Why Every Backcountry Hunter Needs a Survival Kit
If you’ve ever hunted deep in the mountains, you know how quickly conditions can change. One wrong turn, one dead battery, or one broken boot sole—and a routine hunt can turn into a survival situation.
That’s where a backcountry survival kit comes in. It’s not about paranoia. It’s about preparation.
Whether you’re elk hunting in Idaho, chasing mule deer across Wyoming ridges, or pursuing black bear in Alaska, the right gear can make the difference between a rough night and a rescue call.
Let’s walk through how to build your own survival kit, what to include, and how to keep it light, reliable, and ready.
1. The Golden Rule: Pack for 24–48 Hours Beyond Your Plan
Even on a day hunt, assume something could delay your return—bad weather, injury, or a lost trail. A proper survival kit should sustain you for at least one extra day in the wild.
That means including the essentials for:
-
Shelter
-
Warmth
-
Water
-
Food
-
Navigation
-
First aid
-
Signaling
If your kit covers those categories, you’re on the right track.
2. The Survival Kit Breakdown
A. Fire: Your First Line of Warmth and Morale
Fire isn’t just about heat—it’s comfort, safety, and a signal for rescue.
Pack:
-
2 × Bic lighters (one in your pocket, one sealed in your kit)
-
Waterproof matches or stormproof matches
-
Ferro rod with striker (works even when wet)
-
Tinder: cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly, dryer lint, or commercial fire starters
Pro Tip:
Keep one fire starter in a waterproof tin or resealable bag. Moisture is your biggest enemy.
B. Shelter: Stay Dry, Stay Alive
Exposure is the #1 cause of backcountry emergencies. Always have a way to block wind, rain, and snow.
Pack:
-
Lightweight tarp or emergency bivy sack
-
Space blanket (reflective for heat retention)
-
50 ft. of paracord (for rigging shelter or repairs)
-
Duct tape (wrap some around your lighter or bottle for easy carry)
Pro Tip:
If you’re ultralight packing, go for a SOL emergency bivy—tiny, bright orange, and reflective.
C. Water: Purify Before You Drink
Dehydration hits fast at elevation or in dry terrain. Always plan for safe water access.
Pack:
-
Collapsible water bottle or hydration pouch
-
Water filter (Sawyer Mini or Katadyn BeFree)
-
Water purification tablets (as backup)
Pro Tip:
Mark nearby creeks or ponds on your GPS before your hunt. In an emergency, knowing where water is can save your life.
D. Food: Fuel for the Long Haul
You can go days without food—but why suffer if you don’t have to?
Pack:
-
2–3 high-calorie protein or energy bars
-
Trail mix or jerky
-
Freeze-dried meal (for multi-day hunts)
-
Compact stove (like a Jetboil) and fuel (optional for longer trips)
Pro Tip:
Avoid candy or snacks that melt or spoil. Focus on calorie density and shelf stability.
E. Navigation: Never Lose Track
Electronics can fail. Always have a backup.
Pack:
-
Map and compass (in a waterproof sleeve)
-
GPS or smartphone app (OnX Hunt, BaseMap) with offline maps
-
Extra batteries or power bank
Pro Tip:
Mark your camp, trailhead, and waypoints as soon as you arrive. It’s easy to get disoriented in thick cover or fog.
F. First Aid: Handle the Unexpected
Cuts, blisters, burns, and sprains happen. Be ready.
Pack:
-
Adhesive bandages, gauze, and tape
-
Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
-
Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
-
Moleskin or blister patches
-
Tweezers (for splinters or ticks)
-
Small trauma pad or tourniquet (for serious wounds)
Pro Tip:
Customize your kit for your needs—if you have allergies, asthma, or diabetes, include your medications in waterproof containers.
G. Signaling: Help Them Find You
If you’re lost or injured, signaling tools make all the difference.
Pack:
-
Whistle (louder than shouting, travels farther)
-
Signal mirror (works day or night with a flashlight)
-
Bright bandana or flag
-
Compact headlamp with strobe/SOS mode
-
Backup flashlight with spare batteries
Pro Tip:
Three blasts on a whistle = universal distress signal.
3. Bonus Survival Gear
These items aren’t strictly “essential,” but they add big safety value without much weight.
-
Multi-tool or knife: For cutting, repairs, or skinning.
-
Glow sticks: Great low-power lighting for emergencies.
-
Hand warmers: Help prevent frostbite and boost morale.
-
Small fishing kit: For extended survival situations.
-
Notebook & pencil: For notes, maps, or leaving a message.
4. Packing Tips: Keep It Compact and Accessible
-
Use a durable pouch or dry bag to store your survival gear.
-
Place your kit in an outer pocket of your pack—don’t bury it under gear.
-
Review and update your kit every season (check batteries, replace expired items).
Weight Goal:
Aim for under 3 pounds total. The lighter your kit, the more likely you’ll bring it every time.
5. Mental Preparedness: The Ultimate Survival Tool
The best equipment in the world won’t save you if you panic.
Remember the Rule of 3s:
-
You can survive 3 minutes without air,
-
3 hours without shelter,
-
3 days without water,
-
3 weeks without food.
Focus on priorities, stay calm, and think before you act.
Final Thoughts: Preparation Is Freedom
A backcountry survival kit isn’t just gear—it’s confidence. It means you can chase elk into untracked wilderness or hike deeper into the timberline knowing that, no matter what, you’re ready.
The wilderness is unpredictable. But with preparation, you’re not just a hunter—you’re a survivor.
So before your next backcountry adventure, take an evening to build your kit, test your gear, and rehearse your plan. The woods reward those who respect them—and preparation is the purest form of respect there is.
Plan Safe, Hunt Hard
Explore remote, guided backcountry hunts with expert outfitters through Find A Hunt—and head into the wild knowing you’re fully equipped for success and survival.
