23 Best Survival Gadgets: The Coolest Life Saving Devices

By "Just In Case" Jack | Updated: 04/05/2024

Today I have something really cool to share…

The Latest Survival Gadgets To Help You Survive

Because, nowadays, there’s a lively market of new cool survival gadgets.

It seems like every day I come across a new cool gear worth sharing.

So I put them all in one convenient location – this blog post…

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Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

Skilled Survival’s List Of Cool Survival Gadgets

This list ranges from the high-tech – to the miniature – to the simplistic – to the sneaky.

When I think of gadgets, I think about new awesome portable tools.

So most are ones you can wear (a.k.a. wearables); others you can easily slip into your survival pack or bug out bag:

1.
Multitool Bracelet 29 in 1 Trend Bracelet

Want a cool multitool to wear on your wrist instead of carrying it in your pocket?

You got to check out this Tread Bracelet.

This gadget features 29 unique tools, including:

  • Many screwdriver options
  • Several hex drives
  • Box wrench options
  • Oxygen tank wrench
  • Carbide glass breaker
  • Pick/Sim card tool
  • Cutting hook
  • ¼" socket drive
  • Bottle opener
  • #2 square drive

So it's a wearable multi-tool with lots of interchangeable links.

I always say - the best survival multi-tool is the one you have with you in times of need.

The Tread can be there for your everyday problems and survival situations.

And it goes where you go!

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↓ Leatherman TREAD Bracelet Multi-Tool | Use Review

2.
USB Rechargeable Cigarette Lighter Watch

It's about time they combined two of the most popular survival tools: lighters and watches.

This classy timepiece has a bit of extra gadgetry associated with it—the watch face slides to reveal an electric windproof lighter.

Nice and convenient for those who still light up from time to time.

This watch lighter is USB compatible, so you keep it powered up using any USB-based charging system.

Also, talk about an icebreaker.

Show this cool survival gear at a party, and everyone will want to see it!

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↓ The Lighter Watch

3.
Estream: A Portable Water Power Generator

Portable power is all the rage in the survival world, and one of the newest additions is Estream.

This device is a mini portable turbine it turns any running water source into storable energy.

Just drop this device into some moving water and anchor it. The turbine blades will spin and generate power. The power is then stored in the attached battery pack.

A very new and cool gadget.

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↓ New Invention Estream – A portable water power generator

4.
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter

Sometimes the latest survival gear is just a smaller, more portable version of older technology.

That's the NOCO Genius Jump Starter to a T.

It jumps dead vehicle batteries, which is tech that's been around for decades. But in the past, these gadgets were large and clunky.

Portable jump starters are now about the size of your cell phone!

So the question is: does it work? The answer is a resounding yes.

On the first try, it jumps jeep wranglers and trucks with a dead battery!

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↓ NOCO Boost Plus Lithium Jump Starter – No Non-Sense Review

5.
Janders Inc Titanium Escape Ring

Sometimes in survival, the goal is to be rescued; other times, the goal is evasion, but occasionally the goal is to escape.

The Titanium Escape Ring is ideal for this third survival goal. If you've ever been taken captive and tied up with rope or cords, you'll wish you had this hidden device.

This ring has a hidden saw blade that can cut zip ties, disposable handcuffs, duct tape, and rope. It also doubles as a shim pick to escape a set of standard handcuffs.

It's the perfect "just in case" device you can wear anywhere.

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↓ Titanium Escape Ring – Evasion and Escape Tool

6.
Fvtga Night Vision Goggles - 4K Night Vision Binoculars

Every survivalist knows they should own high-quality illumination tools like tactical flashlights and headlamps.

But what if you need to see in the dark without being seen? What stealth was necessary for the mission at hand?

Then you need some night vision gadgets to get that done.

For an affordable night vision option, go with a set of Fvtga Night Vision Goggles.

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↓ Fvtga 4K Night Vision Goggles Review

Survival Gear Checklist eBook Cover -with fire piston on a rock and campfire in the background

Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

7.
KIZEN Solar Lantern – Collapsible LED

The collapsable solar lantern collapses to fit in your pocket.

Just pull it out, pop it open, turn it on, and you've got a bright lantern to illuminate a campsite or darkroom.

Plus, this lantern replaces several regular survival tools. When collapsed; it's a flashlight. When popped out; it's a lantern.

It also has a solar panel, so you don't need to feed it new batteries. And you can use it to charge your cell phone or small electronic devices in a pinch.

This tiny light will replace four different survival tools.

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↓ Kizen Solar Powered LED Camping Lantern Review

8.
Fullsheild Waterproof Hiking Socks

When I think of gadgets, I don't think about socks. But when I hear the terms "waterproof," "windproof," and "mudproof," I reconsider.

These Water Proof Socks are a backpacker's dream.

When it comes to hiking or bugging out long distances, your feet will take a beating. And if they get wet, you can get a nasty condition called Trench Foot.

But with modern technology and ingenuity, we can keep our feet dry even in wet conditions.

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↓ Do waterproof socks really work? Tissue paper test

9.
EZ Power USB Rechargable Batteries

When I first discovered these USB batteries, I knew they were the answer I was looking for.

You might not realize this, but standard AA batteries could soon become extinct. Yes, even the rechargeable ones.

Most survival gadgets require a set of AA batteries to work. So if SHTF is tomorrow, you’d need to carry a ton of AA batteries with you.

But all the extra battery weight will slow you down.

The EasyPower USB Battery uses a simple USB connection to recharge. So you can charge these batteries with your alternative survival generators, like generators on this list, such as the BioLite, PowerBank solar charger, etc.

You don't need a special charger box and don't need an electrical outlet either.

The EasyPower USB Battery is one smart gadget. Not only is it a better battery, but it will also save you money.

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↓ USB Port In A Battery?

10.
Spy, Escape & Evasion Harness Leather Belt

The Spy, Escape, and Evasion Leather Belt is a device that carries your small survival tools.

It looks like a regular leather belt but includes three hidden storage locations—places where you can stash small survival tools (like waterproof matches or razor blades) or money.

No one needs to know you've got your survival basics covered, even while out at a fancy restaurant.

An incognito gadget that's perfect for the prepared gentlemen.

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↓ Spy Escape & Evasion Gun Belt: In the Making

11.
Greadio AM/FM Weather Alert Radio

Anyone who's spent time in military operations knows the value of good intel.

Knowledge is power, especially in life-threatening situations. It allows you to make better choices in dire circumstances.

But lugging around a radio used to be a major inconvenience. Not anymore with this Pocket Radio.

This tiny radio will give you the intel you need (like weather or emergency notifications) while on the go.

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↓ Greadio AM FM Weather Alert Radio Review

Survival Gear Checklist eBook Cover -with fire piston on a rock and campfire in the background

Want a free 54 item survival gear checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

12.
Tough Tesla Lighter

This is one of those cool survival gadgets that everyone is interested in checking out.

It's an electric Tesla Lighter - which makes it waterproof, windproof, and stormproof.

The dual arching electric currents light objects with electrical heat, not flame. So it can't blow out.

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↓ Telsa Survival Lighter Review: Hands-On

13.
The Pocket Shot - Slingshot

This is a new type of slingshot that's both effective and portable.

It shoots rocks, BBs, and even arrows and fits in your pocket.

Projectiles' speeds have been measured at over 350 feet per second. It's a neat device worth a place in your pack or bug-out bag.

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↓ This Tiny Slingshot Packs A Punch!

14.
Holtzman’s Survival Kit Paracord Grenade

Every survivalist knows paracord is highly useful in survival situations.

And one of the most popular methods of carrying paracord with you is in bracelet form.

But there's a new and better way to keep cordage with you at all times.

The paracord grenade is a bundle of survival gear wrapped in paracord with a carabineer. Just clip the carabiner to your pack, and you've got yourself a bunch of useful survival tools.

This paracord grenade includes:

• Around 45 ft. of 550 paracord • 2 ft. safety orange thin paracord • Compass • LED flashlight • Multi-tool pocket knife • Dog Tag Signal Mirror • Fling Fire Starter Rod • Flint Striker • 30ft of 12 lb Test Fishing Line • 4 Fishing hooks • 4 Split Shot Weights • 2 Bobby Pins • 2 Butterfly Sutures • P38 Can Opener • Compressed Towel Tablet • 6 Waterproof Matches • 2 Stormproof Matches • Jute Twine • Needle and Thread • Razor Blade • Military Grade Tripwire • Aluminum Foil • Wire Saw • 2 Safety Pins • Whistle Buckle • 2 Split Rings • 3 Inches of Electrical Tape • Plastic Ball

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↓ 48-Piece Survival Grenade Reviewed

15.
Gerber Gear Compact Keychain Knife

As a survivalist, you should always keep a knife on you.

But sometimes, carrying a large survival knife with you is impossible or not convenient. Or sometimes, we use it and then forget to put it back in our pack or truck. It happens...

But what if you could have a small, sharp, concealed pocket knife on your key ring?

This Keychain Knife solves this problem. When folded up, it looks like a key fob. But it's not; it's an everyday carry pocket knife.

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↓ The Gerber Keynote Keychain Review

16.
BioLite CampStove 2+ | Electricity Generating Stove

There are many portable stove options you could choose from but nothing quite as cool as this.

Even 50 years ago, this kind of outdoor technology would have seemed like something out of a sci-fi movie.

The Biolite CampStove 2+ works by filling the wood-burning compartment with kindling and setting that stuff on fire.

Heat is produced by combusting fuel.

This pulls air through a fan that acts as a turbine and charges an external battery.

Once the battery fully charges, use the power for your phone, GPS, radio, or EasyPower batteries.

The Biolite CampStove 2+ converts the fire’s energy into stored energy for your electronics and does an excellent job of cooking outdoors using a readily available natural resource: wood.

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↓ BioLite Camp Stove Vs. Cook Stove Side-By-Side

15.
Owlike Wilderness Survival Emergency Shoelace Fire Starter

These specially designed shoelaces ensure you've got a fire starter as long as you have got your boots on.

The FireLaces are high tensile strength paracord and tipped with fire steel ends.

If you need a fire, unlace your boots and strike steel to flint to create a 3000-degree F shower of sparks. Those sparks can ignite a range of tinder in almost any climate zone.

They are slightly more expensive than your typical shoe lace but they are worth it.

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↓ FireLaces Review

18.
Yaktrax Walk Traction Cleats for Walking on Snow and Ice

If you hike on icy trails in winter or spring, you know how hard it is to keep good traction.

Yaktrax Traction Cleats solves that problem. With a simple steel-wrapped rubber design that fits snugly around your hiking boots. The difference is incredible!

Instead of taking slow, unsteady slippery steps, you feel grafted to the ice. Now you can make faster progress through the wilderness.

I always keep a pair of these in my hiking pack and another in the back of my car. They are cheap, they are lightweight, and they store very easily.

They also come in different sizes to fit different shoes and different models.

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↓ YAKTRAX Traction Cleats For Shoe And Boots Review

19.
Wazoo Survival Cache Belt

This belt may be the best survival belt on the market. Made by Huston, TX company Wazoo this survival belt features:

Signal Mirror / Needle / Flashlight / Whistle / Ranger Bands / Bead Chain / Kevlar Cord / Wire Saw / Fishing Hooks / Fishing Line / Split Shot Weights / Brass Wire / Water Pre-filter / Purification Tablet / Water Container / Foil / Duct Tape / Compass / Trail Markers / Paracord Gear Loop / Military-Spec Webbing / Bandages / Ferro Rod / Ceramic Knife / Tinder / Bottle Opener

It is a mini bug out bag compressed into an impressive, stylish belt. You will not find a belt with more survival gear packed into it anywhere.

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↓ MacGyver or Batman? This belt changes everything!

Bug Out Bag Checklist eBook Cover - a man walking away wearing a military style backpack

Want a free 104 item bug out bag checklist?

Click here to instantly download this Complete Checklist PDF. No purchase necessary.

20.
Evatac – Anytime Power Bank Solar Charger

The Anytime Charge Power Bank Solar Battery Charger powers any electronic device fast.

It's compatible with any phone type - Androids, iPhones, etc. - use your current charging cable.

It also has a built-in LED Flashlight to light your way on the go. It's our top recommended portable solar panel.

The PowerBank Solar Charger has a rugged design that's Waterproof, Dustproof, Impact proof. So it's built for the rugged outdoors and is reliable for survival.

It's lightweight and easily clips to your pack.

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↓ Portable Solar Battery Bank Review

21.
Ronco Pocket Fisherman

One key feature of most gadgets is their compact size.

Why? Because they're devices you can wear or take with you.

So that's why the Ronco Pocket Fishing Rod is an excellent option.

This survival tool folds up and can fit in your pocket. It also has a small lure compartment in the handle. So you can stash a couple of lures in there, and your all set.

No, the Ronco Pocket Rod won't replace your standard fishing rods.

But it's great to keep in your truck if a fishing opportunity presents itself.

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↓ Ronco Pocket Fisherman Review

22.
TACT Bivvy Survival Emergency Sleeping Bag

A bivy sack isn't a survival gadget that gets the same WOW factor as some of the others on this list, but it should.

From a "life-saving" aspect, it's hard to beat Tact Bivvy.

It's a lightweight, highly portable, mylar emergency blanket. And in freezing temperatures, you'll be glad you have a Tact Bivvy.

When you hop inside this portable shelter, it traps your body heat. This helps maintain your core temp even in sub-zero temps.

Hypothermia and exposure are deadly in survival situations. The Tact Bivvy is the best way I know to keep you warm in a dire situation.

I recommend putting one in each of your vehicle's glove boxes.

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↓ Bug Out Bag Shelter – TACT Bivvy Review

The Bug Out Bracelet

The Bug Out Bracelet is the prefect back up survival kit.

It includes a massive amount of loadout of gear allowing you to:

  • Start a fire
  • Build shelter
  • Purify water
  • Signal for help
  • Waterproof a poncho
  • Replace a shoelace
  • Fish
  • Carve an arrow
  • Fashion a bow
  • Set a snare trap
  • Etc.

It's a lightweight EDC Bug Out Bag for your wrist.

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↓ Superesse Straps Bug Out Paracord Bracelet Review

Final Thoughts

When it comes to cool survival gadgets, the survival gear market is jam-packed with options.

And it’s a thriving market I enjoy exploring and sharing with you.

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