My Top 3 Survival Tools - What Are Yours?

[snarlbuckle]

Here are my top three:

1) knife
2) Tarp
3) Paracord

Why don't I have a fire starter or water container on this list?

If you have a knife, you can find or make a water container of some sort out of plenty of materials that are laying around. You could even use part of the tarp to make a water jug.

As for fire starters, fire can be made by other means though it may be difficult. Also, everyone who smokes carries a fire starter with them at all times. My point is that because fire is used so often in our society, there are any number of ways to start a fire. You can find a way.

The combination of a knife, tarp, and paracord allows you to construct a long list of useful objects, sometimes using just what you find. Among those, you can make a bag with which to carry useful stuff that you find in your travels. Versatility is key. Also, if you are creative and good with your hands, all you need is tools and knowledge so that you can make everything you need.

[Patriot Prepper]

I’m bumping this thread because it is a good mental exercise.

First off I would want a water bottle with a built in filter, or one of the personal sized filtered straws. Having water is important, but having safe water is more important.

Secondly, I would want my Gerber multi tool. I can use it to make other tools. Like fire starters. Hand drill, and bow drill. Or make food gathering tools. Like bows, spears, Attila, digging sticks.

The third item was much harder to decide. First I thought about a sizable length of 550 cord. But with a little practice, I could make cordage. Then I thought about maybe an individual type mess kit. Like the Boy Scout mess kit. A lot of uses, from boiling water to using it as a shovel. But I think I know what I want in the kit for my third item. A good survival guide book with plant identification.

It is a good mental exercise and I appreciate your response. Excellent choices. Whatever a person believes they can survive with, according to their skill level, is what they need. You obviously have survival skills, and know what works for you. I have several books with edible plant photos, and even with the books it can be difficult to identify some plants. Having a book would be nice.

[kihnspiracy]

Swedish Steel, stainless water bottle, ESEE 5 knife.

[Klingon]

Leatherman supertool, Katadyn hiker, Randall 14. These are my regular items for carry in the woods.
But one of my all time favorite tools is a pair of fence pliers. I keep one in every vehicle and in every tool kit. I don't carry 'em around hunting or hiking but I sure use 'em a lot.

[Jellyman]

Yes to bringing a clear head into a survival situation! I firmly believe that your attitude in crisis is first. After this a modicum of knowledge is very helpful, especially when applied with common sense. After that I would like a good knife to head up my list of tools. However, this list would dramatically change if it were me or other indivdual/s injured or lost in the woods and not a global SHTF situation. In this world of Satellites, an emergency shelter could be primary when used with e-PIRB, PLB, Sat Phone, or ever increasing cell phone coverage; all making help just hours away in the vast majority of emergency or survival situations.

[brokedownbiker]

The top three that are ALWAYS attached to my belt

1) Leatherman Super tool 300,
2) Leatherman Monarch 400 light,
3) pocket kit w/ firestarter, paracord, emergency blanket

My BOB is usually within grabbing distance, too.

[hua man]

My brain and two hands.

If I can't use my brain, I'll probably not last long anyway (concussion, hypothermia). I can use my brain and hands to make the tools I need. Anything extra is gravy.

[Pop_45]

I’m bumping this thread because it is a good mental exercise.

First off I would want a water bottle with a built in filter, or one of the personal sized filtered straws. Having water is important, but having safe water is more important.

Secondly, I would want my Gerber multi tool. I can use it to make other tools. Like fire starters. Hand drill, and bow drill. Or make food gathering tools. Like bows, spears, Attila, digging sticks.

The third item was much harder to decide. First I thought about a sizable length of 550 cord. But with a little practice, I could make cordage. Then I thought about maybe an individual type mess kit. Like the Boy Scout mess kit. A lot of uses, from boiling water to using it as a shovel. But I think I know what I want in the kit for my third item. A good survival guide book with plant identification.

[Patriot Prepper]

I'm going to throw these out because I think they are the first three things I always have with me to help me survive; my body, my mind and my spirit.

My Body; if I keep it in relatively good shape, it should last me about 70+ years of good service.

My Mind; in almost any situation, if I keep my wits about me, I can use my brain to think my way out of lots of trouble.

My Spirit; if I am at peace, most things don't seem so catastrophic, as when I am in turmoil.

I also like a really good Glock 22 by my side along with my Gerber suspension and my Droid Phone...lots of apps for that baby.

Good advice. There are many people who do not keep in shape, lose their wits, and panic in an emergency. Survival requires the enactment of the best qualities of the body, mind, and spirit. Also, your Glock, Gerber, and Droid are nice items! Thanks for the cool comments.

[thereisnospoon]

I'm going to throw these out because I think they are the first three things I always have with me to help me survive; my body, my mind and my spirit.

My Body; if I keep it in relatively good shape, it should last me about 70+ years of good service.

My Mind; in almost any situation, if I keep my wits about me, I can use my brain to think my way out of lots of trouble.

My Spirit; if I am at peace, most things don't seem so catastrophic, as when I am in turmoil.

I also like a really good Glock 22 by my side along with my Gerber suspension and my Droid Phone...lots of apps for that baby.

[Patriot Prepper]

I also believe I could take these 3 items and be good on a hiking trip.....if I was Dual Man Vs Survivalin it....

My SOG Jungle Primitive
KATADYN HIKER PRO
Magnesium Striker Stick


All I need

Excellent choices, they would also work for me. Thanks for the comment.

[WiseOwl]

I also believe I could take these 3 items and be good on a hiking trip.....if I was Dual Man Vs Survivalin it....

My SOG Jungle Primitive
KATADYN HIKER PRO
Magnesium Striker Stick


All I need

[Patriot Prepper]

when i get to thinking this way i have to go what i have me all the time. A Swiss army knife i always have on me not going to fight a bear with it, but i can do most of what i want. i also keep about 12 feet of 550 cord in one of my pockets, i can use that several different ways. then finally i always have a lighter near by. i do keep a bottle of water near, but that gets me to 4 and i would do with out it before the other 3.

The 550 cord is great stuff. It's always with me and excellent for survival uses. Thanks for the comment.

[Patriot Prepper]

Swedish fire steel
Cold Steel Oda sheath knife
Guyot designs stainless steel water bottle.

Good choices. Sounds like we are on the same track.

[Patriot Prepper]

Probably the same 3
still looking for the "perfect" knife, fire steel, metal water container to boil it (still searching for the perfect one there too)

I hear you and agree, there is no perfect knife, etc. In fact, many guys are still looking for the perfect women. Now that's a challenge.
Hey man, thanks for the input.