Starting or upgrading your survival gear can seem daunting. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, having the right accessories is crucial for safety, autonomy, and readiness. Here is a curated list of the 10 essential survival accessories covering water, energy, communication, first aid, and more to build an effective and adaptable kit.
1. Portable Water Filter
Examples: Sawyer Mini, Grayl GeoPress.
Lightweight and compact, it allows safe drinking anywhere. Ideal for removing bacteria and parasites to ensure potable water in nature or emergencies.
2. Tactical Flashlight
Example: Olight Warrior 3S.
Powerful and durable, with long battery life. Essential for lighting in the dark, navigation, and nighttime security.
3. Multitool Knife
Examples: Leatherman Signal, Victorinox Huntsman.
Versatile and compact, perfect for cutting, opening, repairs, and even first aid. A must-have survival tool.
4. Firestarter
Example: Gerber Bear Grylls Firestarter.
Works even when wet, producing strong sparks to quickly start fires, stoves, or candles.
5. Solar Power Bank
Examples: Nitecore NB20000, BigBlue Solar Charger.
Allows charging phones, GPS, and other electronics off-grid, ensuring energy autonomy in the wild.
6. Emergency Radio
Examples: Midland ER310, Eton FRX3+.
Rechargeable by solar or hand crank, these radios receive weather alerts and keep you informed during crises (more info).
7. Tactical Backpack
Examples: 5.11 Rush 72, Direct Action Dragon Egg.
Robust with multiple compartments and optimal comfort, supporting full gear for extended autonomy.
8. Thermal Blanket
Example: SOL Emergency Blanket.
Ultra-compact, it preserves essential body heat to prevent hypothermia in harsh conditions.
9. Premium First Aid Kit
Example: Adventure Medical Kits.
Contains bandages, antiseptics, basic supplies, and specific accessories, essential for quick treatment of injuries and infections.
10. Folding Solar Panel
Example: Goal Zero Nomad 50.
Charges generators, lamps, and batteries, offering a practical and durable renewable energy source (details).
Summary Table
| Accessory | Main Use | Example | Key Feature | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portable Water Filter | Safe drinking water | Sawyer Mini | Compact, removes bacteria | €25–50 |
| Tactical Flashlight | Reliable, durable lighting | Olight Warrior | Powerful, long battery life | €80–120 |
| Multitool Knife | Versatile cutting & repair | Leatherman | Multiple functions | €100–140 |
| Firestarter | Quick fire ignition | Gerber | Works wet | €15–25 |
| Solar Power Bank | Charge electronics | Nitecore NB20000 | Eco-friendly charging | €70–150 |
| Emergency Radio | Stay informed in crisis | Midland ER310 | Solar / crank powered | €50–90 |
| Tactical Backpack | Gear transport | 5.11 Rush 72 | Robust, comfortable | €150–200 |
| Thermal Blanket | Heat retention | SOL Blanket | Ultra-compact | €10–15 |
| Premium First Aid Kit | Emergency care | Adventure Medical | Complete & compact | €40–80 |
| Folding Solar Panel | Renewable energy | Goal Zero Nomad | Durable & foldable | €150–200 |
FAQ – Survival Gear Accessories
Pump or pressure filters (e.g. Grayl GeoPress) are ideal for hiking, while gravity or straw filters (e.g. Sawyer Mini) suit short quick trips.
Choose models rated IPX7 or higher for waterproofing and durability, such as the Olight Warrior 3S.
Keep the ferrocerium rod dry and practice the technique to quickly create sparks, even in wet conditions.
Comfort, capacity (liters), modularity (MOLLE system), water resistance, and easy compartment access.
At least 50W for basic use, up to 100W or more to charge multiple batteries and devices.
Conclusion
With these 10 accessories, you cover the essentials: water, light, energy, heat, medical care, and communication. Perfect for starting a solid survival kit or upgrading an existing one.
