As we look to get lost in a far-flung land via our favorite travel movies, TV shows, or books, we’ve come across at least one or two stories in which the main character gets stranded on a deserted island. They usually have few to no supplies and only their ingenuity to aid in planning an escape.

Whether or not this scenario is all that likely, it does make a person think: what are the things you need to survive on an island?

Well, we’ve thought about it. So here’s a list of 10 essential items that we think would make life on a deserted island a little easier.

1. Knife

A sharp knife is first on our list of essentials to have on a deserted island — one like Crocodile Dundee would have in Australia. Not only could it be used for protection, but also for hunting.

2. Fishing net

Fish are a very healthy protein choice, and having a net will make catching them from the surrounding waters much easier.

3. Matches

Who wants to spend hours trying to start a fire by rubbing two sticks together? Matches will make it easy to start a campfire to boil water, cook all the fish you caught with the net, and provide light and warmth. 

4. Hammock

Most deserted islands are filled with trees, and a hammock would provide a comfortable place to sleep those lonely nights away. It would also be above the ground and away from any nocturnal critters.

5. Bug spray

If you have ever spent any time in the tropics, you know how necessary it is to have bug spray — a necessity among the things you need to survive on an island.

6. Flashlight or lantern

Not just any flashlight or lantern, but one that runs when you wind it up or charges with solar panels so you don’t need batteries.

7. Inflatable raft with oars

Maybe it’s possible to row your way to freedom. If not, a raft will make it easy to travel around the island so you can find other areas with shelter, food, and a source of water.

8. Sunblock

Even if you make a shelter or spend a lot of time under the shade of trees, it doesn’t take long to get a sunburn when you’re moving around outside. Sunscreen is one item that is essential to have on a deserted island.

9. Spear

It doesn’t have to be fancy, but a spear would make life on a desolate island so much easier. This item would also come in handy for spear-fishing during a future island vacation in the Maldives.

10. Satellite phone

A satellite phone is a cellphone that can be used anywhere in the world (including on a deserted island) as long as there is a clear line from the antenna to the sky. The cost may be pricey — at least $1,000 for the phone plus a $30-50 monthly fee. But if it affords you a better fate than Gilligan and his friends, then it’s definitely money well spent.

Final thoughts: Things to survive on an island

Although there’s a low chance of most of us winding up in this position, the things you’d need to survive on an island can also come in handy during other times, like when you’re camping or if there’s a long power outage. Have you ever thought about things you need to survive on an island? If so, tag us on social and tell us what changes you’d make to our list, or what three things you’d bring on a deserted island.