Survival Gear

backpacking survival kit

Build the perfect survival kit for any hike by following these simple principles.

exotac fire starter

This fire starter is the full package.

No matches, no problem By istockphoto.com / Lebazele

Survival Skills

Even a survival expert carries his cell phone (next to the blood clotting agent, that is).

Rattlerstrap Flint Laces

These multitasking boot laces conceal an emergency firestarter.

AIMU_WildernessFirstAidBasics

Expert tips on picking the survival knife that's right for you.

Red swiss army multitool on black background (Ben Fullerton)

A multitool is more than just a blade. Survival secrets hide in the other functions, too.

image of colorful paracord

See how paracord can save your life in 7 different ways.

Whether you’re caught in CQC (close-quarters combat) with a rotting housewife or sneaking up on nefarious bandits, you’re gonna need a good knife. Enter the Helle Dokka. A 3.3-inch triple-laminated blade (a hard, high-alloy steel core for a lasting edge with two layers of tough stainless steel to prevent corrosion) is so durable that it’ll stay sharp through months of carving sticks for survival fires, cutting up fish, and puncturing walker skulls. A curly birch handle looks gorgeous once you wash the brains off, and the custom-feeling grip assures unwavering control and accuracy for eyeball stabs. $154; 4.7 oz. (without pouch).

The Walking Dead returns Sunday, and our man picks the tools you'll need to survive the zombie apocalypse.

Survival School: Make Emergency Sunglasses

Survival Videos

Got duct tape? You can make a quick pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from harm.

compass ultimate survival kit

Want to make it out alive? Consider packing these 16 items, compiled with advice from a veteran Yosemite search and rescue ranger.

amk emergencybivvy 445x260

Don't get caught without these trail-tested must-haves.

Enjoy your extra calories with PowerBar Energy Blasts.

amk emergencybivvy 445x260

Stay safe and comforted in an emergency with this bivvy for two from Adventure Medical Kits.

leki vario 445x260

Get a grip - more comfortably - as you hike with these trekking poles from Leki.

Keep warm in a storm with this light-anywhere fire starter from Adventure Medical Kits.

Outdoor First Aid

Be prepared for trips of all lengths with this first aid kit from REI.

outsack 445x260

Ultralight and critter-proof chainmail food storage bags

slideshow SOL survival kit 1 445x260

A lightweight, waterproof survival kit you can customize for your needs

gear slideshow MSR ewing 445x260

A soda can-sized emergency shelter!

Get to your destination quickly and reliably with the Suunto MC-2 Global.

Image placeholder title

Want to make it out alive? Consider packing these 17 items carried by a veteran Yosemite search-and-rescue ranger.