During televised adventures in the wild, the special forces officer turned TV personality has saved his hide by building a fire in a swamp, wrestling an alligator and consuming rhino beetles, larvae and even his own urine. All while viewers around the globe watch from the comfort of their homes. It's safe to say that Grylls isn't overly concerned about his appearance [source: Collins, Gunther].

Life in the great outdoors is no fashion show, but there is a natty little piece of jewelry out there that not only lets outdoorsmen make like Grylls, but could also save their lives. Crafted from 8 to 20 feet (2.4 to 6 meters) of woven paracord, the same nylon cord that's been used in parachutes since World War II, a survival bracelet is an essential item for any adventurer (or wannabe). It's proven useful in all kinds of situations in the wild, from marking a trail to fishing for dinner.