Top 10 Special Forces Survival Kit

We get questions all the time on what gear would a Special Forces soldier put in his survival kit.

Or “Do you have a survival kit you could recommend that is already put together.

Lets take a look at some survival kits and items where you can build your own.
The best place to start is to check out the survival kit that is issued to soldiers in 5th SFG(A).

PELICAN CASE

Special Forces are issued the Pelican 1020 Micro Case with Clear Lid and Carabineer, Black which held all of our survival gear and tools.

The case is water resistant, small and slim and hard to break.

But you can break it if your try. Don’t try as you will need the case.

Leatherman Squirt multi-tool
Contains all the goodies that normally come with a Leatherman Squirt multi-tool which has a small knife, screwdriver, scissors pliers, and several other useful items.

This is one item you will not want to toss out as you will find many uses for it later. Even if opening up a beer after surviving a mission makes this tool worth it.

The survival kit comes with a Ultimate Survival Technologies 2×3 StarFlash Emergency Signal Mirror.

It does not take up much room and honestly there are better ways to show an aircraft where your position is.

But this is last resort stuff as you would have already popped a flare or smoke canister or used a strobe light to bring in aircraft.

The kit comes with a Suunto M-9 Wrist Compass but a handheld compass is much more accurate.

Another compass that gets used is the Cammenga Tritium Wrist Compass w/Black Wrist Band – J582T.

The wrist compass if for emergency only so make sure you have a better compass nearby.

You may be better off ditching the wrist compass and signal mirror and use a compass like the Cammenga Lensatic Compass.

This is more like the standard Army issue compass and will get you to a point of destination.

As long as you know how to use this type of compass. You do…dont you?

The kit comes with a flint and striker combo that is spring-loaded. It is not good so chunk it.

You can upgrade for $11 to a Gerber 31-000699 Bear Grylls Survival Series Fire Starter and it takes up the same amount of room and works much better.

This is one item you want to keep handy as you will want to start a fire when your are cold and all of your sh*t is wet.

The kit has a small LED thumb flashlight– blue lens.

It is simply a small light used for reading maps and when you only need a small spot of light.

Turn it on and off quickly as the battery doesn’t last long.

Hand saw
Very simple but effective.

Nothing more than cable with loops for your fingers on each end.

The ProForce Commando Wire Saw is actually a good piece of equipment and does what it looks like it can do – saw through things.

Snare Wire. This type of wire was used in the Vietnam Era Emergency Survival and still in use today.

This is a very good skill to learn as it can save your ass if your truly on the run and in an emergency SHTF situation.

If you don’t know how to snare and trap then get out there and learn.

other items found in Special Forces survival kit.

Write in the Rain pad
for basic note taking in the field.

Write in the Rain pen
obviously goes with the writing pad. You can also use the pen tube as a straw if needed.

Iodine Tablets
You dont know if the water you are drinking is good for human consumption. One way to clean up the water is to add an iodine tablet (or liquid if you have it).

If you have more room you can bring a water filter. The Sawyer water filter is small and portable and can fit in your backpack next to your hydration bladder.

As a backup you can boil the water in a tin cup and it will be ready to consume.

550 cord
There are so many things you can do with 550 cord. You can use it to tie down and build a shelter. Secure your gear and clothing.

Batteries
It is always good to carry extra AA and AAA batteries if you are going to spend any time in the field. Having fresh batteries to charge up your GPS Navigation unit or cell phone for communication.

Sewing needles

A good lighter

Safety pins

Questions from SGPT Athletes:

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Question: Where can I find out more info on Army Special Forces?

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