Survivalist Equipment Essentials for New Preppers

When starting out as a prepper, having the right survivalist equipment is crucial, yet most newcomers find it daunting to determine what gear is truly essential.

This guide will outline the top 10 versatile and efficient survival items that every new prepper should have in their arsenal to be ready for various emergencies.

Covering everything from navigation and shelter to first aid and fire starters, you'll gain an overview of both basic and specialized gear to equip yourself for the unexpected, whether braving the wilderness or facing urban disasters.

Equipping for the Unexpected

This introductory section will provide an overview of survivalism for beginners, defining key terms and outlining the essential types of survivalist equipment that are covered in this guide.

What is Survivalism?

Survivalism refers to the practice of preparing for emergencies and being self-reliant in case of disasters or life-threatening situations. Survivalists, also called "preppers," build skills and stock up on gear and provisions so they are equipped to handle events like natural disasters, economic collapse, civil unrest, or personal crises.

Must-Have Survival Gear

There are several categories of gear that are essential for survivalists. This includes equipment for:

Shelter - Portable tents, tarps, and sleeping equipment allow you to create shelter in outdoor environments. Insulated and waterproof materials are key.
Water - Water filters and purification systems allow you to produce potable water from natural sources. Storing extra water is also important.
Fire - Items like matches, lighters, fire steel, and tinder help start fires for warmth, light, cooking and signaling. Waterproof containers are optimal.
Light - Flashlights, lanterns, glow sticks and headlamps provide illumination when standard power sources fail. Long battery life and durability are vital features.
Navigation - Maps, compasses, GPS devices, signaling mirrors and whistles assist with navigation, signaling, and situational awareness when in the wilderness.

This guide will explore the essentials in each gear category so new preppers can equip themselves with versatile and efficient survivalist equipment.

What survival items should I have?

As a beginner prepper, having the right survival gear is crucial for handling emergencies. Here are some essential items every new prepper should have in their wilderness survival kit:

Multi-tool

A good multi-tool like a Leatherman is one of the most versatile pieces of survivalist equipment. It packs useful tools like a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, bottle opener, and more into one compact device. This allows you to perform various tasks from opening cans to making repairs.

When shopping for a multi-tool, prioritize function over form - the best ones are durable, pack many tool options, and are easy to use even with gloves on. Some top-rated tactical multi-tools to consider are the Leatherman Wave Plus, Gerber Diesel, and Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X.

Emergency shelter

Having shelter in an emergency scenario can be the difference between life and death. A versatile option is a tactical tube tent - it packs extremely small yet offers reliable protection from wind, rain, snow, and sun exposure. High quality tube tents like the SE VTAC1 are waterproof, wind-resistant up to 60mph, and provide ample room for 1-2 people.

Other packable shelter options are bivvy emergency sleeping bags and survival tarp tents. Just make sure your choice is durable and offers ample protection from the elements.

Water filter straw

Clean drinking water is an absolute must-have. A good wilderness survival gear choice is the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter. This tactical straw allows you to drink directly from lakes, streams, and other water sources by removing bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and more.

The LifeStraw filter lasts for up to 4,000 liters of water, requires no batteries or moving parts, and works instantly. Having access to safe drinking water in emergency situations can be a lifesaver.

What top 5 survival items would you equip yourself with to survive in the wild?

When venturing into the wilderness, having the right gear can mean the difference between life and death. As the old saying goes, "it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it." Here are 5 must-have items to include in your basic wilderness survival kit:

First Aid Supplies

Carrying a compact first aid kit is essential for addressing injuries and ailments in the wild. At a minimum, your kit should include bandages, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, medication, scissors, and latex gloves. An emergency first aid handbook is also highly recommended. Having these supplies on hand can help stop bleeding, protect wounds, and even save someone's life if confronted with a serious injury miles from civilization.

Water Purification System

Safe drinking water is critical for survival, so packing portable water purification tools is a necessity. Useful options include water purification tablets, liquid purifiers, or compact filters that remove bacteria and viruses. These allow you to safely drink from natural water sources like lakes, rivers, or rainwater collection systems. Staying hydrated keeps your body functioning properly so you can focus on more pressing survival needs.

Fire Starting Kit

The ability to start and sustain a fire provides light, warmth, and a means to cook food or boil water. It also serves as a rescue signal. A basic fire starting kit includes stormproof matches, a lighter, fire starter cubes, tinder, and a sparker. Practice fire building skills beforehand so you can quickly ignite flames in an emergency using whatever fuel sources are available.

Signaling Equipment

Carrying small signaling devices lets search and rescue teams pinpoint your location if lost or injured. Useful emergency signaling gear includes a whistle, signal mirror, brightly-colored flagging tape, and an emergency locator beacon. Perfect your signaling techniques like 3 whistle blasts or ground-to-air signals ahead of time.

Procurement Tools

For hunting, fishing, foraging, or trapping wild game, pack versatile procurement tools like folding knives, paracord, wire snares, fishing line and hooks. These facilitate harvesting local flora and fauna for sustenance. Consider packing a compact bow and arrow set or slingshot if permitted by local laws. Also research indigenous food sources in your destination area.

Equipping yourself properly prepares you to confront unexpected challenges. Regularly inspect and replenish your survival kit based on lessons learned from training or past experiences. With the right gear and mindset, you can overcome daunting wilderness survival scenarios. Stay vigilant and be ready for action.

What is a survival kit for camping?

A survival kit is an essential set of equipment that can help you endure an emergency situation when camping or hiking outdoors. It prepares you for unexpected events when access to normal amenities is limited.

The contents of a camping survival kit may vary depending on the environment and potential risks, but some essential items include:

Water and water purification supplies - Dehydration is one of the biggest risks, so having enough drinking water is vital. Water purification tablets, filters, or treatment systems allow you to safely drink from natural sources.
Fire-starting tools - Critical for warmth, signaling, purifying water and cooking food. A lighter, waterproof matches, fire steel, and tinder give you multiple ways to ignite a fire.
Knife - A fixed blade knife can help with shelter construction, food prep, and even self-defense. A multi-tool adds further utility.
Signaling devices - Whistles, signal mirrors, strobes, and satellite messaging devices help rescuers locate you when lost.
Shelter supplies - Having lightweight, packable shelter like a bivvy, tarp, or emergency blanket regulates exposure and keeps you insulated.
First-aid provisions - Bandages, ointments, medications allow you to treat injuries until full medical care is available. Specialized items like a tourniquet could save a life.

Customizing your survival kit based on expected weather conditions, group size, location, and possible risks helps maximize preparedness for dealing with emergencies when camping or hiking. The goal is having versatile tools for securing your basic needs no matter the situation.

The Essential Top 10 Survival Items for New Preppers

We will countdown the top 10 most important pieces of survivalist equipment that every prepper should have in their bug out bag or emergency kit. These versatile and multi-functional gear items will help you address crucial needs for water, fire, first aid, tools, light, shelter, navigation and carry in crisis scenarios.

#10 Water Purification Tools

Clean drinking water is absolutely vital in an emergency, so portable survivalist equipment like water filters, purification tablets, or steripens should be prime components of any prepper's gear. A good water purification system allows you to render water from uncertain sources like streams, ponds, and rainwater safe to drink. This ensures you maintain adequate hydration, preventing potentially life-threatening illnesses from contaminated water. Useful features to have are high flow rates, light weight, reliability, and long filter lifespans. Some top-rated picks are the Sawyer Squeeze filter, the Survivor Filter Pro, Katadyn pocket filters, or Potable Aqua iodine tablets.

#9 Fire Starters

The ability to start survivalist fires is hugely important for cooking, warmth, light, and signaling. Therefore, gear like stormproof matches, magnesium firesteel, weatherproof lighters, and tinder cubes are essentials. Fire gives you the ability to boil suspect water, cook food for nourishment, provide lighting when no power is available, and keep warm in cold weather. In many instances, fire can also aid in self-rescue by creating smoke signals. Prioritize gear that is windproof and water resistant. Useful options include coghlan's fire starters, Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel, Zippo emergency fire kits, and UST blastmatch fire starters.

#8 First Aid Supplies

Well-stocked survivalist first aid kits are necessary to treat injuries when medical facilities are inaccessible. Bandages, gauze rolls, antiseptic wipes, antibiotics, medications, trauma shears, splints and tourniquets can help manage wounds sustained during a crisis. Make sure to customize your medical provisions based on your family's specific needs, packing essential supplies for existing medical conditions. Useful options are Adventure Medical Kits, VSSL first aid kits, or premade IFAK blow out kits. Rotate and check kit contents periodically.

#7 Multi-Tools

Quality survivalist multi tools that consolidate features like knives, pliers, screwdrivers, bottle openers and more are indispensable for gear repairs, camp tasks, food prep, and even personal defense. They provide tremendous utility and versatility in a compact form factor. Useful features to look for are one-handed opening, locking blades, interchangeable bits, and corrosion resistant materials. Some top rated options are Leatherman Surge, Victorinox Swiss Tool, and Gerber Suspension NXT.

#6 Survival Knives

A durable fixed blade survival knife is one of the most indispensable pieces of gear for crucial tasks like building shelters, preparing kindling, food prep, and defending yourself. Knives that hold an edge well, resist corrosion, and feature ergonomic handles fare best for the demands of survival settings. Useful options that balance these characteristics well are the Ka-Bar Becker BK2, ESEE Laser Strike, Buck Hood Punk, or Fallkniven A1.

#5 Two-Way Radios

Emergency handheld radios allow communication with others when cell networks and landlines crash. Their ability to coordinate with group members, report locations, call for help, and monitor information is hugely beneficial for survival, especially when operating as a team. Key features that improve usability are long battery life, weather/shock resistance, hands-free use, and privacy codes. Some top rated radios are the Motorola Talkabout T800, Garmin Rino 750, or the DeWalt Radios.

#4 Flashlights

Heavy duty LED flashlights that provide hands-free lighting are vital for navigation, camp tasks, and exploring dark areas when no power sources are available. Useful features include extreme waterproof/shockproof ratings, multiple lighting modes, and reliability even in frigid cold. Top choices that meet these demands well are the Fenix PD36R, Olight Warrior Mini 2, or Pelican 3415PL.

#3 Shelter Systems

In survival scenarios, portable tents, tarps and bivvy sack shelters are essentials for protection from the elements when stranded outdoors or evacuating. They provide critical barrier from rain, wind, snow, heat and cold when more substantial shelter is unavailable. Useful features are lightweight fabrics, waterproofing, compact storage size, and fast setup. Some top rated portable shelters are the Core Equipment Bivvy, Rally Tents, or Aqua Quest Tarps.

Orienting yourself and determining directions is extremely important when operating in unfamiliar terrain. Therefore, key survivalist navigation tools like maps, compasses, and GPS devices should be mainstays in your gear selection. They allow you to identify locations, traverse landscapes more efficiently, access alternate routes, and improve situational awareness. Useful features include durability, reliability, long battery life, and ease of use. Top options are the Garmin GPSMAP 66i, Suunto M-9 Wrist Compass, and the Dexter Russell Map Compass.

#1 Backpacks

Finally, sturdy backpacks and bags allow consolidation and organization of all your survivalist equipment so you can transport it effectively. They facilitate quick access to gear and balance weight distribution for mobile operation. Useful features include MOLLE webbing, durable fabrics, modular compartments, hydration compatibility and padded straps. Some top rated picks are the 5.11 Rush72 backpack, Direct Action Ghost tactical backpack, or the REEBOW Gear assault pack.

Having versatile, multi-purpose survivalist equipment allows you to address a wide range of critical needs when infrastructure and support systems fail. This comprehensive setup ensures you can take decisive action to sustain yourself in emergencies until help arrives or conditions improve. Customize and tailor your selections based on intended operating environment, group size, duration, probable scenarios, and skill level. With practice and proficiency, your gear will transform you into a capable survivalist ready for the unexpected.

Mastering Military Tactical Survival Gear

We will recommend top-quality tactical and military-grade equipment for survival situations, focusing on ruggedness and versatility.

Essential Military Survival Gear for the Field

Military and tactical bags like 3-day assault packs, MOLLE packs, and hydration carriers optimize organization and distribution of heavy gear loads. These rugged packs are designed for extended field use and allow modular attachments of pouches and components. Top brands like 5.11 Tactical, Direct Action, and Mystery Ranch build their packs to military specifications.

Key features to look for include:

Durable, waterproof fabrics like 500D nylon or Cordura
PALS/MOLLE webbing for attaching pouches and tools
Hydration bladder compartments and ports
Laptop/tablet sleeves for electronics
Integrated organization pockets and straps

The 5.11 Rush 72 backpack is an excellent bug out bag with 55 liters of storage capacity and a grab-and-go design. The Direct Action Dragon Egg backpack uses laser-cut MOLLE webbing and a waterproof main compartment.

Illuminating the Night: Tactical Flashlights and Headlamps

Rugged waterproof lights with multiple modes and weapon mounts like Surefire or Streamlight models are ideal for combat and search operations. These lights can illuminate threats at distance or close-quarters while providing hands-free capability.

Key features include:

Multiple brightness modes including strobe
Shock/waterproof aluminum housings
Runtimes from 2 hours up to 48 hours
Mounting adapters for helmets and weapons
Lens filters like red, blue, IR or polarized

The SureFire G2X Tactical flashlight uses virtually indestructible LED emitters while the Streamlight ProTac HL-X produces 1,000 lumens on high. For headlamps, the Petzl Tactikka +RGB features colored lighting modes perfect for managing night vision.

Multifunctional Tactical Shovels and Tools

Robust folding shovels with saws, hammers, and spikes built-in are perfect for field expedients like digging shelters, clearing obstacles, and hacking. These tools allow you to excavate, chop, pry, and cut using a single piece of gear.

Top manufacturers like Gerber, Cold Steel, and FiveJoy engineer their shovels from high carbon steel or aluminum. Useful features include:

Folding/telescoping handles for portability
Saw blades for cutting small trees or branches
Pickaxe heads for hacking into hard surfaces
Emergency whistles and paracord handles
Storage pouches for the shovel head

The Gerber Gorge Folding Shovel includes both a fold-out shovel and pickaxe head while the FiveJoy Military Folding Shovel has an extending handle and carrying pouch.

Modular Pouches and Webbing for Organized Readiness

MOLLE pouches allow modular attachment of other pouches and gear for limitless customization and access solutions. These military-spec pouches securely mount to PALS/MOLLE webbing grids on backpacks, plate carriers, belts, and other platforms.

Top pouch types include:

Utility pouches for tools, knives, batteries, etc.
Magazine pouches for secure ammo storage
Dump pouches for temporary storage
Medical pouches with designated compartments
Radio pouches to protect handsets
Grenade pouches for secure carriage

Brands like Tactical Tailor, Blue Force Gear, and HSGI build high performance MOLLE pouches from durable fabrics like 1000D cordura nylon. The modularity and flexibility of a MOLLE system lets you scale and configure your setup perfectly.

The Foundation of Movement: Tactical Boots and Footwear

Durable, comfortable boots with ankle support and non-slip soles from brands like Salomon or Danner help prevent injury during dismounted movement. Tactical boots are designed for rugged terrain with aggressive tread patterns, quick-drying fabrics, and shock absorption.

Key features in tactical boots include:

Aggressive tread for traction
Puncture-resistant midsoles
Rapid-dry woven uppers
Molded orthopedic insoles
Integrated drainage vents

The Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX backpacking boot uses Contagrip TD traction and protective toe caps while the Danner Tachyon 8" Coyote Military and Tactical Boot features a Vibram outsole and secure fit system. For lightweight options, low cut boots from Under Armour or Nike provide athletic performance.

Camouflaged Comfort: Tactical Shelter Systems

Lightweight and waterproof military tents or tarps provide adaptable modular shelter solutions to protect personnel and sensitive gear in the field. These shelters resist the elements while blending into environments with camouflage patterns and low profiles.

Useful features of tactical shelters include:

Waterproof fabrics with taped seams
Near-infrared signature reduction
Color-matching guy lines and stakes
Fully-enclosed rain flys
Aluminum or carbon fiber poles

High quality tactical shelter brands like Diamond Brand, Snugpak, and Cold Steel specialize in discreet and resilient builds optimized for survivability. The Snugpak Scorpion 3 tent sleeps up to three people while weighing under 5 lbs packed. For versatile shelter, the Diamond Brand Waterproof Military Poncho functions as a raincoat or temporary lean-to shelter.

Military Water Purification: Ensuring Hydration in Hostile Terrain

High-output hydration filters and chemical treatment systems like the Katadyn Combat and MSR Guardian purify water in the harshest environments. These systems remove viruses, bacteria, and protozoan cysts from fresh water sources to prevent waterborne illnesses. Military purification kits include individual filters plus larger man-portable systems.

Useful features include:

0.2 micron hollow fiber filters
Virucidal treatment capability
High flow output up to 2 quarts/minute
Long-life replaceable cartridges
Durable components that resist shock

The MSR Guardian Purifier can filter pathogens from 10,000 liters with no power source while the Katadyn Combat Water Filter produces up to 13 liters per minute via a hand pump system with foam pre-filter. These systems ensure your squad gets clean, safe drinking water anytime, anywhere.

Curating the Best Survivalist Equipment for Every Terrain

We outline the specialized survival gear that is most important to have based on factors like climate, terrain, duration in the field, and likelihood of rescue.

Urban Survival Gear: The Concrete Jungle Essentials

For cities, focus on compact items like pocket tools, hydration packs, dust masks, flashlights, a discreet knife, and cash/barter items. For example, a sturdy multitool like a Leatherman can open cans, cut material, and tighten gear. A 3-day hydration pack lets you carry water and some calorie-dense foods as you navigate streets and shelters. An N95 dust mask protects against air pollution and contagions when evacuation routes clog up. A flashlight helps you find paths at night or in dark buildings. Pocket or neck knives enable cutting, scraping, and self-defense discreetly. And cash or barter items like batteries, socks, gloves, etc. have value when digital systems fail.

Prioritize lightweight, packable gear for agility and avoiding attention. But also prepare by identifying network contacts, mapping routes out of the city, and caching key items like medications ahead of time.

The Ultimate Wilderness Survival Gear and Equipment

Prepare for remote regions with navigation tools, shelter systems, water filters, fire starters, fishing tackle, and signaling devices like a mirror or whistle. For example, a lensatic compass, maps, and handheld GPS help orient your location when trails disappear. A durable tent or tarp protects from the elements while insulating sleeping bags, like a 0°F mummy bag, retain warmth. Water filters like the Sawyer Squeeze let you safely drink from lakes and streams. Fire starters like stormproof matches and fire steel generate critical heat and light. Fishing line and collapsible rods provide a renewable food source. And finally, a signal mirror, whistle, and dye markers visually or audibly alert rescuers to your location.

Carefully select items that balance weight, utility, and energy output based on the specifics of your situation. And rehearse wilderness survival skills like fire building, water disinfection, and emergency shelter construction using gear ahead of time.

Braving the Cold: Winter Survival Gear

Extreme cold requires insulated, waterproof clothing, heavy sleeping bags, portable stoves, emergency blankets and heat packs for warmth. For example, a 3-in-1 parka with removable fleece liner modulates insulation needs. Waterproof snow boots with aggressive treads improve mobility dramatically over street shoes. And heavy mummy sleeping bags, rated to -20°F or below, retain body heat much better than normal backpacking bags.

Portable stoves melt snow for drinking water while avoiding deadly hypothermia from calorie deficit. Emergency foil blankets formed into hovels reflect 90% of radiant heat. And air activated heat packs placed in gloves, socks, and hats provide portable warmth.

Desert Survival Gear: Thriving in Aridity

Critical items for arid regions include water storage/filters, sun protective clothing, portable shade structures, and insulating sleeping pads. For example, hydration reservoirs and water bottles safely store found water. Filters like the Lifestraw remove bacteria, viruses, and protozoa from non-potable sources. Lightweight, loose long sleeve shirts and pants prevent sunburn and heat exhaustion. Pop-up shelters create shade oases to escape the intense sun. And closed-cell foam sleeping pads insulate against conductive heat loss into the blazing hot sand.

In extremely hot and dry environments, preserving hydration and avoiding overheating are paramount. Focus survival efforts on moving at night, staying under shade during daylight, wearing appropriate clothing, and having redundant water storage and filters.

Maritime Survival Gear: Safety at Sea

Equip life rafts, immersion suits, flares, radar mirrors, seasickness meds, desalinators, dye markers, and waterproof radios. For example, inflatable life rafts with canopies shield from the elements and contain basic survival rations. Waterproof suits worn over clothes preserve body heat in frigid waters before rescue. Handheld flares, orange smoke cans, and reflective mirrors visually signal aircraft and ships. Powerful desalinators turn seawater into potable water for drinking. And water-activated dye markers clearly display your location to search parties.

Since rescue may take days or longer in open waters, robust signaling devices and equipment to collect rainwater become critical.

Vehicle/Bug Out Bag Gear: Preparedness on Wheels

Prepare your vehicle or bug out bag for rapid evacuation with food/water, navigation devices, tools, first aid, shelter, comms, lighting, and other EDC gear. For example, dehydrated food packets or MREs provide caloric sustenance without perishability or heavy weight. Vehicle inverter chargers power devices using the car battery without running the alternator. Jumper cables and a 12V inflator revive a dead battery for critical electronic and ignition systems. And emergency thermal blankets, tube tents, and sleeping bags prep for spending nights inside or outdoors.

Stowing critical items in a ready-to-grab bag or keeping a disaster supply kit inside your vehicle enables timely evacuation if sheltering-in-place becomes impossible. So consider the essentials ahead of time rather than waiting for an emergency to begin preparations.

Outfitting Your Survival Gear Arsenal

We provide specific product recommendations and advice for curating optimal survival kits and packing configurations for your objectives.

Building a Layered Survival Kit

Utilize modular pouches and bags to create a tailored system with a range of access from EDC and personal kits to larger get home and bug out bags. Start with a quality backpack or duffel bag as your base layer, ensuring it has molle webbing or attachment points to add smaller pouches and organizers. Prioritize quick access by packing your most frequently used survivalist equipment like fire starters, light sources, and cutting tools in exterior pockets. Reserve your main compartment for bulkier items like shelter, water filtration, cooking gear, and spare clothing. Split necessary items between multiple bags so you have essentials on your person at all times in an EDC pouch.

Standardized Packing Methods: A Framework for Readiness

Use proven organizational layouts like the 10 C's to strategically pack survival items based on priority, frequency of use, and other variables. The 10 C's classify gear into categories like Cutting Tools, Cover, Combustion Devices, Containers, Cordage, etc. Slot items into your bags based on these categories, ensuring necessary items are readily available while redundant tools go deeper in your pack. Alternatively, pack gear from most vital to least vital. Place water, food, first aid, fire starters, navigation tools, and shelter in easy reach, while comfort items like spare socks go lower in your bag. Developing a reliable framework removes guesswork so you can effectively access and employ your survivalist equipment.

Seasonal Gear Rotation: Adapting to the Elements

Rotate clothing, shelter systems, and specialized gear in your kits based on the likely weather and environmental factors for that time of year. During summer, stow lightweight, breathable layers and cooling accessories like bandanas and moisture wicking clothing towards the top of your bag. In winter months, replace them with insulating base layers, fleece jackets, balaclavas, and waterproof shell jackets. Swap lighter summer sleeping bags with mummy bags rated for sub zero temperatures. Rotate seasonal footwear like hiking shoes and insulated winter boots as needed. Planning and practicing gear rotations ensures you have top 10 survival items tailored for the current climate's risks and challenges.

Personalizing for Special Needs: Inclusive Preparedness

Adapt kits for additional capability gaps by accounting for chronic health issues, disabilities, children's needs, pets, and other important personal factors. Those with diabetes or allergies should pack ample medications, glucose tablets, epinephrine injectors, and medical IDs listing conditions. Families with infants need ample baby formula, diapers, and wipes. Pet owners require extra food and medications for animal companions. Tailor communications gear for those hard of hearing via signal flares, radios, and notepads. The elderly or disabled may need portable seats, rollators, or specialty mobility devices. Personalizing your survivalist equipment loadout ensures at-risk groups have vital provisions enabling self-reliance if SHTF.

Specialized Activity Kits: Tailored Tools for Every Adventure

Create tailored supplemental kits for hiking, camping, hunting, emergency vehicles, or wilderness first aid with activity-specific tools and supplies. Hiking packs need navigation tools like maps, compasses, and personal locator beacons. Hunting kits should contain ammo, game bags, knives for dressing, and a survival bow. Camping necessitates shelter systems like tents, sleeping bags and pads, as well as lanterns and camp stoves. Emergency go bags for vehicles should have flares, space blankets, non-perishable snacks, and other roadside essentials. Wilderness first aid kits require wound care items like bandages, tourniquets, sutures, and medical gloves. Specialized kits augment your main survival arsenal with critical job-specific Military Tactical Survival Gear.

Trusted Gear Recommendations by Brand

We evaluate and recommend the best survival gear brands across categories like lighting, knives, medical, communications and shelter systems for quality and reliability. Top rated brands for lighting include Streamlight, Surefire, and Fenix for their durable, high-lumen LED flashlights and lanterns. For fixed blade survival knives, Morakniv, ESEE, Benchmade, and Ontario Knife Company offer superior cutting performance and resilience. Leatherman builds the most versatile, bombproof multi-tools on the market. When selecting two-way radios for your network, brands like Motorola, BaoFeng, and Midland offer the range and reliability needed to stay connected if SHTF and cell towers go down. Investing in reputable Military survival gear and Best survivalist equipment pays dividends through proven durability when you need it most.

Developing the Top Skills for Effective Survival Gear Use

Being equipped is only half the battle--we provide techniques and advice for training navigation skills, survival medicine, self-defense, foraging, firecraft, shelters, and other important knowledge areas. Developing proficiency in these areas will ensure your survival gear and equipment is put to optimal use when things go awry.

Develop wayfinding skills like map reading, compass use, celestial observations, and pace counting to traverse remote wilderness terrain effectively.

Learn to read topographic maps and use a lensatic or baseplate compass to pinpoint your location and chart an accurate course through rugged landscapes. Practice terrain association by identifying ridges, valleys, and other landmarks.
Study the night sky to determine your cardinal directions and location by spotting star patterns and the North Star (Polaris).
Use pace counting, a simple and reliable dead reckoning skill where steps taken while walking are counted to determine distances traveled. Count strides between known landmarks to calibrate.

Packing a quality topographic map, lensatic compass, and celestial guide in your survival gear ensures you can orient yourself and navigate through the wilderness gear and equipment when stranded.

Mastering Survival Firecraft Techniques

Learn methods like flint/steel, bow drill, hand drill, and fire plow for igniting fires under austere conditions using all-natural materials.

The flint and steel technique generates sparks by striking quartz or high-carbon steel against a carbon steel striker plate directed into your tinder bundle. Practice identifying high-silica stones in your region.
Bow drills and hand drills use fast spinning wood friction to create an ember by notching and carving a hardwood spindle and softwood base.
Ancient fire plow methods rub two pieces of wood together through linear action of a bow or strap to slowly generate concentrated heat on a notch.

Pocket firestarters and stormproof matches have limited use when wet. Master more reliable fire lighting abilities with your survivalist equipment as a failsafe.

Advanced Wilderness First Aid Training

Take accredited courses on treating trauma, burns, fractures, anaphylaxis, hypothermia and other medical emergencies when away from hospitals.

Learn skills like applying compression wraps, makeshift splints, tourniquets and administering epinephrine using your medical supplies.
Study procedures for safely moving injured patients and methods of litter and stretcher construction from natural materials.
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses offer comprehensive instruction for managing emergencies solo before evacuation.

Bolster medical preparedness by packing well-stocked trauma and first aid kits complete with dressings, instruments, OTC treatments, shears, gloves, and reference material.

Building Primitive Shelters: Crafting Nature's Hideaways

Practice making debris huts, lean-tos, pit houses, and other shelters from foraged materials provide life-saving insulation and protection.

Debris huts are quick and provide excellent protection by piling up loose sticks, grass, leaves, and ferns around a wooden frame. Lash joints together with vine or bungee cords.
Lean-to shelters angle a crossbeam against the wind tied to two trees at an angle with pitched roofing to deflect precipitation. Insulate the floor with pine needle thatch.
Pit houses and dugouts can provide better insulation by excavating into sand banks or hills if the terrain allows. Be aware of potential collapse dangers. Reinforce with found wood beams.

A quality tent, tarp, sleeping bag, and pad should occupy space in your pack, but natural shelter knowledge using Top 10 survival items provides backup options if gear fails.

Foraging and Trapping: Living off the Land

Familiarize yourself with common edible native flora and basic snare construction techniques to obtain food from the landscape.

Study field guides to identify edible nuts, fruits, mushrooms in your region that can be eaten safely. Become an expert in discerning look-alikes.
Construct basic slip knot snares from paracord that can humanely trap small game like squirrels and rabbits at narrow crossings along the forest floor to supplement rationed food.

Water purification tablets, protein bars, MREs, and fishing tackle offer short term nourishment. Long term survival requires skills for collecting wild foods using Military Tactical Survival Gear.

Water Procurement and Purification: Sustaining Life

Hone techniques like transpiration bags, solar stills, boiling, and filtration for obtaining potable water from raw sources in the wilderness.

Transpiration bags are an effective passive means of collecting drinkable water from vegetation and condensation by tightly wrapping soaked leaves around collection bottles.
Solar stills utilize evaporation and condensation by digging pits lined with leaves or bark filled with dirty water topped with plastic to accumulate dripping condensate.
Always boil or use portable filtration systems like activated charcoal or ceramic pumps on stagnant water to remove bacteria, parasites, and viruses that cause waterborne diseases.

A quality canteen, Nalgenes, pot, and stainless steel cup accompany water filtration tabs, but the skills to build solar stills and transpires provides insurance against supply loss.

Emergency Communications: Signaling for Aid

Learn usage protocols for signals like reflecting mirrors, whistle codes, colored smoke, flares and signal fires to facilitate rescue or contact with groups.

Mirror flashes using dots and dashes of old Morse code transmit messages efficiently over long distances. Carry a high quality signal mirror.
Three blasts of a whistle repeated every few minutes communicates distress. Response whistles indicate messages received.
Fires in clusters of three spaced far apart mark positions to aircraft. Pyrotechnic flares communicate locations at night across 20 miles.
Smoke grenades in red, yellow, green, indicate medical help needed, resupply or extraction required, or location markers respectfully.

Two-way radios, satellite phones, PLBs, and GPS devices call instantly call for help, but skill with Military survival gear like signal techniques work when technology fails.

Following protocols and procedures for orienteering, fire lighting, first aid, shelters, food, water and communications ensures your survivalist equipment is put to best use. Competency with associated methods provides redundancy if gear gets damaged, lost, or depleted. Train these techniques at home and in the field until they become second nature when exciting your bug out plan.

Ready for Anything: A Prepper's Recap

Being prepared with versatile survival skills and equipment provides insurance against unexpected crises. As a prepper, having the proper survivalist equipment is crucial for handling emergencies. Here is a recap of key ideas:

Essential Versatile Gear

Multi-tools like survivalist equipment such as swiss army knives pack numerous functions into one device. These allow you to harvest resources, construct shelters, and defend yourself with one compact tool.
Portable water filters and purifiers allow you to transform unsafe water from streams, ponds, and rainwater into potable water. This satisfies the critical need for hydration when infrastructure fails.
Fire-starting equipment like weatherproof matches, flint rods, and tinder keep you warm, allow cooking, and enable signaling. Redundancy across various ignition methods provides reliability.

Continuous Training

Simply owning gear doesn't fully prepare you. Develop survival skills like navigation, foraging, and first aid through consistent hands-on practice. Refresh and upgrade your capabilities over time.

By staying versatile and trained, preppers can handle a wide range of crises. Rotate and upgrade your top 10 survival items as innovations emerge. Pursue self-reliance through preparedness.