Age: 44

Hometown: Echo Bay, British Columbia, Canada

Profession: Wilderness Guide

Nikki van Schyndel has dedicated her life to naturalist studies, having now studied for over 18 years under the beast earth skills educators in the country. In the early 2000s, Nikki lived primitively on a deserted island in the Broughton Archipelago of British Columbia for nearly two years. There, she tested her skills and learned the truths of survival, all of which she detailed in her book Becoming Wild.

Not your stereotypical survivalist, Nikki has finally found the balance between ancient and modern life. She now lives off-the-grid on an island in the tiny, coastal community of Echo Bay, B.C. in an idyllic log cabin she built herself. She dreams of one day becoming a member of the Explorers Club.

Here are the ten items Nikki selected to bring on her survival journey to the Arctic:

1. Knife
2. Pot
3. Ax
4. Sleeping bag
5. Saw
6. Paracord
7. Bow and arrows
8. Fishing line and hooks
9. Ferro rod
10. Trapping wire