A group of people are given the task of surviving in the wilderness for an extended period a 40-day challenge, nineteen more days than the original series' 21-day challenge. The XL title plays as a visual pun for the title, as it also represents the Roman numeral for 40. Each survivalist is only allowed to bring one or two helpful items of his or her choosing. They are not given any other items, clothing, food, or water. The camera crews are not allowed to intervene unless a medical emergency.