Top products from r/Survival

Well since you asked.


Get a quality headlamp (like a Trunite TH10) instead of the one you have picked. Don't forget extra batteries and dont store them in the headlamp. I have had those energizer ones and while not bad for around the house or shop they arent very durable and I would want something a bit tougher for out doors. But this is more of just my opinion, the energizer one work an emergency.


You have three different firestarter kits. Stick with a ferror rod like this one and some cotton balls. Then toss in a 5 pack of bic lighters. Dont need to be more complicated then that.


I would pair the wool blanket with a survival blanket. Or even just carry a good sleeping bag. Just depends how cold it gets at night in the areas you travel.


Skip the Titan bracelet and cord and just buy some paracord at a fraction of the cost.



skip the campsnail, most that stuff is will be junk quality and redundant.


Tent stakes but you have a hammock?


Skip the tactical pen and get a couple pencils. Wont dry up and you can sharpen with your knife.


Those food ration packs taste like garbage. They will work but you could pack granola bars, jerky, nuts, rice, etc. Better for morale.


Skip the life straw/filter bottle and get a sawyer water filter. Fraction of the cost and is highly recommended by everyone who uses them including myself. Also get Stainless steel water bottle locally for a couple bucks. Allows you to boil water if you need to.


Get an Genuine Ames Entrenching Tool. from ebay. Anything but the Ames brand are flimsy junk.


I would go with a Fiskars x7 hatchet instead of one you have picked out.


I would suggest a couple tarps as well. 8x10 is a good size. Just get a couple cheap one from the hardware store. They dont need to be fancy.




After all my recommendations my best advice is to go out and practice. None of this stuff will do you any good if you dont know how to use it. There are many good youtube channels to watch as well. Go out on a nice day and practice fire making, water filtering, preparing food. Then spend the night. Next go out on a colder day, maybe a rainy day.

It depends on what you need. I enjoy Schrade knives, and some good options are:

• Schf9. More if a yard tool than a knife. If you need to lug around 1+ pounds of quarter inch steel to make the wilderness your bitch, choose this. I briefly owned one of these before I came to my senses and returned it because it was too much ###KNIFE### for me. Large and heavy.
  
• Schf36. It's compared favorably to a Becker BK2, but it's significantly cheaper. Good balance between size and weight. Overall a solid survival and Bushcraft knife. The Schf36D comes with better handle scales.
  
• Schf42. Hailed as an excellent camp knife and a respectable Bushcraft knife. Lighter (and presumably a bit less beat-the-fuck-out-of-it-able) than the Schf36, but still a nice option.
  
• Schf30. My knife. It's a 5 inch blade with a super comfortable grip, and its weight is a bit over a third of a pound. Good option for a smaller, lightweight survival/Bushcraft knife. Not good if your hands are dummy thicc, as the handle is smallish.
  
  Only thing to look out for: Schrade sheaths aren't super good. They work, but they're not as nice as premium brands.

For the rehydration salts... I use RecoverORS. It's expensive for what it is.. but also the best I have found. More hydrating than even Pedialyte and more electrolytes than that and Gatorade or any sports drinks.

The SOL Bivvy weighs only 3.5 oz and packs pretty small. It looks bigger in pics then it is.

My favorite energy bars are Soldier Fuel - 3 year shelf life, ideal balance of protein, fat and carbs, give you TONS of energy, and also some of the best tasting out of all the energy bars (aside from maybe Clif, but those only have like a 6 month shelf life). They were designed originally for soldiers on the field that needed a quick boost (previously HOOAH bars), so you know they are loaded with nutrients, more so than the average bar.. and field tested by soldiers. They also have peanut butter flavor but I'm crazy for the chocolate. I have a problem saving them in my survival packs because I end up eating them as snacks. It's good they come by the case :). But then it's a good idea to actually LIKE the food you put in your survival kits. Nothing like food comfort in a bad situation. It's the little things.

Like I can suffer pretty bad from low blood sugar crashes. One of those things will keep me going for hours.

Don't go straight for a five day. Anyone saying go straight to a five day backpacking trip has no regard for your safety and is unsportsmanlike. However, you must kick yourself in the ass and just get out there or you'll never go. You can't wait until you have everything perfect because you wont know what's perfect until you've completed a few trips. Each trip you do you will learn about yourself, your gear, and the wilderness you find yourself in.

Book I recommend Cody Lundin's - 98.6

Check out MCQ Bushcraft youtube channel for awesome tips on maintaining gear, camp setups, hunting/fishing, and obviously Bushcraft.

Don't go backpacking without a quality backpack made to hike long distances holding all your gear through all weather conditions! Here, go by user reviews, your budget, your size, and your skill set - you're not climbing K2, so a mountaineering winter rated 95 liter with a Jetpack-sled and bat cave is just overkill.

Your gear needs to be as light as you can afford. Your pack may seem light at the trail head, but days later, miles from the car, you don't want any problems.

I leave you with the most important thing. Know where you're going and when you will be back. Tell at least two trustworthy people your plan and that if they don't hear back from you by (time and date) to call for help. Give yourself some cushion with the deadline, most SAR teams are volunteers and we don't need them being called because your a little late.

Trail life is addictive, good luck and travel well! Cheers

$150 is plenty of budget for a good knife. This one is just slightly over that budget but will last you the rest of your life. It's kind of my dream survival knife.

The Fallkniven F1 is very popular as well and right in your price range.

Currently I use this knife which is also very good.

If you want to go a little less expensive still, Becker makes some good ones such as the Bk16. I know the Becker doesn't look anything like "hand made", but I have the BK2- I used paint remover to take the black coating off the blade, replaced the plastic handles with micarta and stained it to look more like wood, and built a leather sheath for it. It's a beautiful knife now. Too bad it's so goddamn heavy.

You could also go with something like the Mora bushcraft. I have that one also, very decent knife.

You could even just get a regular Mora or a Condor bushlore which are even more economical options.

To add to what Ryan said, there are also a bunch of good books on the subject, most of which can be found for free.

John 'Lofty' Wiseman's SAS Survival Handbook is extremely comprehensive (around 600 pages) and very information-dense.

The US Army Survival Manual is also pretty good, but it's not as comprehensive or detailed as Wiseman's book.

Although it's more of a bushcraft book, Mors Kochanski's Bushcraft is extremely well done. His descriptions are easy to read, but fairly comprehensive, and are paired with detailed sketches and pictures.

Mainly, just go out and practice. You're already a capable outdoorsman, so it shouldn't be too much of a hassle. If you wanna take courses, just search around for courses near where you are, or maybe look at something like NOLS. Hope that's helpful.

I enjoyed 98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive by Cody Lundin. It has a lot of the "standard" survival information, but he does a nice job getting into the "why is this important" angle, which a lot of material does not do. Specifically, he brings almost everything back to how the human body is affected by different circumstances -- down to the cellular level -- and why certain behavior or decisions may be more or less efficient in different scenarios.

Also keeps a light-hearted tone and reminds you to relax, take it easy, and "party on"... helping keep a positive mindset throughout.

I wouldn't recommend a "titanium" knife, firstly because for $10, it's not titanium. It's probably some chinesium knife that won't hold an edge very well. Secondly I don't recall Camillus having a great reputation due to materials and QC.

If you're looking for a good budget knife, I know Ka-Bar and Becker make good ones, and if you can swing an Izula, that would be my choice. Here are some links. Izula Ka-Bar 1 Ka-Bar 2 Ka-Bar 3.

The reason I'm recommending Ka-Bar and ESEE is that they both use 1095 carbon steel which is an excellent choice in toughness and edge retention. I almost forgot Mora, a superb Swedish knife that is renowned for its steel and edge retention, and used worldwide by folks in the workforce and outdoors communities.

The ESEE and Ka-Bars will run you $40-$60, and the mora will run you about $15. You can get Moras and Izulas at Cabelas, but Amazon is also great. Good luck.

Sawyer mini for $19: http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2

Anyone looking at Lifestraw should look at the Sawyer as a (better) alternative.

Lifestraw:

264 gallons total filtration per straw.
Shelf Life: 5 years when stored at room temperature (package may say 3 years).
.2 micron filtration

Sawyer filter:

100,000 gallons (actually more, but this is the guarantee)
Shelf life: no limit on shelf life. Only temperature constraint is it should not be allowed to freeze.
.1 micron filtration

Lifestraw is $20. Sawyer is $20. I own the Sawyer and the flow through it is easy. It comes with a squeeze bag, but also attaches to regular bottles. Fill an empty Pepsi/Coke/Water bottle with nasty water, screw on the Sawyer and you are good to go. It works with Platypus bags, and as an inline or end filter for any hydration bladder.

If there is something special about the Lifestraw that I am missing, please let me know. I see tons of news, charaties buying them for 3rd world countries, and outdoor enthusiast recommending it. I do not see any advantage it has over a Sawyer filter.

Edit: One comparison: http://prepforshtf.com/sawyer-mini-water-filter-vs-lifestraw/

For me, the multiple ways of using the Sawyer have been the biggest benefit. I've used my Squeeze in a bucket gravity system, attached to bottles (ultralight backpacking) and with a straw (like a Lifestraw). I will often squeeze enough water to fill a Gatorade bottle or two before moving away from the water source. Now I have the mini and the flow rate is even better - best of any filter I've ever used, and it is still incredibly versatile. I have bought one for every person in my camping / hiking group to replace their filters. They use and love them too.

I had an Ontario RAT-5 for a while. About the same size as an ESEE 5, but with a thinner blade and full-flat grind. The handle was uncomfortably bulky and although it held up to my abuse, I just didn't like it. The blade was thin enough to do finer carving tasks, but it was too wide and the edge profile was terrible. I ended up using my Mora knife and Fiskars hatchet more and the RAT-5 was relegated to batoning duty and even in that I preferred the hatchet. In fact, I carved my first bow drill kit with that Fiskars.

I was considering stepping up to an Ontario RAT-7, but instead I traded the RAT-5 for a KaBar Becker BK7, which is a BEAST of a knife. Longer than an ESEE 5, but just as thick and with a similar profile. It really impressed me with the amount of work it could do and how easy it was to use, but it was heavy and just too fat to do anything but chop and split, so again, I was using my Mora and hatchet for most stuff.

I finally decided to try a different direction and traded the BK7 for a much smaller ESEE 4. Around the same time I bought a Bahco Laplander, and I am in love with this combo. The Bahco eats through 1-2" branches with ease (while generating plenty of sawdust for tinder) and the ESEE is just long enough to baton them into kindling and carve up some feather sticks. The best part is, the ESEE 4 and Bahco together weigh about as much as the BK7 in its sheath, and take up about as much space, but they are FAR more versatile.

I realize the ESEE 4 may be just out of your price range, but Kabar makes a similar knife called the BK16. However, the ESEE comes with a lifetime warranty.

I still take my Fiskars with me occasionally, but for weekend camping, I can process plenty of firewood with the ESEE and Bahco faster than I ever could with any of the bigger knives. If I needed to build a shelter or was venturing into unfamiliar territory, I'd want the hatchet because it's such a capable tool.

The ESEE 5 was designed for downed pilots who can't fit a hatchet or folding saw into their kit but may need to build a shelter, so they made it big and heavy. I understand first hand that big knives are appealing and certainly have their strong points, but their size, weight and thickness can make them difficult to use in a lot of ways and in reality, a big knife will never chop as well as a decent hatchet, because the knife's weight is centered just above the handle, not directly behind a huge wedge that drives into the wood. What you really want in a survival knife is versatility and I've spent a lot of time, money and energy figuring out that size doesn't add versatility.

I love my small forest axe. Best survival purchase i've made. I wouldn't stray from that idea, unless you decide to refurbish an antique hatchet. I've seen people fix up sixty year old plumb scout hatchets to gransfors quality.

For knives, i use my moraknive survival and the condor bushlore. The bushlore a hardy-ass knife and it's only about thirty bucks. I use the mora regularly. That particular one is what i have, i picked it up based on the thickness of the blade, but they have far cheaper ones if you don't want to throw down that much. I believe you can get an almost identicle knife without the firesteel for around 15 bucks cheaper.
Good Review on the bushlore

Machete-wise, i love my Condor Parang. It's giant, it sharpens well, it holds an edge, and it's tough as nails. The thing is 1/4 inch thick. It's big. It also comes with a sexy leather sheath of equally high quality and durability.
I've also played around with the full size bear grylls Parang by gerber. Thing cuts like you wouldn't believe, with great weight length and balance. I use the condor, my survival bud uses the gerber. They're about equal in different ways.

IDK if some one has recommended it yet OP, but I hugely recommend getting a Becker by Ka-Bar! I love it cause it’s a tough-ass, fixed-blade knife. 5.25” blade and 10.5” overall = strong enough for prying even. There are like 3 or 4 types of blades you can buy on them... so do a little searching off the link I post below.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CXYFDF9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OdvVCbV72GG8W

Edit: for a few more dollars, you can get their 7” blade. This is the one I almost went with but I didn’t quite want that large of a blade.

https://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-BKR7-BRK-Combat-Utility/dp/B001IPMG8K/ref=mp_s_a_1_16?keywords=Ka+Bar&qid=1555911141&s=gateway&sr=8-16&utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app

Edit #2: I totally forgot to mention my foldable...
My nearly 4” blade, CRKT!
EVERY CRKT I’ve owned (4 or 5) has came out of the box with the sharpest blades I’ve ever purchased, by far. For the price, you can’t go wrong. They have a cheaper on that I owned previously: the CRKT M16. Just don’t use these guys to pry anything. Lol

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001A2GO6Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BsvVCbNX7VFHS

The Condor Bushlore is another great knife in the thirty-forty dollar range. Heavier and more robust than a Mora, but still a pleasant looking, non threatening blade. The leather sheath is a nice bonus too. I love my moras, but i can't help but think of them as a little disposable.

I have two Leatherman tools. I have used them for over a decade and have never had any trouble with them. They are easy to sharpen and they don't have a single dot of rust on them. Every tool is going to have its limits. I wouldn't use the knife on a Leatherman as a crow bar. I have never heard anyone complain about their Leatherman.

I have seen many people complain about the Sven Saw. It seems to be high quality and the design is very convenient. However, because of its triangular design, it actually can only cut smaller branches. Perhaps you aren't intending to cut a 6 inch limb. Just know that anything thicker than probably 3 inches is probably a big pain to cut with the Sven. Also, from what I understand, the Sven Saw only takes Sven Saw Blades, which is an added inconvenience and expense.

I have a basic cheap bow saw (one piece, non foldable) that I think works great. Bonus is that you can, if needed, use it with standard hack saw blades.

I don't currently own a Mora knife, but they do seem to be universally loved. Please note however that there are several Mora knives that range from $8 to $18 (both stainless and non-stainless). They don't seem to be substantially different from the one you mentioned that is $65.

This is the Mora Bushcraft Survival knife you mentioned ($65):

http://www.amazon.com/Mora-Bushcraft-Survival-Stainless-Steel/dp/B005CAPU80


Different Mora knives are either non-stainless carbon steel or stainless. Also, the thickness of the blade varies. You can get the thicker stainless steel knife in the cheaper model ($14):

http://www.amazon.com/Lime-Green-Mora-Companion-Knife/dp/B00BU9ATS8/ref=pd_sim_sg_12

I'm sure you can find one without a lime green handle. There seem to be a thousand models of Mora knives.

Another example, slightly thinner but still stainless ($11):

http://www.amazon.com/Mora-Stainless-Steel-Camo-Knife/dp/B005K994QM/ref=pd_sim_sg_11

This one is not stainless but the steel is even thicker than the one you mentioned ($40) if durability is your priority:

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Bushcraft-Sandvik-Stainless-4-3-Inch/dp/B009O01H0Y/ref=pd_sim_sg_9

This last one is almost exactly the same as the knife you mentioned, except that it is $17 instead of $65:

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Stainless-Military-4-1-Inch/dp/B004ZAIXSC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376873143&sr=8-1&keywords=mora+knife+stainless+steel

Perhaps the price of the one you mentioned is inflated because of the sheath, but the reviews rate that sheath badly. They mention the clip disconnecting unexpectedly and also it does seem like the sharpening stone and the fire steel to be a bit of a gimmick. Fire steels are like $3 at Walmart and maybe $5 if you want the bigger military style model. The sharpening stone attached to the sheath seems to be toy like and not really functional.


Another one that seems to be the same as yours without the gimmicky sheath ($38):

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Bushcraft-Outdoor-Stainless-4-3-Inch/dp/B003FYJU9A/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1376873143&sr=8-12&keywords=mora+knife+stainless+steel

There seems to be a huge variation of prices on Mora knives. The best ones seem to be the ones that are Stainless Steel and the thickness is around 0.1 or 0.098 inches.

I already own several high quality expensive knives, so I don't have a need to purchase the $65 range Mora knife. But the ones that are around $11 seem to be a great deal to use in situations where I might want to avoid damaging my expensive knife.

My favorite to purchase cheaply right now is:

http://www.amazon.com/Mora-Stainless-Steel-Camo-Knife/dp/B005K994QM/ref=pd_sim_sg_11

Because it has the hook at the front of the grip, which will help prevent your hands from slipping on to the cutting edge if you have to push into something. I think in survival situations, you hands may be tired, shaky, wet and dirty, which might make them prone to slipping. And of course, a survival situation is the absolute worst time to cut your hand.

Those are my 8 cents worth of contribution.

Another cheap but effective tool is a folding hand saw. Much safer than an axe and lighter. I've got a Bahco Laplander and a high quality fixed blade knife, and that's all I take with me for wood processing. Nice and light.

For general survival/bushcraft purposes (though not for breaking a car window):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004TNWD40/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485034514&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=morakniv&dpPl=1&dpID=31hduVz10IL&ref=plSrch
(Great quality/price ratio from Sweden)

For EDC/general cutting purposes(and gorgeous old-school looks), a small high-quality folding knife from France:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004AMY6GS/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1485034837&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=opinel+carbon&dpPl=1&dpID=51baQV0eVVL&ref=plSrch

If you want a more "modern" pocket knife that is still affordable, I recommend something from the American masters of Cold Steel like:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00U1I875Q/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8
(Gotta give some lovin' to that Aus8A japanese steel and the Scandinavian grind)

I can recommend all three, though I own only the first 2. Have fun and stay sharp!

Pros: classic design with a lot of history behind it, fairly rugged, easy to sharpen, holds an edge, not too heavy, inexpensive, good for batoning wood, I've opened plenty of cans with mine

Cons: if you spend more money you can get a slightly better steel in some knives

This is the one I have.

Ka-Bar 2-1212-3 Black Fighting Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BSY9D0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_c2wNzbZPACSBG

A good alternative could be the Becker BK2 variant of the KABAR which is a little newer and more heavy duty. Better at batoning and holds up a little better. But to me it has more of a kitchen knife appearance instead of the traditional KABAR military/survival appearance.

Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N1DPDE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_dgrNzbTY2SGCD

Both are solid outdoors knives though.

I have a Gerber multi-tool Suspension GE22-41471. I like it but it's pretty heavy for its size and, as others have said, you don't need half the tools in the wilderness.

Go Outdoors have a selection. Might be cheaper on Amazon.

I have a folding saw which is light.

You could try a wire saw. I haven't tried one myself.

I find my folding trowel very useful.

Don't get this trowel - it's flimsy

I also have a bushcraft knife. I'm not sure it's legal to carry around (UK) all the time but I think it's ok if you're using it while camping etc. (better check if you do buy a knife).

This might be more comprehensive than what you're looking for but I've been extremely happy with the kit I got.

EMT Bag - Nice and large, durable and has customizable velcro panels for the main compartment

BLS Medical Supply Kit - Most of what you would want for a kit and I priced it out you can't get it all for less on your own.

Skin Stapler

Steri strips

Israeli Compression Bandage

i have a BK2. It is insanely stout and thick. Quite heavy. Can be used as a pry bar. Butt could be used for smashing rocks. It will probably outlast me. I decided to mount it in my vehicle because it is too heavy to carry comfortably for long periods of time. But will be very handy for all sorts of hard tasks when I need it. It can chop wood and do pretty much anything you want it to. But it is more of a "jack of all trades, master of none." there are other knives that specialize in certain tasks and will perform better. For a dedicated wood chopper, it is a little bit too short. It is heavy enough but the weight is balanced towards the center of the full tang, not where it hits wood. It can do it. But a longer Becker would be a better chopper. I don't recall the model numbers but Becker has a lot of options. Also I cant speak to rust issues. Its very dry here.

​

I also have a SCHF9 which is a bit longer, with better shape and weight distribution for chopping. It is a cheap knife, yet very solid. Thickness is very close to the BK2. If it rusts or gets lost I would just buy a new one. The sheath is not great but there are options out there.

https://www.amazon.com/Schrade-SCHF9-Stainless-Survival-Everyday/dp/B0033H7VI6

That's pretty cool, a bit pricey and slower than I'd like (1.6 gal per hour of hand operation) but useful for sure.

That's a great book. I've had it for years too. Has a lot of great LandNav and climate survival info.

For anyone interested (Only $8):

• http://www.amazon.com/SAS-Survival-Guide-Collins-Gem/dp/0061992860/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1344958034&sr=8-2&keywords=sas+survival+handbook

I prefer a Morakniv knife. They're usually about $12 to $25, go on sale often, and come with an excellent hard plastic sheath. They're light, durable, and simple. A friend of mine took one up the entire Appalachian Trail as his main trail knife in 2015; he loved it, never had a problem with it.

Aha! I can't believe I forgot this:

http://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Edible-Wild-Plants/dp/039592622X

Peterson guides to edible plants. The most cherished of my possessions. This will keep you alive while you form the earth to your comfort.

Get this. Or something better.

Pros: You can practice survival in your front yard.

Cons: you should practice in spring time/early summer, else you're probably not going to recognize anything in fall/winter.

Howdy, I’m originally from near Wausau!

Honestly, the DNR has good (and free) materials they’ll send you for tracks, though there aren’t to many tracks to figure out.

As for a book, I don’t know if you’re gonna find an all-in-one book that is comprehensive enough to be safe, but if you’re looking for a guide to edible plants look no further!

It doesn’t just cover your local area, unfortunately, but it gives you a lot of information at your finger tips. I wouldn’t expect you to grab the book and be able to immediately determine what something is, but it’s probably the best you’ll find in that department. Remember, if you do take a guide out, practice practice practice and eventually you’ll be able to go “Oh look! Allium! Ah, blue lettuce! Etc.” it’s not an overnight thing. Also, always err to the side of caution. If you aren’t 100%, be very very very careful.

http://ecosknives.com/zen3/ These are hand made. Mine have come sharp. In fact I just got 2 new ones for my birthday.

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Outdoor-Stainless-4-1-Inch/dp/B00BTJKB00/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412718972&sr=8-1&keywords=mora These are great for the money.

http://www.anzaknives.com/ These are made from files

Do you have a picture of what you like?

try r/knives

$19.99 with shipping on Woot for 1,000 liters of filtering capacity or $19.06 with shipping on Amazon, which is strange because Woot is owned by Amazon.

Or you can get a Sawyer Mini for $19.97 with shipping for 100,000 gallons (378,541 liters) of filtering capacity, while filtering at 0.1 microns instead of 0.2 microns for the Lifestraw. It comes with a straw so you can use it the same way as the Lifestraw, plus has the greater flexibility of being able to be used with a hydration bladder or set up as a gravity filter systems, and also comes with a small water pouch.

Thank you for your service.

Hard to beat a Mora for the price though, right?

Could you provide your favorites at different prices? I don't know much about what real world experienced people would use.

I use a Fallkniven but I'm a total keyboard commando and I just like knives so I don't know much. I hear esee5 is nice too.

The Bacho Laplander seems to be popular with outdoor enthusiasts. I don't own one myself so I can't speak to it's quality. I do think it would be better off with a high-vis paint job but otherwise it seems pretty solid.

The saw I use is from the gardening section at my local hardware store. They usually have these $5 'gardening kit' sales that include a foam pad, pruning shears and a folding saw. Coincidentally, the exact same folding saw that's on 'sale' for $14 two isles over.

I have a couple of the peterson field guides which are awesome. This one and this one are great. I also have one of the samuel thayer books. He's freakin hilarious! Ancestral plants is also pretty interesting but it goes into more detail about less plants compared to the other books. These books are specific to my region(mid-atlantic/new england) but I know there are peterson guides for and other areas.

SAS Survival Handbook is a great start. So much great knowledge in one book.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062378074/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_H70NDbQ9PAJMF

• Sawyer Mini Water Filter
  
  
• Ferrocerium Rod
  
  
• Morakniv Companion
  
  
• Cotton Bandanna
  
  
• Reusable Mylar Blanket
  
  
• SAK Classic
  
  
• AMK Trauma Pack
  
  
• Signal Mirror
  
  
• Compass
  
  These are just suggestions, I'm sure there are cheaper or better quality alternatives to these, but it's a good start.
  
  Also, you're a cool brother.

You might want to try something like this emergency bivvy. I have one but I've never used it in my hammock. It's amazing how warm it actually keeps you... I was sweating at about 10 F when I used it.

The cheapest one you can find on Amazon. Actually, just buy two.

Throw one in your trunk and forget about it until you need a knife one day.
Throw the other in your toolbox and use it for random jobs.

After a few months of using it you'll realize it's a great little thing and get another to take camping.

Edit:
I like this one because it's ~$8.50 and your fingers won't slip onto the blade under any circumstances. It's a little on the small side if you have big hands though.

For camping I like this one.

Might I suggest a Laplander instead? It's honestly faster and easier than a machete for chopping at small trees. And it makes cutting up sticks for firewood extremely easy.

Space blanket, thats a good idea! They don't take up any space. Or you can get an emergency bivy, like this http://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Medical-Kits-Heatsheets-Emergency/dp/B000WXX0JS They are a bit bigger and work like a sleeping bag make out of a sleeping blanket.

Also headlamp is a really good idea too. Or a small led pocket light.

Better stock up on band-aids for your knuckles! ;)
In all seriousness, this is an amazing survival book

Especially when you can get an actually good knife for not that much more.

A Mora Companion is 14 bucks, and pretty solid.

If you want a cheap folder that doesn't suck, there's the 3.95 Tan Flipper from Wal-mart.

Start by reading the SAS Survival Handbook or Bushcraft 101 by Dave Canterbury. They talk about useful techniques and the gear you should have.

Take either one out into the backyard or whatever and practice. Once you become more comfortable in self reliance take a weekend out in the bush and practice some more.

There's also a lot of educational youtube videos out there. wildernessoutfitters has a lot of content if video is more your thing.

I plan on bringing this saw http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B0001IX7OW/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1425742544&sr=8-3&keywords=folding+saw&dpPl=1&dpID=31RlPumzdlL&ref=plSrch&pi=SX200_QL40 and although that's a neat way of bringing a saw I don't really see why I wouldn't just strap the aluminum handle for the bow saw on my bag if I were going to bring one. The aluminum handle is light strong and takes much less effort to set the saw up. But in a pinch that would be a good backup if the handle somehow broke

A more compact and very effective saw is the Bahco Laplander, it all depends on what you plan on doing with it :)

Here's the knife plus a couple of bucks, buy a few gallons of water and hope for good weather.

I forgot to add this book. It's tiny enough to pack easily and got me out of the sticks a few times. It also makes for a fun lecture to pass some time.

Maybe cover water collection and signalling too.

Careful with plants.

Cody Lundin has a good book that covers non skill related survival aspects, such as being prepared, regulating body temperature, and how to build your own survival kit. http://www.amazon.com/98-6-Degrees-Keeping-Your-Alive/dp/1586852345

Let somebody know where you are going!

Mine batons like a champ. Check amazon.com. I picked up mine for 50 bucks there. I also picked up a plastic sheath for about ten bucks, as it comes in a leather one which probably shouldn't get wet.

http://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-Marine-Corps-Fighting-Straight/dp/B001H53Q6M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370297639&sr=8-1&keywords=kabar

SAS Survival Guide

https://smile.amazon.com/SAS-Survival-Guide-Collins-Gem/dp/0061992860/

ACEP First Aid Manual

https://smile.amazon.com/ACEP-First-Aid-Manual-5th/dp/1465419500/

Prepper's Long-Term Survival Guide, because super cheap digitally

https://smile.amazon.com/Preppers-Long-Term-Survival-Guide-Grid-ebook/dp/B00I2G2X9K/

Check out the USMC Ka-bar as well, its a tried and true survival knife.

usually full-tang for strength (although partial-tang moras are nice), at least 1095 steel (not cheap chinese stainless, although mora and fallkniven use good quality stainless)

grind can be either scandi or flat or saber, with scandi being strongest and thickest blade, easiest to sharpen but harder to cut through something or do fine work due to the blade thickness, and flat grind harder to sharpen but easier to cut through things but slightly weaker blade, with saber being more rare and basically inbetween the two

no bullshit serrations because you won't be able to sharpen that or do fine work with it

my perfect bushcraft knife would be full-tang, spear point, saber grind, about 4-5 inches, micarta handle (so it stays grippy when wet), so something like a L.T. Wright GNS Saber or Fiddleback Forge KE Bushie or GSO 4.1 or ESEE PR-4.

but those each cost like $200-$300 and I have an aversion to spending that much on one thing when I can just buy an Old Hickory Butcher Knife, a Morakniv Companion and an Opinel No.7 all for literally $40 combined and have a bunch of different knives suited for different situations (butcher knife for hacking/batoning, mora for general use, opinel for fine work)

edit: woah this dude modded an old hickory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ziV3R9Jcro

another dude who mods old hickories
https://longmireknives.wordpress.com/my-work/

Maybe there's a reason, but why carry a heavy "axe" (hatchet?) when you can carry a knife like a BK-7 and a folding saw and have most if not all of the functionality of a hatchet with the two?

SAS Survival Guide: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0061992860/

I've admittedly only used the iPod App, but I'd recommend it on that alone and I'm led to believe the book is just as good if not better.

I have one of THESE guys. It stays sharp and works wonders for the weight. Takes a bit longer to get through hardwood because of the length, but it's a nice workout so all's good in my book.

TL;DR: I have a giant right bicep because of this saw.

Get a [Mora] (http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Stainless-Military-4-1-Inch/dp/B004ZAIXSC/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1420689734&sr=1-1&keywords=mora+knife). They can be made very sharp and they are very durable. I have literally beat the crap out of mine and it holds up fine, even though it is not a "full tang" knife. It you use it sensibly and take care of it, it will last you forever. This is a great fixed blade to start out with and learn to use.

Stay away from the "hollow handle" knives, as they are considerably weaker than others (these are obviously not full tang) along with anything that has "survival" or "Rambo" in its name.

Serrated blades are great for cutting through cordage, but for most uses in camping, are not needed.

I am not a fan of any of the paracord wrapped knives as these tend to collect all kinds of dirt and grime. If you field dress a deer with one, the cord will get soaked in blood and goo. The only way to clean it is to take the wrap off, clean it and replace the wrap. Just carry a hank of 20 feet of paracord or make a paracord bracelet.

Not full tang but what I recommend: here

Full tang recommendation: here

This Mora knife? Can't argue with a $15 knife, looks fairly nice.

Try these to start:
SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062378074/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_lVYxDbJKCTABD

The Bushcraft Boxed Set: Bushcraft 101; Advanced Bushcraft; The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering, & Cooking in the Wild; Bushcraft First Aid https://www.amazon.com/dp/1507206690/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_taa_OWYxDbAH7R41H

I like to have a simple army canteen set with a canteen cup so I have a way to both store and boil water. If I want to travel light I wear my Lifestraw around my neck.

one book that is also valuable is the Edible Wild Plants

I'm glad to share my experiences.

Oh one last thing. I pretty confident that KA-BAR is the real deal and not fake.

I started looking at the "bad" reviews a little closer. Look at this:

Scrolll to the second "bad" review of that KA-BAR, by "Brandon" - his complaint is that the knife was not sharp...His friend experienced the same thing and they called KA-BAR and got a new knife.

If it was a fake, I don't think KA-BAR would send back a new knife.

Or if it was fake and KA-BAR still replaced knife just because they are awesome...

Either way you win.

By the way, I have had no problems with the sharpness of my knife.

I really liked:

https://www.amazon.com/SAS-Survival-Handbook-Third-Surviving/dp/0062378074

Honestly, just get this Mora for a fraction of the price. It's an incredible knife.

Here are some recommendations. If you are doing batoning and splitting, I would recommend something with a thick spine (and learning how to do it correctly). I wouldn't open cans with my knife because it's a poor tool choice for that and there are plenty of dirt cheap can openers.

Here are a few options:

KA Bar Becker companion in 1095 steel

Ontario Rat 3 in 1095

Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty carbon blade

cheap US army can openers so you don't damage your knife or hands opening cans

​

These are some good high carbon blades in a variety of prices. I do recommend buying one you can feel to get a good idea if the grip is right, but this should give you some variety of makes and what they offer. These are all black anodized coatings which will help keep rust away. My preference is for a knife in the 7 inch length range for chopping, no serrations (pain to upkeep and don't cut, they rip) and a neutral finish because black knives are hard to find if you drop it in the dark. NEVER buy a knife that isn't full tang.

Go out and get a feel for handles, blade shapes and lengths and try what you can borrow before making a decision.

The SAS survival handbook has a good food section. Essential book if you don't already have it.

http://www.amazon.com/SAS-Survival-Guide-Collins-Gem/dp/0061992860

I like this.

I like this water filter for light weight packs.

Les Stroud had one of these. And said it worked really well.

I am not sure exactly what a small purchase is to you, but I bought my husband this LifeStraw this year! Not terribly expensive and fairly small in size.

It's a rip off of the Lifestraw which is actually cheaper. I would also consider a Sawyer Mini as well. Don't buy that.

These types of sharpeners remove far too much steel and will create a very weak edge. If you are going to send the money purchasing a GB hatchet, take a little time and learn how to properly sharpen your hatchet using some whetstones.

If you are looking for something that you can carry with you in the field, one good alternative is a Lansky Dual Grit Sharpener:

http://www.amazon.com/Lansky-LPUCK-Dual-Grit-Sharpener/dp/B000B8FW0Y/ref=pd_sbs_lg_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1S8A6FCZC4K771DV0HAT

> fully-equipped backpack ready for a survival experience ... in areas of woodland

I say your first step is to make a very specific goal. Like "Survive in the woods by myself for 3 days in the winter" or "Travel through the woods with another person for 7 days in the summer".

Then what's your budget? Target weight?

I like to use the survival rule of threes and start at the beginning

• 3 minutes without air
  
• 3 hours without shelter
  
• 3 days without water
  
• 3 weeks without food
  
  Then once you've bought your gear, test it. Maybe you have a broken item. Maybe it's hard to use without modification. Maybe you're just awful at starting fires.
  
  I'll give you one suggestion to start with: a compression bandage. Can't live that long without blood, can you?

Here is the Amazon link with info

>6.4" blade, 5.6" handle
>1095 High Carbon Steel
>Kraton handle
>15.9 ounces


$35. Took about 5 seconds to copy and paste into Amazon.

Starter knife look at the Buck Nighthawk(you dont need the tops version.) Amazing knife well priced and near indestructible. The choice of steel also makes it fairly easy to sharpen.

The one thing Sukram 85 is missing is a water filter. All you need though is a cheap basic one like the life straw or the sawyer mini.
.

I saw go with the sawyer. The price is similar but it will last way longer and can be used in line with a water bladder.

Don't use a plastic water bottle. Try and find one with made with steel(not aluminum) then you can boil water in it too in case you don't have your filter on you or the filter broke.

Surprised it hasn't been mentioned. I recommend the Condor Bushlore
https://www.amazon.com/Condor-CTK232-4-3HC-Walnut-Bushlore-Knife/dp/B002CC6BPM

Get you a Lansky puck . Should do you just fine.

If there are major dings in the blade, a mill bastard file could be a good place to start until you get a definable edge.

If you don't already have one, try an emergency bivy like this. Much better than the usual emergency blanket.

Anyone want to weigh in on the difference between:

https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-31-002647-14-Inch-Hatchet/dp/B00KCY7W1O

and:

https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-X7-Hatchet-14-Inch/dp/B0002YTO7E

I tried to read the Q & A but, well...

>Question: Description says power source is ac/dc. do i have to listen to them in order to chop my wood?

Just buy a pruning saw. It'll cut through anything that you don't need a chainsaw for. They look like big pocket knives. Harbor Freight has cheap ass ones guess you are a kiwi... as do most home improvement stores but the Bacho laplander is the king of them https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001IX7OW/

What do people think of the survival tin as suggested by Lofty? https://www.amazon.com/SAS-Survival-Guide-Collins-Gem/dp/0061992860

It should be noted that the third edition of the SAS Survival Handbook was just released and is here http://smile.amazon.com/SAS-Survival-Handbook-Third-Edition/dp/0062378074/ref=zg_bsnr_16472_1

SAS Survival Handbook by John 'Lofty' Wiseman

I'm confused... I paid about $20 USD for my Laplander. Where are you that it costs $50?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001IX7OW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s02

You know that's a $25, hatchet that's spending $100 dollars on a paracord wrap.

Fiskars X7 Hatchet 14 Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YTO7E/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_TYsMwbH19DAGR)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000WXX0JS/ref=mp_s_a_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1487654833&sr=8-4&keywords=survival+bivy

Thirstyone has the cons of that blade covered, I think. So heres some other options.

You could go with a BK2 or a BK7 over this. The BK9 is an option but it's on the large side.

Straying away from Ka-bar You could go with an ESEE Izula.

http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Becker-BK2-Campanion-Fixed/dp/B001N1DPDE

Ka-Bar Becker BK2

Condor Bushlore

This will meet and exceed your needs.

Must have items!!

http://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-830039-Multitool-Leather-Combination/dp/B0002H49BC

http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419737405&sr=8-1&keywords=sawyer+water+filter

http://www.amazon.com/Celox-Clotting-Granule-Applicator-Plunger/dp/B004NG8V1W/ref=pd_sim_indust_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0XX9NA73S1HE0KDKWJWB

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003DPVERM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=Z0ES6VI75HIC&coliid=I3CQC2ZNAU1VIO&psc=1

Mora. The end.

Survival knives are meant to be used, not babied.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004TNWD40?pc_redir=1414528943&robot_redir=1

Or you can get a Mora knife for about a tenth the cost and call it a day...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004ZAIXSC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1422562570&sr=8-1&dpPl=1&dpID=310gVtn6MqL&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

Go pick up a life straw for 20 bucks. Filters 1000L and particles up to 0.2 microns.

For $1 more, you can get any of the colors too.
https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Outdoor-Stainless-4-1-Inch/dp/B00BTJKB00/ref=pd_bxgy_468_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00BTJKB00&pd_rd_r=Y2R9NJ56SH9NC3RHJZQ0&pd_rd_w=YZbVm&pd_rd_wg=RWaXh&psc=1&refRID=Y2R9NJ56SH9NC3RHJZQ0

Came here to mention Hemcon, QuikClot and the Israeli Battle Dressing

Also a tourniquet is a must, emergency shears are a good idea as well.

BK2 > BG. Has full tang, and also the other survivalists won't make fun of you for buying BG.

I think any time you are looking for something that can deal with sea water, it's probably an emergency desalinator that is kept as standard equipment on life rafts and such. But unfortunately this type of pump desalinators are exceptionally expensive.

There are cheaper options using reverse osmosis kits but are still fairly expensive for the purpose of handling water (i.e. one time use kit), in addition to requiring quite some time for them to work.

> 98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive

[Link:] (http://www.amazon.com/98-6-Degrees-Keeping-Your-Alive/dp/1586852345) http://www.amazon.com/98-6-Degrees-Keeping-Your-Alive/dp/1586852345

I have an HI Kukhri that chops just as well as this hatchet: http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-78506935-X7-14-Inch-Hatchet/dp/B0002YTO7E/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1408051660&sr=8-4&keywords=hatchet

It can also work as a machete.

The problem is weight. It's heavy to lug around, and your arm would get tired very quickly using it to blaze a trail.

It works quite well as a full hatchet replacement (albeit more dangerous), plus some light brush clearing though.

Becker Bk7 You will never look back and regret the sub $75 pricetag.

Hell yeah!



http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001H53Q6M/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1H6GTQFSC7ZYZ&coliid=I3QO7CRIGD6QYE

Always boil raw water, NEVER drink unfiltered water in the bush unless you want to have a very bad time and possibly even die. If boiling isn't an option, at least use a Lifestraw or purification tablets before imbibing.