Isn’t it hard to know exactly what to give as a gift? Throw in the fact that you are buying for a prepper or survivalist, and it can be even more difficult. After all, they spend a lot of time researching and purchasing their own gear throughout the year.
So what are you to do?
You have come to the right place. In this post we will identify some of the very best gifts for survivalists and set you in the right direction. If you want to get a practical gift for the survivalist in your life, that they will actually like and use, keep reading!
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)
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Our top pick for a gift this year is the 5.11 Rush72 backpack. It is the best backpack on the market and is great for use as a dedicated bug out bag, outdoor bag, or every day carry bag. It has plenty of storage space, is comfortable to wear, and is easily customized with additional MOLLE pouches to fit the users needs.
What to Consider Before Purchasing Gifts For Survivalists
To make sure you are making a great choice when buying gifts for survivalists there are a few things that you will want to consider first:
Budget – You can find great gift options from $5 all the way up to $500 or more. You will want to do your research to make sure you are getting something that is worth the money you are spending.
Level of Preparedness – Is the survivalist in your life just starting out, or are they a hardcore prepper with a stockpile of supplies and equipment.
Holes in Their Prepping – If the prepper you are buying a gift for has quite a decent assortment of equipment already consider what holes they may have in their gear set up. Do they have a bug out bag? Could they use a better quality or larger capacity one? Do they have an emergency water filtration system?
#1 – Bug Out Backpack
Does the survivalist in your family have a dedicated bug out bag? If not, why not give them a backpack specifically designed for this purpose.
The very best bug out backpack on the market today is the 5.11 Rush72. It is constructed of 1000 denier nylon and is ultra tough. This thing has great functionality and looks. It is capable of adding more MOLLE system pouches for added versatility. You can’t go wrong with this pack. Trust me, the recipient of this gift will love it.
Another great option is the Condor Venture Pack. This backpack is great not only as a dedicated bug out bag, but also as an every day carry (EDC) or travel bag. This backpack includes a foam padded laptop pouch in it which makes it great for transporting electronics. This system also has several attachments available that allow it to be customized in any way you want it.
Ā For more options check out our bug out backpack buyers guide!
#2 – emergency water filtration systems
Hydration is essential to life. In the event of an emergency or natural disaster access to public utilities may not be available. This is where an emergency filtration system comes into play.
If you want to get a high end gift for your survival enthusiast and their family you can’t go wrong with a counter top home gravity water purification system like the Big Berkey. These systems turn water from most fresh water sources into safe drinking water and can filter 6,000 gallons of water before the filters need replacement.
If you are looking for something a bit smaller for them to include in their bug out bag or for other outdoor adventures you will want to take a look at the Sawyer Mini or Lifestraw. Both of these water filters are highly effective at removing contaminants from water sources and are extremely lightweight and portable.
For more information about water purification systems check out our buyers guide!
#3 – Emergency Weather Radio
A weather radio is an important piece of equipment during any severe weather event or natural disaster. The best models come with a feature that will alert you of any severe weather events in your immediate area.
Many survivalists are focused on building up their collection of tools, and emergency food and water rations, but overlook a simple weather radio.
One of the very best weather radios on the market is the Midland ER310. It can be powered by the built in solar panel, by cranking the hand crank, or by battery backup. It also comes equipped with a flashlight and dog whistle to let searchers know where you are.
For more information on weather radios check out our buyer’s guide!
#4 – long range two-way radios
Communications can be one of the most important items to secure during a natural disaster or other survival situation. A long-range walkie talkie set will be a great addition to any survivalists equipment.
The best option for long-range walkie talkies is the Midland GXT1000VP4. These radios have a rated range of up to 36 miles in the best conditions, and will work up to a full mile in areas with lots of obstructions such as buildings or hills.
If a disaster happens the cell phone network may not work so having access to some form of communication is important. These are also great for outdoor adventures in areas that have limited to no cell phone coverage.
For more information about long-range walkie talkies check out our buyer’s guide here.
#5 – First aid kit
A high quality first aid kit is an essential item for the home, the car, and your bug out bag. Emergencies can happen at any time and having access to some life saving equipment could mean the difference between life and death.
The Everlit 250 piece emergency IFAK is a fantastic option for the home, office, car, or any outdoor adventure. It is a MOLLE accessory bag so it can easily attach to any of the tactical backpacks above.
In the event of a natural disaster it may take a long time for emergency responders to get to you. Having a great first aid kit on hand will give you peace of mind that if anything happens to your family you will have the equipment needed to assist.
We have a buyer’s guide for emergency first aid kits also! Check it out here.
#6 – Survival Knife
One item that every survivalist should have is a decent survival knife. There are so many survival knives out there that it can be very difficult to know what is the best choice.
The Bear Grylls signature Gerber Knife is one of the best small survival knives on the market. Gerber is one of the best known brands in the survival knife arena for good reason. Their products are solid.
This knife has a really comfortable ergonomic grip and a serrated blade for cutting through items like rope. It also comes equipped with a built-in fire starter and whistle.
#5 – fire starter
Every survivalist or outdoor adventurer should carry some way to make fire. Fire is essential for heat, cooking, signaling, etc.
A traditional ferro rod (also known as fire steel) is a great gift idea. The Uberleben Zunden ferro rods are one of the best ways to start a fire in the wilderness. They can shower your kindling with 5,000 degree molten metal sparks that will easily start a fire.
Another great option is an electric plasma lighter like the Tesla Coil Windproof lighter. While some people would rather rely on older technology that is proven like the ferro rods, the Tesla lighter is another route to take. This electric lighter does need to be charged via USB, but most emergency weather radios also come with a USB cord to charge small electronics such as this.
#7 – survival hatchet
A hatchet is a versatile tool that any outdoor enthusiast or survivalist should have. Whether used for cutting wood, or processing an animal, a hatchet is one item that is so useful that it is well worth the weight it adds to your gear.
The Gerber Bear Grylls survival hatchet is thoughtfully designed with the survivalist in mind. It has a ergonomic rubber non-slip handle that keeps it secure in your hand even in wet conditions.
The problem with many hatchets is that they can be too big to be used effectively. The Gerber hatchet is small in size and light weight which makes it a great addition to any survivalists gear selection.
#8 – Seat Belt cutter/window breaker
As a former fireman I have used this type of tool to save several lives during vehicle accidents. They come in very handy when a victim is trapped in a car that has crashed into water or is on fire and the victims are incapacitated.
Every survivalist should carry one of these in their vehicle in case they come across an emergency. The IPOW window breaker and seat belt cutter is an important life saving tool.
You can easily break a car window with the window breaking hammer and the cutter can remove the seat belt from a trapped individual. This is a great option for a gift for survivalists that are safety conscience.
#9 – tactical flashlight
There is nothing more basic to a survivalists gear essentials than a quality tactical flashlight. Give the gift of light to the survivalist in your life and they will love it.
The J5 Tactical V1-Pro is one of the superior tactical flashlights on the market. This ultra-bright flashlight is small in size and lightweight which makes it ideal for adding to your bug out bag or backpacking gear.
The J5 tactical light is virtually indestructible and suited for outdoor activities of any type and in any weather. The small size of this flashlight makes it a great stocking stuffer idea as well.
#10 – Head Lamp
A lot of survivalists may already have a flashlight, or two, or three… but not everybody has a great headlamp. This makes a headlamp a great gift idea for your survivalist or prepper.
Having access to light during an emergency situation is important, and so is having access to both of your hands. Wearing a headlamp solves this issue by freeing up your hands for activities and work.
One of the best headlamps you can buy is the Black Diamond Storm. The Storm is water proof in design and extremely bright. This model puts out an impressive 350 lumens for visibility even in the darkest of conditions. The Storm also has red, green, and blue LED lights for night vision.
#11 – Multi-tool
There is nothing more useful than a multi-tool. These tools are compact, lightweight, and can perform so many tasks that they are a must to be carried by any survivalist, outdoor enthusiast, or handyman.
Leatherman is one of the leading manufacturers of mult-tools and build one of the best quality and best designed tools on the market. The Leatherman Wingman is a great option due to its outstanding versatility for the price.
I carry a my Leatherman with me all day, every day. I use it so much it is like my third hand and I feel naked without it hanging on my belt. A multi-tool is one of the best gifts for survivalists, but is really a great gift for anybody in your life that has a need for tools.
#12 – portable stove
In the case of any emergency or extended outdoor adventure there is nothing quite like a hot meal in your stomach. Having a hot meal in the worst of times can improve morale and fuel your body to keep surviving.
A light weight stove is an essential addition to any bug out bag or survival backpack. The MSR PocketRocket 2 stove is one of the best you can buy. It is ultra-light at only 2.6 ounces and can boil a liter of water in 3.5 minutes.
A portable stove is a great option for survival, backpacking, camping, or disaster preparation. Give the gift that can be one of the best items the survivalist in your life receives all year.
#13 – pepper spray
Pepper spray is a must for any bug out bag or outdoor adventurist. Not only is it great for a non-lethal way to protect yourself from humans, it can also be a way to deter wild animals.
The Sabre 3-in-1 pepper spray is police strength for maximum stopping power and has a 10-foot range of use. This is an item that the survivalist in your life may not have thought of already which makes it a great gift idea.
This brand of pepper spray is great because it includes CS tear gas forĀ maximum face burning effect and also includes a UV marking dye for easy suspect identification.
#14 – personal propane heater
How do you keep yourself warm if the power goes out during a winter storm? A personal heater is a great option for keeping yourself warm in situations like this.
The Mr. Heater Little Buddy personal propane heater is a great gift for any survivalist. This thing puts out some serious heat for the small size. It will put out 3,800 BTUs for over 5 hours with a single 1-pound disposable propane cylinder.
Heating is not only important to comfort, but is also essential to life in serious conditions. Having a way to stay warm if disaster strikes is vital to personal safety.
#15 – tactical gloves
It is important to keep your hands protected when working, climbing, cutting wood, etc. Tactical gloves are designed for the types of activities you are most likely to encounter when out in the wilderness or conducting other outdoor activities.
The Mechanix Wear M-Pact tactical gloves are ideal for all of these activities and look great! The multi-cam material will protect your hands from scrapes, splinters, cuts, and more.
These gloves are designed with thermoplastic knuckle guards and finger guards to protect vital areas while allowing you to work safely. The material of these gloves will keep your hands cool and dry while performing a variety of tasks.
