Military tactical survival gear is essential for soldiers, survivalists, and outdoor enthusiasts who find themselves in extreme environments where rescue may be delayed. Having the proper equipment can mean the difference between life and death. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key components of military tactical survival gear, their functions, essential considerations for selection, real-world examples of their use, and tips for getting the most out of your kit.
Core Components of a Tactical Survival Kit
There are certain core components that every military tactical survival gear kit should contain. These include essentials for shelter, navigation, water treatment, fire starting, first aid, tools, food, and signaling. Let’s take a closer look at each:
Clothing and Footwear
Effective layering with the right clothing and footwear is fundamental to surviving extreme conditions. Some key considerations include:
Camouflage: For situations requiring concealment in woodland, desert, or urban environments, choose patterns that blend with your surroundings.
Base layers: Look for lightweight, quick-drying fabrics like wool or synthetic materials that wick moisture away from your skin.
Insulating layers: Fleece or wool shirts provide insulation without sacrificing breathability for active use.
Outer layers: Durable, waterproof/windproof jackets and pants protect your core layers from precipitation and wind.
Footwear: Prioritize rugged, waterproof boots with good ankle support, traction, and durability. Comfort is also important for long distances.
Headwear: A warm hat that protects your head and ears is essential for all climates. Consider adding a balaclava or neck gaiter as well.
Shelter
Having reliable shelter is crucial for surviving extreme weather and dangerous animals. Good options include:
Lightweight tents: While not always necessary, a free-standing tent provides excellent shelter from the elements in all conditions. Look for durable ripstop nylon fabrics.
Tarps: Versatile tarps can be used to make improvised shelters or ground cloths. They also work well as an emergency rain fly.
Bivy sacks: Compact waterproof bags are ideal for minimalist shelters and emergency situations when weight is a concern.
Hammocks: In warmer climates, hammocks keep you off the ground and provide airflow, though still require shelter from above.
Proper setup is also important. Look for features like vestibules, adjustable pole structure, large ventilation points, and integrated guylines/stakes for stability. Practice different shelter configurations.
Navigation
Get lost and survival becomes exponentially more difficult. Reliable navigation tools include:
Maps: Detailed maps of the area show terrain, landmarks, paths and hazards to avoid. Laminated maps withstand the elements.
Compass: Traditional compasses accurately indicate cardinal directions for navigation on maps.
GPS devices: Provide precise location coordinates and backcountry navigation features, though require batteries. Consider carrying backup maps as well.
Altimeter watches: Monitor elevation changes which impacts weather, route planning and rescue. Barometric pressure readings also improve weather forecasting.
Water Purification and Storage
Carry enough clean water or the means to obtain and treat it from sources in the field. Options include:
Water purification tablets: Chemical tablets like chlorine dioxide or iodine instantly kill bacteria and viruses with a shelf life of years.
Water filters: Remove contaminants by physically trapping particulate matter and pathogens. Ceramic, hollow-fiber and gravity filters are popular options.
Boiling: Bringing questionable water to a full boil is a very effective method, though fuel-intensive.
Water bottles: Durable, leak-proof bottles with wide mouths for easy filling and cleaning. Choose BPA-free materials.
Hydration systems: Convenient hydration bladders/reservoirs distribute weight on the body compared to bottles alone.
Always treat water from natural sources like lakes, ponds or streams, as contaminated water can lead to potentially deadly illnesses like giardia. Having redundant water purification methods extends your options.
Other Core Components
Let’s discuss some other essential categories to round out a comprehensive kit:
Fire Starting Equipment
The ability to start a fire provides warmth, cooking capabilities, signaling potential and psychological comfort. Reliable options include:
Lighters: Provide an easy spark but can fail in wet conditions or run out of fuel. Carry multiple lighters or backups.
Matches: Sturdy wind/waterproof box or book matches work well as a backup to lighters.
Charcloth: Fire starter tinder treated with potassium chloride or sodium chloride. Prepared ahead of time for reliable fire starting.
Magnesium fire starters: Magnesium fire starters rely on friction and create an intense sustained flame, useful in wet conditions. Several types exist like fire rods or magnesium/flint starters.
Ferrocerium rod/flint: Sparks from a ferrocerium rod and steel striker can be used to ignite tinder, with practice. Other methods include flint and steel.
Always carry backup fire starting options and practice different techniques until you’re proficient. Proper tinder, kindling and fuel arrangement is also key to reliably light and sustain a fire.
First Aid Kit
Even minor wounds can escalate into life-threatening issues without proper first aid. Prioritize:
Bandages: Assorted sterile gauze, wrapping bandages, cohesive bandages for dressings and wound closure.
Antibacterial ointment/cream: Accelerates healing and prevents infection.
Alcohol wipes/Water purification tablets: For wound, hand and equipment disinfection.
Blister bandages/pads: Foot blisters debilitate, so include moleskin and padding.
Antihistamines: For allergic reactions to plants, insects or medications.
Painkillers: Aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen reduce discomfort, fever and inflammation.
Tweezers: For removing splinters, ticks or debris from wounds.
Medical tape: Secures dressings in place. Include duct or packing tape too.
Guaze rolls/trauma supplies: For wrapping major cuts, burns or potential limb injuries. Consider a CAT tourniquet, hemostatic gauze and chest seals/bandages.
First aid reference guide: Pocket guide details treatment for common issues like breaks, sprains, blisters.
Consider your likely risks and pack accordingly. Re-supply consumables annually and regularly practice common first aid procedures.
Survival Tools
Handy tools facilitate tasks from food prep to shelter repair:
Multi-tools: Compact tools combine pliers, knives, screwdrivers and scissors in one package. Lightweight and very helpful.
Fixed-blade knives: All-purpose tool for cutting, chopping, whittling, etc. Stainless or carbon steel hold edges well.
Hatchets/Axes: A headlamp-sized hatchet handles smaller wood processing compared to a full-sized axe. Sharpened and protected from the elements.
Cordage: Paracord is very strong for lashing, tying, snares. At least 50′ per person and include 550 paracord.
Signaling whistle: Loudly signals distress over long distances. Water resistant/proof models preferred.
Fire starters: Include additional ferrocerium rods, cotton balls, etc. as backup to primary fire starters.
Fishing kit: Basic tackle, hooks, line, sinkers, lures, nets. Learn edible local species.
Proper care and maintenance ensures tools retain sharp edges, function reliably and last through hard use over time.
Food and Nutrition
Pack foods that satisfy nutritional needs while remaining lightweight and nonperishable:
Survival rations: Energy-dense bars, crackers or pastes sustain you through exertion with minimal water needs. Variety prevents boredom/fatigue.
Jerky/nuts/seeds: High in protein, fiber and healthy fats for energy, focus and fullness between meals.
Granola/oats/rice: Carbohydrate-rich fast-cooking grains form hot breakfasts or side dishes.
Fruit/veggie powders: Shelf-stable supplements of vitamins, minerals from food sources.
Also pack snacks for mental breaks, flavor packets to boost morale, and sample emergency food packets to test personal tolerance. Rotating stock maintains freshness and variety. Identifying edible local flora expands options.
Emergency Signaling
These tools signal rescuers if lost or injured:
Whistles: Loud, compact whistles produce a piercing tone audible over long distances. Dual-tone options send messages.
Signal mirrors: Compact, high-quality mirrored surfaces reflect sunlight for visual signals.
Flare gun/flares: Provide intense visual signal visible for miles at night or in low visibility. Require special licenses/permits to carry.
Signal panels/cloth: Brightly-colored panels or suspended reflective material seen from aircraft or elevated positions.
Strobe lights: Visible for miles at night, waterproof LED options run for 30+ hours on batteries.
Always carry multiple redundant signaling tools and know appropriate international distress signals to employ in an emergency until help arrives.
This covers the core of what any comprehensive tactical survival kit should contain. But selecting quality gear and mastering skills are equally important. Read on to learn more.
Additional Considerations for Your Tactical Survival Kit
Beyond core military tactical survival gear components, consider these additional factors for outfitting your kit:
Accessories
Include accessories that further customize your kit:
Headlamp: Hands-free light for nighttime tasks like navigation, first aid or camp chores. Extra batteries too.
Ziploc bags: Varied sizes organize and protect gear/documents from moisture.
Duct tape: Repairs tears in clothing, gear, improvised tools/traps, and patches leaks.
550 Paracord: Versatile 7-strand nylon line for lashing,Guylines, snares, repairs. 100 feet minimum.
Survival blanket: Compact metallic blanket reflects 90% of radiant heat. Doubles as groundsheet or visual signal.
Emergency rain poncho: Keeps dry during downpours over clothes and pack. Look for taped seams.
Utility knife: Backup cuts after fixed blade dulls. Serrated edge excels on cordage or bones.
Reference guides: Field guides on edible/toxic plants, knots, navigation, first aid packed for learning on the go.
Personal Gear
Additional essentials ensure comfort:
Toiletries bag: Toothbrush/paste, feminine supplies, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, baby wipes.
Sunglasses: Rated for UV protection, sturdy frames withstand impacts. Also clear safety glasses for tasks.
Wristwatch: Cell phones/GPS require batteries but an analog watch remains powered indefinitely.
Journal/notebook: Document lessons, sketches, waypoints for yourself or rescuers to follow.
Entertainment: Books, cards, games stave off boredom during downtime or injury recovery. Consider e-readers that preserve batteries.
Foot care: Moleskin or blister bandages, hiking poles help tired muscles during long treks. Spare insoles too.
Laundry cord: For air drying wet clothes away from skin and shelter areas.
Staying clean, organized and comfortable improves morale during survival situations. Consider including small luxury items for psychological boosts as well.
Gear Care and Maintenance
Routinely checking gear prevents failures:
Repair kit: Extra cordage, buckles, webbing, fasteners, zip ties, etc. Fix minor breaks or customize gear use.
Spare parts: Extra tent pole sections, stove parts, electronics ensure continuous operation.
Lubricant: Keeps hinges, O-rings conditioned for reliable use in all weather.
Cleaning supplies: Toothbrush, small wire brush, solvent safely removes corrosion or gunk buildup from tools, hardware.
Spare components: Replace batteries, fuel bottle, flints before primary stock runs low. Continued use ensures familiarity.
Annual checkout: Fully inspect/service/replace worn parts annually before each season. Replenish consumables and update kit as skills/needs change over time. Properly stored gear lasts for many seasons of use.
Taking care of gear with regular maintenance is just as important as owning quality components. Equipment failures jeopardize survival when it counts most.
Survival Skills Development
While gear is crucial, mastering essential survival skills is what keeps you alive. Here are some skill areas to focus on:
Navigation: Map reading, using a compass, land navigation techniques. Consider orienteering courses or geocaching for fun practice.
Wilderness first aid: Basic wound care, splinting, recognizing/treating hypothermia/dehydration, etc. Take accredited WFA courses.
Firecraft: Reliably starting fire using varied methods in any conditions, proper fuel/tinder selection and lay techniques.
Shelter building: Constructing lean-tos, debris huts, anchored tarps. Practice setups in different environments on day trips.
Foraging: Identifying edible local plant life, trapping small game, fishing techniques particular to your area.
Wilderness survival: Long term scenarios developing water/food resources, signaling, flint knapping stone tools. Consider survival retreat workshops.
Mental preparedness: Managing stress, decision making with limited resources, evading disorientations like “playing hurt”.
Incorporate regular drills and tests into your training to build real experience. Consider solo overnights with just a minimal kit to truly prepare. Be safe and never stop learning new skills.
With a well-rounded kit, regular practice and continual learning, you’ll gain the core competencies to increase your odds of survival when faced with adverse conditions far from civilization. Proper planning is key to using your gear effectively when it matters most.
