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Survival Tools Checklist
The tools worth packing in a family go bag, from cutting and digging to water, fire, light and signaling.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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This list is for a household that wants one go bag per person, each stocked for at least three days. That is the figure Outside's survival writer gives. It covers tools that do several jobs, such as a multitool, a hatchet and a folding shovel. It also covers water treatment, fire, light and a way to signal. Beyond the tools, it adds a first aid kit, an emergency blanket or bivvy and a sewing kit. Food, clothing and the skills to use any of it are left out.
Why these items are on the list
- Multitool or Swiss Army knife. Outside's survival writer suggests a model with a saw blade, several knife blades and scissors.
- Hatchet or small axe. A short axe for camp work. Outside notes the Gerber Bushcraft has waterproof handle storage for matches and fire starters.
- Folding camp shovel. It collapses for storage. Uses range from bathroom duty to keeping a campfire from spreading.
- Water filter. Self Reliance Outfitters describes the Sawyer Mini as rated to 0.1 micron absolute and weighing 2 ounces.
- Water treatment tablets. My Patriot Supply lists Potable Aqua germicidal tablets as 50 per pack, a second way to treat water.
- Lighter and tinder. The shops list them separately, so check that both are in the bag.
- Emergency blanket or bivvy. Some bivvies come with a rescue whistle, so check before buying a separate one.
- Rescue whistle. SOL lists its Slim Rescue Howler Whistle as a 2 Pack, which is enough for two bags.
- Signal mirror. One model is made to float, which matters if you carry it near water.
- Compass and map tool. Self Reliance Outfitters lists Pathfinder Map Tool, which plots grid coordinates on two map scales and includes a compass rosette.
- Solar or hand-crank flashlight. Some models add a solar panel or a hand crank. Pick the one that suits your household.
- Hand-crank weather radio. One model combines an AM/FM/NOAA radio, a solar flashlight and a hand crank in one unit.
- Power bank. Stealth Angel Survival lists a solar panel power bank rated at 20,000mAh, so solar charging is an option.
- Duct tape. SOL lists its duct tape as a 2 Pack, so one purchase covers two bags.
- First aid kit. My Patriot Supply lists My Medic kits from 111 to 204 pieces, so choose a size that fits your household.
- Can opener. My Patriot Supply lists its Ready Hour emergency can opener as a 2-Pack, which makes a spare easy to add.
- Sewing kit. Meant for mending. My Patriot Supply lists its Ready Hour emergency sewing kit at 28 pieces and $9.99.
- 100-hour candle. My Patriot Supply lists the Ready Hour 100-Hour Candle as a 1-Pack priced at $9.99.
- Go bag for each person. Outside says each family member should have one, with enough for at least three days.
On your phone, tick each piece as you pack it and you can see what is still missing. Share the list with the household so each bag has its own copy.
When to use it
Use it when you are building or checking a go bag, before storm season or a camping trip.