The Best Tactical Pen For Your Kit

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A tactical pen can be a good option for a self-defense tool in an emergency. They make great every day carry companions due to their small size, light weight, concealability, and dual purpose functionality.

In this article, we will show you how to choose the best tactical pen for your EDC kit or Bug Out Bag by taking a look at some of the best options on the market.

We’ve conducted extensive research and built the table below to allow you to compare some of the best tactical pens on the market.

Pen	Size	Weight	Features	Cost	Material
Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen	5.59"	1.02 oz	Integrated glassbreaker	$$	Machined steel
Schrade Survival Tactical Pen	5.9"	1.7 oz	Integrated survival whistle, glass breaker, and magnesium fire starter	$$	Anodized aluminum
Uzi Defender Tactical Pen	6"	2.4 oz	Heavy Duty, incudes integrated glassbreaker	$	Aircraft Aluminum
CRKT Williams Tactical Pen	6"	1.2 oz	Tapered body to aid grip retention	$$	Machined anodized aluminum
Smith and Wesson M&P Tactical Pen	5.7"	1.4 oz	Ridged body for excellent finger holds	$	T6061 Aircraft Aluminum
Vktech Tactical Pen	5.7"	3.7 oz	Scoops on back for catching attacker's DNA, makes and excellent glass breaker	$	Aircraft Aluminum
Schrade Tactical Pen	5.7"	1.6 oz	Highly Inconspicuous Screw on/off cap	$	CNC machined 6061 aircraft aluminum
Smith and Wesson 3rd Gen Tactical Pen	5.7"	1.4 oz	Includes stylus tip on one end for touchscreens	$	T6061 Aircraft Aluminum

What Is A Tactical Pen?

A tactical pen is a writing tool that is also designed to be used as a defensive weapon.

Tactical pens are typically made of metal or a very sturdy plastic. Aircraft-grade aluminum and titanium are frequently employed to make strong, lightweight, tactical pens.

One or both ends of the tactical pen is typically tapered to a point to allow for it to be used as a thrusting self-defense tool. Whereas a normal pen would bend or break if used in a defensive scenario, a tactical pen is designed exactly for this use.

Why Carry A Tactical Pen?

People carry tactical pens for many reasons.

Some may just want a high-quality pen that looks good and matches other gear they may have, like a folding knife or other tactical equipment.

The main reason people carry tactical pens is to have a reliable self-defense tool that can be hidden in plain sight.

While a knife or firearm will draw most anyone’s attention if spotted while being carried, a tactical pen is more of a “gray man” option. Most tactical pens will pass a security or TSA inspection, therefore, can be carried almost anywhere.

UPDATE: A reader has sent this article to show that some of the more aggressive style pens do get confiscated at airport checkpoints. Consider this when choosing your pen if you plan on traveling with it.

With some basic training, tactical pen carriers are more readily able to protect themselves wherever they go.

Another advantage of tactical pens is that often they are designed to be non-lethal and come with a blunt end that is intended to apply painful force to pressure points, sensitive areas, and other vulnerable locations on an attacker’s body. This can be an appealing non-lethal self-defense option for those not wanting to cause mortal damage to an attacker.

Others may just be looking to lighten their kit by combining their self-defense tool with their writing instrument into one small multipurpose item. A tactical pen is perfect for this.

Tactical pens are a robust, low key, self-defense option.

Best Overall Tactical Pen: Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen

The Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen doesn’t attempt to do absolutely everything its competitors try for but instead chooses to execute the essential functions of a tactical pen with authority.

It comes out of the box with a Rite In The Rain ink cartridge, so you will be able to confidently take notes, mark maps, and more in any conditions.

It also has a low profile glass breaker integrated into the tip to assist in emergency evacuations from vehicles of buildings.

Additionally, it is one of the few “click” pens you see in the tactical pen format, which I consider to be an advantage – no cap to unscrew every time and one less thing to lose.

Overall the machined steel body is extremely strong and will hold up to the roughest applications. Its various ridges and indentations ensure a positive grip should it be required to discourage aggressive behavior.

These features have all been added thoughtfully and executed flawlessly.

There is no excess on this tactical pen, and it strives to meet your daily needs at every turn.

Coming in around the $40 price point, the Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen exceeds expectations and makes for a reliable companion for years to come.

Best Mid-Range Tactical Pen: Schrade Survival Tactical Pen

The Schrade Survival Tactical Pen gets our pick for the best mid-range tactical pen for several reasons. For one it has a ton of useful survival gear packed into its compact package including:

Survival Whistle
Glass Breaker
Magnesium Firestarter

These items alone justify the $25 price tag.

As a tactical pen if both writes well and is strong enough to be a functional self-defense item.

The narrow taper at the writing end serves well as a force multiplier if you ever needed to deter an attacker with it.

This tactical pen has a rather inconspicuous profile to it, unlike some other pens that have an obvious weaponized appearance.

Its ordinary appearance will help it avoid scrutiny from security checkpoints, ensuring that you will be able to defend yourself pretty much anywhere.

The Schrade Survival Tactical Pen is a solid mid-range tactical pen that will not disappoint.

Best Budget Tactical Pen: Vktech Tactical Pen

In the sub-$5 price range, there is no better choice than the Vktech Tactical Pen.

While you can’t expect it to be of the same quality as our previous picks, it still has excellent workmanship for the price.

Picking it up you can feel its solid construction.

The knurling along its body meshes perfectly with the palm of your hand for a comfortable non-slip grip.

The Vktech Tactical Pen offers reliability and durability at an unbeatable price making for a great entry-level option.

How Do I Choose The Best Tactical Pen For My Kit?

Pen Quality

When looking for the best tactical pen a good place to start is to choose one that writes well. This is the basic function of a tactical pen and is what you will use it for 99% of the time. The best tactical pens out there accept ink refills from quality producers like Parker and Hauser, Fischer Space Pen, and Rite in the Rain.

Self-Defense Features

Once you have a good writing tool, it is time to look at the defensive features to find the best tactical pen for your personal protection.

First, decide how you would want to use your tactical pen as a defensive tool.

A smaller woman, for example, may struggle to inflict damage with one of the blunt ended tactical pens and a tactical pen with a pointier end may be more suitable.

A larger person would probably be more able to strike with enough force to ward off an attacker with either of these options so they would have a wider variety of suitable tactical pens to choose from

Grip

In addition to being comfortable in your hand for writing, having a good grip is key to using the pen as a defensive tool.

In a self-defense scenario, you will likely be swinging it with velocity you will want to make sure the tactical pen stays put in your hand upon impact.

The best tactical pen you can choose will have ridges or grooves for your fingers to sit in and knurling to aid grip retention.

Best EDC Knife — Click to read our article on picking the BEST EDC Knife

Attachment Clip

The best tactical pens on the market will have a robust pocket clip for attaching the pen to a pocket, bag, or belt.

Many pens also have additional attachment options for keyrings, carabiners, and paracord.

Make sure the tactical pen you choose has an attachment option that matches the way you intend to carry it.

Extra Features

A common point of differentiation to look for when finding the right tactical pen is to keep an eye out for unique features.

Many tactical pen makers work to make their products stand out by incorporating additional features such as:

Hidden Handcuff Key
Magnesium Firestarter
Window/Glass Breaker
DNA Catching Scoops (for identifying an attacker to law enforcement)

Keep an eye out for special features such as these when choosing your tactical pen.

How to Use a Tactical Pen

There are many schools of thought of the best way to use a tactical pen for self-defense.

If you are going to carry one, it is essential to train in how to use it effectively.

Once you have learned proper technique, it is as important to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

Typical tactical pen targets include:

Pressure Points

Armpit
Neck
Inner arm
Inner thigh

Sensitive Areas

Throat
Eyes
Ears
Groin
Ribs
Solar Plexus
Nose

BONUS: Instructional Video

Here is a helpful instructional video to get you started.

Conclusion

There are a lot of great options out there for carrying a reliable, multipurpose tactical pen.

Finding the BEST tactical pen for your needs can be a challenge, but hopefully, the suggestions we have made will help you decide.

Once again, here are our picks:

Best Overall Tactical Pen: Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen
Best Mid-Range Tactical Pen: Schrade Survival Tactical Pen
Best Budget Tactical Pen: Vktech Tactical Pen

Want Even MORE Info On Building Your EDC Kit?

If you are looking for even more information on how to build your ultimate EDC kit you can check out my book, The Every Day Carry Guide. It is a comprehensive manual that will teach you:

How to be prepared at all times – no matter where you are
How to build your first EDC kit from scratch
How to refine an existing kit to make it more effective
How to pick the best gear to realistically make you more prepared
How to assess threats and risks in your every day life

Your Thoughts?

Do you have a tactical pen that you want to share? Is there a quality you NEED to have when finding the best tactical pen for your environment? Please let us know in the Comments Section below.

Bug Out First Aid Kit Ideas and Checklist

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A bug out first aid kit is one of the most important essential items to consider for your BOB or evacuation kit.

Having a well-stocked first aid kit will help you overcome injuries to keep you moving to safety when time is critical. As it is prohibitive to carry an entire hospital’s worth of emergency medical supplies it’s important to assess what injuries are most likely to occur and how you can effectively treat them while executing your bug out plan.

We suggest focusing on two areas when building your bug out first aid kit: Trauma and Mobility.

Assessing Your Bug Out First Aid Needs

As we discussed in our Every Day Carry Guide it is important to properly assess the threats you will likely be facing when considering developing a bug out plan or assessing what gear to include in your preparations. When it comes to First Aid, we will look at medium to high probability threats that have medium to high impact to address what we need in our bug out first aid kit.

Trauma Injuries

While it is highly likely that you may scrape your knee or cut your hands while in a bug out situation these minor injuries probably will not affect your ability to effectively move to safety. They are high likelihood/low impact problems. When planning a bug out first aid kit we will want to address medical emergencies that are of higher impact such as trauma injuries. These will be lower probability but far higher consequence than a knee scrape or simple cut and may be debilitating or life-threatening.

Traumatic injuries can include:

Burns
Vehicle collisions
Broken bones
Arterial bleeding
Falls from heights
Gunshot wounds
Knife Wounds
Blunt impact injuries

Treating trauma injuries should be a focal point of your bug out first aid kit. This will allow you to address the worst of problems and keep you alive and moving when time is critical.

Mobility Injuries

A mobility injury is anything that prevents you from moving efficiently or at your intended pace. They have a wide range in terms of severity. In the risk assessment scale are generally medium probability and high impact. The manner in which one is affected by a mobility injury is that they will lose their ability to move to safety, which is a major problem in a bug out situation.

Mobility injuries include:

Blisters
Ankle sprains
Knee injuries
Torn ligaments
Frostbitten extremities
Broken bones

As you can see there is a wide range of mobility injuries. While some of them may not be life threatening by themselves they can lead an injured person to be unable to evacuate a dangerous area which can lead to further injury or death. Being able to effectively treat mobility injuries with your bug out first aid kit will help you deal with this type of injury and keep you moving when it counts.

Your First Aid Kit: Buy or Build?

When adding a first aid kit to your bug out bag you are faced with two paths of how to get this done. You can either buy a premade first aid kit from a sporting goods store or online or you can purchase the items you want individually for a custom kit. Both choices have their various advantages and disadvantages and ultimately you have to decide what is best for you.

Premade First Aid Kits

Premade kits are the easier choice as they will come prepacked in a neat bag that can simply be added to your BOB. The items are picked for you and this is a plug and play option. However, as with premade bug out bags, premade first aid kits are generally costlier than DIY kits and the quality of medical supplies within them can range greatly.

If you choose to go this route be sure to get a quality kit as you generally get what you pay for and First Aid is not an area to skimp on.

A popular option is to buy a premade First Aid kit and then add a few extra items that don’t usually come with premade First Aid kits, such as a tourniquet or moleskins, which allows you take advantage of someone else doing the grunt work of finding basic items while tailoring the bag to suit your own needs and requirements.

There are good quality premade bug out first aid kits out there and we will recommend a few here for your reference:

Building your own Custom First Aid Kit

Although building your own bug out first aid kit can be time consuming, there are a few advantages to this approach:

Get exactly the items you want – don’t pay for useless things that don’t solve the problems you anticipate
You control the quality of items – no cheap medical supplies that will let you down when you need them
Cost is generally lower – shop around for the best price for the survival first aid items that you need
Get the bag that you want – select a container for your medical supplies based on your own criteria for size, features, and quality

There are a seemingly endless number of first aid items to choose from out there. Let’s take a look at some of the most important items to have in a first aid kit designed for disaster management.

Trauma First Aid Items

Blood clotting agent

This is a substance designed to encourage clotting within a wound to stop bleeding. They were designed by the military to treat shrapnel and gunshot wounds and have recently been made available for civilian purchase. A blood clotting agent, such as WoundSeal Powder, can be effective for stopping life-threatening blood loss that may occur in a bug out situation.

Burn salve

Burns can come from many threats in a bug out situation. A burn salve, such as J.R. Watkins Medicated First Aid Salve, provides relief from heat-related injuries, discourages infection, and promotes healing. Burn salves are generally small and lightweight, fitting easily in a bug out first aid kit.

Tourniquet

A tourniquet, such as the SWAT-T Tourniquet, is a last line of defense against blood loss. Using one after other first aid methods (pressure, elevation, clotting agents, etc) have been applied will usually stop bleeding but it can do so to a degree that the limb is sacrificed. Additionally, they can only be used on arms and legs and are useless for abdominal or head wounds. The blood clotting agents are a better choice but it can mean the difference between life and death in the right situation to have a tourniquet in your bug out first aid kit.

Heavy Gauze

This is used to apply pressure to wounds, absorb blood, and prevent infection. It is a basic first aid item that belongs in any trauma first aid kit. Plan on packing multiple rolls in a well-stocked bug out first aid kit. Check out Gerber’s Heavyweight Gauze Prefolds.

Skin Closure Kit

Some people recommend a suture kit to close large wounds/cuts but if you don’t have any medical training you will likely cause more harm than good. Instead, pack some 3M Steri Strip Skin Closures for an effective and safe way to close wounds.

Chest Seal

This is designed to create an airtight seal on chest wounds to prevent lung collapse. It is typically used to treat penetrating chest wounds caused by gunshots, stabbing, or shrapnel. They are sold in pairs to cover the possibility of needing to seal both an entry and exit wound in the torso. The HALO Chest Seal is a highly-praised option.

Trauma Pad

A trauma pad is a large, sterile dressing used to treat large sized wounds. They are frequently impregnated with clotting agents to minimize blood loss. This is ideal for treating trauma injuries in a pre-hospital situation.

Mobility First Aid Items

Moleskin

Taking care of your feet is one of the most important maintenance tasks involved in a bug out situation. If you have to suddenly hike for miles on end to reach your bug out destination, you are likely to develop blisters on the way. Moleskin is designed to provide cushioning around these sore spots to prevent chafing and allow you to keep moving to safety. The good choice for a First Aid kit is Dr. Scholl’s Moleskin Roll.

Triangle Bandages

The Swiss Army knife of first aid kits. Triangle bandages, such as Dynarex Triangle Bandages, can be used for many medical purposes including packing wounds, keep ice packs in place, applying pressure to lacerations, make a sling for an injured limb, and tying on splints.

Splint

Although a splint can be fashioned out of scavenged materials it is good practice to have a good one, like the SAM Splint, in your bug out first aid kit in the event that you do not have time to go looking for splinting materials.

Ace Bandage

These are good for wrapping rolled ankles or twisted knees to provide the support you need to keep moving to safety. They can also be used for wound dressing and bandage application in a pinch. Consider Ace Elastic Bandage with Clips for an easy-to-use ace bandage.

General First Aid Items

Anti-diarrheal medicine
Medical tape
Pain relievers
EMT shears
Ammonia inhalants
Butterfly strips
Nitrile gloves
Tweezers
Antiseptic wipes
Superglue – to close small wounds
Antibiotics (Fish antibiotics can be used if a prescription is unavailable)
EpiPen

Choosing a Bag for Your First Aid Kit

When picking a bag for your bug out first aid kit you will want one that meets your individual needs and has the features you require to be compact, functional, and accessible.

Another important factor to consider is size. Depending on if this is an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) or if you are responsible for your whole family, the amount of supplies you need will vary, therefore you need to choose an appropriately sized bag.

The Maxpedition FR-1 Pouch is a compact bag that can carry a deceptively large amount of supplies. You can’t go wrong with this bag.

Closing Thoughts

As you can see there are many options for planning an effective bug out first aid kit. With some simple organization you can either build your own from the ground up, buy a premade medical kit, or combine the two approaches to maximize effort expended and customization options for this essential survival item. Once you have a bug out first aid kit be sure to review it as a part of your periodic BOB Reviews to make sure the items within are still usable.

Do you have an item that you would add to your bug out first aid kit? Do you have first aid skills or advice that you would like to share? Let us know in the Comments section below.

How to pick the folding best knife for a bug out bag

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In the case of an emergency or a natural disaster, you should always be fully prepared and equipped with your very own bug out bag, also known as an emergency preparedness kit. These bags can be purchased online or through certain retailers in prices ranging anywhere from $35 up to $400. But, many safety experts highly recommend that you build your bug out bag from the ground up in order for it to suit your needs. Some of the top items in your kit should include non-perishable food products, a first-aid kit, matches, medical prescriptions, clothes, and a high quality pocket knife, which could be very useful during most emergency situations.

The Best Folding Knife for a Bug Out Bag

Obtaining a quality pocket knife should definitely be right at the top of your to-do list, along with the ultimate first aid kit and a few boxes of matches, when you are creating your custom bug out bag. A pocket knife is a knife with a folding blade that can be carried in an on-the-go fashion. It can also be a crucial piece to successful survival if you are ever thrust into any type of emergency situation. Therefore, it is very important that you conduct your research and have the proper knowledge when it comes to making the right selection for your needs.

There are several factors to consider when choosing the correct pocket knife for your kit. The most significant part of a pocket knife is the blade. This is where the action takes place. Therefore, your blade has to be made of the best steel and extremely sharp at all times. There is no point in possessing a knife if the blade is dull because it will be of no value to you or anyone else. Having a quality handle on your piece is also imperative. Water and other moisture elements need to be able to bounce off and not absorb into the knife. Remember, some of the best handles are made of Titanium. Design is also an important to look for when choosing the best pocket knife. You, as the potential owner, should have a special chemistry with your knife. The piece should properly fit into your hand and you should be able to comfortably maintain it with the perfect grip. Picking a single-blade or a multi-blade knife also comes into play when you are making your decision. Most multi-blade knives are used to perform very many tasks and are ideal for hunters and fishermen. But, a knife with a serrated four-inch blade is probably the best choice for your bug out bag.

Cost is another major factor that goes into selecting a great pocket knife that will stand the test of time. We all want to get a great value for our hard earned bucks without having to pay an obscene amount of money. Most pocket knife enthusiasts will tend to spend an average of up to $500 on a special trinket just to admire. But, when purchasing for safety, quality, and reliable use, you probably would have to spend somewhere between $40 and $100. It all adds up that old saying: “You get what you pay for.” Most pocket knives that are priced for under $35 are usually not made with the best material. You should never deny yourself a dependable knife by always looking for the cheapest version. Who would want a knife that would crumble under pressure if caught up in an emergency situation?

With many different brands out there on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to pick and why, especially if you are a pocket knife novice. There are a number of trusted brands that you should consider to ensure that you make the right choice. The Benchmade is a very trusted brand and the Benchmade Mini Griptilian is a model that is currently in high demand. It is great to use everyday while going about your daily tasks because of its lightweight ability. Another popular brand on the market is Buck. The Buck 110 is great for a heavier duty job. It has a longer blade that is contrived from a rust-resistant steel. And finally, the Spyderco Tenacious is popular with collectors and also great for tactical use. Plus, it possesses a smooth small blade that gets the job done. Most owners would say that it offers a great product for a reasonable price at right under fifty bucks.

Spyderco Tenacious	Buck 110	Benchmade Griptillian
<br />	<br />	<br />

The pocket knife is a very useful tool that can be extremely helpful in many emergency situations. It has been proven that having the right pocket knife at the right time can definitely be a life saver. So, when preparing your emergency bug out bag, do not let one of the most important items slip your mind. Make sure you pack your pocket knife.

About the Author

This article was written by James Petzke. James runs Knife Den, a site that is dedicated to providing top notch reviews and information about knives of all kinds.

Are you ready to build your bug out bag list? Try our free tool using this button:

Your Thoughts?

Do you have a go to knife for your bug out list? Are there any features that you see as must have for a bug out knife? Please let us know in the Comments Section below, thanks. If you thought this article was helpful please Like, +1, or Tweet it using the social media buttons at the top of the page, thanks!

Best Bug Out Vehicle Checklist

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If you are one of the millions of people who own a vehicle you should seriously consider integrating it into your bug out plan.

However, this can be more complicated than simply throwing your bug out bag in your car and hitting the gas.

How can the particular advantages of a vehicle evacuation be maximized?
How can we eliminate any negatives?
What is the best bug out vehicle checklist to maintain?
What is the best bug out vehicle for YOUR survival situation?

We will walk through each of these points and demonstrate how to effectively incorporate a bug out vehicle into your bug out plan.

Bug Out Vehicle Advantages

1. Greater travel radius

A vehicle will allow you to travel further faster. This should be explored as part of bug out planning. Is there a better location further away? Just because you can travel further doesn’t mean you have to. Take the best bug out location option, not the furthest. If you can defend a closer location better or cache more supplies there, consider these factors.

2. Carry more supplies

A vehicle can carry more supplies and survival tools than a person can lug. This is great as a properly planned bug out vehicle checklist can make your ride a mobile bug out location. However, it is important to avoid the temptation of packing EVERYTHING. The goal is to find a balance. Bring survival gear that will extend your independence and raise your odds of survival, not everything imaginable. As always, focus on multi-use items. Additionally, you should not consider even the best bug out vehicle to be a mobile bug out bag. You should always have a full bug out bag packed and at hand in the vehicle in the event that you have to ditch it quickly.

3. Additional shelter

Your vehicle can shelter you from rain and wind even if you are out of gas. If it is running it can also provide heat or cooling as needed. This makes it a powerful ally. If a storm is hitting you can simply take cover in your vehicle rather than having to set up a survival shelter. It can also be slept in with no additional modifications. If you are in a pinch you can even cook on the hot engine with proper preparation (how to video below). This will greatly raise morale and increase your odds of surviving.

Bug Out Vehicle Disadvantages

1. Can create dependence

Planning to have the best bug out vehicle for your survival situation is fantastic but you should not consider it as an answer to all potential problems. You still need to plan your bug out assuming that you are going to have to ditch your car, and all the niceties it brings at some point. You may run out of gas or run into an impassable road. Either way if you planned on driving the entire way to your bug out location you are going to need to improvise. Even with the best bug out vehicle you will need to hone those survival skills and plan on hiking to your destination in order to guard against uncertainty.

2. Not as versatile as traveling on foot

Foot travel is more energy intensive than driving but it is also more versatile. Imagine you have your bug out vehicle checklist planned and packed and when SHTF you go on your merry way to find that everyone else has the same plan. You are now faced with miles and miles of traffic. Is this still the fastest way to bug out? What if rubble and debris cuts off a vital road? When planning your bug out route consider if going on foot is a more direct means of travel as you can cut through terrain rather than having to stick to a road or trail.

3. Additional complications

Traveling by vehicle provides serious advantages as we mentioned above. However even the best bug out vehicle also adds additional complications and costs in volume, weight, and money into your bug out plan. Consider this addition as a whole when assessing what is the best bug out vehicle for your survival situation.

Best bug out vehicle

The Best Bug Out Vehicle

The ideal bug out vehicle would have the following qualities to maximize the advantages of a vehicular bug out while minimizing the challenges present:

4WD

A no-brainer when picking a bug out vehicle. This will vastly increase your options when bugging out. A non-4WD car will quickly break down if forced to drive off road. Having a 4WD bug out vehicle will enable you to pass over far more terrain and reach safety faster.

Modular interior

Unless you are planning on bugging out in an RV you will want to modify the interior of the vehicle to be more suitable for survival. This may mean taking out seating to allow more storage or making it convertible for sleeping in. It is important to note that although you will want to customize the interior of the vehicle you want to do as little tinkering with the engine and drivetrain as possible. Customization in these areas make repairs and sourcing replacement parts far more difficult. Reliability is key with a bug out vehicle, having stock parts that you may be able to scavenge is an essential element of this.

Diesel engine

A diesel engine has many advantages over a gas model. They are generally more fuel efficient for one. Additionally, they allow far greater fuel flexibility, being able to run on home heating oil, kerosene, and some jet fuels. This significantly increases scavenge potential while on the road. Diesel fuel also has a far greater storage lifetime than gasoline. With the addition of commercially available fuel stabilizers diesel fuel will last more than 10x longer than gasoline.

Good gas mileage

Having a gas guzzler for your bug out vehicle is a good way to shoot yourself in the foot. Gas will surely be in short supply and you may not even have the time or opportunity to scavenge additional supplies while on the move. Look for a vehicle that is rated for at least 23-27 MPG to ensure gas efficiency will not be a problem while making your evacuation. Higher MPG would be better but may be hard to find for a vehicle that has good storage capacity. Check out this site for a list of all car models with mpg ratings.

Easy to repair

Reliability is key with when trying to find the best bug out vehicle. Having stock parts that you may be able to scavenge is an essential element of this. Choosing a vehicle that is widely used and has commonly available parts is ideal.

Trailer hitch

This opens up options for including a bug out trailer as a part of your bug out plan. A trailer allows more cargo space overall without sacrificing passenger seats, which is great if you have a family travelling with you. Additionally, a trailer can be ditched once the supplies within have been used up to improve gas mileage.

Brush guard

This should be partnered with any vehicle you intend to take off-road. It will save your front end and radiator from damage and also improves your ability to ram trees in the way or doors that need opening.

Manual transmission preferred

This isn’t required but it sure helps. Manual transmissions increase reliability, improve gas mileage and are easier to fix and replace than an automatic transmission. They also allow you to push start a car if an ignition is burned out or you lose your keys.

Bug out vehicle checklist

So what additional items would you want on your bug out vehicle checklist to increase your odds of success? Note that this is in addition to your bug out bag, which you will be bringing as well!!! Here is a list of items that will maximize the advantages present in a vehicular bug out situation:

Extra fuel containers

Siphon Pump

Tow Straps

Seatbelt Cutter/Window Breaker (see our comprehensive guide on these by clicking HERE)

CB radio

Tire chains

Jumper Starter

Can of Fix-A-Flat

Basic tool kit – Pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, duct tape, stanley knife, cable ties

Power inverter – To charge any electronics you may have on the go

Winch
Extra oil
Spare keys
Spare tire – not a doughnut!

What else can I do to make my bug out vehicle great?

Beyond stocking up your bug out vehicle checklist be sure to service it regularly. There is no point in having the best bug out vehicle in the world if it is unreliable or won’t run when you need it!
Make sure you have a reliable Jump Starter! This is easy and can save your life! This is the one I strongly recommend.
Practice driving your intended bug out route to see if your car is up to the task. This will also help you identify any difficulties along the way and point out any modifications you may need to make to either the car or your bug out plan.
If you choose to use a manual transmission vehicle make sure all the adults in your bug out party know how to drive it. As with any aspect of your bug out plan, redundancy is key.
Add vehicle inspection and testing to your regular bug out plan reviews to make sure your bug out vehicle still fits into your strategy.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a lot of options for finding the best bug out vehicle for your survival situation. Understanding them and what works best is an important step towards adding a car or truck to your bug out plan. Adding a bug out vehicle checklist to your bug out bag essentials will additionally help you maximize the advantages of bugging out in a vehicle.

It is important however to not depend on any one thing in your bug out plan for your survival, including a car or other means of transport. Keep flexible and be ready to continue your bug out on foot if need be. Please also check out our printable Bug Out Vehicle Checklist Graphic below which you can download and print to have with you when you are preparing your bug out vehicle:

Your Thoughts?

Do you have any items you would add to this bug out vehicle checklist? What do you think would make the best bug out vehicle? Please let us know in the Comments Section below. If you thought this post was helpful please Like, +1, or Tweet it using the social media buttons at the top of the page, thanks!

Survival Pocket Knives – Our Top 10

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Survival pocket knives can have many uses in a Bug Out Bag, survival kit, or as every day carry items. They are great tools that combine the nearly limitless utility of a knife with compact size and lower weight. Some people may choose to carry a survival pocket knife as a back up to a larger blade while others may choose to keep one as their main knife. Either way, having one can be a great addition to any kit. Here we will look at a few survival pocket knives and explain what makes one great for your survival situation.

We will examine features, utility, and size, as well as take a closer look at a few that we chose as Our Picks for best in class.

Our Top 10 Survival Pocket Knives

We have created this helpful comparison chart of the best survival pocket knives out there. Click on the images below to go to the Amazon page for more information on each of these knives.

Knife	Length	Weight	Seatbelt Cutter	Glass Breaker	Gut Hook
Smith & Wesson Border Guard 2 Rescue Knife	10"	8.8oz	Yes	Yes	No
Gerber E-Z Out Jr Knife	5.5"	1.7oz	No	No	No
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Escape Knife	8.2"	4.8oz	Yes	Yes	No
Wartech 8" Assisted Open Folding Tactical Survival Pocket Knife	8"	~8oz	Yes	Yes	No
CRKT Graham Folding Razel Knife	~8"	6.1oz	No	No	No
CRKT M-21	6.6"	4.8oz	No	No	No
GERBER Paraframe II Tanto Knife	9.5"	4.3oz	No	No	No
Spyderco Tenacious G	7.76"	4.8oz	No	No	No
Buck Knives Folding Omni Hunter Knife	9"	4.6oz	No	No	Yes
CRKT Kommer Free Range Hunter Folding Lockback	8.9"	4.4oz	No	No	Yes

What Are Qualities of GREAT Survival Pocket Knives?

When I am researching survival pocket knives to add to my kit I search for the following qualities:

Compact and lightweight

I am most likely going to be carrying my survival pocket knife a lot. It will be an alternative to carrying one of my larger knives and I will want to maximize the advantages present in this type of knife. There is no point carrying around a pocket knife that is as heavy and takes up as much space as a fixed blade knife. Because of this I look for folding survival pocket knives that are made of lighter materials such as strong plastics or have a skeleton design to save weight. I also will want a knife that is 5 inches or less when folded so I can fit in in a pocket or on a belt.

One handed opening

This is a big one for me, I do not want a knife that I may need to use in a hurry in a survival situation that has a NASA-level of complexity for opening it up.

I want to be able to open the blade one handed with either hand. The knife making industry has recognized the utility of this type of feature and has attempted to answer it in many ways. There is the large thumb hole present in Spyderco knives that many people like but my favorite is the “Carson Flipper” present on CRKT knives, including my EDC choice of the M-21. This is a nub on the back side of the knife that you press with your index finger that lets the blade pivot around the hinge and snap into place with a satisfying click. It can be done instantly with either hand. It is so fast in fact that I have a friend that insists on calling it an “assisted opening”, although there are no springs involved.

Be sure you can open your survival pocket knife with either hand when making your choice, you never know what you may need to hold (or hold off) with your other hand when accessing your tool.

Good locking mechanism

The downfall of cheap folders is that they can fail and close on their owner’s hand at the worst possible time.

A good locking mechanism is essential when selecting a survival tool that you are planning on relying on. Once again, this need has been addressed in many ways by the knife making industry and there are a lot of options out there. Most of the better survival pocket knives will have multiple, redundant locking mechanisms that will basically turn your folder into a fixed blade knife while engaged.

Save your hands and make sure you have a reliable, fool-proof locking mechanism in your survival pocket knife.

High quality construction

As with any survival tool spending a little more on quality goes a long way on improving your odds. Name brand knives from quality manufacturers such as CRKT, Gerber, Spyderco, Buck, and SOG will hold their edge longer, be less likely to have their hinge bind, and stand up to dropping and banging better than the cheap pieces of garbage you see on eBay. Signs of quality to look for are:

Components are screwed or bolted on, not glued together
Fluid opening and closing motion of the blade
Easy to sharpen, holds an edge well
Reliable locking mechanism
Ergonomic grip that is comfortable and discourages your hand slipping onto the blade
Good quality steel or composite metal, check out a comparison of metal types here.

Other Features to Consider For Survival Pocket Knives

Finding a good knife with a simple straight blade is a great start and will be a good, reliable tool to have. My EDC knife is just this and has served me well for many years. However, if you are interested in tailoring your survival pocket knife to your particular survival situation consider these options that are available from many manufacturers:

Survival Pocket Knife Features for Urban Survival

Seatbelt/line cutter – This will let you get out of a vehicle faster if you enter a survival scenario during your commute. This is frequently incorporated by way of a narrow cutout on the back of the knife that is used when the blade is folded in that lets you slide materials in but is too small to accidentally get your hand or fingers in danger.
Glass breaker – This will assist your evacuation from a vehicle or building in an urban survival situation. Easily shatter the glass and go.
Pry tip – This is usually a flat tip (instead of a pointed one) on thicker type blades that allows you to jimmy open doors and containers. It is a tough trade off to make as you will be sacrificing the survival pocket knife’s ability to stab and poke but may be worth it if this is a secondary knife in your kit.

Survival Pocket Knife Features for Wilderness Survival

Partial serration – This gives the benefits of both straight edge and serrated knives if you go for a combo blade. Serration allows for faster cutting of rope, hide, bone, and wood, all things you may be facing in a wilderness survival scenario.
Gut hook – This will speed up your ability to dress wild game that you catch. Many hunting and fishing knives have this feature but if a survival pocket knife is going to be your go-to blade, including this feature will be useful for wilderness survival.

Photo credit: – scott feldstein Flickr

Our Picks for Best Survival Pocket Knives

Any of the survival pocket knives listed above would make a great addition to any survival kit as either a primary or backup blade. However, Our Pick for best in class goes to the Smith & Wesson Border Guard 2 Rescue Knife for best urban survival knife and the CRKT Kommer Free Range Hunter Folding Lockback for best wilderness survival knife. They both combine the essential features that we discussed for their respective survival scenarios with a great basic blade and very high quality.

Conclusion

Although there are a great many survival pocket knives on the market, you can see here that it is not hard to find the best one for your survival situation. Be sure to consider essential features such as size & weight, ease of opening, quality, reliability, and tailor any special features to your survival scenario. If you want to learn more about basic survival skills check out our post. If you are ready to build your Bug Out Bag list, click here to use our free tool.

Your Thoughts?

Have you used any on the survival pocket knives that we examined here? Are there any features that you look for when researching survival pocket knives? Please let us know using the Comments Section below, thanks!