The Gear List: Hatchets, knives, and other awesome gear you’d want as a contestant on ‘Alone’
Be prepared to survive your next weekend camping trip like a boss.
![Reviews photo](https://taskandpurpose.com/uploads/2021/06/11/pjimage-2021-06-11T090933.427.jpg?auto=webp&width=1440&height=810)
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
Welcome to The Gear List, a semi-regular series where we spotlight the best discounts and deals on tactical equipment, outdoor gear, and everything in between.
“I can’t believe that idiot didn’t reposition his gill net before the lunar high tide,” I think to myself as I watch Alone from my bed with a glass of tequila. “What a loser.”
The History Channel show pits contestants against the wilderness with no help, no contact with the outside world, and 10 survival items to keep them alive. It got me thinking about how I’d fare on the show—probably not very well, but the show brings up a lot of things I would have never considered. One common theme is the importance of bringing the right tools––with a list of only 10 items, every choice counts.
I don’t plan on executing my contact-with-a-mountain-lion plan (soil myself, regroup, and come up with a new plan) anytime soon, but the gear below would definitely make life in the wild less deadly. Right now, there are lots of deals to be had, so stock up on this stuff while the getting is good. That way, you’ll be prepared to survive your next weekend camping trip like a boss.
These prices were valid at press time, but prices can change and deals do expire.
Price: $40 with couponrnSeller: AmazonrnrnDoes this count as 12 items or one? Good thing you and I aren’t limited, so it doesn’t matter. This Mossy Oak survival set includes some of the basics you’d need to enjoy a night at a campsite or a jump into a remote wilderness (minus the parachute). rnrnFor starters, there’s a lightweight hatchet that would be great for gathering firewood or building a shelter. It also has three sizes of hex wrenches built into the head, although I’m not sure how practical they are. The kit includes two knives: a small utility knife for daily duties and a machete-style blade to slash through underbrush and saw through logs. A sharpening stone is included to keep them working at their best. All three use paracord handles that can be removed to provide extra cordage. An additional 50-foot section of paracord and five carabiners should be enough to get you through most outdoor adventures. Of course, no survival kit would be complete without a fire-starter like this one’s flint stick. Finally, there’s an adjustable flashlight to keep you in the action after the sun goes down.rnrnRemember that a tool only works if you know how to use it. If you do add this kit to your gear list, remember to practice with everything––especially the fire-starter––to maintain proficiency. There are loads of survival tools out there, but it’s nice to have the convenience of picking up a few items at once from a brand you already know. A discounted price is even better.
Price: $47 with couponrnSeller: AmazonrnrnNo survivalist should take on the outdoors without a good knife. In fact, we at Task & Purpose have something of a Micheal Scott philosophy on knives: Don’t ever, for any reason, do anything without a knife, for any reason, no matter what, no matter where, or who you are with, or where you are going, or where you have been, ever.rnrnWe’re always looking for bargains on quality gear and this discounted Civivi knife fits the bill. It’s a great way to get a durable, sharp blade without breaking the bank. Features like the scaled grip, smooth opening mechanism, and compact size make this a fantastic candidate for your next EDC. Army vet Dennis White put one to the test recently and found that it’s not just a good value, it’s also a good knife––period.rnrnKeep in mind that this is a pocket-sized knife, with a sub-three-inch blade and handle that won’t exactly fill up your palm. It’s a solid EDC option, but I wouldn’t want it to be my only knife in the field. Keep it to performing daily tasks and stabbing MREs, and you’ll be just fine.
Price: $83.64rnSeller: AmazonrnrnI’m not going to suggest that you would ever need to radio for help; that’s unthinkable. But maybe one of your less-badass buddies will need to get in touch with you at some point. For that, it helps to have more reliable comms than the usual tertiary comms plan of sending a messenger.rnrnI was pumped to see Motorola two-way radios on sale because I’ve used them in military and civilian life with plenty of success. The T600 Talkabout strikes a nice balance between casual weekend use and professional-grade equipment. The rugged housing is waterproof and tough enough for real-world bumps and scrapes. You’ll get access to 22 channels and 121 privacy codes––not encryption, but better than nothing. This radio will also receive NOAA alerts so you can stay on top of bad weather before it strikes.rnrnThe T600 Talkabout’s maximum range is listed as 35 miles. That’s measured mountain-to-valley, assuming an open line of sight with no interference. In the real world, expect that range to be quite a bit less most of the time. Still, for less than $100, can you complain?rn
Camping / Tactical / Outdoors
- YOOMO Camping Hammock with Mosquito Net & 10ft Hammock Tree Straps / $25.80 After Promo Code WKFVOPXT / Amazon
- Portable Barbecue Charcoal Foldable Grill Set, Stainless Steel / $45.49 After Promo Code DI2FNCH7 / Amazon
- Govee Bluetooth Meat Thermometer with 2 Probes, 230ft Remote Monitor, Backlight, Smart Alert Notification / $14.49 After On-Page Coupon / Amazon
- Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector & Hunter Metal Detector Pinpointer / $120.98 / Amazon
- Mr. Heater BaseCamp BOSS-XB13 Battery Operated Shower System / $149.99 / eBay
- PROGENY Portable Power Station 300W, 299Wh/80818mAh Solar Generator with 12V Regulated DC, Pass-Through Charging, Wireless Charger, Backup Lithium Battery / $159.99 After Promo Code RFUW6RRB / Amazon
- Ozark Trail Camping Utility Wagon with Tailgate & Extension Handle / $59.00 / Walmart
Early Prime Day & Father’s Day Sales
- 50% Off your Amazon Purchase (Maximum Discount of $15) for Chase Ultimate Rewards Members / Amazon
- Father’s Day Sale / Walmart
- 3-Day Dads and Grads Sale / Best Buy
Automotive
- OBD2 Scanner TOPDON ArtiDiag500, Engine ABS SRS Transmission Diagnostic Scan Tool, Full OBD2 Test Code Reader, AutoVIN Diagnostic Tool, Car Battery Voltage Test, Wi-Fi Free Update / $118.25 After Digital Coupon & Promo Code NU2W6A8D / Amazon
- Rexing V2 Front and Rear Camera Dash Cam V2 / $99.99 / Best Buy
- RaceQuip Underwear Head Sock Balaclava SFI 3.3 Fire Retardant FR Single Layer Hood / $25.39 / Amazon
Moto
- GLX Unisex-Adult GX11 Compact Lightweight Full Face Motorcycle Street Bike Helmet with Extra Tinted Visor DOT Approved (Matte Black, Medium) / $55.23 / Amazon
- Newly Added Closeouts & Clearance Gear / RevZilla
Tools / Garage Gear
- Powerbuilt 8 lb LED Lighted Telescoping Magnetic Retriever Pick Up Tool / $3.72 / Amazon
- Craftsman Assorted x 3/8 in. drive SAE 6 Point Standard Socket Set 10 pc. / $9.99 / Ace Hardware for Rewards Members (free to join)
- Craftsman Assorted x 3/8 in. drive Metric 6 Point Standard Socket 10 pc. / $9.99 / Ace Hardware for Rewards Members (free to join)
- Performance Tool W85014 Low Profile Oversized Shop Mechanic X-Frame Creeper with Extra Padding / $67.21 / Amazon
- Rotary Tool Kit, Meterk 160W Rotary Tool with Flex shaft, 83pcs Accessories, 6-Speed (8000-35000rpm) / $15.58 After Promo Code Q7P3FTJR / Amazon
- CRAFTSMAN V20-Amp 20-Volt Max Variable Speed 1/2-in Drive Cordless Impact Wrench (1-Battery) / $119.00 / Lowes
- 3M Exterior Automotive Attachment Tape, 38583, 1/4 IN X 15 ft / $8.44 / Amazon
- METAKOO Hacksaw Frame Set, Including Standard and Mini Hacksaw, 12-Inch Replaceable Blades / $14.99 After Promo Code UZRWVAUM / Amazon
- Irwin Vise-Grip 2078712 8-Piece GrooveLock Pliers Set / $78.09 / Walmart
- Up to 60% off Certified Refurbished Top-brand Power Tools / eBay
- DeWALT Outdoor Tools, Buy One, Get One 50% Off / Ace Hardware
- DEWALT 20V MAX LED Work Light, Hand Held, Tool Only / $53.95 / Amazon
- Rivet Gun with 100-Piece Rivets, Single Hand Manual Rivet Gun Kit With 4 Tool-free Interchangeable Color-Coded Heads, 4 in 1 Hand Riveter Set / $15.99 After Promo Code 55JR2AOX / Amazon
Toys
- CIRO Space Shuttle Toys, 7 in 1 STEM Science Solar Robot Building Kit / $10.00 After Promo Code AVT5XMDW / Amazon
Gaming / Simulation
- Control / FREE / Epic Games
- Arcade1Up Big Buck Hunter Pro Arcade with Riser and Wall Sign / $499.99 / Best Buy
- Select Xbox Games On Sale / Starting at $9.99 / Best Buy
Fitness / Health
- PRCTZ 40 lb Adjustable Cast Iron Dumbbell Set with Case / $50.39 / Walmart
- TRX Training Slam Ball, Easy-Grip Tread & Durable Rubber Shell, 8lbs / $17.95 / Amazon
TV / Streaming / Entertainment
- Acer Chromebook Spin 311 CP311-3H-K3WL Convertible Laptop, MediaTek MT8183C Octa-Core Processor, 11.6″ HD Touchscreen, 4GB LPDDR4X, 32GB eMMC / $199.00 / Walmart
- HP 11.6″ Chromebook MediaTek MT8183 4GB Memory 32GB eMMC / $159.00 / Best Buy
- Yamaha ATS-2090 Sound Bar & Wireless Subwoofer / $239.99 / Woot
Wearable Tech / Personal Audio
- Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case / $149.99 / Amazon
- Apple AirPods with Wired Charging Case / $128.98 / Amazon
- Bose Sport Earbuds – True Wireless Earphones – Bluetooth In Ear Headphones for Workouts and Running / $159.00 / Amazon
Power / Charging
- USB C Fast Charger, Knoform 61W USB C Power Adapter / $12.30 After Promo Code X4X495GK / Amazon
- Panasonic BK-3MCCA8BA eneloop AA 2100 Cycle Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries, 8 Pack / $18.99 / Amazon
- Panasonic BK-4MCCA4BA eneloop AAA 2100 Cycle Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries, 4 Pack / $10.49 / Amazon
- Panasonic BK-4MCCA8BA eneloop AAA 2100 Cycle Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries, 8 Pack / $15.89 / Amazon
Apparel
- adidas Cushioned Quarter Socks, 3 Pairs, Men’s / $9.80 / eBay