Survival Gear

Think about duration and volume needs; most 72-hour kits fit well in 20–65 liter packs and can carry compact rations like BP-5 Compact Food without excess bulk. Keep your packed weight around 25% of your body weight and pick a pack with an adjustable harness that fits torso lengths near 15–22 inches for comfort.

For wet, cold conditions favor ferrocerium rods and waterproof matches because ferro rods can deliver 12,000+ strikes and still work when damp. Carry a compact striker or integrated starter plus dependable tinder so you can get a flame quickly for shelter and warmth.

Plan on carrying roughly 1–3 liters per person depending on temperature and exertion, and choose a durable container that fits your pack. Bringing a filter that purifies about 1000 liters lets you refill from reliable sources and cut down on the amount you must carry between resupply points.

A remote-kit first aid pack should include supplies to cover 30+ uses and a tourniquet rated to around 250 lbs of pressure for severe bleeding control. Also prioritize compact organization and weather-resistant packaging so the kit stows easily in a 20–65 liter pack alongside navigation and signaling gear.

For heavy cutting and batoning tasks a fixed blade like the SOG Seal Pup Elite with its 4.75-inch AUS-8 full-tang blade handles chopping and stake work more effectively than a multitool. Compact multi-tools with 15+ functions offer great versatility for repairs and hardware work, so many people carry both to cover shelter construction and fine adjustments.