I'm going to set up a survival kit this weekend to keep on hand. I think I have most of the necessities but I'm sure there are some things that I wouldn't of even thought I need until....well, I needed them. So I am wondering what you guys have in your kits that maybe I wouldn't think of?
What's in yours?
1 - 20 of 31 Posts
Joined
·
7 Posts
a large pot... .. 30 pounds of rice... magnifying glass... hatchet / machete, matches with tips dipped in wax
Dental floss - strong, lightweight, and a large quantity in a small package
Surgical/EMS scissors - can cut quite a few items
Small bills and a small amount of change
Prepaid phone calling card (for use at payphones/landlines)
Spare glasses if you wear them
Sharpie marker - will write on just about anything
I'm sure there's more that's in our kits that I'm not thinking of now.....
Net
Surgical/EMS scissors - can cut quite a few items
Small bills and a small amount of change
Prepaid phone calling card (for use at payphones/landlines)
Spare glasses if you wear them
Sharpie marker - will write on just about anything
I'm sure there's more that's in our kits that I'm not thinking of now.....
Net
Joined
·
542 Posts
JB Weld and snare wire - once used to repair a splintered tent pole in the field - saved me a couple ruined nights!
Duct tape
Flat plastic compass (Silva)
Water-proof match case, and a couple Bic lighters. Several packets of Trioxane - good for fire starting, and cooking on an Esbit stove.
LED headlight - much handier than a handheld flashlight.
And the basics too, of course.....
Duct tape
Flat plastic compass (Silva)
Water-proof match case, and a couple Bic lighters. Several packets of Trioxane - good for fire starting, and cooking on an Esbit stove.
LED headlight - much handier than a handheld flashlight.
And the basics too, of course.....
Bug Out Bag
yodar
I HOPE one of your basics is a .22 revolver or pistol (S & W K-18 Combat Masterpiece in .22 with target sights) AND ammo
yodar
Joined
·
15 Posts
bug out bag packed and by the door, ( another lot stashed where i'll ride it out)
2 dynamo torches (7 x LED)
wind up charging radio AM FM SW ( charges cell phones too)
20 days dehydrated rations ( rice and curry/meat mixture) 9 lbs total
pack 50 multi vitamin minerals
25 rnd 12G malay load (Mix 6x OObuck filled with No4 shot)
100 Rnd 22 Mag
first aid kit as per Australian army with a few extra's
Hooch ( poly tarp tent 8'x12')
6x octopus straps ( elastic straps with hooks)
10 meters ( 33 ' ) rope
sleeping bag
3 prs socks wool
3 shirts hemp/wool
3 t shirts cotton
3 moleskin pants ( ultra fine canvas)
machette
buck knife
hunting knife
tomahawk
fighting irons ( knife fork spoon set)
dixies ( Aust army issue style cook pan/food utensils but in ss not Alu)
this will get me to my "ride it out place" in the hills
there i have a heap more, ready set to go,
the total weight in the backpack is 46 pounds add a heavy jacket of 5 pounds but here i probably wont need it
water is a worry as i dont have room to carry much ( only about 4 pints) but am pretty sure i can get some if needed along the way i'd go if all things go to hell, but i know where i'd be going in case. AWAY from everyone else!!!!
its rugged, rough, and hard to get to unless you know it but once there safe /water on tap and easy to spot anyone coming, and lots of game and area to grow things ( seeds and tools already there)
cheers
jack
2 dynamo torches (7 x LED)
wind up charging radio AM FM SW ( charges cell phones too)
20 days dehydrated rations ( rice and curry/meat mixture) 9 lbs total
pack 50 multi vitamin minerals
25 rnd 12G malay load (Mix 6x OObuck filled with No4 shot)
100 Rnd 22 Mag
first aid kit as per Australian army with a few extra's
Hooch ( poly tarp tent 8'x12')
6x octopus straps ( elastic straps with hooks)
10 meters ( 33 ' ) rope
sleeping bag
3 prs socks wool
3 shirts hemp/wool
3 t shirts cotton
3 moleskin pants ( ultra fine canvas)
machette
buck knife
hunting knife
tomahawk
fighting irons ( knife fork spoon set)
dixies ( Aust army issue style cook pan/food utensils but in ss not Alu)
this will get me to my "ride it out place" in the hills
there i have a heap more, ready set to go,
the total weight in the backpack is 46 pounds add a heavy jacket of 5 pounds but here i probably wont need it
water is a worry as i dont have room to carry much ( only about 4 pints) but am pretty sure i can get some if needed along the way i'd go if all things go to hell, but i know where i'd be going in case. AWAY from everyone else!!!!
its rugged, rough, and hard to get to unless you know it but once there safe /water on tap and easy to spot anyone coming, and lots of game and area to grow things ( seeds and tools already there)
cheers
jack
Joined
·
21 Posts
Medical Gloves can be a good thing to have in your kit too.
Joined
·
601 Posts
The following is assuming you're going to be out of your home living outdoors in a wooded area for up to two or maybe three weeks (I live in a fairly rural upstate New York). This won't necessarily keep you alive past that point and it's probably inappropriate for those living in an urban environment or those living in elsewhere in the world. Use your head and adjust the contents according to your locale.
Bug out bag suggestions/recommendations:
Seasonal/Clothing & Misc – separate bag
- Summer
- - Sunscreen
- - Bug spray and/or wipes – 100% Deet
- Winter
- - Balaclava
- - Gloves
- - Snow pants
- - Space blanket (mylar)
- - Boots
- Spring/Fall
- - Jacket
- - Hat
- - Gloves
Primary Bag
Fire/Heat/Protection/Signaling:
- Folding saw for cutting firewood
- Waterproof matches
- Lighter
- Dryer lint or similar
- Sharp non-serrated knife
- Knife sharpener
Food/Water:
- Water purifier/pump or water purification tablets or drops
- Portable grate
- Cooking pan
- Bowl to collect/boil water
- Granola and/or Energy bars
- Jerky
- Instant coffee
- Sweetener (a dozen packs don't weigh too much)
- Fish hooks, sinkers, bobs, line
Hygiene:
- Soap - several bars
- Toothpaste/floss/toothbrushes
- Deodorant
- Nail trimmers & Scissors
- Razor & blades
Shelter/Clothing:
- Waterproof tarp x2 with gromets (1 for ground, one for makeshift tent)
- Ground pad (closed cell)
- Rope
- Heavy string
- Poncho/Sweatshirt w/ hood
- Heavy work gloves
Navigation:
- Maps
- Compass
- GPS + extra batteries
First Aid:
- Bandaids
- Neosporin
- Honey (food source and nature's Neosporin - nothing can grow in honey)
- Diapers
- Panty liners (stop laughing. They're absorbent and make good bandages.)
- Advil/aspirin
- Tape
Misc:
- Resealable baggies
- Multitool
- Radio (Crank generator type)
- Flashlights (LED and Xenon)
- Spare batteries
- Camp mirror
- Decks of cards
- A few large trash bags
- Duct tape
- Flask of scotch/vodka/whatever
Battle bag
- Rifle on sling
- Extra mags (half dozen at least) fully loaded
- ~200-300 additional rounds
- Bore snake or some means to clean/oil your rifle
- Pistol/mags/rounds if possible
I have a family and much of this would be carried by several people. Little things like a deck of cards or a portable game or two will do wonders to keep kids' minds off of the situation. Little creature comforts like instant coffee or tea bags w/ sweetener and non-dairy creamer will help adults.
Bug out bag suggestions/recommendations:
Seasonal/Clothing & Misc – separate bag
- Summer
- - Sunscreen
- - Bug spray and/or wipes – 100% Deet
- Winter
- - Balaclava
- - Gloves
- - Snow pants
- - Space blanket (mylar)
- - Boots
- Spring/Fall
- - Jacket
- - Hat
- - Gloves
Primary Bag
Fire/Heat/Protection/Signaling:
- Folding saw for cutting firewood
- Waterproof matches
- Lighter
- Dryer lint or similar
- Sharp non-serrated knife
- Knife sharpener
Food/Water:
- Water purifier/pump or water purification tablets or drops
- Portable grate
- Cooking pan
- Bowl to collect/boil water
- Granola and/or Energy bars
- Jerky
- Instant coffee
- Sweetener (a dozen packs don't weigh too much)
- Fish hooks, sinkers, bobs, line
Hygiene:
- Soap - several bars
- Toothpaste/floss/toothbrushes
- Deodorant
- Nail trimmers & Scissors
- Razor & blades
Shelter/Clothing:
- Waterproof tarp x2 with gromets (1 for ground, one for makeshift tent)
- Ground pad (closed cell)
- Rope
- Heavy string
- Poncho/Sweatshirt w/ hood
- Heavy work gloves
Navigation:
- Maps
- Compass
- GPS + extra batteries
First Aid:
- Bandaids
- Neosporin
- Honey (food source and nature's Neosporin - nothing can grow in honey)
- Diapers
- Panty liners (stop laughing. They're absorbent and make good bandages.)
- Advil/aspirin
- Tape
Misc:
- Resealable baggies
- Multitool
- Radio (Crank generator type)
- Flashlights (LED and Xenon)
- Spare batteries
- Camp mirror
- Decks of cards
- A few large trash bags
- Duct tape
- Flask of scotch/vodka/whatever
Battle bag
- Rifle on sling
- Extra mags (half dozen at least) fully loaded
- ~200-300 additional rounds
- Bore snake or some means to clean/oil your rifle
- Pistol/mags/rounds if possible
I have a family and much of this would be carried by several people. Little things like a deck of cards or a portable game or two will do wonders to keep kids' minds off of the situation. Little creature comforts like instant coffee or tea bags w/ sweetener and non-dairy creamer will help adults.
I didn't read where anyone included super glue in their preps. Not only will it be handy to fix some items, but I've used it to close a wound. Get a nasty cut, just squeeze the skin together once the bleeding stops and apply super glue. Good as stitches!
An account from a diary compiled while crossing the continent in a covered wagon in the 1850's says: "The Humboldt Desert was littered at regular intervals with beds, stoves, chests, barrels.....things that someone had thought indispensable when starting out.....and, as time went on, with the carcasses of animals and the corpses of human beings."
I'm not stating this to rain on anyone's parade. I'm saying that it's one thing to compile lists based on everything I think or some agency or other source thinks I "need," and something else again to actually have to do a real-world evacuation over a considerable distance with all these items. I would invite anyone to post who has actually done this, or anything like this as "the real thing" or at least under realistic conditions.
This post is a result, in part, of reading another thread, ke4sky's post on "Lessons Learned from Katrina bugout" in the threat "Bugout Plans." It's a long post, but there's a LOT of food for thought in it. It brings to mind what someone once said "Life is what happens to you while you're making other plans."
I'm not stating this to rain on anyone's parade. I'm saying that it's one thing to compile lists based on everything I think or some agency or other source thinks I "need," and something else again to actually have to do a real-world evacuation over a considerable distance with all these items. I would invite anyone to post who has actually done this, or anything like this as "the real thing" or at least under realistic conditions.
This post is a result, in part, of reading another thread, ke4sky's post on "Lessons Learned from Katrina bugout" in the threat "Bugout Plans." It's a long post, but there's a LOT of food for thought in it. It brings to mind what someone once said "Life is what happens to you while you're making other plans."
Eyeglasses
For example, I wear glasses. If you wear glasses, changes are you can't wear my glasses. OK ... you can wear them but do they help you see? <G>
Now, in my kit I have the pair I was using at my last eye exam. They are in a hard case. If my glasses are broken, I will see. I won't see well, but I will see.
The alternative, if you use the glasses, off the shelf at your local pharmacy, is to buy two pair. One pair goes into your kit. One pair you use.
Here's a calendar for building your kit over time and restocking it, after it's built.
It's not so important what is in my kit as it's important what you need in your kit.
For example, I wear glasses. If you wear glasses, changes are you can't wear my glasses. OK ... you can wear them but do they help you see? <G>
Now, in my kit I have the pair I was using at my last eye exam. They are in a hard case. If my glasses are broken, I will see. I won't see well, but I will see.
The alternative, if you use the glasses, off the shelf at your local pharmacy, is to buy two pair. One pair goes into your kit. One pair you use.
Here's a calendar for building your kit over time and restocking it, after it's built.
walmart had twelve fire sticks in a package for $2.00 and a 9'x12' painters plastic that is 2 mil for $3.97.In the camping section they have small 6"x4"x3" water tight boxes for $6. very nice latches and a great seal.
I've read about the small reading magnifying rectangular plastic. I think they're junk. I bought two small magnifying glass with LED that take two aaa batteries in a dollar store. They are 10x rather than the 2x reading ones.
Here in Fulton NY the Dollar Tree is about the best for everything's a buck store.I like the 10cent hacksaw knife idea from this site. probably posted here somewhere already.
Wilderness Survival Skills
go here and click on "zips & spark-lites" kinda cool
"Welcome to US Army Ranger (Ret.) Rick Tscherne's TheRangerDigest.com. Military-styled survival education, survival training, survival kits, survival books and supplies. Learn how to survive and thrive in the outdoors military style. Home."
I've read about the small reading magnifying rectangular plastic. I think they're junk. I bought two small magnifying glass with LED that take two aaa batteries in a dollar store. They are 10x rather than the 2x reading ones.
Here in Fulton NY the Dollar Tree is about the best for everything's a buck store.I like the 10cent hacksaw knife idea from this site. probably posted here somewhere already.
Wilderness Survival Skills
go here and click on "zips & spark-lites" kinda cool
"Welcome to US Army Ranger (Ret.) Rick Tscherne's TheRangerDigest.com. Military-styled survival education, survival training, survival kits, survival books and supplies. Learn how to survive and thrive in the outdoors military style. Home."
Joined
·
7,453 Posts
I have a 20mm ammo can packed with:
Three knives,one camp,one hunting,one folding.
A small tarpolian
a wool blanket
a roll of paracord
plastic sheet
a roll of twine
50'of climbing line
a copy of outdoor survival guide by Angier.
A cooking grill
a small aluminum skillet
a pad and paper
a gun cleaning kit and oil
A small medical kit.
Three knives,one camp,one hunting,one folding.
A small tarpolian
a wool blanket
a roll of paracord
plastic sheet
a roll of twine
50'of climbing line
a copy of outdoor survival guide by Angier.
A cooking grill
a small aluminum skillet
a pad and paper
a gun cleaning kit and oil
A small medical kit.
Joined
·
22 Posts
this guy has one of the most comprehensive kits ive ever laid eyes on. its small and compact, and fits on your belt or your knife sheath, or even in a perse.
check this site out Home Made Survival Kit . he's got other useful tips, but this on is golden!
-thomas
check this site out Home Made Survival Kit . he's got other useful tips, but this on is golden!
-thomas
Something that definetly needs to be thought of when it comes to a survival or bug out kit is how long you'll be gone and how far you have to go when you leave. Weight can be an issue. Take the essentials to get you by until you can scavenge for what you need or re-supply yourself. Food and water and first aid are essentials. A good survival knife is a must. Water weight can be avoided by purchasing a good water filter from a hiking company, so that you can use natural sources of water along the way.
Needs
I frequently mention, when I am briefing Citizens, that I wear glasses. I need glasses. I can function without them. I function better with them. I have a plan for glasses.
I don't take insulin. I don't need insulin. Therefore, I have no plan for insulin.
I don't tell people what they need in their kit. For example, the guidance is a gallon of water per person per day. If your plan is to subsist on one eight-ounce bottle of water per day, medically, you can do that. You will dehydrate quickly over time. However, you won't die within the first 72-hour period.
Since I realize that the majority of the Citizenship does not have a plan, much less a kit to support it, that's why it's important to me to establish shelter and food for those that don't prepare.
As I tell Citizens, give me 72-hours. I will work hard so you don't go without for 73. During the disasters I have worked, we had feeding and sheltering within eight hours.
Of course, you have to get out of your car and come in.
All ya'll have a GREAT weekend!
This is EXACTLY why one should write the Plan first. Once you establish what the plan is, it's easier to make a kit to support the plan.
I frequently mention, when I am briefing Citizens, that I wear glasses. I need glasses. I can function without them. I function better with them. I have a plan for glasses.
I don't take insulin. I don't need insulin. Therefore, I have no plan for insulin.
I don't tell people what they need in their kit. For example, the guidance is a gallon of water per person per day. If your plan is to subsist on one eight-ounce bottle of water per day, medically, you can do that. You will dehydrate quickly over time. However, you won't die within the first 72-hour period.
Since I realize that the majority of the Citizenship does not have a plan, much less a kit to support it, that's why it's important to me to establish shelter and food for those that don't prepare.
As I tell Citizens, give me 72-hours. I will work hard so you don't go without for 73. During the disasters I have worked, we had feeding and sheltering within eight hours.
Of course, you have to get out of your car and come in.
All ya'll have a GREAT weekend!
1 - 20 of 31 Posts
