Survival Gear That Actually Works in the Real World
No gimmicks. No mall-ninja junk. Just field-tested gear I’d trust for off-grid trips, van life, and real emergencies.
This page is your shortcut to the good stuff. Every list below is built around a real scenario—everyday carry, bug out bags, vehicle kits, home readiness, and more. I focus on reliability, availability, and honest value. If it’s here, I’d carry it or hand it to someone I care about.
How I Choose Gear for These Lists
Real-World Use First
I look for gear that has actually been used by real people in the field, not just hyped on social media.
Replaceable & Available
If something breaks or gets lost, you need to be able to replace it fast. No weird, impossible-to-find brands.
Balanced Budget & Quality
I’ll always tell you when something is “bare minimum good enough,” “best bang for the buck,” or “worth spending extra.”
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them—at no extra cost to you. It helps keep Dark Justice Survival running and lets me spend more time testing gear instead of swinging a hammer.
Everyday Carry (EDC) Essentials
The core pocket and belt gear I carry for normal life that still gives you options when things get weird—knife, light, multitool, and a few smart extras.
72-Hour Bug Out Bag
A realistic, carryable bug out bag built for 3 days of movement: shelter, fire, water, calories, and core tools without turning your pack into a 70-pound anchor.
Vehicle Emergency Kit
The gear I recommend keeping in your car or van so you’re not stuck on the side of the road without light, tools, or basic survival options.
Van Life Off-Grid Essentials
Core gear for living or traveling in a van: power, water, sleep, organization, and the tools that keep your rolling home from turning into a rolling problem.
Urban Everyday Survival Kit
Low-profile, city-friendly gear you can carry without looking like you’re headed to a bunker—ideal for work, travel, and commuting.
Budget Survival Kit (Starter)
A realistic, low-cost setup for people just getting started. No junk, just solid “good enough” gear that won’t kill your wallet.
Home Power & Blackout Kit
Lights, batteries, backup power, and basic supplies to ride out grid-down events, storms, and short-term outages without panicking.
Premium “Buy Once Cry Once” Kit
For when you’d rather overbuild than regret it later. Higher-end knives, lights, and tools that punch way above the average.
First-Aid Kit
A compact but capable first-aid kit built for real emergencies, not just minor cuts. This list covers trauma supplies, wound care, meds, and the essential tools you actually need when things go sideways.
Want a Simple Printable Gear Checklist?
If you’re just getting started, grab my free “10 Essentials” survival checklist. It’s a simple, one-page list you can print, keep in your pack, or use as a baseline when building your kits.
Gear List Q&A
A lot of the gear on these lists is stuff I’ve used personally or seen used in real situations, not just in studio reviews. When I haven’t put hands on a specific item yet, I lean on trusted field reviews and long-term user feedback, not just hype.
Some links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them. It never increases your price and helps me spend more time testing gear and building guides instead of working remodeling jobs full-time.
I focus on three things: “bare minimum good enough,” “best bang for the buck,” and “worth spending extra.” If something is unreliable, impossible to replace, or just mall-ninja junk, it doesn’t make the cut.
Every list includes a solid budget option and then a reliable premium upgrade. Start with what you can afford now, then improve your kit as you go.
No. These lists are templates. Your environment, responsibilities, and risk level all matter. Use these lists as a foundation, then customize for your life and location.
Yes. As gear improves, prices change, or I find better options, I’ll keep the lists updated. Survival gear isn’t “set it and forget it”—you should evolve your kit over time.