In this comprehensive guide tailored for beginner survivalists, we'll explore the essential gear that’s required for wilderness exploration. From rugged, harsh landscapes to unpredictable weather, being equipped with the right gear is crucial for your safety and success in the great outdoors.

1. A Sturdy Backpack

Don’t scrimp on your bag choice! The backpack is the backbone of your survival gear. Everything you need to carry with you; water, food, medical supplies, and shelter, relies on it being durable, spacious, and protective.

What to look for: 

  • Adjustable straps and extra strap points. To ensure a safe, secure, and comfortable fit, a good backpack must have adjustable straps. Comfortability is key, especially if you are planning long hikes. Extra strap points also allow you to adapt the pack to different gear, so you can be prepared for anything.
  • Water-resistant/watertight features. A water-resistant bag is a minimum for protecting your clothing, electronics, important documentation, and food from water damage. Having watertight features can also be crucial in some cases, particularly in extreme weather conditions and water crossings/kayaking. These features are included with some backpacks, and sold separately.
  • Multiple compartments. Separating your gear into compartments allows for easier access to essential items. While this saves you time and stress overall, it can also be pivotal in emergencies, i.e. if you require quick access to your medical kit.
  • Durability. Your backpack needs to be able to withstand anything you may be expecting, as well as some things you haven’t even thought of.

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2. Shelter Essentials

The minimum requirement for a shelter is a groundsheet, a durable tarp, and an emergency reusable space blanket. However, these may not be suitable for every terrain and weather condition. There are also more comfortable options.

What to look for:

  • A compact tent. Keeping your carry weight to a minimum can be incredibly useful in the wilderness, particularly if you intend on doing a lot of hiking. Luckily, there are a multitude of comfortable lightweight tent options. For solo travelers, a bivvy will likely suffice. For those traveling with partners or companions (or those who are just looking for a bit more space), there are ultralight tent options for two people. 
  • Covered hammocks. A hammock with a mosquito net is a great solution for people looking to avoid ground-dwelling and airborne insects while camping. It’s also extremely useful for keeping your luggage light and is often more comfortable than sleeping on the ground. To make it more watertight, you can also add a tarp.
  • Durable sleeping bags and mats. A sleeping bag should be water-resistant, well-insulated, and able to withstand the wear and tear conditions of the outdoors. Mats also need to have durability to create a reliable barrier between your body and the ground, providing you with a more comfortable night’s sleep. Mats also help to retain body heat better than sleeping bags alone. 

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3. Fire-Starting Tools

Firecraft is a crucial wilderness survival technique. It includes learning the knowledge involved in safely creating, maintaining, and managing fires outdoors. A campfire allows you to: 

  1. Keep warm
  2. Cook food
  3. Improve visibility at night
  4. Deter Wildlife
  5. Lift the spirits/stave off boredom
  6. Signal in an emergency

There are a multitude of reliable fire-starting tools available. It’s also advisable to carry more than one of these items with you when exploring the wilderness, in case one fails. 

What you’ll need:

  • Stormproof matches. As the name suggests, stormproof matches are matches that can withstand windy and wet conditions. They’re easy to ignite and extremely reliable. 
  • Steel striker/ferro rod. A ferrocerium rod is an incredibly handy emergency fire starter. Lasting for up to 10,000 strikes, the Ferro rod is extremely unlikely to run out when you need it most. A single strike unleashes a shower of fire-starting sparks. 
  • Beeswax twine. Beeswax-coated twine offers a long-lasting, weather-resistant, and maneuverable flame. It catches easily when sparked using a Ferro road. To extinguish, simply pull the twine into the casing to starve it of oxygen.
  • Bushcraft fire kit. Kits with everything you need for starting a controlled fire out in nature. These kits are useful for beginners and seasoned bushcrafters alike.

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4. Tools for Every Occasion

Carrying a good quality cutting tool is the bare minimum required in bushcraft survival camping. While you may be able to get along with this alone, you may also find that several other tools are extremely useful when out in the wilderness.

What to look for:

  • Full tang survival knife. Also known as a bushcraft knife, “Rambo” knife, Bowie knife, or a tactical knife, this type of knife has a blade that extends the full length of the handle. This type of knife is sturdy, reliable, and has a multitude of essential uses.
  • Hand axe. Opting for a small hand axe can be a great way of getting the benefits of wood chopping that an axe can deliver, without the extra weight. 
  • Hatchet. Hatchets are multi-use tools featuring a hammer alongside a blade. They are generally more lightweight than standard axes.
  • Folding saw. If a hatchet or axe is too cumbersome, a folding saw offers another means of cutting wood, while being much lighter and more compact. 
  • Auger. A bushcraft auger is essentially a precision drill that can be turned using a stick. Use it for shelter building, fires, and trap setting. It can also be used for crafting.
  • Multitools. It may go without saying, but a good multitool is a must-have in any camping or survival situation. It serves the purpose of a whole toolbox, without any of the cumbersome weight.
  • Pocket chainsaw. This incredibly lightweight device can be used for felling trees for shelter, to remove obstructions from your trail, or for sawing through logs for your fire. 

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5. Water Purification System

Access to safe drinking water in the wild is critical. There are many means of achieving this, the simplest being to boil the water on a rolling boil in a fire-safe container for at least one minute - up to three for higher altitudes - before consumption. This kills most harmful pathogens.

Other effective methods can be used in addition to boiling water to provide extra filtration. These methods can also be used on their own, where boiling water isn’t an option.

You should also remember to look for flowing water sources, such as rivers, streams, and rain, and avoid stagnant water, like ponds, and lakes, wherever possible. 

What to look for:

  • Water purifying tablets. If in doubt that boiling water has sufficiently sterilized it, if boiling water isn’t possible, or if it’s too time-consuming for the circumstances, one solution is water purifying tablets. These tablets contain disinfectant chemicals like chlorine and iodine that kill bacteria, harmful microorganisms, and viruses that can be present in water. They also remove some parasites. They do not, however, remove heavy metals, pesticides, or sediment from water.
  • Portable water filters. These lightweight filters physically filter out heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria, and protozoa. They usually use a combination of mechanical filtration to remove larger particles and sediment, and activated carbon to absorb contaminants. Survival enthusiasts should be aware that these types of filters do not protect from viruses. Filters also require some maintenance to ensure that they are consistently functional. 
  • A stainless steel canteen for boiling water. These lightweight fire-safe canteens have a handy removable base that can be used for cooking soups and stews and, of course, boiling water. Simply boil the water over high heat for the required length of time, allow it to cool, and add it to your canteen for easy transport.
  • A camping stove. While putting a canteen directly into an open fire is an option, having a camping stove to hand makes the process considerably easier. Compact alcohol stoves are particularly useful for quick ignition and easily seat a canteen or kettle for boiling water.
  • UV light filters. Sterilizing UV bottles and UV light pens eradicate viruses, pathogens, and protozoa. They’re easily changeable, lightweight, simple to use, and are durable and waterproof. However, they do not protect from heavy metals or pesticides.

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6. Navigation

Navigation aids are the backbone of human civilization, though many of the original methods are much less understood now than by previous generations. 

While modern technology has provided us with a fantastically straightforward means of navigating our surroundings, it is also important to have an understanding of how to read a map and use a compass. A basic understanding of some natural navigation techniques can also be extremely useful. This is in case technology, as it can do in the wilderness, fails. 

What you’ll need:

  • A compass. Compasses guide and orient you by pointing to the Earth’s magnetic north. This helps with map reading and staying on course when hiking or trekking.
  • GPS navigation. Your smartphone may be a good source of GPS navigation, but the battery life may not be that dependable. Carrying a solar charger pack with you can help to mitigate this risk. However, if you want to be extra assured, there are other GPS devices you can carry as backup. Some devices have battery lives of up to 14 days.
  • Apps. There are various apps available for both Android and iOS that are designed to help with wilderness navigation for hikers, backpackers, survivalist enthusiasts, and more. Some of these apps are even designed to work without service, amongst other useful features.
  • A map. It’s important to carry a physical map in addition to any electronic devices. Physical maps do not rely on battery power or network coverage to guide you. They’re also more weatherproof (provided that they are a waterproof map or a map that you have waterproofed yourself). Anyone who has ever tried to send a text in the rain will know that touchscreens are disrupted by raindrops, so even a waterproof phone case won’t help you navigate your GPS in a downpour. 

Natural navigation. While both modern and ancient technology hold positions of enormous significance in the world of navigation, there is something satisfyingly primal to be said about navigating based on one’s knowledge and wits alone. In a society committed to making us dependent on the system to survive, having a knowledge of natural navigation can be a powerful thing. For example, being able to interpret just some of the effects of the sun, wind, and water on the landscape, can help you to find the direction you need to travel in.

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7. First Aid Basics

You ought to be prepared for possible illnesses or injuries that may occur on outdoor excursions. For survivalist camping, it’s usually advisable to carry a more extensive first aid kit than the basic first aid supplies. 

You ought to customize the following list depending on where you intend to go. Consider the prospective terrain, wildlife, insects, and weather of where you intend to venture. For example, if you are intending on backpacking in certain parts of South America, Asia, or Africa, you may want to add malaria tablets to your first aid kit. 

You should always consult with a healthcare professional before any journey to receive recommendations that are personalized to you and your adventures.

What you’ll need: 

  • Adhesive dressings
  • Bandage sheers
  • Insect repellent
  • Antihistamines
  • CPR card
  • Bandages
  • Sunscreen
  • Nitrile gloves
  • Poison ivy treatment
  • Nonadherent dressing
  • Disposable resuscitation shield
  • Safety pins
  • Cetrimide antiseptic wipes
  • Tape
  • Splinter probes
  • Tweezers

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8. Illumination

In addition to the standard devices, there is an ever-growing selection of reliable, lightweight, illuminatory tools to light up your camp with. For example, some modern lanterns include solar charging units that power not only the light but act as a power pack that can charge your electrical devices too. 

But whether you’re a modern survivalist or someone who prefers more traditional, back-to-basics adventuring, illumination is imperative to keeping you safe at night.

What you’ll need:

  • LED headlamps. For nighttime navigation, or if you’re exploring areas where there isn’t much light, an LED headlamp is a must for hands-free illumination. 
  • A flashlight. A reliable flashlight is imperative when exploring the wilderness. Look for flashlights with varying brightness settings, waterproof qualities, and a good battery life. Many flashlights are rechargeable. However, if you opt for one that isn’t, ensure that you carry spare batteries with you. 
  • A compact lantern. Compact lanterns deliver the illumination you need in a conveniently small package. As previously stated, some compact lanterns even offer multipurpose functions, to save you even more carry-space.

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9. Clothing and Footwear

Choosing the appropriate clothing and footwear ensures more than your comfort, it helps to ensure your safety, and can in some situations mean the difference between life and death. 

Like shelter, clothing protects you from the elements. Whether it’s insulating, sweat-wicking, sun-shielding, or waterproof, the right clothing equips you for whatever the day brings. 

Sturdy footwear is also essential. Especially if you plan on walking long distances. It reduces the risk of injury on uneven terrain, blisters, and more. 

The best clothes and footwear that you will need will depend largely on where you are going, the weather conditions, and your preferences. That being said, I’ll establish a basic outline below.

What you’ll need:

  • Moisture-wicking. Clothing that keeps you cool and insulated while absorbing sweat is useful for every climate. In hot climes, this kind of clothing can be worn alone, and in colder situations can be worn as a base layer under other insulating apparel. 
  • Insulation. Insulating layers such as jackets and fleeces help to protect you from the cold. Even if you’re traveling somewhere famously warm, temperatures can drop dramatically at night. Wool, down, and synthetic fabrics serve this purpose best.
  • Hats, gloves, scarves. While the myth that you lose the most body heat via your head has been debunked, keeping your extremities warm is nonetheless important. Keeping your extremities warm can help to prevent hypothermia. 
  • Waterproofs. It goes without saying, but you don’t want to be any wetter than necessary in the wilderness. Excess moisture exacerbates the cold and accelerates heat loss from the skin, potentially leading to hypothermia.

Reliable boots. Look for boots that are breathable, durable, waterproof/water-resistant, and have good ankle support.

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10. Communication Devices 

Having several reliable communication devices is essential for beginner survivalists. If one device fails, for example, if your mobile phone does not have service, you will need a backup in the case of an emergency. 

What you’ll need:

  • Cellphone. The simplest communication device is generally the one you use every day. However, ensuring that it has charge and coverage is what counts.
  • A solar power pack. Your mobile phone is useless without a charge, so a power pack that doesn’t rely on electricity is a must. Solar packs are lightweight and can be weather-resistant, enabling you to harness the power of the sun in any condition. 
  • A portable signal booster. If you intend on venturing somewhere more remote, a portable signal booster can help to improve your cell phone coverage. 
  • Two-way radio. For people traveling in pairs or groups, walkie-talkies can be a great means of short-distance communication. These devices don’t rely on network signals, so they’re invaluable in remote areas with little to no coverage. 
  • Emergency beacons. Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are devices that can transmit a personalized SOS signal to rescue teams in an emergency via satellites.
  • An emergency whistle. A whistle is the most lightweight and independently functioning means of alerting people that you need assistance. If you are injured, a whistle will be more amplified than using your voice, and allow you to conserve energy until rescue.  

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Conclusion

Gathering the right equipment for your wilderness journey is the first step toward becoming an expert survivalist. So, gear up, stay informed, and let your exploration into survivalism be a journey of both discovery and preparedness.

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