The important thing to remember is that there are no “perfect” survival kits.

If you ever have the need to use your kit, there are things you will have forgotten and things that do not live up to your expectations; here, though, is a basic list of survival kit essentials.

Cell Phone
Water Bottles
Flashlights
MultiTool
Pocket Knife
Knife (we recommend the SOG Knives – The Seal Pup Elite Knife)
Emergency Food or MRE’S
First Aid Kit
Compass
Hiking Backpack
Sleeping Bag
Canteens
Sewing Kit
Maps
Duct Tape
Plastic Tubing
Lighter
Space blanket
Plastic Freezer Bags
Crowbar
Fire steel
Waterproof Matches
Emergency Candles
Hiking Tarp
Water Storage
Water Filter
Camp Axe
Shovel
Flares
Signal Mirror
Ham Radio
C.B. Radio
Whistle
Good Hiking Boots
Thermos for Cooking
Water-purification tablets
550 Paracord
Hiking Hammock
Tinder (for fire starting)
Machete
Salt
Mylar blanket
L.E.D. HeadLamps
Fishing line
Dental floss
Extra Socks
Gloves
Rain suit or poncho,
Wide Brim Hat
Ultimate Survival Kit
Playing Cards
Fire Extinguisher
AM / Weather Radio
Rifle
Ammo
Snare Wire
Portable Camping Stove
Propane
Batteries
Solar Charger
Fishing Pole
Magnesium Fire Starter
Survival Laptop
Saw
Plastic Trash Bags
Binoculars
Eating and Cooking Utensils
Scissors
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Jumper Cables
Cable Ties
Oil (for your vehicle, can also be used to start a fire or create smoke for a signal fire)
Tool Kit
Personal Identification Papers
Family Photos (morale Booster)
Dust Mask
Lantern
Money (Putting a $20 or a $50 in you kit might come in useful someday)
Rubbing Alcohol
Pepper or Bear Spray
Can Opener
Chemical hand warmer packets

It is guaranteed that this list is not as comprehensive as it could be.

This is because everyone has in their own mind a list of essentials that probably differ from everyone else.

To see an even larger list, please visit Off Grid Survival, but also, take a moment and tell us what you include in your survival kit – and what you do not include if something on this list seems unnecessary.