The spear has been used for hundreds of years to hunt down food and fight for survival.
In modern day, things are no different! A spear is an indispensable tool in any survival kit.
Whether you need the weapon for hunting, fishing, or self-defense purposes, adding a survival spear to your emergency arsenal will significantly improve your survival odds.
Choosing a survival spear might be a little overwhelming if you get one for the first time or need one for a specific task! But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best survival spears out there!
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
REAPR 11003 Survival Spear
Best Hunting Spear
Cold Steel 95BOASK Boar Spear
Best Fishing Spear
Spearfishing Hawaiian Sling Pole Spear
Best Overall
REAPR 11003 Survival Spear
The REAPR 11003 survival spear is one of the most popular survival spears on the market and for a good reason! It is a true multi-purpose survivalist tool that can be used for hunting, fishing, or self-defense if you ever find yourself in an emergency situation.
The REAPR 11003 is just under four feet long and has been designed with a double-edged stainless-steel blade for optimal and easy throwing. The grooved nylon-fiberglass shaft helps you keep a balanced grip on the survival spear as you wield it.
At its shorter length, you’ll be able to get maximum power transfer when throwing the spear in close quarters. Pierce, pry, and impale with this high-quality survivalist equipment!
Pros
- Compact design for optimal throwing and handling in close quarters
- Double-edged stainless steel blade
- Lightweight and accurate
Cons
- The edge of the spear may need to be sharpened upon arrival
Best Hunting Spear
Cold Steel 95BOASK Boar Spear
The 95BOASK Spear is the epitome of a classic hunting spear.
The spear is built with flexibility in mind, so the shaft will bend—not break—when under stress. The shaft itself is made of heavyweight American Ash and is just under six feet long.
The shaft’s length and weight—6.4 pounds—create more cutting power when hunting. This survival spear was specifically built to be able to slice through a boar shield.
Beyond the weight and length of the shaft, the spearhead is a whopping 18.5 inches! That’s plenty of cutting edge that can dig into your prey.
Between the spearhead and the shaft are two wings to stop the spear from piercing its prey too deeply or clean-through, which could break the weapon.
Cold forged from medium carbon steel and heat treated to a spring temper, this boar spear is our top pick for the best hunting spear!
Pros
- Includes sheath to protect the blade
- Extremely powerful for cutting into prey
- Long spearhead
Cons
- Slippery shaft; it is recommended to mount an added handle or grip
- The heavier shaft is not optimal for lightweight travel
Best Fishing Spear
Spearfishing Hawaiian Sling Pole Spear
Today’s catch is courtesy of the Spearfishing Hawaiian Sling Pole Spear!
This survival spear is constructed with a fiberglass shaft and a three-pronged barbed spear tip. The shaft folds in two, and the tip is removable for easy transport while heading to and from your fishing location or for quick access in an emergency.
Spear fishers love this product for its sturdiness and ease of use. This survival spear holds up well in the water and is unbreaking if you accidentally hit an underwater rock or piece of coral.
With this survival spear, you’ll be able to catch some delicious fish and crustaceans!
Pros
- Includes a black rubber sling and a transport bag
- Optimal for smaller fish and crustaceans
- Three-pronged tip for improved fishing outcomes
Cons
- Not built to be able to catch larger fish
- Construction optimized for present use, without longevity taken into consideration
Kaiyuan Dynasty Self-Defense Kubaton Keychain
A keychain weapon is definitely not what you might think of when you hear the words survival spear, but we’ll convince you they definitely deserve to be on this list—especially the Kaiyuan Dynasty Self-Defense Kubaton Keychain!
This Kaiyuan Kubaton is essentially a five-inch mini-spear for a tactical self-defense response in any situation. It is small enough to conceal or attach to your keychain yet strong enough to cause heavy damage if needed.
This Kaiyuan Kubaton is engineered with finger grooves for the best grip possible and is made from strong, but lightweight aluminum.
Pros
- Grooves for perfected grip
- Can be attached to other items, like a keychain
- Non-edged, pointed tip
Cons
- Blunt tool, not used to slice or cut
Cold Steel Samburu Spear
A traditional spear made for modern times.
This cold steel survival spear was inspired by a weapon used in the semi-nomadic Kenyan Samburu tribe. The tribe’s traditional spear was used for long-distance large game hunting and by the Samburu warriors to defend the tribe.
With this rich history in mind, the Cold Steel Samburu Spear was designed using traditional elements while adding a modern twist. At 7 feet long, that handle is made of hardwood, and the spearhead is carbon steel. Like its historic predecessor, this spear can be thrown long distances, fly completely straight, and penetrate a large game target deeply.
If you’re looking for a spear built on tradition and proven useful by years of history, this is your survival spear!
Pros
- Comes with a sheath to protect the blade
- Traditional look and feel
- Lightweight (2lbs 8oz) considering the length of the spear
Cons
- Length of spear not optimal for long-distance travel
- The tip of the spear is delicate
Survival Spear Buyers Guide
Buying any survival spear will vastly improve your overall survival kit, without a doubt. But buying the right survival spear for your needs will nearly ensure your preparedness for even the direst survival situation!
Ensure you get the right spear for your needs by following our survival spear buyer’s guide below!
What Will You Be Using the Survival Spear For?
One of the first things to consider when purchasing a survival spear is what you’ll be using your survival spear for. Hunting spears, for example, are vastly different than fishing spears. Weight, design, spear length, and many other factors will determine a survival spear’s function.
To get the most out of your survival spear experience, you want to choose a spear whose intended use aligns with the activities you’ll most likely be using it for!
So, think critically about what you need the spear for! Is it for one specific purpose? Or are you looking for something that’s multi-use?
For multi-use purposes, a less specialized spear like the REAPR 11003 would best suit your needs. Whereas, if you need the spear for a specific activity, like fishing—the Spearfishing Hawaiian Sling Pole Spear would be best!
What is Your Survival Spear Skill Level?
I wish we could all just pick up a survival spear and be able to wield it with extreme precision and power. But, to all our disappointment, that’s just not how it goes.
Throwing a spear accurately and with adequate power takes a lot of practice. If you’re new to using a spear, you may want to consider a lower-budget option that you can use for practice before investing in a bigger-budget spear.
Alternatively, if you’re wanting the opportunity to practice without risking damage to your survival spear of choice, buy two! Use one for practice and take the other on your adventures.
This way, you get used to using your specific survival spear, and then you’ll have a fresh one—without all the potential damage that comes from repeated practice—when you go hunting or fishing!
How Far Will You Be Traveling with the Survival Spear?
If you plan on taking your survival spear on the go, consider the distances you’ll travel.
Some survival spears—like the traditional Samburu Spear—are heavier than others, and if you’re planning on covering long distances on foot or in the water, a lighter spear will be better suited to your needs!
Consider the Survival Spear Laws of Your State
Spear hunting is illegal in most states. States that do allow spear hunting are Hawaii, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Alabama. However, even these states have specific rules and restrictions, so always be sure to check!
Spearfishing is more widely available and legal in the United States, but quite a few laws still restrict and govern this activity.
Always check federal, state, and local laws before embarking on spear hunting or fishing expedition.
Be Prepared For Any Scenario With Your Survival Spear
If you’re ever in an emergency scenario in the wilderness, having a spear will increase your odds of surviving immensely. With the right practice, survival spears can be used to hunt for food, fish for a meal, fend off predators, or defend yourself against an attacker!
This weapon is a key component of any survival strategy, and now you’re fully equipped to go out and get the best survival spear for your needs!
If you enjoyed our recommendations for the best survival spears on the market and are interested in more survival gear, check out our recommendations for the best neck knives for 2023!
A former park ranger and wildlife conservationist, Lisa’s passion for survival started with her deep connection to nature. Raised on a small farm in northern Wisconsin, she learned how to grow her own food, raise livestock, and live off the land. Lisa writes about homesteading, natural remedies, and survival strategies. Whether it’s canning vegetables or setting up a rainwater harvesting system, Lisa’s goal is to help others live more sustainably and prepare for the unexpected.