A Survival Kit has recently caught everyone’s attention, mostly due to the military conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which has been threatening the European continent for more than three years now.
Fearing that the war could escalate across the region, countries such as Finland, Sweden, and Norway have already released official instructions to prepare their civilians.
More recently, even the European Union itself — through Hadja Lahbib, the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management — presented a recommended survival kit to help individuals stay self-sufficient for 72 hours in case of a crisis.
Although the subject might seem extreme to some, building a survival set and preparing for crisis has always been a must for us survivalists.
But if you haven’t prepared until now, this is your chance to make it right.
Learn what you absolutely need in your survival kit to endure hard times — and don’t get caught by surprise.
Ready? Stay with us.
What is a Survival Kit?
A survival kit can be defined as a set of essential items you should keep organized to endure a crisis scenario — such as war, social collapse, or environmental disaster.
While some keep a survival kit at home, it’s also smart to tailor your kit to the most likely scenarios outlined in your emergency plan.
For instance, if your plan involves evacuating your home during a natural disaster, it’s best to have a Bug Out Bag (B.O.B) prepared for each family member.
On the other hand, in a social crisis, staying home might be a better call — in which case, a well-equipped home survival kit is ideal.
But then comes the crucial question that naturally arises when preparing a survival kit:
What should I really put into it?
Let’s find out — and help you avoid wasting your time or money.
Must-have items to have in your Survival Kit
Preparing for a crisis means stepping up — protecting yourself and your home from the challenges ahead, proactively.
Knowing exactly what basics to include in your survival kit will save you from buying useless or overly expensive gear that could slow you down when time is critical.
Here’s our survival kit checklist — based on experience and official guidelines from globally recognized agencies like FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) in the U.S.
#1 Flashlight
Whether you’re inside a building with poor lighting or the power grid has collapsed, you’ll absolutely want a reliable flashlight in your kit.
From ancient times, the fear of the dark has been a constant concern for humanity — and for good reason.
In extreme scenarios, a flashlight can even disorient an attacker when using the strobe mode.
#2 Extra batteries and power bank
Modern society relies heavily on electricity — from water pumps to smartphones and home appliances.
But what if the power supply fails?
Back in 1965, people thought a large-scale blackout was impossible. But that same year, one of the largest power failures in history hit parts of eastern Canada and several U.S. states, affecting over 30 million people.
The blackout lasted just 25 hours but led to looting, fires, and about $1.5 billion in damages (adjusted to today’s currency).
Lesson: don’t gamble with luck.
Stock up on extra batteries for every critical device and a fully charged power bank.
#3 Non-Perishable Food and Water (at least 72 hours)
Without food or water, the average human body survives for around a week — and that’s not guaranteed.
Stock up on non-perishable food and clean water to cover at least 72 hours in a mobile kit or ideally several weeks to months for a home setup.
Choose high-carb and protein-rich options like canned fish, beans, and energy bars.
#4 Battery-Powered or Hand Crank Radio
In a blackout or communication breakdown, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio is still one of the most reliable ways to stay informed through official emergency broadcasts.
That’s why it’s an indispensable item in your survival kit list.
#5 Extra Phone Battery/Charger
It’s undeniable that our modern phones are our main source of communication.
But our smartphones remain vital during crises — not just for communication, but also for navigation, information, and light.
Make sure you have a fully charged power bank and, if possible, a spare battery to keep your phone alive when it matters most.
#6 Multitool
From cutting branches to opening canned food, a multitool can serve many critical functions that are easy to overlook in daily life.
Make sure your survival set includes one — you’ll be glad you did.
#7 First Aid Kit (+Prescription Medications)
A first aid kit can make the difference between quick healing and life-threatening infection.
Tailor the kit for each family member and don’t forget to include essential prescription medications, as they may not be available during a crisis.
#8 Cash and Family Documents (in Waterproof Container)
If the system fails, cards and ATMs won’t work.
Cash will become the currency for food, fuel, and essentials.
Also include copies of important documents — ID, insurance, and banking info — in a waterproof pouch.
#9 Local map
Modern dependence on GPS can be dangerous if the grid goes down.
A detailed map of your area is an essential backup to help you navigate without digital tools.
#10 Higiene basic items
Toilet paper, plastic bags, moist towelettes — hygiene is vital for both health and morale in long-term emergencies.
Don’t neglect it.
With these 10 essential items in your survival kit, you’ll be better prepared than most when disaster strikes.
If you found this article useful, share it with someone you want to help be ready.
See you in the field!
