Basic SURVIVAL Class Needed Items

General Information

  • Camping is primitive and walk-in only. Students may use a tent, hammock or tarp setup.

  • Food is not provided. Bring sufficient food and snacks for the duration of the course.

  • Electrolyte drink mixes or tablets are recommended.

  • You are not limited to the equipment listed below and may bring additional personal camping equipment if required.

Required Gear

Each student must have their own equipment unless otherwise specified.

Expendable Materials

  • 1 × roll of heavy-duty Gorilla Tape

  • 1 × approx. 30 m roll of #36 tarred bank line

  • 1 × approx. 30 m roll of 550 paracord

  • 1–2 × orange shemaghs, 100% cotton

  • 1 × orange 3XL T-shirt, 100% cotton

  • 2–6 × heavy-duty 200 L rubbish/refuse sacks

Tools & Equipment

  • Backpack – approximately 35–40 L

  • Notebook and pencils

  • Analogue watch

  • Leather work gloves

  • Fixed-blade belt knife, preferably:

    • Carbon steel

    • Full tang

    • Non-coated blade

    • 90° spine suitable for striking a ferro rod

    • Blade length of at least 10.8 cm

  • Swiss Army Knife (SAK) or multitool

  • Folding saw – e.g. Silky, Bahco or equivalent

  • Compact field shovel – Cold Steel or equivalent

  • Ferrocerium rod / ferro rod

  • Heavy-duty canvas/sail needle

  • Headlamp with spare batteries and/or power bank

  • Emergency tarp

  • 6 × ABS or heavy-duty tent stakes/pegs

  • Military-style waterproof poncho

  • Poncho liner, insulated blanket or Swagman Roll

  • Folding/accordion-style foam sleeping mat

  • Stainless-steel water bottle – approximately 1 L

    • 2 × bottles

    • 1 × nesting metal cup

  • Water filtration/purification system – Katadyn, Grayl GeoPress or equivalent

  • Baseplate compass – preferably Suunto MC-2 or equivalent

Personal Equipment

  • Personal hygiene items

  • Personal camping equipment

  • Electrolyte drink mixes/tablets

  • Clothing appropriate for the expected weather conditions

  • Spare socks

  • Appropriate waterproof clothing

  • Food and snacks sufficient for the entire course

  • MRE-style, dehydrated or other easy-to-prepare outdoor meals are recommended

  • Prescription medication as required

  • Insect repellent when appropriate for the season

Camping Equipment

Students may camp using a tent, hammock, tarp, or another suitable outdoor sleeping system.

There is no strict limit on additional equipment you may bring. However, remember that the course is walk-in, so you must be able to comfortably carry your own equipment to and from the training area.