50 Pieces Of Survival Gear Under $25 [Updated 2023]

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Last Updated on April 26, 2023 by Lisa Vargas

Survival gear can come in all shapes and sizes and today I’ve gathered 50 pieces of survival gear for under $25 that you can add to your bugout bag, vehicle, or for around the house.

Since this is a list of 50 items, I wanted to share with you my top five favorite pieces of survival gear that I always carry in my bugout bag:

  1. Swiss Safe 5-in-1 Fire Starter with Compass, Paracord and Whistle 
  2. Monoki First Aid Kit Survival Kit
  3. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter For Hiking, Camping, Travel, And Emergency Preparedness
  4. Mace Brand Self-Defense Triple Action 3-in-1 Formula, 12′ Mace Police Pepper Spray with Tear Gas and UV Marking Dye
  5. RoverTac Multitool Camping Tool Survival Gear

This list is not a random list of survival gear that I put together.  Each one of these items plays a particular role in helping you to get through a SHTF scenario.  Many of these items are fantastic for putting in your bugout bag as mentioned above.

So with no further introduction, let’s dive right in!

50 Pieces Of Survival Gear Under $25

Swiss Safe 5-in-1 Fire Starter with Compass, Paracord and Whistle (2-Pack)
  • Over 16k strikes at 5,500°F with Magnesium Rod
  • Comes with a 150dB Whistle
  • Built in compass
  • Weight: 2 oz.
  • Length: 5 inches
  • 100% money back guarantee
SOS Gear Pocket Chainsaw and Fire Starter, Survival Hand Saw in Pouch with Compass, Whistle for Camping, Hunting, Tree Trimming, Black Straps
  • Magnesium fire rod included to start fires
  • Two way bi-directional cutting teeth
  • 24″ chain saw chain
  • Weight: 8.01 oz.
UCO Stormproof Survival & Emergency Matches Kit 25 Matches and 3 Strikers
  • Windproof, waterproof, light up quickly and consistently
  • Great for throwing in a bugout bag
TAC-FORCE TF TACTICAL SPRING ASSISTED KNIFE
  • Black half-serrated stainless steel blade
  • 4-12-inch closed length
  • 3-1/4-inch blade length with 3mm thickness
  • Has a glass breaker at the end of handle
  • Handle is made from aluminum

 

AOFAR AF-M2-B Military Compass Lensatic Sighting-Multifunctional, Fluorescent, Waterproof and Shakeproof with Inclinometer and Carrying Bag for Camping, Hiking, Hunting
  • Waterproof and shakeproof, fluorescence
  • Features include a compass bubble level, clinometer level, sighting mirror with lubber line and sighting hole, induction dampened needle, and adjustable sighting points.
  • 2-year limited waranty
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness
  • Filters up to 1,000 gallons (4,000 liters)
  • Can use directly in lakes or streams
  • Removes minimum 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria
  • Filters to 0.2 microns
  • Weight: 2 oz.
  • Perfect for backpacking and bugout bags
Esbit Ultralight Folding Pocket Stove with Six 14g Solid Fuel Tablets
  • Dimensions: 4 x 3 x 1 inches
  • Weight: .18 grams
  • Includes 6 smokeless, Esbit 14 g solid fuel tablets
  • 2-year warranty
  • Can be used to heat water using a cup and even pots
  • Fuel tablets will burn up to 12 minutes
Mace Brand Self-Defense Triple Action 3-in-1 Formula, 12' Mace Police Pepper Spray with Tear Gas and UV Marking Dye
  • Strong triple-action 3-in-1 formula
  • Spray contains up to 20 bursts
  •  100% TSA/FAA compliant
  • Net Weight: 18g
  • Range: Up to 12 ft
SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere
  •  672 pages
  • Includes chapter on making camp, food, first aid, disaster survival, self defense, security, and terrain.
  • Great book to learn more about what to do in a survival situation. 
  • Highly regarded as one of the best survival handbooks on the market.
GEAR AID 550 Paracord and Carabiner, 7 Strand Utility Cord for Camping and Survival
  • Heavy-duty 550 paracord made of 100% nylon
  • Includes carabiner for easy attachment option
  • Multipurpose 4 mm utility cord
  • 100 ft in length
Ready America 3000 The Survival Box
  • US Coastguard approved
  • 3-days worth of basic survival supplies for 1 person
  • 5-year shelf life
  • Weight: 3.25 pounds
iRonsnow Upgraded Version IS-088U+ Dynamo Solar Hand Crank Self Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio with LED Flashlight and 1000mAh Emergency Power Bank
  • Can charger iPhone and android directly via USB.
  • Compact digital AM/FM/NOAA/WB Weather Radio
  • 3 ways to charge
  • Dimensions: 5″ x 2.4″ x 1.6″
  • Weight: less than 0.5 lbs
Fiskars 378501-1002 X7 Hatchet
  • Ideal for chopping small to medium logs
  • Stronger-than-steel FiberComp handle
  • Includes low-friction coating
  • Dimensions: 16.5 x 5.5 x 1 inches
  • Weight: 1.38 lbs.
PLUSINNO Telescopic Fishing Rod Retractable Fishing Pole Rod Saltwater Travel Spinning Fishing Rods Fishing Poles
  • Made from high density Carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass
  • Opened Length: 1.8 M 5.91 Ft
  • Weight: 5.29 oz.
  • Aluminum oxide guide inserts fishing pole
  • Will fit in most carry on luggage including bugout bag
Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw, 7-1/2 -Inch Blade, 7 TPI
  • 7-1/2 -inch blade
  • 7 teeth per inch
  • Great for cutting wood, plastic and bone
  • Has a safety lock
  • Weight: 7.1 oz.
  • Made with stainless steel with a plastic handle
S.O.S. Rations Emergency 3600 Calorie Food Bar (Cinnamon + Coconut, 2 Pack)
  • 9 bars/pack.  Each bar is 400 calories
  • 5 year shelf life
  • Coastguard approved
  • Great tasting and should be thrown in your bugout bag and used as emergency food
Titan Two-Sided Emergency Mylar Survival Blankets, 5-Pack
  •  Original blankets were designed for NASA
  • Camouflage pattern is unique to this brand.
  • Dimensions: 52″ x 82″
  • Lifetime guarantee
Steve Kaeser Fatwood 100% Natural Firestarter Sticks Hand Cut in The USA Ferro Rod Ferrocerium Flint Jute Fatwood Chips Striker Tin Container Survival Emergencies Camping Since 1989
  • This tin fits in your shirt pocket
  • Includes ferro rod, 1 bag of fatwood chips, 1 piece of jute soaked in soy wax
  • 3 inch long stroker
  • Bundle of fatwood sticks
RoverTac Multitool Camping Tool Survival Gear Handy Gifts for Men Women UPGRADED 14 in 1 Stainless Steel Sturdy Multi Tool with Axe Hammer Knife Saw Plier Screwdrivers Bottle Opener Durable Sheath
  • Comes with nylon pouch that fully covers the blade
  • Stainless steel blade
  • 14 different tools including hammer, bottle opener, fish descaler, knife blade and much more
  •  Lifetime warranty
Nexfinity One Survival Paracord Bracelet - Tactical Emergency Gear Kit with SOS LED Light, Knife, 550 Grade, Adjustable, Multitools, Fire Starter, Compass, and Whistle - Set of 2
  • 10 feet of tactical paracord
  • The tool has screwdriver, blade, scrapper, saw, wrench and more
  • Also includes a rescue whistle and a firestarter
  • Waterproof and fully adjustable fit both men and women
SOG Folding Shovel Survival Shovel – Entrenching Tool 18.25 Inch Foldable Shovel Camping Shovel w/ Wood Saw Edge and Tactical Shovel Carry Case (F08-N),black
  • Length: 18.25 inches
  • Weight: 24.5 oz.
  • 3-way folding design
  • Great tool to stick in a bugout vehicle
ALBATROSS Wild Survival Tools
  • 3-in-1 Set Multi-Function Tool Combination with Knife,
  • Fire Starter, Flashlight
  • Compass, Whistle, Glass Breaker, Rope Cutter,
  • Bottle Opener, Gift Box
Survival MultiTool Card Sized:Bug Out Bag CampingTool: Best Multitool for Camping and Wilderness Survival Preppers Gear; Fishing Camping Hiking Hunting Emergency Kit;
  •  22 tools in 1
  • Made from stainless steel
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Tools include fish hooks, arrowheads, sewing needle and tweezers to name a few
Millennium Assorted Energy Bars (6 Count) - Long Shelf Life Fruit flavored Bar Bundle - Survival Pack for Calamity, Disaster, Hiking and Meal replacement
  • Variety of different flavors including Lemon, Raspberry, Raspberry, Cherry, Tropical fruit, Orange flavored bars
  • Throw these in your bugout bag and emergency kits
GearLight TAC LED Tactical Flashlight [2 PACK] - Single Mode, High Lumen, Zoomable, Water Resistant, Flash Light - Camping, Outdoor, Emergency, Everyday Flashlights with Clip
  • Requires 3 AAA batteries or a single 18650 rechargeable battery
  • Weather and shock resistant
  • Comes with built-in removable clip
  • Tough military-grade metal
Go Time Gear Life Bivy Emergency Sleeping Bag Thermal Bivvy - Use as Emergency Bivy Sack, Survival Sleeping Bag, Mylar Emergency Blanket - Includes Stuff Sack with Survival Whistle + Paracord String
  • 120 decibel survival whistle included
  • 550lb nylon Para-Synch Technology drawstring
  • Made from 26um extra-thick mylar material with a tear and puncture resistant coating
  • Waterproof 
  • Weight: 4.1 ounces
KUYOU Hydration Pack with 2L Hydration Bladder Water Rucksack Backpack Bladder Bag Cycling Bicycle Bike/Hiking Climbing Pouch
  • Has mesh-back panel.
  • Made with high-quality nylon
  • Adjustable shoulder straps
  • Reflective article design for safety
  • Holds 2 liters of water
Coleman Carabineer Classic Personal Size LED Lantern, Red
  • Up to 400 lumens on high casts light up to 12 meters
  • 30 hours of run time on high  or 70 hours on low
  • Needs 4- D batteries
  • 3-year limited warranty
GearLight LED Headlamp Flashlight S500 [2 PACK] - Running, Camping, and Outdoor Headlamps - Best Head Lamp with Red Safety Light for Adults and Kids
  • Runtime of up to 45 hours on low and 3 hours on high
  • Weight: 1.8 oz. each
  • Removable and adjustable headband
  •  45 degree adjustable headlamp
  • 7 lighting modes
Portable Solar Charger, BEARTWO 10000mAh Ultra-Compact External Batteries with Dual USB Ports, Solar Power Bank with Flashlight for Camping, Outdoor Activities
  • Weight 7.4 oz.
  • Requires USB connector
  • Charge 2 devices simultaneously
  • Takes 4-5 hours to fully charge
  • Built in LED flashlight
Terra Hiker Camping Tarp, Waterproof Picnic Mat, Multifunctional Tent Footprint with Drawstring Carrying Bag for Picnic, Hiking
  • Available in blue, green, and dark green
  • Comes in 3 different sizes: 59″ x 86″ (150 x 220 cm), 70″ x 86″ (180 x 220 cm), 94″ x 86″ (240 x 220 cm
  • Tarp has metal grommet eyelets
Emergency Sleeping Bag With Hood | Ultralight, Waterproof, Thermal Mylar Sleeping Bag Liner | Survival Bivy Space Blanket Bivey For Hiking, Backpacking, Earthquake, First Aid Kits, Camping Gear Orange
  • Item dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 x 3.5 inches
  • Weight: 7 oz.
  • Sleeping bag made out of mylar
  • Waterproof
TOPFORT 187/230pcs Fishing Accessories Kit, Including Jig Hooks, Bullet Bass Casting Sinker Weights, Fishing Swivels Snaps, Sinker Slides, Fishing Set with Tackle Box
  • Fishing box size: 4.7″ x 3.9″ x 1.2″
  • Weight: 8.8 oz.
  • All fishing accessories made with stainless steel
  • 187 piece set
12 Ultra Bright Glow Sticks - Emergency Light Sticks for Camping Accessories, Parties, Hurricane Supplies, Earthquake, Survival Kit and More - Lasts Over 12 Hours (Green)
  • Glow sticks last as long as 12 hours
  • Long shelf-life
  • 100% money-back guarantee
  • Super bright and great for bugout bags
Monoki First Aid Kit Survival Kit, 241Pcs Upgraded Outdoor Emergency Survival Kit Gear - Medical Supplies Trauma Bag Safety First Aid Kit for Home Office Car Boat Camping Hiking Hunting Adventures
  • 241 pieces in this kit
  • Weight: 1.54 lbs
  • Comes with 16 survival tools such as pliers, tactical flashlight, survival card, firestarter and much more
Smith & Wesson SWPENMP2BK 5.8in Aircraft Aluminum Refillable Tactical Screw Cap Pen for Outdoor, Survival, Camping and EDC
  • Dimensions: 5.8 inch (14.7 cm) overall length and a weight of 1.4 ounces
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • T6061 Aircraft Aluminum
2 Packages of 12 WetFire Fire Starter Tinders by Ultimate Survival Technologies UST
  • 5-year shelf-life
  • Individually wrapped
  • 20-25 years until expiration
  • Start fires instantly by lighting the cube and then adding tinder
GreenMars Compressed Towels, Disposable Coin Wipes - Soft Durable Reusable - Travel, Home, Camping Towels - 100 Count
  • Biodegradable
  • 100% cotton
GZ XINXING Tactical Sling Military Shoulder Backpack EDC Assault Range Bags
  • Pack size: 14 * 11.5 * 6.5 inch (H*W*D)
  • Adjustable shoulder straps
  • Comes with a water bottle pouch, 6 D-rings, waterproof cover and much more
Emergency Blanket Poncho - Keeps You and Your Gear Dry and Warm | Survival Gear and Equipment for Outdoor Activity | Camping and Hiking Gear | Thermal Mylar Space Rain Ponchos | 4 Pack (Orange)
  • NASA reflective Mylar material helps prevent hypothermia
Colter Co. Reflective Survival Bandana, High Visibility for Camping, Hiking, Hunting, Backpacking | 100% Cotton, Made in The USA (Stayin' Alive)
  • Printed with high visibility reflective ink
  • Dimension: 22” by 22”
  • Bandana comes with tons of survival info printed on it
Fairwin Tactical Belt, Military Utility Belt Nylon Web Rigger Belt with Heavy-Duty Quick-Release Metal Buckle for Men Women
  • 1 second quick-release buckle
  • Fits waist 30″~ 36″
  • Made with 1000D nylon material
  • 2-year warranty
Military Tactical Gloves Army Airsoft Paintball Motorcycle Riding Gloves Full Finger Gloves
  • Offers a 100% money-back guarantee
  • Made from durable micro-fiber leather
  • Anti-slip and wear-resistant gloves
LuxoGear Emergency Whistles with Lanyard Safety Whistle Survival Shrill Loud Blast for Kayak Life Vest Jacket Boating Fishing Boat Camping Hiking Hunting Rescue Signaling Kids Lifeguard Plastic 2 Pack
  • Super loud whistle with dual sound chamber
  • Adjustable lanyard
  • Ability to clip the whistle to your belt
Disposable Skin Stapler

(Suture Thread Alternative) with 55 Preloaded Wires Plus Stapler Remover Tool for Outdoor Camping Emergency Survival Demo, First Aid Field Emergency Practice, Vet Use

Rakuen Titanium Long Handle Spork with Polished Bowl and Ultralight Waterproof Bag for Camping, Wilderness, Outdoors, Tall Cooking Pots, and Dehydrated Meal Packs
  • 100% lifetime guarantee
  • Perfect for dehydrated backpacking meals
Coghlan's Survival Signal Mirror, Size: 2" x 3"
  •  Essential safety gear for survival
  • Great for bugout bag and emergency kit
TG Plasma Lighter Windproof Waterproof USB Rechargeable Flameless Dual Arc for EDC Camping Survival Tactical
  • Silicon rubber casing
  • Lithium Polymer battery
  • Built-in short-circuit protection
AMYIPO MOLLE Pouch Multi-Purpose Compact Tactical Waist Bags Small Utility Pouch
  • Pouch Dimensions:  6″H x 4″L x 2″W
  • Inside pockets to hold stuff in
  • MOLLE straps
  • Durable nylon material
Potable Aqua Germicidal Water Purification Tablets - 50 Count Twin Pack
  • Used to treat unclean water
  • Suitable to drink after 35 minutes
  • Effective against Giardia

Why Do You Need Survival Gear?

A perfect Survival kit is quite essential. It is because accidents are entirely unintentional. They may catch you unprepared, which can be a disaster. To avoid such situations, you need to be fully prepared just as I’ve mentioned earlier that the global pandemic of COVI-19 caught people totally off guard.

We all know what happened in the lockdowns. People had to suffer and go without food for days and even weeks. If I have learned something from this pandemic, that is one should always be prepared for anything.

Under such cases a survival gear is essential. It contains all the necessary items that can help you survive through different kinds of situations.

How To Choose The Right Type Of Survival Gear

Choosing the right type of survival gear might sound a bit overwhelming, but if you think practically about what you need to survive and keep yourself alive, it will make it a little easier for you. When I think about having to survive on my own, I think about having enough food, water, and shelter to start off with.  Then I move on from there. 

There are five essential items that you need to consider before picking up your survival gear. It doesn’t matter what size it is or anything like that. These are just considerations that are important to think about when picking the bag.

1. Medical Supplies

Although I am not a doctor, I usually carry some essential medical items with me. These items include some bandages, some anti-allergic medicine bottles, hydrogen peroxide bottle, thread, and surgical needle for stitches.

These items are quite necessary as injuries can happen during your time in the wilderness. You should be fully prepared for any kind of situation.

2. Weapons For Protection

Survival situations may vary, but carrying a weapon for personal protection is always a good idea. If you live in a state that allows you to carry a concealed weapon, I would highly advocate that you go and get that permit.  However, taking a basic slingshot or even a knife is always a good idea as well.

Another advantage of carrying a weapon is that you can use it for hunting small game. Don’t forget simpler things such as pepper spray as well that you can easily get at a store.  Pepper spray or tazer guns can go a long way when trying to get away from an attacker.

3. Starting Fires

Fire is essential as it will keep you warm and keep the wild animals away that might be a potential threat. My survival kit always has a lighter, some fire cubes, and jute string to start fires easily.

4. Water Purification Devices

You might know that we can’t go without water for 3 days. Keeping this in mind, I always carry something that can help me carry water, purify it, and use it when needed. You should also take some water containers and purification tools with you.

5. Emergency Communication

The first and most essential communication tool is your smartphone. You can not only use it to call for an emergency but also utilize its GPS service to make your way to safety. However, during a SHTF scenario,  its battery may run out, so you shouldn’t depend on it.

There are other ways to communicate such as HAM radios, walkie-talkies,and satellite radios. Emergency communication is a lot more complicated than this, but that will be for another topic of discussion. 

Related Questions About Survival Gear

What Are The Top 10 Survival Items?

The top ten survival items that I would personally have at all times are as follows:

What Is Needed In A Survival Pack?

When you are trying to determine what to have in your survival pack, you will want to focus on the most important items first such as food, water, warmth, and shelter.  The items that are needed for your survival pack would be a personal water filter, food ration bars, a way to make fires such as stormproof matches, lighters, and fire cubes.  

I would also encourage you to have some type of small first aid kit that will help with pain relief and handle any small cuts and open wounds.  You can always find first aid kits that are more advanced that handle larger trauma wounds, but if you don’t know how to use them, they will do you no good.  So be careful when selecting a first aid kit.

Shelter is another vital component of a survival pack.  The best way to cover this aspect is to carry some type of light tarp that can fit securely in your bougout bag.  It won’t be heavy like your typical tarp, but it will give you enough shelter to keep you dry if it rains.

Warmth is another big deal.  You won’t survive long if you end up in snowy conditions.  Make sure you have some emergency mylar blankets to keep your body heat in.  This is what a bivy sack is good for doing as well.  You will find that these mylar blankets can easily fit in a survival pack.

 Who Makes The Best Survival Gear?

When it comes to survival gear, there are several companies that are considered some of the best on the market.  For example, in the category of food ration bars you can’t go wrong with S.O.S. Labs and Datrex

A few of the best companies when it comes to survival food kits are Wise Company and Auguson Farms.

What Is a Survival Kit?

The survival kit is a pretty broad term that covers a lot of things. It can be anything as small as a basic tin to something big and comprehensive as a bug-out bag.

The goal is to carry something that can help you protect yourself in the wilderness. However, different items are required for tackling different kinds of situations.

Final Thoughts On Survival Gear Under $25

Because you are working with a low price point like $25, makes sure you read any reviews on the product that may be available very carefully. You never want to skimp on your survival gear, so be careful to find the best products that you can get with your $25.

At the same time, the reason you asked for this list of survival gear under $25 is that you want to find some stocking stuffers, a small gift for someone you know, or maybe you’re trying to prep on a budget.

Whatever the reason is, the above items are a fantastic value for the money!