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Survival

Essential Gear: Equipment for Survival

The right gear multiplies your survival chances. But gear fails, gets lost, and runs out. Skills trump gear, but smart gear choices make survival easier.

The Hierarchy of Gear

Tier 1: Can't Survive Without (Hours)

  1. Knife. Universal tool
  2. Fire starter. Warmth, water, signaling
  3. Water container. Storage and purification
  4. Shelter material. Tarp, poncho, emergency blanket

Tier 2: Survival Difficult Without (Days)

  1. Water purification. Tablets, filter, boiling pot
  2. First aid kit. Medical emergencies
  3. Cordage. Paracord, rope, wire
  4. Navigation. Compass, map
  5. Light. Flashlight, headlamp
  6. Signaling. Whistle, mirror, bright cloth

Tier 3: Makes Life Easier (Weeks)

  1. Multi-tool. Pliers, screwdriver, etc.
  2. Fishing kit. Line, hooks, weights
  3. Food. Emergency rations
  4. Sleeping bag/blanket. Comfort and insulation
  5. Extra clothing. Layers for temperature change

Tier 4: Luxury Items (Months)

  1. Cooking pot. Boiling, cooking
  2. Saw. Processing wood
  3. Axe/hatchet. Shelter building, firewood
  4. Tent. Weather protection
  5. Sleeping pad. Ground insulation

Budget priority: Spend on Tier 1 first, work down the list.

The Essential Knife

Why It Matters

Uses (partial list):

  • Cutting
  • Carving
  • Food prep
  • Shelter building
  • Fire making
  • Tool crafting
  • Self-defense
  • First aid
  • Signaling (reflection)

A good knife does 100 jobs

Knife Selection

Fixed blade > Folding:

  • Stronger (full tang)
  • More reliable (no moving parts)
  • Easier to clean
  • Better for batoning (splitting wood)
  • Can't close on your fingers

Ideal survival knife:

  • Length: 4-6 inch blade
  • Material: Carbon steel or stainless
  • Tang: Full tang (metal extends through handle)
  • Blade: Drop point or clip point (versatile)
  • Handle: Comfortable, grippy, not hollow
  • Spine: 90-degree edge (for ferro rod striking)
  • No: Serrations, hollow handles, Rambo knives

Recommended brands:

  • Mora (budget, excellent)
  • ESEE
  • Benchmade
  • Cold Steel

Backup knife: Multitool or small folder

Knife Maintenance

Sharpening:

  • Stone (best)
  • Field sharpener
  • Ceramic rod
  • Bottom of coffee cup (emergency)

Care:

  • Keep dry (rust prevention)
  • Oil blade (light coat)
  • Clean after use
  • Don't use as pry bar

Sheath:

  • Secure (won't fall out)
  • Accessible
  • Protects edge

Fire Starting

Multiple Methods Required

Carry minimum 3:

  1. Lighter (Primary):

    • Bic (3000+ lights)
    • Waterproof case
    • $2, reliable
    • Cold reduces function

  2. Ferro rod (Backup):

    • 12,000+ strikes
    • Works wet
    • Works in cold
    • Requires dry tinder

  3. Matches (Backup):

    • Strike-anywhere type
    • Waterproof (wax-dipped)
    • Container (waterproof)
    • Limited quantity

Optional:

  • Magnifying glass
  • Flint and steel
  • Battery + steel wool

Fire Tinder Kit

Carry always:

  • Cotton balls + petroleum jelly (homemade)
  • Dryer lint (free)
  • Wetfire cubes
  • Fatwood
  • Char cloth

Container:

  • Waterproof
  • Compact
  • Always in pack

Water Equipment

Container (Critical)

Minimum 1 liter capacity

Options:

  1. Stainless steel bottle:

    • Can boil water in it
    • Durable
    • Heavy

  2. Nalgene (plastic):

    • Lightweight
    • Can't boil in it
    • Wide mouth (easy fill/clean)

  3. Collapsible bladder:

    • Lightweight
    • Compact when empty
    • Fragile

  4. Metal canteen:

    • Boil water
    • Cup nests with it
    • Military proven

Carry multiple: Primary + collapsible backup

Purification

Method 1: Boiling

  • 100% effective
  • No equipment needed (if you have container)
  • Fuel intensive
  • Time consuming

Method 2: Filter

  • Sawyer Mini: 100,000 gallons, $25
  • LifeStraw: 1,000 gallons, $20
  • Katadyn: Various models
  • Removes bacteria/protozoa (not viruses, less concern in wilderness)

Method 3: Chemical

  • Tablets (iodine): 2/liter, wait 30 min
  • Bleach: 2 drops/liter, unscented
  • Pool shock: Calcium hypochlorite, treats thousands of gallons
  • Kills everything (including viruses)

Best system: Filter + boiling or filter + chemical

Shelter

Tarp (Most Versatile)

Size: 8x10 feet minimum (10x12 better)

Material:

  • Silnylon (lightweight, expensive)
  • Ripstop nylon (good balance)
  • Polyethylene (cheap, heavy)

Features:

  • Grommets on corners and midpoints
  • Reflective (signaling)
  • Dark color for heat absorption OR
  • Reflective emergency blanket (multipurpose)

Configurations: Can make 10+ shelter types

Emergency Blanket

Space blanket:

  • Reflects 90% body heat
  • Windproof
  • Waterproof (mostly)
  • Signaling (reflective)
  • $1-2 each

Downsides:

  • Tears easily
  • Noisy
  • One-time use (often)

SOL brand: Reusable, thicker

Bivy Sack

Waterproof body bag:

  • Lightweight
  • Windproof
  • Emergency shelter
  • Pairs with sleeping bag

With tarp = solid shelter system

Poncho

Wearable shelter:

  • Rain protection while moving
  • Converts to tarp
  • Ground cloth
  • Water collection
  • Dual purpose = smart

Cordage

Paracord (550 Cord)

Specifications:

  • 550 lb breaking strength
  • 7 inner strands
  • Each strand has 3 strands
  • Multiple strengths available

Uses:

  • Shelter building
  • Lashing
  • Fishing line (inner strands)
  • Snare/traps
  • Tourniquet
  • Clothesline
  • Equipment repair
  • Bow drill

How much: 100 feet minimum (more is better)

Storage:

  • Wrapped (bracelet, lanyard)
  • Spool in pack
  • Pre-cut 25-foot sections

Alternatives

Bank line:

  • Strong
  • Doesn't stretch
  • Tarred (waterproof)
  • Good for traps

Wire:

  • Snares (can't chew through)
  • Stronger
  • Less versatile

Duct tape:

  • Wrapped on stick
  • Cordage alternative
  • Repairs everything

Compass

Features needed:

  • Liquid-filled (stable)
  • Declination adjustment
  • Sighting mirror (bonus)
  • Rotating bezel
  • Lanyard hole

Not needed:

  • Electronics (battery dies)
  • GPS (backup only)
  • Gimmicks

Learn to use before you need it

Recommended: Suunto or Silva (proven brands)

Maps

Paper, waterproof:

  • Topographic (shows elevation)
  • Local area
  • 1:24,000 scale (detailed)
  • Protected (ziplock, map case)

Don't rely on phone:

  • Battery dies
  • Screen breaks
  • No signal
  • Water damage

Download offline maps as backup

GPS (Backup)

If carrying:

  • Extra batteries
  • Protective case
  • Know how to use
  • Mark waypoints
  • Track your route

Still learn compass: GPS fails

Light

Headlamp > Flashlight

Why:

  • Hands-free
  • Better for tasks
  • Lightweight

Features:

  • LED (long battery)
  • Multiple modes (high, low, red)
  • Waterproof (IPX4+)
  • Lightweight

Batteries:

  • Carry extras
  • Lithium (cold weather, long life)

Backup Light

Always carry second light:

  • Small AAA flashlight
  • Keychain light
  • Glow sticks
  • Candle

Two is one, one is none

First Aid Kit

Minimal Kit

Trauma:

  • Gauze pads (multiple sizes)
  • Medical tape
  • Elastic wrap
  • Triangle bandage
  • Tourniquetorniquette (CAT or SOFTT)

Wound care:

  • Adhesive bandages
  • Butterfly closures
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Tweezers

Medications:

  • Pain reliever (ibuprofen)
  • Antihistamine (Benadryl)
  • Anti-diarrheal (Imodium)
  • Personal prescriptions (30-day)

Tools:

  • Scissors
  • Safety pins
  • Tick remover
  • Thermometer

Expanded Kit

Add:

  • Hemostatic gauze (QuikClot)
  • Chest seal
  • Irrigation syringe
  • Burn gel
  • Moleskin (blisters)
  • Splint (SAM splint)
  • Super glue
  • Dental repair kit

Organized:

  • Waterproof bag/container
  • Labeled sections
  • List of contents
  • Instruction card

Food

Emergency Rations

Characteristics:

  • High calorie density
  • Long shelf life (5+ years)
  • Lightweight
  • No preparation needed

Options:

  1. Energy bars: Cliff, Luna, etc.
  2. MREs: Military meals (heavy)
  3. Mountain House: Freeze-dried (just add water)
  4. Datrex/Mainstay: Emergency bars (boring but effective)
  5. Nuts: High fat, calories
  6. Peanut butter: Packets, high calorie

How much: 3 days minimum (72 hours)

Calculate: 2000+ calories per day

Fishing Kit

Compact, high return:

Contents:

  • Fishing line (25+ feet)
  • Hooks (various sizes)
  • Weights (split shot)
  • Bobber
  • Lures (small)
  • Swivels

All fits in Altoids tin

Can also trap/net fish

Sleeping System

Sleeping Bag

Temperature rating:

  • Lower than expected temps
  • Add 10-20°F buffer
  • 20°F bag good for most

Type:

  • Down: Light, compressible, expensive, useless when wet
  • Synthetic: Heavier, cheaper, works wet

Shape:

  • Mummy (most efficient)
  • Rectangular (less efficient, more comfortable)

Compression sack: Keeps compact

Sleeping Pad

Critical (often overlooked):

  • Ground sucks heat (20x faster than air)
  • Pad insulates from ground
  • Comfort = better sleep

Types:

  • Foam (closed-cell): Indestructible, lightweight, cheap
  • Inflatable: Comfortable, compressible, can puncture

R-value: Higher = more insulation

  • 2-3 (3-season)
  • 4+ (winter)

Clothing (The Layering System)

Base Layer (Next to Skin)

Purpose: Moisture wicking

Material:

  • Merino wool: Best (warm when wet)
  • Synthetic: Good (cheap)
  • Not cotton: "Cotton kills" (cold when wet)

Items:

  • Long underwear (top/bottom)
  • Socks (extra pairs)
  • Underwear

Mid Layer (Insulation)

Purpose: Warmth

Material:

  • Fleece
  • Down jacket
  • Synthetic puffy

Not cotton: Still applies

Outer Layer (Shell)

Purpose: Wind/water protection

Material:

  • Waterproof, breathable (Gore-Tex)
  • Windproof
  • Hooded

Items:

  • Rain jacket
  • Rain pants
  • Hat

Extremities

Critical:

  • Hat: 40% heat loss from head
  • Gloves: Fingers freeze first
  • Socks: Multiple extra pairs (wet feet = trench foot)
  • Bandana: 100 uses

Multi-tool

Features to Look For

Must have:

  • Pliers (needle-nose)
  • Wire cutters
  • Knife blade
  • Screwdrivers (flat and Phillips)
  • Can opener
  • File

Nice to have:

  • Saw
  • Scissors
  • Awl
  • Bottle opener

Brands:

  • Leatherman: Warranty, quality
  • Gerber: Budget friendly
  • Victorinox: Swiss Army style

Don't rely on it as primary knife

Pack Selection

Backpack Requirements

Capacity:

  • Day hike: 20-35 liters
  • 3-day: 40-50 liters
  • Week+: 60-80 liters

Features:

  • Padded hip belt (carries weight)
  • Sternum strap
  • Compression straps
  • Water-resistant
  • Multiple compartments
  • External attachment points

Fit matters:

  • Try before buying
  • Torso length (not height)
  • Load it up (test with weight)

Bug Out Bag (BOB)

72-hour survival:

  • Ready to grab and go
  • By door/in car
  • Checked quarterly
  • Rotate perishables

Contents (summary of above):

  • Water + purification
  • Food (3 days)
  • Fire starting
  • Shelter (tarp, space blanket)
  • First aid
  • Knife, multi-tool
  • Light
  • Cordage
  • Change of clothes
  • Hygiene
  • Documents, cash
  • Whistle, signal mirror

Weight: 15-25% of body weight

Get Home Bag (GHB)

For work/car:

  • Lighter than BOB
  • Goal: Get home (not survive 3 days)
  • Walking shoes
  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Basic first aid
  • Flashlight
  • Map (paper)
  • Extra phone charger

Everyday Carry (EDC)

On person always:

Minimal:

  1. Knife (small folder)
  2. Light (keychain)
  3. Fire (lighter, ferro rod)
  4. Phone + backup battery
  5. Cash (small bills)
  6. Handkerchief/bandana

Expanded: 7. Multi-tool 8. Paracord bracelet 9. Whistle 10. Mini first aid (band-aids, meds) 11. Pen and paper 12. Watch (non-electronic)

Carried means used:

  • If it's at home, it's useless
  • Light enough to actually carry

Improvised Gear

When You Have Nothing

Fire: Bow drill, hand drill, flint Water container: Birch bark, bamboo, leaves Knife: Flaked stone, sharpened bone, bamboo Cordage: Plant fibers, bark, sinew, hair Shelter: Debris hut, natural features Fishing: Gorge hook (stick), spear, hands

Skills > Gear

Gear Mistakes

  1. Too much gear. Can't carry it, wastes money
  2. Untested gear. Doesn't work when needed
  3. One of everything. No redundancy for critical items
  4. Cheap critical gear. Knife, fire starter shouldn't be bargain bin
  5. Cotton clothing. Hypothermia risk
  6. Neglected maintenance. Broken gear is no gear
  7. No organization. Can't find it = don't have it
  8. Expired items. Check medical, food, batteries
  9. No practice. Gear without knowledge is useless
  10. Forgetting water. Most critical need

Gear Maintenance

Quarterly Checks

Inspect:

  • Batteries (replace/recharge)
  • Food (rotation)
  • Water (refresh)
  • Medical (expiration dates)
  • Clothing (damage, fit)
  • Pack (zippers, straps)

Test:

  • Fire starters (do they work?)
  • Water filter (flow rate)
  • Lights (brightness)
  • Knife (sharpness)

Replace:

  • Expired items
  • Damaged gear
  • Updated items (phone chargers, etc.)

Storage

Conditions:

  • Cool
  • Dry
  • Out of sun
  • Protected from pests
  • Accessible (emergency)

Organization:

  • Labeled containers
  • List of contents (updated)
  • Date last checked
  • Rotation schedule

Budget Survival Kit

Under $100 (Tier 1 + some Tier 2):

  1. Mora knife: $15
  2. Bic lighters (3): $3
  3. Ferro rod: $10
  4. Stainless bottle: $20
  5. Purification tablets: $10
  6. 8x10 tarp: $15
  7. Space blankets (3): $3
  8. Paracord (100ft): $10
  9. Budget compass: $8
  10. Cheap first aid: $10

Total: ~$100

Add over time: Build up to complete system

Key Takeaways

  1. Skills trump gear. But good gear helps
  2. Redundancy for critical items. Two is one, one is none
  3. Test everything. Before you need it
  4. Maintain gear. Broken gear is no gear
  5. Quality on essentials. Knife, fire, water
  6. Budget on luxuries. Don't need $500 tent to survive
  7. Light enough to carry. If it stays home, it's useless
  8. Organize it. Can't use what you can't find
  9. Practice with it. Gear without knowledge fails
  10. Start simple. Build up over time

Remember: The best gear is the gear you have with you, know how to use, and have practiced with. A $500 knife at home is useless. A $15 Mora on your belt saves your life.