We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More \u203a<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Whether you\u2019re kitting out your car to handle a winter overnight or building your first bug out bag, you\u2019ll want to choose survival gear that can go the distance. OL<\/em> editors, staff writers, and contributors have been trying out everything from fire starters to water filters to thermal underwear to see what gear has the chops to go the distance. We\u2019ve rounded up our top picks from years of in-depth testing to bring you the best survival gear for every scenario.<\/p>\n Health and Safety<\/strong><\/p>\n Communication\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Food and Water<\/strong><\/p>\n Shelter and Sleep Systems<\/strong><\/p>\n Clothing<\/strong><\/p>\n Outdoor Life<\/em>\u2019s writers and editors took a number of approaches to testing the best survival gear. To test the best wool socks, we outfitted five different individuals for 30 miles of testing across the Oregon Coast. To test the best flashlights, gear editor Scott Einsmann conducted a side-by-side on a moonless night using archery targets to measure brightness and candela. To test the best backpacking water filters, I pumped hundreds of liters through 14 different water filters. Former assistant editor Samantha Silverman ate a wide range of the best survival food to see which she\u2019d actually want in her pantry during a survival scenario. If you\u2019ve been looking for survival gear recommendations backed by actual in-the-field testing, you\u2019ve come to the right place.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Former OL<\/em> assistant editor Samantha Silverman, a former backcountry guide with a NOLS Wilderness First Responder certification, appreciated that this kit could be used to treat more severe wounds than minor abrasions. She even gave this kit to a friend (an EMT) who had to treat someone in the field with a deep wound that had to be thoroughly packed and was immediately transported. That\u2019s all the additional assurance she (or we) need.<\/p>\n Read Next:<\/strong> The Best First Aid Kits<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Gear editor Scott Einsmann lauded the the Phone Skope Pyro Putty as not only a well-thought-out fire starter, but also a multi-purpose piece of gear. If your tent springs a leak, you can rub Pyro Putty on the area to waterproof it. It\u2019s available in different formulas that are optimized for different times of year. Pyro Putty makes a cold-weather and warm-weather putty, as well as an all-natural and ultralight version. The warm weather Pyro Putty burned for 8 minutes during testing before the flame went out. That\u2019s a respectable burn time for just 0.1 ounce of material. It was also extremely easy to light, taking less than a second to catch fire. The putty even burned (if not as hotly) after being submerged for 7 minutes. It also stayed lit when he turned a leaf blower on it (to stimulate strong winds).\u00a0<\/p>\n Read Next:<\/strong> The Best Fire Starters\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n The Benchmade Mini Adamas is a shrunken and updated version of one of Benchmade\u2019s biggest and toughest folders, the Adamas. In the update, the Mini Adamas was blessed with CRUWEAR Steel, which is a great improvement. Benchmade also updated the full-size Adamas and sells both the full-size and the Mini. The old version had D2, which isn\u2019t bad by any measure, but doesn\u2019t hold a candle to CRUWEAR. The Benchmade Mini Adamas is my pick for the best pocket knife overall because it can do most things well. It excels in a hard use environment because of its good ergonomics, strong liners, and CRUWEAR blade. \u2014Drew Conover\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Read Next:<\/strong> The Best Pocket Knives<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n The Black Diamond Storm 500R excelled in max battery life, max beam duration, and total recharge time, which made it an obvious choice for the best overall pick during the OL test of the best headlamps for hunting. Black Diamond claims that this headlamp will run for 20 hours on reserve, but I actually found this one to run for 26 hours, which was a nice surprise. And the max beam duration of seven hours was the greatest by a long shot (the next closest only lasted 3 hours). And recharge time, from stone dead to full charge, required just shy of 2 hours. <\/p>\n The Storm 500R also includes a dual LED beam option and red, green, and blue night vision lights. And the intuitive, two-button controls make it easy to run through the settings. Next to the Surefire Maximus, this beam produced the brightest and most focused beam at 30 yards. \u2014Adam Moore<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n Read Next:<\/strong> The Best Headlamps<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n The SureFire Stiletto Pro checks all the boxes for gear editor Scott Einsmann. It\u2019s easy to carry in a pocket, it\u2019s bright, it has a versatile beam, and it\u2019s rechargeable. The beam pattern is wide and very even edge to edge, which is ideal for EDC applications, blood trailing, and general use. It has good run time and, at max brightness, you can run it continuously for 1 hour. When the Stiletto Pro is running low, a red indicator light comes on. Recharging the Stiletto Pro is easy with a power bank<\/a>. There are tradeoffs for the Stiletto Pro\u2019s nice, even beam. It lacks throw, and you\u2019ll have issues pushing past a photonic barrier or seeing objects beyond 50 yards. But, for most things you\u2019d use a flashlight for, this is the best overall flashlight option.<\/p>\n Read Next:<\/strong> The Best Flashlights<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Tyler Freel took a look at the Garmin inReach Mini 2 and came back impressed. He noted that the inReach MINI 2 works best when paired with your smartphone via the Garmin Explore app. This is especially true for more complete GPS functions and mapping, including the ability to download a variety of map layers including Topo North America, USGS Quad Sheets, and even aerial imagery for some areas. One change with the MINI 2 is the addition of a \u201cpassive\u201d trackback feature, which allows you to backtrack along a track you\u2019ve already made, even if you don\u2019t currently have active tracking enabled. <\/p>\n If you need to retrace your steps, you can recall them for up to 24 hours. Even better: To make location acquisition and satellite connection faster in remote places, the inReach MINI 2 connects to three different satellite networks in addition to GPS and Iridium communication satellites. You might not see a perceptible difference in connection times in some areas, but in steep mountain canyons, or other areas with limited direct visibility of the sky it can make a big difference. What the MINI 2 lacks is the option to have a basic topographic map on the unit, even with the small screen. You won\u2019t have access to the full power and function of the MINI 2 without using it with a smartphone.<\/p>\n Read Next:<\/strong> The Best Personal Locator Beacons and Satellite Messengers<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Of the units I looked at with an integrated battery pack and solar panel, I was most impressed by the BioLite Solar Panel 5+. While the max output of the BioLite Solar Panel 5+ is only 5 watts, it\u2019s enough to get your smartphone going again. I also liked that it featured an adjustable kickstand and an integrated sundial, which I used to optimize the positioning of the panel during testing. Though it took the BioLite Solar 5+ 22 minutes to charge my phone 5 percent, it was fairly cloudy when I originally tested this model. The BioLite\u2019s onboard 3,200 mAh battery can also be charged via a micro USB port, and was found after several months of testing to still hold a full charge.<\/p>\n Read Next:<\/strong> Best Solar Chargers<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n The MSR Guardian pulls off the hat trick, filtering out viruses at a fast flow rate with the same, or even less, elbow grease required as from other filters. It\u2019s also very compact\u2014something you\u2019ll have no trouble fitting into either your go bag. The most unique feature of the MSR Guardian is that instead of directing all of the water out through the bottom of the filter with each pump, a portion of the water is directed back through the filter\u2014essentially backflushing the filter with each pump. <\/p>\n During testing, this meant that the filter had the same performance during the last round of testing as it did during the first: 45 seconds for a liter of water. I was also impressed with how easy the MSR Guardian was to use straight out of the box. After it had been unmoored from its packaging, I simply unscrewed the cap on the bottom of the filter, plopped the intake filter into my pool of water and started filtering water. But if you\u2019re looking for a no-brainer filter that can remove the full spectrum of bacteria, protozoa, and viruses from your water with basically no maintenance required, then this is the filter for you.\u00a0<\/p>\n Read Next:<\/strong> The Best Backpacking Water Filter<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n The MSR PocketRocket 2 is one of the simplest stoves on the market, making it a great choice for survival scenarios. Unfold the arms, screw the bottom of the stove into your isobutane canister, turn the flame adjuster counterclockwise until you hear a light hiss, and go ahead and light your stove. Add your cooking pot and turn up the flames to the highest setting to boil your water. Remember that if you purchase your stove online that you\u2019ll need to head to a store to purchase your isobutane canister. This is because there are strict regulations on how pressurized gas is sent through the mail. While MSR sells their own brand of isobutane fuel, any isobutane canister will work fine.\u00a0<\/p>\n Read Next:<\/strong> MSR PocketRocket 2: The First and Last Stove You Need to Buy<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n This best all-around survival food kit contains eight servings of brown sugar and maple multigrain oatmeal, 12 servings of whey milk alternative, and four servings each of cheesy macaroni, teriyaki rice, and hearty tortilla soup. The instructions on the back of each pouch are for preparing the whole thing at once, so it\u2019s great for groups, families, or one large individual meal.<\/p>\n What sets ReadyWise apart from its survival food competitors is that it truly tastes like real food. Each serving of oatmeal, macaroni, and rice contains an average of 260 calories, 6g of protein, and 20 percent of your daily carbohydrates. If you\u2019re ever in the position to need survival food, it is likely very comforting to eat a hot meal that you could\u2019ve cooked in a normal situation. I, for one, will be ordering this again to take camping because it\u2019s easy to cook and share. \u2014Samantha Silverman<\/em><\/p>\n Read Next: <\/strong>The Best Survival Foods<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n The MSR Access was my pick for the best 4-season tent due to its easy setup, taut structure, and ability to handle condensation. If you are looking for a best-in-class emergency shelter, this is a great (if expensive) choice that will see you through much tougher conditions than most people will be able to eke out with a tarp. As a bonus, it packs down quite small, so you can easily stash it inside of a car or backpack if needed.\u00a0<\/p>\n Read Next:<\/strong> The Best 4-Season Tents<\/a><\/p>\n
\n Published Aug 22, 2023 6:30 PM
\n <\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\nHow We Chose the Best Survival Gear<\/h2>\n
Best Survival Gear: Health and Safety<\/h2>\n
Best First Aid Kit: NOLS Med Kit 4.0<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n <\/figure>\nKey Features<\/h4>\n
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Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Best Fire Starter: Pyro Putty<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"We](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/08\/22\/pyro-putty.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
\n <\/figure>\nKey Features<\/h4>\n
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Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Best Overall: Benchmade Mini Adamas<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"We](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/08\/22\/Benchmade-Mini-Adamas.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
\n <\/figure>\nKey Features<\/h4>\n
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Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Best Headlamp: Black Diamond Storm 500R<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"Everything](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2022\/05\/11\/BD_1.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
\n <\/figure>\nKey Features<\/h4>\n
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Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Best Flashlight: SureFire Stiletto Pro<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2022\/03\/30\/Stiletto_ProductCard.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
\n <\/figure>\nKey Features\u00a0<\/h4>\n
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Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2022\/03\/31\/Stilettopro-25yards-1024x683.jpeg?auto=webp\")
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2022\/03\/31\/Stiletto-40yards-1024x683.jpeg?auto=webp\")
Best Survival Gear: Communication\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Best Satellite Messenger: Garmin inReach Mini 2<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/03\/20\/Garmin-inReach-Mini-2.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
\n <\/figure>\nKey Features<\/h4>\n
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Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Best Solar Charger: BioLite SolarPanel 5+<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"BioLIte](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2022\/06\/15\/BioLite-Pic.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
\n <\/figure>\nKey Features<\/h4>\n
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Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
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Best Survival Gear: Food and Water<\/h2>\n
Best Water Filter: MSR Guardian<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"MSR](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2022\/06\/29\/MSR-Guardian.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
\n <\/figure>\nKey Features<\/h4>\n
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Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
![\"Survival](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2022\/08\/11\/PXL_20220810_192715800-scaled.jpg\")
Best Stove: MSR PocketRocket 2<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2022\/09\/28\/MSR-PocketRocket-2.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
\n <\/figure>\nKey Features<\/h4>\n
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Pros<\/h4>\n
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Cons<\/h4>\n
![\"MSR](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2022\/09\/28\/MSR-PocketRocket-2-Review.jpg\")
Best Emergency Rations: ReadyWise Emergency Food Supply 72 Hour<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"ReadyWise](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2021\/09\/08\/ReadyWise72Hour.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
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Pros<\/h4>\n
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Best Survival Gear: Shelter and Sleep Systems<\/h2>\n
Best Tent: MSR Access<\/a><\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/03\/06\/MSR-Access.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")
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Pros<\/h4>\n
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Best Sleeping Bag: Enlightened Equipment Revelation<\/a>\u00a0<\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2022\/11\/09\/Enlightened-Equipment-Revelation-Custom-Sleeping-Quilt.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16:10,offset-x50\")