Thread: BASIC LIST / SUGGESTED ITEMS FOR LONG TERM SURVIVAL

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Axe to grind? Here’s why a hatchet belongs in your survival kit

06/17/2025 // HRS Editors // 750 Views

Tags: axes, bug out, Gear, hatchets, homesteading, how-to, off grid, preparedness, prepper, prepping, prepping gear, prepping skills, prepping tools, survival, survival gear, Survival Tips, survival tools, survivalist

• A hatchet is a compact, multi-purpose tool for chopping wood, building shelters, preparing food, self-defense and general camp tasks, making it indispensable in emergencies.
• It efficiently splits logs for fires and cuts or shapes wood for sturdy shelters, saving time and energy compared to using a knife.
• A good survival hatchet should have a high-carbon steel head, a sturdy (composite or wood) handle and a balanced weight (1.5–2.5 lbs) for optimal performance.
• Proper hatchet use includes wearing eye protection, keeping hands clear, maintaining a sharp edge and using controlled swings to prevent accidents.
• Light enough for a bug-out bag yet powerful enough for critical tasks, a reliable hatchet is a must-have for outdoor survival and self-reliance.

When it comes to survival gear, few tools are as versatile and indispensable as a good hatchet. Whether you're building a shelter, processing firewood or preparing food, a well-chosen hatchet can mean the difference between struggling and thriving in an emergency.
Unlike bulky axes, a hatchet is compact enough to fit in a bug-out bag yet powerful enough to handle a wide range of tasks. If you're serious about preparedness, adding a reliable hatchet to your survival kit is a no-brainer. (h/t to BackdoorSurvival.com)
Survival uses of a hatchet

A hatchet isn’t just for chopping wood; it’s a multi-functional tool that can assist in nearly every aspect of wilderness survival.
Here’s why it’s so valuable:
Firewood processing

One of your immediate needs in a survival situation is fire. A hatchet makes quick work of splitting logs into manageable pieces and chopping kindling.
Unlike a knife, which is smaller and requires more effort and time, a hatchet delivers force efficiently, conserving energy. This is a crucial factor when your resources are limited.
Shelter building

Whether constructing a lean-to, reinforcing a debris hut or cutting poles for a makeshift structure, a hatchet allows for precise cutting and shaping of wood.
Without a hatchet, building a sturdy shelter becomes far more difficult.
Food preparation

A sharp hatchet can be used for butchering game or even processing plant material.
While a knife is essential for more delicate tasks, a hatchet provides the extra power needed for tougher tasks, such as breaking down larger animals or splitting nuts.
Self-defense

Though not its primary purpose, a hatchet can serve as a formidable tool for protection against wildlife or threats in extreme scenarios.
Its weight and balance make it effective for both striking and deterring potential dangers. (Related: Smart storage solutions: Organizing your space for maximum preparedness.)
General camp tasks

From hammering tent stakes to clearing brush, a hatchet’s utility extends beyond just chopping.
Some models even feature a hammer poll on the back of the head, adding even more functionality.
Choosing the right hatchet for your survival kit

Not all hatchets are created equal. A well-designed survival hatchet should balance durability, weight and functionality.
Here’s what to look for when choosing a hatchet:
Head type

The head of your hatchet should be made of high-quality carbon steel because it's hard enough to hold an edge but not so brittle that it chips easily.
Avoid cheap, poorly tempered steel that dulls quickly or cracks under stress.
Handle material

Handles come in three main types:

• Composite/fiberglass – Lightweight and durable, resistant to moisture.
• Steel (full tang) – Extremely strong but heavier and can transmit more shock to the hands.
• Wood (ash, hickory) – Classic and comfortable, but can break or rot over time.

For survival purposes, composite or high-quality wood handles are the best compromise between strength and weight.
Size and weight

A survival hatchet should be compact enough to carry comfortably but heavy enough to deliver force efficiently.
A 14- to 18-inch handle with a 1.5- to 2.5-pound head is ideal for most tasks without being overly burdensome.
Versatility

Some hatchets come with additional features like a hammer poll, pry bar or a built-in fire starter.
While these can be useful, it's best to avoid overly gimmicky designs that sacrifice functionality.
Hatchet safety: Avoiding common mistakes

A hatchet is only as safe as the person using it. Many injuries occur due to improper technique or carelessness.
Follow these guidelines to stay safe:

• Wear eye protection – Flying wood chips or metal fragments can cause serious injury.
• Keep your hands clear– Never hold wood with one hand while chopping with the other. Use a stable surface or a splitting wedge instead.
• Maintain a sharp edge – A dull hatchet requires more force, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Use proper form – Swing with control, ensuring a clear path for the blade.

In survival situations, efficiency is everything. A hatchet reduces effort, saves time and expands what’s possible when resources are scarce.
Whether for camping, emergencies or long-term wilderness living, a well-chosen hatchet is an investment in self-reliance.
Where to get a high-quality hatchet

The Health Ranger Store is here to provide you with high-quality survival tools for your prepping needs. That’s why we’re proud to introduce products like the Patriot Hatchet - Scorched Earth/Red - 492 and the Patriot Hatchet - Stealth Black/Ultrex Camo - 508.
The Patriot Hatchet - Scorched Earth/Red - 492 is made of .158 CPM 3V American-made powder steel. It has a Scorched Earth blade finish, featuring rich dark bronze with a darker earth camouflage pattern with clear, baked-on Cerakote.
The hatchet has a Rockwell Hardness of 61-62, and its textured G10 handle will not swell, split, warp or crack. The Patriot Hatchet - Scorched Earth/Red - 492 comes with a Modular 2nd Gen low-profile Kydex belt sheath with enhanced rigging options.
We also offer the Patriot Hatchet - Stealth Black/Ultrex Camo - 508 with a Stealth Black blade finish - Baked-on matte black Cerakote.
Visit Preparedness.news to learn more about useful prepping tools for your survival kit. You can also visit Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store to find more products for your prepping needs.
Click on this link for real facts about long-term food storage.
Watch this clip about UHMWPE Braided Survival Cord and Bug Spray and why you need these items in your bug-out bag.

This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:

Beginner’s guide to prepping: 6 Things to remember for new preppers.
Survival stockpile staples: Emergency foods for long-term storage.
Prepping 101: Tips to help you start your prepping journey.
An emergency supply checklist for beginner preppers.
Sources include:
BackdoorSurvival.com
TruePrepper.com
HealthRangerStore.com 1
HealthRangerStore.com 2
HealthRangerStore.com 3
HealthRangerStore.com 4
Brighteon.com

Axe to grind? Here’s why a hatchet belongs in your survival kit – NaturalNews.com

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Bug Out

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Critical preps: How to stockpile prescription glasses before disaster strikes

December 14, 2019 - Posted by Grace Olson

(Natural News) People wearing prescription glasses have to consider how they will take care of their eyewear during an emergency. When SHTF, losing or breaking your glasses can be a serious liability and affect your chances of survival. To avoid this scenario, make sure to include extra prescription glasses in your preps. (h/t to BeansBulletsBandagesAndYou.com) […]
in: Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival


Guerrilla gardening tips: How to hide survival food in plain sight


December 8, 2019 - Posted by Grace Olson

(Natural News) Not everyone would be prepared when SHTF. This means looters may come rushing to your home to steal your supplies. Outdoor gardens are especially vulnerable. You can install security systems all around your property to dissuade potential thieves, but even the most desperate ones may figure out a way around them. One of the […]
in: Food, Home & Life, Home gardening, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival, Survival Food

Survival medicine: Stock up on these items to prepare your home for a pandemic


December 8, 2019 - Posted by Grace Olson

(Natural News) Every time you turn on the news, there always seems to be a new deadly disease on the loose. These reports should be taken seriously. A pandemic can occur at any time and when it does, people’s lives will drastically change. People often interchange pandemic and epidemic, but they’re not quite the same. […]
in: Diseases, Health, Infectious Diseases, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival

Bitten by a snake? Here’s what you should do


December 8, 2019 - Posted by Grace Olson

(Natural News) Getting bitten by a snake is a scary event. And unlike the depiction in the movies, the only way to treat a venomous snake bite is through antivenom. Forget about sucking out the venom or applying tourniquet – those actions will only make things worse. (h/t to LiveScience.com) A common mistake is that […]
in: Animals, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Reptiles, Survival

Prepping tips and tricks: How to make DIY pepper spray


December 8, 2019 - Posted by Mary Miller

(Natural News) Oleoresin capsicum (OC) is an oily liquid extracted from hot peppers. When this substance makes contact with bare skin, it can cause a severe burning sensation that can incapacitate an attacker without resulting in any permanent tissue damage. Because of this, OC is used as an active ingredient in pepper spray, making it an excellent […]
in: Collapse, Off the grid living, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival

Edibles in plain sight: 15 Common wild plants that are safe to eat


December 5, 2019 - Posted by Grace Olson

(Natural News) When you’re in the wild, the usual food sources may no longer be available. You’ll need to find your own food through hunting or foraging. These skills rely greatly on your knowledge of which foods you can eat. (h/t to AskAPrepper.com) Aside from catchig fish and hunting wild animals, there are also wild plants […]
in: Environment, Flowers, Food, Plants, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival, Survival Food

Get up and get moving: 15 Ways to make your days more physical


December 5, 2019 - Posted by Grace Olson

(Natural News) When SHTF, you’ll be placed under a lot of mental and physical stress, and dealing with that requires a strong mind and body. However, most people aren’t physically active. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only one in four American adults and one in five high school students meet the recommended […]
in: Exercise, Fitness, Health, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival

Prepping 101: Three important lessons for beginners


November 29, 2019 - Posted by Darnel Fernandez

(Natural News) Prepping isn’t exactly an easy task, especially for a rookie. A lot of newbies often rush into things and get caught up with the idea of prepping without taking the time to plan out their actions, leading to plenty of mistakes in the long run. But making mistakes isn’t exclusive to beginners – […]
in: Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival

The savvy prepper’s guide to surviving a long-term power outage


November 28, 2019 - Posted by Darnel Fernandez

(Natural News) A power outage is one of the most challenging situations any homeowner may face. Society has grown to be heavily dependent on technology and electricity, with the latter becoming almost a necessity. Losing access to electricity can lead to adverse effects on everyday life. What’s even more unfortunate is that you don’t usually […]
in: Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival

Small and incredibly dangerous: Follow these tick safety tips to prevent infections


November 27, 2019 - Posted by Grace Olson

(Natural News) Ticks are commonly found in animals, but they can attach to humans as well. They are well-known carriers of various diseases and infections, and it is best to ward them off once you spot them. This is especially the case during the summer when ticks are in full swing. To prevent a tick from […]
in: Health, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Remedies, Survival

Bug Out

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How do you use kudzu in a survival situation?


November 21, 2019 - Posted by Melissa Smith

(Natural News) Kudzu, also known as Japanese arrowroot, is a legume that produces hearty vines and biomass. This plant was exported from Japan in 1876 and was considered an ornamental plant, but was later heavily planted to help stop soil erosion. Kudzu is also a great survival plant. (h/t to Survivopedia.com) Biofuel Kudzu produces more […]
in: Plants, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Remedies, Survival, Survival Food


Waste not, want not: How to reuse dehumidifier water


November 18, 2019 - Posted by Grace Olson

(Natural News) In an emergency, water may not always be available, and you may be forced to look for alternative sources. While you can find water outside, such as from ponds and lakes, there are potential water sources inside your house as well. One of these is dehumidifier water. By purifying it, it can offer […]
in: Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival, Water


Prepper friendly states: Is going off the grid legal where you live?


November 4, 2019 - Posted by Grace Olson

(Natural News) Some preppers want to live off the grid, but they often forget one important thing: paperwork. Going off the grid requires you to read laws, submit permits, and process all the relevant documents related to utilities you’ll need. If you want to try living off the grid in your state, you have to […]
in: Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival


How to prep if your loved ones have food sensitivities or allergies


November 3, 2019 - Posted by Grace Olson

(Natural News) It’s already difficult to find nutritional food with long shelf lives, but it becomes harder when you have a food allergy. When disaster strikes and food becomes limited, any person with a food allergy would have a hard time finding something to eat. As a prepper, you need to take that into consideration when […]
in: Allergy, Food, Health, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival, Survival Food


A guide to securing your homestead’s perimeter (while observing the law)


November 2, 2019 - Posted by Darnel Fernandez

(Natural News) Perimeter and home security should always be your number one priority when creating a survival plan. Regardless of how safe your area may be or how low the crime rate is, it pays to be vigilant. Perimeter fencing is one of the simplest ways to establish your territory and fortify your location. However, […]
in: Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival


Survival medicine basics: How to use sugar to treat wounds


November 1, 2019 - Posted by Grace Olson

(Natural News) Sugar isn’t known for a lot of health benefits, but they are quite useful as a home remedy. Before commercial antibiotic and antiseptic creams, it used to be a popular homemade treatment for wounds. Moreover, it can be applied on humans and animals alike. (h/t to AlphaSurvivalist.net) How does sugar treat wounds? Sugar […]
in: Alternative medicine, Medicine, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival


Are you prepared for the next Black Death? Here’s what you can do to prepare for a pandemic


October 28, 2019 - Posted by Arsenio Toledo

(Natural News) From malaria, to Ebola, or even the flu, tons of diseases break out and kill hundreds or even thousands of people every year. Any of these diseases could easily turn into an epidemic. For example, in 2017 an outbreak of the bubonic plague – the same plague that killed 60 percent of Europe […]
in: Collapse, Diseases, Infectious Diseases, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival


Prepping tips for women: Natural birth control methods you can use in a post-SHTF world


October 27, 2019 - Posted by Grace Olson

(Natural News) Getting pregnant during and after SHTF poses a lot of risks. Not only is there a lack of access to clean facilities and a doctor, it also places an incredible physical burden on the mother. Giving birth in that kind of environment increases the risk of contracting an infection or disease. In the […]
in: Pregnancy, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival, Women's health


Prepping on the go: How to safely store food in your car


October 27, 2019 - Posted by Grace Olson

(Natural News) Storing food at home is different from storing them inside your car. Whether it’s going for a short ride or getting stranded in your car during an SHTF situation, having some food stored always comes in handy, just make sure to store them properly. (h/t to BackdoorSurvival.com) Choosing food to store The first […]
in: Food, food safety, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival


Your physical fitness is just as crucial as your preps when SHTF: Stay healthy by walking regularly and following a balanced diet


October 26, 2019 - Posted by Darnel Fernandez

(Natural News) Many preppers spend a lot of their time preparing for the worst. They’d stockpile supplies and emergency kits for maximum survival. But one thing that a lot of people, not just preppers, neglect is physical preparation. Health and fitness are often overlooked because people take for granted how easy they have it in […]
in: Exercise, Fitness, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival

Bug Out


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Aloe vera, apple cider vinegar and more: 12 Natural remedies for poison ivy


October 21, 2019 - Posted by Zoey Sky

(Natural News) According to the American Skin Association, allergic reactions caused by poison ivy and similar plants affect a whopping 50 million people in America annually. If you’re suffering from poison ivy rash, use natural remedies like aloe vera or oatmeal to relieve your condition. (h/t to HomesteadSurvivalSite.com) The leaves, stems, and roots of poison ivy all contain […]
in: Allergy, Alternative medicine, Culture & Society, Environment, Green living / sustainable living, Health, herbal medicine, herbal medicine, Home & Life, Homesteading, How To, Medicine, Off the grid living, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Remedies, Skin care, Survival


Health and prepping: Why your physical fitness is an important aspect of your survival plan


October 18, 2019 - Posted by Zoey Sky

(Natural News) Prepping involves more than just your survival gear and a stockpile of supplies. When SHTF, being physically fit can help improve your chances of surviving. (h/t to TheOrganicPrepper.com) Preppers should invest as much time in their physical fitness as in their preps. After all, you need to be strong enough to lift supplies or […]
in: Exercise, Fitness, Health, Home & Life, How To, Men's Fitness, Men's health, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival, Women's Fitness, Women's health


Survival medicine: How to stop bleeding injuries


October 17, 2019 - Posted by Janine Acero

(Natural News) When dealing with an injury, the first thing you need to do is stop the bleeding. If you’re in the city, you can expect medical help to arrive sooner. If you’re in a rural area, however, you may be looking at significantly longer response times. In a medical emergency, time isn’t on your […]
in: Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival


Foraging safety tips: How to identify common poisonous plants and mushrooms


October 17, 2019 - Posted by Edsel Cook

(Natural News) Preppers and survivalists who plan to forage in the wilderness will not only need to look for edible plants and mushrooms, they also need to recognize poisonous counterparts. Poison ivy is one of the most common poisonous plants that may end up in the backyard. Fortunately, people may develop a resistance to the […]
in: Food, How To, Plants, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival


Is your state a good place for homesteading?


October 15, 2019 - Posted by Grace Olson

(Natural News) Before you pursue your homesteading dreams, you will need land — and finding the perfect land isn’t easy. You might be considering to buy a piece of land within your state; it is your comfort zone after all. However, the start to a successful homesteading is planning. Hold off on buying land for […]
in: Green living / sustainable living, Home & Life, Home gardening, Homesteading, How To, Off the grid living, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival


Survival first aid: How to prevent and treat hypothermia when SHTF


October 13, 2019 - Posted by Edsel Cook

(Natural News) Hypothermia is a deadly condition that develops in cold temperatures. Preppers must know how to prevent it from happening in the first place – and how to treat it. When a person’s core body temperature drops below 95 F (35 C), he undergoes hypothermia. Dehydration and starvation increase the risk of the condition. […]
in: Health, How To, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival


Surviving in a post-EMP world


October 13, 2019 - Posted by Darnel Fernandez

(Natural News) Decades of innovation and technological advancement have led to a society that relies heavily on electronic gadgets. These electronics play a role in almost every aspect of human life and are vital to the survival of some individuals. Now, imagine all of that technology disappearing in the blink of an eye. That is what […]
in: Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival


What is normalcy bias and how does it affect your survival rate when SHTF?


October 12, 2019 - Posted by Darnel Fernandez

(Natural News) The world is a dangerous place and disaster can strike at any given moment. From earthquakes, runaway trucks, to even random trigger-happy strangers, bad things will happen and you need to be prepared for it. Unfortunately, a lot of people aren’t prepared for the worst because most operate with the mindset that everything is going to be […]
in: Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival


Harvest projections: How much do you need to plant if you want to feed your family for one year?


October 7, 2019 - Posted by Grace Olson

(Natural News) Growing your own food can be challenging, especially when you can just buy from grocery stores and market places. But one of the most rewarding things about it is knowing what goes (and doesn’t go) into your food, making sure that you and your family eat only the cleanest foods without a trace […]
in: Home & Life, Home gardening, Homesteading, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival


A step-by-step guide to making a Zeer pot (off-grid refrigerator)


October 3, 2019 - Posted by Edsel Cook

(Natural News) Also called the pot-in-pot refrigerator, the zeer system is a simple but important technology. It is easy to make at home and will help preserve food and drink in hot weather without needing electricity. (h/t to TheHomesteadingHippy.com) To make a zeer pot, get two clay pots with solid bottoms that are big enough to hold […]
in: Homesteading, How To, Preparedness & survival, Prepping, Survival