What this episode covers
Contestants initial strategies are tested against the regions harsh, dry conditions, forcing quick adaptations to shelter and water-gathering plans. Early difficulties locating consistent food sources begin to separate the groups fortunes.
Season 12 started with 10 participants, 10 of whom have recorded day counts in our dataset. Nathan Olsen took the season at 34 days.
Episode breakdown
No documented departures in this episode.
Contestants still in the field after this episode: 10 of 10.
Who was out there
Nathan OlsenBuhl, ID, USA34 days · Winner
10 items: Cook pot, Canteen, Leatherman, Knife…
Kelsey LoperWinnett, MT, USA33 days · Tapped out
10 items: Fishing, Bow, Ferro rod, Pot…
Katie RydgeEmerald Beach, NSW, Australia28 days · Tapped out
10 items: Bow and Arrows, Fishing Line and Hooks, Leatherman, Silky Saw…
Baha MahmutovWharncliff, Ontario, Canada19 days · Tapped out
10 items: Tarp, Bank line, Pot, Soap…
Douglas S. MeyerKannapolis, NC, USA14 days · Tapped out
10 items: Blanket, Bivy Bag, Pot, Water Bottle…
Dug NorthNashua, NH, USA14 days · Tapped out
10 items: Pot, Canteen, Leatherman, Tarp…
Pablo ArguellesJacksonville, FL, USA5 days · Tapped out
10 items: Bow and Arrows, Shovel, Saw, 2 qt Pot…
Will LambLeakey, TX, USA5 days · Medical pull
10 items: Tarp, Machete, Pot, Multitool…
Colton GilmanRed Lodge, MT, USA4 days · Tapped out
10 items: Bow and Arrows, Ferro Rod, Pot, Fishing Gear…
Jit PatelAnakiwa, New Zealand4 days · Tapped out
10 items: Bow and Arrows, Fishing Gear, Pot, Ferro Rod…
Keep going
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The gear behind what you just read
Ranked lists for the exact categories that decide a season.
- Best Fixed-Blade KnivesFull-tang and stick-tang blades that earn their place around a working camp.See the ranking
- Top 10 Bushcraft & Camping AxesFrom belt hatchets to full felling axes — the working range for camp and shelter craft.See the ranking
- Top 10 Tents & Tarps for CampingShelters from bombproof mountain tents to traditional canvas wall tents.See the ranking
- Top 10 Three-Season Sleeping BagsDown and synthetic bags that cover the honest 20°F–40°F working range.See the ranking
- Top 10 Merino Wool Base LayersNext-to-skin wool that works in real cold, real heat, and days between washes.See the ranking
- Top 10 Winter JacketsDown parkas, synthetic belay pieces, and heavy wool coats for real cold.See the ranking