Emergency gear and wilderness tools
Showing 16 reviews in Survival
Ran out of water on day three of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. A good purifier removes that choice between sketchy creeks and dehydration.
Emergency shelter comes down to one question: will it keep you alive if things go wrong? Needs to reflect heat, block wind and rain, and set up fast.
Carrying rope sounds basic until you need it. A paracord bracelet gives you 10-12 feet of cord on your wrist for tarps, repairs, and food hangs.
A shovel seems like overkill until you're digging in rocky soil or leveling a tent site on a slope. Good ones fold small, weigh two pounds, handle more than dirt.
Fire starting gear ranks with water purification. Best technique in the world means nothing if your matches are soaked and you're eating cold food.
Most campfire accidents happen when sparks land where they shouldn't. A fireproof blanket lets you smother flames fast without panicking.
Breaking branches by hand wastes energy. A folding saw cuts clean, saves time, and fits in a side pocket. SK-5 steel stays sharp longer.
A knife is the one tool you use for everything at camp. Food prep, carving stakes, striking ferro rods. Needs full tang and a handle that won't slip when wet.
When the power goes out or you're days into the backcountry, a dead phone is a safety risk. Solar chargers convert sunlight into power.
I carry a multitool on every trip because simple repairs turn into major problems when you're miles from anywhere. Without one, you're improvising with rocks.
Splitting firewood with dull tools wastes energy. A proper compact axe splits wood efficiently without requiring a full-size maul.
Bear encounters are rare, but when they happen, you want protection that works. The spray creates a fog that deters aggressive bears without permanent harm.
I learned the hard way that cheap flashlights die when you need them most. Here's what actually holds up.
Fire in wet conditions separates the prepared from the stranded. Here's what actually works when it matters.
Cell service disappears fast in remote areas. Here's how I stay connected to weather and emergency info.
Running out of water on the trail is dangerous. These filters turn streams into safe drinking water without carrying extra weight.
