The Useful and Affordable Pocket Survival Kit

Gaye Levy, Contributor
Activist Post

More than a few of my readers have asked about an efficient, affordable and extremely portable everyday carry kit, often referred to as an EDC.  I have been reluctant to respond because everyone’s needs – or perceived needs – are different.  But there is one thing most of us have in common and that is the need to have on our person a few essential items that will get us through a myriad of unpredictable circumstances.

With that introduction, I would like to suggest five pieces of gear that should be in every backpack, every purse and every glove box.

The list is a simple one and while the sky is the limit when it comes to gear, the entire kit can be put together with quality items for less than $55.

There is a lot to like about the Kershaw OSO Sweet Knife. This “oh so sweet” knife is solidly built, stainless steel knife that comes razor sharp right out of the package.  It will pretty much cut through anything the price is amazing.  About $23.

Here is another of my favorites.  The Streamlight Nano Light Keychain LED Flashlight is extremely small and lightweight yet it will throw off a decent amount of super-bright light.  At just .36 ounces and 1.47 inches long, the Streamlight Nano Light Keychain Flashlight will take up a minimum of space in your pocket or bag.  About $7.

If you have the time and interest, you can easily put together your own Paracord Survival Bracelet.  Or you can get one ready-made.  Why a Paracord Bracelet?  So you always have some of this useful cord on your person!

There are a thousand uses for Paracord, but some of the most common are to make gear repairs, to strap things together (or up or down) and make a tow line.  But like I said, there are thousands of uses for this extremely durable and extremely strong cord.  About $7.

When being heard is a matter of safety, or even life and death, you want a whistle that is not only loud but that can be heard for a long distance.  I settled on this particular Windstorm Safety Whistle after reading numerous reviews.  Sure, there were others that were louder, but this particular whistle could be hear a long distance away and above howling wind and other competing sounds.  About $7.00.

The last item in our Portable Survival Kit is a Swedish Firesteel.  Using this basic pocket fire-starter, you can get a nice fire going under almost any conditions.  The key, of course, is to practice before you actually have to use the Firesteel in a real life survival situation.  This is a small, compact version – perfect for the pocket kit.  About $11.

Again, I do not want to give you the impression that this kit is the be all and end all of survival kits.  It is not.  But it is a good, basic starter kit or secondary kit for someone for someone who needs to put together a kit to carry with them at all times as they go about their daily business.  And that, I believe, includes just about everyone.

Read other articles by Gaye Levy here.