If there is one positive that came out of the pandemic, it's the fact that I learned to love spending time in the great outdoors. While I've always had a love for traveling, I never spent too much time outside. Once the world was locked down and I became stir crazy, camping and hiking became one of the only ways to escape the cabin-fever. Now I can't get enough, and I am always planning my next big hike or camping trip.
With camping and hiking, it's so so important to have items on you that you can use should you run into any emergencies. From phone chargers to first-aid kits to lanterns to roadside assistance kits, these items can quite literally save your life. So if you spend your time in nature, or you just spend a lot of time in your car (and let's face it, who doesn't) then you need these 37 products from Amazon!
We hope you find these products as awesome as we do. Just an FYI: We are a participant in the Amazon affiliate program, and may receive a share of sales from links on this page. Prices on Amazon fluctuate so anything mentioned below might change as soon we publish it!
This Filtered Straw Allows You To Drink Any Water You Come Across
Amazon.com
While the chances of running out of drinking water are low, it's not impossible. Especially if you find yourself hiking, camping, etc. That's where this filtered straw comes in handy. Carry it with you at all times so that you can turn any river, lake, etc., into drinking water with minimal effort.
Never Get Lost Again With This Compass
Amazon.com
While most of us carry our phones with us 24/7, we can't necessarily rely on them to get us through emergency situations. Batteries die, we lose service, etc. That's why having a compass is essential. The last thing you want is to get lost when you're in the middle of nowhere. It may seem old school, but it could end up saving your life.
Stay Warm With This Emergency Blanket
Amazon.com
Having a blanket in your car may seem silly, but you never know when you're going to need it. This emergency blanket is rolled up into a small nylon sack so you can stash it anywhere or carry it with you, thanks to the included carabiner. The NASA-designed mylar is waterproof and reflects up to 90% of body heat to keep you warm.
Although It's Small, This Lantern Is Crazy Bright
Amazon.com
Finding a bright lantern can be tricky. A lot of the ones on the market don't seem to illuminate the areas enough for me. I've run into the issue of good lanterns being pricey. That's why I was surprised to see how bright and affordable this camping lantern is. It's foldable and can easily fit in a backpack or pocket but still lights up a space enough to see what you're doing and where you're going.
This Anti-Fog Spray Is A Total Necessity
Amazon.com
Not only does this anti-fogging spray keep your glasses clear while wearing a mask (glasses-wearers know the constant struggle), but it also keeps your windshield fog-free while driving. I keep mine in my glovebox so I can pull it out whenever my windshield gets too obscured.
This Paracord Bracelet Will Allow You To Be Ready For Survival Without Stuffing Your Backpack
Amazon.com
Paracord bracelets are quite literally lifesavers and an absolute must-have for anyone wandering into the wild. The bracelet includes a fire starter, compass, an emergency whistle, a rod striker, and a military-grade paracord that can be used for shelter. It'll come in handy anytime you're in the great outdoors, trust me.
This Hand Crank Radio Will Keep Your Phone Charged And Your Path Lit
Amazon.com
This hand-crank radio is really a tool that covers a lot of bases. Along with the radio–which can receive weather forecasts and emergency news broadcasts–the tool also has a solar power bank capable of charging any small tablet or phone, a flashlight, and an SOS alarm.
Rip Through Trees Like Butter With This Pocket Chainsaw
Amazon.com
I'm going to be honest. I had never heard of pocket chainsaws until I put together this list, but now that I know about them, you can bet I bought one for my camping trips. It cuts through tree limbs like butter, perfect for making fires, and has nylon handles that are easy to grip and won't cause blisters.
Say Goodbye To Lighter Fluid With This USB Rechargeable Lighter
Amazon.com
I always carry a lighter around with me, even though I don't smoke. You never know when you're going to need a light. What I don't love about lighters is the fact that you constantly have to worry about whether or not you've got enough lighter fluid. That's why I love ones like this USB rechargeable lighter. The minute it runs low, all you have to do is plug it in for a couple of hours, and it's good as new.
Stay Warm And Dry In Emergencies With This Tent
Amazon.com
I consider myself a big camper. There's nothing I love more than spending time in the great outdoors at a campsite with a community of people who also love nature. And while this tent is not an everyday go-to, it's ideal for keeping in your car or bringing with you on long hikes. It fits two people, is waterproof and windproof, and even comes with an emergency whistle that can be heard up to 1-mile away.
Use The Sun To Keep Your Devices Charged With This Solar Charger
Amazon.com
A solar charger should be one of the first pieces of survival gear that you get. As I mentioned earlier, we're all addicted to our phones and devices, and they've become important survival gear as well. Should anything happen during a camping trip or a hike, you're going to want to call for help. But you can't do that if your phone is dead. Use the sun to charge your devices with this solar charger. When fully charged, you can charge an iPhone up to 6-10 times and a tablet up to 3-4 times.
This Multitool Does Quite Literally Everything
Amazon.com
I'm all about saving space and finding tools that have multiple purposes. Just like this multipurpose multitool! The 18-in-1 tool includes an axe, hammer, clamp, fish cleaner, mini knife, saw, hex wrenches, screwdriver, can opener, and more. Can you believe how useful that is?! I can't.
Get Yourself Out Of Sticky Situations With This Folding Shovel
Amazon.com
I've never needed a shovel during an emergency in my 27 years of life. That is until last week. During a trip in the snow, we ended up getting our car stuck in the snow. We didn't have anything to use to dig ourselves out and ended up using pots and pans that we had for camping. Let's just say it didn't work that well. That's why I foldable shovel like this one is important! Now you'll never catch me without one.
This Water Bottle Has A Built-In Filter
Amazon.com
If you don't love the idea of carrying a Lifestraw around with you, you can use this filtered water bottle! Not only does this help you avoid single-use plastic water bottles, but the filter removes bacteria, viruses, cysts, lead, chlorine, odors, chromium, and more. That means you'll have drinkable water everywhere you go.
This Survival Whistle May Be Small, But It's Very Loud
Amazon.com
There are a few things that I have on my keychain at all times. The two most important are pepper spray and an emergency whistle. This whistle, although small, is crazy loud. It's audible over 1 mile and is super durable. For less than $10, I can't recommend it enough.
Save Space And Stay Full With These Food Supply Tabs
Amazon.com
Emergency food kits can be crazy expensive and tend to take up a lot of space. And while it is important to have an emergency food kit at home, you don't need to lug it around with you while you're out and about. Instead, opt for these survival food supply tabs. They're created to supply the body with essential vitamins and nutrients when you don't have access to real food. One pouch has enough to sustain one person for eight days.
This Pepper Spray Is Pocket Sized And Powerful
Amazon.com
I've had pepper spray on my keychain for years now as a safety precaution, and I highly recommend it to everyone, especially ladies. This pepper spray, in particular, is small enough to fit on your keychain and comes in a bunch of cute colors, making it a cute yet practical addition to your keys.
Never Worry About A Dead Phone Again With This Portable Charger
Amazon.com
Okay, okay, I promise there won't be any more phone chargers on this list after this one. They're just really important. When I'm camping for multiple days, I don't have access to electricity to charge my phone, so a phone charger is a must, especially since I feel more comfortable hiking or exploring when my phone is on and working.
These Jumper Cables Will Save You From Spending Hours On The Side Of The Road
Amazon.com
I'll be the first to admit that I've never really had to worry about jumping my car. But as I got older, my parents pushed the importance of having jumper cables should I run into any issues. These are super affordable but will get the job done if your car dies and leaves you stranded.
This Keychain Has A Compass, Cutting Tool, Whistle, And More
Amazon.com
Paracord bracelets aren't your only option for paracord. If you want to have a sturdy rope without having to wear it, you can use this keychain. The cord itself can hold a load up to 500 pounds, it includes a bottle opener, and the carabiner allows you to hook it to your backpack for easy access.
This Door Lock Adds An Extra Layer Of Protection To Your Home
Amazon.com
I first came across portable door locks on Tik-Tok of all places. If you live in an apartment or find yourself staying in hotels often and want an added layer of protection, these locks are great. While small, they will hold a door firmly closed and keep any unwanted people out of your room.
This Tactical Pen Really Is Mightier Than The Sword
Amazon.com
Remember how I mentioned loving multi-use tools? This tactical pen is another incredible option. The aircraft-grade aluminum is super strong, making it a handy self-defense tool. It can also be used to break glass, open bottles, and even has a flashlight. Not to mention, you can use it as an everyday ballpoint pen.
This Mini Lighter Is As Small As The Tip Of A Finger
Amazon.com
The minute I saw this mini lighter, I was shocked at how small it was. It's literally the size of a tip of a finger. Oh, and did I mention that it also has a mini knife attached to it too?! It takes up virtually no space, so it's definitely a must. You won't even remember it's there!
Everyone Needs A Compact First Aid Kit
Amazon.com
First-aid kits are always essential, and this 85 piece kit has absolutely everything you could need if you get injured. It has everything from sting relief pads, cleansing wipes, band-aids, gauze, scissors, tape, and more.
Light Up Your Space And Keep Track Of Your Tools With This Tool Pickup LED Light
Amazon.com
One of my favorite things about this tool pickup LED light is the fact that its neck is telescoping so you can move it around and fit into nooks and crannies. It's also magnetic, so should you drop anything, like nails, you can pick them up without having to strain your back.
This Car Roadside Emergency Kit Has Everything You Need For Car Troubles
Amazon.com
As I said earlier, jumper cables are super important. But if you want a kit that has even more goodies for roadside assistance, this emergency roadside kit is for you. Along with the cables, it has a first-aid kit, tow rope, safety hammer, reflective warning triangle, tire pressure gauge, tire repair tools, and more. And it all comes in a small bag that will fit perfectly in your trunk.
Keep A Fire Strong With This Pocket Bellowing Tool
Amazon.com
Starting a fire (and keeping it lit) is one of the most complicated parts of camping. Every time we go, we end up spending a good 20-30 minutes trying to collect twigs and brush to get it to catch. I don't mind too much, but I'm all about saving time. That's why I invested in this pocket-bellowing tool. It allows you to stay out of the smog while allowing you to transfer oxygen into the heart of the fire. And as someone who just recently had a face full of smoke, I'm all about that.
This Credit Card Sized Multitool Can Fit In Your Wallet
Amazon.com
This may not look like much at first glance, but this multitool is credit card-sized and can be used as a ruler, screwdriver, bottle opener, can opener, peeler, a cellphone stand, box opener, letter opener, and wrench. And it can literally fit in your wallet!
These Gloves Are Wearable Flashlights
Amazon.com
I've featured these gloves on a couple of Amazon lists because they are just too good. Whether you're hiking and need to navigate your way around the campsite, you're working on the car, or you're doing a little early morning fishing, these illuminate your way while keeping your hands free.
This Small Keychain Can Shatter A Window In Seconds
Amazon.com
While I don't keep this keychain on my actual keys, it's one that I keep in my middle console for emergencies. It's used as a seat belt cutter and a car window breaker if you ever get into a car accident. And it's small enough to keep in your car 24/7, so you know that you'll be safe.
See Your Way Through The Dark With These Night Vision Goggles
Amazon.com
I'm gonna be honest; these night vision goggles kind of make me feel like a spy. They let you see up over 110 yards at night with 3x magnification and a 2x digital zoom button. If you're a hunter, these will help you step up your hunting game in an instant. Oh, and they also happen to be helpful should you find yourself stranded in the woods.
Stop Yourself From Slipping With These Cleats
Amazon.com
Being from the desert means that I don't find myself in the snow too often. However, that doesn't mean that it doesn't happen. If you find yourself in the snow often, you may want to invest in some snow cleats. The chain and spike system provides excellent traction on a wide variety of terrains and weather conditions. You'll be trekking in mud, snow, and ice with no problem.
This Dry Bag Will Keep All Your Survival Gear Dry
Amazon.com
I actually just recently purchased this dry bag for a trip to Zion National Park, and I absolutely loved it. We hiked through The Narrows, a hike that involves trekking through a river that can get up to waist deep, and it kept all of our items safe and dry. I confidently stored my phone, food, and clothing, all of which never got a single drop of water on them, thanks to this bag.
This Lantern Is A 2-In-1 Light And Phone Charger
Amazon.com
Okay, okay, so maybe I lied about the phone charger thing. But, in my defense, this is a lantern and a phone charger. The 4000 mAH battery provides approximately 100 hours of light on low mode and can recharge your device extremely quickly. And at less than 10 oz, it's powerful but doesn't weigh you down.
This GPS Will Keep You On Track No Matter Where You Go
Amazon.com
I grew up using handheld GPS devices for things like geocaching. As I've started to spend more time outdoors, the more I've realized how useful they still are, even though I am no longer treasure hunting. This Garmin navigator allows you to organize maps, waypoints, routes, and tracks, so you will never have to stress about getting lost.
This Survival Kit Is All You'll Ever Need
Amazon.com
I know what you're probably thinking; buying all of these survival pieces sounds like a lot of work (and expensive). I get where you're coming from. If you're a no-frills kinda person and want to make your life as easy as possible, then this 126 piece survival kit is designed for you. It pretty much combines everything on this list into one single EMT bag. It doesn't get any easier than that.
This GPS Device Pairs To Your Phone To Relay Your Texts And Location
Amazon.com
Cell phone service can be super spotty when you're in the middle of nowhere. This is less than ideal if you find yourself in an emergency. That's why items like this GPS device are vital. It pairs with your smartphone and keeps track of your location, maps, and messaging without service or WiFi. This means you can send out emergency communication when service is down.
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