Survival Gadgets For the Outdoor Enthusiast

Whether you live the off grid lifestyle or simply enjoy outdoor camping and hiking, survival tools can mean the difference between life and death. Luckily, modern survival gadgets are both lightweight and easy to carry while exploring the wild.

The Luci Survival Solar Air Lantern is a great example of this. It doesn’t require batteries or an outlet to charge, and it can illuminate your path for hours after charging.

1. Luci Survival Solar Air Lantern

Luci is a solar-powered lantern that is perfect for hikers, canoeists or campers. It is waterproof and can be used as a signal light if you get lost. It also has a USB port so you can charge your phone.

Its light output is impressive at 40 lumens through a 5 inch diameter. It is collapsible and fits easily into a bug out bag. It takes only a few breaths to inflate and is super lightweight.

The battery is built into the lantern and recharges automatically in sunlight. The light comes with a handy indicator to let you know how much battery life remains. It can be charged for a full 14 hours, according to the manufacturer, although this may take longer on overcast days. It is an excellent addition to any emergency preparedness kit and a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts. Its maker, MPowerd, is a B-Corp, which means it has a social and environmental responsibility ethos. Every Luci purchased in the developed world funds a donation to help people living without electricity in developing countries.

2. Garmin InReach Mini Handheld Iridium Satellite Communicator

InReach devices are a must-have on every human-powered adventure. They provide a whole lot of peace of mind and are incredibly easy to use. This device works on the Iridium satellite network and has pole-to-pole coverage – perfect for open water adventures or just hiking out of cell signal range.

It has a dedicated phone number for fully transparent text messaging (i.e. friends can text you without you having to pay a premium for satellite). It also seamlessly sends/receives messages via cellular, WiFi and satellite (no extra message charges for cell or WiFi).

But what really makes the InReach stand out is its SOS capabilities. Pressing the SOS button sends a signal, along with your GPS location, to a 24/7 Garmin-powered global emergency response center. They will then dispatch local resources to your location. All for a small subscription cost. It’s a little heavier than the other units in this category, but its functionality and ease of use make it well worth the extra ounces.

3. Lumina Torch Lighter

If you’re looking for a light to keep in your survival kit or bug out bag, then this is the one to get. The Lumina is a single flame torch lighter that offers a variety of modes, with an OLED display showing mode and battery status. It also features a Walk Mode setting, which is great for lighting your way in the dark. The body is made from aircraft-grade aluminium with plenty of cooling fins to prevent it from overheating, making this a tough and durable unit.

The only drawback with this lighter is the lack of a punch cutter, which is a little disappointing for a product in this price range. Other than that, this is a solid option from Palio. It’s available for £40 and is well worth the investment. Free shipping within the UK. Buy it here.

4. Lumina Flashlight

A military-grade flashlight is one of the most useful survival gadgets that anyone can carry on a camping trip or outdoor adventure. This tactical flashlight is extremely durable and can withstand a lot of abuse from the elements. This flashlight can even survive a drop in a pot of boiling water or an ice-cold pond thanks to the aircraft-grade materials that are used to make it.

This flashlight is also easy to use with its one large led button that allows you to cycle through the different lighting modes (low, medium, high, flash, strobe and walk). When the battery gets low, it automatically shifts to the lowest setting to conserve power. The Lumina flashlight is a great choice for camping trips or to keep in your backpack, survival bag / bug out bag, or car glove box. This is also a great gift for scouts, DofE or adventurers. Free shipping within the UK.