Wilderness Survival Companion · Offline survival reference and field tools
Wilderness Survival Companion is a survival reference and set of field tools for the North American backcountry. It works with no signal: every reference entry, calculator, and tool is built into the app.
Does the app need an internet connection?
No. All content and tools are bundled with the app, so everything works in airplane mode or with no signal. There is no account and no sign-in.
Where is my data stored?
Only on your device. Bookmarks, packing checklists, trip plans, saved waypoints and their photos, your check-in plan, and your display settings are saved locally so they persist between sessions. Nothing is sent to us or to anyone else. A trip plan leaves your device only if you choose to share it yourself. Deleting the app deletes all of this data.
Why does the app ask for my location?
Location is used by the compass and waypoint navigator, the daylight and sun-position estimators, the UV exposure estimator, and the check-in timer. It is optional. If you deny it, the rest of the app keeps working, and some tools let you enter latitude and longitude by hand. Your location is never transmitted off your device.
Why does the app ask for camera access?
The camera is used to attach a photo to a saved waypoint, and the flashlight is used by the SOS signal beacon. Camera access is optional; you can deny it and use everything else.
Where does the survival content come from?
Every reference entry and calculator traces to a published source, including U.S. Army Field Manual FM 21-76, the SAS Survival Handbook, NOLS, the CDC, the EPA, and the National Weather Service / NOAA. Medical content follows the MARCH ordering used in tactical and wilderness first aid, and does not include medication dosages.
Can I use the plant entries to decide what is safe to eat?
Not on the app alone. Each edible-plant entry lists its toxic lookalikes and how to tell them apart, but misidentifying a plant can be fatal. If you are not certain, do not eat it.
I found an error in an entry. How do I report it?
Please email support@martinapps.dev with the entry name and what looks wrong. Accuracy reports are treated as the highest priority.
How do I make the screen easier to read outdoors or at night?
Open Settings and choose one of the four display modes: High Noon for bright sunlight, Civil Twilight for everyday use, Deep Night for dark conditions, and Tactical Red to help preserve your night vision.
Who took the photos in the app?
Reference photos come from Wikimedia Commons and U.S. government sources. From version 1.8, each photo shows its author and licence, and the full source and licence details are under Settings → Photo Credits.
Does the app cost anything?
No. There are no in-app purchases, no ads, no analytics, and no third-party tracking.
Is the app affiliated with any government or rescue agency?
No. Wilderness Survival Companion is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any government, military, or search-and-rescue agency. Sources are cited for accuracy, not to imply endorsement.
For support inquiries, feedback, or to report an issue:
For privacy details, see our Privacy Policy. The app is available on the App Store.