Once you’ve begun to stockpile survival gear, it can be hard to determine what you’re missing from your list. As a result, we’ve taken the time to create as much of a comprehensive list of all the different types of survival gear as possible.
Of course, every survivalist is different and has different needs. Thus, no two survival gear stockpiles or survival kits will look the same. Some will undoubtedly want to stay away from purchasing battery or electricity dependent gear, for instance, while others will want to go the hyper-minimalist route, only buying what they think they will really need (and perhaps be able to carry in a single backpack). Don’t feel pressured into extending your list of survival gear by buying something you don’t really think you’ll use. Instead, scan this list for items that you might have forgotten or think would really compliment your needs as a survivalist.
I’ve taken the time to organize the gear into different categories for your convenience: to make browsing much easier. Check out the list and tell us if there’s anything you think you should add to your own personal list of survival gear!
Also, please let us know in the comments if there are any pieces of survival gear we’ve missed and you think should be added to the list. I’m sure there are plenty of value items we’ve forgotten!
1. Survival Gear List of Tools
Most of the items on this list are must-have survival gear pieces. With the proper tools, you can typically make your own shelter in case you need to, or fix one that you already have. Good survival tools can also help you to gather wood for creating fire for heat and to cook with, which is why tools are the very first thing on our list.
Knives
- Pocket knife
(ex. Zero Tolerance ZT0350TS Folding Knife or
Benchmade Adamas Folding Knife)
*See list of best EDC knives / list of best bang for buck folders - Survival/bushcraft fixed blade knife
(ex. Mora Companion Heavy Duty Knife) - Survival/bushcraft machete
(ex. Ontario 6145 Military Machete)
Illumination
- Flashlight
(ex. Nitecore P12 Tactical Flashlight) - Lantern
- Emergency candles
(ex. 100 Hour Plus Emergency Candle)
Bags/Packs
- EDC bag
(ex. Condor EDC Bag) - Hiking backpack
(ex. 5.11 Rush 12 Back Pack) - Bug out bag
(ex. 5.11 Rush 72 Back Pack)
Other Survival Tools
- Axe
(ex. Fiskars 7857 Chopping Axe) - Saw
(ex. Bahco Laplander Folding Saw) - Knife sharpener
(ex. Spyderco Sharpmaker Tri-Angle Knife Sharpener or
Lansky Blademedic Pocket Knife Sharpener) - Scissors
- Nails
- Hammer
- Pliers
- Duct tape/Gorilla tape
- 550 strand paracord
*See guide to paracord - Multi-tool
(ex. Leatherman Wave Multi Tool) - Crowbar/fubar
(ex. Stanley FatMax Xtreme 55-120 FuBar III) - Plastic tubing
- List of survival tools coming*
2. Survival Gear List for Firecraft
The ability to make fire is exceptionally important in survival situations. Although you don’t need everything mentioned in the list below in order to make a fire, it might be handy to have a small variety of options as back ups, in case a lighter runs out of propane, for instance.
Please note how difficult it can be making a fire through traditional survival & bushcraft techniques like rubbing sticks together. While I wholeheartedly recommend you practice and aim to perfect these no-gear-needed fire-making skills, I also recommend you not depend solely on your ability to make a fire in this way if it’s at all possible. At least do your best to carry a fire steel on you as a backup, especially considering how hard it can be to light a fire in wet/humid conditions.
Fire Making
- Lighter + Lighter fluid
(ex. Windmill Delta Stormproof Lighter) - Fire starter/firesteel
(ex. Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel with Emergency Whistle) - Waterproof matches
(ex. UCO Stormproof Matches, Waterproof and Windproof) - Magnifying glass
- Tinder
(ex. UST Wet Fire Tinder)
Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Knife with Sheath – Amazon
3. Survival Gear List for Hydration
Whether you’re preparing for the zombie apocalypse or you’re an urban prepper preparing for an emergency, you’re going to need ways to collect and purify water. The survival gear below, therefore, will likely be stockpiled by all types of survivalists and preppers alike.
Water Collection & Storage
- Water collection tank
- Water bottle
(ex. Klean Kanteen Wide Mouth Water Bottle) - Canteen
- Water bag
(ex. Camelbak Thermobak 100oz) - Non-lubricated condoms
Water Purification
- Bleach
- Water filter
(ex. Lifestraw Personal Water Filter or
Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System) - Water purification tablets
(ex. Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets)
4. Survival Gear List for Thermoregulation
You’re much less likely to need the heat generation survival gear if you live in a desert state or a place that typically does not get cooler weather. That being said, this type of gear can still be helpful in case of climate change or especially cold nights.
If you’re in a cold climate and are doing your best to prepare for power outages that may happen in the winter, take a read through our guide to staying warm indoors during a power outage when it’s freezing cold outside.
Heat Generation
- Mylar/space emergency thermal blanket
(ex. ER Emergency Ready Thermal Mylar Blankets) - Sleeping bag
(ex. Coleman North Rim 0 Degree Sleeping Bag) - Butane/propane heater
(ex. Mr. Heater Portable Buddy Propane Heater) - *See list of winter emergency supplies
Water Protection
- Rain jacket
(ex. Dickies Men’s Fleece Lined Hooded Jacket) - Rubber rain boots
- Poncho
(ex. Frogg Toggs Men’s Ultra-Lite Ponchos)
Crosman Phantom .177 Caliber Break Barrel Air Rifle – Amazon
5. Survival Gear List for Nourishment
Planning out what to eat after an emergency situation arises is one of the first things survivalists and preppers typically do. Although stockpiling food is an excellent idea, it’s also great to have a plan for what happens if the emergency situation extends longer than a stockpile will last. Fishing and hunting outdoor gear, in this situation, will prove very valuable.
Of course, when you’re planning out what you’re going to eat after a SHTF situation takes place, you should also be planning out how to cook that food as well. No good having canned goods if you haven’t thought of a way to get those cans opened without spilling their contents.
Hunting
- Binoculars
(ex. Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism Binocular) - Slingshot
(ex. Barnett Outdoors Cobra Slingshot with Stabilizer and Brace) - B.B./pellet gun + pellets
(ex. Crosman Phantom .177 Caliber Air Rifle) - .22 LR rifle + ammo *(if legally permissible)
- Snare wire
- Crossbow
Fishing
- Fishing rod
(ex. Okuma Tundra Surf Spinning Combo) - Fishing line
- Fishing lures
Gathering
- Bags
- Baskets
Gardening Aids
- Seeds
- Trowel
- Gardening knife
(ex. Sun Joe SHori-Hori Garden Landscaping Digging Tool) - Pruning shears
(ex. Fiskars Traditional Bypass Pruning Shears) - Shovel
- Rake
Survival Food & Consumables to Stockpile
- MREs & Dehydrated Foods
(ex. Genuine U.S. Military Surplus MRE or
Valley Food Storage Mango Habenaro Chili) - Rice
- Salt
- Hard candy
- Energy bars
- Canned food
- Wine & liquors
- *See list of best non-perishable survival foods
Cooking & Eating
- Can opener
(ex. Swing-A-Way Can Opener or
P-38 & P-51 Can Openers) - Cast iron pan
- Tin can
- Aluminum foil
- Stainless steel cooking pot/cup
- Portable wood burning stove
(ex. Solo Stove Ultra Lightweight Wood Burning Backpacking Stove) - Butane/propane camping stove + Butane/propane
(ex. GoHiking Lightweight Burner Classic Camping and Backpacking Canisters) - Butane/propane portable stove + Butane/propane
(ex. Smart Chef Deluxe Butane Burner Stove) - Cooking/eating utensils: forks, spoons, knives, chopsticks
6. Survival Gear List for Shelter
As mentioned before, you can technically build your own shelter if you have the proper survival gear tools at hand. That being said, it’s always nice to get an upper hand on shelter, as it will also help you stay warm and dry in case of an emergency or survival situation.
Shelter
- Tent
(ex. Coleman Red Canyon Dome Tent) - Tarp
(ex. Texsport Reinforced Rip-Stop Polyethylene Tarp) - Bivy sack
- Survival hammock
(ex. ProForce Jungle Hammock with Mosquito Net)
7. Survival Gear List for Medicine & First Aid Supplies
Prepper gear should also include at least basic first aid supplies and medicine. Though the medicine you can stockpile could never be enough to remedy each and every situation, having a basic first aid kit and some standard medicine will typically get you through a great deal of difficult situations.
Medicine
- Advil
- Aspirin
- Imodium
Find out why Imodium is useful for survival. - Antihistamines
- Tylenol Cold & Flu
- Benzocaine gel (for toothaches)
- Specialized medicine
- Topical Supplies
- *See full list of medicine & first aid supplies to stockpile
First Aid
- Sewing kit
- Rescue shears
(ex. Prestige Medical Fluoride Scissor) - Quik Clot
(ex. QuickClot Sport Advanced Clotting Sponge) - Splints
- Tourniquet
(ex. C-A-T Combat Application Tourniquet) - Wound dressing
(ex. DuoDERM Extra Thin CGF Dressing) - Iodine
- 50% alcohol solution
- *See full list of medicine & first aid supplies to stockpile
Fenix LD20 180 Lumen LED Flashlight – Amazon
8. Survival Gear List for Rescue
If you’re planning on getting rescued, or if you’re at all interested in navigation, communication, or really any way of knowing what’s happening in the outside world after the shit hits the fan, you might be interested in adding a few of the survival gear items below to your stockpile. Though not every survivalist/prepper will be interested in staying connected if the SHTF, if this is important to you, make sure you have a way to do it!
Navigation
- Compass
(ex. Suunto A-10 Field Compass) - GPS
(ex. Garmin eTrex 20 Worldwide Handheld GPS Navigator) - Maps
Communication & Rescue
- Cell phone
- Walkie talkie
(ex. Motorola MH230R 23-Mile Range Two-Way Radio)
- Satellite phone
- HAM, CB, or shortwave radio
(ex. BaoFeng UV-5R+ Dual-Band Ham Two-Way Radio) - Windup or AA-battery radio
(ex. Ambient Weather Emergency Solar Hand Crank Radio, Flashlight, Cell Phone Charger) - Signaling mirror
(ex. Ultimate Survival Technologies StarFlash Signal Mirror) - Flares
- Whistle
(ex. Fox 40 Sonik Blast CMG Whistle) - Personal locator beacon (PLB)
9. Survival Gear List of Clothing & Apparel
There’s a wide variety of clothing that would be helpful in emergency and survival situations. On top of your day-to-day clothing, you may want to be sure to include at least a few of the items below in your clothing/apparel prepper gear stockpile. Especially, of course, if you’re worried about long term survival.
Clothing & Apparel
- Wool socks
(ex. Wigwam Unisex Merino Wool Comfort Hiker Sock) - Shemagh
(ex. ProForce Shemagh) - Bandanas
- Jacket
- Tactical boots
(ex. Bates Ultra-Lites Tactical Sport Work Boot) - Hiking boots
- Sunglasses
(ex. 5.11 Unisex Tactical Burner FF Polarized Sunglasses) - List of clothing & apparel to stockpile coming*
10. Survival Gear List of Power & Electricity
Some survivalists will, no doubt, want to stay as far away from these items as possible, as most of them will over time become useless in a state of complete apocalyptic devastation. That being said, for short-term prepping emergencies, at the very least, these items are likely to come in quite handy, especially in our power/electricity driven world of today.
Power Back-Up
- Rechargeable batteries
(ex. AmazonBasics AA High-Capacity Rechargeable Batteries) - Battery solar charger
- USB solar charger
(ex. Opteka BP-SC4000 Ultra Thin Solar Powered High-Capacity Charger) - Energy bank
(ex. Anker Astro E4 Dual USB Portable Charger External Battery Power Bank) - Car phone charger
- Butane/propane tanks
- Electricity generator
Spyderco Endura 4 FFG Folding Plain Edge Knife – Amazon
11. Survival Gear List for Car Emergency
In case you don’t have a car or vehicle, or don’t plan on using one in a survival or emergency situation, you can completely ignore this section of the list. If a vehicle is in your emergency preparedness plan, however, you’ll want to make sure you’ll have these items at the very least.
Vehicle
- Jumper cables
(ex. AAA 4326AAA Heavy Duty 16′ 6 Gauge Booster Cable) - Cable ties
(ex. Pro Tie B8SD100 8-Inch Standard Duty Cable Ties) - Oil
- Gasoline
- Spare tire
- Tire repair kit
(ex. Slime 70004 Power Spair 48 Piece Tire Repair Kit)
12. Survival Gear List for Security
In survival and SHTF situations, you’ll want to make sure to defend yourself and your family against both other people and animals. There are a variety of ways which you can do this, although of course some work better than others. Certainly look into attaining a firearm if this is legally permissible in your locality, and if you ever consider you may like to have it as a backup option. If you are interested in firearms, make sure to learn about them and train with them prior to an emergency situation. You can’t expect to be good with a firearm your first time shooting.
Self-Defense Weapons
- Bear spray
(ex. Sabre Frontiersman Bear Attack Deterrent) - Pepper spray *(if legally permissible)
(ex. Sabre Red Police Strength Pepper Spray) - Tactical flashlight
(ex. Fenix PD35 850 Lumen LED Tactical Flashlight) - Firearm + ammo *(if legally permissible)
13. Survival Gear List for Important Documents & Finances
Whether or not you plan on bugging out in an emergency SHTF or survival situation, you definitely want to have your important documents and some healthy finances on your side. Tradeable goods are also extremely helpful post-SHTF, which is why they’re on this list. It may be more beneficial to stockpile urban survival gear that will actually be of use to you and those around you in a post-SHTF situation, but in case there’s something you forgot or ran out of, tradeable goods are definitely an asset.
Important Documents
- Personal identification papers
- Passports
Finances
- Extra money
- Credit cards
Barter Items/Tradeable Goods
- Gold
- Silver
- Cigarettes
- Toilet paper
- Alcohol
*See list of best alcohol to stockpile - List of barter items/tradeable goods coming*
14. Survival Gear List for Educational Resources
The educational items on this list are of course not a must-have, but they’re great to have on you in case you need some help and aren’t quite sure what to do.
Stock a Kindle e-book reader, tablet, or Chromebook full of useful survival books and resources and you’ll have a hell of a lot easier time if there’s something you haven’t let learned how to do or need to do for the very first time.
If you’re a prepper, first aid books are a must-have, and general survival books are a very good idea. If you’re concentrating on wilderness survival, it would be beneficial to keep a few good foraging and plant biology books on you, ones that will let you know what’s edible in your region and what’s not: because you definitely don’t want to be nibbling on poison plants you thought were fine to eat in a survival/SHTF situation.
Electronics
- Kindle
- Tablet
- Chromebook
(ex. HP Chromebook 11)
Survival Books
Looking for Budget & Discount Survival Gear?
If you’re interested in grabbing some inexpensive survival gear from outdoor retailers like Cabella’s, REI, and Patagonia, take a look at our massive list of knife & outdoor retailers’ sale, deal, & clearance pages! All the best outdoor gear discount pages to visit linked to on one page.
There’s also plenty of cheap, yet high quality survival gear that’s a great price whether or not it’s on sale. If you’re interested, take a look at what we think the best bang-for-buck survival gear products are at the $5, $10, $15, $20, & $25 price points.
Any Gear We’ve Missed?
Let us know if we’ve missed anything that should be on this comprehensive list by leaving a comment down below!
Good article but it’s missing survival hygiene products on the list. I can recommend shower-in-a-bag kits, soap bars, shampoo bars (yes they exist) and dental floss (useful for many things). I would not recommend deodorant with fragrance since it can scare away animals, and make it difficult for you to hide from attackers. Also another good trick I have is to carry handkerchief sized towels instead of bigger towels for purposes of drying yourself, because it saves space and if the towel gets too wet, just squeeze out the water and continue :) hope this helps
Whew, the list AND comments is extensive. I’d add Entertainment next to Electronics. Lightweight and small boardgames such as checkers, dominoes, the old fashioned pick-up-sticks or jinga could be used during powe outtages or when one uses up all the batteries, and crayons (multiuses).
Good suggestions Lucy, gotta keep your brain active even in a prolonged crisis!
Hello! I would just like to add that I think that radiation pills, or Potassium Iodide pills, should be included on the list for prepping, and planning, just in case we go into a nuclear war. It may not help in the denser areas of radiation, but as its spreading throughout the country, it will prevent the heaviest symptoms.
Thanks for this! When I update the list will do my best to remember to add it.
That is really amazing list to choose from. I wouldn’t have thought of few items in my list untill I went through this post. I will always give most priority to knives and fire starters. As i think these can the most important tools with help of which you can make it out of the worst situation , If You don’t have access to other tools.
Rest depends on the person. Some even can’t survive in their 3 BHK fully furnished flats with all smart facilities.
I enjoyed your article, made me consider a few things I hadn’t thought of. I know we live in different countries but #12 should be #1. The human race is ugly…period. I’ve seen it in Hurricane Katrina, Mt. Penetubo eruption and 27 months in combat in the middle east…You need weapons and a solid team of like minded people, otherwise your whole list of goodies gets taken away and you get killed or worse. In England…my first priority would be “borrowing” some real weapons from your military/police people, whether they like it or not…..here is the U.S. I already have that base well covered. In SHTF remember the “Golden Rule”…….”Do unto others BEFORE they do unto you”. Because they are going to try….thanks for the food for thought. Cary Kieffer
I was reading early on in comments about flashlights and all of the ones I read took batteries I found a solar wind up one that works good I would also like to thank all for the input I see I am missing some things but not a lot it could be on your list I didn’t read all comments today but a inflatable raft I live in the rocky mountains so I have rivers to use
how come no gas masks, no scba, no scuba gear?
i see a ton of gear you missed listing.
also only idiots will be willing to accept silver or gold for trade. 22lr ammo will be of most value and single shot rifles. low threat high value, one bullet one meal.
needs should be back to basic. old military k-bar or bayonet for a knife, a machete, etc
ax’s picks and shovels of different size. a truck of some sort. 12vdc fuel pump with long hose and power cable ( to pull fuel from underground tanks when no power. hand operated high pressure air pumps to fill your tanks. then there are tools to make items you need or repair.
how much propane do you have stocked up? kerosene? diesel fuel? used oil for heating? or even new oil for oil changes or lubing up items that require lube? a generator that can run off of propane and natural gas? these run my machine shop and other power tools when needed. i could go on for days of things missed. too bad i do not have that much time.
Thanks for listing what extra you could think of off the top of your head, ka3ffy. Appreciate it!
there is soon to be war in my country and i want to prepare for a full scale run away into the dessert what do i need … SA
Honestly.. how quickly can you run?
Jokes aside, please email me using the contact form and let us know a bit more about what’s going on so we can advise you.
Firearm + ammo *(if legally permissible)..
Firearms always:
A) include ammo, or else it is not a “fire”-arm.
B) are legally permissible, “..shall NOT be infringed.” IS the law.
It is not the law worldwide, and as pointed out to me previously, Thomas and Elise are in the U.K.
Thanks for replying Ryan, much obliged!
I think you’re a little short on security. I wouldn’t dream of bugging out or trying to survive post-TEOTWAWKI without a good handgun (or two) in 9mm Parabellum, a rifle in 5.56/223 Remington (whether AR or otherwise), and at least a 308 bolt action for longer range/harder hits.
That pepper spray will only cover you for the first day or two, and it won’t help you from further than 10′ away. What if your attacker(s) are armed? They’ve probably got better range than your pepper spray (even if it’s in a super soaker), and you better believe once the starving starts, you need good old fashioned lead ventilation (or the viable threat of it) to hold off the hungry. A 22 is a start but it won’t end threats quickly unless you’re Chris Kyle’s second coming.
Sadly we live in the UK and firearms are not an option. If we lived in the states then we would naturally adapt to our enviroment and in the case of firearms- take advantage of them.
Thanks for dropping by Ryan!
Thanks Thomas. I stumbled across this article and should have done more research on you guys first. No wonder the heavy focus on blades!
Best of luck and I still enjoy several of your articles and thoughts!
Cheers Ryan, I appreciate the support.
Very comprehensive list, the first one I’ve seen a Personal Location Beacon on. I will comment on one aspect, communication, my family is scattered all over the country and I’m sure (hopefully) they will all want to know I’m OK. We have one member of the family as a contact for all of us to call on our cell phones. Local communication lines will be jammed, internet will be down. The next goal will be to remain safe for the first 3 days, but communication is #1. Good article! A lot of knowledge here.
Thanks Jacques, I suspect that a lot of people don’t consider comms to be that important but it will determine your route to safety as well as the next step you can make without incurring extreme risk. Not to mention the ability to be rescued in a Katrina-like situation. Thanks for dropping by!
This list has nothing to do with Survival, come on, that pack is heavy. A Samikniv, a metal water bottle, warm and waterproof clothing. The list is for a canoe trip or a if you are living a permanent place for decades.
Take to Norway and learn. This is for hiking.
For survival you need skills, like making fire with only wood, a goahti, weaving a basked and making stoneware for keeping food and water in.
This list is not for bug out survival. It’s not a list of what goes in a bug out bag or survival kit. It’s not for take-what’s-on-your-back wilderness survival either.
It’s a massive list for those who’d like to check their own self-made kits off in comparison to something comprehensive – to see if there’s anything they’ve missed that they may have wanted to take if only they’d remembered it.
And a list for those who want to survive from home or a specific off grid location.
So yes, it’s got plenty to do with survival, just not the regular wilderness survival people often mean when they’re talking about survival in general.
Certainly yes, you are right if you’re only talking about wilderness survival skills – this is way more kit then you ever could or should carry or have on you.
I agree with you. 90% of the people who think they will survive from any list will be sorely mistaken. They will die. This list or any other list is a reference for people to think about. Without a doubt there are other items people will regret not having. Duplication of item is not wasteful, but resourceful. If something breaks or is lost then you have a backup. A list is just a list. Using the items on a list, repeatedly, will give ‘brain’ muscle memory. You can not go out and buy a gun, and expect to know how to use it if you have never practiced. I have been an avid backpacker for decades; often traveling alone in the back country. I know how to use my equipment very well. I don’t have to ‘think’ about how to use my equipment.
As you have said before, this list is not about surviving with a 150 lb backpack. It is about having the right tools to survive at home or in a cabin. I call it, as others have also called it, ‘Urban Survival’.
Thank you for this comment, and obviously, I couldn’t agree more. Yes, some call it urban survival, some call it prepping, but regardless, to me it’s still survival nonetheless.
Bug-in survival list. Stay in your house. Make good local friends and find survival-minded people as contacts. Have gatherings on a semi-frequent basis to develop those relationships and weed out those that will not be of assistance.
The woods-mountains-deserts can be more than challenging under normal conditions, much less in a SHTF situation. You have all you need in your home.
I assume that this site covers the weather-related emergency and extends all the way to the dreaded breakdown of societal norms situation.
Fires, volcanic activity, tsunamis, floods, earthquakes, droughts are by far the most frequent SHTF scenarios.
Power outages from natural causes or terrorists is also a real danger, so a means of heating your body & home as well as preparing food is critical in that instance. Living in a region of the world with wooded areas is almost essential. Although, other sources of fuel can be used like mini-methane generators from a manure slurry placed in old truck tire inner tubes have been used. Dried dung is still used.
Bugging in just makes more sense. Go have fun in the wilderness, improving your bush crafting skills. Just remember that shelter (your home) is also essential and is waiting for you when you return from your recreational hiking trip.
I didn’t see this invaluable item item on the list or in any comments thereafter so I’ll request a good ol’ 5ft x 7ft wool blanket. I’ve used mine to sit on around the camp fire and keep myself off the warmth sapping ground. Also great for keeping warm by the fire just wrapped up in. It won’t burn from sparks either which makes it invaluable for wrapping around your (probably lite weight and highly combustable) sleeping bag. Sheds moisture alright to keep any goose down bags from losing insulation. This is under the assumption that you are sleeping outdoors under nothing more than a tarp shelter until a proper basecamp and shelter can be established. Once a shelter is established (if you dont have / bring / or burned down your tent) the wool blanket also makes for a kickass door.
Just a few ways that I’ve used mine since I bought it 2 years ago. It’s highly durable and still in great condition.
Great list!
I would add two items and an admonition.
A deck of cards for entertainment. There will be periods of waiting. There will be a separate need for socialization.
The second item is a $7, 1 pound package of the correct pool shock. It will purify (not filter) 17,000 gallons of water. See the US government web site.
Admonition – from a guy who represented a major water company. Two liter pop bottles are cheap because they are not designed to be on the shelf or stored for a long period of time. Buy the correct container although it costs more money. Do not use 5 gallon plastic recycled water containers. Chemicals that have migrated into the plastic can not be removed by washing. Use paint buckets with a “2” rating on the bottom that are new. They are rated as food grade. Not as good as the more expensive specific blue water containers, but they will be ok on a budget.
Good point! I definitely need to add the pool shock to the list, and entertainment in general needs a separate category methinks! There are lots of little things you can have at home that would help with that (Bananagrams comes to mind too, for instance, especially for just at home and not taking it in a pack or anything).
Banangrams! I hate playing that game with my (English teacher) daughter! I get stressed out playing games with time limits, or with “experts” who know the game much better than I do. I guess it’s partly my competitiveness and partly post-traumatic stress that I’ve been dealing with. I don’t mind Clue, even though I’m not good at it, but Monopoly is “bad” for me.
As an aside: We should never assume too much about people because we don’t know what they’ve been through. Sometimes “good” ideas don’t work so well because people are complicated beings.
A cautionary note about that pool shock: it is extremely hazardous (once opened)…it’ll eat through metals and (some) plastics and should be kept from moisture because that is what ‘activates’ it…wear gloves (the right kind), get an MSDS (manufacturer’s safety data sheet) from the internet and store it AWAY from your food supplies. If there are curious little ones in the vicinity, make sure you keep it locked up.
I understand that you’re going to expand the tools listing…may I suggest you research either homesteading sites or sustainability sites because without the tools to plant, harvest, and store their garden produce and the seeds (either saved or in form of a survival seed cache) necessary to replenish their food stores, a lot of people will be in trouble after that first year or two or three on their own passes. Not to mention the learning curve and the skills needed for those activities.
Probably, the number one tool (if you don’t have access to a backhoe, would be the lowly shovel for putting corpses into the ground to prevent the spread of disease. Yes, I suspect a LOT of folks will die from disease and toxic shock from injuries improperly treated.
Always need to “think ahead” of likely scenarios…these are just a few.
Yes yes! Thank you so much, I knew I forgot plenty :). I will not be updating this list for some time but when I do I will be adding these thanks to your suggestion! Can’t believe I forgot them completely!
I was all set to buy the Mr Heater propane heater til a friend told me I’d get carbon monoxide poisoning and probably die. He said there are warnings on the box not to use them indoors.
Looking for more info on this subject before I buy one and stockpile propane cylinders.
There are, but using them responsibly is an option, too. Crack open a window and do not leave it on for prolonged periods of time and *never* without monitoring it. Have a carbon monoxide alarm that will go off to be more cautious. Best if used in a garage with great ventilation. They’re still helpful, but yes, please use responsibly if you do use them. (We and many other people used them indoors without issue).
I don’t know if this has been shared or not, but Penicillin and Amoxicillin should be included in the list of medicines, along with cephalosporin (Keflex). All of these I believe can still be found over the counter as farming supplies. Be careful, however, as the dosage for humans will be majorly different than that on the label. I would suggest getting a dosage chart for each antibiotic.
We really need to do a full medicine list. Thanks for the suggestions on what to include!
Hi Elise,
You really have shared the great survival gear list.
Thanks for sharing this!!
Thanks, Adam!
bug netting, bailing wire, dryer lint, welders blanket (fire place making), spear, fish-mox (non-perscription amoxacian) sergical kit,sutures, books on micro sd cards, manriki chain (hunting) duke small body traps, skining knife, and last but not at all least- tony thatchery’s creol seasoning (will displace a gamey taste very nicely.
Hey Elise!
A few more consumables ideas for you!
Parrafin wax, honey, vinegar, baking soda, sandwich bags, peppermint oil, twine, melatonin tabs, rubbing alcohol, peanut butter, borax,
Thanks for these suggestions, KtMac!!
I am doing a research project for school, and one of the things I’m doing is finding some of the survival items that might have been used by the ancient Greeks. Though a lot of the items listed here are modern, I found this website to be a huge help!
Glad this helped :). Would love to see that list of yours!
I notice you have one of the Gerber BG knives pictured. I own several Gerber’s including one of the BG folders I received as a gift, it’s buried in the bottom of my Bug Out Bag. If I ever need it, it’ll be there but I don’t want anyone to think I’d advertise for that idiot Bear. I always have a 3″ folding trapper in my pocket and a KBAR USMC fighter in the BOB along with an older well warn Barlow. You can’t have too many good tools and a good knife is a great tool.
Yes, a good knife is a really great tool! The Gerber Bear Grylls knife I honestly sometimes think would be really popular in the community if it wasn’t for Bear Grylls name on it. Gets so much hate on it just for a name, which is a bit sad because in my opinion, it really is quite a good tool, especially as a practically overall survival kit. But yeah, glad you at least kept it in case you might one day want it/need it. I know many who would’ve returned it or thrown it away just cause of the name.
The word “hate” is way overused these days. No hate involved, I just think if Gerber was going to pick a spokesman they’d get someone who has a little common sense,
The suggestions for the kit looks great, however I think you need to get your basics together first, fire making, shelter, first aid, food, and water,for at least 3 days, then weigh your kit. Now see how many pounds are left before you hit your maximum load which is going to vary for each person. Remember if your buggin out this isn’t a Saturday afternoon hike in the park where after three hours or so you thrown your pack in the car and go home. It’s going to be with you day in and day out.
Definitely! Makes a huge difference to have a lightweight pack.
i have a 7 day bob for me and my dog. i also have an inch bag (i’m not coming home) it weighs about 90 lbs. though too heavy to carry for any distance at all, i need only get to heavy cover and stash non-essentials for later retrieval with gps waypoints, not a problem as pack is packed to remove 7 day essentials in seconds. stash all but weapons and 7 day pack, create a waypoint and go. the stuff left behind can be retrieved once camp is established. i also have caches in place in various locations today, marked with gps, and most only retrievable by small shallow water boat. as well as several modes of bugging out, trike with trailer, tandem kayak, and rv. if you live in florida you better have a boat, and due to pirates, or possible water blockades, i prefer small, silent, and man powered, invisible at night, and i assume too small for radar.
One tool I keep in all my survival bags is a small folding brush saw. I originally bought one at my local hardware store for de-limbing some small trees on my property line. I found that for cutting brush, limbs, even small trees it’s quicker requires less effort and is much quieter than any bladed tool I have. It’s also inexpensive, lightweight and fits easily in the side pocket of any backpack I own.
I never thought I would like saws until I picked up the Bahco Laplander, Definitely very useful in the brush.
Hi kids! You forgot a 1 inch candle stub in your fire – making kit. Take it from a old timer like me. It does help on those bad days., once you get the flame of candle going, fire making is a breeze.
Thanks for the suggestion! Will add this once I get around to updating the list again.
Hey all in addition to the comment in August about the Biolite stove, they now do a Biolite Kettle charge thermoelectric generator, boil water to charge devices. Would love a review on these.
This is an awesome list thanks for taking the time to compile
Ryan
I saw those and I really do want to grab one for a review. Thanks so much for the request and we’ll definitely try to get our hands on one for a review in the future.
I was told by a friend that BIC lighters do not word in extreme cold. His failed on him in a survival situation in Colorado.
BTW excellent web site and the various inputs and comments are great resources.
Thanks for the tip! Have not heard this before but will look into it.
And thank you for stopping by :) I love reading other people’s comments as well. Always something new to learn!
It doesn’t even have to be extreme cold, but if you carry them on your body or put them next to your body for a short period of time they will warm enough to be quite usable. Walmart carries a brand than I can’t think of the name of at the moment, looks almost identical to a bic, is every bit as reliable as one but cost half the price of less. Stay away from scripto and those like it.
Also forgot to add…
for electricity. Just now noticed a fellow Marine Grunt up above lamenting that he couldn’t find an instructable as of yet, detailing how to build a solar array.
An idea my girlfriend’s son, an 18 year old with a good head for improvising shared with me just the other day…
In a situation where there is a moderate to severe societal collapse, such as extensive civil unrest or major natural disaster (Katrina situation maybe?), and you have to scavenge for supplies, possibly with lesser regard to law; look at the billboards! Many of them are topped with solar panels about 3’X3′. And you’ll KNOW they also have the wiring and battery packs on board.
Your list is pretty good and pretty comprehensive. However, it seems a bit all over the the map. Maybe some further breakdown of home/car/BOB would be in order. Right now, my home and car kits are good, but I’m browsing the web for ideas on more or better gear for my BOB. And as I’m browsing through your list I see…
Propane heater?
10 friggin foot long fishing pole!
Canned food, wine and liquor.
Cast iron pan! WTH?
Wide array of “lightweight” stoves.
The propane heater gave me pause, as I thought I was looking at a BOB list. The long fishing pole started to make me think you’re crazy. The canned food, wine and liquor are what made it dawn on me that this list is obviously not intended to cover one specific type of kit.
Glad I kept reading, as I now have some ideas for items to add to my home and car kits.
An idea on one area that I seem to run into a lot of contention from some people with: electronics. If you’re bugged in and can power them, good for you. If you’re mobile, ditch ’em (most of them). Batteries seem lightweight, but that two pounds of batteries become 40 pounds after 20 miles. Anything that can’t be charged or operated on solar or hand cranks, in my opinion, has no place in a back pack. And of the things that can, many are simply unnecessary. Chromebook for maps, manuals and documents? Get a good smart phone with high capacity storage or OTG storage capabilities with multiple flash drives. Half the weight, just as versatile, twice as mobile. Not to mention, easier to pack.
Location gear/rescue gear. Good array of items there. But bear in mind: gadgets crap out at the most inopportune moment, the sky can become severely overcast, flares can get wet or damaged, and whistles can be lost. All of these are great ideas, and I have mirrors, flares, a beacon, and walkies myself. But there’s one thing I’d add to the list: Hunter Orange or safety vests. Lightweight and compact, never runs out of batteries, highly visible, hard to lose, and needs very little ambient light to be visible. I have an 18″X18″ square of hunter orange with an “X” of reflective stripe sewn on. Imagine a day-glo confederate battle flag, and you likely have the right mental image.
Water storage at home, I don’t get fancy or spend much on it. I recycle two liter soda bottles. They’re far more durable and safer for longer term water storage than recycled milk jugs and juice jugs, and because they’re recycled they’re effectively “free” for their repurposed use. But also for me, that’s for more immediate usage. I’m a water treatment specialist, have a covered well on my property that I monitor and is safe to use (drinking from the toilet may taste better though), and the community well is about 100 yards away. I’m friends with the local water treatment specialist (I run a much larger neighboring water system), have a key to the facility, and I know the well is set up to be run from a tractor’s PTO in case of power loss and generator malfunction.
On firemaking you covered several useful items. Here’s an idea on the magnifying glass… ever see those older model, big screen, rear projection TVs on the side of the road, at the dump, or in the “free” or “curb alert” ads? Excellent source of compact, VERY powerful magnifying glasses. There’s three in each one. Scrap the screen, find the housings in the bottom, pull them out and crack them open. The housings are tubular and designed like camera lenses with multiple plastic lenses near the ends, but in the middle there lies a high quality glass lens. Not the most durable as they scratch fairly easily, but they’ll start a fire even with pretty extensive scratches. I made some felt lined leather cases for mine, but simply kept them wrapped in a swatch of old flannel shirt and secured with a hairband until I made the cases.
Speaking of hairbands. I sometimes found myself in need of rubber bands while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s amazing how and when the need for such a trivial little thing can arise. And I discovered hairbands are tougher. Paperclips are also in my BOB. Never know when you may need a short bit of light duty wire to use as an improvised needle or fish hook, light duty clamp, or twist ties. Small, compact, and lightweight. I have two cellophane wrappers from cigarette packs, one holds a small assortment of different sized hairbands, the other has an assortment of different sized paperclips. Both of them together weigh about 3 ounces and take up less space than just one of the cigarette packs that yielded the wrappers.
I’m always on a tight budget, so yes, much of my kit is recycled or repurposed. Always remember, you don’t have to go out and buy everything. Adapt, improvise, and overcome. The most beautiful trout I ever caught was caught on a fresh cut bit of bamboo about 4 feet long, dental floss, and improvised wooden fish hook with a beetle tied to it as bait. That beetle put up one hell of a fight. Dental floss is an excellent investment for bugging in or out. Besides the obvious use of dental hygeine, it’s very tough, cheap, compact and lightweight in it’s own little super convenient package, and can be used in any application where a bit of string would serve better than 550 cord/paracord. Can even be used to close wounds in a pinch, multiple strands can be braided together for applications requiring more tensile strength when 550 cord is unavailable, and can be woven into a net. I used some braided strands in Afghanistan as an improvised bootlace to serve my needs until I got back to my patrol base where my spare laces were stowed.
Spare boot laces are in my pack.
Good job, good article. Think outside the box a bit.
These are some excellent tips for sure! I will definitely be making separate B.O.B., home, car, etc. articles, but I wanted to have one that was just a huge list of kit people may have missed out on using with regards to just everything all at once. I know it’s a bit of a mess, but still hope it’s helpful to some to have the suggestions like this (a.k.a. all in one place). But yes! Definitely a good idea to have separation, which I will definitely do (eventually) with some new articles.
Thanks so much for stopping by and for your comments!
Wow, impressive article! This is one of the most complete lists I’ve seen. Love all the links and recommendations as well.
Thanks so much, Aaron!
Re: Tradeable Goods. I noticed Phil made the comment about gold being high priced. It seems to me that a significantly large number of people are not aware that gold coins come in sizes as small as 1/10th of an ounce (for about the cost of six silver dollars or so) or maybe they don’t consider a gold chain, the links of which can be taken off one at a time and traded with the right person.
On cigarettes: the kinds in boxes wrapped in cellophane go stale fairly easily and quickly. Tobacco for cigarettes is sold in tin cans (size #5 I think) and often include rolling papers inside the can, but not filters. For many people, a non-filtered cigarette is better than no cigarette though. The tobacco stays fresher longer in a can (probably forever) and of course the can protects the tobacco better from the elements or from being squished than does cellophane.
Also, I like olive oil lamps, but they do have their drawbacks. You must maintain a close distance between the lit portion of the lamp and the surface of the oil, and, they are quite messy, especially when the daily (or every few hours) wick trimming time comes around. Candles are superior except for the fact that olive oil lamps self extinguish if they are knocked over, and they don’t produce as much soot and fumes. I don’t use a mason jar, I use a shorter sized wide mouth canning jar (about three inches tall) it’s more stable and you cannot use more oil than that at a time anyway. The wide mouth part is a must, imho. Reaching inside a narrow opening to raise the wick is not easy.
I have read that people use regular oil lamps to burn olive oil in. I have not been successful doing this. The tip of the wick is always too far away from the surface of the olive oil. YMMV?
A center draft oil lamp, or a regular oil lamp, or an old fashioned kerosene lantern are good things to have as well. They can double as small heaters in the right areas. With the center draft lamp you can use two types of fuel, either kerosene or low odor mineral spirits, but they can be a bit pricey and they are on the fragile side of the spectrum. If you get a center draft lamp, always remember: as with modern Coleman lanterns, Never store a lantern or center draft lamp with fuel in it, after awhile they gum up inside and can ruin the lamp.
Extra wicks for popular kerosene heaters might be useful to have as well.
My two Cents.
Gold chain dividing into different links is a great idea – I like that a lot! Good tip on the cigarette, too. Didn’t know that they go stale quickly/easily.
Thanks so much for all the advice, Helot!
How useful it would be to buy one of those ready made survival kits? Is it too commercial with not much use or it’s wise to custom built one by yourself?
We’d always recommend building your own survival kit over buying one. Here’s the article where we explain why: http://morethanjustsurviving.com/ready-made-survival-kits/
May I ask which axe is shown in the very first photo? It’s not mentioned in the article and it looks familiar but can’t put my finger on it.
Hey Brandon! It’s a Mastercraft Hatchet. :) Pretty ubiquitous at Canadian Tire so that might be where you saw it!
I highly recommend the Biolite stove as an emergency cooking stove. It does not require anything but natural bio fuel such as pine cones, twigs and sticks. There is a battery that recharges while the fire is burning. This battery charges phones, runs a small light via USB port on device. Very useful if there is no way to charge your devices. There are also attachments that provide camp site lighting also recharged by the stove while burning. It is pricey but works like a charm, weight is very little and has a nice grill attachment for cooking meat or veggies. I don’t work for them just have had great experience with this flexible little stove.
Can’t believe I missed this comment! Just took a look at the stove and it looks great! Want to get my hands on one to test it out. Looks like it would do absolutely perfectly as a backup/emergency stove. Thanks so much for recommending it, Darlene!
I am sorry to say this but your tent is worthless. A true survivalist would have a 4 season tent. One used on expeditions to alaska or antartic summer. You have to survivor a winter in Minnisota, Michigan, Maine or other very cold area. Most tents bought at stores like walmart will only last one or two years of constant use. So unless you have put out big bucks for a UV protected tent and stove heater, your dead in winter.
I didn’t like the tent choice.
But, it is inexpensive. And a 4 season tent is not the 1st choice for a bug out situation, unless you live much farther north than most of US.
I would recommend 2 tents. An REI Half Dome 2 plus (more space):
http://www.rei.com/product/878520/rei-half-dome-2-plus-tent
And a good 4 season tent. Mountain Hardware EV2 is a good choice, single wall, so there are condensation issues. http://www.rei.com/product/864142/mountain-hardwear-ev-2-tent
Or, the REI tent with Bivies added: http://www.rei.com/product/747832/outdoor-research-alpine-bivy#tab-specs
Surplus military is cheaper.
Wayne
TexasGrizzly.net
I think having a satellite phone should be on this list. Once you buy one you can purchase emergency minutes that last for two years, then you re-up. The phone will last forever, and it guarantees you can make a call in any situation, and they aren’t as bulky as they once were. There is actually a device no bigger than my wallet that can turn your smart phone into the satellite phone….preparedness matters!!
That’s an excellent recommendation, Matthew! Thanks!
Interesting list, but I don’t see a knife sharpener. Lansky and Smith both make pocket size models for short term field use by those who can’t free hand a whet stone. Spyderco and Lansky also make systems more suitable for long term use. There are others as well, some quite pricy. Might be a good review topic.
LED lanterns and headlamps (yes, the dorky ones) are both a better, user friendly source for task lighting. Just try chopping that onion while holding a flashlight. No suggestions here but there are entire websites dedicated to each. Don’t go crazy on $$, this stuff is all made in the same place, probably by the same people. I have Streamlight, Ray-o-Vac and 30-Day currently on my shelf and I swear the parts are interchangeable.
Scissors. Yes, they are on your multitool. No, they do not work! They really don’t work on the small tools except for the Leatherman Micra. Try it. Scissors are the reason I have sent three Gerber tools on a short brutal trip to the trash can. The test most fail first is to cut a 1 oz bag of Planters peanuts lengthwise. IMHO, the one in your first aid/ med kit should stay dedicated to that purpose. Get another for the other camp chores. They don’t have to be huge, but they do have to work.
Lansky’s sharpener is awesome – we have one and you’re right it’s great. The fact that it’s so compact is a huge bonus. I really can’t believe I forgot to put knife sharpeners on the list – thanks so much for spotting that! When I revise the list, they’ll have to be on it!
And yes, certainly scissors. The Leatherman Style CS also has very good scissors on it.
Thanks for filling in a few really important missing items! Appreciate it :).
I like the list – lots of good tips – I haven’t really thought of the advantages to using an air-gun before. Very smart!
The second we got an air gun, Thomas immediately figured it would be absolutely perfect for a SHTF scenario. You could score some small game fairly easily, even in the city. There’s always squirrels and birds, and sometimes even rabbits to be had.
Great article I found it well written and informative. With all of these types of scenarios every one has a different idea and they all help but in the end it will always be personal opinion that wins out
Definitely! :) Thanks for stopping by.
P.S. This is an awesome list! So helpful. I love that you pare things down to the essentials, without getting too fancy with the gear.
Thanks, Nancy :) Such a nice compliment.
You could also consider including on your barter list the ever-popular alcohol.
That’s a good point! I had it in the food section, but it definitely deserves to be in the bartering section as well!
And added!
Dear Mrs X,
I think I saw a line item for a Generator. I would like to add a few tid-bits if you are leaning that way. Don’t rush out after a large emergency and trying to get one (the unit or it and it installed). I would suggest a package that incorporates the off-the-grid craze ie solar and/or wind with the typical back-up power system. (Mainly for the Batteries)… IMO A proper system. First, it should be large enough to supply all of your electrical needs. (NOT WANTS). Second, it would be a multi-fuel; and multi-source system. If you just purchased an Electrical generator off the shelf. It has a really small fuel reservoir, and most runs on only one type of fuel. Gasoline.
In my version of BACK-UP power there are no sacred Cows. Of import is, where your power system will be used/installed. In the City, or suburbs these would require permits and skilled/knowledgable installers. While a system in a Farming Ranching setting might require other priorities. And lastly a remote installation. (Getting the stuff to the site might be difficult). Weight these criteria for each situation. Do not let someone talk you into a ONE-SIZE-FITS ALL.
In All of them I would insist on the following as a minimum.
More than one source of power. (The City Power could be one, and solar another, or wind etc)
A Way to store the energy. ( Really think out of the box, here.)
A Way to store the source of energy ( What?)
And as many options on each as is practicle… Cost, it could be material, or labor, transportation. One thing will run the number through the roof. Find it and save money….
Many generators can be bought to run on Diesel, and LPG, and Propane. While others have yet other flex fuel capabilities. Do your Research. The brand and its capabilities. The typical generator package has a motor, a generator and an electrical panel. The motor can be gas. It can be Diesel… steam etc. The generator part is nearly an electrical that is motor spun. Forgetting the electrical mumbo jumbo and setting it aside. The generator part is not really a high tech part. That said, it is better to get a generator that is designed for just that purpose. (Unless you are an Electrical Engineer of note do not DIY this) The electrical sensors and panel, and parts are where the electrical design engineer gets his say. And earns his pay… or not?
The home owner or purchaser. Should think of the following: Do I know anything about electrical design etc. Am I mechanically inclined? If your the handy kind. Keep that in mind. If not, then a system that requires a mechanic is not your first option, or second… Cost drivers on the typical system are the size (how big the system is- typically it is listed as Kw or Kilowatts. Second is Name branding, Third is the code or enforcement requirements (typically the place where errors are made, ie over sized, or needless options) and lastly Optional equipment. Fancy, re-mote start, or remote access (think internet capabilities) while these can be nice. If your not watching the bottom line, they can take money from really important items).
The first line item. More than one source. Energy is energy. It does not go away. Gas in your car is burned making you go. Solar rays, can be used to generator electricity and/or to generate heat. So, a system that captures heat. Can turn the heat into steam, the steam into a motor- which spins a generator. Vice a solar panel into electricity. Sources can be the City generator electrical power (or steam etc). Diesel motors can be modified or purchased to run on more than one type of fuel. (Diesel, NPG, LPG, Propane)… Or if you have a water source a water wheel…. Multiple sources. How to spin the generator.
Storage: Batteries are the way most of us think of storing power. But, so is a Gas tank. or a Rural propane tank, a heat sink… (I’ll hit the sink and propane tanks again). Sometimes thinking out of the box can solve a real problem storing power. Storing Electricity used to be a huge one. Today we have very reliable large capacity batteries.
I read once where a water tower was used to store water. Alas, this homeowner was thinking out of the box. The location was very remote. And being frail he dreaded trying to carry heavy deep cycle batteries.
The water was the energy source. Again, just because something has one USE doesn’t mean you can’t use it for both or for whatever you want. Here, a solar powered pump, pumps water up into a storage tank up above its intended use. When needed a simple hand valve is then turned the water drains out of the tank, turning a generator and you have electricity…. (If you capture the draining water, you could use it repeatedly or to drink or shower etc)… I noted I’d come back to fuel (storage) tanks. A small gasoline powered generator is useless without gas. But, a Diesel one-if you could make bio-diesel, or with a flex fuel generator, using diesel or propane, could have a way to add a smaller portable tank… by installing one of those large propane tanks common on farms or in the Mid west even more options.
On a Documentary. A country was trying to use geothermal steam. But, as with most places, Electrical power is a use it or lose it just because of the way we design our electrical system. (We don’t have batteries in the loop)… Alas. How does a company store the heat. (Which is the basic component of the steam system).
A geothermal system is a very efficient power source, steam is nearly free. The piping and Generators are typical of Hydro, Nuclear and other Electrical power plants. Yet, in this case the customers paid high rates. Because of the design of the Electrical infrastructure. No surge and No storage. They had to install expensive turbine (gas jet engine) powered generators.
Yet on a different show. A Solar Power company had a similar problem. The sun was only up during the day. (and on Cloudy days well)… They came up with a killer fix. Keep in mind the-Powers-that- be wanted to install expensive jet engine (turbines) generators…. But, The Solar power plant, instead of Solar panels used a solar heat conversion system. The solar rays made steam. They stored the BTU’s (heat) in the Ground (complex salt heat sinks). They stored HEAT called “Positive BTU’s” first. By building a heat sink out of a salt compound, the steam, and via heat pumps transferred the heat into the salt sinks. They had another yet another problem time latter with too much heat…. instead of the conventional thought. To get rid of the heat. (Think massive cooling towers) They stored COLD “Negative BTU’s” (Cold) in a cold sink. Just by running the same water that was steam, in the winter they run the cold water through the solar pipe above ground collecting the cold. And store the negative BTU’s in a system of ‘water bath sinks’. (Think a bath tub with pipes running horizontally through the water cooling then freezing the water) Then when they needed positive BTU’s they took that from the Salt Heat sinks, and when it was too hot in the Office buildings they pumped the water through the bath tubs that had frozen water in them. This was possible, first because they had a large chunk of land. And second because they thought out of the box…..
Good luck
These are absolutely excellent points about different ways of generating energy and how important storing the energy you have is! I actually think you put it wonderfully. You’re 110% correct, having all your eggs in one basket is never as good as having multiple forms of energy. Always great to have 2 or 3 backups, certainly. And storing generated energy is obviously equally as important as generating it.
Very well point, thank you for taking the time to write this! Do stop by again. Very interesting read.
I missed adding meat tenderizer to the list ,(it is the best for insect stings)
I prefer the Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System over the lifestraw. It’s rated for 100,000 gallons (provided you backflush it with the included syringe when it needs it) and it can be “hacked” for use as a gravity fed filter. If you’ve ever had to pump a filter for 5 or 6 hydration bladders you’ll REALLY appreciate this ability.
I’ve also replaced all of my folding and bow saws with a pocket chainsaw. I’ve got videos of both my wife and 11 year old son using one so it should be almost foolproof: http://youtu.be/r3JskYk0UVA
I also make and use colloidal silver but it needs to be kept from freezing or overheating and out of direct sunlight. This is what we used to buy before I started making it myself: Nano Silver Asap Health Max 30 Nano Silver Colloidal Silver 30ppm 16oz Bottle. Finest Nanosilver Available!
I can appreciate the flexibility of the Sawyer system, nice tip about the gravity fed filter hack! I really do like the Lifestraw for casual rambling in the wilderness based on size and weight (check out my review). Thankfully in Canada fresh water is never really an issue! ;)
That pocket chainsaw looks pretty interesting, for smaller branches I think I would still prefer a folding “silky” style saw but for large diameter branches I can definitely see its potential!
I have never made Colloidal silver, I think I sense an article coming up, Thanks for the suggestions!
I have a heavy duty school bag that I designate as my !st aid bag. In it I have:
MEDICAL SURVIVAL KIT (BUG-OUT BAG) CONTENTS LIST:
Container
Joseph and Amy Alton” The Survival Medicine Handbook
Blood pressure cuff & stethoscope
Oral thermometer (+ an anal thermometer if there are small children)
Scissors (not needed if you have a surgical kit)
Tweezers (not needed if you have a surgical kit)
Small field Surgical Kit with hemostats (Can be purchased on-line for about $20.00)
Needles (several sizes)
Safety pins (several sizes)
Nail clippers
Eye patch
Surgical masks
Surgical gloves
Compression (ACE) bandage
Arm sling STRAP
Water bottle sterile
Matches or bic lighter (for sterilization of needles etc.)
Tongue depressors
Cotton balls
Sterile eye wash
Disposable razor (shaving hair from around wounds)
Cling bandages
Sterile gauze dressings 4″ x 4″
Gauze Pads ( several different sizes)
Waterproof “Band-aids” (several different sizes)
Plastic (Band-aid) sutures (2 sizes)
Surgical or medical tape
Iodine
Isopropyl alcohol ( individual swabs as well as a small screw on bottle full)
Peroxide( small screw on bottle full)
Neosporin (or equivalent)
Vaseline
Q-tips (Cotton swabs) in ziplock bag)
Pain/fever medication (ibuprofen, acetaminophen etc.)
Aspirin
Antacids
Antibiotics (penicillin if nothing else)
Throat lozenges or small jar of honey
Toothache medication or oil of cloves
Calamine lotion (or similar)
Aloe
Duct Tape
Tampons
Maxi-pads
Accu-Check Sugar tester with strips
Imodium
Ibuprofen
Biofreeze creme pain reliever
Plus some personal Rx needs
FOR PERMANENT SURVIVAL LOCATIONS YOU MAY WISH TO ADD:
Medical library
More of everything on the main list
Several different types of splints
An advanced surgical kit
Ether (be careful)
Various different medications and treatments
Back up diagnostic instruments
Snake bite kit
Dental kit
–
Thank you for this, it’s great. We’re going to be putting together a first aid/medical kit list sometime in the future, and I’ll definitely take that first list into account when we get around to posting that. It’ll be really helpful.
Seriously, thanks for taking the time to write these out for me, Lillian. Appreciate your input! You’ve really thought this through; great to see people really taking prepping seriously!
One book I have in my BOB is John Wiseman SAS Survival Handbook. It gives you a lot of information. I also have Joseph and Amy Alton” The Survival Medicine Handbook: A guide for when help is NOT on the way. Great for your 1St Aid bag.
Awesome! Gonna look into those. I really need to start heavily reading books like that. Adding them to my reading list!
Under the tool list you have plastic tubing, what is that for? Also I have a survival wire saw that takes up less room. Also I didn’t see light sticks.
Plastic/rubber tubing is good for slingshots, tourniquets, can be used as a straw to draw water from holes in the ground, etc. Wire saws are good, too. Though of course they can’t do everything a regular saw can, their portability, your right, makes them a huge asset.
Lightsticks, yes! Forgot to add those, definitely. I’m thinking of republishing this with all the ones I forgot, so thanks for the suggestion.
Any clue as to how much this would all weigh, should one have to carry the items on thier backs? This is a fairly large list, and some of the items could be this, OR this, OR this… A few things to add or coment about:
– Mora knives are spectacular – look at them, in the event that you can’t find one, check out a local bait/tackle shop, chances are there is a knife just like it there – same sheath and all (I just found this out after owning a tom of Moras, and the steel is just as good, with a slightly thicker blade..)
– You mention a lighter, some sort of wind proof thing. They are cool, but they also take a special fluid to use, so you would have to carry that along on a forced hike, where as a standard old Bic will be good enough AND if the fluid does run out, you still have a bunch of sparks left from the flint in it. When I have people come to my bushcraft classes, they bring the strangest stuff, iron strikers and flint, bow drills… I break out my 59 cent Bic (in cammo though) and light my fire in about 10 seconds….
– Medical stuff – take the Quick clot off, I’m trained in how to use it, and I have had it used on me – it can cause more harm than good, the mil is taking it out of our IFACs because of this -use good old tampons and maxi pads instead.
– CAT tournies, get the CAT II, the twist stick will be made out of billet aluminum and it way better than the plastic one on the CAT 1
– Intel – I just started using my old $80 Kindel to put my documents on (PDF) kind of a great idea – it also lightens the load. A great book to have – The BSA’s Field Manual (not the promotion stuff, the camping, first aid, survival stuff). At the end of the day, I want something a kid can understand…
-CR123 batts… Some love them, some hate them.. I’m indiferent because I get them issued to me for now, but I have to be honest, none of my personal items take them. I don’t even carry extra batteries for AA – I just find a yard with cheep sloar lights and trade them out. Power output vs. longevity divided by ease of finding extras, I always go with the standard. Plus, 2 years ago, there would have been a few guys who could have told you what most peoples reactions are to 900 illume light being strobed in some ones face – it can and is being trained against and it’s super easy to defeat – don’t rely on it as a security measure – there is only one flash that is definate…
– I am still waiting on some nerdy folks to make and Instructable (sweet site if you’ve never been to it) to show me how to build a cheep solar array.
– Wigwam socks… I am a Marine… I am a grunt.. I’ve been doing this for 20 years and I own nothing but Wigwam socks..
– Bates Light series are nice, like putting your foot in a baby seal, but if you have high arches, get some good support – they also run narrow… Try on before you buy. – Bates also need very minimal break in time – IF you can afford them, always go with Danner brand combat boots – the USMC RAT boot is the tank of footware, they are pricy (all mine are issued :) ) but well worth the cost.
– So many things to talk about on this post, so little time, I have to go show some folks how to shoot their rifles!!
Semper.
I don’t think it’s possible to carry all these items on one’s back! Maybe you could manage carrying them all in a vehicle, but even then it might be pushing it. Definitely the list is meant to be picked and chosen from, and a lot of the items are redundant; as you said “this or that” rather than “have one of each.” I just tried to make the list as all-inclusive as possible, just as a reminder that some things are available, even if they’re not particularly ideal/portable, or what most people would choose to have.
Moras are amazing. They’ve always impressed me – especially since they’re available for such low cost while they’re so damn valuable! Bics are perfect as well, and also bang for buck, you’re right they’re phenomenal and perform perfectly for lighting fires. Wigwam socks: doubt I’ll ever buy any others again. Socks made of anything but wool get ruined so damn easily.
Thanks so much for your input! Really helpful advice. Stop by again when you get the chance. :)
I don’t think you should give up the Quick Clots and swap them for maxi=pads or tampons. Quick Clot is shown to stop bleeding maybe 5 times faster which is life saving if you need that. A tampon/maxi-pad could be used for wounds, but not life threatening wounds. Just my 2 cents as a nurse.
I agree. There’s just some things that you shouldn’t swap out for sure.
the only item i would add to this list would be a decent crossbow. depending on the post SHTF situation it works wonderfully if you dont want to draw attention to your hunting activities. it is quiet and simple to operate and you can make replacement bolts for it from straight sticks if things are really awful. but as with the pellet rifle you want to practice shooting with it long before your situation devolves to life or death as accurite shooting takes practice!
A crossbow is an excellent recommendation! You’re right, it’s perfect for hunting quietly.
And yes, you’ll definitely want to practice shooting long before the SHTF. (Almost) no point in having a rifle/gun if you have no idea how to shoot properly with it.
It’s the same with quite a bit of the gear on this list as well. Sure it’s helpful to have a firesteel, but if you don’t know how to make sparks from it, it’ll be rendered practically useless. You’ll want to at least test out a lot of the gear you have to make sure you’ll know how to use it when you need to, and you’ll also want to use the gear enough so you’re sure it won’t break on you when you need it the most.
I find the cross bow way to heavy for a bug out situation there are far lighter options available in a long bow you can even get them in a break down version. They do take more time to master but it makes a great hobby in good times and an invaluable skills in bad times.
For sure. If you’re bugging in the weight isn’t likely going to be an issue, though. Depends on if you’re planning on moving or not.
Hellava list, Elise! Way too much for my brain to handle. :) The Mora Companion goes with me in the woods as a neck knife and for finer bushcraft tasks. Though it’s not full tang, mine has taken a lot of abuse and keeps performing admirably. I plan on shaving with it in the bush one day.
Keep Doing the Stuff,
Todd
Hey, Todd! Yeah it’s a crazy list for sure. Took forever to compile! Definitely don’t expect anyone to look up every single item recommendation, I’d expect people to just check the items they have off the list and then maybe look at some recommendations for items they don’t have or don’t have much experience with.
Mora’s are such reliable knives – it baffles me how something so affordable can take such an insane beating.
Keep up the amazing work on Survival Sherpa as well! You’ve been doing some really interesting posts lately!
You might want to add a knife sharpener to your list, something that can also be used to sharpen your ax-head and machete as well.
Yes, really good point! When I redo/patch up the list, will need to add it for sure.
So you are a Spyderco fan. Can’t go wrong with those knives. Out of my 80 some knives my favorite is a Spyderco Warrior. Superb workmanship and coolness factor is off the charts. So sharp it is scary.
Definitely. I absolutely love Spydercos. Only problem I have with them is they seem to be getting a lot more expensive these days. Other than the price, though, no complaints!
hi! please forget the Bear Grill knife…hollow grind, chinese steel.
Please check out the Fallkniven S1 or A1 and Morakniv Garberg of Bushcraft black plus DC4 sharpening stone
thanks!
Same. I go out with a pot a knife a flint stick and some para cord
The NiteCore P12 and the Fenix PD35 flashlights both use CR123 batteries. I haven’t found those batteries in any Big Box store or in any kind of rechargeable version. Would we be safer with equipment that uses rechargeable AA’s? All of my solar rechargers are configured for AAA, AA, C, D, and 9V batteries. I can’t recharge CR123’s.
Take a look at the Gerber 22-80016 Recon White, Red, Blue, and Green LED Flashlight that runs on a single rechargeable AA battery: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006TU75I
100 Hour Plus Emergency Candle can be replaced by a wick and a small mason jar filled with olive oil.
Rather than a Lifestraw that filters 265 gallons, how about a Sawyer “million-gallon” filter? You can care for an entire community with one of those.
Rather than MRE’s, check out your local LDS/Mormon “Bishop’s Warehouse” for cans & Mylar bags of bulk and dehydrated foods. The cans are designed for 30+ year storage and the Mylar bags are perfect for hiking, camping, and survival. They are a lot cheaper than MRE’s. You can even buy some Mylar bags and make your own “meals in a bag” for even less money.
A Swing-A-Way Can Opener for $6? Let’s get two can openers for $1.25 instead.
http://www.amazon.com/P-38-Can-Opener-P-51/dp/B0078WMSZ8/
Keep a bottle colloidal silver in your First Aid bag too. It’s an antifungal, antibiotic, antibacterial… It’s a miracle, and Youtube will show you how to make it yourself by the gallon.
I would be terrified to have a BaoFeng radio is a crisis of survival. Spend money on a real survival radio like a Yaesu FT60r. Compare the radios and you’ll happily spend the extra money to buy the Yaesu.
I prefer the Eton FR 350 radio over the Ambient Weather Emergency Radio. The problem is that neither radio can really take the beating of a survival situation, and the price of the FR 350 has become ridiculous since they were discontinued. We have a money-making market available for anyone who can produce an emergency radio that uses alternative power sources and is built to withstand a real crisis.
I can’t afford a personal locator beacon. I had to settle for a lifejacket strobe light that can be seen even in the daylight. It runs on 2 AA rechargeable batteries. Amazon has several different kinds available.
Why would we carry gold? I can understand the importance of silver because it it $20 an ingot and can be used for trade and barter. Gold is a whopping $1,250 a coin, and no one in a SHTF crisis is going to have change for a purchase.
An HP ChromeBook? With Google in it? Google works for the NSA. Load Ubuntu or Fedora into last year’s laptop and learn how to use it.
Howdy Phil, thanks for your input (and great tips).
CR123 batteries pack a lot of power in a small package, and the lithium ones have a shelf life of 10 years, which is why they’re up on the list. You can also purchase rechargeable ones (here, for example) that you can charge with your solar panel array. At the end of the day, 3.7 V will always be a lot more versatile than 1.2 V batteries because you can always lower current (make it dimmer), you can’t increase it (make it brighter). 900 lumens to the face is an extreme force multiplier.
Using a mason jar filled with olive oil instead of a emergency candle is an awesome idea! I love dual use products- ill have to give it a try, thanks for the tip!
Didn’t know of Sawyer’s million-gallon filter! It looks awesome for home + camp use, but if I’m on the move I’d prefer a straw rather than fiddling with bags. So I can hydrate on the move in creeks and brooks. Definitely a plus to have one of each, though! I’ll see if I can get one to review.
The P38 can openers, in my experience, are finicky and not as easy to use as the Swing-A-Way, but personal preference here. If I had to rely on a P38 or a the can opener on a swiss army knife for extended use I think I would go crazy!
With regards to the HAM radio, I honestly have very little experience with them, so I’ll defer to your opinion.
In the real world, economic collapse won’t necessarily present itself overnight, and for those who don’t want to live in the woods, being able to transfer large sums of wealth from one country to another is a perfectly viable option. Obviously, for bartering, silver, alcohol, cigarettes, toilet paper, etc. are better options. Gold should just be viewed as a sort of insurance policy for monetary collapse, not for teotwawki.
As for the Chromebook, it is extremely durable with no moving parts or vents (no screws either) and Google works for itself (chasing those green dollars), I am not too concerned about the NSA in a post collapse world.
I use my chromebook to store a few survival docs, topographic maps and personal data on it and charge it on the move using external power pack or a solar phone charger (it uses micro usb which is just awesome). IMO it rocks but I can understand your reservations.
How are p38 p51s finicky? I used them in the military all the time since we had c-rations rather than MREs when I was in. As for the Sawyer million gallon straws they really aren’t much bigger than a life straw. I prefer the mini and it will do 100000 gallons. They also filter organisms as well as everything else.
You can buy CR-123s by the hundred for about $20.00 on Amazon or Ebay. But unless space and weight are primary concerns, you’d be best off with rechargeable lithium AA/AAA batteries that can be set up to a solar charger. Ebay sells some batteries with built in USB ports although ports are notoriously fragile on phones so keep that in mind. The justification for going with lithium despite the higher price compared to NiMH isn’t more “power” but rather the longer shelf-life. NiMH lose charge at a rate of something like 50% over six months vs 10% or less per month for Lithium.
Walmart carries cr123 batteries. They are expensive, but yes the shelf life is long and they do come in rechargeable options, however, my particular local walmart doesn’t carry the rechargeable ones. As Aspee says, personally I prefer rechargeable batteries in other types coupled with a solar charger.
The rest of your ideas are awesome! The olive oil in a jar though. Some of your suggestions seem to be more relevant to a bug out situation, whereas the jar of oil is not. Very useful tip for a bug in situation though! Personally, I have lamps and lamp oil in stock for home use, plus emergency candles in my BOB.
The chomebook? I wrote in one comment that I think an iPod or even an unused touchscreen smartphone of any sort loaded with maps and info would be better. High storage capacity, small and portable, easily recharged with a solar charger. However, the NSA is likely the least of my worries in a survival situation. In a bug out survival situation, I may WANT someone to find me!
Extreme Beam makes rechargable 123 batteries, or replace with the 18650 rechargable battery.
wow, you never heard of 1/10 oz and smaller coins? You can cut them in half with a chisel and people will still accept them, People will have silver to give you as change for small gold pieces. You can’t carry enough silver to mean jack squat, but you can RUN with 1/2 million $ of gold, it’s just 20 lbs. half a million in silver is over 1500 lbs.