No single filming site, each of the three head-to-head competitors in a given episode builds on their own home turf/terrain across the continental US (contestants' home regions include Georgia/Ohio/Virginia, Washington State, Arizona/Iowa, Oregon, Idaho, Florida/Idaho, and Indiana); the judge does not appear on-site.

Clay Hayes

Milton, Florida (later relocated near Lewiston, Idaho) · Alone: The Skills Challenge

Age on show: 40

How far did Clay get? (tap to reveal)

Finished 5th of 7

Placement: 5th

Photo: Photo via Montana Knife Company Field Team profile of Clay Hayes

Clay's gear list

Fully sourced selection. Photos marked “category example” show a typical product for that slot, not the exact unit carried. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Episode 3 'Smoke-Free, Bone-Dry Shelter' tools: multi-tool, paracord, saw blade
Episode 4 'Wilderness Oven' tools: machete, saw, canvas tarp
Episode 5 'Wilderness Watercraft' tools: saw, knife, bankline, plastic tarp
Episode 6 'Elevated Shelter with Food Storage' tools: knife, saw, paracord, canvas tarp
Episode 8 'Fishing Kit & Smoker' tools: paracord, antler tines, pocket-knife, axe head
Episode 12 'Pocket Survival': no tools provided (pockets-only survival challenge)
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How Clay's run went (reveals the result)

Winner of the original Alone Season 8 (Chilko Lake, British Columbia, 2021), surviving 74 days and the only Season 8 competitor to take a mule deer with a bow; a professional bowyer and hunter. Age 40 and hometown as recorded for that original season.

Why the run ended: Competed as a contestant in 6 of 12 episodes (Ep3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12), winning 1 of them (Ep5 'Wilderness Watercraft') and losing 5 (Ep3, Ep4, Ep6, Ep8, Ep12). Served as episode judge twice (Ep7, Ep10).

Compare with the rest of the Skills Challenge cast or see what every winner carried.