Want the best? Head straight to the top 6 survival gadgets we’re geeking out over!
Until we had modern conveniences like grocery stores and mass-produced food, most people were prepared with canned goods and knowing how to hunt.
It wasn’t until the Cold War started in the 1950s that people started to worry about being prepared in case of a disaster, and the prepper movement has been growing since. [source]
Whether you’re preparing for a disaster or just enjoy spending time in nature with a minimum of supplies, we have created a list of the best survival gadgets and tools that every prepper needs in their kit.
Happy trails!
The Must-Have Survival Gadgets of 2023
1. BioLite Campstove With Electricity Generation For USB Charging
One of the funnest parts of camping is sitting around the fire at night. With the BioLite Campstove with Electricity Generation for USB Charging, you can charge your phone and other wireless devices while enjoying the warm glow of a campfire.
This lightweight, portable camping accessory generates and stores 3 Watts of useable electricity in its internal 2600 mAh battery. You can use this powerbank to keep flashlights, LED lights, phones, and other devices charged up while you enjoy the great outdoors.
2. ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
Connecting with nature can be refreshing, but it can also be dangerous. Go get lost in the woods with peace of mind when you have the ZOLEO Satellite Communicator by your side.
ZOLEO is the first Iridium satellite-based messaging device of its kind, which offers truly global messaging to and from anywhere in the world. You can use it to send and receive SMS text messages and email via the ZOLEO app on your smartphone or tablet.
If something goes wrong while you’re venturing out in the wilderness, this handy device can be used to declare an emergency SOS alert. The alert along with your GPS coordinates will be sent to GEOS, which is the brand’s 24/7 emergency monitoring partner.
While everything’s going alright during your travels, you can also send check-in messages to others so they know you’re okay. Add your GPS coordinates to any message you send so that someone always knows where you are.
3. IDRYBAG Lightweight Waterproof Backpack & Dry Bag
Even when you try your best to avoid the rain, sometimes storms can sneak up on you while you’re camping. Keep your clothing, electronics, matches, and other essentials totally protected with the IDRYBAG Lightweight Waterproof Backpack and Dry Bag.
Available in 20L, 30L, and 40L sizes, you can pack as much or as little as you want. It also comes in a range of colors, including black, blue, grey and yellow. We prefer yellow for visibility.
With an inner pouch as well as an outer splash-proof pouch, it’s easy to keep your things organized and conveniently located. Use this waterproof bag for camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and many other outdoor activities.
4. Surviveware Waterproof First Aid Kit
If you get injured outdoors, the last thing you’d ever want is to reach for your first aid kit only to find that everything inside has been soaked and ruined. Ensure that this will never happen to you by keeping the Surviveware Waterproof First Aid Kit with your supplies.
Made with welded seams and a watertight zipper, this is one hardcore pack. It can be kept underwater at a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes, making it ideal for everything from boating to backpacking. Get further peace of mind with clearly labeled sections, which can help you stay calm and find what you need easily in an emergency.
Keep your first aid kit on hand at all times with a removable MOLLE-compatible system and D-rings. This versatile design allows it to be clipped onto backpacks, headrests, roll bars, and even secured around boats or kayaks.
5. VSSL Adventure Essentials Survival Kit
Toss out your safety essentials checklist and stop worrying about what you might have forgotten to pack with the VSSL Adventure Essentials Survival Kit. Perfect for weekend-long wilderness adventures, this handy kit contains all the safety supplies you need to make your trip worry-free.
Cleverly stacked inside a military-grade aluminum LED flashlight, this kit is both convenient and super-helpful. It comes with waterproof matches, a compass, water purification tablets, reflective trail markers, and a wire saw. Each item is packed securely in a small canister that slides right into the tube of the flashlight. Carry it along in a backpack or pocket and leave your troubles behind.
6. FosPower Emergency Powerbank Radio with Solar & Hand Crank Charging
While it can be nice to completely disconnect and lose yourself in the wilderness, it’s also nice to know what kind of weather is heading your way or get news about natural disasters. It’s also nice to have a way to charge your devices should you need to use them, and have a way to send an SOS signal in case of an emergency. Do all this and more with the FosPower Emergency Powerbank Radio with Solar and Hand Crank Charging.
So much more than a radio, this powerful little device features AM/FM radio connectivity, an LED flashlight, a reading lamp, a 2000mAh power bank with USB charger, and an SOS alarm. With a crank handle and solar power, you can rest assured that you’ll always have a way to power it up. If for some reason, you’re not able to generate power, it takes batteries as well.
7. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
In the event of a natural disaster or wilderness emergency, make sure that you’ll always be able to drink fresh water with the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter. This award-winning tool can filter up to 1,000 gallons of contaminated water with no iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals required.
Surpassing EPA filter standards, this powerful pen-sized filter is made with BPA-free materials and can remove a minimum of 99.9999 percent of waterborne bacteria and 99.9 percent of waterborne protozoan parasites from any water source. It also filters to 0.2 microns and comes in a sealed bag for added convenience.
Carry one along on all of your outdoor excursions or get a 5-pack and keep your family emergency kit stocked.
8. Sharpal 6-In-1 Survival Tool
If you or someone you know spends a lot of time deep in the woods hunting and fishing, the Sharpal 6-in-1 Survival Tool is an ideal tool to keep by your side. This pocket knife sharpener with fire starter and whistle contains everything you need to make hunting, fishing, camping, and surviving in the wilderness easier and more convenient.
This pocket-sized 6-function tool features a No. 1 V-Notch slot made of coarse carbide, a No. 2 fine ceramic blade, a medium 400 grit tapered diamond rod, a diamond rod with groove for fish hooks, a Ferro rod, and a high-pitched emergency whistle.
9. UCO Stormproof Match Kit with Waterproof Case
If you’re anything like me, you’ve had visions of being stuck in the woods in a survival disaster, trying to light a fire with your last match when the wind suddenly blows it out and you’re doomed. Maybe that’s even happened to you before. Throw your worries to the wind with the UCO Stormproof Match Kit with Waterproof Case.
This innovative match kit comes with 25 waterproof and windproof matches stored inside a durable waterproof case made of ABS plastic. It also includes three strikers and the case can hold up to 40 matches, so you can add more of your own.
With an extended length and super-long burn time of 15 seconds, you can rest assured that each match can get the job done. After you light a match, submerge it in water, and it will be ready to light again.
These are a great backup to have when camping. If you enjoy exploring the great outdoors, you’ll love our article on the best gadgets to take on your next camping trip.
10. Green Vivid Waterproof Plasma Flameless Electric Lighter
Fire is an essential element during any camping trip, but it isn’t always the easiest thing to create, especially when the weather turns bad. Toss out your old matchsticks and strikers and keep the Green Vivid Waterproof Plasma Flameless Electric Lighter with you to be able to start a hassle-free fire anywhere, anytime.
This flameless, waterproof, and windproof lighter is designed to light in any situation. With a sealed cover and locking clasp with a metal ring, you can rest assured that rain, snow, and even a dip in the water won’t ruin it. Simply charge it via USB cable for 2 hours and use it for up to a week.
For added convenience and safety, the lighter also comes with a para-tinder lanyard and an emergency whistle.
11. Survival Tabs 8-Day Food Supply
Whether venturing out into the wilderness or preparing for a natural disaster, it’s essential to stock up on non-perishable items that can keep you sustained in the event of an emergency. Keep your emergency survival pack stocked with Survival Tabs 8-Day Food Supply. These compact packs come with 96 tabs of emergency food replacement, helping to ensure that you won’t go hungry when all else fails.
Each packet contains 100 percent daily value of 15 essential vitamins and minerals. This food mix is gluten-free, non-GMO and comes with butterscotch, vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate flavors. The best part is it has a 25-year shelf life, so you can use it to stock your survival preparedness kits for the long haul.
12. Don’t Die in the Woods – Ultralight Survival Tent
You never know what’s going to happen when you venture out into the wilderness, so make sure that you’re always prepared to rough it with the Don’t Die in the Woods Ultralight Survival Tent. This ultralight 2-person mylar tube tent provides all-weather protection, making it an ideal year-round emergency shelter for anyone’s pack.
Rolled into a super-compact pouch, it’s easy to carry along in your vehicle or backpack. Even if you’re just planning to go on a hike, you can take this tent with you for assurance that you’ll always have somewhere safe to rest should you find yourself stranded or lost.
A 100 percent waterproof design can protect you from rain, wind, and snow. The tent is large enough for two people and is simple to set up. Just use the 20-foot, 425 lb. strength paracord through the tent and tie it up between two trees.
13. Don’t Die in the Woods – Emergency Blankets
Whether you’re stocking your first aid kid at home, adding emergency gear to your car, or preparing for a wilderness retreat, Don’t Die in the Woods Emergency Blankets make an ideal addition to your supplies.
These waterproof blankets are designed to reflect up to 90 percent of body heat so you can stay comfortable in any situation. With an extra-large 7’ x 5’ size, they’re big enough to cover anyone.
This pack comes with four blankets, so you can keep them in various places or pack them all in a survival kit for the whole family.
14. Emergency Thermal Mylar Blanket Ponchos
Emergency blankets are essential for survival in emergency situations, but they have one serious flaw – you can’t use your hands while wearing one because you need to keep it clutched around you in order to stay warm or dry. These Emergency Thermal Mylar Blanket Ponchos solve that problem by allowing you to keep your hands free while you stay covered.
With a multipurpose design, you can use these ponchos to retain heat or reflect it. The reflective side is highly visible so you’ll be easy to spot in a situation where you may be stranded. With four ponchos in each pack, you can keep them in various places where they might be useful or stock an emergency kit for your family.
15. MECO Hand Crank & Solar Powered Rechargeable LED Flashlight
Ever feel like every time you pick up a flashlight the batteries are dead or the light dims out moments after you turn it on? Keep a reliable torch by your side with the MECO Hand Crank and Solar Powered Rechargeable LED Flashlight.
While this flashlight doesn’t require a battery, it does have a built-in rechargeable one to help ensure that it truly never runs out of power. The solar panel on the battery collects and stores hours of energy from both sunlight and artificial light. If you’re in a place where no light can be found, simply use the hand crank to generate power. For every minute you crank, you generate 10 minutes of light!
This handy little accessory also comes with a snap carabiner clip, so you can attach it to a backpack, belt loop, and other convenient places.
16. Savior Paracord 550 Apple Watch Band
If you love taking your Apple Watch out on outdoor adventures, you’ll be psyched about the Savior Paracord 550 Apple Watch Band. This durable and stylish survival gear accessory is made with 550 lb. paracord and has an adjustable stainless steel shackle.
17. Holtzman’s Paracord Keychain Carabiner
Don’t have an Apple Watch but still want easy access to paracord in an emergency?
Holtzman’s Paracord Keychain Carabiner is the ultimate 5-in-1 multipurpose survival tool.
In addition to a 550 lb. paracord, it includes an emergency whistle, a cutting tool, a flint rod, and a key ring. Just clip it to your backpack, beltloop or keys and be prepared for whatever life hands you.
Love a good multi-purpose keychain? Check out our article on the coolest keychain gadgets for everyday carry enthusiasts.
18. LEATHERMAN Stainless Steel Multitool Bracelet
If you’re an adventurous soul who’s always on the go, it can be a real pain to have to lug around a tool set, no matter how convenient it’s supposed to be. What if we told you that you can wear 29 tools right around your wrist? The LEATHERMAN Stainless Steel Multitool Bracelet is a revolutionary accessory that’s built for life.
Box wrenches, hex drives, flathead screwdrivers, Philips head screwdrivers, and an oxygen tank wrench are just some of the tools that come built into this super handy bracelet. Use the customizable links to easily use whatever tool you need, whenever you need it.
19. Casio Solar Powered Atomic Digital Watch
Looking for a watch that you can make use of during your most extreme outdoor adventures? Look no further than the Casio Solar-Powered Atomic Digital Watch. This beast of a timepiece features Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping and Triple Sensor Version 3 Tough Solar Power to keep it running strong. It also has low-temperature resistance down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit so you can use it even during the coldest winter trips outdoors.
Packed with features like a digital compass with bearing memory, an altimeter, barometer, and thermometer, world time, and sunrise and sunset data, this watch is the ultimate travel companion. It also includes standard features like a backlight with afterglow, four daily alarms with a snooze function, 12- and 24-hour formats, a countdown timer, and a 1/10-second stopwatch.
20. Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife
From cutting rope to gutting fish, there are hundreds of reasons why it’s important to keep a high-quality knife with you when you’re on an outdoor adventure. The Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife has a safe and durable design that can withstand the toughest jobs and the harshest environments.
This 7.1-inch folding knife features a 3.1-inch blade made of black oxide high carbon stainless steel. The blade folds and clips securely into a lightweight aluminum handle that’s designed with a dependable liner lock for added safety.
To make life even easier, the blade is partially serrated and the handle features ambidextrous thumb knobs, an index flipper, and jimping. Keep this handy tool by your side at all times with the convenient pocket clip.
21. High-Efficiency Portable 5 Panel Solar Charger & Power Bank
While it’s always nice to unplug and get lost in the great outdoors, life is a lot safer and more convenient when you have a flashlight and a few other electronic devices with you. When batteries run low, keep your devices charged up with this High-Efficiency Portable 5-Panel Solar Charger and Power Bank.
This super-fast external battery pack is designed for outdoor use, making it an ideal accessory to take along on camping trips and for other extended outdoor activities. With three outputs, you can charge up to three devices using USB C PD 18W or 5V/3A USB A chargers. It’s powerful enough to charge an iPhone 11 over six times, an iPad Pro nearly two times, and a Galaxy S10 Plus five times.
As if the charging power alone wasn’t convenient enough, the solar panels double as bright and effective lighting. With a super-bright 60-LED panel light and two powerful flashlights, you’ll never be left in the dark.
22. 17-In-1 Multitool Survival Card
You really never know when you’re going to find yourself in an emergency situation where any number of tools can save your life. Keep yourself prepared for anything and everything with this 17-in-1 Multitool Survival Card. Dubbed the world’s smallest survival kit with a knife, it’s easy to take with you virtually anywhere.
This credit card-sized toolkit comes with a multi-functional mini knife with spear point, three sewing needles, a micro finger drill, six fishing hooks in various sizes, a fishing lure, a mini button, a set of mini tweezers, a dual-edge fine and medium saw, harpoons, and two mini gigs.
Keep one in your wallet, one in your vehicle’s glove compartment, and a few around the house to have the tools you need always within reach.
23. NanoDry Towel
Whether you like to go backpacking, are a beach bum, or a workout buff, it’s always handy to have a dry towel on you. The NanoDry Towel allows you to keep an ultra-absorbent one on you at all times without taking up much space in your bag.
Made of nanofiber, the fabric of this towel can absorb over two times its weight in moisture. It also features an anti-microbial coating and comes in a vented silicone carrying case. With a carabiner clip that you can attach to either the towel or the case, keeping a towel with you has never been more convenient.
24. MalloMe Camping Cookware Kit
Enjoy preparing all your favorite campfire foods hassle-free with the MalloMe Camping Cookware Kit. This 10-piece kit is super compact but comes loaded with everything you need to cook up your favorite fireside dishes.
With a nonstick pan, a nonstick pot with lid, two bowls, a spatula, stainless steel folding spork, a soup spoon, a wooden spoon, and a cleaning sponge all tucked into a nylon travel bag with a drawstring pouch, the possibilities are virtually endless with this mess kit. When you’re done using it, it all collapses into a small bundle that latches securely closed.
25. 10-In-1 Survival Pen & Multitool
Feel like a world-class spy or superhero from an action film with the 10-in-1 Survival Pen and Multitool. Dubbed as the world’s most loaded pen, it’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum and is packed with the most necessary emergency survival tools.
Not only does it feature a quality ballpoint pen, this unique multitool also comes with an LED tactical flashlight, a rope cutter, a premium glass breaking head, and six multi-tool heads that can be swapped out on the tip of the pen. The multi-tool heads include an emergency whistle, a bottle opener, a cross screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, and magnesium rod firing.
To be sure you can write and use the flashlight for a long time to come, this kit also comes with two sets of batteries and two black ink refills.
26. Yoyito Aluminum Hand Line Reel Pocket Fishing Kit
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional sports fisherman, lose the bulky tackle box and uncomplicate the activity with the Yovito Aluminum Hand Line Reel Pocket Fishing Kit. This pocket-sized kit is packed with everything you need for a successful day on the water.
With six circle hooks and six J hooks in various sizes, you can use it for any type of fish in any type of water. This handy little kit also comes with various sinkers and barrel swivels.
Love to drop a line every now and then? Check out our article on the coolest fishing gadgets for fresh and salt water anglers.
27. Rhino USA Carbon Steel Folding Survival Shovel & Pick
Whether you’re an avid off-roader, have a large piece of land to work on, or like to spend your time scouring beaches with a metal detector, you can make great use of the Rhino USA Carbon Steel Folding Survival Shovel and Pick.
This folding survival shovel has a 20-inch standing size that folds up into a compact pouch for carrying convenience. It also features a pick and a multi-functional military-style E-tool to help you dig up anything, anywhere with ease.
28. Sportsman 36-inch Pocket Chainsaw
Whether pruning trees in your yard or cutting down firewood in the woods, you need a dependable saw that does the work quickly and smoothly. The Sportsman 36-inch Pocket Chainsaw can be taken easily just about anywhere and is designed to do the job better than any other saw of its kind.
With a longer, thicker 36-inch chain made of 65mn high carbon heat-treated steel, this bi-directional, self-cleaning chainsaw is powerful enough to saw three sides of a limb at once! Cut overhead branches, clear mountain bike or ATV trails, or use it to prune trees at home.
29. UST Folding Fuel Cube Powered Stove
Get your outdoor cooking done anywhere, anytime without the hassle of building a fire by using the UST Folding Fuel Cube Powered Stove. This lightweight appliance has a durable construction that’s made to withstand regular backpacking, camping, and hunting trips.
Simply place it on the ground, light the included fuel cubes, and set your cookware on the flame – it’s that simple to use! Each UST fuel cube burns for up to 18 minutes. It can also be used with most campfire fuels as well.
30. DESERT & FOX Ultralight Mini Camping Stove
If you prefer cooking with propane or butane, the DESERT & FOX Ultralight Mini Camping Stove is an essential piece of equipment for you to take along on your camping excursions. This ultralight and super-portable camping stove offers two-way usage. Connect it directly with a threaded-type butane tank or use the high-quality adapter to connect it with any nozzle bottle-type canister.
This type of stove provides higher heat over more extended cooking times than a campfire would, making it an ideal companion for picnics, barbeques, and other outdoor cooking events.
31. Ultra-Bright Emergency Glow Sticks
Stock your vehicle, camping pack, and emergency kits at home with these Ultra-Bright Emergency Glow Sticks to ensure that you’ll never be left in the dark if disaster strikes. These emergency light sticks last for over 12 hours and are very bright for the highest possible visibility.
Waterproof, non-toxic, and non-flammable, these glow sticks are perfectly safe to use and can even be given to kids as a fun nighttime party supply!
The Top 6 Survival Gadgets We’re Geeking Out Over
BioLite Campstove With USB Charging
This multi-purpose device is a literal life saver.
UCO Stormproof Match Kit & Waterproof Case
Easily light a fire in almost any weather conditions.
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
Send texts & SOS alerts when there is no signal.
Surviveware Waterproof First Aid Kit
Be prepared for any situation & environment.
Multipurpose FosPower Emergency Powerbank
A high quality emergency power solution with solar.
IDRYBAG Waterproof Backpack & Dry Bag
Keep your survival gadgets clean & dry at all times.
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Hey! I'm Nathan Jude, also known as the HPGE (Human Powered Gadget Engine) and I freaking love all things gadgets. I started 6gadgets.com to share my passion and geek out with other like minded 'tech heads'! If I'm not searching the globe for new gizmos, you'll find me on the golf course or spending time with my beautiful family.
