10 Must-Have Tools for the Survivalist in Your Life

As a former Air Force Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) specialist for 23 years, it’s safe to say I know my survival gear. SERE trains people to survive in every austere climate and situation in the world. Because we spent so much time in the mountains, deserts, jungles, and arctic, we often tested new gear. Over time, elite military units, like SERE, have used and tested just about every knife, compass, sleeping bag, pack, tent, or cook stove ever designed.

In a training trip that tested my evasion skills, I was flown by helicopter with a black bag covering my head and dropped into a remote forest. They ripped the bag off, kicked me out of the chopper and tossed a “go bag” at my feet. I moved quickly uphill into thick cover. With bombs exploding down in the clearing, I burrowed into a hide site. One of the first things I did was take inventory of the gear they had given me, and then the fun began.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a Navy Seal or a backpacking enthusiast, gear choices almost always come up while standing around the campfire. We take pride in our favorite personal survivalist gear, but we also align on certain common tools, which makes finding the perfect gift for a survivalist a bit of a challenge. Here are some agreed upon must-haves and most wanted gear items for survivalists like me, from a universally loved and trusted multitool to a spoil-me heirloom knife. Of course, based on my own survivalist equipment expertise, I also threw in my personal heart throbs.

Must-Have Survivalist Gear Gifts

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife

$115 for the Swiss Champ (left)

$52 for the Huntsman (right)

No tool is more important than a versatile knife, and it doesn’t matter if you already have one, you want another. You can’t go wrong tucking one into a loved one’s stocking (but if you really love them, make sure it’s closed or in a sheath). Swiss Army has dozens of models to match every budget and need. My suggestion is to choose one that has a saw blade, multiple knife blades, and a scissors. The Huntsman is great (for $52) and the Swiss Champ (for $115) with 33 tools in one is, well, the Champ!

Leatherman Multi-Tool

$70 for the Wingman (left)

$150 for the Surge (right)

This muti-tool is the ultimate multi-tasker. If a Swiss Army knife falls short, the Leatherman takes over with many innovations and fan favorites. It’s basically a plier with toys. My son, an avid knife collector, recommends the Wingman ($70) because it costs less and is lightweight, or the Surge ($150) because it has the longest pliers and blades of any of their multi-tools. He also favors Leatherman knives that can be operated with one hand, such as the Free T2 ($50).

Hatchets

$70 for the Bushcraft hatchet

A hatchet is basically a short axe and it’s a must-have, a workhorse around camp that takes abuse and delivers results. Utilitarian versions should be in every vehicle, boat, shed, RV, and survivalist gear kit. You have many solid choices, but my personal recommendation is the Gerber Bushcraft Hatchet ($70). The synthetic handle feels good in the hand. It has a durable head, and as a bonus, there is waterproof storage in the handle for matches and fire starters.

Folding Camp Shovel

$40 for the SOG (left)

$60 for the E-Tool (right)

A shovel doesn’t sound very sexy, until you’re in the woods without one. Uses range from bathroom duty to making sure your fire doesn’t burn down the forest. The SOG brand produces many elite gear items so you can trust the name. Their SOG XL Entrenching Tool ($40) is a basic and durable model, nothing fancy. For something a bit more high end, choose one of Gerber’s versions: the E Tool ($60) or its full-size cousin Dredge ($120), with a long handle that makes it ideal to keep in your vehicle. All of these versions are collapsible for easier storage.

“Go” Bag

 

From $55

Whether for survival gear, emergency, or just adventure, prepping a “go bag” should be a normal practice. Choose a bag or backpack, and then stuff it full of whatever you think you’ll need. Customize the gear to match the skill level of the person who will be using it. You should have a go bag for every family member with enough items to survive for at least three days. LA Police Gear makes great bags for all kinds of use. Check out the Jumbo Bail Out Bag ($55-65); it’s versatile, with 19 separate compartments to handle a variety of gear configurations. It’s durable and comes in several colors.

Tactical Walking Stick

 

From $98

Okay, this one’s not a must have, but it’s pretty darn cool! This aluminum adjustable length walking stick contains a bunch of survival attachments: magnetic compass, spearhead, ice breaker/glass breaker, whistle, bottle opener, harpoon, screwdriver, knife, fire starter, and disgorger. It can be carried on the trail or broken down and stowed in its canvas bag ($98).

Now that you’re tipped off on what must-have items to grab your loved one, here are some of my dream tools that they’re sure to love, too.

Heirloom Quality Kukri Knife

$260 for the Gurkha (left)

$150 for the Kukri (right)

A Kukri or a Bolo is the premium knife for shelter craft and splitting firewood. The balance in the hand is impeccable. I treasure my 30-year-old Bolo with a custom leather sheath embossed by my deceased father. Some things must be passed down to grandkids. Cold Steel is a seasoned and trustworthy knife maker, producing many different specialty products. Their Gurkha Kukri Plus ($260) is a generational gift, beautifully crafted and balanced from premium materials. Or look at the new knife maker, Georgian Blades; they have several versions ($140-150), and you can even custom engrave the blade or sheath.

Heirloom Quality Belt Axe

$190 for the Jonaker (left)

$30 for the leather holster (right)

Utility hatchets are essential, but some axes are made to last several lifetimes. A high-quality compact model that can be carried on your belt will become a prized possession like a favorite fishing rod. Hults Bruk has been making heirloom quality blades in Sweden since 1697. Look at the small Jonaker ($189) or the slightly larger Almike ($199); both have Swedish steel heads and American Hickory handles. They all should come with a protective leather sheath, but you’ll most likely need to purchase the leather belt holster ($29) separately.

Open Fire Cooking Must-Haves

$290 for the Dutch Oven Grill Cook Set

Smokers are fun for a back deck, but real outdoor cooking is done over an open fire. Blacksmith products are back in style when it comes to camp cooking. Picture iron frames with grills and Dutch ovens suspended just over hot coals. Heritage Backyard, made in Texas, sells the Dutch Oven Grille Cook Set ($290).

Ultralight Backpacking Supplies

$250 for the Splash Bivy (left)

$370 for the Flat Tarp (middle)

$380 for the Junction Pack (right)

No more 100-pound packs. Dyneema fabric revolutionized hiking, especially for ex-soldiers with troubled backs and knees. It’s one of the strongest fibers in the world, yet extremely lightweight. Hyperlite Mountain Gear is a gold standard for Dyneema shelters and packs. I prefer the 8’ x 10’ tarp weighing only 11.6 oz ($395), with a Splash Bivvy Long under it, 6.3 oz. ($250). My pack choice is the Junction. The 40L is only 29.1 oz ($379).

You can’t go wrong with anything on this list, or perhaps something here will inspire another idea. Anyone who loves the outdoors will love the stuff that makes being outside even better. Have fun shopping!

See Also: My Dad Trained Soldiers to Survive in the Wilderness. Here Is His Guide to Avoiding Death.