Survival Gear

The ability to create fire can literally mean the difference between life and death. Whether you are in a wilderness survival situation, an unforeseen emergency on the road, or even just trying to make a quick campfire to cook dinner while on a weekend camping trip, being able to quickly create a hot fire with minimal supplies is invaluable.

That’s where a Ferro rod is worth its weight in gold.

The Short Answer:

1. überleben Zünden Fire Starter

The überleben Zünden Fire Starter is just about the most versatile, portable, and outright functional Ferro rod you can get for a reasonable price. It is constructed with a raw hardwood handle meant to season over time, and one of three available diameters that will give you anywhere from 12,000 to over 20,000 strikes per rod. The manageable 5-inch length includes nearly 3 inches of spark belching Ferro rod. 

With a shower of 5,000-degree sparks, the überleben Zünden Fire Starter is able to start a fire in just about any conditions. Wind, rain, and snow will not stop this Ferro rod from shedding countless bits of molten metal onto your tinder pile.

Once your fire is raging, use the paracord to hang some clothes out to dry. The striker doubles as a multi-tool, able to act as a tinder scraper, map scale marker, micro ruler, hex wrench, and bottle opener.

Other Great Ferro Rods

2. Swiss Safe 5-in-1 Fire Starter

If you are looking for a great little Ferro rod that can be stored just about anywhere and comes in at less than twenty bucks, the Swiss Safe 5-in-1 Fire Starter just might be for you. Even better, it’s a two-pack. Just rained? No problem. Break out the Swiss Safe 5-in-1 Fire Starter and get your tinder going, the rest of the wood will be dry in no time.

The dual Ferro rods are rated for over 16,000 strikes and because it is an alloy that included magnesium as well, the sparks burn at over 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Each toolset comes with the rod, striker, 450lb paracord, and features a built-in compass, and a 150dB safety whistle. Not only will this get your fire going in any conditions, but the compass and whistle are handy extras in a bad situation.

3. Bayite 4 Inch Survival Ferrocerium

Bayite Ferro rods are some of the toughest Ferro rods on the market. The wide variety of diameters and lengths gives you the ability to find the perfect balance of portability and spark volume. With sizes up to six inches long and a half-inch diameter, you have the ability to drop a steady flow of molten metal onto your tinder bed, getting that fire raging no matter what kind of weather you are out in.

The rod comes coated in a protective coating that scrapes off with a few simple strokes and gives you access to the ferrocerium firestarter beneath. This is a perfect addition to your bug out bag, tackle box, scout pack, cooking gear, and just about any other set of preparatory equipment you have that you might use out in the bush. This rod is a great match for all your kits.

4. Fire-Fast Trekker

The Fire-Fast Trekker is a unique Ferro rod in that it comes with the usual rod and striker, but it also includes a built-in military-grade magnesium rod to give an incredible boost to your fire in the early stages. Just use the hardened striker to scrape a little magnesium off into your tinder bed, and then make your sparks and the magnesium will be ignited by the 5,000-degree sparks and will add an intense burst of flame to your fire.

The 9.5mm diameter rod is three inches long, so it is extremely portable. The handle grip can even be scraped to produce dry tinder in an emergency. The rod is good for thousands of starts, so you will always be able to get warm or cook a hot meal with the Fire-Fast Trekker in your bag or pocket.

5. AOFAR AF-381 5-in-1 Fire Starter

For a budget set of emergency Ferro rods, you really can’t go wrong with the AOFAR AF-381 5-in-1 Fire Starter set. They pack quite a few features into a pretty small and portable package. They also come in a two-pack by default, so you can enjoy one and give one as a gift, or merely stock up twice as fast for yourself. Keep on in the glove box, one in the tackle box, one with the camping kitchen supplies, it’s hard to have too many emergency supplies.

The AOFAR AF-381 5-in-1 Fire Starter combines a straightforward Ferro rod set, with a compass, safety whistle, and survival paracord rope. The 5-inch rod and unique 3-inch scraper put out an impressive shower of sparks for such a small tool. Works every time, no matter the weather conditions.

6. Texas Bushcraft Fire Starter

The Texas Bushcraft Fire Starter is a super sturdy Ferro rod and scraper set. Not only will it send 5,000-degree sparks, but the thick three-eighths inch thick rod and an even thicker wooden handle grip make sure that it happens quickly and easily. The rod is rated for over 15,000 strikes, so if you lit 3 fires every single day, you would be lighting fires for almost 14 years!

Small enough to fit nearly anywhere, the rod and scraper of the Texas Bushcraft Fire Starter are attached with more than 10 feet of 550lb paracord that includes 3 survival strands of waxed cotton tinder, polyethylene fishing line, and waxed thread. Doubling as a versatile multi-tool, the scraper features additional functions of a map scale, bottle opener, hex wrench, tinder scraper, rod scraper, and micro ruler. 

7. Holtzman’s Ferro Rod

If you find other Ferro rods to be a bit, dainty, and if storage space isn’t at a minimum, you are probably perfect for the Ferro rod from Holtzman’s. The super-chunky half-inch diameter, six-inch-long ferro rod is perfect for folks with big hands, difficulty gripping smaller items, or those who might need an extreme spark volume.

The six-inch drilled Ferro rod comes with a multi-tool scraper and military-grade paracord to bind them together, and it even comes in a very sleek and elegant gift box. The scraper also includes a bottle opener and a ruler, and the rod is rated for more than 12,000 strikes. With that many uses and a robust half-inch diameter, the Holtzman’s Ferro Rod is sure to stand up to the abuse of the wilderness and will last for years.

What To Look For

Created sometime around the turn of the twentieth century, ferrocerium is an alloy of iron and the rare-earth element cerium. It is pyrophoric, meaning that when fragments of it are exposed to air, they spontaneously ignite.

Ferrocerium is extremely brittle, and when the striker is scraped down the rod, it scrapes and chips off tiny fragments that then ignite in the open air and burn around 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Ferrocerium is often known by the misnomer “flint” when encountered in familiar objects like cigarette lighters and strikers for cutting or welding torches.

No matter if you are looking for a Ferro rod for your glove box, your bug out bag, or your standard camping gear or wood cooking supplies, it all starts with looking at what options are out there. But when you search, it seems like there are hundreds of them, page after page, and it feels like it might start to get complicated. Sure the number of different options out there can be overwhelming, but we’ve taken the time to evaluate some of the absolute best Ferro rods on the market, and why people love them. 

When it comes to choosing the best Ferro rods, there are a few factors to consider before you pick one.

Length: longer ferro rods give you more sparks

The length is an important consideration since it will impact how you can store it, and how easy it is to hold securely during use. It will also factor into the overall spark volume. Shorter Ferro rods can be stored, packed, and transported more easily, but give a shorter stroke, thus producing a smaller volume of sparks. 

Larger bars are easier to grip firmly and provide a longer scraper stroke. The downside to the thicker or longer bars is that you can’t as easily carry them as a necklace or keychain, and if you are storing them with gear or in bug out bags, they will take up a bit more space and have a bit more weight.

Diameter: not critical

While the diameter of your Ferro rod is going to impact its performance and its life expectancy, it is not exactly a make-or-break factor. The diameter will also affect the spark density, for example, if you have a half-inch diameter rod and a quarter-inch diameter rod of the same length, the half-inch rod will put out more spark per stroke than the thinner rod.

• Thinner rods – Thinner rods will be lighter and are more likely to be able to be carried as a keychain or necklace. The spark density per stroke will be negligibly less than from thicker rods, but not to any significant degree.
• Thicker rods – Thicker rods will have a bit more mass since they are comprised of a significant percentage of iron, but unless you are concerned with the difference of a few ounces, that won’t be a huge issue. Thicker rods will have a bit higher spark density than thinner rods and may provide a more sure grip in the absence of an attached handle.

Extras: nice but not necessary

Many Ferro rod sets will include some extras. Often this will be things like paracord, multi-tool scrapers, and so on. Since these are extras, and not considered necessary for the operation of the Ferro rod, they should not hold too much weight in your decision. But, all other things being equal, free stuff is always good.

• Navigational Compass – Like some survival watches or whistles, some ferro rod firestarters will offer a built-in navigational compass. Often it will be molded into the grip or the hilt. This is nice if you have a separate compass since it can then help you eliminate redundant gear.
• Multi-Tool Scraper – Scrapers are often designed to fit the specific diameter of the Ferro rod they come with, this is to help maximize the exposure to the rod surface. Sometimes the scraper will also be given additional functions. They can contain ruler markings, map scale markings, hex wrenches, flathead screwdriver blades, bottle openers, and more. 
• Survival Strands – This is an extra that is often braided into the paracord or the lanyard. Survival strands can include things like polyethylene fishing line, waxed cotton tinder, sewing thread, twine, or monofilament.
• Multiple Ferro Rods – The only thing better than finding a great Ferro rod, is finding out you get two for the price of one! Some manufacturers of smaller rods actually give you two sets, so not only do you have the one you wanted in the first place, but you have an extra or spare for a second location.

FAQs

Q: How do I use a Ferro rod?

A: Using a Ferro rod is pretty straightforward, and only requires a few steps, but the key lies in your preparation. Before you begin, you will want to make sure you have a sufficient amount of dry tinder on your tinder bed ready for the sparks, and increasingly large twigs and sticks to feed it as it grows. If you are in a particularly wet or rainy location, or if dry tinder is not readily available, you may want to consider using a few magnesium shavings or a little bit of powder to drop your sparks on to give your fire a boost to dry your tinder.

Once your tinder and wood are ready, to operate your Ferro rod:

1. Hold your Ferro rod at about a 45-degree angle, with the far end as close to your ember bed as possible. Sparks will be coming from that end, do you want it placed and pointed where your fire should end up.
2. Grab your scraper, and hold it as close as possible and comfortable to the end you are holding. Many scrapers will have a special notch or cutout that is designed to be used for fire-starting, if yours has this use it, if not, use a hardened square edge.
3. PULL THE ROD BACK NOT THE SCRAPER. This is a very important step and technique. By holding the scraper stationary and pulling the rod back, you keep the sparks focused on the tinder. When you run the scraper down the rod, there is an inconsistent distancing, so you will have large amounts of sparks lost due to under or overshooting the tinder.

Q: Are Ferro rods safe?

A: As a matter of fact Ferro rods are quite possibly the single safest way to start a fire. Not only are they the most reliable way to start a fire, and are usable even after being submerged in liquids, and after sitting for years and years without maintenance, but they do it all without worrying about having a dangerous or even flammable fuel. Since they themselves don’t burn, there are no fumes or smoke to worry about. As long as it is used properly, the sparks are only discharged away from you and toward your tinder pile, and there is an extremely small chance of burns. 

Ferro Rod Tips And Tricks

Duct Tape

If you have a bare bar or a bar without a handle, wrapping a small strip o duct tape around the top end can provide a few benefits down the road. Aside from being a good grip in adverse or wet conditions, but it is a piece of duct tape. It can be used as a portable repair item for a rip in your pack or shoe, even wilderness first aid. Duct tape can help hold a bandage in place or a wound closed. Another thing it is great for is a source of flammable material. Fray an edge and pull off some sticky strands, and you have a bit of dry flammable material that will catch fire easily and burn hot for a short period.

Every Inch Counts

Your entire Ferro rod is usable as a firestarter. Every ounce of that bar can be transformed into spark in the field. Remember that you can scrape with pressure but no speed to scrape material from the bar into a small pile to assist in starting fires in very wet locations. Once it has been collected into a small pile, put a little spark in it and look out. It should produce a prodigious amount of very bright and very hot molten metal. The resulting fireball should be enough to force your tinder bed to catch. 

No Scraper No Problem

Nearly every Ferro rod will come with a scraper, probably already attached to the rod by some paracord. But, if you needed the paracord and then lost the scraper? Well, if you have any other hardened steel implement, you can use that. One of the best things to use if you don’t have a scraper is the square spine of a hardened knife blade. This is particularly useful because while some of the Ferro rods will have a handle or a grip on them, the strikers almost never have such. Using a survival knife you are comfortable with allows you to leverage the knife handle for removing more material from the bar ad making more sparks.

Keep It Round To Keep It Around

As you use your Ferro rod, you will undoubtedly have some irregularities in how to use it time after time. Over time this will cause “speed bumps” in your rod, they will actually be more like gradual ripples or dents. This is both a good thing and the beginnings of a bad thing. On one hand, this is good because it tells you two things, firstly it tells you that your technique needs a little adjustment, and secondly, it tells you where and how you need to adjust.

So when you examine your Ferro rod, and you see some ripples or uneven thickness it is an indication that you are applying an inconsistent pressure or speed at some point during your strikes, and the deeper ripples show you where you are pressing hardest, or moving slowest. Look at the dips and ripples and see if you can make an effort to apply more even pressure, and pull the rod at a more even speed. 

To fix the speed bumps, take a standard metal file and grab a comfy seat outside. Guide the file over the Ferro rod while rolling and rotating the rod constantly to keep it rounded. If left unchecked, these speed bumps can get deeper and deeper, eventually leading to a failure where the rod breaks at a thin, weak spot. Make sure you do it outside away from anything flammable since filing down the rod will create sparks as the material is removed.

Use It

It sounds silly, but you would be surprised how common it is to buy a piece of gear, stow it away where it belongs, only to never practice or become comfortable and effective at using it. You don’t buy a hunting rifle to not use it, you practice to make sure your skills stay sharp so when the time comes to fill the freezer you can do it effectively. 

Your Ferro rod is the same way. You will probably not wear it out by practicing and becoming effective with it, since most are rated for at least 12,000 strikes. Use it any time you need to start a fire, practice your stroke and pressure several times a month. Make sure that if you need it in a survival situation, you will be able to confidently use it, and have a fire growing in just a stroke or two.

The Bottom Line

When it comes down to it, being able to start a fire is a skill that could save your life one day. As you are aware, not all fire starters are the best for every situation. Matches are useless if they’re wet, lighters run out of fluid.

Your best bet for being able to start a fire any time, anywhere, is a Ferro rod, such as the überleben Zünden Fire Starter. They come in 3 different sizes so you can pick the right one for your needs.

Ultimately, the best Ferro rod really comes down to your needs and personal preferences. Firestarters come in various sizes and some come with other survival tools. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend of camping in the mountains or you want a firestarter to keep in your emergency kit, there is a Ferro rod out there for you.

Camping can be a very fulfilling and gratifying hobby. For many people, exploring the outdoors, connecting with nature, and getting out of your comfort zone can be a very enlightening experience. There are countless places to explore, and many countries recognize this and have eagerly supported camping activities by providing trails, camping sites, and nature parks where people can go out and enjoy camping safely.

There are also groups or clubs that promote camaraderie among campers. They exchange tips about the best camping sites, recommended camping gear, such as Coleman tents, and other helpful tips.

But for the seasoned outdoorsman, there is no substitute for the thrill of going down the other path, where there are no signs and no guides. There is a sense of accomplishment in doing so, and finding your way through the unmarked path.

There are a few ways to make sure one does not get lost in the middle of a backpacking trip.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Buy a map: It may sound too simple, but having a map can always be handy. It helps a camper be aware of the area’s geography and major landmarks, providing easy reference points when trying to find your bearings.
• Keeping calm always helps: Being confident in finding your way, and remaining calm when you feel a bit lost goes a long way. Being calm keeps your breathing in check and allows your brain to process your surroundings better. Also, one tends to notice more familiar scenery and landmarks when they are calm. Panic can cause one to make wrong decisions.
• Recognize your trail: Be sure to stay aware of your trail. Looking back and surveying what’s behind you can offer you a picture of where you are currently and where you came from. Recognizing this can help in case you do get lost. It is also a good practice to take note of unique signs or landmarks on your trails such as an interesting big rock, twin trees, odd grasses and more.
• Global Positioning: GPS navigation units can now be purchased for an affordable price. No compass-reading required when you have a GPS unit mapping out your trail for you. It also keeps track of where you are and how far away you are from where you started. Be sure to always bring spare batteries along.
• It also pays to learn how to use a compass: While GPS has basically turned the compass obsolete, the compass doesn’t need batteries, and it’s an interesting skill to pick up. Use your compass in tandem with your map so you can easily determine your position and which direction you should be heading toward.

On top of this, the most important thing to remember on a camping trip is to have fun. Also remember that it is always better to trust your compass rather than your instincts. Getting lost can always be a problem, but learning to stop, gather yourself, and use your wits are always your best bet.

In my opinion, the survival whistle is the one thing everyone—man, woman, child—should have on their night stand, in their “safe room/tornado shelter”, the car, the purse, bug out bag, when jogging, when hiking or camping, whenever… It can be heard from over a mile away and is such a distinctive sound that it catches people’s attention immediately.

I have bought all of mine (yes, I give them to family and friends) for just a few dollars. That is a reasonable price for something that could save your life! It has five different functions:

• Shrill signal whistle
• Compass
• Waterproof interior compartment for matches, candy for a princess, or an emergency aspirin for me
• Signal mirror
• Flint on the side for striking matches to make a fire

Way back when—in the dark ages—it seemed like I learned in Girl Scouts that the SOS signal was a short burst, longer, then another short burst.

I checked out Morse code on Wikipedia: “For emergency signals, Morse code can be sent by way of improvised sources that can be easily “keyed” on and off, making it one of the simplest and most versatile methods of telecommunication. The most common distress signal is SOS or three dots, three dashes and three dots, internationally recognized by treaty.” Well, I think they just shortened it for girls! Either way, I think it would work as a signal for help!

A whistle? How could that possibly be useful in an emergency situation? Let’s consider several scenarios…

• Tornado, hurricane, earthquake, tsunami, flood has collapsed your home and you are trapped. A whistle can be heard much farther than a voice and bring rescue personnel to you sooner.
• In a fire, with potential smoke inhalation restricting your breathing, a whistle may be the only way you can call for help.
• Out jogging and a dog bites your calf and you need help NOW. A whistle can be heard farther away than a shout and the shrill sound may actually deter a dog from continuing the attack.
• Your car plunges off the road and is hidden in darkness or brush, the sound of a whistle carries especially when combined with a repeated signal.
• If you are in an apartment and someone is attempting to break in, the shrill call of a whistle will wake up others in the building and perhaps prevent a potentially deadly break-in.
• Out hiking, camping, or hunting? Lost? You have a compass, signal mirror and (matches not included) the potential to make fire, and of course the whistle.
• And if you keep a baby aspirin in the waterproof compartment, the anti-coagulant could save your life if you feel a stroke or heart attack coming on.

I’m sure you can think of other potential scenarios, but you get the idea.

The survival whistle: Inexpensive, versatile, and effective. Consider this humble device to be on YOUR front line of defense.

Survival vests became popular after the military equipped fighter pilots with them. The idea is simple, to keep the absolute essentials on your body in the case of a crash. However, it’s not hard to see why the prepper community has embraced the product: bug out bags, while essential, aren’t ideal at distributing the weight of your pack. Also, if you need something like a lighter or your pocket knife quickly, it’s going to take a while to sort through your bug out bag.

However, survival vests aren’t meant to replace bug out bags. Both products work together to provide you the best chance of surviving the elements. 

Meanwhile, survival vests allow you to move freely and without an achy back. The best survival packs allow you to keep medical supplies, weapons, ammo, emergency food bars, and more. Survival vests become an advantage when you’re navigating through the woods or the rural landscape. 

Most preppers already have their favorite means of carrying supplies, whether that be a bug out bag or a survival vest. However, it can be hard to find a vest for your personal needs. In this article, we’ll break down the best survival vests on the market and guide you through everything you need to know about this lifesaving product. 

The Short Answer

1. Rothco Cross Draw MOLLE Tactical Vest: The Best Survival Vest on the Market

This tactical survival vest is our favorite due to its functionality and durability, as well as the budget-friendly price (about $85 after shipping). If you live in an open-carry state like Ohio, the pistol holster makes a great place to store your primary handgun. 

The 45º angle of the holster helps you draw your weapon urgently and safely. Meanwhile, the three ammo pouches allow you to store ample ammunition on your body to back up the magazines you carry with you. If you’re carrying a standard handgun magazine, you can also store three loaded magazines on your survival vest. 

Another great aspect of this survival vest is the material, which is somehow both durable enough for combat and breathable enough to keep you cool. You can also adjust this tactical vest to fit your frame perfectly. You can adjust the shoulder straps to keep your survival vest above your belt, making it easier to sit down and kneel in high-stress environments. 

If you don’t have any need for a pistol holster (for the AR and AK fans out there), you can unfasten the pistol belt and use the loops for additional pockets you can buy online. For example, the double-ply mesh allows for the addition of a hydration bladder when you can reach your canteen. 

More of the Best Survival Vests

2. 5.11 Tactical VTAC LBE Survival Vest

This is a great all-around survival vest because it can suit you up for both urban and rural areas. The lightweight materials and construction allow for the ultimate breathability, while never sacrificing the quality and durability. 

When you’re out in the field, the last thing you need is for a loop to snap, and then you don’t notice that you just lost a vital resource. With the high-grade stitching and materials, you only need to focus on the task ahead: this survival vest has your back (literally). The heavy-duty zippers and chest buckles make sure your favorite survival vest is strapped firmly to your body, without any chance of slipping off in the worst of circumstances.

The side loops, and the loops across the stomach and chest, allow for pockets to store your handgun, a radio, perhaps a survival knife, and pockets for extra magazines and rounds. If you don’t like the pockets included with this vest, it’s easier than ever to switch pockets seamlessly. 

5.11 is a great brand with a strong reputation for producing industry-standard survival gear, especially with their survival vests. With three different chest sizes, you can make sure you’re ordering the perfect size to make travel by foot or vehicle easy and pain-free. 

3. MultiCam Cross Draw MOLLE Tactical Vest

The Multicam CrossDraw survival vest, is a great option for those with a bigger budget. After shipping, this will likely cost around $110. And with this steeper price comes more durable manufacturing: the fundamental aspect of any survival gear. 

Rothco’s Multicam survival vest, trusted by the armed services, is a great choice for anyone planning on carrying self-defense tools. This can be everything from firearms to bear spray, depending on your individual circumstances. For example, if you cannot rest and sip on your canteen, you can add a hydration bladder with purified water. 

Many chest and torso pockets allow you to carry loaded magazines and boxes of extra rounds for those planning on carrying firearms and ammunition. This survival vest comes packed with a holster spanning across your left hip––an easy place and angle to draw from in a crisis. 

Whether you predominantly spend time in urban or rural settings, Rothco has a color option for you. The official colors are “Olive Drab, ACU Digital Camouflage, Black, Coyote Brown.” Each of which gives you an advantage in the appropriate regions. 

4. 5.11 Tactical Taclite Pro Vest

This survival vest differs from the previous products we listed, as it’s much more civilian in appearance. The black or beige color schemes work well in forested areas with ample fallen leaves and brush. On your lower left torso, 5.11 included AR magazine pockets suited for the standard 30-round magazine. 

5.11’s tactical jacket would also work well for anyone planning on staying near their property since the durable D-ring keeps your necessary keys right on your chest. If you have more money left in your budget, 5.11 also sells a compatible holster that fits smaller to medium-sized handguns. 

It’s important to note, this is not a product law enforcement would send their officers outfitted into possible combat scenarios. Instead, this is for someone who isn’t preparing for too much close combat. While you’re waiting for the apocalypse, this is also one of the best survival vests for hunting. You can easily store extra survival supplies like a hunting knife, or various tools and products like firestarters and emergency meal supplies. 

5. BLACKHAWK Omega Elite Vest Cross Draw/Pistol Mag

This survival vest from Blackhawk is one of the best on the market, and for a good reason. This is a great product for anyone looking to carry a load long-rifle, such as an AR, AK, or M-16/MR, as well as a handgun with several backup clips. Blackhawk’s holster is a cross-body feature, which makes for safer open carry. 

If you were carrying around your waist, some people might find it harder to maneuver than the included cross-body holster along the ribcage. When it’s just you and your resources, this survival vest won’t let you down. Blackhawk constructed the vest with high-grade nylon that won’t wear down or tire you out. 

This product is suited more toward those who already have a bug out bag since you won’t store much emergency food with this survival vest. This is definitely gear toward situations when you’re in a close combat situation, and firepower is your only way out. 

Another cool fact is the fitting system, which allows you to shape this survival vest perfectly to your body’s form. This survival vest is adjustable for length and girth; up to 6″ length, additional 32″ girth. 

6. Rothco Uncle Milty Travel Vest

This product was designed more for the preppers operating on a limited budget. While this survival vest isn’t designed for combat, you can still get great use out of Rothco’s “Uncle Milty” survival vest. In total, there are thirteen front pockets sealed either by the zipper or the single-lock buttons. 

At $45, this survival vest can help store necessary water and food, as well as various tools you might need along the way. Rothco also kept comfort in mind designing this survival vest, since the vest is the perfect blend between cotton and polyester to keep you cool and relaxed. 

Even though this vest isn’t the best for possible combat scenarios, there are still pockets that will help you store extra rounds of ammunition, as well as two pockets for loaded magazines (which are suited more toward smaller handguns than larger, long-rifle clips. 

In case you might need to ditch both your bug out bag, as well as your survival vest, Rothco’s survival vest features a heavy-duty front zipper and a belt clip. This feature makes it easier to quickly strip off the survival vest and run for cover more quickly. 

In total, there are over a dozen pockets in one of Rothco’s best survival vests. This means you can store extra tools such as a pocket knife, first aid equipment, and more. 

And finally, the two D-rings on the vest’s chest allow you to store necessary keys, such as to a gun safe or your home. There’s also another D-ring on the back, which allows you to leave your vest on a nearby hook when you don’t need it.

7. BLACKHAWK Omega Phalanx Homeland Security Vest

Our final addition is Blackhawk’s Omega survival vest, designed originally for hunting and security purposes. Unlike some of the products above, this security vest doesn’t feature a holster for your handgun. However, there are still pockets designed to hold extra magazines, just in case. 

The heavy-duty nylon mesh ensures you won’t lose too much hydration on those scorching summer days. Furthermore, Blackhawk wanted to make it easier than ever to put on and take off your vest in a split second. The heavy-duty zipper and side-release buckles allow you to move with urgency and help you avoid any costly hang-ups. 

The reason this survival vest didn’t rank higher on our list has to do with the quality and price of this particular vest. With a final price of around $150, this particular vest’s quality doesn’t stand out from similar priced items. However, this is still a great option compared to cheaper and less durable products. The cutout shoulders allow for maximum flexibility when aiming for a long rifle. 

What to Look for In Your Survival Vest 

If you’re new to survival vests, everything above might seem like too much information to learn in a short period of time. In this section, we’ll try to break it down even further and give you a novice buyer’s guide. 

Buy a vest With “ripstop fabric”

You need to focus on the manufacturing quality because chances are you’ll expose your survival vest to the worst of conditions. With that in mind, make sure you’re buying a survival vest with ripstop fabric. 

This will help you out if you’re maneuvering through the woods since you won’t see your survival vest degrade over time. Some other factors to keep in mind are that the company takes the extra steps with strong zippers and heavy-duty stitching. 

Plate carrier, holster, or other extras

When it comes to survival vests, there is a wide variety to suit your specific needs. For example, survival vests given to the Coast Guard and the Navy have special pockets to inflate into a life vest. 

Meanwhile, the military distributes MOLLE Vests and other combat survival vests to soldiers fighting on the ground. Law enforcement agencies equip their officers with vests specially fitted with holsters, plate carriers and bulletproof gear, extra ammo, and other gear needed to protect citizens. 

If you ever find yourself in a jam, you can even make a survival vest out of those vests used by fishermen and photographers. Both products have enough pockets, and generally enough durability, to get the job done. 

Make sure to leave room between the bottom of your vest and your waist

You don’t want to have a survival vest that drapes down to your hips. While this might not be the case for active law enforcement officers, when it comes to long-term survival, leaving room between your waist and the bottom of your vest will make it more comfortable to hunch over, sit down, and kneel. 

If you don’t want gear digging into you each time you rest, make sure to follow the manufacturers fitting instructions, and take the time to make sure your vest fits. 

FAQs 

What should I store in my survival vest?

The best survival vests are great because they make those tools you need in emergency available. Tools such as pocket knives, flashlights, batteries, water purifiers, lighters, whistles, and bear spray can all be strapped to your survival vest. 

However, many survival vests come with a back pocket so you can store your sleeping blankets, canvas, maps, and more. Ultimately, you want your survival vest to compliment your bug out bag. Survival vests are less complicated, which gives you an advantage when you need to quickly accomplish a task, such as fending off a bear with spray strapped right to your survival vest. 

What are the different types of survival vest pockets?

Over the years, law enforcement officials and outdoorsmen have created a market for survival vests. Even the Coast Guard equip their people with survival vests, in the case that someone falls from the boat and is stuck at sea.

Law enforcement vests hold bulletproof plates on the front and back while having various pockets to hold different gear like tasers, pepper spray, and breathalyzers. Meanwhile, anglers love vests because the many pockets allow you to carry bait or lures draped right over your soldiers. 

Militia members and open carry enthusiasts love the tactical MOLLE vests because they can hold magazines packed with ammo. 

Regardless, any survival vest can help you endure when SHTF. You need to consider what size fits you best, which vest holds everything you’ll need in an emergency, and if the company you’re purchasing from takes special care in manufacturing the vest for durability. 

What’s the difference between a survival vest and a bug out bag?

Basically, the difference between a survival vest and a bug out bag is what you can store. A bug out bag serves best as a place to store supplies you won’t need in an emergency, such as meals ready to eat (MRE’s) and extra boxes of ammo. 

However, when it comes to your survival vest, one of the essential advantages is the ease of access. At the same time, you still want to store the essentials on your emergency vest if you have to dump your bug out bag. And this isn’t an uncommon occurrence, since you might need to store your bug out bag in a safe place while escaping from a short-term danger. 

Bottom Line

Survival vests are a great addition to any prepper’s arsenal, and we’ve listed some affordable options that perform to product class’s peak capabilities. At the end of the day, the Rothco Cross Draw MOLLE Tactical Vest is, in our humble opinion, the best survival vests on the market. This is because of both performance and durability, but also because of budget-friendliness. 

The 45º angle of the holster helps you draw your weapon urgently and safely. Meanwhile, the three ammo pouches allow you to store ample rounds on your body to back up the magazines you carry with you. If you’re carrying a standard handgun magazine, you can also store three loaded magazines on your survival vest. 

If you don’t have any need for a pistol holster (for the AR and AK fans out there), you can unfasten the pistol belt and use the loops for additional pockets you can buy online. For example, the double-ply mesh allows for the addition of a hydration bladder when you can reach your canteen. 

If you think that radiation is on nuclear submarines and in the wild forests of Chernobyl, then you are seriously mistaken. It’s everywhere.

Ionizing radiation is emitted by phones, microwaves, televisions, computers, the walls of your home, and even yourself. Therefore, even those who live in the most environmentally friendly area have a chance to catch a stray neutron, which can knock the atom out of the DNA and provoke the development of a cancerous tumor.

This chance increases exponentially as the radiation intensity increases. But sometimes one souvenir of dubious origin is enough to increase the radiation level hundreds and thousands of times.

The peculiarity of the radiation is that it is not visible, it has no smell and taste, and canaries or cockroaches do not react to it. Without a special radiation detection device, you can’t feel safe.

An amazing fact: in post Soviet countries, where the liquidators of the Chernobyl disaster live, household radiometers and dosimeters are not popular. At the same time however, in more prosperous Europe, almost 50% of families have such a device.

If you have a dosimeter, or are considering getting one, it is important to learn how to use it correctly.

How to Use A Radio-Isotope Identification Device

First, it is worth remembering that radiation safety requires monitoring two important indicators

1. the level of ionizing radiation (unit of measurement — eV, becquerel, rad/s, X-ray/s) and
2. the radiation dose (X-ray, Sievert, rem).

To keep it simple, think of it in terms of quality vs. quantity measurements.

In simple terms, the radiation level is the power, intensity, “brightness” of the glow of the radiation source (the “quality”). And the dose is the number of neutrons and other particles that have been absorbed by the body or released by the source (the “quantity”).

To find out the dose, you need to multiply the brightness by the time of exposure. The longer you stay near the source, the greater the dose.

To measure the level, use a radiometer (like the well-known crackling Geiger counter). To measure the dose, use a dosimeters measure the dose. However, this difference should not be too much to worry about, since many modern radiation detection units are combined, and can track both the level and the dose (more info on both devices here).

When using a dosimeter, you should pay attention to both indicators. Your body is much more important than the dose, but when assessing the safety of a particular device (place, product, etc.), you will have to study the level of radiation.

When measuring, it is worth remembering that all objects in the world emit radiation, respectively, there is such a thing as a natural background. It ranges from 8-12 micro roentgen/hour, 15-20 µr/hour. The normal background is accepted at the level of 30 microns/hour. Sanitary standards allow accommodation with a background of up to 60 mkR/hour.

To get accurate information, one measurement is not enough. It is advisable to make at least three measurements.

Where Should I Check for Radiation?

A household dosimeter will be a faithful assistant for your whole life, next to the thermometer and barometer. Here are 6 extremely typical places to use your dosimeter to check for radiation:

1. assessment of the radiation background of rented or purchased housing;
2. checking the safety of food, water;
3. assessment of the radiation level of equipment, mechanisms, and vehicles;
4. checking the safety of building materials, furniture;
5. monitoring the level of radiation in places of recreation, the study of children, in public places;
6. evaluation of the received dose, monitoring the effectiveness of measures to reduce it.

Not only can radiation damage your health, but it can also affect the genetic information passed on to your children. Therefore, a good dosimeter is a critical investment to make.

It is also worth remembering that there are completely different types of dosimeters with different functions.

And radiation, as you know, can accumulate in all tissues of the human body, causing irreversible and potentially fatal changes over time.

There are enough cancer patients already. Only the presence of a dosimeter and the ability to avoid particularly dangerous areas, territories and even food will provide a chance to stay healthy from an excessive dose of radiation.