10 weird survival tools that actually worked

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Every good prepper knows the most important gear to pack in their bug out bag. Tools like a sharp blade, first aid kit, source of light, signaling device and more make the list as essentials.

However, once the basics are covered, it becomes a game of utility. What tools can provide either the most use, or a specialized use as well as others.

Here is a list of 10 items you might not expect to be as useful as they are. Either their specialty or their utility place them at the top of secondary items, just after the essentials.

Tool 1: Cigarettes

Even if you do not smoke, you should still pack tobacco into your bug out bag. As a first aid survival tool, its uses are surprisingly plentiful--despite how bad they may be for you when smoked.

First, if you become infected with parasites, you can eat the tobacco. This will cause any gut parasites to go into shock and pass out of your system. Chewed tobacco also relieves toothaches while it can alleviate bug bites.

Tool 2: Animal Repellants

You never know who or what you will run into while out in the wilds. It is advisable to carry at least some kind of self-defense spray.

The strongest sprays you can buy are bear sprays, though they usually require a license. A good substitute if you cannot obtain bear spray is either dog or wasp spray.

The dog spray is the stronger of the two and will serve as a better distraction. However, wasp spray often has a longer range, so you will have to weigh those factors beforehand.

Tool 3: Aluminum Foil

Because of its malleability, the uses for aluminum foil are only limited by the amount you have and your inventiveness. The obvious use for aluminum foil is to aid in cooking.

However, because aluminum foil transfers but does not retain heat well, it can also be molded into a number of dishes.

Aluminum foil is also incredibly reflective and can be fashioned into a signal. For those of you who are electrically inclined, it can be used to start fire when paired with a battery.

Tool 4: Steel Wool

Not just for the kitchen anymore, steel wool will obviously serve well when you need to scour anything. Its rough, yet durable, construction makes it ideal for this purpose.

However, in a pinch, steel wool is also extremely flammable. If you have no other options for tinder, this can work much like aluminum foil when touched to batteries.

Tool 5: Chewing Gum

For the most part, chewing gum will be used to chew, though it may serve as a temporary adhesive in a dire situation. However, just chewing gun provides numerous benefits.

Most importantly to preppers, it aids in conservations of food and water. While chewing gum, your appetite is suppressed and the regular expression of your saliva glands can keep your mouth moist.

Of course, there are numerous specialized types of gum that can aid a number of situations. There is gum for energy, anti-nausea, and your working memory.

Tool 6: Tampons

The men may be making a double take right now, but female preppers know all too well the benefits tampons can provide out in the wild. Like many of the survival tools on this list, tampons can serve as effective timber, and with fire as important to survival as it is, you can never have enough tools that can also be tinder.

However, tampons also make an excellent bandage, provided you have duct tape or some other adhesive. While crude, tampons can be made into a water filter as well. Finally, using all parts of the “buffalo,” a tampon’s plastic shell makes a great fishing bobber.

Tool 7: Liquor

Here, we are referring specifically to Vodka, though you probably should avoid drinking it--especially if water supplies are scarce. Still, non-sweetened alcohols have a wealth of uses.

One of the most obvious is as a sterilizer for various first aid tools or wounds. However, its first aid uses do not end there. Vodka can clean out infection for a sore throat, suppress coughs, and repel insects.

Outside of first aid, vodka is excellent at cleaning class and can be used to start fires.

Tool 8: Aspirin

While most people think of aspirin as a pain reliever, the health benefits this medicine can provide extend well beyond pain relief. When moistened, aspirin can aid in a number of skin conditions from pimples to warts to bug bites and stings.

Of course, most of us are familiar with the benefits that aspirin provides in keeping out heart healthy and preventing a stroke. However, aspirin can also be crushed and turned into a paste to wash clothing in a pinch.

Tool 9: Dental Floss

While clean teeth and a healthy mouth is important no matter where you are, dental floss can also do double duty for a number of purposes. Showing a surprising amount of tensile strength for its size, dental floss can serve as a substitute for various lines if needed.

In terms of keeping you fed, dental floss can be used both as fishing line and to set snares, making it a full-circle survival gadget.

Tool 10: Pantyhose

Another item that may leave men scratching their heads, pantyhose are an amazingly useful survival gadget for preppers regardless their gender. First, anyone can wear hose to protect you from blisters, chiggers, or ticks.

However, pantyhose also serve as an excellent filter for both water and breathing through dust. Finally, if twisted, pantyhose make a great emergency tourniquet.

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