7 Gift Ideas for a Survivalist

• Survivalist gifts should be practical and versatile, handling a wide range of demanding situations.
• Great gift ideas for a survivalist include Army field manuals, first aid kits, tactical knives, tactical jackets, and military bags.
• You can’t go wrong with the basics of survival. Give your survivalist a sleeping bag to ensure they get the proper rest they need in an emergency scenario, or hydration essentials such as a military canteen and water purification tablets.

It’s not easy shopping for a survivalist. They want gifts that are practical, versatile, and most importantly, reliable. That means those basic tools won’t suffice. 

So what do you give a survivalist? Army Surplus World has compiled a great list of survival kit gift ideas that are sure to make a lasting impact.

1. Army Field Manuals

Knowledge is the greatest tool for a survivalist. That’s why we recommend supplementing their wisdom and expertise with Army field manuals. One of the top gifts for a survivalist, these manuals provide different information relating to various topics, from map reading and navigation to the basics of survival. They’re great for knowledge-building or adding to survival kits!

2. Military Bag

A military bag is a must-have gift for any survivalist or outdoor enthusiast, keeping all of their survival gear protected and ready to go at a moment’s notice. 

What’s the difference between a regular backpack and one of these bags? Durability. Military bags are constructed with high-quality materials like heavyweight canvas and 600D polyester to offer greater resistance to tough outdoor conditions. These bags also often have tactical design features such as waist straps for easy carrying and MOLLE webbing for attaching additional pouches or gear.

Don’t know which bag is the best gift for a survivalist? These bags are tried-and-true favorites among soldiers, veterans, outdoor enthusiasts, and survivalists alike:

• MOLLE Backpack - These bags are used for their superior modularity and durability, allowing users to customize gear attachment for better organization and quick access.
• ALICE Pack - These packs have a time-tested design used by the military for decades, proving its rugged durability and utility in demanding situations.
• Tactical Pack - Designed with specialized compartments, MOLLE webbing, and other tactical features, these packs make the perfect 72-hour bags.

3. Tactical Knives

The best survival kit gift ideas give your survivalist the versatility to handle anything that comes their way. And few things handle it all like tactical knives. Their secure grip and specialized blade shapes are designed to serve a wide range of functions, including:

• Self-defense
• Cutting rope
• Preparing food
• Performing small repairs
• Hunting/fishing
• First aid

Go for a folding knife if you think your survivalist wants something more portable for every day. If they need a heavy-duty knife for a survival kit, a fixed-blade knife is the perfect gift for your survivalist.

4. First Aid Kit

First aid kits aren’t just nice to have. They’re a necessity, especially for a survivalist. First aid kits come equipped with everything they’ll need if they (or someone else) gets hurt, like bandages, gauze, and scissors. Some even come with tourniquets for even tougher situations. This makes them a crucial addition to any survival kit.

5. Tactical Jacket

A survival jacket is an essential piece of gear for every survivalist. These tactical jackets are designed to protect against harsh elements like rain and wind while providing features needed in a crisis. This often means having storage pockets to keep gear accessible and detachable hoods to adapt to changing weather conditions.

Like any gift for a survivalist, durability is key when choosing a jacket. Look for jackets with quality materials like waterproof polyester or a ripstop fabric. They should also provide ample protection from the elements and come with features such as hook and loop cuffs for adjustability. This will give them adaptability across multiple environments, from backcountry hiking to urban areas.

6. Hydration Essentials

Can’t think of any survival kit gift ideas? Go back to basics. Water is one of the most important basic survival items no matter the reason or season, which is why you can never go wrong with giving your survivalist hydration essentials.

Safe water is never a guarantee in survivalist situations. But they’ll be ready for anything with water purification tablets or drops that are proven to eliminate bacteria. Pair water purification tablets with a military canteen for the perfect gift for a survivalist. This staple offers a convenient and portable way for them to store their water without weighing them down. Many even come with belt loops or attachment points that allow your survivalist to secure their canteen to other gear!

7. Military Sleeping Bag

Proper sleep is crucial when facing a survival scenario. Make sure their physical performance and cognitive function remain up to par with a military sleeping bag. These lightweight sleeping bags provide serious protection, offering insulation in temperatures ranging from mild and moderate to extremely cold and frigid. This makes them an ideal gift for a survivalist, camping enthusiast, and any outdoor adventurer in between.

Give the Gift of Preparedness

When it comes to survival kit gift ideas, Army Surplus World has everything they need to stay safe, prepared, and protected. Our army surplus store carries a large selection of high-quality military clothing and gear, including jackets, sleeping bags, and more. 

Need to keep your gift under a certain amount? We provide all of these essentials at affordable prices, making it easy for you to find the perfect gift. We also have gift certificates! Shop Army Surplus World now to find a gift for a survivalist – or yourself!