In any emergency or survival scenario, having the right tools is more than just convenient—it's often the difference between success and failure. Pillar 9 of preparedness focuses on tools and equipment, the physical resources that enable you to build, repair, secure, and sustain your environment when systems break down or help is unavailable.
Why Tools Matter in Preparedness
From urban blackouts to wilderness survival to long-term off-grid living, tools give you the ability to take action. Whether you’re constructing a shelter, processing firewood, fixing a vehicle, or purifying water, the tools you carry determine what’s possible.
Essential Tools for Survival and Emergency Preparedness
- Multitools: Compact and versatile, multitools like those from Leatherman or Gerber include pliers, knives, screwdrivers, wire cutters, and more. Keep one in every go-bag and vehicle kit.
- Fixed-Blade and Folding Knives: A high-quality knife is arguably your most important survival tool. Use it for food prep, carving, defense, and shelter building. Carry both a fixed-blade for heavy-duty tasks and a folding knife for everyday carry (EDC).
- Axes and Hatchets: Perfect for splitting firewood, chopping down small trees, or clearing brush. Look for models with full-tang construction and high-carbon steel heads for durability.
- Saws: Folding saws and wire saws are compact yet essential for processing wood and clearing paths. They’re safer and more efficient than knives for cutting through thicker material.
- Shovels: Folding entrenching tools (e-tools) are excellent for digging latrines, building defensive positions, and managing drainage around your shelter.
- Rope and Cordage: Paracord is a prepper staple due to its strength, flexibility, and endless uses—securing tarps, making traps, building shelters, or crafting tourniquets.
- Duct Tape and Repair Kits: Strong adhesive tape and basic repair kits can patch gear, clothing, tarps, and more—critical for maintaining your equipment in the field.
- Headlamps and Flashlights: Choose rugged, water-resistant lights with multiple brightness settings and backup batteries or solar charging capabilities.
- Tool Roll or MOLLE-Compatible Storage: Organization matters. Use compact rolls or pouches to keep your tools accessible and secure.
Use Cases in Survival Situations
- Shelter Construction: Use saws, knives, and cordage to build lean-tos, tarp shelters, or debris huts.
- Fire Prep: Axes and knives help you process tinder, kindling, and firewood quickly and efficiently.
- Food Gathering: Tools help you prepare traps, clean fish, and butcher game in the field.
- Self-Defense: A sturdy blade or tool may be your last line of defense against threats.
- Repairs: Fix gear, clothing, or structures with duct tape, multitools, and repair kits.
What to Look For in Survival Tools
- Durability: Avoid cheap gear. Invest in high-quality tools made with hardened steel, full-tang construction, and ergonomic designs.
- Functionality: Every tool should have multiple uses or solve specific problems efficiently.
- Weight vs. Utility: Strike a balance between compact gear and full-size functionality—especially if you’re carrying everything on your back.
Recommended Tool Categories to Stock
- Bug-Out Bag Essentials: Multitool, knife, mini crowbar, compact shovel, headlamp, and paracord.
- Homestead or Basecamp Gear: Full-size axe, hammer, pry bar, saw, toolkit, and sharpening gear.
- Vehicle Emergency Kits: Tire repair kit, wrench, jumper cables, flashlight, and folding shovel.
Gear Recommendations from Mountain Ready
- Multitools – High-quality options with essential everyday functions.
- Survival Knives – Durable blades for every prepper scenario.
- Axes, Hatchets & Saws – Field tools for bushcraft and home defense.
- Paracord – 550-rated cordage with endless applications.
- Folding Shovels – Compact and sturdy digging tools.
Conclusion
Preparedness starts with knowledge—but it’s your tools that bring that knowledge to life. Whether you’re bugging out, hunkering down, or building off-grid resilience, every piece of gear you choose should serve a critical purpose. Invest in high-quality survival tools now, while you can, and train with them regularly.