The Top 5 Survival Kits

When you think survival kits, you might think of a rugged adventurer making their way along the Appalachian Trail. In reality, survival kits are good for everyone. You can purchase a compact first aid kit to put in your car or in a drawer at home, just in case your little one scrapes their knee or needs a bandage. Larger kits include blankets, compasses, and important tools that will keep adventurers safe outdoors. And finally, if you plan to go on a long outdoor adventure, consider investing in a bag with food and water for those "just in case" scenarios. Whether you're a regular traveler, a beginning hiker, or a stay-at-home parent, we've gathered our favorite high-quality survival kits just for you.

Professional First Aid Kit with Emergency Medical Supplies for Home, Car, Work, or Outdoors

All-Around Safety

Stay safe at home, at the office, or on the hiking trail.
Best Overall

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You never know when an emergency will hit, so it’s important to have a versatile answer to every possible scenario. Made by Swiss Safe, this kit will fit in the back of your car, in your closet at home, under your desk at work, or in your camper on the road. Swaddled in the classic red bag, it includes first aid must-haves such as bandages, cleaning wipes, and gauze — along with extra tools like a compass, blanket, and fire starter.

Pros:

  • Small enough to fit anywhere
  • Contains everything you would need to bandage a wound
  • Affordable

Cons:

  • May not contain enough gear for certain outdoor scenarios such as overnight trips or hunting

Emergency Survival Kit by KOSIN

Rugged Adventure Kit

Go beyond ordinary safety gear with this specially-curated kit for outdoors.
Best for Camping

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Take special care of your adventurous loved one with this complete kit. Whether your girlfriend loves mountain climbing or your husband is an avid hiker, the tools in Kosin’s survival gear kit are there to adapt to any emergency. This contains a tactical pen, compass, fire starter, water bottle clip, emergency blanket, and much, much more. Better yet, it’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry on the trail.

Pros:

  • Extremely compact
  • Specialty wilderness survival equipment
  • Perfect for fishing, hiking, and hunting

Cons:

  • More expensive than some options

Two Person Three Day Emergency Kit by Ready America

Kit for Multi-Day Adventures

If you're hitting the trail for an overnight trip, bring this backpack along for ultimate peace of mind.
Best with a Partner

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Finally embarking on that hiking trip you’ve always talked about? Heading out to rough it in the woods for the first time? Then you’ll definitely want this pack by Ready America. It’s designed specifically for two people and has enough food, water, and equipment to keep you going for three days. Whether you’re going to be spending all three days on the trail, or just camping out overnight, this pack will support you in any emergency and give you the peace of mind to enjoy your journey.

Pros:

  • Great for partners
  • Will sustain two people for 3 days, or one individual for 6 days
  • Perfect for hiking or camping trips

Cons:

  • Food has a 5 year expiration date, which may not be ideal if you’re planning to leave it in your car without using it for long periods of time

250 Piece Survival First Aid Kit by Everlit

Must-Have Kit for Emergencies

Taking a camping trip with the whole family? This kit has everything you need for every emergency that could possibly arise (and even some that probably won't).
Best for Large Groups

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If you live in an earthquake zone, this pack by Everlit is a must-have. It’s also ideal to throw in your RV or bring along on a camping trip or road trip with friends. It includes enough tools to treat an entire family or a large group, and comes in a military grade EMT bag that is water resistant. Strap the lightweight kit to your back and hit the trail, or store it in your home to stay prepared for any crisis.

Pros:

  • Built to treat families or groups
  • Field tested by army veterans
  • Easy to carry

Cons:

  • Expensive

Emergency Camping Gear by Veitorld

Tough Gear for the Outdoors Enthusiast

Whether you love to fish, camp, hunt, backpack, travel, or bike, this survival kit will keep you safe.
Best for Outdoors

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Last-minute searching for a gift for your dad? We’ve all been there. If you want to buy him something other than another set of screwdrivers, this survival kit might be the perfect choice. Especially if he’s an outdoor enthusiast. The kit comes with all the gear you’ll need for hiking, fishing, or camping adventures, such as a wire saw, water bottle clip, emergency blanket, flashlight, and waterproof box. Give the gift of safety this holiday.

Pros:

  • Very compact
  • All-inclusive for outdoor adventures
  • Tools will come in handy in all scenarios

Cons:

  • Does not include bandages

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I keep in a survival kit?

If you’re keeping the kit in your car, at home, or at work, stick to the essentials. Have some first-aid gear such as bandages, gauze, and cotton balls, plus a blanket and extra clothing in case you are stuck in poor weather. If you’re planning a hiking or camping trip, make sure to bring enough food and water to last for the duration of your trip. You’ll also find that a fire starter comes in handy, along with some basic tools such as wire cutters, a pocket knife, and pliers.

Do I need a survival kit to go on a fishing trip? What should I bring?

A fishing survival kit can come in handy at all times, because the ability to catch fish gives you a great way to feed yourself endlessly. Make sure your kit includes fishing line, hooks, lures, and sinkers, along with a collapsible rod. In a pinch, you can use fishing line to set up a tent or hang your food and clothes.

How much food should I put in my survival kit?

Generally, the rule of thumb is to keep an emergency kit that can feed each member of your household or camping ground for a minimum of 3 days. Make sure to check the expiration dates on your food, especially before you take the kit on a trip. While many canned or dehydrated foods can last for years, some dry mixes will expire after 5-10 years.

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