Camping with Most EXPENSIVE Prepper Survival Kit in the UK
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Date: 2026-04-12
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Comments and reviews: 20
compwiz101
It's not a terrible kit, but does feel rather like it was appealing to the weekend warrior than providing a comprehensive emergency kit.
Some thoughts on the kit contents:
I like the mess tins. I use a pair of older but very similar ones from the Canadian forces for camping (though I made a lid for my big pot) and they're quite versatile for something so simple. I've even baked in mine.
Canteen and cup is nice to have, but with the lifestraw in the kit a water collection bag or bottle that could connect to it would just make sense. Seems like an obvious trick to miss in hindsight.
Tablet stove is fine, especially with a decent supply of them, but the folding tin stove for it was very single-use. If you had to try and pack it up more than once I wonder how long it'll last bending back and forth. Given the size of the kit, may as well have a proper folding esbit stove and then you can at least use it as a stick stove if you had to.
Poncho was clearly too cheap. Much nicer ones are available, even from China, so they should've sourced one with material that wasn't crap. Even my Temu one is pretty decent and includes eyelets so it can be used as a small tarp shelter or wrapped around a woobie blanket to make a sleeping bag. It doesn't take up much more space than the crappy vinyl ponchos but can actually be relied upon to repack into a pocket.
Speaking of tarps: Yeah, that was bare minimum. It kinda worked but a larger one would've given more options for a shelter. If it were stormy, something like a 3x3m tarp could be used with a center pole to build a good low shelter. Given the pricey nature of the kit, maybe even a decent camping tarp made of tent material instead of a polytarp would've been nice as it will pack up better for its size.
Food: It certainly looks very nice and appetizing but. that's it Here in British Columbia, the minimum an emergency kit is recommended to have is three days worth the food. I like the electrolyte drink packet, but again it's only one. Are emergencies only supposed to be 24H in the UK: ) Tea, coffee, and bouillon cubes would also be good additions to the kit.
Chain saw looked great, I picked one of those up but haven't had a chance to dust it off. Looks way better than the wire saw I last tried.
Lighting: Spare batteries or a means to recharge seems like an oversight on an expensive kit. My own kit includes a solar/crank radio that can act as a flashlight or recharge USB devices. It's not the greatest flashlight, but it is functional and doesn't leave you hoping to scrounge AA batteries.
The lack of knife or multitool cannot pass without mention, of course. Maybe a UK legality thing, but definitely a hole in the kit.
IMO the mask should've been skipped in favor of better fundamentals for the kit.
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It's not a terrible kit, but does feel rather like it was appealing to the weekend warrior than providing a comprehensive emergency kit.
Some thoughts on the kit contents:
I like the mess tins. I use a pair of older but very similar ones from the Canadian forces for camping (though I made a lid for my big pot) and they're quite versatile for something so simple. I've even baked in mine.
Canteen and cup is nice to have, but with the lifestraw in the kit a water collection bag or bottle that could connect to it would just make sense. Seems like an obvious trick to miss in hindsight.
Tablet stove is fine, especially with a decent supply of them, but the folding tin stove for it was very single-use. If you had to try and pack it up more than once I wonder how long it'll last bending back and forth. Given the size of the kit, may as well have a proper folding esbit stove and then you can at least use it as a stick stove if you had to.
Poncho was clearly too cheap. Much nicer ones are available, even from China, so they should've sourced one with material that wasn't crap. Even my Temu one is pretty decent and includes eyelets so it can be used as a small tarp shelter or wrapped around a woobie blanket to make a sleeping bag. It doesn't take up much more space than the crappy vinyl ponchos but can actually be relied upon to repack into a pocket.
Speaking of tarps: Yeah, that was bare minimum. It kinda worked but a larger one would've given more options for a shelter. If it were stormy, something like a 3x3m tarp could be used with a center pole to build a good low shelter. Given the pricey nature of the kit, maybe even a decent camping tarp made of tent material instead of a polytarp would've been nice as it will pack up better for its size.
Food: It certainly looks very nice and appetizing but. that's it Here in British Columbia, the minimum an emergency kit is recommended to have is three days worth the food. I like the electrolyte drink packet, but again it's only one. Are emergencies only supposed to be 24H in the UK: ) Tea, coffee, and bouillon cubes would also be good additions to the kit.
Chain saw looked great, I picked one of those up but haven't had a chance to dust it off. Looks way better than the wire saw I last tried.
Lighting: Spare batteries or a means to recharge seems like an oversight on an expensive kit. My own kit includes a solar/crank radio that can act as a flashlight or recharge USB devices. It's not the greatest flashlight, but it is functional and doesn't leave you hoping to scrounge AA batteries.
The lack of knife or multitool cannot pass without mention, of course. Maybe a UK legality thing, but definitely a hole in the kit.
IMO the mask should've been skipped in favor of better fundamentals for the kit.
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greggmouritzen7478
The replacement lenses are actually lense covers. You can also find them shaded, but I've never seen a situation worthy of justifying them.
The real purpose is to provide redundant protection to the actual lense. Consider it a sacrificial part that can be replaced.
To install, all you really need to do is stretch the rubber seal of the lense cover around the mask lense. You'll then have a outer lense that will take impacts, scratches, cracks and so on, rather than compromising the seal through the mask lense.
Yes, changing the filters sucks for that mask. As a filter, they last quite a while. However, only 24 hours in a chemical environment. Not having an external filter allows for easier aiming of weapons, but obviously makes it impossible to do a hot swap when you really need to. Worth having for the just in case scenarios.
The canteen adapter caps are easy to get. Try Army Navy Outdoors. The usually have them. You should be able to rap the drinking tube around the mouthpiece of the mask to help prevent snagging.
The pocket chainsaw, is probably one of my favorite cutting tools. Not for fancy precision work, but will gut a larger lang the that folding saw.
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The replacement lenses are actually lense covers. You can also find them shaded, but I've never seen a situation worthy of justifying them.
The real purpose is to provide redundant protection to the actual lense. Consider it a sacrificial part that can be replaced.
To install, all you really need to do is stretch the rubber seal of the lense cover around the mask lense. You'll then have a outer lense that will take impacts, scratches, cracks and so on, rather than compromising the seal through the mask lense.
Yes, changing the filters sucks for that mask. As a filter, they last quite a while. However, only 24 hours in a chemical environment. Not having an external filter allows for easier aiming of weapons, but obviously makes it impossible to do a hot swap when you really need to. Worth having for the just in case scenarios.
The canteen adapter caps are easy to get. Try Army Navy Outdoors. The usually have them. You should be able to rap the drinking tube around the mouthpiece of the mask to help prevent snagging.
The pocket chainsaw, is probably one of my favorite cutting tools. Not for fancy precision work, but will gut a larger lang the that folding saw.
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chrisc1140
Most expensive. is about 200 bucks. Coming from the camping/backpacking world that'll get you a good quality of _one_ of your main bits of kit. Maybe two if you go for good _enough_ quality instead. I suppose it beats nothing at all if you're trying to prep on a budget _and_ don't have the time/energy to put together your own setup item by item.
Of course with bushcraft/survival you can skimp on a bunch of stuff you'd take backpacking since the assumption is you'll be trading gear for work and building particularly with your shelter but I'd be very leery of trying to get by anywhere with this kit. (that said, that hand chainsaw looked pretty nifty indeed)
Also, I personally would not trust any gask mask you can still breath through without filters attached unless it was the only option I had. If it doesn't seal it means if you don't seat the filter perfectly or you try to exchange filters in a hot environment you'll just be breathing everything in anyway.
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Most expensive. is about 200 bucks. Coming from the camping/backpacking world that'll get you a good quality of _one_ of your main bits of kit. Maybe two if you go for good _enough_ quality instead. I suppose it beats nothing at all if you're trying to prep on a budget _and_ don't have the time/energy to put together your own setup item by item.
Of course with bushcraft/survival you can skimp on a bunch of stuff you'd take backpacking since the assumption is you'll be trading gear for work and building particularly with your shelter but I'd be very leery of trying to get by anywhere with this kit. (that said, that hand chainsaw looked pretty nifty indeed)
Also, I personally would not trust any gask mask you can still breath through without filters attached unless it was the only option I had. If it doesn't seal it means if you don't seat the filter perfectly or you try to exchange filters in a hot environment you'll just be breathing everything in anyway.
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namename1
Here are top 10 essential survival tools:
1. Water filter or purification tablets: Access to clean water is crucial.
2. Multi-tool or pocket knife: Versatile tool for various tasks.
3. First aid kit: Basic medical supplies for injuries.
4. Fire starter (lighter, matches, or firesteel): Fire provides warmth, light, and a way to cook.
5. Shelter (tent, tarp, or emergency blanket): Protection from elements.
6. Flashlight or headlamp: Light source for nighttime.
7. Food (energy bars or MREs): Non-perishable, high-calorie food.
8. Rope or paracord: Useful for shelter, gear, and more.
9. Sunscreen and insect repellent: Protect against sun and bugs.
10. Communication device (phone or satellite phone): Call for help or stay in touch.
These tools can help you survive in various environments. What's your specific situation or concern AI says i add ductape, tyger shovel,
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Here are top 10 essential survival tools:
1. Water filter or purification tablets: Access to clean water is crucial.
2. Multi-tool or pocket knife: Versatile tool for various tasks.
3. First aid kit: Basic medical supplies for injuries.
4. Fire starter (lighter, matches, or firesteel): Fire provides warmth, light, and a way to cook.
5. Shelter (tent, tarp, or emergency blanket): Protection from elements.
6. Flashlight or headlamp: Light source for nighttime.
7. Food (energy bars or MREs): Non-perishable, high-calorie food.
8. Rope or paracord: Useful for shelter, gear, and more.
9. Sunscreen and insect repellent: Protect against sun and bugs.
10. Communication device (phone or satellite phone): Call for help or stay in touch.
These tools can help you survive in various environments. What's your specific situation or concern AI says i add ductape, tyger shovel,
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norfway
Awesome video as always, man. I enjoy seeing survival kits, bug out bags, and emergency setups, especially when people actually test and use them. What I still don’t understand is why so many of these kits include low quality gear. A bug out bag is supposed to be reliable, yet many items are single use, fragile, or likely to break when you actually need them. It would make more sense to remove some of the less necessary items and invest that money in fewer but higher quality essentials. Sometimes it feels like someone just asked AI for a checklist and then collected every item it suggested without really thinking it through. Some pieces are good, but in many of these kits a lot of the gear ends up being useless, poor quality, or missing truly essential items like a proper knife.
Thanks as always for making these type of videos Mike, you are the best!
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Awesome video as always, man. I enjoy seeing survival kits, bug out bags, and emergency setups, especially when people actually test and use them. What I still don’t understand is why so many of these kits include low quality gear. A bug out bag is supposed to be reliable, yet many items are single use, fragile, or likely to break when you actually need them. It would make more sense to remove some of the less necessary items and invest that money in fewer but higher quality essentials. Sometimes it feels like someone just asked AI for a checklist and then collected every item it suggested without really thinking it through. Some pieces are good, but in many of these kits a lot of the gear ends up being useless, poor quality, or missing truly essential items like a proper knife.
Thanks as always for making these type of videos Mike, you are the best!
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taoutdoors
Watching this about halfway (until you wake up in the morning) is enough for me. In this kit there's too much stuff that's only useful in extreme situations, like a gas mask. But the things you need in an 'ordinary survival situation' are not there, or the quality isn't okay. That strange foldable cooking stove, isn't there a manual on how to use it The tarp is too small, if it had rained that night. you would be wet and cold and miserable! And you brought your own sleeping bag. why is there a hammock and tarp, but no sleeping bag Yes, there's the 'emergency bag', but I'm sure on itself that isn't warm during a cold night.
I won't go on. You better make your own survival kit, with everything in it that's really needed. Of course it will be expensive. But then you don't pay for things you don't need.
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Watching this about halfway (until you wake up in the morning) is enough for me. In this kit there's too much stuff that's only useful in extreme situations, like a gas mask. But the things you need in an 'ordinary survival situation' are not there, or the quality isn't okay. That strange foldable cooking stove, isn't there a manual on how to use it The tarp is too small, if it had rained that night. you would be wet and cold and miserable! And you brought your own sleeping bag. why is there a hammock and tarp, but no sleeping bag Yes, there's the 'emergency bag', but I'm sure on itself that isn't warm during a cold night.
I won't go on. You better make your own survival kit, with everything in it that's really needed. Of course it will be expensive. But then you don't pay for things you don't need.
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greggtilghman6349
I noticed while you were doing inventory there was no knife, not a folding knife or a fixed blade knife. That chain saw was amazing! It chewed right through that wood! I guess the manufacturer of that pack figured you'd have your TBS Boar with sheath already on your belt but in the UK I didn't think it was legal to daily carry a fixed blade knife on your person. A bushcraft knife, even if just a plastic handle Mora Knife would have been in the kit. However, here in the states, it's an everyday occurrence to see someone walk into Walmart with a sheath knife on someone's belt. Surprise! There are batteries for your head torch already! Tarp and cordage can be a rain catchment system too!
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I noticed while you were doing inventory there was no knife, not a folding knife or a fixed blade knife. That chain saw was amazing! It chewed right through that wood! I guess the manufacturer of that pack figured you'd have your TBS Boar with sheath already on your belt but in the UK I didn't think it was legal to daily carry a fixed blade knife on your person. A bushcraft knife, even if just a plastic handle Mora Knife would have been in the kit. However, here in the states, it's an everyday occurrence to see someone walk into Walmart with a sheath knife on someone's belt. Surprise! There are batteries for your head torch already! Tarp and cordage can be a rain catchment system too!
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Jerry10939
Looks like the M17A1 protective mask we use in the US Army back in the seventies eighties and nineties, only the army ones were black and we also had a hood that attached to it. I hated to wear them. In Desert Storm I was in Dhahran Saudi Arabia when the first Scud missile was intercepted by a Patriot Missile above the building we were in on the second day of the war. We thought that Saddam Hussein would use chemical weapons. I never put that mask o so fast in my life. The standard is nine seconds, I think I had it on in about three or four. We got the all clear a few hours later to take the mask off. Yours is definitely different. The filters are different.
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Looks like the M17A1 protective mask we use in the US Army back in the seventies eighties and nineties, only the army ones were black and we also had a hood that attached to it. I hated to wear them. In Desert Storm I was in Dhahran Saudi Arabia when the first Scud missile was intercepted by a Patriot Missile above the building we were in on the second day of the war. We thought that Saddam Hussein would use chemical weapons. I never put that mask o so fast in my life. The standard is nine seconds, I think I had it on in about three or four. We got the all clear a few hours later to take the mask off. Yours is definitely different. The filters are different.
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lynnmccormick5678
TAOutdoors Hi Mike. Re hammocks - I know someone who uses a hammock & has back issues aggravated by the banana position. He says if he lays a bit diagonal, with his head close to one edge of it & his feet close to the other edge, he can be a lot flatter & it's easier for his back. That is 2nd hand info as I've never used a hammock myself. But that's what he does.
As for the stove, I believe that is technically 2 separate ones. I have seen a couple of people with kits that had only 1 of them in it.
Awesome job. Love your vids.
Hugs from to you & your family.
Lynn McCormick
Proud Canadian
Never 51
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TAOutdoors Hi Mike. Re hammocks - I know someone who uses a hammock & has back issues aggravated by the banana position. He says if he lays a bit diagonal, with his head close to one edge of it & his feet close to the other edge, he can be a lot flatter & it's easier for his back. That is 2nd hand info as I've never used a hammock myself. But that's what he does.
As for the stove, I believe that is technically 2 separate ones. I have seen a couple of people with kits that had only 1 of them in it.
Awesome job. Love your vids.
Hugs from to you & your family.
Lynn McCormick
Proud Canadian
Never 51
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Watson1
I’m disappointed, you didn’t have a full bottle of water when you started. You even said that there isn’t any water around there. And starting so late in the afternoon. Which makes you rush your set up. I would have only lit one block in the stove And if you needed it you can just push the other one in. But then you had more with you. I didn’t see if the other ones came with the stove. And save the other for later or breakfast. For someone who has been doing this for what 10 years. I feel you could have done better with the hammock. Put the straps up higher on the trees. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it.
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I’m disappointed, you didn’t have a full bottle of water when you started. You even said that there isn’t any water around there. And starting so late in the afternoon. Which makes you rush your set up. I would have only lit one block in the stove And if you needed it you can just push the other one in. But then you had more with you. I didn’t see if the other ones came with the stove. And save the other for later or breakfast. For someone who has been doing this for what 10 years. I feel you could have done better with the hammock. Put the straps up higher on the trees. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it.
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MiniLobin
funny enough - as mentioned, going diving with the gas mask. these are actually Czech M10M gas masks. I was on a training course like 15 yrs ago. we got drunk after the first day of the course and there was a lake nearby. as you can imagine, we went diving in the masks. (and yea, not great for diving. the next day, we've had an OC exposure training, we very quickly found out it was not a good idea since the filters were destroyed by water exposure and basically useless. but still a fond memory with the mask and the boys though. stay safe guys, happy adventures
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funny enough - as mentioned, going diving with the gas mask. these are actually Czech M10M gas masks. I was on a training course like 15 yrs ago. we got drunk after the first day of the course and there was a lake nearby. as you can imagine, we went diving in the masks. (and yea, not great for diving. the next day, we've had an OC exposure training, we very quickly found out it was not a good idea since the filters were destroyed by water exposure and basically useless. but still a fond memory with the mask and the boys though. stay safe guys, happy adventures
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alicet4339
This is exactly the kind of stuff UK 'woodland warriors' buy to feel tactical while camping 100 yards from their car. Great video, really shows the target audience for this kit: people who want the idea of survival without any of the reality. A gas mask for a night in the woods Classic. It's the perfect starter pack for a weekend warrior. The funniest part is thinking anyone with this gear would survive 48 hours, let alone a week, in an actual North American wilderness. It's gear for people who have no business being out there.
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This is exactly the kind of stuff UK 'woodland warriors' buy to feel tactical while camping 100 yards from their car. Great video, really shows the target audience for this kit: people who want the idea of survival without any of the reality. A gas mask for a night in the woods Classic. It's the perfect starter pack for a weekend warrior. The funniest part is thinking anyone with this gear would survive 48 hours, let alone a week, in an actual North American wilderness. It's gear for people who have no business being out there.
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robertferguson3023
The moment I saw the Highland Forces 45l Harrier Clamshell, I knew this was not the loadout for me Plenty of space in that pack, and hook-and-loop inside, but absolutely no rigidity, no load adjusters up top, and it's about a mile deep from front to back. Get some weight in and it's like hanging a bag of soup off your back. Interestingly enough, a quick look on Prepper's Shop just before I write this, and they're selling this kit in the Kombat UK 40l pack instead of the Highlander Forces 45l.
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The moment I saw the Highland Forces 45l Harrier Clamshell, I knew this was not the loadout for me Plenty of space in that pack, and hook-and-loop inside, but absolutely no rigidity, no load adjusters up top, and it's about a mile deep from front to back. Get some weight in and it's like hanging a bag of soup off your back. Interestingly enough, a quick look on Prepper's Shop just before I write this, and they're selling this kit in the Kombat UK 40l pack instead of the Highlander Forces 45l.
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ModelVroomVrooms
Honestly, that's not a bad kit. They could/should have done away with the gas mask and used the money saved from that for a better tarp, poncho, and a knife. The gas mask sells brand new for anywhere from $37US (27. 54 pounds) to as much as $60US (44. 66 pounds. So imagine what they could have added or improved by taking out the gas mask that really has very limited usage. At the very least, that company should make that an item that you can add to the kit as accessory for an extra charge.
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Honestly, that's not a bad kit. They could/should have done away with the gas mask and used the money saved from that for a better tarp, poncho, and a knife. The gas mask sells brand new for anywhere from $37US (27. 54 pounds) to as much as $60US (44. 66 pounds. So imagine what they could have added or improved by taking out the gas mask that really has very limited usage. At the very least, that company should make that an item that you can add to the kit as accessory for an extra charge.
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jamesellsworth9673
I'm not convinced. A full-tang, properly sharp sheath knife is a basic part of my survival strategy. I would choose Silky folding saws or the equivalent in quality. The provided saw cut. but did not seem very sharp. Almost-expired, highly processed food for two meals (for one person) is not that useful unless one were stranded overnight somewhere. The tarp is too short or too small to shelter a sleep system in stormy weather. It could work as a cover for a small brush shelter.
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I'm not convinced. A full-tang, properly sharp sheath knife is a basic part of my survival strategy. I would choose Silky folding saws or the equivalent in quality. The provided saw cut. but did not seem very sharp. Almost-expired, highly processed food for two meals (for one person) is not that useful unless one were stranded overnight somewhere. The tarp is too short or too small to shelter a sleep system in stormy weather. It could work as a cover for a small brush shelter.
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BuzzinsPetRock78
For those looking at buying the kit from the link: The contents of this kit seem to be whatever they can get hold of, so the items you see here are not necessarily what you would get.
Some of the differences are not for the better I think. The chainsaw isn't mentioned, but a wiresaw is and the bag (what I was looking for) seems to be a different model as well.
In fact, I don't think a single item shown here is actually shown on their website.
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For those looking at buying the kit from the link: The contents of this kit seem to be whatever they can get hold of, so the items you see here are not necessarily what you would get.
Some of the differences are not for the better I think. The chainsaw isn't mentioned, but a wiresaw is and the bag (what I was looking for) seems to be a different model as well.
In fact, I don't think a single item shown here is actually shown on their website.
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johndalzell904
I've seen a few survivalists evaluate these kits and none of them had knives. A knife is essential in a survival situation. When you find every retailer is doing something that makes no sense, it usually turns out to be some kind of safety regulation. I've noticed that supermarkets now require proof you're over 18 to buy kitchen knives, so you can't use the self checkout. My guess is some regulation like this is responsible.
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I've seen a few survivalists evaluate these kits and none of them had knives. A knife is essential in a survival situation. When you find every retailer is doing something that makes no sense, it usually turns out to be some kind of safety regulation. I've noticed that supermarkets now require proof you're over 18 to buy kitchen knives, so you can't use the self checkout. My guess is some regulation like this is responsible.
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richardhenry1969
That model mask won't seal properly with face hair. Same design us army used.
Just thought that might be helpful.
I will say my experience with them a thin beard will sometimes seal but a thick beard and they are useless.
Maybe there is a trick I don't know but you'll notice the army nolonger uses that design.
My service was through 93 the first golf and Somalia. Maybe the guys after have some advice.
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That model mask won't seal properly with face hair. Same design us army used.
Just thought that might be helpful.
I will say my experience with them a thin beard will sometimes seal but a thick beard and they are useless.
Maybe there is a trick I don't know but you'll notice the army nolonger uses that design.
My service was through 93 the first golf and Somalia. Maybe the guys after have some advice.
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gooby8953
The Czech M10 respirator uses LF-10M filters which may contain chromium, which is carcinogenic. Older filters begin to break down and release filter materials into your lungs as you are breathing. A 3m mask with appropriate filters will cover like 95% of use cases for preppers. If you really want a gas mask, you can get a surplus Czech OM-90 and buy new 40mm filters. Scott Promasks are another good choice.
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The Czech M10 respirator uses LF-10M filters which may contain chromium, which is carcinogenic. Older filters begin to break down and release filter materials into your lungs as you are breathing. A 3m mask with appropriate filters will cover like 95% of use cases for preppers. If you really want a gas mask, you can get a surplus Czech OM-90 and buy new 40mm filters. Scott Promasks are another good choice.
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EdAstonOwen
I’d be interested to see what your own DIY kit would look like, maybe covering what you’d include at different price points and for various scenarios. My friend in Barcelona told me that the local government has told them all to have a 72-hour emergency kit and I’ve been thinking of putting one together. Also, random question, but where did you get your jumper from I really like it!
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I’d be interested to see what your own DIY kit would look like, maybe covering what you’d include at different price points and for various scenarios. My friend in Barcelona told me that the local government has told them all to have a 72-hour emergency kit and I’ve been thinking of putting one together. Also, random question, but where did you get your jumper from I really like it!
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