Emergencies can happen without warning. Whether it’s a flooded basement, a nighttime power outage, or a car breaking down far from help, these situations show why being prepared matters. Unfortunately, many people wait until it’s too late to get ready.
A 2024 study from the Federal Emergency Management Agency found that 69% of Americans have some emergency supplies. This sounds good, but it’s essential to look at what’s actually in those kits. Just having a few granola bars and an old flashlight isn’t enough. The difference between having supplies and having the right supplies can decide how well you handle an emergency.
We create and curate gear for essential moments. Our goal is to offer high-quality tools that perform at their best when you need them most. We partner with skilled designers and use top materials so you don’t have to find out your equipment isn’t up to the task during an emergency.
Here are 10 types of gear that every serious survival kit should include.
A Reliable Cutting Tool
A good blade is one of the most valuable tools you can have. You’ll need it for cutting rope, preparing food, making kindling, building shelter, and opening packages. These tasks often arise in emergencies, and attempting them without the right tool wastes time and energy.
We make our Urban Knives in small batches with careful attention to detail. We work with designers who understand that a good blade needs to be comfortable to use, stay sharp, and last a long time. A pocket knife should do its job well, not just look nice. Our folding knives are built for both function and quality, because both matter when you need reliability.
A blade can also help you feel more in control during uncertain times. When you have a tool that works well and feels sturdy, it gives you confidence in unpredictable situations.
Dependable Light Sources
Everything is harder in the dark. Simple tasks that are easy during the day can become slow and risky when you can’t see. Ready.gov recommends having flashlights and extra batteries in every emergency kit, and for good reason.
We offer compact flashlights along with our knives, multi-tools, and other everyday carry items. A good flashlight helps you see, signal for help, check injuries, and find your gear when it matters most.
Pick flashlights with different brightness settings. Use a low setting to save battery during extended outages, and a high setting to see through smoke, fog, or rain. Always have a backup light, since batteries can run out when you least expect them to.
Water Storage and Filtration
You can go longer without food than without water. The American Red Cross recommends one gallon of water per person per day. That’s enough for three days if you need to leave home, and two weeks if you’re staying put. For families, this adds up fast, and city water systems fail more often than many people think.
Portable water containers let you store clean water and carry it if you have to move. Filters and purification tablets help when your stored water runs out, or you find water from an unknown source. A water bottle with a built-in filter is lightweight and can filter hundreds of gallons before the filter needs replacing.
Don’t count on tap water always being available. Earthquakes can break pipes, floods can pollute water plants, and freezing weather can burst water mains. Plan for these situations.
First Aid Supplies
People are more likely to be injured during emergencies than in regular times. They move quickly in places they don’t know well, handle things they usually wouldn’t, and work in bad lighting or under stress, sometimes with tools they’re not used to.
A basic first-aid kit should include absorbent dressings, bandages in different sizes, cloth tape, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, and pain medicine. Add your medications and notes on dosages and who prescribed them.
It’s just as important to know how to use your first aid supplies as it is to have them. Taking a first aid class can teach you how to stop bleeding, spot infections, and decide when you need a doctor. The kit provides tools, but training provides the know-how.
Communication Tools
During emergencies, information is crucial. Knowing which roads are open, where shelters are, and which areas are being evacuated helps you make the best choices for you and your family.
Ready.gov recommends having a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive weather alerts. This way, you can receive updates even if the internet or cellular service is unavailable. A whistle is also a good backup for signaling for help when you can’t shout, or your voice won’t carry far.
We include high-quality pens in our everyday carry gear. A dependable pen lets you leave notes, write down important details, and communicate even if you can’t use electronic devices.
Organization and Carry Solutions
If your gear is scattered, it won’t help you in an emergency. Searching for a flashlight in the dark wastes valuable time. Keeping your equipment organized makes it easy to find, protects it from damage, and enables quick access when needed.
We offer handmade leather pouches and other carriers for your everyday items. These help keep your pocket knives, flashlights, multi-tools, and other small gear organized and easy to reach. When each item has its own spot, you can find it by touch, even in the dark.
Choose a container for your bigger supplies that fits your needs. A camping backpack spreads the weight for easier carrying. A duffel bag gives you quick access and flexible packing. Waterproof containers keep essential items safe from water and spills.
Food Supplies
Most healthy adults can go three days without food, though it’s not comfortable. Longer emergencies mean you’ll need steady energy to stay safe. The Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests keeping at least three days’ worth of non-perishable food in your kit.
Choose compact, high-calorie foods that don’t take up much space but give you the energy you need. Emergency food bars, dehydrated meals, and canned goods with long shelf lives are good choices. Don’t forget a manual can opener, since electric ones won’t work if the power is out.
Check your food supplies every six months and replace any items that have expired. Rotating your food keeps it fresh, so you don’t end up with spoiled or stale items when you need them most.
Fire Starting Capability
Fire gives you warmth, light, a way to boil water, a way to cook food, and a signal for rescue teams. Knowing how to start a fire in harsh conditions is one of the most crucial survival skills.
Ready.gov recommends keeping matches in a waterproof container as part of your emergency supplies. It’s smart to have more than one way to start a fire. Bring waterproof matches, a ferrocerium rod and striker, a good lighter, and tinder that lights even when wet.
Practice fire-starting skills before you actually need them. Try using a ferrocerium rod in your backyard on a nice day to learn how it works. It’s much harder to figure it out for the first time in cold, wet weather.
Navigation Tools
Electronic navigation can stop working if batteries die, cell towers go down, or you lose satellite signal. Paper maps and a compass don’t have these problems.
Ready.gov suggests keeping local maps in your disaster kit. The United States Geological Survey lets you print detailed maps at home. Learn how to read them before you actually need to use them.
Using a compass with a paper map helps you locate your position and plan routes without technology. These skills take some practice, but they’re not hard to learn and are very useful.
Personal Documents and Emergency Information
You’ll need proof of identity, medical information, insurance documents, and emergency contacts to get help, receive care, or verify your identity with officials.
The American Red Cross recommends packing cell phones, medication lists, proof of address, passports, and extra cash. Copies of essential documents should be stored in resealable, waterproof plastic bags. Keep originals in a secure location and carry copies in your emergency kit.
Having extra cash is essential because electronic payments often don’t work in emergencies. Bring small bills, as vending machines, small shops, or temporary vendors may not have change for large bills.
Building Your Kit the Right Way
The Federal Emergency Management Agency found that people who learn how to prepare are five times more likely to take action than those who don’t. Reading this article is a good start, but taking action is what really counts.
We launch new everyday carry gear every Wednesday at 12 PM Pacific Time. This includes pocket knives, flashlights, multi-tools, and other accessories for equipment users. Quality is essential because you can’t afford to have gear fail in an emergency.
Begin with the items listed here. If you’re on a budget, add to your kit over time. Test your equipment regularly and ensure you know how to use everything before you need it. Preparing now takes some effort, but it pays off when an ordinary day suddenly turns into an emergency.