Before you get started, go ahead and download this free printable. It will break down a few of the priorities for a kit of this size. And it gives some structure to the categories you’re about to see gear associated with below.

Download the free printable here

Safety begins before we even strap our packs onto our backs. Pre-planning our trip and letting someone know where we’re going and a timeline for when we plan to come back is essential. After that comes the proper tools that are going to allow us to safely build and process materials.

Knife: Lt. Colonel by Campcraft Outdoors

Saw: Bahco Laplander

Ax/chopping tool: Hults Bruk Almike Hatchet

Multitool: Victorinox Farmer Swiss Army Knife

Gloves: Crüd Gjöra Gloves

Misc Tools: Exotac ripSPOOL, Worksharp Field Sharpener, Suunto MC2-G Compass, Rite In The Rain Notepad, 1″ Gorilla Tape, Large Shemagh

Individual First Aid Kit: To treat major cuts, down to boo-boos and annoyances.

Fire allows us to manage our core body temperature, cook, make water safe to drink, and create things. So, I put a lot of priority into fire-making to ensure I have a fire when I need it most.

Tools: Überleben Kräftig 8″ Ferro Rod, ExoTac fireSLEEVE with BIC Lighter, UCO Stormproof Sweetfire, Flint & Steel kit, Hudson Bay Tobacco Tin

Fire Kit Bags: Roll Top Tinder Bag and Campcraft Tinder Bag

Tinder: Fatwood, premade birds nest, homemade waxed firestarters, gorilla tape, char tin with charred material

Proper hydration through safe and purified water is crucial during any season of the year. I always carry a stainless steel bottle + nesting cup for boiling water. As well as either one of the two filters below if I don’t want hot water or can’t build a fire for some reason.

Stainless Steel Containers: Klean Kanteen 40oz Bottle and Pathfinder Nesting Cup (both are campfire safe)

Water Filters: Grayl Geopress (for short trips) or Sawyer Mini (for long trips)

Shelter is crucial if mother nature decides to throw us a curveball. Your shelter system doesn’t have to be elaborate. I often switch between a heavy-duty survival blanket or a poncho.

Survival Blanket: Arcturus Heavy Duty Survival Blanket. This particular brand of survival blanket is very well built and will last you many seasons if you take care of it. The reflective side is fantastic for projecting heat away or towards you, depending on your needs.

Military Poncho: Helikon-Tex Poncho. This is a fantastic option when you need a mobile shelter system (ie: wearing it). It can also be utilized as a makeshift tarp. But it lacks the ability to reflect heat away or towards you.

55-Gallon Drum Liners: I carry a minimum of (x2) 55-gallon bags with me. I primarily use them as an improvised mattress with leaves stuffed into them or as a vapor barrier from the ground. They can be used for a multitude of other purposes as well.

Blanket or Sleeping Bag: If the weather is cold I’ll add something like the Snugpak Jungle Blanket or a Wool Blanket. These easily lash onto the bottom of my pack frame (or around my haversack) and provide me with extra warmth.

550 Paracord: All of my ridgelines are made from Paracord and have lasted for years through repeated use.

(x6) Aluminum Ground Stakes: These weigh practically nothing and sure beat having to make my own in the midst of a downpour or high wind.