What do you want to have in an emergency?
This is the question all hikers ask themselves when they start packing their bug out bag. The bug out bag holds necessities that are required to survive a few days if something goes wrong on the hike. You need to make sure everything is small, lightweight and absolutely necessary. Bug out bags are perfect for preppers who want to make sure they’re ready for the absolute worst situation.
The Best Tech For Your Bug Out Bag
There is a lot of technology that can be useful in a bug out bag. Here’s the best tech you should have ready for an emergency.
Heat
FireStar Fire Piston Fire Starter (Price: $59.95): This small, lightweight fire starter is the most convenient item to have when you need heat. The FireStar Fire Piston generates heat from compressed air and then spontaneously combusts to create fire. Fuel is not required for the Fire Piston to work, and you don’t have to charge it. All you need is the 4.5-ounce item.
Omni-Heat Sleeping Bag Liner (Price: $49.98): Although the ability to start a fire is essential for survival, you’ll also need to stay warm when you sleep at night. Columbia’s Omni-Heat sleeping bag liner is perfect for this. The liner traps your body heat and keeps you warm in cold temperatures. You’ll stay toasty without needing an outlet or some source of electricity.
Hydration
Tactical 3L Hydration Pack (Price: $89.00): The Tactical 3L Hydration Pack is necessary for all hikers. You can wear it as a backpack, vest or fold it into the back pocket of a larger pack. It can be cleaned easily, and the taste of the water won’t change.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter (Price: $19.93): Need something small, lightweight, easy to fit in a bag and capable of making all water drinkable? Look no further than LifeStraw. LifeStraw is a water filter that has met EPA standards. This filter has been used around the world and provided many areas with clean drinking water. Instead of carrying a heavy jug of drinking water, you can take your LifeStraw with you and drink from any body of water you find in the wilderness.
Food
BioLite Wood Burning Camp Stove (Price: $139.99): You’re going to need a small portable stove if you want to cook food. The BioLite Wood Burning Camp Stove can cook your food while charging your phone through its USB port. You only need to charge your phone for 20 minutes to get an hour of time making phone calls. The stove needs a battery to start up, and then it generates its own power once it’s turned on.
Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink (Price: $19.95): I’m sure you take your sink at home for granted. Sea to Summit has made a portable sink that is perfect when you want to wash dishes and clothes, hold ice and bathe. It holds a lot of water, and you can fold it into a pocket-size pouch. This sink makes it a lot easier to store and use water. Preppers will love having this sink so they can efficiently use water when it isn’t easily accessible.
Health
Tinke Fitness and Wellness Tracker (Price: $119.00): You’re going to want to track your health if you want to survive.
Tinke stands out from other health trackers because it’s the only one that measures heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, and heart rate variability. Tinke is very lightweight and plugs into your smartphone, so make sure you keep your phone charged.
Tools
Celestron Elements FireCel (Price: $39.95): This multi-purpose device can do just about anything you need it to do. It has a strong battery that charges any USB-powered device.
It also acts as a hand warmer, which will come in handy at night. It also has five different LED lights for walking around at night. It’s so small it can fit in your pocket.
Communication
UST JetScream Whistle (Price: $9.95): Sometimes people will be around you, even if you can’t see them. You’ll want get in touch with them somehow. Why not use the loudest whistle in the world? The UST JetScream whistle generates 122 db, so everyone around you will know someone is looking for help. Preppers should always carry this whistle with them. They can easily contact the next person if something goes horribly wrong.
KA208 Credit Card Size Portable AM/FM Radio (Price: $12.60): You’ll want to stay in touch with the outside world. A portable radio is useful so you know what’s going on in the world. It’ll also provide comfort and entertainment when you need it. It’s also the size of a credit card, so you can keep it in your pocket.
Get Packing
Now that you know the hottest tech for your bug out bag, it’s time to go shopping and get packing. Get ready, preppers. Your next journey awaits!
Megan Ray Nichols is a science writer for Schooled By Science. She enjoys learning and writing about the newest innovations in technology. When she isn’t writing, Megan enjoys hiking, fishing and stargazing.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on July 9, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
