Alternate Gear: Redundancy Without Complexity
Alternate Gear: When Primary Isn’t Available
What Alternate Means
Alternate gear exists to cover single-point failure in your Primary layer.
It is not about carrying more gear —
it is about ensuring one failure does not end the plan.
Alternate gear duplicates function, not comfort.
If Primary is what you trust first, Alternate is what keeps you operational when that trust is interrupted.
One failure should not end the plan.
Affiliate disclosure: If you buy through links on this page, P.A.C.E. Outdoor may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When Alternate Gear Matters
Alternate gear becomes relevant when:
- Primary gear fails
- Primary gear is lost
- Primary gear becomes inaccessible
This applies to:
- Backpacking or hiking
- Camping or overlanding
- Hunting
- Daily life / EDC
- Natural disasters
- Man-made disruptions
Alternate gear assumes the situation is still manageable.
Core Survival Needs (Alternate)
Shelter
Alternate shelter provides backup protection if Primary shelter fails.
Examples include:
- Emergency bivy
- Spare insulation layer
- Weather shell stored separately from Primary clothing
Failure looks like:
- Exposure due to clothing damage or loss
- Inability to rest or recover
Alternate shelter should:
- Be compact
- Be deployable under stress
- Not replace Primary shelter — only back it up
Example / Recommendation (Alternate Shelter):
→ View Alternate Shelter Options
Water
Alternate water supports continued hydration if Primary water is compromised.
Examples include:
- Backup bottle
- Collapsible container
- Chemical purification tablets
Failure looks like:
- Inability to safely drink available water
Alternate water is about resilience, not volume.
Example / Recommendation (Alternate Water):
→ View Alternate Water Options
Fire / Warmth
Alternate fire and warmth exist to cover:
- Lost lighter
- Wet conditions
- Extended exposure
Examples include:
- Backup lighter
- Fire steel
- Secondary insulation layer
Alternate fire should:
- Function independently of Primary
- Work in adverse conditions
Example / Recommendation (Alternate Fire / Warmth):
→ View Alternate Fire & Warmth Options
Food
Alternate food supports:
- Unexpected delays
- Increased energy demands
- Missed meals
Examples include:
- Compact calorie-dense food
- Simple, ready-to-eat options
Failure looks like:
- Fatigue
- Poor decision-making
Alternate food is insurance, not comfort.
Example / Recommendation (Alternate Food):
→ View Alternate Food Options
Supporting Systems (Alternate)
Medical
Alternate medical covers:
- Expanded first-aid capability
- Situations where Primary medical is exhausted or inaccessible
Examples include:
- Secondary first-aid kit
- Items stored in a different location than Primary
Alternate medical assumes:
- You may need to manage injuries longer
Example / Recommendation (Alternate Medical):
→ View Alternate Medical Kit Options
Lighting
Alternate lighting exists in case:
- Primary light fails
- Batteries die
- Visibility becomes critical
Examples include:
- Small backup flashlight
- Secondary headlamp
Alternate lighting should:
- Be simple
- Be reliable
- Be stored separately from Primary
Example / Recommendation (Alternate Lighting):
→ View Alternate Lighting Options
Tools
Alternate tools cover:
- Loss or breakage of Primary tools
- Tasks Primary tools cannot handle
Examples include:
- Secondary blade
- Simpler cutting tool
- Repair-focused tools
Alternate tools emphasize function over versatility.
Example / Recommendation (Alternate Tools):
→ View Alternate Tool Options
Carry System
Alternate carry ensures:
- Gear is not all in one place
- Loss of a single bag doesn’t end the plan
Examples include:
- Secondary pouch
- Pocket carry
- Vehicle-staged gear
Alternate carry distributes risk.
Example / Recommendation (Alternate Carry):
→ View Alternate Carry Options
Redundancy vs Adaptation (Alternate)
At the Alternate level:
- Redundancy is intentional
- Complexity is avoided
Ask yourself:
- Does this duplicate function or just add weight?
- Can this work if Primary is completely gone?
- Is it stored separately?
Alternate gear exists to buy time, not solve every problem.
What to Look For in Alternate Gear
Alternate gear should be:
- Independent of Primary
- Simple to use
- Compact
- Reliable
- Low maintenance
If it requires frequent setup or training, it may not belong here.
The Alternate Rule
One failure should not end the plan.
Examples and Recommendations
Scenarios (examples)
- Day hike / EDC: prioritize low bulk, fast access, and items you’ll actually carry daily.
- Backpacking (1–3 nights): prioritize weight, reliability, and multi-use gear.
- Hunting: prioritize quiet gear, hands-free light, navigation redundancy, and field care.
What to look for (buying criteria)
Use this quick filter before you buy:
1) Reliability: works in cold/wet/dirt; proven design; simple operation.
2) Carry reality: if it’s bulky, you won’t carry it—size and weight win.
3) Power plan: batteries/charging are part of the system (spares + storage).
4) Maintenance: can you clean/fix it in the field (or at home) quickly?
5) Redundancy: where failure is dangerous, have a backup or alternate method.
6) Compatibility: fits your pack, clothing system, and how you actually move.
Recommended Alternate Categories (examples)
- Backup light (mini headlamp/clip light)
- Backup fire (secondary ignition method)
- Backup water treatment (tabs or compact filter)
- Secondary cutting tool (compact)
- Backup power (small power bank)
- Spare batteries (sealed storage)
- Backup nav (printed map/compass basics)
Alternate “what to look for” (tight criteria)
- Small + separate: lives in a different pocket/kit than your primary.
- Different failure mode: alternate method (e.g., tabs vs. filter) beats a second copy.
- Fast deployment: usable with cold hands, stress, or low light.