Bears Gear: Bears Backpacks: Season 1

Over the different seasons, Bear switches brands and models of backpacks often.  While he's now using his own "BearPac" line of backpacks by CragHopper (Pictures above, available in the UK only), he's used Northface, Osprey, CragHopper, Gregory, BackCountry and other brands before. This post lists all known backpacks or if they aren't manufactured any longer, their closest equivalent.  

Here are the backpacks used in Season 1:

Gregory Targhee:

BackCountry Stash BC:

Gregory z25:

BackCountry Stash:

Name the gear you'd like more info on.

I've done the best to identify everything bear grylls uses in each episode. But Bear is always on the move, and if you see something that's not addressed here you'd like identified, leave a comment and I'll get right on it. Thanks for reading this blog and best of luck surviving!

UPDATE:

Come checkout the New WildMan Forums! at http://www.wildmanforum.com!

We've tried hard to identify EVERYTHING that Bear uses. It's a bit hard to follow up with every post on here, so we thought we'd reach out to our awesome fans (over 500,000 visitors this YEAR! THANK YOU!) and tap into your passion to help everyone live a wilder, adventurous life.

Please stop by the forums for MUCH more of Bears gear ID info, posts for every episode and more! We plan to add more info, but if you see anything missing,feelf free to add to it, thanks and we'll see you there!

 Thanks again for reading this blog and best of luck surviving!!

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 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

Gear used by Bear Grylls in Season 1:

Here is a quick reference to the knives and jackets used by Bear in Season 1:

Man Vs Wild Season 1 (DVD at Amazon.com)
------------ Location ------ Knife ------------------- Jacket --------------
Episode 1: Moab Desert Buck Iceman The North Face Mountain Light Jacket (Red)
Episode 2: Costa Rica Titanium Pro Dive Knife No Jacket
Episode 3: French Alps Wenger Serrated Mountaineer The North Face Summit Series Jacket (Yellow)
Episode 4: Mount Kilauea Gerber Gator Serrater Arc'teryx Theta AR (Indigo)
Episode 5: Sierra Nevada No knife Polar Fleece
Episode 6: African Savannah Gerber Gator Serrater No Jacket
Episode 7: Alaska Buck Iceman Arc'teryx Theta AR (Indigo)
Episode 8: Pacific Island Titanium Pro Dive Knife No Jacket
Episode 9: Rocky Mountains No knife The North Face Summit Series Jacket (Yellow)

Bears Gear: Bear Grylls Watch

Bears Gear: Bear Grylls Watch

In Season 1, Bear Grylls wears a Breitling "Emergency" watch as his staple timepiece. A very handsome watch and available to anyone who is into watches with helpful features being a chronometer chronograph watch. This can be counted among a traveler's best friends.

Available to buy at Amazon.com

Info via Amazon: Breitling Mens Watch A73322 - Chronograph Feature - Battery Operated Quartz Chronometre Movement - 3 Year Warranty - Certificate of Authenticity - Brushed with Polished Steel Case & Bracelet - Scratch Resistant Glareproof Sapphire Crystal - Manufacturer Case Includes: Box, Manual, Screwdriver, Distress Transmitter & Batteries - 100 Meters / 330 Feet Water Resistant - 45mm = 1 3/4" Case, 7" Adjustable Bracelet - Deployment Buckle - Bi-Directional Rotating Bezel - Luminescent Hands & Markers - Screw Down Crown - Case Thickness Approximately 19mm

Also Known As Model # 829 / A73322 / 237

Season 1, Episode 1: Rockies / "Pilot"

Season 1 Episode 1: The Rockies (Pilot)

Bear Grylls gets dropped in the middle of the Canadian Rocky Mountains in British Columbia and must find his way back to civilization. On his way out, he must avoid the danger of Grizzly bears. jump 70 feet off into a river, and abseil down a cliff.

Bear's Jacket: The NorthFace Summit Series Jacket

Info: This is the first or countless survival adventures with Mr. Grylls and he decides to wear this mountain jacket from The NorthFace. The brand is known for top quality hiking and mountaineering gear. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Hoodie: Basic Grey Hoodie

Info: Bear tops his clothes up with extra insulation using a grey hoodie. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Boots: Merrell Chameleon Hex

Info: Bear wears a pair of hiking shoes made from a slick combination of mesh and synthetic leather, and with a rubber sole which allows full traction as well as comfort for multi-terrain walking. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Backpack: Gregory z25

Info: Bear packs his essentials in this 25-liter backpack from Gregory. It is highly durable made from 100% Nylon. It is also has a lot of extra interior and exterior pockets for better organization. Available here at Amazon.com

Bears Watch: Breitling Mens Watch A73322

Info: Bear flaunts his sense of style as he wears this designer chronograph watch from Breitling. It is a handsome timepiece, indeed. Available here at Amazon.com.

Bear's Pants: Denim Blue Jeans

Info: Bear wears denim jeans on his trek. Watch the full episode to see for yourself how he treads along the Rockies in this kind of gear. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Shirt: Tan T-shirt

Info: Bear's shirt is a basic tan colored t-shirt. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Flint: Light My Fire Original Swedish FireSteel Army 12,000 Strike Fire Starter

Info: One of Bear's best tools is his flint. He uses this Original Swedish FireSteel from Light My Fire. Available here at Amazon.com

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 7: Alaskan Mountain Range

Season 1 Episode 4: Alaskan Mountain Range

Grylls is dropped off into the Chugach Mountains in Alaska, with skis and his usual gear. He demonstrates Glissading as he traverses snow and glaciers, and climbs down a 200  ft (61 m) waterfall. He catches a salmon, which he eats raw, and finds a skiff from an abandoned lodge. The skiff sinks, but he reaches the shore and is spotted by a ship.

Bear's Knife: Buck Knives 837X Iceman

Info: Bear brings his knife to the snowy Alaskan Mountains as it is a definite vital tool for survival. It is made of 420 HC Steel and the handle is a mix of aluminum and rubber for better grip. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Jacket: Arc'teryx Theta AR

Info: To travel a snowy mountain range is no joke, so Bear wears this jacket for upper body insulation, designed to shed snow and rain and to seal out the cold. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Boots: Ski Boots

Info: In this episode, Bear uses a pair of skis and ski boots to traverse the mountain. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Backpack: BackCountry Stash

Info: Bear uses this heavy-duty backpack from BackCountry to carry his gear. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Skis: Head Skis

Info: Bear uses competition quality Skis from Head. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Gloves: Black Diamond Gore Tex Ski Gloves

Info: To protect his hands from frostbite and friction, Bear wears a pair of ski gloves from Black Diamond. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Watch: Breitling A73322

Info: His watch is an essential part of his overall get-up. Bear wears this designer time piece from Breitling. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Shirt: Long-sleeved Shirt

Info: Bear wears a grey long-sleeved shirt on this snow-painted trek. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Pants: Basecamp Winterlined Trousers

Info: For extra protection from snow and snowy winds, Bear wears high-insulation trousers from Basecamp. Available here at Amazon.com

Season 1, Episode 6: African Savannah

Season 1 Episode 7: African Savannah

Grylls parachutes into Northern Kenya. He comes into close contact with lions, elephants, and rhinoceros, being careful not to get too close. Grylls demonstrates squeezing water from elephant dung and how to find people in Africa. Bear observes the deadly puff adder. In most areas, one follows a river downstream, but in Africa, people are found upstream.

Bear's Knife: Gerber Gator Folding Clip Point Serrated Edge Knife

Info: Among Bear's most trusty tools for survival is his knife. He brings this serrated knife from Gerber. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Boots: Merrell Chameleon Hex

Info: Bear treads the African terrain in hiking boots from Merrell. These are ultimate hiking shoes made from high-quality synthetic leather. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Watch: Breitling Men's Watch A73322

Info: Bear is very well dressed in this designer watch from Breitling. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Shirt: Dress Shirt

Info: Bear wears a dress shirt to remain cool and protected from harsh rays of the sun. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Pants: Cream Cargo Pants

Info: Bear wears a pair of cargo pants. It is lightweight and multi-pocketed. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Canteen: 58 Pattern British Issue Canteen with Crusader Cup

Info: To maintain hydration in the heat of the Savannah, Bear brings his canteen and crusader cup. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Flint: Light My Fire Swedish Army FireSteel

Info: Bear brings another trusty companion, his 12000-strike flint from Light My Fire. Indeed, a flint is a must-have for a survivor. Available here at Amazon.com

Season 1, Episode 5: Sierra Nevada

Season 1 Episode 6: Sierra Nevada

Grylls parachutes into the Sierra Nevadas, simulating the situation of the hundreds of hikers who become stranded there each year. Equipped with a knife and a canteen, Grylls travels through the alpine, woodland and chaparral areas of the mountains. He unsuccessfully tries to tame a wild horse, and eats a wild snake. Using techniques gleaned from the Mono Indians, he brushes his teeth with a manzanita leaf. Most of the ground he covers is traversed by river, using a raft held together by a grape vine.

Bear's Fleece: Polar Fleece

Info: Bear's main outerwear is this fleece jacket. It is lightweight and 100% polyester. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Boots: Merrell Chameleon Hex

Info: To tread the mountain range that is Sierra Nevada, Bear wears a combination of leather, mesh and rubber soles in the form of these boots from Merrell. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Watch: Breitling Men's Watch A73322

Info: Bear wears a luxurious watch from Breitling as his tool to keep up with the days on his hike. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Pants: Grey Cargo Pants

Info: Bear uses a grey cargo pants in this episodes. It has multiple pockets for Bear's small essential items. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Shirt: Grey Long-sleeved Shirt

Info: Bear wears a long-sleeved shirt. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Canteen: 58 Pattern British Issue Canteen with Crusader Cup

Info: Bear is armed with only minimal tools for survival and his canteen is one of them. Available here at Amazon.com

Bear's Flint: Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel

Info: In this episode, a tool that Bear brings with him is a flint from Light My Fire. Available here at Amazon.com