Cart
Sub-Total: $0.00
17 min read
Recommended Gear List For Courses
Jason Marsteiner
Colorado is a cold weather climate most of the year and with our survival school at 9400 feet, it can get frigid at night, even during the summer. Dress accordingly! Also, the sun at our elevation is intense making it easy to get sunburned. Bring sunscreen and UV protective sun glasses.
We believe in a philosophy of get the survival training before you get the survival gear. Because we know from experience that once you get some training, you will probably change your mind about what survival gear you need. For this reason we require very little survival equipment to attend our courses. But you definitely will need some basic items to attend our courses. This page is to list recommended items you might want for our wilderness survival courses. Each course has different requirements but this list will give you the most common items you should bring to our wilderness survival courses. Almost none of the items are absolutely necessary if you don’t have them and we want to make sure you can attend whether you only have a few items or you could outfit an expedition! So check out our recommended survival gear list and email us if you have any questions on survival gear!
Survival Gear List
| STANDARD GEAR | OUTDOOR CLOTHING |
|---|---|
|
• Folding Handsaw - (Silky f180, Silky Pocket Boy, Silky Gomboy, Silky Ultra Accel, Bahco Laplander, Corona Saw) |
(wool or synthetic materials. No cotton! We recommend these clothing selections even during the summer.) |
GEAR LIST BY CLASS
SELECT THE CLASS YOU ARE REGISTERED FOR
- Fixed Blade Knife
- Ferrocerium Rod
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Outdoor Clothing and appropriate footwear
- Folding Handsaw - (Silky f180, Silky Pocket Boy, Silky Gomboy, Silky Ultra Accel, Bahco Laplander, Corona Saw)
- Overnight Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, ground pad, etc
- 100’ of 550 Paracord
- Shemagh or large cotton scarf
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
- Single walled metal canteen
- Nesting cup
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Small Backpack
- Fixed Blade Knife
- Ferrocerium Rod
- Tarp
- Emergency Mylar Blanket
- Signal Mirror(opens in new tab)
- Signal Whistle
- Glow Sticks
- Compass
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Outdoor Clothing(opens in new tab) and appropriate footwear
- Folding Handsaw - (Silky f180, Silky Pocket Boy, Silky Gomboy, Silky Ultra Accel, Bahco Laplander, Corona Saw)
- Overnight Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, ground pad(opens in new tab), etc
- 100’ of 550 Paracord
- Shemagh or large cotton scarf
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
- Single walled metal canteen(opens in new tab)
- Nesting cup
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Notepad and Pencil(opens in new tab)
- Small Backpack
- Fixed Blade Knife
- Ferrocerium Rod
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Outdoor Clothing(opens in new tab) and appropriate footwear
- Folding Handsaw - (Silky f180, Silky Pocket Boy, Silky Gomboy, Silky Ultra Accel, Bahco Laplander, Corona Saw)
- Overnight Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, ground pad,(opens in new tab) etc
- 100’ of 550 Paracord
- Shemagh or large cotton scarf
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
- Single walled metal canteen(opens in new tab)
- Nesting cup
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Small Backpack
- Notepad and Pencil(opens in new tab)
- Fixed Blade Knife
- Ferrocerium Rod
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Outdoor Clothing(opens in new tab) and appropriate footwear
- Folding Handsaw - (Silky f180, Silky Pocket Boy, Silky Gomboy, Silky Ultra Accel, Bahco Laplander, Corona Saw)
- Overnight Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, ground pad(opens in new tab), etc
- 100’ of 550 Paracord
- Shemagh or large cotton scarf
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
- Single walled metal canteen(opens in new tab)
- Nesting cup
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Small Backpack
- Notepad and Pencil(opens in new tab)
- Fixed Blade Knife
- Ferrocerium Rod
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Outdoor Clothing(opens in new tab) and appropriate footwear
- Folding Handsaw - (Silky f180, Silky Pocket Boy, Silky Gomboy, Silky Ultra Accel, Bahco Laplander, Corona Saw)
- Overnight Camping Gear(opens in new tab) (sleeping bag, tent, etc.)
- Sleeping Pad(opens in new tab) or yoga mat
- Tarp or SOL Emergency Blanket(opens in new tab)
- Base Plate Compass
- 100’ of 550 Paracord
- Shemagh or large cotton scarf or bandana
- Headlamp or flashlight and extra batteries
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
- Single walled metal canteen(opens in new tab)
- Nesting cup
- Nalgene or other plastic water bottle
- Metal nesting cup
- Sawyer Mini Water Purifier
- Signal Mirror(opens in new tab) (credit card sized)
- Emergency Whistle (non-metal)
- Bic Lighter (new)
- Glow Sticks
- 5 contractor sized trash bags
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Leather Work Gloves
- Notepad and Pencil(opens in new tab)(opens in new tab)
- Small Backpack
- Fixed Blade Knife
- Ferrocerium Rod
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Outdoor Clothing and appropriate footwear
- Folding Handsaw - (Silky f180, Silky Pocket Boy, Silky Gomboy, Silky Ultra Accel, Bahco Laplander, Corona Saw)
- Overnight Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, ground pad, etc
- 100’ of 550 Paracord
- Shemagh or large cotton scarf
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
- Small Backpack
- Stainless Steel Canteen
- Water Purifier – We suggest the Sawyer Mini Water Filter
- Swimwear
- Footwear for walking through water
- Signal Whistle
- Fixed Blade Knife between 4-6″ – preferably a bushcraft style
- Folding Handsaw - (Silky f180, Silky Pocket Boy, Silky Gomboy, Silky Ultra Accel, Bahco Laplander, Corona Saw)
- Hatchet / Machete(opens in new tab)
- Orienteering Compass or Military Style Lensatic Compass (we recommend a Cammenga 3H Tritium [lensatic], Cammenga Model 27 Phosphorescent [lensatic], Suunto MC-2/360/D/CM/IN/NH [orienteering], Global Navigator [orienteering], or equivalent compass of your choice)
- Multi-Tool
- Rain Poncho
- Sleeping Bag(opens in new tab) (0-20 degree bag depending on time of year)
- Bivvy
- Flashlight and Headlamp w/ extra batteries
- Large Roll of Paracord (at least 200’ recommended)
- Outdoor Clothing(opens in new tab), boots, and Insect repellent
- Wet Weather Gear
- Wool Socks (Men’s socks / Women’s socks)
- Stainless Steel Canteen (single walled)(opens in new tab)
- Nesting cup
- Water Purification System
- Fire Starting Kit; must have ferro rod
- Cook Kit
- Medium to Large Backpack
- Medical Kit
- Hygiene Kit
- Camp Food/Freeze Dried Meals (food is not provided)
- Fixed Blade Knife
- IFAK – Individual First Aid Kit
- Ferrocerium Rod
- Freeze Dried or hiking meals
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Outdoor Clothing and appropriate footwear
- River shoes (we will be making multiple water crossings)
- Swimsuit (in case you want to swim)
- Folding Handsaw - (Silky f180, Silky Pocket Boy, Silky Gomboy, Silky Ultra Accel, Bahco Laplander, Corona Saw)
- Overnight Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, ground pad, etc
- 100’of 550 Paracord
- Shemagh or large cotton scarf
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
- Single walled metal canteen
- Nesting cup
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries
- Hiking Backpack
- Fixed Blade Knife
- Ferrocerium Rod
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Outdoor Clothing(opens in new tab) and appropriate footwear
- Folding Handsaw - (Silky f180, Silky Pocket Boy, Silky Gomboy, Silky Ultra Accel, Bahco Laplander, Corona Saw)
- Overnight Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, ground pad(opens in new tab), etc
- 100’of 550 Paracord
- Headlamp
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
- Single walled metal canteen(opens in new tab)
- Nesting cup
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Small Backpack
- Notepad and Pencil(opens in new tab)
- Thick Leather Gloves
- Tableware (plate, bowl, glass, coffee cup, cooking pot, eating utensils)
- Camp chair
- Fixed Blade Knife
- Ferrocerium Rod
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Outdoor Clothing and appropriate footwear
- Folding Handsaw - (Silky f180, Silky Pocket Boy, Silky Gomboy, Silky Ultra Accel, Bahco Laplander, Corona Saw)
- Overnight Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, ground pad, etc
- 100’of 550 Paracord
- Headlamp
- Single walled metal canteen
- Nesting cup
- Small Backpack
- Passport and medications (14 day supply), vitamins
- Boonie hat or something similar to a Tilley Hat to protect you from the sun
- Polarized sunglasses, bring attaching device so they stay on your head
- Sandals for the beach (no slippers or flip flops)
- Boots should be above the ankle and well broken in. (breathable NON-waterproof boots are the best) Your feet are going to get wet no matter what.
- Fixed Blade Hunting or Survival Knife
- 40 oz. Kleen Canteen
- 4 pair of thin wool socks (Men’s socks / Women’s socks) for the bush (no cotton)
- 3-4 wool/poly underwear
- 2 light weight long sleeve quick drying shirts for the bush
- 2 light weight long, quick drying slacks (convertibles great)
- 1 swimsuit
- 2 pairs of shorts (1 cargo/hiking, 1 gym for sleeping)
- 1 moisture wicking shirt for sleeping
- 1 regular T-shirt
- 1 tank top
- Ultralight rain jacket*
- 2 MREs with heaters.
- Machete
- Sleeping system (jungle hammock with tarp). Most of us use Warbonnet hammocks.
- Water filtration system is REQUIRED.
- Full finger gloves
- Heavy duty poncho
- Rain cover for backpack if poncho doesn’t cover*
- Framed backpacking pack (about 45-65 liters)
- Flashlight with fresh batteries, bring extra batteries
- Assorted sizes of zip lock bags to keep things dry
- 550 Paracord 50ft.
- Mosquito repellent of 30%+ DEET (TSU holds no responsibility for personal use of chemicals)
- Sunscreen
- Rite in the Rain notepad and pen, small to fit in breast pocket
- Towels (1 handcloth, 1 washcloth)
- Camera or phone (keep it in a waterproof case) Cell service varies. Check with your provider before departure.
- Liquid IV (expect to use 2-3 a day)
- Ferrocerium Rod & cotton balls w/petroleum jelly
- Signal Mirror
- Shemagh
- Survival Fishing Kit
- Bellow tube*
- Personal First Aid Kit
- Minimal toiletries
- Ear plugs
- Sleep bag liner or light blanket
- Mosquito head net
- USB battery pack and/or solar panel for charging your phone.
- Bring snacks like energy bars,
- Earbuds
- A book
- Lightweight coffee cup
- Bring a set of nice clothes as we will not be in the jungle the whole time.
- Phone cords
- Fixed Blade Knife
- Measuring device (cloth tape measurer)
- Knee pads (optional)
- Ferrocerium Rod
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Outdoor Clothing(opens in new tab) and appropriate footwear
- Folding Handsaw - (Silky f180, Silky Pocket Boy, Silky Gomboy, Silky Ultra Accel, Bahco Laplander, Corona Saw)
- Overnight Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, ground pad(opens in new tab), etc
- 100’of 550 Paracord
- Headlamp
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
- Single walled metal canteen(opens in new tab)
- Nesting cup
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Binoculars(opens in new tab) (optional)
- Small Backpack
- Notepad and Pencil(opens in new tab)
- Foraging Bag or Basket
- Mushroom Foraging Knife
- Mushroom Foraging Book
- Fixed Blade Knife
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Outdoor Clothing(opens in new tab) and appropriate footwear
- Overnight Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, ground pad(opens in new tab), etc
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Water Bottle
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Small Backpack
- Notepad and Pencil(opens in new tab)
- Orienteering Compass or Military Style Lensatic Compass (we recommend a Cammenga 3H Tritium [lensatic], Cammenga Model 27 Phosphorescent [lensatic], Suunto MC-2/360/D/CM/IN/NH [orienteering], Global Navigator [orienteering], or equivalent compass of your choice)
- Fine Tip Map Markers
- Fixed Blade Knife (Preferably a full tang bushcraft style knife WITHOUT a serrated edge)
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Outdoor Clothing and appropriate footwear
- Overnight Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, ground pad, etc
- Headlamp
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
- Single walled metal canteen
- Nesting cup
- Notepad and Pencil
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Small Backpack
- Orienteering Compass or Military Style Lensatic Compass (we recommend a Cammenga 3H Tritium [lensatic], Cammenga Model 27 Phosphorescent [lensatic], Suunto MC-2/360/D/CM/IN/NH [orienteering], Global Navigator [orienteering], or equivalent compass of your choice)
- Fine Tip Map Markers
- Fixed Blade Knife (Preferably a full tang bushcraft style knife WITHOUT a serrated edge)
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Outdoor Clothing and appropriate footwear
- Overnight Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, ground pad, etc
- Headlamp
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
- Single walled metal canteen
- Nesting cup
- Notepad and Pencil
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Small Backpack
- Leather Work Gloves
- Safety Glasses
- Flint knapping tools (optional)
- Fixed Blade Knife (Preferably a full tang bushcraft style knife WITHOUT a serrated edge)
- Ferrocerium Rod
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Outdoor Clothing and appropriate footwear
- Folding Handsaw - (Silky f180, Silky Pocket Boy, Silky Gomboy, Silky Ultra Accel, Bahco Laplander, Corona Saw)
- Overnight Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, ground pad, etc
- 100’of 550 Paracord
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
- Single walled metal canteen
- Nesting cup
- Notepad and pencil
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Small Backpack
- Outdoor Clothing
- Hat, long underwear, and outerwear
- Hiking Boots (broken in)
- Knee pads (highly recommended)
- Short cloth measuring Tape
- Ranger bands, marking tape, and or colored tape
- Binoculars (optional)
- GPS/ Lensatic Compass
- Knife
- Watch
- Flashlight and headlamp with colored lenses
- Backpack
- Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK)
- Hydration System
- Wet weather gear (optional)
- 100’ of 550 Paracord
- Pencil
- Paper
- Gloves (optional)
- Insect repellent
- Folding Chair (optional)
- Overnight Camping Gear
- Gloves
- Face covering or face paint for FTX
- Backpack (55–70 liters recommended) – A 65-liter backpack is ideal. It should be large enough to carry your sleeping bag, extra clothing, food, water, and other required equipment. A properly fitted backpack with a supportive hip belt is recommended.
- Day pack – A smaller backpack large enough to carry food, water, extra clothing, and other equipment needed during daily training exercises.
- Hydration system or Nalgene bottles, minimum 2 liters of water capacity
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Wet weather gear (optional)
- Well-broken-in boots
- Knee pads (optional but highly recommended)
- Knife
- Watch
- Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK)
- Flashlight
- Lockpicking kit
- Pencil and paper
- Insect repellent (optional; for clothing and gear)
- Folding chair (optional)
- Seasonally appropriate overnight equipment, including a tent, hammock, or sleeping system
- Orienteering Compass or Military Style Lensatic Compass (we recommend a Cammenga 3H Tritium [lensatic], Cammenga Model 27 Phosphorescent [lensatic], Suunto MC-2/360/D/CM/IN/NH [orienteering], Global Navigator [orienteering], or equivalent compass of your choice)
- Comfort items for kids if necessary - favorite blanket, stuffed animal, etc.
- Poncho or rain gear
- Outdoor clothing and appropriate footwear
- Overnight camping gear: tent, sleeping bag, ground pad, etc.
- Headlamp
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
- Refillable water bottle
- Metal canteen or cooking cup
- Working Gloves
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Snacks
- Small Backpack
- Small Backpack
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Outdoor Clothing and appropriate footwear
- Water Bottle or water bladder
- Notepad and Pencil
- Camera
- Wild Plant Books (optional)
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Fixed Blade Knife
- Ferrocerium Rod
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Outdoor Clothing(opens in new tab) and appropriate footwear
- Folding Handsaw - (Silky f180, Silky Pocket Boy, Silky Gomboy, Silky Ultra Accel, Bahco Laplander, Corona Saw)
- Overnight Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, ground pad(opens in new tab), etc
- 100’ of 550 Paracord
- Shemagh or large cotton scarf
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
- Single-walled metal canteen(opens in new tab)
- Nesting cup
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Small Backpack
- College-ruled notebook
- Pen/Pencils
- Notepad and Pencil(opens in new tab)
- Fixed Blade Knife
- Ferrocerium Rod
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Outdoor Clothing(opens in new tab) and appropriate footwear
- Folding Handsaw - (Silky f180, Silky Pocket Boy, Silky Gomboy, Silky Ultra Accel, Bahco Laplander, Corona Saw)
- Overnight Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, ground pad(opens in new tab), etc
- 100’ of 550 Paracord
- Shemagh or large cotton scarf
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
- Single walled metal canteen(opens in new tab)
- Nesting cup
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Small Backpack
- College ruled notebook
- Pen/Pencils
- Notepad and Pencil(opens in new tab)
- Fixed Blade Knife
- Ferrocerium Rod / Fire Starting Kit
- Poncho or Rain Gear
- Cold Weather outdoor clothing and appropriate footwear
- Boot gators
- Multiple pairs of warm socks (wool recommended)
- Leather Work Gloves
- Warm winter gloves
- Warm hat and sun hat
- Folding Hand Saw
- Overnight Camping Gear: Tent, 0 Degree sleeping bag, ground pad, etc
- Shemagh or large cotton scarf
- Two 50 gallon trash bags
- Candle
- Duct tape
- Emergency Mylar Blanket
- Sawyer Water Filter
- 100’ of 550 Paracord
- Headlamp and extra batteries
- Cooking pot
- Eating utensils
- Single walled metal canteen
- Nesting cup
- Metal Drinking Cup
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Small Backpack
- A Collapsible Snow Shovel (optional)
- Trowel (optional)
- Spork
- Stove
- Jumper Cables (for your car. Just in case)
GEAR LIST
You have to provide your own food for every course we offer! But there is a WalMart 30 Minutes away and a small town within 10 minutes with all the amenities for whatever you might need.
Bring overnight camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, travel pillow, cooking utensils, etc).
Earth tone colors are recommended but wear what you like. You are going to get dirty.
We are at 9400 feet elevation and it can get cold at night even during the summer. Bring cold-weather clothing at all times of the year.
Snow boots and boot gators if in winter.
Wool socks (Men’s socks / Women’s socks)
There are no modern toilets or shower facilities near the field-training area. Bring the personal hygiene supplies listed for your course. Portable restrooms are available on site and are cleaned regularly.
Ice chest, Lantern, or whatever you want for comfort, except on advanced courses.
Below are recommendations or links to all the items you may need for our training classes! Please help support us by purchasing necessary items for courses through our online store.
We build custom survival kits to suit your needs. For classes we recommend the CMMS Standard Survival Kit.
- Trauma Kit- This is a comprehensive trauma kit for all types of medical issues.
- Notepad and pencil
- Latex, vinyl or nitrile gloves
- CPR mask
- Pulse oximeter
- Thermometer
- Stethoscope
- Blood Pressure Cuff
- Collapsible BVM (Bag Valve Mask)
- OPA assortment
- Heavy-duty 1” and 2” surgical tape
- More Sterile 4x4 sponge or blood absorbers
- Gauze pads 4x4
- Rolled gauze/bandages
- Israeli bandage (trauma dressing)
- Hemostatic dressings
- Open chest seal
- CAT Tourniquet or SWAT-T Tourniquet
- SAM Splint
- Tweezers
- Duct tape
- Needle and thread
- X4 Band-Aids (especially important if there are children in your group)
- Any medication or Rx that I might need for myself. (heart meds, EpiPen, etc)
- Pain Relievers (Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Aspirin)
- Benadryl or other cold/cough meds
- Antacids and anti-diarrheal
- Antibiotic ointment
- Salt and Sugar Packets – to make electrolytes
- Cake Frosting – in case someone has diabetes
*You will have to provide your own food for every course we offer unless you purchase the food option available with some of our classes. Water will be provided!
WISE Food Storage- Easy to prepare freeze-dried food!
Survival Cave Food - Easy to prepare freeze-dried food!
- Bushcraft Style Knife
- Ferro Rod Fire Starter
- Corona, Silky Saw, or Bahco Folding Saw
- 100' Paracord
- Multi-tool (Leatherman)
- Flashlight
- Headlamp (w/ red light option)
- Warbonnet Hammock, tarp and underquilt
- Lightweight Tent
- Ground Sleeping Pad
- Sleeping Bag
- Rugged Outdoor Clothing
- Poncho
- Gore-Tex Outer Wear and Other Rain Gear
Disclosure
We only recommend gear we've personally used or that comes highly recommended by trusted peers. Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means The Survival University may earn a commission when you make a purchase. There is no additional cost to you. Your purchases help support our survival training programs. If you would like to learn more, check out our affiliate disclosure page.
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Linkedin
Leave a Comment Cancel Reply
Recommended Gear List For Courses
Colorado is a cold weather climate most of the year and with our survival school at 9400 feet, it can get frigid at night, even…
Mastering Fire for Survival: How to Pack a TRUE emergency fire kit
Learn to pack a reliable survival fire kit with the right tools for warmth, cooking, and signaling. Keep it simple, effective, and ready for any...
Recommended Gear List For Courses
Ultimate gear list for survival courses at The Survival University, covering essentials for various classes from beginners to advanced levels.