Emergencies are unpredictable and can happen at any time. This is why it’s important to prepare with the best gear possible from here.

Tactical survival equipment is designed with a military-like approach, with priority given to durability and functionality in combat or special operations. Civilian survival gear is more user-friendly and prioritizes practicality for a variety of outdoor emergencies.

Knife

A quality knife can make the difference between a person’s survival and a tragedy in a crisis, whether you are a military professional or a keen outdoorsman. A tactical survival blade is a specially-designed blade with additional tools to prepare food, build shelters and start fires. This rugged tool is typically made from a durable material and features an extended length for increased versatility.

Although the blade style and material of the handle will depend on personal preference, most tactical survival knife are made to withstand rough conditions and rigorous use. These blades tend to be a little longer, wider and thicker than pocket knives in order to handle heavy-duty cutting or piercing. Some of these knives come with a compass and a firestarter as well as a whistle.

A straight edge will be preferred for most tactical survival knives, but a partially-serrated edge may come in handy if you are working with hard materials like rope or branches. Blade thickness between 3/16 and 14 inch is ideal. You’ll need a knife that can handle the abuse of prying or batoning wood.

A comfortable handle is also important, especially for prolonged use in inclement weather. Look for a solid, sturdy grip and choose a material that can withstand moisture, such as rubber or textured G10. To ensure that your knife performs at its best, it is important to clean and oil it regularly.

Firestarter

A reliable firestarter is an essential survival tool for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and hikers. Fire is vital for warmth, cooking, and signaling rescue in the wilderness.

Whether you choose to use a ferrocerium rod, flint and steel, waterproof matches, or primitive fire-starting techniques, a firestarter is an essential piece of tactical survival gear for backcountry adventures. It is small enough to fit in a car or backpack and can be life-saving if you become stranded.

Consider your hiking environment as well as the weather conditions when choosing a fire starter. If you are planning to camp in a forest during the summer, choose a tinder with a high level of waterproofing and stormproofing. If you plan to spend time in the winter backcountry, a fire starter which can ignite magnesium shavings is the best option.

The best tactical survival firestarters are versatile enough to be used on both tinder that is placed on the ground and bonfires built on larger wood logs. They can be used to start fires on ice surfaces, which is great for cold environments or if you’re stranded in a blizzard on an icy mountain. You can be confident that you will survive any situation if you have a variety redundant systems for starting a fire. A sudden burst of fire followed by a brief pause is one the most common emergency protocols.

Compass/Topographic Map

A topographic chart shows landscape features, such as mountains and flat lands. It can also show the type of terrain, like rugged versus forested, and the best routes to travel. These maps are also a great reference for compass navigation.

Compass needles are used to determine direction. They are compared with bearing index lines on the map. A map may use a grid system, or a Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system (UTM). Most topographic charts are arranged with north at top, south at bottom, east on the right and western to the left.

A topographic map can be very useful if it has contour lines connecting points with the same elevation above mean sea-level (MSL). The contour interval is usually given at the bottom and is expressed in feet or meters. The contour lines appear steeper and more closely spaced when there is an elevation change. The compass is used to measure the angle and determine your position. This technique will prevent you from getting lost in a wilderness area that is unfamiliar. To use a compass and a map together, locate a prominent landmark on the topographic chart. Find the corresponding bearing and align the compass with the landmark.

Tactical Backpack

Tactical Backpacks are designed to hold a variety equipment and supplies. They come with a variety pockets and compartments. They are also equipped with hydration bladders and durable construction. They are great for storing food, water, a blade, a kit of first-aid, weapons and a hydration bladder.

Tactic backpacks are also equipped with dividers, organizers, and external loops to attach additional items. It’s important to organize your gear in a way that allows you to quickly retrieve your equipment under time-critical situations. A top-down approach to organization prioritizes critical items for easy access. The main compartment should be positioned high to accommodate heavier gear, such as water containers and cooking utensils. Less urgent gear like ammo and weapon accessories can go in the upper section of the pack.

It’s a good idea for pouches to be identified by color-coding or using tactile indicators. This will allow you to do so without needing to see. Regular practice will improve your muscle memory, and you’ll be able to reduce the time it takes to find equipment. You should also consider bringing a multi-tool like a Leatherman or Gerber that can assist with a number of tasks including repairs, impromptu camp setup and navigating in unfamiliar environments. If legally authorized and appropriate, a self defense item like pepper spray or a baton is another excellent addition to any tactical survival kit.

Paracord

Paracord is right up there next to a knife in terms of essential items for your bug out bag. You can use the inner threads of paracord to repair rips or tears in your gear. You can also make survival bracelets and tie various useful knots in an emergency.

The outer strands are perfect for creating a rope to climb out of trees or ravines. You can also use it as a rescue line and throw it to someone in danger. Toss the cord over an object, or to someone in danger, by tying a figure eight knot, and holding the end steady.

You can also create a tripwire using the outer threads and tins cans or any other noisemakers. This will alert you of an intruder, and hopefully cause them to be disoriented long enough for you find help and escape. In a situation of self-defense, you can make the inner strands into handcuffs.

Whistle Or Signal Mirror

A whistle or a signal mirror could be one of your most underrated survival tools. They produce a bright flash that can be seen from miles away, and they can be used to attract attention from aircraft or other search parties. These can be used at night as well, especially if they are paired with reflective tape on the back that can reflect flashlights.

A good survival mirror can cost less than a pair of pants and can be a lifesaver in a dire situation. One outdoor outfitter recommends a model with a red dot holographic in the middle to help users focus on their signals. It is also designed for easy aim even in low-light. It also comes with a foam floatation disk to keep the device afloat during an overboard emergency, as well as USCG-approved whistles to alert rescuers.

Some models can be used in freezing temperatures, even though they have a high decibel rating. A whistle can be more effective in attracting attention than yelling for help.

To use a safety mirror, hold it at arm’s-length between your fingers and aim it towards a bright object, like the sun, or a nearby car or building. Then, cover the mirror or turn it off to prevent the reflected light from blinding the rescuer and causing a crash. A signal mirror can also be used in conjunction with ground symbols to communicate a person’s location.