So where do you start? How about the basics. We've put together this list to recommend essential and thankfully inexpensive (compared to more expensive brands) wilderness survival supplies for people just starting out.
1) ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Freighter External Frame Plus Pack Bag
Here's a large capacity external frame backpack for traveling overland and carrying food, water, and essential survival supplies. The pack has a natural-like color to help blend in with the land. This natural color scheme is a good attribute as a bright red or blue backpack sold by a major outfitter like REI or the North Face will make you stand out like a beacon -- and in a time of widespread collapse following a catastrophic disaster, the last thing you want to do is attract attention to yourself if you're trying to evade hostile people in the area.
Finally, an external frame backpack like the pack above can carry more gear than an internal frame backpack. How does it carry more gear? An external frame backpack allows you to tie extra equipment and "stuff sacks" to the outside of your pack, allowing you to carry more gear and also to get to essential gear -- like a machete or firearm -- with relative ease. If you encounter dangerous wildlife, being able to get to a weapon for self-defense may save your life that day and prevent a deadly attack.
Grizzly bears have been responsible for a large number of deaths and maulings over the years, and black bears have also attacked people on a number of occasions.
"Maximum Strength / Greatest Stopping Power - EPA Registered & Approved.
Greatest Range, The Only 9.2 oz bear spray with a 35 foot range permitting maximum distance from the threat.
Heavy Fog Delivery System, Releases and impressive 52 grams / second, up to 84% more than other brands.
Field Tested by the Elmendorf, Air Force Base in Alaska."
"LifeStraw offers easy access to clean and safe drinking water anywhere."
"A Time Magazine Invention of the Year winner, LifeStraw is the most advanced, compact, ultralight personal water filter available. LifeStraw contains no chemicals or iodinated resin, no batteries and no moving parts to break or wear out. It features a high flow rate and weighs only 2oz. LifeStraw is perfect for the ultralight backpacker, traveler, boy scout, hunter, and especially for emergency preparedness."
"Partially serrated tanto point tactical blade with full tang construction.
TacHide handle for secure grip in all conditions.
FG504 handle and digital camo sheath meet US Army specs.
Made in the USA.
Limited lifetime warranty."
"The Gerber 31-000914 Camp Axe II is a durable, high-performance axe that is well-balanced for efficient impacts. Crafted with a highly durable fiber comp handle that is molded around the axe head, the Gerber Camp Axe II can withstand extensive use and tough conditions. The axe head is engineered with durable forged steel, which means it will keep its sharp edge over time. The fiber comp handle transfers minimal shock to the hands and arms, and the swing of this lightweight but durable axe is comfortable and easy to control. The Gerber Camp Axe II is easy to strap to your pack for use while camping, hunting, or hiking. You can use the Gerber Camp Axe II as a hatchet or axe, and depending on the project at hand, you can split or cut wood for the fireplace or campfire, make wood chips, cut tree limbs, use it for wood gathering, and more."
"Comfort in Temperatures Ranging from 50°F to -50°F.
Made in the USA.
Military Issue.
Includes: Patrol Bag, ICW bag, Bivy Cover and Stuff Sack."
"Compact fire starter designed to light fires in any conditions.
Provides 2,980-degree C spark in any weather, at any altitude.
Ideal for lighting campfires, stoves, and gas barbecues.
Striker lights up small piles of dry grass, paper, and other flammables.
Lasts for 12,000 strikes; approved by International Survival Instructors Association."
The traps, snares and pathguards detailed here can be constructed out of the most basic materials, keeping your expenses down and your net profits up. Includes pest snares, large animal snares, and transplant traps, plus camp alarms that alert you to intruders and deadly pathguards that could save your life.
"Perfect for everything from raccoon to coyote. Compact to easily fit in a pack. Dyed making it harder for the animal to see."
"Small and light enough to fit in a day pack for a hiking trip, but versatile enough to catch multiple critters. This package is dyed in our Dakotaline Trap & Snare Dip to become camouflage."