Sam Larson

Before the island.

Sam had pursued wilderness living since childhood. At 14 he sold belongings to fund a Canadian canoe expedition, then studied bushcraft in Maine and travelled with minimal equipment. His wife was expecting their first child when he left for the island.

What happened in Season 1.

The youngest member of the original cast lasted 55 days. Lack of food and sleep, severe weather and the desire to return to his pregnant wife accumulated into a decision to leave. His long stay was as much a psychological journey as a technical exercise.

After the cameras.

Ten selected items.

The official first-season list. Clothing, cameras and production-issued safety equipment are separate. Models are not added where the original list does not identify them.

Photographs & shelter.

Links worth following.

Original destinations, not rehosted interviews. Publication dates are separated from our check date. External sites and video recommendations can go beyond Season 1.