In the unpredictable wilderness, survival often depends on adaptability and resourcefulness. While a well-equipped survival kit is essential, knowing how to make the most of common items is an important skill. It’s especially important for those who want to be ready for whatever life throws at them.

One of the best items you can have is a dependable blade, which can handle a wide variety of challenges you will likely face if living for an extended period in the wild. But you’ll also want to become familiar with some unconventional uses for everyday items. It could prove invaluable when venturing into the wild.

Unconventional Uses for Conventional Items

The following looks at how to use conventional items to take on challenges in the wild, starting with the thing you will need the most (after food and water).

Using Batteries, Glass and Steel Wool to Start a Fire

One of the most important issues you will face is the need for fire for heat, to cook and for protection. You have many different options for getting a blaze. Secrets of Survival offers a long list of choices. They include using power cables to make sparks and start a fire with kindling. The same goes for any kind of battery. Rubbing steel wool on a 9-volt battery will quickly produce sparks. For an AA or any other battery, fold aluminum foil into an hourglass shape with a thin middle. Touch either side of the terminals and the electricity will cause the thin center of the wrapper to burst into flame.

It’s also possible to start a fire by redirecting the sun’s rays through a smashed piece of glass onto something soft and flammable.

The Ultimate Wilderness Fix-All

Duct tape is the Swiss Army knife of the survival world. Beyond its obvious uses for patching up gear, this versatile adhesive can be employed for a myriad of purposes. Need to repair a torn tent? Duct tape. Have a blister developing on your foot? Duct tape can provide a makeshift bandage. It can even be used to remove splinters, as a makeshift rope, or to secure a broken strap on a backpack. A roll of duct tape might just be your most valuable companion in the wild.

Tampons Are Not Just for Hygiene

While tampons are traditionally associated with feminine hygiene, they have surprising alternative uses in survival situations. Tampons are highly absorbent and can be employed as makeshift wound dressings, water filters or even as tinder for starting a fire. Their compact size makes them an ideal addition to any survival kit, offering a range of uses beyond their original purpose.

Aluminum Foil Is a Wilderness Multi-Tool

Aluminum foil is a lightweight and compact item that can be a lifesaver in the wild. It can be shaped into a makeshift container for cooking or boiling water, providing a quick solution when traditional cookware is unavailable. Reflective in nature, aluminum foil can also be fashioned into a signaling device to attract attention in emergency situations. Its durability and versatility make it an often-overlooked yet indispensable survival tool.

Use a Soda Can as an Improvised Stove

A discarded soda can be transformed into a makeshift stove, providing a means to cook food or boil water. Cut the can in half, fill the bottom portion with fuel (alcohol or other flammable materials), and place the second half upside down on top. This simple DIY stove can be a game-changer when traditional cooking methods are not an option.

In the unpredictable wilderness, adaptability and resourcefulness can mean the difference between survival and adversity. By thinking outside the box and finding unconventional uses for common items, you’ll be better equipped to face the challenges of the wild.