5 Innovative Survival Tools Every Explorer Should Own 

There are many situations in which your survival will depend primarily on the right tools.  

Perhaps you were enjoying a scintillating game drive, and your off-roader broke down, which means you must now spend the night in the middle of nowhere. Or maybe you’re having an all-family camping vacation in an off-grid location when you suddenly run out of your fire starter kit and are forced to improvise for the remainder of your stay there.  

Since each survival situation is unique, it’s best to equip yourself with tools designed for the specific scenario you’re likely to encounter. However, certain gear may come in handy in any life-threatening situation. 

 Read below as we unpack the five innovative survival tools every explorer should know. 

A glass breaker is a hand-held tool designed to facilitate escape through glass barriers during emergency situations. Motorists commonly use the gadget to smash their way to safety during auto accidents.  

There’s a plethora of glass breakers you can add to your survival kit. However, the best way to get your hands on a quality window breaker tool is to order the equipment through a survival subscription box.  

BattlBox is a household name in the survival subscription box industry. The company supplies various tools and implements necessary for different survival situations.  

BattlBox’s ResQme Vehicle Escape Tool is a top recommendation if you’re looking for a glass breaker designed with efficiency and durability in mind.  

The ResQme Vehicle Escape Tool is a glass breaker, and seatbelt cutter rolled into one. The tool can facilitate escape from different car emergencies, including rollovers, fires, floods, and submersions. Simply grab it, deploy its seat belt cutter, and then use the pointed tip to smash through your vehicle’s windshield or side windows. The pointed tip features robust stainless steel that can break through the toughest glass. 

The nature of your emergency situation doesn't matter. You’ll need to make a fire sooner or later, be it to keep warm, prepare a meal, or boil drinking water.  

A box of matches and a lighter are the go-to fire-making items under ordinary circumstances. However, they may not be so efficient during survival scenarios.  

You need a robust fire starter kit to serve you throughout the emergency.  

When shopping for a fire starter kit, insist on those that ignite easily. The tool should also provide a long burn duration (at least 20 minutes) and a maximum number of strikes (at least 4,000).  

It’s also best to pick a fire starter that features a compact design and comes with weather-proof capabilities. Especially research the tool for moisture- and wind resistance. 

You’re camping in the middle of nowhere when suddenly, you’re awakened by creepy sounds in the dead of night.  

After listening keenly, you realize your camping ground is swarming with army ants or venomous serpents. Or worse yet, the site has been overrun by local tribal militia.  

These are some of the emergency situations in which a flashlight can significantly improve your chances of survival.  

A flashlight lets you navigate your way through pitch black. You can also use the tool to signal rescuers to your location.  

Expectedly, flashlights differ in performance and efficiency. Be sure to pick one rated for at least 1,000 lumens. A higher lumen means more brightness.  

Battery quality is another critical aspect to consider when buying a flashlight. Prioritize lamps that run on lithium-ion batteries, as such batteries provide better energy density and extended run time.  

It’s impossible to discuss survival tools without mentioning a multi-tool.  

And no, we’re not talking about the oscillating multi-tool, which, although remarkably effective, may be unideal in most emergency situations due primarily to the fact that it runs on electricity. A manual multi-tool would be more appropriate.  

True to its name, a multi-tool lets you carry out various functions. You can use it to skin an animal, slice meat, and cut through twigs. It may also come in handy when sanding rough edges, cutting a hole in the canvas, or opening a food can.  

To help you carry out all these tasks, you’ll need a multi-tool designed with a maximum number of individual tools and functionalities.  

Remember also to pick a small tool that’s small and lightweight, as that translates to portability. 

Constrained resources and physical injuries and illnesses typically characterize survival situations.  

While you may foretell your current food supply's duration before you need to replenish, injuries and diseases are notoriously unpredictable. That makes a well-stocked first-aid kit another essential tool to add to your survival gear.  

A survival first-aid kit should contain essential items like bandages, gauze, tweezers, antiseptic ointments, and peroxides.  

The kit should also feature different classes of medications. Have some pain relief analgesics, gastric acidity antacids, and nausea antiemetics. Others include anti-inflammatories for inflammation, antihistamines for allergic reactions, antimalarials for malaria, and antidepressants for anxiety and depression.  

Don’t forget your prescription meds, too.  

Needless to say, choose a lighter first-aid kit to stock up on as many items as required.  

Summary 

The above tools should be a staple component of any survival gear. While they may not magically whisk you out of the danger zone, these handy pieces of equipment can be instrumental in helping you cope with a life-threatening situation as it unfolds.