap, anyway), and keep them everywhere: inside your survival bags, in your gym bag, your laptop bag, your purse and even in your wallet.”

Expert Bio: Growing up, Dan spent a lot of time outdoors. He’s been a prepper since 2014, and today shares his knowledge with people across the world. He’s not a conspiracy theorist nor does he believe in the zombie apocalypse- he’s just a regular guy who wants to be prepared…for anything.

John – Prepper Zone

Recommended Tool: Knowledge

“Knowledge. When you have knowledge, you can create everything from cutting tools (via techniques such as flint knapping) to constructing cordage (while utilizing both natural & man-made materials around you) all with your bare hands. Understanding how to leverage your knowledge regardless of your surrounding is key to every successful survivalist’s strategy. Equipment alone will not guarantee your survival – ever. You need to arm yourself with as much knowledge as you can prior to a survival situation taking place.”
Expert Bio: John is the founder of Prepper Zone, a site dedicated to teaching people how to prepare for anything- biological attacks, nuclear war, natural disasters, and much more. When disaster strikes, you’ll be glad that you read this articles.

Alan – Urban Survival Site

Recommended Tool: Multi-Tool

“Since I spend most of my time in an urban environment where anything can happen, I like having a multi-tool because it can help me out in a variety of situations. My personal favorite is the Leatherman Wave. The latest model (830040) has 17 tools, several of which can be accessed without even opening it. The knives, pliers, scissors, ruler, wire stripper, screwdriver and bottle opener have all come in handy on countless occasions, which is why I never go anywhere without it.”

Expert Bio: If you’re trying to survive in the city after a disaster, Alan is the authority figure to turn to. His website contains loads of information for surviving in an urban environment post SHTF. You can also follow him on any one of his many social media channels.

Steve – Let’s Talk Survival

Recommended Tool: Knife

“I live in an urban environment where you can run around in shorts, t-shirt and flip-flops at 2am in the morning in the middle of winter so there is really no need for me to carry tools for starting fires or to building elaborate shelters. I am more concerned with my car breaking down miles from home, buildings falling from an earthquake or being attacked by unruly crowds so if I didn’t have my EDC pack hanging from my shoulder, a Leatherman or Swiss Army-style knife would likely be my go-to survival tool if I could only choose one. But a high-power tactical flashlight would definitely be a close second.”

Expert Bio: Steve’s blog, Let’s Talk Survival, is focused on teaching people about self-reliance and emergency preparedness. At his website, you’ll learn a ton about survival skills and techniques. Check out his website and social media pages to learn more!

James – Plan And Prepared

Recommended Tool: Cell Phone

“I’d pick my cell phone. A charged cell phone can help in about 95% of all emergency situations. Simply being able to alert others to your emergency condition and your location can save your life faster than just about anything else out there. But I know saying “Cell phone” may not be a sexy pick. So in that case, I would say a good, solid knife. With a solid knife and the clothes on my back, I can build a fire and make a shelter depending upon my location. Hence, my pocket knife (and cell phone) is ALWAYS a part of my EDC.”

Expert Bio: James is a former outdoor survival instructor, and currently works as a police officer in Oklahoma City. He’s a firm believer in being prepared for unforeseen events. You can check out more of his work at his website, Plan And Prepared.

Evan – Know Prepare Survive

Recommended Tool: E-Reader

“My favorite prepper/survival tool is an e-reader. I know it isn’t the most popular or obvious tool, most people would say a knife or flashlight or paracord. But, to me, having a resource that I can consult at any time to find out if a mushroom is poisonous or how to skin a raccoon is invaluable. ”

Expert Bio: Know Prepare Survive is an excellent resource for learning how to survive any disaster. Here, you’ll find articles ranging from archery to preparedness and everything in-between. Evan also writes gear reviews that are worth checking out.

BG Smith – Bug Out Military

Recommended Tool: Portable Water Filter

“As the rule of three states: water is a high priority item in a SHTF event. One of my favorite Items to help me with water is my Sawyer Mini. I am a firm believer in you need to build your bag around your Sawyer Mini. For the price and size I don’t think you can beat it. You can run it in multiple ways to produce nice clean water for consumption.
In conclusion, you also need a good way to carry your water. The Sawyer Mini can be run in tandem with a camelback or other hydration systems straight off the line. That works well if you need to grab and go then filter later. At 100,000 gallons of clean water for $20 the Sawyer stands alone.”

Expert Bio: BG Smith runs a popular Facebook page, BUG OUT Military. If you’re looking to meet like-minded people in the industry, I highly recommend you join his page. Not only will you learn a lot, but you’ll also be able to connect with people from around the world!

What the ultimate survival tool depends on who you ask – and their experiences, as this list shows.

What you may think is vital is only secondary to me and what I think is vital might be secondary to a third person and so on.

There simply is no wrong answer as long as what you would choose lets you survive!

To see other answers from experts, check out Truth Survival.