When we pack for a hiking trip to the backcountry, we’re sure to include all the necessities, while keeping our packs light. This is a great strategy to carry over to your disaster preparedness kit. Ultralight supplies make your disaster kit lighter and easier to transport if you ever need to be on the move. Why not double your lightweight camping essentials as go-to tools for your disaster kit? 

Here are our five favorite camping supplies to use both on the trail and in our disaster kits:

Kaito KA500

The KA500 is the perfect radio for emergencies and disasters. It receives a wide range of broadcasting, such as AM, FM, shortwave, and 7 pre-programmed NOAA weather stations. It also has the NOAA Alert function, which allows you to receive emergency broadcasts in the event of any severe weather conditions in your area. There are different methods to power the radio's built-in rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack that include:

• Dynamo hand crank
• USB cable
• Solar
• 3 AA batteries
• AC adapter

You can charge all of your devices by utilizing the USB port. Plug-in your device, and it will charge via crank handle, solar panel, or AC adapter. There are five LED adjustable reading lamp, a LED flashlight, and a SOS emergency light. This radio is easily operated due to the large tuning knobs and function buttons.

What's in the box:

• KA500 emergency radio
• USB cable
• User manual

REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag

This sleeping bag is designed with generous knee and foot space and a fitted silhouette that delivers an efficient warmth-to-weight ratio. Downproof Pertex® shell, water-resistant 850-fill-power goose down, and supple 15-denier lining combine to provide lasting coziness and a supersoft feel. Down is certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) and bluesign® approved. The contoured hood retains warmth while providing space for a low-profile pillow. Also includes a stuff sack for packing and a roomy mesh sack for breathable storage.

Littlbug Junior Stove

Of course, we love our Junior Stove for cooking out on the trail, but it’s also a great, lightweight addition to any disaster kit. It can be used with both wood or alcohol, plus it’s ultralight!

• Weight: 5.1 oz.
• Size: 6" Tall x 5.5" Diameter
• Assembly Time: less than 15 seconds
• Boil Time for 1 Quart of Water: 4 to 6 minutes (wood) & 7 to 9 minutes (alcohol)

Wild Zora

Not only can you use food from Wild Zora to fuel your summer adventures, but they’re a great option for your disaster preparedness kit. There are no chemical preservatives, no gluten, no added sugars, and no dyes or sulfites ever! The meat they use is always free from antibiotics or added hormones, and it’s sustainably raised. They offer a variety of food options for you to choose from:

• Instant Grain-Free Hot Cereals
• Meat & Veggie Bars
• Paleo Meals to Go
• Instant Soups
• Air-Dried Fruits

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

The Wave+ has all the essential tools and the addition of replaceable, durable wire cutters. All 18 tools can be opened and locked quickly, conveniently to tackle any task. Many of these tools are outside-accessible, so you can use them when the multi-tool is folded and closed.

Features:

• All Locking Features: All locking features means that every tool and knife on the body of the handle, with the exception of the plier head, will lock into place. The all locking design enables the user to operate individual tools safely and effectively. By locking them into place when fully open, the user can put pressure on the implement while safely completing the job, before manually unlocking the tool to stow it away.
• Outside-accessible Features: This multi-tool features tools that are accessible while the tool is in its folded or closed position, mimicking the functionality of a pocket knife.
• One-hand Operable Features: Every feature on this tool can be opened and operated with one hand. This enables the user to keep the other hand free for situations that require multi-tasking or a free hand.
• Lanyard Ring: This secure ring is for attaching the tool safely and securely to a lanyard. Often people who work near water or on scaffolding attach their tool to a lanyard on their person to avoid losing the tool if it's dropped.

Many of your hiking essentials will easily transfer to a disaster kit, so if you find yourself in a pinch and without a full disaster kit, you can utilize your hiking equipment and supplies.

Which of your hiking or camping essentials do you think would be most helpful in your disaster kit?