As an experienced survivalist or beginner, camping requires carrying essential survival gear. A survival backpack should be at the top of your list since it will carry all of your supplies while providing shelter from rain or wind.

Important survival equipment includes a knife, compass and headlamp. Quick-oxidation warmers may also come in handy to provide warmth to hands or bodies in an emergency.

All-season sleeping bag

An insulated sleeping bag is essential camping gear in cold weather. While you could also consider shelter options like tarps or tents, sleeping bags provide more protection from the elements while providing more comfortable restful slumber.

All-season sleeping bags are lightweight, compact and insulated to keep you cozy throughout the night, regardless of spring, autumn or mild winter temperatures.

Mummy-style bags provide extra warmth while cutting weight by snugly fitting around the body, while rectangular designs feature more room and may be better suited to side sleeping. There are even zip-together options such as Marmot Sawtooth and Kelty Cosmic models available for side sleeping.

Hammock

Hammocks are an increasingly popular sleeping solution among campers and outdoor enthusiasts, providing comfort while protecting from the elements. Utilizing one requires some basic survival gear such as tarpaulins and bug nets.

Before establishing your hammock, carefully examine its surroundings to make sure that it won’t block paths where people or animals might pass. Also keep an eye out for any sensitive plant species, wildlife habitat or potential hazards in the vicinity.

As well as your suspension system and an underquilt to insulate your body from cold temperatures, be sure to include an umbrella (rainfly). Our recommended lashing technique should make setting up your hammock much simpler!

Survival knife

Survival knives are essential pieces of gear when staying out in the wilderness for extended periods, providing essential services like cutting wood and creating shelter.

Survival knives should feature fixed blades with comfortable grips and full tangs extending along their handles; these tend to be more robust than partial or push tang styles.

Finally, your survival knife must come equipped with a sharp pointed tip. This allows you to use it as both weapon and tool against man or beast alike; plus it helps cut through thick fur or hide.

Compass

A compass is a vital piece of survivalist gear. It can help you locate campsites, breathtaking viewpoints, and your way back out of the wilderness if needed. Compass work by using magnetic fields found throughout our planet for navigation rather than GPS devices that may break or malfunction in remote places.

Survival camping is an advanced outdoor adventure that requires skill and ingenuity to navigate successfully. Solo expeditions tend to make this more of a challenge; children can use Make Your Own Compass Rose Worksheets or Orienteering Games to learn about compasses work while developing map skills.

Headlamp

Headlamps are essential camping survival gear, making use of them simple and keeping both hands free for other tasks. Use it to light a fire or navigate dark trails. Plus, if you ever become disoriented while out and about it can even help find your way back home!

Consider purchasing a headlamp with two beam types for camping use: wide for campsite purposes and tighter when moving around. Red-light mode will help conserve battery life while discouraging insects.

Headlamps should feature batteries designed to perform in cold temperatures, with additional batteries recommended as insurance against potential battery issues. It is wise to keep spares on hand.

Paracord

Paracord is an essential piece of gear for any prepper, outdoorsperson, or camper. While initially developed for suspension lines on parachutes, paracord has many uses that could save lives in a survival situation.

Inner strands of fishing line can be used to make fishing lines or traps, tie down gear or even create tourniquets.

Make sure the paracord you purchase meets military specifications (Mil-Spec). Ideally, it should have a tensile strength of at least 550 pounds – perfect for survival and crafting projects as well as being resistant to rot, mildew and abrasion – and can even be used to create key lanyards!