When you start the transition from traditional to ultralight backpacking, survival gear is usually the first thing to go. Signaling mirror? Extraneous. Extra paracord? Too heavy. Fire starters? Pshh.

Add Popular Science (opens in a new tab) More information Adding us as a Preferred Source in Google by using this link indicates that you would like to see more of our content in Google News results.

The best survival kits are like insurance policies you hope you'll never need, but when disaster strikes, they can make all the difference. Packed with essentials like food, water, first aid supplies ...

Add Outdoor Life (opens in a new tab) More information Adding us as a Preferred Source in Google by using this link indicates that you would like to see more of our content in Google News results. Ask ...