In This Article
Temperature Rating
23 degrees F (EN Lower Limit)
MSRP
$269
URL
zenbivy.com
Notes
The makers of the Zenbivy Bed call it the “world’s first freestyle sleeping bag.” Initially it might seem like a mummy-style bag, but it’s far less restrictive and more innovative. It consists of a quilt, hood, and fitted sheet that can be zipped together in various ways, allowing you to lie on your back, sides, or stomach and with your arms or legs in or out. The convertible footbox is easy to adjust, while on the opposite end the hood’s pocket can house a phone, watch, or flashlight. It features YKK zippers, 700 fill-power duck down, and a 20-
denier nylon taffeta shell with durable water repellent. The Zenbivy Bed is compatible with the Zenbivy Pillow (sold separately for $49) and either a tapered or a rectangular mattress (not included). A long version of the Zenbivy Bed is also available for an additional $10.
Colors
Smoke Blue, Tango Red
MSRP
$100
URL
gregorypacks.com
Notes
The Salvo 18 is an ideal starting point for crafting a get-home bag. This daypack is compact and lightweight at less than 2 pounds, but rugged enough to be used on trail runs, fast hikes, or cold-weather workouts. Its biggest advantage is the low-profile VaporSpan suspension system, which provides load support while allowing maximum airflow between your back and the pack. With a capacity of 18 liters (1,098 cubic inches), the Salvo is packed (pun intended!) with features: internal mesh pocket with key clip, internal sleeve for a hydration bladder, padded and zippered section for smartphone or other electronics, three mesh pockets for water bottles or other gear, cushiony shoulder straps with EVA foam and ventilation, and much more. This is a small backpack with big benefits.
Colors
Smoke, Tundra
MSRP
$100
URL
kelty.com
Notes
When it’s time to bug out, a folding chair is certainly not the first item you’ll grab. But the Low-Love Seat from Kelty is an awesome creature comfort if you’re camping, have cargo space in your off-road rig, or plan to spend the day at the beach this spring (you know, when it’s no longer freeze-your-eyelids-shut cold). With a solid steel frame and quilted 600-denier polyester, this portable seat has a weight capacity of 500 pounds — more than enough for you and your spouse. Plus, it has two insulated adjustable cup holders and a slightly reclined design for added comfort. Just note that there’s a price to pay for being able to snuggle comfortably by the campfire: This Kelty chair is 15 pounds and — as its awkwardly hyphenated name denotes — has a ride height of just 13.5 inches. So, tall folks might find it a tad short.
Colors
Darker Earth, Wilding Gray
MSRP
$198
Notes
The Beast Hoodie is a fierce form of weather protection. This breathable full-zip hoodie is made from Polartec ThermalPro fleece, making it a warm jacket for fall and spring and a superior mid-layer for winter. But what we love the most is the high loft fleece, which is a throwback to original pile fleece jackets that first hit mountaineering circles back in the late 1970s — that, and the fact that the Darker Earth version reminds us of Chewbecca. But its distinct look isn’t just for show. The lofted properties trap warm air, especially when worn under an outer shell. This mid-layer’s other features include a mini bill on the hoodie, full-length wind-flap, zippered sleeve and hand pockets, and draft-resistant structured thumbhole cuffs, and much more.
Sizes
Men’s and Women’s in various sizes
MSRP
$210
URL
lowaboots.com
Notes
Obviously, these aren’t winter boots. But for those already prepping for spring or who live in warmer climes where snow rarely falls, the San Diego GTX Surround Lo are a fantastic candidate for your grayman (or graywoman) outfit. After all, not every disaster requires you to wear camo-pattern tactical boots. Sometimes, it’s more advantageous to blend in. These LOWA shoes will certainly let you do that, but also let you haul ass through mild hiking trails if you need to GTFO. The upper is made up of a comfortable mix of nubuck, fabric, and split leather, while the TPU outsole is both featherweight and quite sturdy. And as the name implies, they feature Gore-Tex Surround technology that allows for 360 degrees of waterproofing yet still allow your foot to breathe. So while you probably don’t want to use them for sledding, these kicks will certainly keep your socks dry in rain and light snow.
Weight
7.1 pounds
MSRP
$595
URL
daisy.com
Notes
If it’s a postapocalyptic scenario, you probably don’t want to be too trigger happy with your powder-burning guns. The need to conserve ammunition will be at an all-time high. Plus, you could both scare off wildlife (aka your next meal) and attract unwanted visitors (aka marauders looking for resources). That’s when airguns come into play. They’re far less noisy yet can take small game with ease. Take for instance the Model 599 from Daisy. This .177-caliber competition air rifle has a shooting distance of up to 300 yards with a maximum muzzle velocity of 520 feet per second per pellet. The beechwood stock allows for customization, thanks to adjustable comb height, butt-pad height, and length-of-pull. The single-shot rifle is rechargeable using a hand pump or air compressor.
Sizes
Men’s and Women’s in various sizes
MSRP
$55
URL
us.mammut.com
Notes
The Astro Gloves are a versatile set of paw protection. Designed for hiking, they feature Gore Windstopper material that’s both windproof and breathable. This makes them great at keeping your digits toasty but not sweaty. They’re also formfitting without binding at the joints. Mammut gets bonus points for making the thumbs and index fingers touchscreen compatible, so you can keep the gloves on and still operate your mobile device. There’s also a leather flap for easy on and off, nonslip reinforcements in the palm and the fingers, and a connection hook to keep the gloves together when not in use. They’re also compact and lightweight enough to be worn as an inner layer inside larger winter mitts.
Weight
1 pound, 3.4 ounces (with included batteries)
MSRP
$175
URL
streamlight.com
Notes
If this were a firearm, we’d call it a hand cannon. The ProTac HL 5-X is a powerful flashlight in more ways than one. Firstly, the output. It emits a whopping 3,500 lumens on high mode, 1,00 lumens on medium, and 250 lumens on low. It can light the way on a camping trip, during a sudden blackout, or on a search-and-rescue mission. Next, is its imposing stature. Clocking in at about a pound and 9.5 inches, the ProTac HL 5-X makes for a solid improvised weapon. Its anodized aluminum frame can take a beating while its rubber sleeve offers traction and thermal insulation. But perhaps what we love the most is its “multi-fuel” design: This Streamlight runs on CR123 batteries or the included rechargeable batteries, which can be replenished via its micro USB charging port.
Colors
Black, Green, Orange, Red
MSRP
$125
URL
111watches.com
Notes
Most outdoor adventurers know that a watch has several survival uses, including as an impromptu compass and a distance calculator — just to name two. So having a reliable timepiece is essential, whether you’re braving the backcountry or the concrete jungle. This One Eleven watch won’t run out of batteries any time soon, thanks in large part to its solar-powered movement. Its dial is protected by a hardened mineral crystal lens, a stainless steel case-back, and a 42mm plastic case made from recycled plastic water bottles. The 22mm nylon strap has a hook-and-loop closure, allowing for a more accurate and personalized fit around your wrist than your granddaddy’s leather band. Moreover, the SWII is also water resistant up to 10 ATM (or roughly 100 meters), so it’ll keep ticking in snow, rain, or water. (Just don’t go diving with it.)
OAL
7.14 inches
MSRP
$450
URL
chrisreeve.com
Notes
The names Chris Reeves and Bill Harsey Jr. are legendary in the knife world. Both have made iconic blades proven to not only survive, but thrive in the field. So when the two team up, people pay attention. Their recent collaboration is the Impinda. This folding knife is their modern take on the slipjoint folding knife. Marrying top-notch materials like a S35-VN stainless steel blade and a sandblasted titanium handle with a vintage design, the Impinda has a “so simple it’s sophisticated” sleek look. The stonewashed drop-point blade’s shape makes it versatile for all sorts of tasks, which won’t be too difficult since it cuts and stabs like a lightsaber. At 3.38 ounces, it’s an ideal folding knife for everyday carry, but could easily serve you reliably in an unexpected survival situation.
Weight
1.4 ounces
MSRP
$44.50
URL
zootility.com
Notes
If the Chris Reeves Impinda is too pricy for your wallet and you want something cheaper and slimmer, look no further than the ST-2 Pocket Knife from Zootility. It is 0.125-inch thin and is just 3.51 inches when closed. When the 2.2-inch semi-serrated blade is extended, the folding knife stands at 5.8 inches. The ST-2 is made of 440C stainless steel, which does a fine job of fighting off corrosion and is easy to sharpen. But one of the main benefits of this tool is that it’s boltless, allowing you to quickly replace or even trash the blade — a convenient feature if you’re in the field and don’t have time to sharpen the blade or if you’re about to go through airport security screening and forgot the knife in your pocket.
OAL
5.125 inches
MSRP
$17
Notes
While this isn’t a tactical pen meant for fighting off terrorists or the undead apocalypse, the Flat Dark Earth Metal Clicker Pen is a super reliable writing instrument that’ll work in pretty much any environment. It can write on wet paper, while upside down, or even in temperatures as low as -30 degrees F. Rite in the Rain says the clicker pen’s black ink will never leak, evaporate, or blow up in your pocket. This could be quite handy in a wide variety of situations, from writing down the license plate of a hit-and-run car to leaving a message for your survival group at your predetermined rendezvous point. The body of the pen is brass, colored with a matte FDE powdercoat.
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Editor's Note: This article has been modified from its original version for the web.
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