• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

FreeSurvivalGear.org

Grab Your Free Survival Gear Samples And Tools Here!

  • Free Survival Gear Samples
  • Tactical Survival Gear
  • Urban Survival Gear
  • Outdoor Survival Gear

Building the Perfect Urban Survival Kit

November 10, 2021 By FreeSurvivalGear.org 1 Comment

This page may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through my affiliate links, then I may earn a commission (which helps support this blog).

Disasters happen, which is why it’s a smart idea to be prepared with an Urban Survival Kit filled with survival gear. Whether it’s a sudden economic collapse or just an extended power outage, your friendly city can turn into an urban jungle in which you’ll need to keep yourself alive and moving toward safety.

Being truly prepared could mean having gear in your urban survival bag that’s tailored to your surroundings. City dwellers won’t have the same needs as people from a more rural area. If you’re from a metropolitan area, adding some essential survival gear to your get-home bag might be all it takes to customize it into the ultimate urban survival kit.

Table of Contents

  • Urban Survival Kit Basics
    • Everyday Carry Backpack or Bug Out Bag
    • Breaching Tools To Carry In An Urban Survival Kit
    • Self-defense Tools For An Urban Survival Kit
    • Fire Starting Tools For An Urban Survival Kit
    • Food and Water For An Urban Survival Kit
    • Communication Tools
    • First Aid In Your Urban Survival Kit
    • Shelter-Building Tools For Your Urban Survival Kit
    • Environmental Protection
    • Additional Personal Items
  • Urban Survival Kit Conclusion

Urban Survival Kit Basics

There are prefab survival kits available, but it’s not a bad idea to custom-build your own. To help you get started, here’s an overview of the components to consider when building a self-contained urban survival kit for your bug-out bag, get-home bag, or backpack.

Good urban survival gear should enable you to do the following:

• Carry supplies that can last 72 or more hours

• Stay mobile all day if need be

• Shelter yourself from the elements

• Defend yourself

• Overcome obstacles like walls and doors

• Protect your entire body from debris and toxic dust

• Communicate

• Start a fire

• Receive radio updates

• Perform basic first aid

Survival situations associated with cities have unique attributes, several of which are worth considering when making your urban survival gear list.

Everyday Carry Backpack or Bug Out Bag

You need to carry a few personal items in your Urban Survival Kit along with the survival gear. These can include important documents and spare clothes. You can use your get home bag if it’s comfortable, big enough, easy to customize, and features compartments of different sizes, making it easier to organize the gear. Additionally, your backpack needs to be well-built, extremely durable, and capable of enduring the harsh urban environment.

Bestseller No. 1 Emergency Zone Urban Survival Bug Out Bag - 4 Person | Bugout Backpack Survival Kit w/Emergency Food Supply, Survival Gear and Supplies for Disasters Emergency Zone Urban Survival Bug Out Bag - 4... $219.99
Bestseller No. 2 Urban Survival Bug-Out Bag Black - 2 Person 72 Hour Go Bag and Supplies Urban Survival Bug-Out Bag Black - 2 Person 72... $159.99
Bestseller No. 3 Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets with PA Plus, Portable and Effective Solution for Camping, Hiking, Emergencies, Natural Disasters and International Travel, Two 50ct Bottles Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets with PA... $8.97
SaleBestseller No. 4 Tiny Pocket Survival Guide EDC Survival Kits Military Grade for Field Emergency, First Aid, Disaster, and Rural Urban Preparedness Fully Waterproof Tiny Pocket Survival Guide EDC Survival Kits... $9.99

Breaching Tools To Carry In An Urban Survival Kit

The ability to breach can come in handy in any urban emergency scenario, making it an essential asset. In urban survival situations, the possibility of finding abandoned supply caches in cars and buildings is significantly higher.

Although we are not encouraging you to loot, abandoned supplies can mean the difference between survival and death. Forcing open a car, a building’s door, or a container might be the only way to access much-needed supplies.

To ensure you can accomplish this, you’ll want to include survival gear that has multiple uses.

We recommend taking a look at the SOG Tactical Survival Hatchet, which is perfect for both urban and wilderness survival.

Multi tools: With these highly versatile and relatively lightweight tools, you can solve minor problems and perform all kinds of unexpected jobs. You can also use it to get out of tight situations with minimal hassle (be sure to check out this free keychain multi tool).

Pry bar: Depending on the situation, crowbars can be used to chop wood, remove barriers and debris, break cinder blocks, break glass, pry doors open, and pierce sheet metal. Choose one that is compact and can double as a self-defense weapon. A small-sized variant is probably the best choice since it will not occupy a lot of space.

Extreme ops knife: Both the main blade and seatbelt cutter can slice through light to medium materials easily. This survival knife has to be light but just as tough and capable as a full-sized knife. Some include a glass breaking tool as well.

Urban axe: This multipurpose piece of urban survival gear is incredibly versatile and powerful. It can be a pickaxe, knife, or hatchet, whatever the situation dictates. Aside from featuring the slots needed to open and close gas mains and water hydrants, the urban axe is also an intimidating weapon. When in need of some clean water, you can use it to access a fire hydrant. 

Self-defense Tools For An Urban Survival Kit

In an urban survival situation, the inherently concentrated population increases the possibility of encountering other survivors. Such encounters can be good or bad depending on how you’ll handle the situation and the other survivors’ disposition. You can barter with some survivors while others can be valuable sources of information. However, some can be dangerous. When it comes to discouraging unfriendly advances, having a self-defense weapon at hand could tip the odds in your favor. Knives, pepper spray, tactical pens and firearms can help boost your self-defense. A gun is good if you know how to use one. If you won’t carry a weapon, you can always repurpose the crowbar, urban axe, or extreme ops knife.

Fire Starting Tools For An Urban Survival Kit

A fire starter like the everstryke pro is important because you’ll need them to get a fire going. Fires can be used to signal for help, keep warm, cook, boil water, and generate light. Include at least two cigarette lighters and waterproof matches, preferably the waterproof-packaged variety. Stormproof matches will stay lit even when wet while the fuel provided by the lighters should last for months.

With these tools at hand, you should have no problem starting a fire even if you are inexperienced.

Food and Water For An Urban Survival Kit

In an extended emergency situation, you need to keep moving and stay hydrated. Depending on fitness and exertion levels, this could mean consuming 2-3 liters of water daily. You can meet this requirement if you include water-carrying and water-purifying gear. Consider the following items:

• At least 12 emergency ration bars that contain about 2400 calories, probably enough for two days’ hard travel.

• Water purification packets that can treat water for bacteria, Giardia, and other viruses

• A water bottle that can be used to store and boil water.

With regard to alternative sources of food and water, urban survival situations will present more scavenging opportunities than rural survival scenarios. The following tools can prove quite useful:

Can opener: Allows you to access preserved food easily. You’re more likely to come across canned food in an urban center than in a rural locality.

Metal spork: You can use this tool to get scavenged food to your mouth.

Water valve key: Urban commercial buildings like malls usually have secured water valves located on the side. You can use this tool to access the water if you don’t have an urban axe.

Communication Tools

In any survival situation, communication is vital. Being up-to-date and aware of changing events boosts your chances of survival by allowing you to make sound decisions. Emergency radios are the first step to keeping you in the loop. Models with a hand crank or a solar panel that can charge mobile devices via a USB port are probably the best choice.

Apart from getting information from external sources, you’ll want to communicate with members of your group and be able to signal other survivors or rescue parties from afar. An emergency whistle is perfectly suited to this task, making it an important inclusion.

First Aid In Your Urban Survival Kit

First aid supplies are a primary feature of any survival kit. So, in addition to a standard first aid kit that includes all the basics needed for minor injuries, you should carry just a couple extra items to expand the kit’s scope:

Ammonia inhalants: Used to revive someone who’s passed out, and can, therefore, allow your group to keep moving after one of you has been injured.

Potassium Iodine tablets: Used to protect against radiation damage resulting from dirty bombs and other radiological attacks.

Shelter-Building Tools For Your Urban Survival Kit

There’s less need for emergency shelter in the urban environment. Since urban areas have many buildings, finding shelter is not that hard. However, this does not mean you will find a suitable shelter in time. In such a case, you’ll want to repair a partially damaged shelter or build one using any of the materials available. To meet these needs, you’ll need the following items:

• An emergency blanket preserves body heat and can be used as a makeshift poncho

• A tube tent and sleeping bag ( how to choose a sleeping bag)

• Paracord and duct tape, 50 feet each

• Ten large zip ties

Environmental Protection

In the wake of a disaster, urban environments can become toxic and hazardous quickly. As such, you’ll need protection against different environmental threats. Include the following set of safety equipment:

• Heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands and keep them working much longer.

• Dust mask to protect your lungs from potentially toxic airborne particles.

• Safety goggles to protect your eyes.

• At least four pairs of foam-based plugs to protect your ears.

Additional Personal Items

• Permanent marker to leave marking for yourself or other members of your group

• Foldable eating utensils

• EDC Flashlight

• At least six AA and AAA batteries

Urban Survival Kit Conclusion

When building an urban survival kit, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring you’ve chosen quality gear that is reliable and tough enough to get you through the harsh realities of an urban emergency. Packing an extra pair of socks won’t cut it. Use the pointers listed above to build a lightweight, compact, and easy-to-use survival kit that you can bet on.

And while you’re at it, check out our urban survival guide.

SaleBestseller No. 5 2 Pack Waterproof Lighter Outdoor Windproof Torch Lighters Dual Arc Butane Electric Lighters USB Rechargeable Lighters Flameless Plasma Lighter Camping Hiking Adventure Survival Tactical Gear 2 Pack Waterproof Lighter Outdoor Windproof Torch... $11.98
SaleBestseller No. 6 146Pcs Survival First Aid Kit, Car Emergency Trauma Kit with Military Grade Survival Tools, Medical Supplies & Fishing Gear, for Camping, Travel, Earthquake, Gifts for Men & Women Outdoor Adventures 146Pcs Survival First Aid Kit, Car Emergency... $24.99
Bestseller No. 7 QuakeHOLD! Evacuation Essentials Plus Kit, Earthquake, Fire, Flood, Hurricane, Bug Out Bag, 5-Year Food, 5-Year Water, Emergency Preparedness Kit, Compact Survival Bag For Office, Home, Car, 1 Pack QuakeHOLD! Evacuation Essentials Plus Kit,... $9.65
SaleBestseller No. 8 Survival Kit, 262Pcs Survival Gear and Supplies with First Aid Kit Pouch and Crossbody Bag, Emergency Kit with Tent, Camping Axe Hammer, Survival Shovel w/Pick, Bug Out Bag Gifts for Men Women Survival Kit, 262Pcs Survival Gear and Supplies... $42.49
SaleBestseller No. 9 Survival Kit, 250Pcs Survival Gear First Aid Kit with Molle System Compatible Bag and Emergency Tent, Emergency Kit for Earthquake, Outdoor Adventure, Hiking, Hunting, Gifts for Men Women Survival Kit, 250Pcs Survival Gear First Aid Kit... $42.99
Bestseller No. 10 JINAGER Survival Gear Kits Outdoor Survival Gear Tool for Trip,with Fire Starter, Whistle, Wood Cutter, Tactical Pen for Camping, Hiking, Climbing for Wilderness/Trip/Cars/Hiking/Camping JINAGER Survival Gear Kits Outdoor Survival Gear... $16.99

Filed Under: Urban Survival Gear Tagged With: urban survival gear, Urban Survival Kit

Related Articles

tactical backpacks

4 Tactical Backpacks That Also Make Great Bug Out Bags

These 4 Tactical Backpacks offer you the biggest bang for your money … [Read More...] about 4 Tactical Backpacks That Also Make Great Bug Out Bags

best tactical flashlight

How to Choose the Best Tactical Flashlight For Any Situation

If you're a hardcore survivalist, you may believe you have no need for the … [Read More...] about How to Choose the Best Tactical Flashlight For Any Situation

edc backpack

How to Choose the Best EDC Backpack

Here's how to choose the best EDC backpack that's a perfect fit for your … [Read More...] about How to Choose the Best EDC Backpack

keychain multi tool

Top 5 Keychain Multi Tool Choices Revealed (2 Are Absolutely Free)

A Keychain multi tool is the type of tool you'd include in your every day … [Read More...] about Top 5 Keychain Multi Tool Choices Revealed (2 Are Absolutely Free)

Survival Kit

SaleBestseller No. 1 Survival Kit, 250Pcs Survival Gear First Aid Kit with Molle System Compatible Bag and Emergency Tent, Emergency Kit for Earthquake, Outdoor Adventure, Hiking, Hunting, Gifts for Men Women Survival Kit, 250Pcs Survival Gear First Aid Kit... $42.99
SaleBestseller No. 2 Survival Kit, 262Pcs Survival Gear and Supplies with First Aid Kit Pouch and Crossbody Bag, Emergency Kit with Tent, Camping Axe Hammer, Survival Shovel w/Pick, Bug Out Bag Gifts for Men Women Survival Kit, 262Pcs Survival Gear and Supplies... $42.49
SaleBestseller No. 3 AUGASON FARMS Emergency Food Supply Bucket, 200 Servings, Dehydrated Meal Kit, Variety Pail, Long Shelf Life Just-Add-Water Meals for Prepping, Disaster Survival, Camping, Hiking, and More AUGASON FARMS Emergency Food Supply Bucket, 200... $78.38
Bestseller No. 4 Emergency Survival Kit, 22 in 1 Professional Survival Gear Equipment Tools First Aid Supplies for SOS Emergency Tactical Hiking Hunting Disaster Camping Adventures Emergency Survival Kit, 22 in 1 Professional... $23.99
Bestseller No. 5 Gift for Father's Day Men Dad Husband,142 Pcs Survival Kit and First Aid Kit, Professional Emergency Kits Survival Gear and Equipment with Molle Pouch, for Men Women Camping Outdoor Adventures Gift for Father's Day Men Dad Husband,142 Pcs... $29.99

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Survival Gear

SaleBestseller No. 1 Survival Kit, 250Pcs Survival Gear First Aid Kit with Molle System Compatible Bag and Emergency Tent, Emergency Kit for Earthquake, Outdoor Adventure, Hiking, Hunting, Gifts for Men Women Survival Kit, 250Pcs Survival Gear First Aid Kit... $42.99
SaleBestseller No. 2 LifeStraw Personal Water Purifier for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness LifeStraw Personal Water Purifier for Hiking,... $14.95
SaleBestseller No. 3 Energizer AA and AAA Batteries, 48 Count, Combo Pack Contains 24 Max Double A and 24 Max Triple A Batteries Energizer AA and AAA Batteries, 48 Count, Combo... $29.99
SaleBestseller No. 4 2 Pack Waterproof Lighter Outdoor Windproof Torch Lighters Dual Arc Butane Electric Lighters USB Rechargeable Lighters Flameless Plasma Lighter Camping Hiking Adventure Survival Tactical Gear 2 Pack Waterproof Lighter Outdoor Windproof Torch... $12.73
SaleBestseller No. 5 Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival (Bushcraft Survival Skills Series) Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of... $9.04

Recent Posts

free everstryke pro perma match survival lighter

Here’s Why The Free Everstryke Pro Is The Best Survival Lighter (Video Proof!)

get home bag list flood rescue

The Ultimate Get Home Bag List

seatbelt cutter

Do You Really Need A SeatBelt Cutter (The Answer May Surprise You)

free survival gear list

Free Survival Gear List

survival flashlight

The Best Survival Flashlight Could Save Your Life (Here Are A Few Worth Checking Out)

rfid blocking sleeve

Free RFID Blocking Sleeve Keeps Your Credit Card Number Secure

Emergency Food

SaleBestseller No. 1 AUGASON FARMS Emergency Food Supply Bucket, 200 Servings, Dehydrated Meal Kit, Variety Pail, Long Shelf Life Just-Add-Water Meals for Prepping, Disaster Survival, Camping, Hiking, and More AUGASON FARMS Emergency Food Supply Bucket, 200... $78.38
SaleBestseller No. 2 AUGASON FARMS Emergency Food Supply Bucket, 176 Servings, Dehydrated Meal Kit, Variety Pail, Long Shelf Life Just-Add-Water Meals for Prepping, Disaster Survival, Camping, Hiking, and More AUGASON FARMS Emergency Food Supply Bucket, 176... $76.93
Bestseller No. 3 Ready Hour 120 Serving Entree Bucket-Freeze Dried Emergency Food Supply-Survival Meals with Long Shelf Life-Prepper Essentials for Disaster, Camping, Hiking, or Outdoor Use Ready Hour 120 Serving Entree Bucket-Freeze Dried... $119.95
Bestseller No. 4 MRE, U.S. MRE Meals, Emergency Supplies, Emergency Food Supply, Survival Food, Freeze Dried Food w/ Flameless Heater, Ready Meals (Variety Pack of 12) – (A or B Case Selected at Random Inspection 2025, 2026) MRE, U.S. MRE Meals, Emergency Supplies, Emergency... $43.95
SaleBestseller No. 5 ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply - 120 Servings Favorites Sample Bucket, Survival Food Kit, Freeze Dried Prepper Food & Dehydrated Meals for Camping Essentials & Backpacking, up to 25 Year Shelf Life ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply - 120 Servings... $102.98
  • RSS

Footer

  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Use and Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Opt-out Preferences
​
  • Notice of Security
  • Comments Disclaimer
  • General Disclaimer
  • Copyright DMCA Violations Procedure
  • Disclaimer & Legal Rights
  • Business Address
  • As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Sitemap

© 2025 Profitable Results Marketing, LLC All Rights Reserved.

Image 01Image 01
Manage Cookie Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}