Most women have a basic slate of stuff they have in a purse or bag on them for emergency use at all times.

What most people may not know is that much of that stuff doubles as survival tools and equipment.

Chapstick

Chapstick is basically a tube of wax, which is a very useful substance. Whether you prefer Bert’s Bees lip balm, ChapStick, or to make your own, these little tubes have many uses for their relative size and weight. When carrying an item everyday or looking at items to include in bug out bags, weight and size is very important. Tiny chapstick tubes are the perfect addition to anyone’s everyday kit.

Elastic Hair Ties

Basically, a hair tie is like an elastic version of paracord. You can use them to tightly close bags, as cordage, and to hold up hair. You can use them to secure important items to you. A couple contestants on the survival TV show Alone could've used a few to keep track of their ferro rods!

Compact Makeup Mirror

A mirror can be used for signaling, firestarting, and making sure that hairdo stays fresh. They allow you to look around corners without exposing yourself, and to check areas of your body you will never be able to see. The case on makeup mirrors provide a little protection for the fragile glass. The compact makeup mirror case also can double as an inconspicuous place to store things as well.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer has many prepping uses. Some unconventional uses include removing clothes stains and glue. It can also be used as a fire starting aid, as it has a high amount of alcohol in it. Using it for sanitary purposes is also important, since hygiene can become especially important during a pandemic.

Bobby Pins

Great for pinning hair out your face and useful for picking locks, a few bobby pins can be a great covert lockpicking set. Learning to pick locks is a great idea since it is a useful skill to have for emergency situations. Buying a clear lock, and then learning to pick it is actually pretty easy.

In a survival situation, using what you have on your person or at your disposal is one key to making sure you will make it through in one piece.

One treasure trove of survival tools and equipment is usually more readily at hand than even your bug-out bag or survival kit – the stuff most women have on their person as part of their normal, daily existence.

To learn more about common items most women have on their person that are also amazing survival tools, check out True Prepper.