Survival Gear

Survival gear is a complex topic.  There are basic concepts, but choice of gear is very environment and user dependent.

NOTE: Many leaders in the BSA teach survival skills to scouts.  Skills are generally taught to a very basic level and in well supervised and safe environments.  Much of the gear listed here will likely exceed the level of training most Scouts will encounter. 

Priorities of Survival

Understanding the Priorities of Survival will help you determine what gear you might need.

Priorities:

1. First-Aid/Health

2. Shelter

3. Fire

4. Water

5. Signaling

6. Navigation

7. Food

Sometimes on this list are:

• Protection from animals/hostiles

• Stealth

• Psychological Health

Survival Gear Components

Survival Gear Components should cover ideally all of the Priorities of Survival.  Kits should also be:

• Compact enough it can be carried/transported

• Included equipment used for more than one use or priority

• Be affordable

There is a LOT of room for interpretation of these factors

• Compact enough it can be carried/transported

  • Kits can be designed to fit

    • In a truck

    • A backpack

    • Carried on a person

    • Carried in pocket

• Multi use

  • Tools should have multi uses

  • Example - knife can be used to build shelter, start fire, dig for water, make traps for food

• Affordable

  • Prefabricated kits range from $20 to hundreds of dollars plus

Examples of Kits

Here are examples of survival kits.  These are listed NOT as an endorsement, but to provide you with an idea of what others feels should be included in a Survival Kit:

• SOL Scout Survival Kit

  • Example of mini starter kit

• Esee Mini Survival Kit

  • Example of Altoids Tin style survival kit

• Uncharted - The Seventy2 Pro Survival System

• Esee Advanced Survival Kit

Survival Gear Component SubGroups

• Multi-use Tools

  • Used for more than one task

  • Covers more than one category below

• First-Aid/Health

  • First Aid

  • Physiological Health

  • Hygiene

• Shelter

  • Shelter

  • Bedding

  • Clothing

• Fire

  • At least 2 methods

• Water

  • Storage

  • Purification

• Signaling

  • Communication

  • Tracking

  • Signalling

• Navigation

  • Map & compass

  • GPS

• Food

  • Cooking

  • Food

  • Fishing

  • Hunting

Survival Shows

Understand that survival shows are just that - shows.  Equipment lists and selection are based on the show's parameters, which generally include maximizing interesting content for the show as well as NOT being rescued.  Some survival shows are also very Staged with a support team and tons of gear not seen within view of the camera crew.  Some shows have intentionally demonstrated techniques and gear that make experienced survival instructors cringe, possibly get spark interest in their show.  Keeping all of this in mind, a lot can be learned from these shows, with you can separate Hollywood from real life.

Alone

• ALONE: Survival Gear List and Prohibited Items

• A look at the gear from every winner and runner-up of the TV show Alone

• Alone Gear List: Analysis of All the Seasons

Multi Use Tools

When combined with wilderness survival knowledge and skills, multi-use tools allows for the potential long term survival in the absence of other items.  This is why a knife is the number one item on the Scouts 10 essentials.

• Knife

  • So many uses

  • ideally select a Fixed Blade Bushcraft Style Knife

    • A Morakniv Companion is hard to beat for less than $20

    • Other premium survival knives are excellent, but don't provide that much more utility

    • Folding knives, locking and non-locking, provide a lot of utility but will not withstand the heavy abuse a fixed blade knife will

  • Cutting and processing wood and vegetation for shelters

  • Cutting up and processing fuels for fire

  • Cutting up wood for ground signalling

  • Digging holes in ground or ice to access water

  • Building traps for food

  • Field dressing and skinning of animals

• Axe

  • Felling trees

  • Processing wood for shelters and fire wood

  • Chopping through ice to access water and fish

• Saw

  • Efficiently cutting large volumes of wood

  • Spine can be used as draw shave to clean off bark from wood

• Tarp

  • Shelter construction - tough to beat a tarp for a waterproof roof

  • Vapor barrier sleeping bag

  • Ground cloth

  • Water collection

  • Water distillation

  • Backpack

  • Clothing

  • First aid use - tourniquets and bandages

• Mulit-tool such as a Leatherman

  • So many uses

  • Blade is not as durable and fixed blade knife for heavier duty tasks

  • Saw - used to cut smaller trees and limbs, notching for traps and fireboards, other woodcraft

  • Awe - used for drilling holes

  • Scissors - used for first aid and leatherwork (potential clothing and other gear)

  • Discussed on our Multi-Tool Page

• Paracord

  • Hold shelters together

  • Hold up tarps

  • Various snares and traps

  • Fishing line and lures

  • Suspend food away from animals

• Snare wire

  • 50' plus of 20-24-gauge

  • Brass, copper or stainless steel wire

  • Use to make snares

  • Use to hold shelters and camp gadgets together

• Duct Tape

  • Bind things together

  • Making all sorts of things

  • Arrow fletching

  • Fire starter

• Shovel

  • Many uses

  • Digging

    • A snow shovel is vital in areas covered in snow for building shelters

    • Digging out depressions

    • Making drainage canals

    • Making underground fire pits

  • Frying pan

  • Some can be used to chop and process wood

• Machete

  • Excellent jungle tool

  • Great for cutting vegetation, bamboo and small trees

Tools used by Contestants on TV show Alone

Here is a list of know/suspected tools used by some of the contestants on the series Alone.  Keep in mind their circumstances, which include survival in a long term location with limited need for hauling gear around.  They also have a list of gear to choose from and only get 10 items beyond clothing and supplied gear (backpack and emergency supplies).

• Knife

  • Condor Heavy Duty Kukri Knife - Alan Kay

  • L.T. Wright Genesis Knife

    • - Larry Roberts

    • - Carleigh Fairchild

  • Becker BK7 Knife - Britt Ahart

  • Morakniv Companion HD Knife - Woniya Thibeault

  • Böker Arbolito Dano Stag - Roland Welker

  • Green River Hunter Bushcraft Knife - Sam Larson

  • Diving Sparrow Knifeworks WoodCarfter - David McIntyre

• Multi-tool

  • Modified Swisstool Spirit - Zachary Fowler

    • youtube.com

  • Leatherman Surge Multitool

    • - Jim and Ted Baird

    • - Jordan Jonas

    • - Woniya Thibeault (highly modified)

    • - Kielyn Marrone (highly modified)

    • - Joel Van Der Loon

    • - Biko Wright

    • - Sam Larson

  • Leatherman Super Tool Multi-tool - Sam Larson

  • Leatherman Wave Multi-tool

    • - Britt Ahart

    • - Roland Welker

  • Leatherman FREE P4 - Clay Hayes

• Axe

  • Fiskars X25 Splitting Axe, 28-Inch - Alan Kay

    • Shock-absorbing FiberComp handle

  • Fiskars X15 Axe - Jim and Ted Baird

  • Husqvarna Axe 26” - Larry Roberts

  • Fiskars X15 Axe - Jim and Ted Baird

  • Estwing 26″ Camper’s Axe - Pete and Sam Brockdorff

  • Hults Bruk Felling Axe - Sam Larson

  • Siberian forest hatchet medium length - Jordan Jonas

  • Hultafors Felling Axe model HY 20 - Kielyn Marrone

  • Council Velvicut Felling Axe - Zachary Fowler

• Saw

  • SILKY Bigboy 2000 Folding Saw

    • - Dave Mcintyre

    • - Pete and Sam

    • - Britt Ahart

    • - Pete and Sam Brockdorff

    • - Callie Russell

  • Bob Dustrude Quick Buck Saw

    • - Larry Roberts

    • - Sam Larson

  • Silky Katanaboy Saw

    • - Carleigh Fairchild

    • - Jordan Jonas

    • - Woniya Thibeault

    • - Clay Hayes

    • - Biko Wright

    • - Jordon Bell

  • Crosscut saw - Roland Welker

  • Crosscut carpenter saw - Randy Champagne

  • Wilh. Putsch 32" Crosscut saw - Zachary Fowler

  • Crosscut Saw - Jim and Ted Baird

• Shovel

  • Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel - Zachary Fowler

• Gill Net

• Paracord

• 3.5lb wire

First-Aid

This is an entire topic on its own.  This will be covered in a different section.

Number one priority

• Treat emergent injuries - such as significant hemorrhage 

Secondary priority

• Avoid infection - which in turn can become life threatening

First-Aid - Physiological Health

We are all wired differently.  Some things can help us get through the toughest of circumstances.

• Family item - pictures of item of significance

• Religious item - religious emblem, holy scripture, jewelry

• Lucky item

First-Aid - Hygiene

Hygiene if important for health and moral.

• Toothbrush

• Soap

• Floss - also used for binding, fishing, sewing

• Comb

Shelter

Shelter needs depends on what type of environment you are in.

Shelter Gear:

• Tarp

  • Protects from wind, rain and sun

  • Can be used to collect water

  • Used to make canoe

• Plastic Sheeting or Bag

  • Not as good as tarp for shelter, but is easier to pack

  • Contractor grade Trash Bags 5 mill or thicker is popular for survival kits

• Mylar

  • Thin sheeting OK for 1 time use

  • Reinforced are a little more durable, but not as good as tarp

• Axe

  • Cuts down tree limbs and trees for shelter material

• Saw

  • More efficient at cutting down treat than axe

  • Not as versatile as axe

• Knife

  • Used to cut grass, vegetation and wood for shelter

  • Not as effective for cutting down tree or large limbs as axe or saw

Shelter - Bedding

It is hard to replicate a well made blanket, quilt or sleeping bag in the wilderness

• Sleeping bag appropriate for conditions

• Blanket of Poncho Liner

• Mylar Blanket

  • OK for temporary use

  • Compact and light

  • Not comfortable for long term use

• Plastic contractor Bag

  • Use with our without debris for makeshift sleeping bag

• Knife

  • Used to cut up grass and other debris for debris bed

Shelter - Clothing

Clothing isn't something that is easy to replace in the wilderness.  This is covered in a different section.

Fire

Fire is one of the most important priorities of survival and is a very difficult one to master, particularly in the Pacific Northwest where fuel is often soaking wet.   Fire Starting gear is discussed on our Fire Starters Page.

There are SO many fire starting options.  These are favorites:

• Baylite 1/2 x 6"Ferrocerium Rod

  • Favorite for survival instructors and Alone contestants

  • Large size last forever and throws a lot of sparks

• Bic Lighter

  • Dependable fire starting in non-freezing temperatures

Water - Storage

 Water is vital to life.  We can often find water easily in the Pacific Northwest, but will need a way to store, transports and treat it for safe consumption.

• Canteen/Water Bottle

  • Many quality plastic options available

  • A few quality metal ones are available

    • These allow you to boil water or melt over a fire if you water freezes

    • Stick with well known brands

      • Nalgene

      • Klean Kanteen

    • Avoid fancy survival canteens that look great but may break if dropped or should they freeze

    • Titanium

      • Seems like a great option

      • Low production numbers from Chinese manufactures often equals questionable durability - even at premium prices

• Plastic Bags

  • Ziplock bags or other plastic bags

  • Rolls up and takes minimal space/weight in survival kit

  • Example:

    • WHIRL-PAK Stand-Up Bags

Water - Purification

Water purification is vital in most parts of the world.  In the Pacific Northwest, you may be able to get away with drinking water straight out of a stream.  That said, their is a risk of contracting Giardia.  Other diseases are also possible if something has contaminated your water source upstream.

• Boiling neutralizes all viral, bacterial and protozoal microorganisms that may cause disease

  • Requires -

    • Ability to start fire

    • Container to boil water

      • It is very difficult to boil water without a pot

      • Pot options are discussed on Cooking Gear Page

    • Fuel

• Quality filters

  • Will filter out Giardia and bacteria

  • Most will not reliably filter out viruses - not a concern in Pacific Northwest

  • Most will be damaged if frozen or handled roughly

  • Examples

    • Sawyer Squeeze

      • Minimalist options

      • Hollow-fiber technology should not be used or stored in subfreezing temperatures

    • MSR Guardian Purifier

      • Filters out Viruses, Bacteria and Protozoa

      • Hollow-fiber technology should not be used or stored in subfreezing temperatures

      • Supposedly, the Guardian's filter is a little more freeze resistant than others

• Chemical tabs and drops

  • Does not reliably neutralize Giardia or Cryptosporidium

  • Great on bacteria and viruses

  • Not a good choice for Pacific Northwest

  • Chlorine Dioxide is considered the best chemical option

    • Will neutralize protozoal cysts with LONG contact times

Signaling

Getting the attention of rescuers if vital in a survival situation.

• Whistle

  • Fox 40 Pealess Whistle

  • Must have survival tool

• Strobe at night

• Fires

• Mirror

  • not usuable at night and a good portion of the year in Pacific Northwest

• Knife

  • Used to cut up tree bough for ground signal

  • Used to keep fire going for signaling

Signaling - Communication

 It is hard to beat a good call into civilization.

• Cellphones

  • Not usable in most of PNW's wilderness

  • Cell Phone tower, battery and technology dependent

• Radios

  • Depending on radio and location, may be an acceptable option

• GPS communication

  • Communication almost anywhere in the world

  • Requires expensive gear and a subscription

• Beacon

  • Usually GPS

  • Great for calling for help

Signalling - Tracking

GPS devices can be used to track you in the woods.  This is great if you lose communication, miss a check in and need to be found.

• GPS tracker

  • Requires GPS tracker and subscription

Navigation - Map & Compass

 Knowing how to use a map and compass can help you stay clear of trouble.  It can also help you determine how to get help in the event of an emergency.

Compass

• Suunto M-3

  • Made in Finland

  • Excellent baseplate compass

  • The global version has a globally balanced needle

    • Fast, globally balanced needle with jewel bearing

    • Allows for better off angle use

    • Usable in southern hemisphere

• Suunto MC-2

  • Made in Finland

  • Excellent Mirror Compass

  • Also has global version

• Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Compass

  • Military/expedition grade lensatic compasses

  • NSN: 6605-01-196-6971

  • Made in USA

• Brunton Truarc 3 Compass

  • Economy compass

  • Made in USA

• Silva Sweden used to make great compasses

  • Prior to 2011, Silva Sweden produced compasses in Sweden

  • Silva compasses are now made in China

Navigation - GPS

A GPS can be loaded with various maps and shows where you are at per satellite positioning.  These work so well, we have generation of people without map and compass skills.

• Garmin is the industry standard for GPS technology for outdoorsman

Food

Extra food is great to have to keep spirits and energy up.  There are so many choices and options.

Short term calories are what matter most.  Long term, vitamins and minerals will be an issue as may be protein and fats.

Food - Cooking

Cooking on a fire can be great, but it can be challenging and usually results in a loss of a lot of fat that drips into the fire.  It is also a lot easier to thoroughly cook food in a pot.  Boiling water without a pot isn't a lot of fun.

• 2 liter pot, ideally with bail

  • 14 cm Zebra Billy Pot

    • Capacity: 2.5 L (64 oz)

  • 12 cm Zebra Billy Pot

    • Capacity: 1.5 L (44 oz)

  • Pot options are discussed on Cooking Gear Page

• Stove is nice to have

  • IKEA ORDNING Utensil holder can be modified and used as a wood stove

  • Fits inside a 12 and 14cm Zebra and around a Stanley

Food - Fishing

Fish is an excellent source of calories, protein and fat.  Being able to harvest fish can be a real game changer for long term survival.

• Fishing kit

  • Line

    • 50 feet of 10 to 20lb monofilament fishing line

  • Assortment of hooks

    • Small hooks catch small fish and big fish

    • Big hooks only catch big fish

    • amazon.com

  • Lures

    • amazon.com

  • Sinkers

    • 6-12

    • amazon.com

  • Optional

    • Swivels

      • amazon.com

    • Bobbers

  • Example Kit

    • Fishing Kit, Survival, MIL-F-6218, NSN 4220-00-244-0764

    • Uncle Flint's Survival Fishing Kit

      • Inventory

• Paracord

  • Use inner lines to make fishing line or net

  • Use colored paracord to make lures

• Gil net

Food - Hunting and Trapping

 Hunting and trapping is a skill that takes time to learn.

NOTE - hunting and trapping MUST be done in accordance with the law.  Break these laws as you wish to stay alive in a survival situation, but practicing these skills outside the bounds of the law will get you in BIG trouble.

• Firearms

  • This is a scouting focused site - firearm use is beyond the scope of this page

• Bow and arrows

• Paracord to make

  • Snares

  • Traps

  • Gill net

  • Fishing lures

  • Bow string

• Wire to make snares

  • 50' plus of 20-24-gauge Brass, copper or stainless steel wire

• Commercial cable snares

  • Snare Shop SNARE511 - sold at sportsmansguide.com and other places

• Knife to make traps

  • Deadfall traps can be sized to catch mice or bear

• Slingshot