Four must-have items to survive in the woods

Always have what you need. (Thought Catalog via Unsplash/)

Surviving an unplanned night in the woods doesn’t always mean death—if it’s not too cold, no one is injured, and you find help right away. But what about when it starts to snow? Or an injury is so severe you can’t walk? Don’t leave your safety to chance. Being armed with these items may well be the difference between an uncomfortable night or two and a rescue that turns into a recovery.

Prepare for what lies ahead. (Amazon/)

Carrying a knife into the woods just makes sense. But what if your knife also helps you start fires, call for help and gives you instructions on how to survive? The 4.8-inch fixed stainless steel blade can cut firewood or filet a trout. It comes with a whistle on the lanyard and fire starter in a watertight holder. Even more impressive are the built-in features. The base can be a hammer and the holes in the side allow you to lash it to a stick to use as a spear. It has what you need and nothing you don’t.

Stay warm anywhere. (Amazon/)

Even in the pouring rain, this fire starter won’t let you down. It generates three times the heat of ordinary matches and the carbide striker and flint-based bar will last for over 100 strikes. It’s also compact and weighs less than an ounce. Survival experts recommend carrying at least two ways to start fire. Make this one of them.

Have what you need. (Amazon/)

With 100 essential supplies from 6-inch shears and bandages to a CPR pouch with instructions to an emergency blanket, this kit will clean your wounds, save your head and maybe save your life. Don’t worry if your gear falls in a river, the bag is water resistant and inside pockets are waterproof. The inner sleeves are labeled, meaning you can quickly find what you need even in a moment of panic.

Dehydration kills. (Amazon/)

Few of us plan to suck water from a murky pond through a small, blue straw. But if your water supply runs dry and your only other option is drinking straight from the pond, you’ll be happy you have this blue straw. It filters up to 1,000 gallons of contaminated water, requires no batteries and has no moving parts. It weighs 2 ounces and is only 9 inches long. We rarely plan to be without water, but all of us should.