Duct Tape

Duct tape is often joked about as being able to fix anything, but in a survival situation, its versatility is no laughing matter. It is an incredibly useful and multi-functional item that belongs in every emergency kit. Its primary purpose is for quick, temporary repairs. Whether you need to patch a hole in a tent, mend a ripped sleeping bag, or create a makeshift splint for an injury, duct tape's strength and adhesive properties make it an invaluable tool.

There is a huge range of uses for duct tape in an emergency. You can use it to seal a leaky water container, reinforce a window, or create a sling for an injured arm. It can be used to fashion a rope, create butterfly bandages for a cut, or even to reseal food packages to keep them fresh. When selecting duct tape for your kit, you don't need to pack the entire large roll. You can save space by wrapping a generous amount—50 feet or so—around a small pencil or a flat piece of cardboard. This makes it much more compact and easy to store in your kit.

Duct tape is a cornerstone of a good tool and repair strategy. Alongside a Multi-Tool or Pocket Knife and a Wrench or Pliers (to turn off utilities), it provides you with the ability to improvise and solve problems. The principle of preparedness is not just about having supplies, but also about having the tools to adapt to unforeseen challenges. The strength, durability, and versatility of duct tape make it one of the most useful items you can have for improvising solutions and making critical repairs when you need them most.