Backcountry Survival Gear

Here is a list of items that we carry in our packs. Please note: the supplies in this pack are combined with gear that is stowed on our sleds, our jackets and in the truck. 

  • High-quality spare clothing

- Wicking, medium insulating underlayers (top and bottom)
- High-performance socks—i.e. Smart Wool—heavyweight
- Light windproof gloves
- Down jacket—low packing volume
- Heavy mitts
- Toque & balaclava

  • Whistle (Fox 40)—tied on packstrap or zipper closure for EASY access
  • Shovel (long handle, heat treated)
  • Probe (minimum 300 cm long)
  • Saw—folding, pruning saw or "chainsaw-in-a-can"
  • Cord (~100-foot), light rope & webbing (15-foot)
  • Zip-Ties
  • Duct tape
  • Map, compass
  • Altimeter and/or a GPS with altimeter function
  • Spare batteries (for GPS, beacon and headlamp)
  • Toilet paper
  • Headlamp
  • Multi-tool (Leatherman or a Swiss Army knife)
  • Waterproof lighting source—flint
  • Lighter
  • Firestarter
  • Mini-stove with pot, utensil and fuel
  • 30-hour candle
  • High-energy food (bars or jerky)
  • Dehydrated meal in large foil bag
  • Bivy sack (windproof, waterproof) or a light tarp (reflective on one side)
  • Glo-sticks
  • Hunting knife
  • Pencil flares
  • Fluorescent tape or flagging
  • Tinfoil
  • Cell phone and/or satellite phone
  • Emergency phone numbers for area
  • Credit card numbers, cash
  • Emergency locator beacon (e.g. SPOT, inREACH)
  • Carabiner
  • Plastic bags—Ziplock, shopping bags or garbage bags
  • First aid kit