The 11 Most Important Survival Items When You’re Lost And Desperate

There is always a chance that you could lose your way in the forest. Be prepared with survival items when you’re lost and desperate.

If you spend any time in the outdoors, you could certainly get lost. You need some survival items when you’re lost and desperate, like when you spend time in the outdoors beyond your own back 40 – assuming that you are blessed and have a back 40! There is always a chance that you could lose your way. Now, if you live east of the Mississippi River, there are really only a few locations where you can lose direction for a long time and be in danger. Places such as the rugged Appalachian Mountains, New York’s Adirondacks, or perhaps the great north woods are a few that come to mind. Head west past the Mississippi and the possibilities of danger only get bigger, as does the land. In places like these, you’ll definitely need some survival items when you’re lost and desperate.

But be it the Appalachians or the Rockies, lost is still lost. And you can die just as easily in the East as you can out West if you head off into the woods without any preparation. Hypothermia, dehydration, falls, predators, outlaws, starvation, venomous snakes, and disease can all kill you. So can drowning, lightning, and avalanches. In truth, the forests of North America can be very dangerous, especially if you have no outdoor experience.

Besides keeping a level head, be sure you enter the woods with at least a basic survival kit/bug-out bag. Here is what I keep in mine:

Survival Items When You’re Lost And Desperate

1. Knife

Your cheaply made $5 pocket knife is not a survival tool. A good, strong knife with either a fixed blade or a locking main blade is an indispensable tool in the woods and wilds. You will always need to cut things, so make sure you never leave home with a dull knife. A multi-tool such as a Leatherman should also go with you, even stowed away in a day pack. Some great knife brands to consider are Buck USA, Gerber, Ka-Bar, Benchmade, and Case. I personally always carry my Ka-Bar USMC knife whenever I am going into the wilderness. I can cut rope with it and I use it as a light-duty pry bar. If needed, I could also use it for self-defense. In addition, I have a Buck folder knife at all times clipped on my pocket.

2. Water Purification

You need a means to purify water. Ideally, you’ll have two methods. A water filtration pump system, iodine tablets, or even a metal container to boil water are all viable methods. You don’t want to be a host for a parasite, so filter up!

Dependable Backup Solar Power – Ready for Anything

Don’t even enter the woods unless you know how to build a fire.

3. Fire Starter

Don’t even enter the woods unless you know how to build a fire. I’m not talking about building a bonfire on a sunny day with a box of matches. Learn how to build a fire with a fire starter, such as a magnesium fire starter, a ferro (ferrocerium) rod with a dependable metal striker, or Swedish fire steel. Never head off into the wilds without two or preferably three methods to light a fire. Windproof and waterproof matches are great but you should never rely upon them as a primary fire ignition tool. Practice until you are proficient at constructing a fire, even with damp wood and without matches. It is shocking to know how many people have to master this basic skill. If you are one of those folks, you’d be wise to learn now. (Read how to start a fire without matches.)

4. Food

It’s not a three-course meal, but I always keep six energy bars in my pack. Emergency calorie bars made by Mayday or Datrex (or a host of other brands) are a great option. Each bar is high in calories and companies have designed them to give a starving person 1,200 calories a day. You also can make your own high-calorie bars. If you want a little meat, a bag of beef jerky is a great option to add to energy bars.

5. 100 Feet Of Paracord

You can use this cord for building a shelter, making a splint, lowering yourself off a ledge, and a gazillion other tasks. The 550 paracord is an indispensable item for your pack. (Read: 17 amazing survival uses for paracord.)

6. Poncho

Keeps you warm and dry when things are not warm and dry. You can also use a poncho as a shelter, as a part of a shelter, or to gather rainwater. Never leave home without a poncho.

7. Clothing

Some extra clothing, if practical. Always throw in a couple extra pairs of wool or polypropylene socks, and maybe an extra undershirt. Having a warm fleece or thermal shirt in case things get chilly can save your life.

8. Compass

An old-fashioned army compass never leaves my pack (unless I need it). Learn how to use one, as you need to know more than just which way is north. Learn to take a compass bearing and use a map if you don’t know these things already.

9. Signaling Device

 A whistle or even a mirror needs to go in the pack as well. You can use a signaling device for signal rescue (unless you don’t anyone to find you), or you can signal others in your party (mirror). I keep a whistle, a few flares, and a mirror. You can use flares to light a fire in bad conditions.

A first aid kit is one of the most essential survival items.

10. First Aid Kit

This admittedly takes up the most room in my pack. I also built my own to deal with heavy trauma, blood loss, broken bones, and a variety of other wilderness emergency scenarios. Don’t scrimp here, custom outfit your own or buy a really good kit. It is one of the most essential survival items when you’re lost and desperate.

11. Folding Saw

Knives are great, but at times you will need to cut more than rope. You don’t want to dull out your knife, which you shouldn’t employ for a larger task. I keep a folding saw in my pack. If you don’t have one, get one for your pack.

Other Survival Items When You’re Lost And Desperate

I never leave home without a few other things:

Firearm: I always, whenever I leave my house and especially in the wilderness, have a firearm.  Most of the time it is my Glock 19 9mm. I carry the pistol and two extra magazines for a total of 46 rounds, and I usually have extra rounds in the pack (25-50 rounds). During hunting season, I arm myself even more heavily. 

Pocket Bible: To me, perhaps the most important item I keep on me as one of the key survival items when you’re lost and desperate.

Emergency Fishing Equipment: Enough small gear to catch a trout with patience, or put out a couple trotlines.

You may also enjoy reading an additional Off The Grid News article: 10 Life-Saving Survival Items You Can Buy At The Dollar Store

Would you like to add something to the list of survival items when you’re lost and desperate? Share them in the comments below.

Filtering Water Is Essential. Read More Here.