Prepared Is the Only Way to Go
Summer adventures can take you deep into the backcountry, far from cell service and help. Whether you're day hiking, overlanding, or setting up a remote basecamp, having the right survival essentials can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a life-threatening situation. Here's what every outdoor enthusiast should pack this summer.
The 10 Survival Essentials (Updated for Summer)
1. Navigation
- GPS device or downloaded offline maps on your phone
- Topographic map of your area
- Compass — always carry a backup even if you have GPS
2. Sun Protection
- SPF 50+ sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours)
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Wide-brim hat or sun hat
- Lightweight long-sleeve UV shirt
3. Insulation
Summer nights in the mountains or desert can drop dramatically. Always pack:
- A lightweight packable jacket or fleece
- Emergency space blanket (takes up almost no space)
- Rain poncho or waterproof shell
4. Illumination
- Headlamp with fresh batteries (COB LED headlamps offer wide-beam coverage for camp tasks)
- Backup flashlight or extra batteries
- Glow sticks for signaling in an emergency
5. First Aid
- Comprehensive first aid kit including blister treatment, wound closure strips, and an elastic bandage
- Personal medications
- Tweezers for splinters and ticks
- Moleskin for blister prevention
- Antihistamine for allergic reactions
6. Fire Starting
- Waterproof matches
- Lighter
- Ferro rod (works when wet)
- Fire starter cubes or tinder
7. Repair Tools & Knife
- Fixed-blade or folding knife
- Multi-tool
- Duct tape (wrap a few feet around your water bottle)
- Paracord (50+ feet)
8. Nutrition
- High-calorie emergency snacks: energy bars, nuts, jerky, dried fruit
- Pack more food than you think you need for the day
- Electrolyte packets to add to water
9. Hydration
- Minimum 2 liters of water per person per day in summer heat
- Water filter or purification tablets as a backup
- Insulated water bottle to keep water cool
10. Emergency Shelter & Signaling
- Emergency bivy or space blanket
- Signal mirror
- Whistle (audible up to a mile away)
- Personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator for remote trips
Summer-Specific Add-Ons
Beyond the core 10, summer conditions call for a few extras:
- Insect repellent: DEET-based or permethrin-treated clothing for tick and mosquito protection
- Cooling towel: Soak it in water and wrap around your neck to lower body temperature fast
- Portable power station or power bank: Keep your phone, GPS, and headlamp charged even on multi-day trips
- Snake bite kit: If you're in snake country, know how to use it
- Bear spray: Required in many backcountry areas and effective against other wildlife too
Build Your Kit Before You Go
The best survival kit is the one you actually have with you. Start with the essentials, build your kit over time, and always do a gear check before every trip. A few minutes of preparation at home can save hours of misery — or worse — in the field.
Shop FieldToPeak's survival and safety gear collection to build out your summer kit with gear built for real outdoor conditions.
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