Bears Gear: Bears Bracelet

Bears Gear: Bears Bracelet

INFO: Although Bear doesn't advertise this on any episode of his show, I receive quite a few requests about his survival bracelet. These are common with soldiers, rangers, or just survival types. The "bracelet" is actually 3 pieces of woven paracord with a total length of 20 feet(!). 
It can be a lifesaver in a pinch for many reasons and as a bracelet it's extremely convent with little weight. These bracelets are available for sale at here at Amazon.com or at Survival Straps. Or, if you would rather make it yourself, there is a great tutorial here at instructables.


Via Survival Straps: Regular Survival Bracelets are made with up to 16' of 550# military spec paracord. They contain approximately 1.75' of paracord for every inch (wrist size) ordered. In an emergency situation, you can unravel the bracelet and deploy the paracord for use. If you do use your Survival Bracelet, simply send what is left back to us, along with your harrowing story of survival, and we will make you a new one, free of charge (shipping charges will apply).  
Check out our "In the Wild" page to see pictures and stories about how some of our customers are using their SurvivalStraps.
Whether you are hiking in the woods, stranded on an island, at the range, climbing a mountain, or running errands around town, you will always have several feet of 550 lb. test paracord with you at all times. 
Oh yeah, they also look incredible! And since they come in over 1,000 different color combinations, you shouldn't have a problem finding something you like! Our Survival Bracelets come with either a tough plastic side release buckle or a marine grade stainless steel shackle for attachment purposes. It's your choice.
 If you are looking for a very unique, stylish, and functional piece of gear, that is great for everyday wear, this one is for you. We look forward to making you one.

Bears Gear: Bears Socks

On several episodes we see Bears socks. No big surprise he choses one of the best brands around, SmartWool. SmartWool socks are made of Merino Wool, which is an amazing insulator, wicks moisture away, does not itch or smell, and can be dried on high heat without shrinking.

Bear typically wears Smartwool "Expedition Trekking" socks.

Available to buy at Amazon.com

Info via REI:

These thick, natural wool socks provide extra dense cushioning for warmth and comfort in cool weather.

• High-density knit sole and instep guard against abrasion, shock, lace pressure and blisters
• Made of 77% super-soft Merino wool for no-itch comfort and warmth, 22% nylon for durability and 1% spandex for dependable stretch
• Merino wool naturally wicks moisture for dry comfort

Bears Gear: Bears Dry Sack / Stuff Sack

In the Oregon Episode (Season 5, Episode 8), Bear is working his way down to a river, and decided he needs a durable dry sack to make it across. The Bag he chooses is an Ortlieb X-Plorer in Red.

These bags are definitely tuff, and come in Red or Blue, Medium or Large. Unfortunately they are not stocked at many shops that carry Ortlieb in the U.S.. However, it is possible to special order them in person at any REI store or purchase directly from Ortlieb Here.

Info via Ortlieb: X-Plorer, available in two sizes, is a good combination between a drybag and a rucksack. The reliable roll closure makes it ideal for activities such as motorcycling, climbing and canoeing, caving, and many other outdoor activities. The anatomically formed padded shoulder straps with sternum strap and reflective stripes ensure a proper and comfortable fit. If you don’t need it, no problem: in contrast to conventional backpacks you simply roll it up and stow it away. It weighs next to nothing and takes up less space than an empty rucksack with carrying system. D-rings at the closure, the handle and bottom loop can be used for fixing, closing or attaching to a karabiner. Mounting of waterproof outer pockets possible.

Bears Gear: Bears Shoes

In almost every Season, Bear is wearing his favorite shoes, Bear Grylls Shoes - Merrell's "Chameleon Slap". Unfortunately for those of us outside the UK these are not available. However there is a close match available in the U.S. known as the "Chameleon Evo GTX".

Available to buy at Amazon.com

Info via Amazon: Our classic Chameleon, highly evolved. Now with lower, sleeker profile but still with hiking heritage and designed to go the distance, change the pace or site-and do it no matter how bad the weather, thanks to a lightweight GORE-TEX XCR® gasket construction and XCR® fabric lining with anti-microbial treatment. Stabilty features abound, from heel counter to lace-securing strut and foot-centering In-Board™ construction. GORE-TEX XCR® Gasket Construction Waterproof Suede Leather Upper GORE-TEX XCR® Fabric Lining Treated with Aegis™ Antimicrobial Technology Breathable Enduro Mesh Panels Breathable Padded Tongue Injection Molded TPU Counter Injection Molded TPU Instep Stability Arm Protective Molded Rubber Rand Protective Molded Rubber Toe Bumper 4.5mm Ortholite® Anatomical Footbed Nylon 6.6 Injection Molded Arch Shank Exposed/In-Board™ Compression Molded EVA Footframe with Grade 2 Tapered Nylon Insole molded to Bottom Merrell Air Cushion Midsole 4mm Sole Lug Depth Vibram® Chameleon Speed Sole/TC5+ Rubber Men's Weight: 2 lbs.

Bears Gear: Bears Flint / Fire Steel

Throughout Man vs Wild, Bear Grylls rarely leaves without his "flint". This is actually what is also known as a "Fire Steel". The Specific model Bear prefers is the "Swedish Firesteel - Army Model" made by "Light my Fire".

Available to buy at Amazon.com

Info via Amazon: Originally developed for the Swedish Department of Defense, Swedish FireSteel is a flash of genius. Its 3,000°C spark makes fire building easy in any weather, at any altitude. Used by a number of armies around the world, Swedish FireSteel's dependability has already made it a favorite of survival experts, hunters, fishermen and campers. It has also found its way into cabins and backyards as a fool-proof way to light stoves and gas-barbecues.

Also Known As a Swedish Fire Steel

Season 1, Episode 8: Desert Island

Season 1 Episode 9: Deserted Island

Grylls is kicked out by helicopter into the water near a deserted island in the Pacific Ocean. He demonstrates long distance swimming, shelter building and coconut harvesting. Grylls builds a bamboo raft to look for ships, and is surrounded by tiger sharks. He fishes off his raft using a fish bone hook, and shows how to signal a ship using the reflection produced by his polished knife.

Bear's Knife: Titanium Pro Dive Knife

Info: In this episode, Bear makes very well use of his knife. He uses a diver's knife to survive in the deserted island in the Pacific. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Boots: Merrell Chameleon Hex

Info: Bear wears a pair of hiking boots from Merrell to tread the sandy shores of the deserted island. The shoes are made from synthetic leather and mesh for the body and rubber for the soles. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Watch: Breitling Men's Watch A73322

Info: Bear keeps up with his style as he uses this fancy men's chronograph watch from Breitling. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Shirt: Light Blue Dress Shirt

Info: Bear wears a light blue shirt to keep cool and to still protect his skin from harmful rays of the sun. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Pants: Khaki Cargo Pants

Info: In this episode, Bear doesn't bring much, but he uses a multi-pocketed pair of trousers to carry his minimal essential items. Avalable here at Amazon.com

Season 1, Episode 3: French Alps

Season 1 Episode 8: European Alps

Grylls parachutes into the French Alps with a knife, a canteen, a cup and flint, taking the parachute with him. He demonstrates how to survive falling into a frozen lake, how to build a snow shelter, and how to use a self arresting device to stop from plummeting into a crevasse. He also eats maggots and uses them to catch a trout. He performs a Tyrolean traverse and makes himself a pair of snow shoes out of young trees and parachute lines.

Bear's Knife: Wenger Serrated Mountaineer Swiss Army Pocket Knife

Info: In this episode, bear's greatest tool and bestfriend is his knife. He puts this pocket knife to good use. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Jacket: The NorthFace Summit Series Jacket

Info: In the freezing cold, icy terrain of the French Alps, Bear wears this winter jacket from The NorthFace as his protective gear. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Boots: Merrell Men's Norsehund Alpha Waterproof

Info: It would be impossible to walk snow-filled landscapes without the proper hiking boots, so Bear uses these water proof boots from Merrell. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Backpack: BackCountry Stash

Info: Bear carries his few bare necessities in this rucksack from BackCountry. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Watch: Breitling Men's Watch A73322

Info: Bear wears this handsome time piece from Breitling to be able to keep track of time and day whilst at the European Alps. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Shirt: Light Blue Dress Shirt

Info: In this episode, Bear wears a light blue shirt underneath his jacket. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Pants: Basecamp Winter-lined Trousers

Info: A good pair of snow pants is definitely a must-wear when one is in a sub-zero temperature climate, Bear wears these winterlined pants. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Hat: Woolen Hat with Ear Flaps

Info: To be able to help maintain normal body temperature amid the extremely cold surroundings, Bear wears a woolen hat with flaps to cover his ears. Available here at Amazon.com