17 must-have tools for backcountry adventures

This story was originally published on FieldandStream.com.

Before you strike out into the wilderness, you’ll need gear that’s tough enough to handle whatever hell you put it through. Here are 17 items that are up for the task.

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Atop any traveling big-game hunter’s gear list is a no-fail fixed-blade knife. With a 1⁄4-inch-thick, 51⁄2-inch-long D2 tool steel drop-point blade, full Cerakote finish, and textured CNC-machined G-10 or Canvas Micarta grip panels, the Freeman Outdoor Gear Model 451 “Little Beast” Field Knife will outlive you, no matter where your adventures take you.

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One of the best deals in optics, the Cabela’s ­Instinct Euro HD Spotting Scope has the clarity, sharpness, and low-light performance of German glass, for less.

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There are many utensils out there, but the Sea to Summit Long Spork has enough reach to scrape the crusty deliciousness from the bottom of a Mountain House bag.

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The original jimmy for your boot tops, the ­Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters are a backcountry classic that have stood the test of time.

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Ultralight, yet able to haul more weight than any one person should carry, the Stone Glacier Solo 3300 is the ideal backcountry hunter’s pack.

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A multitool is a traveling hunter’s must-have. The Leatherman Rebar has 17 tools including a knife, saw blade, file, pliers, and several screwdriver bits.

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Get all your gear to camp with the Yeti Panga 100 waterproof duffel. Ideal for river trips, fly-in drop camps, and looking like a badass at Chicago O’Hare.

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With access to direct sunlight for the solar panels, the 7800 mAh battery on the Goal Zero Venture 30 Recharging Kit will keep base camp charged.

Rossi Matched Pair .410 / .22 LR

The Rossi Matched Pair .410 / .22 LR doesn’t take up much more room than a handgun (which you can’t take to Canada) but is much easier to shoot.

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This Stone River Gear Survival Belt is made of more than 50 feet of paracord for when you, inevitably, have to rappel to safety. And it looks cool.

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With an outer shell rated for 20 degrees, a matching down liner, and optional comforter, the ­Kammok Thylacine Sleeping Bag is a three-in-one modular sleep system.

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Each splashproof match in the UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit burns for 25 seconds, and the waterproof container houses extra strike pads and tinder.

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A GPS, two-way messenger, satellite tracker, and SOS locator, the Garmin InReach Explorer+ has your butt covered should it all go very bad.

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The Jetboil MicroMo is the lightest, fastest way to boil water in the backcountry for coffee, oatmeal, and that freeze-dried gruel you call dinner.

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Proven bombproof, the classic Hilleberg Akto is a lightweight, single-pole, double-walled solo tent designed to keep the inside dry even if set up in the rain.

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For minor injuries, the Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight & Watertight .5 has all the basics in a tight, light package.

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No one will ever mistake the ultracomfortable Crocs Classic Realtree Xtra Fuzz-Lined Clogs for loafers, and the insulation keeps your dignity from leaking out.

This story was originally published on FieldandStream.com.