Australia boasts a truly remarkable nature and wildlife. Home to pristine beaches, lush tropical rainforests, dry rural scapes and fierce wildlife, Australia is a real mecca for nature lovers and sun chasers. Stepping away from the hustle and reconnecting with nature brings uplifting benefits to your life. Having in mind the vast remote areas of the Australian Outback to hit the great outdoors you need to be prepared for any situation.

You probably remember Tom Hanks’ extraordinary role in Castaway where he plays time-obsessed executive Chuck Noland whose flight crushed over the Pacific. He was the only one to survive and find himself on a deserted island. Trying to remember childhood lessons about how to start a fire and build the shelter, he was desperately rubbing a stick against a piece of wood, only to cut his hand. His reaction when he finally made fire is overwhelming. And a remarkable coconut scene where Chuck effortlessly throws and smashes coconuts on a rock until he finds sharp stone to cut the coconut shell. Using the contents of several FedEx boxes that got washed up, made him release that no one was mailing life essentials. If he had found any of the items that an emergency kit includes, his survival would have been easier.

Therefore, a well-stocked emergency kit plays an essential role in providing vital medical and survivor items that can save your life. It’s a must-have for campers, hikers, bushwalkers and other outdoor adventurers. Emergency kits are carefully designed to provide durability. Its lightweight, small space concept allows you to put it in your backpack and always have it with you.

Knowing that the ‘Big Five’ priorities of survival are water, warmth, shelter, signals and food, always opt for a survival kit that has these essentials included.

What Are Six Essential Items for a Survivor Kit?

1. Survivor knife

Survivor knife is a perfect fit in any outdoor activity. High-quality survivor knives are able to cut the toughest materials with ease. With its stainless steel blade and small and large reversible saw, survivor knives help in a variety of situations from fun around the campsite to emergency situations in the wilderness.

2. Combustible device (ferrocerium rod)

Also known as a metal match or fire flesh, this mixture of magnesium and other alloys produces fire sparks when struck with an object (the back of a knife eg.) This device needs certain skills and knowledge on fire making, but once you learn how to start a fire by friction , your success is imminent. To start a campfire and fire stoves, have different fire starter sources such as striker, lighter and matches. They usually come in waterproof containers to provide maximal usage. Let them be handy and accessible.

3. Map and compass

Getting lost happens frequently, and relying on memory is difficult and often impossible if you’re under the stress figuring out your way back. Don’t rely on GPS only. Carrying a map and compass is essential as it will never run out of power and will always lead you back. Knowing how to use it properly is a skill, and if you are an outdoor adventure lover, you should practice it at home.

4. Emergency blanket

As warmth is another priority in an emergency situation, a survival blanket will reflect your body heat and provide you shelter from wind, rain and snow. The material behind good quality blankets offer a waterproof solution and are resistant to tearing and shrinking. Emergency blankets can be used to provide shelter, as to make one from natural materials is time-consuming and requires a lot of resources. Because of its multiple-use ( as a groundsheet, gear cover, moisture barrier, first aid ) it’s more than just a blanket.

5. Metal container

As you need a way of carrying and heating the water, a metal container is ideal. The human body cannot survive more than 72 hours without drinking water, so you need to plan on drinking enough water while outdoors. Boiled water is always safer to drink as boiling kills the waterborne pathogens. Even a few sips of clean water will bring the difference between life and death.

6. Flashlight / Torch

Even the most experienced adventurer may get disoriented in complete darkness. If you plan to venture out in unfamiliar territory, a reliable flashlight is a must in any survival kit. Flashlights are very efficient and effective as they get smaller year by year.

These six essential items are only a base to build on your emergency kit. Survival kits are good quality products at a great price. Outdoor activities definitely bring families together, so make sure you take all the necessary steps to provide a proper response for any unforeseen events. Save yourself a lot of time and energy by packing a survival kit in advance. Don’t be caught off guarded. You need to be prepared, so will those that are depending on you!