What are the top survival skills everyone should know?

The five most important survival skills are water procurement, shelter building, fire-starting, food sourcing, and first aid. These fundamentals apply whether you are in wilderness or urban environments.

How do I create an emergency preparedness plan for my family?

Start with a 72-hour emergency kit, establish meeting points, and create a communication plan. Effective family preparedness covers three tiers: immediate (24-hour), short-term (72-hour), and extended (30-day) scenarios.

What should I pack in a bug out bag?

A bug out bag should sustain you for 72 hours with water filtration, food, shelter, first aid, fire-starting tools, navigation, and documents. Prioritize versatile items over specialized ones.

What is the difference between wilderness and urban survival?

Wilderness survival focuses on procurement from nature; urban survival focuses on resource improvisation and human-made infrastructure.

How do I prepare for a grid-down scenario?

Grid-down preparation requires alternative communication, independent energy, stored water, and preserved food. Focus on redundancy across systems.

What gear do I need for survival?

Essential survival gear includes a quality knife, water filter, fire starter, first aid kit, cordage, and navigation tools.

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Gear & Reviews

By Randy Salars·Last Updated: January 15, 2025

The right gear can make all the difference in a survival situation—whether you’re in the wilderness, navigating an urban emergency, or preparing for disasters at home. This page offers in-depth reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for survival gear, tools, and equipment. Our goal is to help you make informed choices that fit your needs, budget, and environment.

We test gear in real-world conditions and provide honest, practical feedback. From knives and multitools to water filters, backpacks, first aid kits, and emergency radios, you’ll find insights on what works, what doesn’t, and what’s worth investing in for your safety and peace of mind.

Categories We Review

Knives, multitools, and cutting tools

Fire-starting equipment (lighters, ferro rods, tinder)

Water filters, purifiers, and storage solutions

Backpacks, bags, and load-carrying systems

First aid kits and medical supplies

Emergency radios, flashlights, and power banks

Shelter (tents, tarps, bivvies, sleeping bags)

Cooking gear and food storage

Clothing and footwear for all conditions

Urban EDC (everyday carry) essentials

How We Test

Hands-on field testing in real survival scenarios

Comparisons of durability, weight, ease of use, and value

Long-term reliability and maintenance tips

Pros, cons, and best-use cases for each product

What Are Some Tips for Choosing Gear?

Prioritize quality and reliability over flashy features

Choose multipurpose items to save space and weight

Test your gear before you need it—practice makes perfect

Consider your environment and likely scenarios

Keep your kit organized and ready to go

What Are the Best Recommended Resources?

OutdoorGearLab – Best Backpacking & Survival Gear

REI Co-op – Expert Gear Advice

What Are Some Inspiring Quotes About Gear & Preparation?

“The more you know, the less you need.” — Yvon Chouinard

“It’s not the gear, it’s how you use it.” — Survival Proverb

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