Your emergency preparedness kit should include a few basic tools for repairs, bug-out vehicle situations, fueling tinder, and more. Make sure you’re ready for whatever the world might throw at you with these 14 basic prepper tools.
1. Snacks and Water Filters
Food and water are not prepper tools, per se. Especially because you’ll only have so much room in your survival kit. However, you’ll want to add a few basic snacks to supplement a larger food and water supply. Think granola bars, dried fruit, and portable water filters.
Want to know how to create long-term food storage at home? Take a peek at this guide: Prep for When Crisis Strikes: Long-Term Food Storage Techniques
2. First Aid Kit
Having a first aid kit on hand is always a good idea — survival situation or not. Unexpected injuries can happen at any time. To ensure you’re prepared, equip your tool kit with bandages, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, pain relievers, and more.
Not sure what to put in your first aid kit? The Lifeline Deluxe First Aid Kit has all the basics, so you don’t have to guess. From gauze pads and wound closure strips to tweezers and scissors, you’ll have what you need.
3. Radio
Radios are essential for staying up to date on the latest news and updates. You can get a battery-powered or solar-powered radio, but we recommend solar. Solar options can help you stay connected without electricity. And because you want to be prepared for whatever comes your way, it’s important to consider possible power outages or wilderness survival situations.
4. Flashlight
Whether you’re trekking through dark terrain or signaling for help, flashlights always come in handy. You might also consider packing candles and headlamps for added measure. But be sure to stash a few extra batteries and rechargers in your toolkit.
5. Self-Defense Tool
If you’re in a survival situation, whether that’s a long-term blackout or making your way through the wilderness, you’ll need a way to protect yourself in case SHTF. From protecting yourself from large animals and thieves to hunting down food, adding a firearm to your toolbox is crucial.
If you’d prefer a different method of self-defense, pepper spray and sharp knives are good options too.
6. Fire-Starting Tools
Trying to stay warm throughout the night? Heating a meal for your family? One of the most basic tools you need is something that can start a fire. This includes lighters, matches, and fire starters.
One option we recommend is the portable, lightweight 4Patriots Freedom Flame. It creates a discrete, flameless, and windproof light that can get your fire up and running in no time.
7. Car Escape Tool
Many people forget their car bug-out bag when planning for an emergency. But what if you need to drive from one location to another? What if you need to sleep in your vehicle?
Having a small, lightweight car escape tool can help you cut through jammed seat belts, break car windows in a pinch, or even call for help with an emergency whistle. Plus, it’s small enough to fit on your keychain, so you don’t have to worry about it taking up space in your toolbox.
8. Portable Battery Charger
Speaking of car bug-out bags, what if your car battery dies in an emergency? Consider putting a portable battery charger in your tool kit. Jumper cables are smaller and more lightweight but require aid from another vehicle. Getting help from other motorists may not always be possible.
To feel confident that you can get your vehicle back up and running on your own, opt for a self-charging option.
9. Compact Shovel
From farming and stashing goods to shoveling mud from under car tires, shovels also offer many perks in survival situations. Plus, the 4Patriots Ready Shovel has a lot of other great add-ons. Not only do you get a shovel with an impressive serrated edge, but it also comes with a nail remover and 2 hex-wrench sizes. You’ll be ready to fix anything in a pinch.
10. Zip Ties
Zip ties are one of the most versatile “multitools” you can have. They can be used to craft shelters, mark trails, secure bandages, repair broken or damaged gear, and restrain threatening individuals or creatures. They can even be used as a belt if your pants don’t quite fit.
Put plenty of these in your toolbox.
11. Duct tape
Like zip ties, duct tape is a great multi-tool to add to your emergency tool kit. Duct tape can be used to build shelter, create insulation, preserve food, collect water, and temporarily patch all sorts of things like busted pipes and broken windows.
No matter what, don’t forget to add duct tape to your kit. You won’t regret it.
12. Rope
Catch fish. Hang clothes. Build shelter. Stay physically connected to family members while navigating tricky terrain. Rope has a long list of uses. And even if you don’t know them all, you’re sure to create some of your own in an emergency.
13. Knives
No matter how many ways you slice it, everyone should have a few different knives in their survival toolbox, including you. Knives are not only tools but weapons. Whether building a fire, procuring food, opening cans, or defending yourself, packing a few different knife options is never a bad idea.
14. Local Map
Although you may think you know the ins and outs of your local area, it’s always best to stay extra prepared. Maps rarely take up a lot of space, but their benefits are grand.
Whether roadways are cut off or you’re searching for alternative routes to your bug-out location, having a general idea of where you are and where you’re headed is never a bad idea.
4Patriots is here to help you build your emergency tool kit. Shop survival gear, including lanterns, solar cookers, gardening tools, and more online today.
