Axe
Any wooden handled, forged hatchet is good. Full sized axes are good as well, but keep it lightweight.
- A sheath is wise to have .
- Keep it single edged, as the flat back makes a valuable hammer.
- Wooden handles are easily replaceable if broken.
Folding Saw
A folding saw is a good alternative. Making your own out of a saw blade, a wooden handle, and a wing nut is the cheapest option, but Schrade Extreme survival saws will last a lifetime.
- Best for use in cold weather and where large trees won’t need to be cut.
Fix Blade Knife
Alone is your most valuable possession. If you splurge on one item, make it this one. The knife you carry will vary from person to person, but here are some pointers
- Make sure it is full tang, that is, make sure it is one piece of metal from blade to handle.
- Go all-smooth blade. If you feel the need for a serrated edge, make sure it’s on the back.
Folding knives are good to cany, but a good solid knife will take more abuse when you need it to Less moving parts means less can go wrong.
Mess Kit/Canteen/Dutch Over
In areas of suspect water, a way to boil water is your lifeline. Folding mess pans take up little space and are excellent for single meals. Canteen cups make for excellent single drinks, and a full metal canteen can be placed into a fire to boil water as well. If you expect to be hunting animals, a large pot is a good idea, stewing food retains more nutrients than any other cooking method.
Cast iron will last longer than you will Although it is heavy, it is the most reliable item you may have.
Shovel
If you don’t need a shovel, then don’t buy one. If you’re going to be digging, then a shovel is an invaluable tool. Compact models are easier to pack, but again, moving parts are not all that reliable.
- Wooden handle can be replaced.
Med Kit
Iodine is a vital addition to your med kit. Iodine doubles as an antiseptic and as a water purifier.
Pack a whole shitload of gauze and tape. We don’t need any pussy Band-Aid shit.
Get some rubbing alcohol or strong vodka. Can be used to clean wounds and help to start fires.
Food to Bring
Plain flour can be mixed with water to make a dough. Bake it on a stick or in your pan, preferably in butter or fat - this is known as bannock Flour has a long shelf life.
Self-rising varieties make fluffy biscuits.
Beef fucking jerky, because you’re a growing boy. Eat it as is or add it to soups.
Grab some nuts, boy.
Fire Starter
Pack as many matches as you can. They are one of the surefire ways of starting fires, provided you know what you’re doing.
- Waterproof matches are costly and require a dry strike pad to light. Strike-anywhere matches can be waterproofed by dipping them in candle wax.
A flint and steel will last for as many fires as you’ll need to light - provided you know what you’re doing.
- Get one and become proficient in it’s use.
A disposable lighter is fairly reliable, and when it runs out of fuel, the stick of flint can be salvaged.
Putting Meat in the Pot
Get a spool of snare wire. You can sit on your ass all day and have a rabbit barbecue if you’re any good with it. Cheap as well.
A good fishing kit will take you a long way A rod is a luxury. You can fish with just line and a lure. Pack as much line with the highest weight test you can, because it doubles as cordage. Brink an assortment of hooks (A large hook will catch a big fish, but a small hook will catch a big fish and a small fish)
Slingshots will bag you small game such as squirrel, grouse, and rabbit. It’s two advantages are its small size and its versatility. Marbles, steel shot, or round pebbles can be used as ammunition
If you don’t have experience with bows, I suggest you stay away from them. I know from (costly) experience that arrows are easy to lose. However, a strong bow can take big game, blunt heads can take small game, and a bowfishing reel and get you fish. I must stress, do not rely on a bow without significant experience.
NEVER underestimate the value of a 22 caliber rifle 22 ammunition is cheap and abundant small game meat is valuable because it requires bile preparation and is easier to come across than big game.
You are not limited to .22. however, any small caliber gun will do.
But… A large caliber gun will be a better option in some situations. Where big game and colder weather coexist, a gun chambered over 30 will serve you well.
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If at all possible, an over-and-under 12 Gauge. 22 is the best survival rifle you can get your hands on Shot will take game birds, 22 will take small game, and if you use an open choke or the chokes are swappable) slugs can be used to take big game.
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If you live in America, a 22 handgun and a large caliber gun is a good combo.
PROTIP: If you have a spoon in your mess kit, then you can pound it flat and sharpen it to use as a spear head or broadhead for an arrow.
Multi Tool
You better have a Leatherman. If I see you packing Gerber or Schrade multitools, are good too. Swiss army knives are classy, but don’t have pliers.
Sleeping Gear
A tarp is incredibly versatile. You can use it as shelter, to collect rain, to place on the ground for a dry workspace, etc.
-Get a couple smaller tarps or one large one * Unless you have a lot of money to spend,
a tent is going to leak and have various limitations Extra material will also usually warrant a weightier bag
Sleeping mats have a tendency to be heavy and take up a lot of space. A net hammock, with the spacer bars removed, will take up little space in your pack and will provide you with some very comfortable sleeping, if you can manage to stay in whilst sleeping. Just rig it up under your tarp in an A-frame setup.
Hammocks have to added bonus of getting you off the ground Aside from not having to worry about the cold ground and rodents, you can string it way up between two trees to get out of predator’s reach - just tie the netting up to ensure you don’t fall out.
Personally, I don’t like sleeping mats, but it largely comes down to preference.
Old military surplus down sleeping bags make for some of the warmest sleeping you’ll ever have. However, when wet, it will lose much of its insulating qualities.
- Take weight into consideration
- Check the temperature rating before heading out.
A good wool blanket will keep you warm, even if it gets wet.
Rope
Paracord is a favorite of many.
Paracord has a thin inner filament inside the outer sheath, which has various uses as a finer cordage.
Cotton clothesline is a personal favorite of mine. It is cheap and strong
Cordage is important. Do your homework on this one.
For heavier lifting and other purposes, polyethylene rope is popular. However, it will melt under heat and has a tendency to fray and unravel easily, which is something to consider.
Some other various Tidbits:
A mylar emergency blanket weighs little and takes up little space. It can save your life if you fall through ice or can’t get a fire going.
A pack frame can be heavily modified, more so than a typical canvas pack. A surplus ALICE frame will run you about $20
A good, thick Kukri style machete won’t cost you touch, and can do the job of lanife and hatchet together. Something to consider.
An LED flashlight with spare batteries will last you a long while. Dynamo flashlights are considerable.
Garbage bags take up very little weight and space. Pack a few of them. They can keep gear (such as sleeping bags) dry, and have venous other uses Use your imagination.