What You Need To Survive A Desert Island
You’ve played the game “3 Things You Would Want If You Were Stranded On A Desert Island” but when push comes to shove, you are going to forfeit the things you want for the things you will need. Yup, real-life survival isn’t as frivolous as the game and when you’re left alone in the middle of nowhere and beyond, then your list of equipment is going to extend as far as possible. From first aid kits to snacks and your lucky socks, you’re going to have to weigh your options if you are lucky enough to grab “what you can when you can”.
But say you are left with the opportunity to pick and choose 10 items only – what would they be? For ultimate survival, here are our suggestions.
1. A Satellite Phone
Marked a little on the pricey side – we ask you, is your life worth it? Having a satellite phone at your disposal could get you rescued before any other desperate measures have to be taken. Similar to a cell phone, these phones can be used anywhere in the world (as long as there is a clear path between the antennae and the sky). Dial-out options are limited but that’s OK, all you need is access to an emergency line! Satellite phone – CHECK!
2. A Knife
A knife is a tool that simply has to make the cut (no pun intended). It can be used for protection, to hunt, to build shelters or even to whittle away your boredom. While a pocket knife will do the trick, a larger dagger-type knife will work even better. You can even tie a stick to it and make your own fishing spear!
3. Sunscreen
Apart from dangerous wildlife and poisonous insects, your next worst enemy on a lone island is the hot and bothersome sun. Unless there’s plenty of shade available at all times, then chances are you are going to get burnt. To avoid getting more uncomfortable than you have to in such a dire situation – pack sunscreen! Remember to use it sparingly, however, it needs to last!
4. A Flashlight
These days you get nifty wind-up or solar-paneled torches that can give you continuous use – you want one of these. A torch like this will come in handy when you have nothing but the moon and stars to give you light and when you are stranded on one of the darkest parts of the world. A tactical flashlight can also be used to send SOS signals to boats and planes that “might” just pass on by.
5. Bug Spray
No matter what type of island you land on, there’s a 99% chance that it’s going to be loaded with bugs. And bugs bite. This makes a bug repellent an essential item and could save your life, if not your sanity. Of course, the bigger the bottle the better – you’ll want it to last for as long as possible!
6. A Hammock
So, this item might fall on the more frivolous end of the line but it could also come in super handy. From lifting you off the ground so that you are out of reach of predators to ensuring that you will get the sleep you will need to stay in survival mode, a hammock isn’t all rest and relaxation. It also has potential and could be used for a myriad of different things – like a shelter, perhaps?
7. Rope
The longer, the better. A rope has all sorts of uses. It can be used for climbing up or climbing down. It can be used to make a shelter and all sorts of other nifty tools too. It can even be used as kindle to get a fire going (you’ll just need a little). If you have enough rope (and if you are daring enough) you could tie it around some logs and engineer your very own “escape” raft.
8. Duct Tape
Like rope, duct tape has an assortment of magical uses. It can be used to patch torn pieces of clothing together or it can be used as a makeshift bandage if you get hurt. It can strap objects together to make useful tools and the sticky side has even been known to remove splinters. You can even strap them around your feet for a DIY pair of shoes!
9. A Huge Box Of Matches
Fire and water are both needed for survival. The great thing about fire is that it can be used to boil and purify river water (if you’re lucky enough to have water on your desert island). It can be used for warmth, for cooking meals, and to ward off dangerous prowlers. A big box of matches will definitely be your friend – just use them wisely and make them last. What you want to try and do is keep a fire going, so that you don’t have to constantly resort to using a new match.
10. A Sleeping Bag
While large leaves could make sufficient blankets – wouldn’t it be nice to have some soft comfort while you are out there, all alone? A sleeping bag will keep you warm, it will help to keep bugs from attacking you, and you can seek shelter under it when it rains or if you’ve run out of sunscreen. Now might be the time to invest in one of those top-of-the-line fully waterproof sleeping bags.
Let’s face it, being stranded anywhere isn’t a walk in the park, let alone being left on a desert island with no help in sight. With the right gear, however, you might just have a chance at survival and you can give Gulliver and his pals a run for their money. And if there’s space (if), you could throw in a good book or two, some luxuries for good measure, and maybe even some company…
Sources:
- How To Survive On A Desert Island – National Geographic
- How To Survive On A Deserted Island With Nothing – Wiki How
