What Bear Grylls Packs in His Survival Backpack

By Yvonne Gordon

Published

02/22/2023

From Bear Grylls’ vast experience in survival expeditions, he’s pretty well honed his list of what gear you need to bring along. In his book How To Stay Alive, he provides some guidelines for what to pack in a potentially life-saving backpack.

His first rule is to keep it light. With less weight, you can move fast over rugged terrain, especially if you need to beat the weather in an approaching storm. Carrying less also conserves energy.

“In a survival situation, lugging too much stuff around with you could be a killer,” says Bear.

His second rule: Make sure your backpack is waterproof. Bear lines every backpack with a waterproof liner, even if the rucksack manufacturer says it’s waterproof. “No rucksack will withstand wading across a lagoon or fording an underground river,” says Bear.

If you don’t have a proper rucksack liner, use a plastic bag. Soldiers like to double-bag dry clothing to keep it dry, which isn’t a bad idea, and Bear suggests double-bagging anything electronic, like a radio or phone.

A good knife

“If you were to take only one piece of kit on an outdoor expedition, it would be your knife. There’s an old saying: Carry a knife, save a life. I’d be lost without mine,” says Bear.

Emergency rations

Always have an emergency stash, such as trail mix, a bag of nuts and granola or energy bars. “Put them in a small bag and wrap it all up tightly with masking tape so it’s like a solid brick,” says Bear. He likes to stow this at the bottom of his pack and if a day expedition turns into an overnight, he has some food ready.

A water-filtration survival straw

These straws have built-in filters, so you can put one end into contaminated water, from anywhere, even a puddle, and you will be able to suck clean water out the top. Bear likes these as they are light, cheap and effective.

A warm extra layer

While Bear advises not to carry too much clothing, he says a warm, waterproof jacket is essential, for protection against the elements. “Try to choose one with waterproof zips, Velcro cuffs and an elasticated hem,” says Bear. “Above all, it needs to be lightweight.”

A map and compass

Always have a map in unfamiliar terrain. And while in an emergency you can find your way without a compass, bring a button compass for navigation.

*Image by Cultura RM Exclusive/Ross Woodhall*

A length of cord

You can use cord for lots of things, such as building a shelter, making a raft, lacing a boot, fishing, trapping, and even as an emergency tourniquet. About two yards should be good for a useful length that won’t take up too much space.