What to Put in a Survival Bag: Essentials and Optional Items for Novice Preppers

When preparing for the unknown, having a well-stocked survival bag can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving. For novice preppers, understanding what to pack in your survival bag is crucial. Using Denver Survival’s 2-Person 10 Day Premium Survival Bag as a guide, we’ll explore the essential and optional items you should consider, categorized by survival needs.

Water and Hydration

Essentials:

• Water Pouches: Denver Survival's bag includes several sealed water pouches, each capable of lasting for several years.
• Water Filtration System: A portable water filter can remove bacteria and parasites from natural water sources, making almost any water safe to drink.

Optional:

• Water Purification Tablets: For an added layer of safety, these can treat water when you're unsure of your filter's capacity to handle heavy contamination.

Food and Nutrition

Essentials:

• Ready-to-Eat Meals (MREs): The 10-Day Bag features meals that are calorically dense and require minimal preparation.
• High-Energy Snacks: Energy bars and dried fruits provide quick calories and nutrients without cooking.

Optional:

• Hunting/Fishing Supplies: Lightweight traps or fishing kits can be included for longer-term survival scenarios.

Shelter and Comfort

Essentials:

• Compact Tent: Included in the bag, this offers a quick-setup shelter that is crucial in any environment.
• Emergency Blankets: These help retain body heat during cold nights.

Optional:

• Sleeping Pads: For added comfort on rough terrains, these can make a significant difference in sleep quality.

Health and Safety

Essentials:

• First Aid Kit: A comprehensive kit in the Denver Survival bag includes bandages, antiseptics, and basic medications.
• Emergency Tools: Equipped with knives, pliers, and other tools, this is indispensable for quick repairs and emergencies.

Optional:

• Personal Medications: Include a supply of any prescribed medications that you or your partner may need.

Clothing and Weather Protection

Essentials:

• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: The bag includes basic rain gear and thermal wear.
• Durable Footwear: Not included in the bag, but vital to include in your personal packing list.

Optional:

• Extra Socks and Underwear: These items are crucial for maintaining personal hygiene.

Communication and Information

Essentials:

• Emergency Radio: A hand-crank or battery-operated radio ensures you can receive updates even when power is out.
• Charged Power Banks: For keeping your small electronics powered.
• Compass: While GPS is helpful, traditional navigation tools are fail-safe options.

By categorizing your items into essentials and optional, you can tailor your survival bag to fit your specific needs, the environment you anticipate being in, and the duration of your potential emergencies. Denver Survival’s 2-Person 10 Day Premium Survival Bag offers a robust foundation, but always consider personalizing further to ensure you’re as prepared as possible for anything you might face. Remember, the goal is not just to survive, but to do so with a level of safety and comfort that can help you maintain your well-being in challenging situations.