Get ready to discover some unconventional gear that could be your lifeline in an emergency! Survival doesn’t always require the usual tools; sometimes, the most effective items are the ones that seem a little odd.
Properly preparing for emergencies can feel overwhelming with endless lists of gear, tools, weapons, and supplies. While many survival items are complex, some of the most bizarre ones can offer surprising benefits that you might not have considered before. These unusual tools can prove invaluable when faced with unexpected challenges.
Explore 13 somewhat strange survival items that, despite their quirky appearances, truly deserve a spot in your survival stash, bug-out bag, or INCH kit. Each item on this list has been selected for its unique utility and potential to enhance your preparedness in ways you might not expect.
1. Super Glue
Super glue is widely known for its strong adhesive qualities but can also be used to close small puncture wounds in an emergency. When applied this way, it even provides minor pain relief, making it a helpful tool in tough environments. Just be sure to clean the wound before sealing it to reduce the risk of infection.
2. Snap Lights
Snap lights, or chemlights, are more than just party accessories; they provide safe, long-lasting illumination. Military-grade versions are ideal for situations where open flames are dangerous, making them perfect for low-light or hazardous environments. They’re also useful for signaling, marking group members, or communicating over distances when other methods fail.
3. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is a tried-and-true remedy used for generations to treat dry or cracked skin, but its usefulness doesn’t stop there. It can remove stubborn stains, free frozen fasteners, and even protect metal surfaces from corrosion. Its affordability and versatility make it a must-have in any home or emergency kit.
4. Pencil Sharpener
A pencil sharpener might seem odd for a survival kit, but it has some surprisingly useful applications in the wild. It can quickly turn a twig into a sharp point for traps, spears, or spikes, making it a handy tool for outdoor projects. Plus, the thin wood shavings it creates are perfect for starting a fire, offering both utility and convenience.
5. Safety Pins
Safety pins are an unexpected yet incredibly versatile tool in survival situations. They can be used for quick repairs, attaching notes, or even creating fishing hooks, spear points, and trap components with a bit of creativity. Their small size and weight make them easy to pack, so there’s no reason not to include a few in your survival kit.
6. Mousetraps
Mouse traps are often overlooked by preppers, but they can be a crucial tool for hunting and trapping for long-term survival. Rodents like mice and rats are common near human habitation, and when properly prepared, they offer valuable protein. Beyond catching food, the robust mechanism of a mouse trap can be repurposed with a tripwire to create an effective early warning alarm in a survival situation.
7. Dryer Lint
Dryer lint might seem like trash, but it’s actually a hidden gem for survival situations. Known for being highly flammable, it ignites easily and burns hot, making it an ideal fuel for starting fires. You can store it in a ziplock bag, waterproof box, or even an old Altoid tin, and it’s so effective you might never need another tinder again.
8. Garbage Bags
Garbage bags might seem like an odd survival item, but they are incredibly versatile. In a bug-in scenario, they are essential for managing waste and preventing health hazards from piling garbage. Beyond their primary function, garbage bags can collect rainwater, create makeshift sleeping bags filled with insulation, or provide shelter waterproofing, making them invaluable in any survival kit.
9. Floss
Floss is crucial for maintaining hygiene, even in a survival scenario where personal cleanliness is often overlooked. However, its uses extend far beyond dental care. This strong, thin cordage is perfect for lashing arrowheads, creating snares, or even braiding into fishing line. Additionally, floss serves as durable stitching for mending clothing or gear, outperforming regular thread, especially in harsh conditions.
10. Bleach
Bleach is a standout in survival situations, known for keeping laundry bright but serving two crucial purposes. First, plain, unscented sodium hypochlorite bleach can effectively sterilize water by killing harmful microorganisms, making it essential for health when relying on contaminated sources or compromised public supplies.
Second, it serves as an effective cleaner for surfaces, tools, and skin that may have encountered germs. A strong bleach-and-water solution ensures that any lingering germs are eliminated, providing confidence that you and your surroundings remain safe and hygienic.
11. Steel Wool
Steel wool is a staple in workshops and kitchens worldwide. It is known for scraping off stubborn deposits and rust. In survival scenarios, it can serve an unexpected but vital role in fire-starting.
When combined with a common disposable 9-volt battery, steel wool ignites easily. Simply roll the steel wool into a thin bundle and touch its ends to the battery terminals; this creates a glowing hot section that can quickly ignite tinder and kindling, making fire-starting effortless. Exercise caution, as the steel wool can get extremely hot, but this method is one of the quickest ways to start a fire when options are limited.
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38 Things Every Prepper Should Stockpile That Aren’t Water, Food, or Weapons
This list extends beyond the basic survival trio of water, food, and weapons. It’s a given that we need to stock up on water, food, and a way to defend ourselves and what we have. But what other things will you need in a survival situation?
None of us truly knows what TEOTWAWKI will really look like, although most of us have theories we think most likely. But whatever the situation is, there are certain supplies that it just makes sense to have on hand, aside from the obvious trio I mentioned above.
20 Crucial Supplies for Surviving a Societal Collapse
In the face of uncertainty, being well-prepared gives you at least some degree of control and security. The thought of a societal collapse, while extreme, prompts us to consider how we might endure without the conveniences of our current lifestyle.
Here’s a list of 20 essential items that could prove indispensable in such a scenario. This guide isn’t about succumbing to fear but embracing preparedness and resilience.
