A photo of a camouflage backpack and survival gear.

The Best Survival Gear of 2025, According to an Expert

The world we live in is full of surprises, some of them not so pleasant. Whether it's a natural disaster, getting lost on a deer hunt, or unexpected breakdowns in everyday systems, having the right survival gear could make the difference between thriving or just getting by. These days, being prepared isn’t about paranoia; it’s about practical foresight. A solid collection of survival gear—beyond just a trusty backpack—should include tools, shelter, fire starters, and medical supplies to help you stay safe when things go south.

Continue reading to learn more, written by Craig Caudill.

Writer

Craig Caudill

Craig Caudill is the award-winning Director of Nature Reliance School. He has led backcountry, survival and leadership programs for the US Military, Corporate work groups and thousands of civilians.

Highlights
Covers survival, gear, and bushcraft skills

Education
Caudill has a BBA from the University of Kentucky in Statistical Analysis. He is a Certified Master Naturalist from the University of Kentucky and a Level 2 Naturalist through the Kamana Naturalist Program. He has completed man-tracking coursework with Tyr Group, David Scott-Donelan Man-tracking, Hulls Tracking Services and Enhanced Tracking Applications.

Experience
Caudill is designated by the US Federal government as a subject matter expert on the topics of survival and man-tracking skills. He is the author of the following: Extreme Wilderness Survival, Ultimate Wilderness Gear, and The Secret Signs of Nature, and the co-author of Author of Essential Wilderness Navigation.

Fun Fact
Caudill has endured two different 30-day trips into a wilderness with only a knife.

Explore More Content

sawyer squeeze filter

Survival gear

water filtration

emergency

From the Squad

Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.

Media Mentions

4 MIN

Media Mentions

It all starts with Sawyer Squeeze + Cnoc VectoX 2L, the best and most reliable filter-bladder combo and the core of my backpacking water storage and filtration system.