Basic Wilderness Survival Kit Essentials
Whether you are into survival tactics and training or not, if you are passionate about outdoor pursuits such as fishing, hiking, hunting, camping or all of the above; it is imperative that you acquire some basic survival skills and put together a basic wilderness survival kit.
It doesn’t take much research to find thousands of examples of people who did not think they would be put into a survival situation, but ended up encountering just that while enjoying their outdoor pursuits.
One rule-of-thumb for survival preparedness is, don’t ever think it can’t or won’t happen to you. If you look into these missing and injured outdoorsmen reports, you’ll find that plenty of people, who are more than capable, have met an unfortunate and untimely end in the backcountry.
Take this as seriously as if your life depended on it, because if you are underprepared with mindset, equipment, and skills that is what it could cost you.
What Should Be in a Wilderness Survival Kit?
To start us off, First Aid. If you cannot care for yourself and others or have materials that allow others to care for you in the backcountry, you are asking for the maximum world of hurt should you encounter an accident. Make sure you take the proper precautions with injury risks.
Secondly, H2O. Water is our life blood in terms of consumption.
Water is the oil in our engine, if you run an engine without oil it eventually blows a gasket or blows up entirely. Your body without water is no different.
Third, a sturdy and large fixed blade knife. This incomparable tool needs no introduction if you’re familiar with outdoor activities and will be elaborated on in a later paragraph.
Fourth, fire starting equipment. If water is the oil of the body’s engine then the ability to make fire in a survival situation is the transmission fluid keeping the body not just functioning, but operating more smoothly.
Fire warms your body during the cold of night, it allows you to cook food, boil water, and does wonders for morale.
These are just a few essentials that will require equipment to ensure security of such needs when in the wilderness. We will be engaging other needed tools as well to have a truly proper wilderness survival kit.
What is the Number One Survival Tool?
As I hinted at above, in my opinion the fixed blade knife is the most important survival tool in your kit.
This is an opinion shared by most of the survival community, and it’s pretty easy to understand why.
First, basic defensive applications - the knife is obviously a great weapon if you are required to fend off an attack.
Second, the knife can be used to hunt and/or process wild fish and game. This caloric boost can be the difference between making it through a rescue or not.
Third, the knife can be used to craft many things, but most importantly it can help you craft a quality shelter, which also can mean the difference between life and death in many climates.
That last statement is not hyperbole. As you’ll find out below you may have as few as 3 hours to get yourself a proper shelter made, depending on the conditions you’re dealing with.
These crucial reasons are on top of the more well known reasons knives are invaluable in the wilderness; tasks such as processing wood for the fire, or cutting rope for lashing a shelter or building a raft all can be accomplished by this one simple tool that has been around for ages.
Should You Carry a Multitool?
If you are into rugged activities then you are likely pretty familiar with multitools.
Most of us have a leatherman or two and they are great little gadgets to have on you. There is some debate as to whether or not they are a wilderness survival kit essential.
My opinion is a little bit duplicitous, but I believe my reasoning and solution makes sense. I do not believe multitools are essential for wilderness survival or a basic wilderness survival kit.
That being said, it doesn’t make sense not to have one. Most models today are clippoint and lightweight. Just replace your EDC pocket knife with the multitool.
The pocket knife’s tasks can be picked up by the fixed blade knife you’re carrying or the small blade on the multitool. This opens up the pocket to carry a tool that has pliers, a file, scissors, wire strippers, and a small blade. This is a no-brainer.
So while technically you can survive without it. Make your life easier and just carry a multitool, (My personal favorite: The Leatherman Wingman Multi-tool) you never know when one of it’s more obscure applications will save the day.
What is the Rule of 3’s?
A well known self-awareness system in the wilderness survival and military communities is the Rule of 3s. It is a very simple way to both understand your limits and prioritize your needs as it pertains not only to survival but basic human function.
This list actually adds one extra rule from the traditional list. My survival instructor, Craig Caudill of the Nature Reliance School is the gentleman responsible for this particular upgrade.
The Rule of 3s are:
One cannot go more than 3 minutes without proper oxygen and blood flow.
One cannot go more than 3 hours without proper shelter from harsh elements.
One cannot go more than 3 days without hydration.
One cannot go more than 3 weeks without food nourishment.
And, Craig Caudill’s addition:
One cannot go more than 3 months without human assistance/ cooperation.
This list gives you an idea of what we are capable of, but also how vulnerable we can be. As I mentioned above, this list will also select most of your survival priorities for you.
Packing luxuries along might be really nice if everything goes smoothly, but after consulting this list is it worth sacrificing first aid space in your pack to have them?
This is of course not to say that to be really “roughing it” you can’t carry some luxuries. It just means that you don’t bump equipment that is more important to your survival in order to carry those luxuries.
If you can fit a camp stool into your loadout without sacrificing the items you’ll find on this list, more power to you!
Now that we have covered the basics, let’s take a look at what you’ll want to gather for your Basic Wilderness Survival Kit Essentials!
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Basic Wilderness Survival Kit List: 2022 Buyer’s Guide
Osprey Atmos AG 65
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 is one of the best-fitting, most ventilated and comfortable pack ever made for traditional backpacking trips up to a week or more in duration.
The innovative AntiGravity suspension makes it feel like you're carrying less weight and seamlessly wraps around your body.
This Anti-Gravity suspension features a continuous back-panel of lightweight mesh extending from the top of the back-panel to the hip-belt to provide unmatched comfort and ventilation. The seamless structure automatically contours to the body, providing outstanding fit and unrestricted movement.
An adjustable stretch mesh front panel pocket provides additional external storage and organizational options. Dual zippered front panel pockets* allow additional internal storage and organizational options.
Top things off with the easy to use stretch mesh side pockets, Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment, and the FlapJacket for lidless use, the Osprey Atmos AG 65 is our top choice for the best backpacking backpack for beginners and backpacking veterans alike.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Removable floating top lid with dual zippered pockets and web attachment points
Integrated FlapJacket protects gear when top lid is removed
Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment allows you to stow your poles in steep terrain or whenever you need your hands free
Internal hydration reservoir sleeve accommodates up to a 3L reservoir
Front stretch mesh pocket stores rain gear for easy access when skies darken, or wet gear after the downpour stops
Dual access stretch mesh side pockets for storing water bottles and other gear with inside out side compression straps
Dual upper and lower side compression straps stabilize loads and maintain a streamlined profile
Zippered hip-belt pockets keep snacks and smaller items close at hand
Lower zippered sleeping bag compartment with removable divider
Dual ice tool loops
Removable sleeping pad straps
Sternum strap with integrated safety whistle
Anti-Gravity suspension makes it feel like you are carrying less weight
Adjustable harness and Fit-on-the-Fly hip-belt to dial in perfect fit
Front stretch mesh pocket for quick storage of rain gear or extra layers
Recommended load range: 30-50 lbs.
Pack weight 4.56 lbs.
The My Medic MyFAK First Aid Kit is a very high quality and comprehensive first aid kit.
It is perhaps a little bulky and that is something you’ll want to weigh, but this particular kit comes with Trauma Response Materials that are a cut above most the standard outdoor first aid kits.
I personally prefer having the added weight on my loadout when it comes to First Aid.
My Medic makes it quite a bit easier for us to carry the MyFAK, as it clips easily to the exterior of a pack or the back of a car seat, if you’re off-roading and trail-riding.
My favorite feature of the MyMedic MyFak is it’s totality. It has things bundled together that over a decade ago would take me a month to gather up the same materials and then combined into one first aid kit.
Bleeding trauma materials, including liquid skin and a dyna stopper among many other bandages. A finger splint and elastic bandage for sprains and breaks. A CPR shield for proper oxygen flow. A survival blanket for keeping body temperature up.
As well as medications, topical pain reliever, EMT shears, and a digital thermometer.
Add in some extra QuikClot Advanced Clotting Gauze, and you will have all the wilderness First Aid you’ll need.
First Aid is number one on our Basic Wilderness Survival Kit Essentials list because if you cannot go more than 3 minutes without proper blood flow and oxygen, what the heck are you doing going out into the wilderness without supplies that can stop profuse bleeding and help you regain normal breathing?
FEATURES & SPECS:
21 high quality bandages for bleeding - including One dyna stopper bandage and 1 extra large gauze roll
2- 5gram liquid skin
2- burn jel packs
1-CPR shield for airway access
1- finger splint
1- triangular woven bandage
1- Elastic bandage with velcro
More than 20 topical medications and ointments, including sunscreen and orajel
1- Survival blanket and rescue whistle
8 - Different medications from pain reliever/anti-inflammatory to allergies to upset stomach/antacid
1-Digital Thermometer
EMT shears, nitrile gloves (1pair), tweezers, moleskin blister protection, waterproof tape
1-Highly durable medic bag
The SOG Tigershark 2.0
I have carried a SOG Tigershark for more than 7 years now, and I love that blade.
This model is the updated version and it looks much the same and is built much the same with the only noticeable difference being the handguard on the handle. And why not?
After having used this knife regularly in the backcountry since 2013, I can say there just isn’t much they can do to improve upon it.
It is without a doubt the sturdiest knife I have ever owned, and is capable of taking extraordinary abuse.
From digging into the ground to being malleted through wood by an axe's hammerhead, this beast is ready to do some work for you in the wilderness.
I have felled 30 foot trees with this knife, which is the largest in SOG’s SEAL knife collection (9”blade and 14” overall length) and basically doubles as a machete.
This is why our fixed blade knife entry, and particularly this knife, was selected as a shelter item. This knife is a beast in terms of helping you build a shelter.
The TIGER SHARK'S standard applications are well understood, such as defensive or hunting usage. But having a workhorse fixed blade knife in the backcountry is perhaps most useful for gathering and creating materials for a high quality shelter and fire.
I plan to get a new version as soon as my current one sustains enough abuse that it is warranted. So far, it looks like I’ll be waiting a while.
FEATURES & SPECS:
9” blade - partially serrated
AUS8 powder coated stainless steel blade
Zytel handle with removable handguard and a rear breaker point on the hilt
Nylon sheath with accessory pouch
Overall length: 15.25”
Overall weight: 16.3oz
Largest of the Navy SEAL SOG knife series
The Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet is a traditional scouting and camping hatchet with the same head as the Hand Hatchet but on a longer handle.
Practical for carrying in your rucksack when you need a small axe with plenty of power, the Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet is capable of lopping off quite large branches or splitting small logs for the campfire.
This hatchet, like most, comes with a leather sheath. Gransfors also sells a good line of accessory care products to accompany their hatchets and axes. Check out the Gransfors Bruks Axe Sharpening Diamond and the Gransfors Bruks Ceramic Grinding/ Sharpening Stone for starters.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Length with handle: 13.50 inch
Weight: 1.3 lbs
Sheath in vegetable-tanned leather
Traditional scouting and camping axe
The Axe Book comes with every axe purchased from Gransfors Bruk, Made in Sweden.
There is one other item I want to include in the shelter section.
While a knife is a must in your survival kit, a tarp is something you will need if you are not packing a tent or hammock and want a more easily pleasant experience.
The ENO ProFly XL Rain Tarp is ideal if you’re out in the backcountry and need something to put over your shelter to seal out moisture, or use this rainfly as the roof of your shelter itself.
Staying dry and constructing a shelter that keeps you up off the ground and onto logs and/or foliage is what will help keep your body temperature up and in the survival range.
FEATURES & SPECS:
210D ripstop nylon
Six connection points for added stability during inclement weather
13ft X 9ft and weighs just 34oz
Stakes are sold separately
So long as your water source is not contaminated with excessive feces (human feces in particular), or with excessive amounts of dead things in the water (disaster scenario), the SAWYER MINI will keep you in the game if your other means of procuring water fail or become exhausted.
It is rated to filter 99.99999% of all bacteria for up to 100,000 gallons of water! This little filter is a great invention and maintains its longevity, in part, with simple user maintenance.
The plunger that comes with the SAWYER MINI is meant to help you flush built up particles back out of the filter after use. This helps preserve the life and effectiveness of the filter.
There are other options available if “purification” is your endgame, with things like purification tablets that will eliminate a greater portion of the bacteria.
The drawback to the tablets is the taste, however this is a small price to sacrifice in the face of a true danger in the backcountry.
I have chosen the SAWYER MINI over the purification tablet system because it is a non-perishable item which can be used virtually the rest of your life with proper maintenance.
My favorite feature of this water filter is the MINI aspect. This little filter truly is a compact tool. It fits neatly into a small compartment on my pack, and even allows room for some paracord alongside it and all it’s accompanying gadgets.
The compact and lightweight size is only one part of the equation though, in terms of why the SAWYER MINI is better than other water filters on the market.
The other reason is the durability and resulting effectiveness.
Many other water filters on the market simply don’t work as thoroughly or for nearly as long a time before becoming defective; and understand that a defective water filter is the most dangerous tool in your kit.
Do the smart thing and get a reliable product.
FEATURES & SPECS:
0.1 Micron filter
2oz in Weight
All SAWYER MINIS are tested no less than 3 times to ensure functionality
Attaches to water pouch (included), most standard water bottles, many bladder lines, and it comes with a straw that allows you to drink straight from the water source, if necessary
Removes 99.99999% of all bacteria and 100% of all microplastics
Rated to filter up to 100,000 gallons of water
Cleaning plunger
7-inch drinking straw
Water pouch
Fire is our secondary shelter item, due to the fact that no matter where I’m seeking shelter in the world, I will always need a knife, but I may or may not require fire depending on the environment I’m in. Usually, I am in an environment where I want a fire.
I carry a few different things to make fire, and the SCHRADE LARGE FERRO ROD is one of them. Schrade makes quality blades and blade products, and I really like their large ferrocerium rod.
At six inches it gives your passes extra space to run, which in my experience produces your catching spark quicker.
At 1.5” in diameter with 1” x 6” in strike surface, this ferro rod will be a great fall back plan for your emergency fire needs.
Starting a fire properly with a ferro rod requires work and practice. So when I say fall back plan, I mean it.
Carry Bic lighters, carry survival lighters that are element resistant.
If you think you shouldn’t because it doesn’t “look cool” or because it’s not sporting or traditional in the old fashion sense, consider that we are talking about survival gear and not reenacting or LARPing gear.
If the pioneers who settled the nation could have carried automatic fire in their pocket, it would have been coveted like gold. You should treat it much the same way when thinking about your survival supplies.
The advantage to having a ferro rod, and why you should practice consciously and not just for novelty, is they tend to work in wet environments with a simple wipe.
So if your lighters become compromised, you can still get the job done with the ferrocerium rod.
SCHRADE adds a lanyard, but leaves off the striker, which I prefer as I usually just use a blade.
This is a simple and lightweight (4.94oz) tool that can be the reason you stay alive on a cold and rainy night. Buy one and put it in your pack.
FEATURES & SPECS:
6.25” long (total length) 6” of rod space
4.94oz total weight
1” of ferrocerium diameter with a 1.5” diameter grip
Basic lanyard
Produces spark when wet
Suunto Mc-2 Compass
SUUNTO is one of the few brands that make quality compasses for general population use.
To be honest, if you are unfamiliar with land navigation and words like pace count and azimuth are new to you, having a compass in your wilderness survival kit is nearly useless.
Any compass you happen to pick up that has a bubble in it, is useless.
My recommendation is to take a land navigation course, our friends at Nature Reliance School do one of the best in the nation. This will teach you how to properly use this SUUNTO MC-2.
If you are aware of how to utilize this compass to find your bearings or chart a course through dense wilderness, then I believe this is a truly valuable piece of equipment.
An outdoorsman experienced with a compass can make getting turned around a simple hiccup so long as they have their compass.
Even if you aren’t very familiar with land navigation, but you are going into the backcountry anyway, I do recommend picking up a quality compass.
If for nothing else, the ability to find magnetic north may just help you in a pinch.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Global and Northern Hemisphere versions available
Metric USGS UTM scales and ruler
Founded and made in Finland since 1936
Sighting hole and notch for accurate bearings
Declination adjustment tool
Clinometer
Singing Rock Route 44 10.5mm Rope
I included the SINGING ROCK ROUTE 44 Climbing rope as an all purpose and sturdy rope that can more than sustain your body weight should you need to traverse a canyon or gorge.
At 72 grams of weight per meter and a strength rating of 35kN, it’s no wonder this rope sees regular action among police, military and search and rescue.
FEATURES & SPECS:
10.5MM in diameter
200 Feet long
72 grams in weight per one meter
Strength: 35kN
Comes in a variety of colors including low and high visibility
Paracord needs no introduction, even if you have just begun to dip your toes into survivalism.
Over the past decade, there has been an uptick in interest for paracord made items, like bracelets and keychains.
Paracord is short for parachute cordage. It is rated to hold 550lbs and is what’s used to secure parachutes for both the military and civilian markets.
It’s immense strength while being small in size has gained attention and now paracord made items are all the rage, as they say.
While the paracord craze may go as quickly as it came, paracord will always be en vogue in the backcountry.
From lashing a shelter together, to hanging up wet clothes or harvested meat to dry away from pests, to constructing a makeshift harness seat to attach to your SINGING ROCK ROUTE 44 rope, paracord is too useful in multiple settings to ever be left out of your pack.
FEATURES & SPECS:
More than 50 colors available in both high and low visibility
1000ft, 250ft, and 100ft spools available
550lb weight capacity
Made in USA under government contract
Rated to resist elements and harsh conditions
“What you need for a proper study on the topic of survival is a system by which you can mentally have the right components and physically have the skills and gear to develop two systems that work together.”
— Craig Caudill, Extreme Wilderness Survival
There are other items you may want to carry and I encourage you to do so. The items listed above however are non-negotiable if you want to have security in your wilderness survival kit.
I worried less about the 3 week and 3 month necessities (food and other people) because wilderness survival scenarios, when successful, typically resolve within 72 hours and take the assistance of other people.
Remember, the true number one tool in your basic wilderness survival kit is your mindset. Keeping yourself cool, calm, and collected will go a long way toward making the proper decisions which will affect your survival.
Using your mind to acquire skills will make you more capable and thus able to survive in multiple adverse scenarios. I encourage you to find wilderness skill courses in your area and take them.
You are never too good for improvement, especially when reviewing skills you have already obtained. If you cultivate a humble attitude with a bulletproof skillset, and combine that with the 11 items (of which 7 are critically important) listed here, you will give yourself the best possible chance to survive in a wilderness emergency.
Happy and safe trails my friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ryan Smith is an avid angler and outdoorsman based in central Kentucky.
Ryan spends between 60 and 110 days fishing each year.
He is a carpenter by trade.
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