Prep like a pro

MacGyver would be proud: 10 survival tools you can build yourself

Image: Maciej Karoń

People have survived in the wilderness for millennia, long before modern survival gadgets were mass-produced for convenience. And when it comes to building your own survival kit, there’s no need to head to the store! With some basic supplies lying around, you can create everything from a reliable alcohol stove to a life-saving rope. Stick with us to discover 10 survival tools you can craft yourself!

Image: Joseph Sharp

Did you know you can turn a simple tin can into a portable stove? Adventurers have known this for decades: it’s extremely easy to create a very reliable alcohol stove just by cutting a series of holes near the top of an empty can. If alcohol isn’t your fuel of choice, simply cut an additional hole near the bottom for ventilation, and voilà—you have an efficient mini wood stove for twigs and tinder.

Any type of tin can will work, but soda cans are particularly easy to cut, making them a great option if you’re in a hurry (though they do require a more careful design to ensure sturdiness). Despite their delicate appearance, these stoves can last through years of heavy use. And the best part? If it ever breaks or stops working, you can make a new one in under a minute

Image: Louis Moncouyoux

You’ve got the stove—great. But how are you going to get a fire going in the first place? You’re not truly prepared for survival until you have a reliable way to light a fire. That’s where a fire-starting kit comes in handy. Fortunately, making one is easy, and you don’t need anything out of the ordinary.

By combining cotton balls with petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) and storing the treated cotton in a waterproof container—such as a small metal canister—you create a highly flammable fire starter. It burns much longer than dry tinder and can help you get a fire going even in tough weather conditions. Don’t have petroleum jelly? You can use wax the same way—just melt it first!

Image: Brian Yurasits

You’re not going to get far without access to clean water—that’s for sure. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! With just a clear plastic bottle and sunlight, you can make a simple (and hopefully not too dirty) solar water purifier. Fill the bottle with clear water and leave it in direct sunlight for at least six hours to eliminate most harmful pathogens.

This method, known as the SODIS (Solar Water Disinfection) technique, uses UV radiation and heat to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It’s recommended by the World Health Organization for regions without access to safe drinking water. If clear water isn’t available—or if you're working with salt water—you can combine two or more bottles to create a solar-powered distiller. It’s a great trick for surviving, even if you’re stranded at sea!

Image: Lucas Dudek

Don’t have rope—but somehow have a ton of duct tape? You’re in luck, because humanity’s most versatile adhesive can save the day. By tightly twisting strips of duct tape together, you can create a surprisingly durable rope capable of supporting a significant amount of weight.

And while we’re probably preaching to the choir here, it’s worth repeating: always carry a roll of this miracle tape. It has countless uses, from sealing packages to repairing tent seams, or even fixing torn clothes.

Image: Waldemar

Compasses often seem more complicated than they really are. If you ever need one, you can quickly make your own using just a magnet and a needle. Start by rubbing the needle against the magnet to magnetize it. Then float the needle on a small piece of cork (or even leaf or paper) in a bowl of water.

The needle will align with Earth’s magnetic field, pointing north. While it won’t be as precise or durable as a professional compass, it’s a handy tool for navigating unfamiliar terrain!

Image: ilgmyzin

Ever wonder why so many outdoor enthusiasts swear by paracord? It’s because it’s incredibly versatile and remarkably durable. Paracord is lightweight yet impressively strong, often rated to hold up to 550 pounds. Plus, it can easily be transformed into a multipurpose survival tool.

By weaving paracord into a belt or bracelet (it also makes a cool watch strap), you’ll always have high-quality rope on hand. In emergencies, it can be quickly unraveled and used for building shelters, making fishing lines, or securing gear.

Image: Kelly Sikkema

A signal mirror is an often overlooked but vital part of a wilderness survival kit. These mirrors can reflect sunlight over long distances, helping you attract attention from rescuers or other hikers, potentially saving lives in an emergency.

You can skip the DIY route if you have an old pocket mirror lying around. But if you’re feeling resourceful, take a small, smooth piece of metal or shiny plastic, clean it, and polish it until it’s as reflective as possible. For extra utility, if the material is malleable, you can even reshape it into a basic parabolic mirror to help start a fire!

Image: Firas Wardhana

Another way to attract rescuers—or anyone nearby—in an emergency is by making noise. But over long distances, yelling often isn’t enough. That’s where an emergency whistle comes in handy. If you forgot to pack one, you can easily make your own using an empty plastic pen.

Start by removing the front section of the pen, including the tapered plastic tip and the ink cartridge, leaving only the main barrel and back cap. Then, use a knife to cut a small angled notch near the back of the pen, trimming off part of the end cap. That’s it! Blow through the open end to produce a loud, attention-grabbing sound.

Image: Thomas Park

You get the idea: fill a small tin can with hooks, fishing line, and sinkers. It’s one of the easiest survival tools to assemble, especially if you already have basic fishing gear. If there’s still room in the container, consider adding bait alternatives like artificial lures or even small strips of aluminum foil to complete your portable fishing kit.

This compact setup is perfect for any survival situation near a water source. Or maybe you just enjoy fishing on the go. Either way, it’s always a smart idea to keep one in your backpack.

Image: Kyler Boone

Who hasn’t escaped an unexpected downpour cloaked in one of these? The classic trash bag poncho is a portable shelter for those who either forgot their rain gear or just prefer not to carry extra weight.

It might not look very stylish, but who’s to say it wouldn’t turn a few heads during Fashion Week? Most importantly, plastic is super effective at repelling water, and its lightweight nature makes it perfect for a survival kit. It can also double as a ground cover or a small tarp in a pinch.

Danger decoded

A virus with a 90 percent fatality rate and other shocking truths

Most people have heard of viruses like Ebola or dengue, but few know how these got their names, where they first appeared, or whether science has found ways to stop them. One virus has claimed up to 90 percent of those infected, while another may be hiding closer to home than expected. These are the deadliest viruses in the world, and what you need to know about them.

Marburg virus is not very well-known, but it is probably one of the deadliest viruses identified. Despite its reputation and its 90% fatality rate, it’s extremely rare.

Marburg was first recognized in 1968 after laboratory workers in the German cities of Marburg and Frankfurt, along with Belgrade in what was then Yugoslavia, became seriously ill while handling African green monkeys for medical research. The virus, named after the city where investigators first identified the outbreak, causes a severe form of hemorrhagic fever that leads to sudden illness, intense weakness, and bleeding inside and out. The fatality rate can reach 90 percent, and there’s still no widely approved cure, although supportive hospital care greatly improves survival, and several vaccines remain in clinical testing.

Many people first learned about Ebola through dramatic news reports in the 1990s, and again during the Large West African outbreak a decade ago. However, the virus had been discovered in 1976, during simultaneous outbreaks in what are now the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

The virus was named after the Ebola River, in an attempt by researchers to spare residents from lifelong stigma. Researchers believe fruit bats serve as the virus’s natural host, with occasional transmission to humans through infected wildlife before spreading between people. Outbreaks often start in remote areas, then move outward when people travel for work or health care. There are several species, but the Zaire strain has caused the deadliest outbreaks. Today, there’s no universal cure, but an effective vaccine protects against the Zaire strain, and antiviral treatments have significantly improved survival when patients receive care quickly.

Cleaning out an old garage or shed is a common thing for many; however, few realize it can carry an unexpected risk. Hantavirus refers to a family of viruses that naturally infect rodents and can spread to people when dust contaminated with rodent droppings becomes airborne.

The disease first drew worldwide attention following the Korean War in the early 1950s, when soldiers developed Korean Hemorrhagic Fever. The virus, isolated and discovered as "Ebola" by doctor Ho Wang Lee in the 1970s, was named after South Korea’s Hantan River, where many of those cases occurred. In the U.S., a deadly outbreak in the Four Corners region during 1993 introduced Americans to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome. There’s no currently approved vaccine or specific cure, making prevention through rodent control and careful cleaning the best defense.

Every few years, headlines warn about bird flu, and with good reason. Bird flu, or avian influenza, is one of the strains of influenza, and some of them can be deadly. H5N1, the best-known strain, has a high fatality rate, yet it rarely infects people.

Even if the first reports of the virus date back to 1878, the first human infections occurred in Hong Kong in 1977, when animal-to-human transmission led to 18 human infections and six deaths. Although H5N1 has a high fatality rate among infected people, human infections remain rare because they usually require close contact with sick poultry. Scientists named the strain using the virus’s H and N surface proteins, a system used for all influenza viruses. Several vaccines have been developed for emergency cases, and antiviral medication can reduce the severity of the illness if given early.

Most people never think twice about a mouse running through a barn or pantry, but in parts of West Africa, rodents can spread a disease that has challenged doctors for decades.

The Lassa virus was first identified in 1969 after two missionary nurses died from a mysterious illness in the town of Lassa, Nigeria, which gave the virus its name. Scientists later discovered that the multimammate rat is its natural host, shedding the virus in urine and droppings that can contaminate food and household surfaces. In some cases, the infection can cause mild symptoms or none at all, while others progress to severe fever and organ damage. Several vaccines are being tested, but none are yet licensed. Doctors often use an antiviral drug called ribavirin in severe cases, especially when the treatment begins early.

A simple fever during harvest season might not sound alarming, but in parts of Argentina, it has long been treated with extra caution. Junin virus, named after the city where it was first discovered in 1958, causes Argentine hemorrhagic fever.

Scientists traced the first outbreaks among agricultural workers exposed to infected field mice, and while early symptoms may resemble the flu, the illness can later cause severe damage, neurological problems, and dangerously low blood pressure. Researchers made remarkable progress by developing an effective vaccine called Candid #1, which has dramatically reduced cases in high-risk areas. Early treatment with immune plasma from recovered patients has also improved survival.

A tick bite is usually nothing to worry about, but in some parts of the world, it can carry a virus that demands immediate medical attention.

Crimea-Congo hemorrhagic fever was first described in soldiers and farmers in Crimea in 1944. Years later, scientists discovered that the same virus had been identified in the Congo, leading to the combined name still used today. The disease spreads mainly through Hyalomma ticks or contact with infected animal blood, making farmers, vets, and slaughterhouse workers especially vulnerable. Symptoms often begin with fever and muscle ache before progressing to bleeding in severe cases. No licensed vaccine is widely available, and treatment relies mainly on supportive hospital care while researchers continue searching for better therapies.

The remote grasslands of Bolivia may seem an unlikely place for a dangerous virus to emerge, yet that is exactly what happened in the early 1960s.

Machupo virus was discovered after an outbreak of Bolivian hemorrhagic fever near the Machupo River in the Beni Department of Bolivia. Dr. Karl Johnson found that a native field mouse serves as the virus's natural reservoir, allowing it to circulate in rural communities. Named after the river, the virus causes high fever, weakness, and bleeding that can become life-threatening without prompt care. Person-to-person transmission has also been documented, making outbreaks especially challenging to contain. Considering there’s no approved vaccine, supportive treatment and careful infection control have proved the best defense against this deadly virus.

For people who enjoy hiking or spending time outdoors, tick bites are always worth avoiding. In the forests of Karnataka, India, they can occasionally spread Kyasanur Forest Disease, named after the place and first identified in 1957, after monkeys began dying in the region.

It is carried mainly by ticks, while monkeys act as important warning signs because outbreaks among them often appear before human cases. Those infected usually experience high fever, severe headaches, muscle pain, and, in some cases, bleeding complications. India has developed a vaccine for people living in high-risk areas, although repeated booster doses are needed, and avoiding tick bites remains the most effective protection.

Going on a holiday to tropical places usually includes getting vaccinated against dengue fever on the checklist. While the disease has been recognized for centuries, the name’s origin remains a mystery. It’s believed to come from a Swahili expression describing the sudden, cramp-like pain caused by the illness.

In the 1940s, the virus itself was recognized as a mosquito-borne infection that was becoming a growing global concern. Today, dengue is found across much of Latin America, Southeast Asia, and other tropical regions where billions of people live at risk. Most patients recover after several uncomfortable days of fever, rash, and severe joint pain. Vaccines are now available in certain countries for specific groups of people, while mosquito control and insect repellent remain the best protection.