Building a reliable emergency preparedness kit is crucial for survival in unexpected situations. However, not all items marketed as ‘survival essentials’ live up to their hype. This article highlights five common prepper kit items that often fail in real-world scenarios and suggests better alternatives.
Wire Saw (Commando Saw)
Why it fails: Lightweight and flimsy, a wire saw can easily become bent and unusable after minimal use. The thin wire is prone to breaking under pressure, rendering it ineffective for cutting through tough materials like metal or thick branches. Better alternatives include a 24-inch pocket chainsaw, which weighs less than one pound and is designed to be more durable. It’s made from a flexible, strong material that can withstand repeated use without breaking. Another option is a Swiss Army Knife with a wood saw blade, which is compact and versatile, making it a great addition to your kit.
Emergency Fishing Kit
Why it fails: Most mini-kits come with insufficient fishing line and poor-quality gear. The hooks and lures are often too small or ineffective, making it difficult to catch fish in a survival situation. Better alternatives include the Ronco Pocket Fisherman, which includes a telescopic rod, reel, and tackle. It weighs one pound and is designed for quick setup and use. Alternatively, consider a 50-foot line kit from Survival Resources, which includes a spool of fishing line that is more than enough for most fishing needs. The kit is compact and easy to carry.
Birthday Candles
Why it fails: Birthday candles are designed for short-term use and melt quickly when tilted. They are not suitable for starting fires in windy or wet conditions. Better alternatives include long-burning/stormproof matches, which are designed to light even in wet or windy conditions. They are a reliable option for starting fires in various environments. Another option is a small lighter, which you can include in your EDC (everyday carry) kit. It’s compact and can be used to light matches or start a fire.
Hollow-Handle ‘Survival’ Knives
Why it fails: These knives are often poorly made with dull blades. The hollow handle is designed to store items like matches or fishing line, but the quality of the knife itself is often compromised. Better alternatives include a full-tang sheath knife, like the Cold Steel Peace Maker II. It has a solid, full-length tang that runs through the handle, making it more durable and reliable. The blade is also sharper and more effective for cutting tasks.
Snare Wire
Why it fails: Most prepper kits come with insufficient and weak snare wire. The wire is often too thin and prone to breaking under pressure, making it ineffective for trapping animals. Better alternatives include 24-gauge Vietnam-era surplus snare wire, which is stronger and more durable than the thin wire found in most prepper kits. It’s also more flexible and can be used to create effective traps. A 160-inch length of this wire is sufficient for most trapping needs. Additionally, learn trapping techniques before relying on snare wire. This includes understanding the behavior of the animals you’re trying to trap and how to position the traps for maximum effectiveness.
Conclusion: Building a reliable emergency preparedness kit requires careful consideration of the tools and equipment you include. Avoid items that are poorly made or ineffective in real-world scenarios. Instead, opt for durable, reliable alternatives that will serve you well in a survival situation.