The most basic survival need (can you guess what it is?)

If the SHTF tomorrow, there would be just three things you would need to survive. It's food, water, and shelter, right? It's the most basic things you will have to seek out quickly during an emergency. But there is an even more basic need if you're going to survive for any length of time during an emergency situation.

How do you catch/harvest, clean, and prepare food? How do you make sure your water is drinkable? How do you build a fire?

You need survival tools.

Not everyone has the time, resources, or capacity to spend countless hours becoming a survival expert. But you don’t need to get a master’s in bushcraft to make it through an urban disaster. In fact, in addition to the proper mindset, putting some careful thought into the items you carry on your person and in your emergency kit is the wisest way you can prepare for the unexpected. Read more about how to cultivate a survival mindset here: https://tihk.co/blogs/news/urban-survival-101-how-to-adopt-a-survival-mindset

So when is stuff of such utmost importance? In two areas: your emergency kit, and your everyday carry.

Emergency Kit.

This can take many different forms depending on where you live, where you work, what skills you possess, what kind of transportation you take to and from work each day, etc. But at the end of the day, you need some sort of emergency kit available to grab at a moment’s notice with enough to sustain you for- at the very least- 24 hours. 3 days is better. There are two basic types of emergency bags: a get home bag (for getting home from wherever you are) and a bug out bag (for leaving home when it has become unsafe). Here are the basics that should be in your emergency bag, no matter what you call it:

  • Water, and/or a tool for water purification
  • Multi-tool (with a lock pick set if you know how to use it)
  • A first-aid kit

Read this article to learn more in depth the items that should be included in a bug out bag: Urban Survival 101: How to Build a Bug Out Bag

Everyday Carry

The items you carry on your person every day need to support your preparation and survival. That means you are carrying more than just your cellphone and your chapstick. There are a multitude of sleek and minimalist everyday carry options available that will provide you with extra peace of mind every day, without weighing you down or bulking up your pockets. Here are some tiny and inconspicuous options for every day carry that pack a serious survivalist punch:

    1. Micro Escape Kit
    2. HK2
    3. EvadeCard

Read more about how to customize your perfect everyday carry: Choosing the Best EDC For You

Want more survival tips?

You Should Be Carrying a Lockpick Set. Here's Why.

Could You Escape Handcuffs With Nothing But a Hair Pin?

Urban Survival 101: How to Adopt a Survival Mindset