We often talk about the importance of having a disaster kit prepared, but what about when you’re traveling? Specifically, what about when you’re traveling through the desert? Even a simple, well-planned kit can determine the outcome of your time in a dry wilderness. Emergency survival kits are not one-size-fits-all. Different climates require different items. Many people from northern climates may be packing up and heading south for the winter. It can be just as important to plan and prepare for a trip south. Travel through the desert requires different items versus traveling through the snow and cold.

The most important factor in an emergency preparedness kit is that it contains what you need to take care of YOU until help arrives. Stay with your vehicle if at all possible and use it as your shelter.  Single-purpose items usually are not as important unless they hold a significant value to you or your health. The best way to make a truly valuable kit is to create your own list and tailor it to your personal needs. Sure, you might be tempted to buy a ready-made survival kit. Some of them have useful items, but they can also be more expensive and most likely won’t be the best fit for you.

Here are some items to get you started thinking about what to bring along for your next trip to the desert:

• Littlbug Junior Stove configured for burning alcohol (it’s great for boiling water- if you can find some, and providing heat on cold desert nights!)
• Food
• Several containers of water
• Hat with a wide brim
• Sunglasses
• A sturdy knife
• Several large leaf bags or solar blankets for instant body shelter from the sun or cold weather
• A small mirror or a signal mirror
• Matches, butane lighter or flint and steel
• A police-type whistle
• Flashlight and batteries
• Adhesive tape

Make sure to assemble your emergency survival kit before you need it, and make sure you know how to use everything in it. Emergency kits like this can also be great gifts for family and loved ones, especially those hard to buy for that seem to have everything. And last but not least, there's no harm in hoping for the best as long as you're prepared for the worst.  

What’s one thing you would need in your desert emergency kit?