Survival Gear & Equipment — What You Actually Need
Essential survival gear includes a quality knife, water filter, fire starter, first aid kit, cordage, and navigation tools. Most people over-prepare on gear and under-prepare on skills. A $30 Mora knife in trained hands outperforms a $300 knife without knowledge. Gear amplifies skills, but never replaces them.
The right gear depends on your environment, skill level, and likely scenarios. This guide prioritizes versatility and reliability over brand names and trends. Start with the essential survival skills first, then choose gear that supports those skills.
The Big 5 — Priority Survival Gear
If you could only carry five items, these are what experienced survivalists choose. Everything else is secondary.
Quality Knife
Fixed blade, full tang, 4-5" blade. The most versatile tool you can carry — shelter building, food prep, fire prep, first aid, and self-defense.
Water Filter
Portable filter or purification system. Removes bacteria and protozoa. Gravity-fed for camp, squeeze for mobility.
Fire Starter
Ferrocerium rod (primary) + waterproof matches (backup). Redundancy matters — carry two methods minimum.
First Aid Kit
Trauma shears, tourniquet, Israeli bandage, antiseptic, medications. Customize for your medical needs.
Navigation Tools
Compass + physical map of your area. GPS fails when batteries die. A compass works always.
Complete Gear Categories
Shelter & Warmth
- • Tarp (lightweight, multi-use)
- • Emergency bivvy or sleeping bag
- • Paracord (550 type, 50-100 ft)
- • Emergency blankets (Mylar)
Light & Communication
- • Headlamp (hands-free, essential)
- • Hand-crank or battery radio
- • Whistle (for signaling)
- • Signal mirror + glow sticks
Food & Cooking
- • Lightweight pot or cup
- • Compact stove + fuel
- • Fishing line + hooks
- • Snare wire
Repair & Utility
- • Duct tape (wrapped around lighter for space)
- • Sewing kit
- • Zip ties
- • Safety pins
Minimalist vs. Comprehensive Kit
Every Day Carry (EDC)
Under 2 lbs — what you carry always.
- ✓ Folding knife or multi-tool
- ✓ Lighter + small ferro rod
- ✓ Cordage bracelet
- ✓ Compact flashlight
- ✓ Whistle
Full Bug Out Bag
Under 30 lbs — 72-hour self-sufficiency.
- ✓ All Big 5 items
- ✓ 3-day food + water solution
- ✓ Shelter (tarp + bivvy)
- ✓ Communication + signaling
- ✓ See our complete bug out bag guide
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