3 Essential Multipurpose Items – Don’t Leave Home Without Them
Let’s say that you have taken care of all your solar power needs met, prepared for a power outage, survival food and water stocked, and have a flourishing garden where you grow fresh food. Your home is prepared and your emergency plan is in place and fully stocked.
That’s all perfect, if you never leave the house, but what will you do if an emergency strikes while you’re traveling, commuting or out of town?
Or what if you’re faced with a survival situation in the wilderness?
With a very limited number of items that you can carry in a survival situation, you need to make sure that some of those items have multiple purposes. Space and weight will suddenly become very important, and you may also find yourself having to deal with the elements that Mother Nature throws at you.
Two multipurpose items that come to mind immediately are a Swiss Army knife and duct tape. There’s almost no limit to what you can do with those versatile tools, and they should definitely be included in your bug-out bag.
But as far as protecting yourself from the environment and gaining the water you need to survive, following are three multipurpose items that you should try to never be without:
- Space Blanket or thick garbage bags. Uses include a rain poncho, sleeping bag, shade from the sun, an additional bag for holding gear and other items, an emergency buoyancy device, tying off a wound to lessen bleeding, an emergency shelter (with the help of cord), liner for shoes and boots, a water collector or carrier, a solar still, and keeping wet clothes or gear separate.
- Light-weight food and water purifier. Food bars or other light-weight food items and a small portable water purifier can help in the event you are away from other supplies or need to provide for yourself until help comes.
- Paracord. Uses include shoelaces, a fishing line, lashing sticks for shelters, restraining a human or animal, towing branches for fires, wrapping handles for easier carrying, a weapon when tied to a heavy object, strapping various items to a load-bearing object, and securing doors.
If you want to put yourself in the best possible position to survive when stuck in the worst conditions, those three items will help you. Try not to ever be without them.
Hmm, “restrain a human”?
Three things needed to survive, a good sharp knife, a magnisium/flint fire starte r,(or a good way to make fire) and a water purifier. Theese are the three essential survival items in every bug out bag I have. Everything else needed to survive can eventually be gotten with theese.
lentils, quinoia are great to have for long term survival. sprout them for highest nutrition (soak in water overnight, drain and keep in dark place. I used to own a farm, so trust me, there is a lot more to it then just planting a seed and watering it to garden, with screwy climate changes and other factors, sprouts are foulproof, inexpesive, and sprouting indoors will help keep a low profile as opposed to and outdoor garden. Indoor verticle gardening has many drawbacks, is expensive and needs electricity. Lentiles and quinoa sprout in 1 to 2 days and have highest protein content along with an array of vitamins and phytoneitrients
I agree here entirely. Outside of “the rule of three’s,” 3 mins. oxygen, 3 hours shelter, 3 days water, etc., Fire, knife (effective cutter at any rate), and water are the most essential tools for human survival.
One extra item for fire starting is a birthday cake candle which will relight if blown out by the wind. To protect it, I place one in a small length of a drinking straw and then seal both ends using long nose pliers and a lighter to melt the plastic. For use, I then cut off one end with my knife to slide the candle out. I can easily carry ten or more in a very small space.
Dear Frank,
WOO WOO! You sparked a lot of controversy with this one! However, the readers were not listening.
They missed the point that you were talking about survival items that had the MOST multipurpose uses.
They need to read our book SURVIVAL 10 – HOW YO BUG OUT AND SURVIVE THE FIRST 72 HOURS.
The premier “Survival Rule” when picking gear is; “Everything you carry show have more than one realistic and practical use!”
God Bless,
Orrin
I got a couple ziplock bags filled withlint from dryers, they ignite instantly with any spark throwing device…Some prople recooment adding vaseling or other oily substance, but I’ve never found it necessary! It burns hot and fast.
1Hatchet
2Small water filter
3 accurate light weight 22 pistol 200 bullets
Any thing else is probably in a junk pile some where.
Wear or carry a rain poncho breathable one.
A ton of excellent comments here, thanks. Seems to me that three items would not be enough for most or all of us. That’s OK, I keep my tools small, easy to carry and store. I did not start seriously prepping until recently and have acquired water filters/purifiers, pocket stove, quality knives, storm matches, fuel cubes, crank radio, 2-way communications, Mylar items, snaplights, strike lighter, multi tools and more. At least one of every item (set) will fit in my back pack with 1-2 changes of clothes with room to spare. Total cost under $150, weight is around 25#. One item I am currently most interested in gaining is low budget monocular night vision. Any help finding decent low budget night vision is appreciated.
Doug, I got a pretty good one from Sportsman’s Guide.
7×50 monocular or binoculars, good night glasses and non electric. Jon
Reading all the comments. Great ideas and equpt. to add to survival kits. Did 21 in military/Seabees☺ and lots of our stuff was handed down (used worm torn etc). Some of us had a 10 pc 10lb MAX kit we made ourselves. Most things u can scrounge for on the outside or home stay u can stock up, but if u r forced to go our 10pc kit covered your basics, is light weight and if funds r tight use $ tree (any dollar type store) because that 10.00 isn’t much and I have 1 in both vehicles plus 1 in my b.o.b.. Keep the comments comming in, informative
I absolutely agree with the person who mentioned a collapsible oven (as well as small Sterno stove). You also need waterproof matches. But above all, I do believe you need flares. If you are caught in a situation where you desperately need to be found, how can anyone find you if you are in dense underbrush or trees as thick as can be? There have been situations in my own state of people getting lost and being found dead because there were no flares used and they could not be found even after intense searches by rescue teams. Take flares, folks!
What about Radiation? An EMP at high altitude will admit some radiation. Words for thought.
OK. I am 80 years old & nNot physically strong. I live in all electric house….small lake nearby and woods behind the house. What are the 3 best suggestions folks can give me for making it through tough times…no electric.
Thanks in advance.
Kate.
To survive you must have fresh water, food, and shelter. You want to do better than just survive so have to plan ahead. If you use electricity you need a generator to save your freezer food or refrigeration until you can dry or use up what is frozen. The generator can also run a portable heater in winter to prevent freezing of pipes if you do not have a wood stove. Storing gas requires fuel treatment to keep it from going bad. If you have a problem working a garden go to raised beds. You have a lake so can haul water in for flushing and can filter the water to drink.
The most important item is someone to share your life with. Living alone in hard times can be life threatening if you have a simple fall and break something or you get sick.
you have a lake near by so you need a good water filter; you have woods behind for fire building, you already have shelter. what you can grow for food depends on what zone you live in. Consult a nursery for that. Best wishes.
I’m working under a few assumptions:
Your lake is not most likely not drinkable.: get a life straw it will allow you to drink unpure water safely.
Get a propane fired bbq with a burner and always have a spare tank or 2. If you can afford it get a solar panel set up. Get a crank flashlight. With the ability to charge from a USB port. With a weather band am/fm. You can get that on Amazon. consider getting a construction propane heater or a little buddy heater. I think that covers it any other specifics or information feel free to contact me. For a more conclusive and accurate answer
Hi Kate.We are in a similar situation. After lots of research and discussion, we budgeted for and obtained the following 3 items first: #1 a rain water barrel collection system; #2 vertical grow towers, with self composting worms and survival seeds packets for our area; #3 food preservation supplies, ie channing & solar dehydrators.
BTW We already had in place a wood stove with 3 year supply of seasoned wood, cast iron cooking set,and camping equipment, and a beginning food stockpile.
Currently we are actively, so far unsuccessfully, searching for a solar system that will recharge an electric full size Wheelchair!
Hope this helps you make some plans.
BioLite Campstove. MULTI-FUNCTIONAL. Great little camp stove with nothing more needed than small kindling, but it is also a power source. Even if the grid is down or cell service is cut off, you can charge your portable devices to access info on them. I have survival documents, photos of certain plants, tips, strategies, trap configurations, etc. saved on my device, as well as a few survival apps. Don’t need a signal, just power!
Its good to have all of that info stored on a device. But what will happen when/ if your device fails? Keep a small notebook handy. Write it down. Old school comes in handy sonetimes.
I have been reading these comments for some time now
I own and operate Timberwolf Training Center
For about $20.00 you can get a dozen small animal snares from Thompson snare co. less work high yeald its worked for me and most of my students that tried it also if you take the time and set them in the right place you will get a yield of 2 to 10 ratio almost a guarentee
A lot of great answers but keep in mind as others have said our faith in God is the number one tool.We must believe in our hearts that Jesus Christ died for our sins inorder for us to have ever lasting life.Without this faith why bother prepping you’re going to hell anyway.
Praise The LORD
Right on brother. Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition.
The “ammo” being the physical survival aids and advance planning you can do.
The combination of prayer and prep is a winner!
“Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition” Chaplin Forgey, USS New Orleans ( My father’s ship) Pearl Harbor Dec 7, 1941. Jon
Sorry, I don’t mean to be harsh, but believing that Jesus Christ died for your sins will not save you in a survival situation. Blind faith will get you killed very quickly. Faith – the reality is that is the name of the process by which God provides for you. God will provide and deliver, but you must “know” that , since he is currently providing for you and answering every request. That is what ‘saves’ you from the situation you are experiencing. Does he answer your prayers ‘now’?? Then began asking and expecting…
What do you suggest for a stove in the event the electric goes down. I’m open to any kind available. Thanks.
Walmart carry’s small Sterno stoves which can be used anywhere, indoor or out. They also have a small potable collapsible oven that can be placed over any heat sorce for only around thirty bucks. Use it on a wood stove or over an open fire! Stock up on Sterno for long term emergencies, you can also have a small fire under the stove, if used outdoors, of corse!
Cinder blocks, wood, a small grate and a fire source. Use outdoors of course. Most of these things can easily be found. You can use a rack from an old stove oven.
Already been mentioned here but I’ll say it again. Biolite has a good stove that produces electric. I have that one and a pocket stove (Esbit) and fuel cubes (also Esbit). Keep a supply of storm matches and any of the other tools mentioned in this thread. Nice thing about all of this stuff is all items mentioned here are small, easy to store and carry but offer maximum value. I keep Mylar blankets and sleeping bags on hand also. Best.
I have a Ecozoom rocket stove, it will burn any bio mass material, great stove 20000 hours of burn time and I use it often just to cook soups, stocks etc.
1. An Army surplus nylon poncho can also be used as a makeshift tent or a lightweight sleeping bag.
2. Compass
3. A combination hatchet/claw hammer.
4.
Diane, I fully believe in God’s faithfulness. However, I also believe that He has given us our brains and our common sense and holds us responsible for using them. See Proverbs 27:12: “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” I understand the taking refuge as preparing to survive the danger to the best of our ability. Just sharing my understanding of the issue.
Duct tape can be used for the obvious repairs but also to make a tourniquet, cover a wound(put something over wound then use tape to seal and apply pressure), wrap a sprained ankle, etc. I always keep a hammer in my trunk- the claw is good for prying, can break glass etc in emergency, could be a weapon, it has sharp edges to cut or tear- just 2 ideas
This email showing a camouflaged tent or one just camouflaged with branches is the first one I have seen with common sense, Others show bright yellow or red etc tents, I can just see someone with a scoped hunting rifle shooting at you in your bright tent from 300 yards just to steal your supplies !
Keep your powder dry folks, I think we will need it soon ! And we outnumber them 100+ to one ! (;^)) !!
The one thing I would add is a quality belt knife.
Machete is excellent multi use survival tool. Jon
back to basics. they’re talking about 3 items for absolute survival if called upon. i myself opt for a large knife (bowie), with that alone, one can make and/or acquire pretty much everything else. but THEE best item everyone could carry is, survival knowledge and skill.
so bone up on it people, because “chance favors the prepared”
A rat trap for quick, reliable means to trap small prey.
WHO wants to eat a democrat???
SoSolly, couldn’t resist. Watching debate reruns.
I would agree will these 3 ideas Frank!! Also 3 different types of knives & 3 solar blankets & 3 types of firearm”s fire starters!!! Sincerely Douglas
God First always. Survival kit 2nd. Joseph was shone answers to the Kings dreams so he might prepare. To fail to do so ourselves in light of what we have been shone we do not dare. Pray and Prepare!!!!!!!
The thick garbage bags can be used to condense water out of the air. Hang in breeze and pull the bottom center into a point. Put something under the point to catch the water that condenses.
Most yield enough water for one person to survive.
You should never be without a water straw or similar device and a dozen or so daily multivitamins. Water and vitamins will keep you clear headed and moving in stressful times.
Have a small folding shovel and small pick. Add that to the basic gear.
What about us desert dwellers? I live in Phoenix AZ what is available for us.
Black plastic, folding shovel, tin cup. Well provide shelter from sun. Shovel dig a hole, place cup in hole then place some plastic over the hole with small rock in center. Moisture will evaporate gather on plastic and drip into cup. Not a lot but will keep you alive.
I live in Parker, Az. I am 77 and my husband is 82 with Parkinson’s disease. He is not able to bug out as he cannot walk anymore. We would have to survive here in our home. Living in the desert does present some problems for us. We have stocked up on Patriot foods and misc. canned fruits and vegetables, rice, etc. We can purify water from the river. We will be stuck here even though if the electricity does go out, we have camp stove and supplies to cook with. Can’t afford a generator, which I wish we could. Good luck to you.
Betty,
A generator is only good as long as you have fuel for it.. Think about how to get by with out electric, if the power goes off for a long time you will run out of fuel for the generator.
Solar panels, solar battery chargers for AA batteries, (rechargeable batteries), with all that sun solar power is a great option, even a solar stove.
Mostly, brain is best survival tool. my ex-husband couldn’t get a fire going without a pint of lighter fluid. I can get a nice camp or fireplace fire going with a cigarette lighter and some dried grass or weeds on the bottom, twigs over that and then logs added to the mix.
As to dogs, they’ll eat anything we eat — no special food required. But also include some pumpkin to settle their tummy when they hunt down and eat something they shouldn’t have eaten.
Carry a small magnifying glass. Use with the sun.
Good idea. But if you take the head of a flash light off and remove the lens the reflector will ignite the brush or what ever when you stick it through the hole. It ignites faster too.
Though a lighter might be nice, it isn’t practical; they get wet, then what? Bear Grylls has many items that are compact and multi-purpose. If you watched the video, its correct. Paracord is essential,, a fire starter that doesn’t rely on “fuel” is another. I would include the P4P water purifier, a multi-tool (aka Leatherman) and I must agree on bandanas, heavy trash bags…things that are light-weight and diverse. There are other things that don’t take up a lot of space like kite string: strong, light-weight and useful…list could get extensive, but remember…compact and multi-purposed.
Trish, do you use canned pumpkin for the dogs? Thanks for the info.
I’d like to see more on nature’s survival such as knowing nature’s natural resources of food sources such as berry’s,currents,mushrooms,nuts,grasses,leaves for teas,trees for fluids.Surviving only on what nature has to offer.
Did you see our Survival 101 book? It’s surprisingly handy and includes making snares and all sorts of other wilderness survival tricks. http://www.bugoutbag4patriots.com
The one most important item to carry is a well made KNIFE.
I think she is talking about NOT taking another life for self. i am vegan. God has promised my bread & water will be sure. Should we prepare? Absolutely! But I’m not killing an animal or a person to save my own life. That’s just me. What i’m saying is i don’t want to make a trap or go fishing. But i would like to know about the greens, berries, etc.?
I think you’ll be amazed by what you will do if your hungry!!
Ways to make fire, antimony metal rod and striking blade.
a fold up shovel, some type of water purafier
I carry a tiny flashlight on my keychain. It’s the size of my thumb, and somewhat flat. The light is as bright as a regular flashlight. It can help you and not give away your location, unless you want to. It isn’t an extra thing to carry; just wear it around your neck or wrist or pin it.
Could someone please explain what the two white sheets cut up in triangles and squares would be used for? Thanks
Bsndsnas, Slings, Bandages. Tourniquets
Emergency signals.
How about the flashlights that you wind by hand,no batteries required! I have have missed it,if I did sorry about the repetition!
Yes its wise to prepare, but right now all this talk brings up visions of sci fi n worse that I’m having trouble fathoming as real.
Like some have said b4 me, there must be some room for our Divine Creators promises to those who love n r faithful to Him.
Some room, yes. But did you consider the story of Joseph in Genesis? God showed him there were going to be seven years of feast followed by seven years of famine. He prepared not just for himself but for all the surrounding nations. As a result he saved not just himself and his family but millions of others. Our creator gave us each a brain and He expects us to use it. Christians have no excuse for not being prepared. And we should prepare for not just ourselves but to be able to help others too.
AMEN
All the end of the world talk and “everything’s flat” scenarios may seem extreme to some, although it happens quite often if you watch the news. If you can’t envision the most extreme ever happening, try thinking about what would happen if there was no power or water in your local area for a week. I know that in my little town there would be widespread panic if the Starbucks went down. I already have my coffee stash though, so I’m on the right path
The individuals situation / location will dictate their actions. I’m a trucker. Out usually 5 days. If a emergency happens when out, I’ll have try dealing with each problem. Prayer, and trusting God for help is high on my list.
if you can only carry three, I might give up the paracord for a swiss army knife or multi – tool, but I keep my multi tool on my belt, and you can wear a paracord brain as a bracelet, so there’s no reason to not have both … just my two cents worth …
Yes, by all means always carry a knife with you. Thank you for the reminder.
I would suggest waterproof matches and/or a flint and steel set.
Purchase a couple white sheets at a thrift store or yard sale. Wash and hang in the sun until dry. Spread it out over a double bed and cut into triangles or squares. Put in ziploc and double bag. I would suggest using freezer bags.
For light weight carrying…put freezer bags in you supplies. Water can be retrieved, purified and carried without bulk and being disposable, keeps bacteria at bay.
I think you should have 4 things, the 4th being a multi purpose tool, like a Swiss army knife, you’re gonna need this in the sticks. Get a good one with small saw, scissors, magnifying glass to start a fire easier when you have sun. The knife part can help you fashion a weapon.
A number mentioned that they have dogs. Be sure to stockpile food for them also. Brown rice, some meat.protein and a few vegetables will make good homemade dog food. A solar oven and a pressure cooker that will fit inside the oven will also make life a lot more bearable.
These are all good survival items but they are geared for war weather. What to do in the winter and the cold?
For ANYONE that wears eyeglasses ,if your glasses become damaged ,lost or destroyed and you CANNOT see without them a pair of Dollar Tree Glasses may make your day!!! I put a [pair in every survival kit I produce.
A survival knife with a quick fire producing apparatus and knife sharpener attached to the sheath. Water purification
tabs attached to knife sheath.
small magnifying glass and mirror; one to start fires with and the other to signal, both by catching the sun’s rays.
I purchased a survival bag from the red cross (after my house burned down in 2008) The cost wasn’t too pricey (I think I paid about 50 bucks.. It contains a small first aid kit, flashlight transistor radio, emergency water and food bars, and a reflective blanket, it came in a backpack to keep everything together.. In addition I acquired some permalight matches. As a multiuse tool a Machete with a saw back blade can work as defense (or offense), it can be used to make other one use weapons– IE spears, Arrows (if you have or can make a bow or crossbow. It can be used to cut your paracord in a pinch so I have included these in my survival bag (an old duffle bag works well as a bugout bag. as long as you are filling the duffle think about maybe a pair of polypros or thermal underware because you really don’t know how many seasons you may be holed up somewhere.. if you want to improve your area security, catalogs like BudK or CHkadel offer survival items at a fair price…. knives, swords, Machetes, cold weather survival, firestarters, surgical kits, signal mirrors etc. Just opening a few more dendrite paths.
My experience is to add a simple bic pen . One with removable ink tube . It can hold String and paper clip all are very useful . Use the imagination . To many uses to mention . Very light and can put any where .
The pen barrel can be used for an emergency tracheotomy as well.
Suggest mechanical pencil instead of pen, never dry out. Or regular pencil, can be sharpened with your knife. Jon.
Thanks for all of the contributors. They are all great but I think that priorities are individualized according to ones situation/ condition. I would like to make sure that I have sharp knife, durable but light rope, 1-3 lighters, bandana, emergency kit, antibiotics, multivitamin, dihydrated foods, tin cups and cooking materials if still have space. It’s always interesting to read new ideas and suggestions. But the most important is that we have God to guide and strengthen us that we can sustain the toughest difficulties we will encounter in this life.
The one thing my father taught me was very important a good knife will take care of a lot of aspects of survival. However the bags cord and bandanas make life so much easier, but a steel match should be added to the list and a good knife.
Thanks for the information. I received the 2-3 month food. Where can we get some Mylar material? Do we open the box that the food was shipped in and store in a different space ? You mentioned there could have ants, rats or is our food safe? I am 81 year old and live alone. I have a granddaughter who lives close which will help me. All of this is so helpful . Thanks. Evelyn Murrian
Evelyn, your Food4Patriots order will have its own storage box inside of the cardboard shipping box. That storage box is waterproof and a good deterrent to pests so it’s a great place to leave your food.
Evelyn,
Go to your local Home Depot or whatever you have there, and get yourself a couple of inexpensive galvanized metal garbage cans with lids. Throw some loose Diatomaceous Earth or 20 Mule Team Borax (grocery store) in the bottom of it to wipe out any bug trespassers or passengers.
Duct tape the lid down and put a weight on top to discourage raccoons, etc.
Rats / squirrels won’t be able to chew in.
No rats/vermin + no bugs = no problem.
Stay safe ;-)
Before buggin, As I am certain the seal knows and the Lady who said stay home as long as possible. One step at a time, It seems the threat or danger must be identified and understood as much as possible, If another group of organized humans, than leaving your home and looking for allies must be the route, A single person will be hard pressed to defend any perimeter, as sleep must be, and if there were an adversary that is aware of your position & situation, Than at first opportunity slip away unnoticed hopefully. Any type of confrontation, if a person is alone without assistance and considering battle with zero experience, should reconsider. or will know for sure how many unfriendlies there are and where they are located, because if you defend or resist being unaware EXACTLY of your foe that may be a fatale err. if surprise or are left with out any options and life or limb is endangered, and flight isn’t viable, fight you must, if another human is the situation and in an arms reach and closing, take your best shot because you may not get another, that shot is with out mercy
and if empty handed again with out mercy you put your fingers completely into both eyes, DEEP pull them out as you fall back ,be aware of your damage do not allow this enemy to reinstall his eyes, smash them, if you fail you perish.Safty in numbers, So if an individule is not sure if they are capable of that much brutality, Then do not try to defend your position, Predators are just that, they prey and will attempt to close on you undetected. Do not allow them that opportunity, locate allies as soon as possible, There isn’t anything worth defending singularly, successfull defense requires 360 degrees of perpetual observation, anything less is an open door, even with a circle of tin cans on a string , If you must battle, you will become a gurella, that will lend you the advantage. You must be the predator. All of these ugle thoughts must be dealt with and be done with. another reason to find allies, as soon as possible, Strength and safty in numbers. Perhaps some thoughts before hand of possiblely locating several other pardners, The folks that think your strange now may not make the best defensive team when needed either. They will be too shocked out and may become a disadvantage to have or be around, If they are family & loved ones then watch closely be prepared, In bad situations it is hard to remember that we are all just human, To survive some senerios you may need to rise above your humanity, so if in agroup then DO NOT lose compassion for others, Difficult to not lose compassion when you may have to lose compassion to defend, Nothing will be as imagined, because it is just that imagination.May the Good Lord be with and protect us all. One last item, the safest place to be is aware of. The safest place to be around a minefield is to be aware of where it is at.Good Luck be safe.
Thank you John for your insightful comments. So much wisdom in only one short post from you, thank you. I appreciate your taking them time to write. Thanks again, E. Banks
Top 3 need to be things I can Not make or construct! Knife, flint, and rifle with amo stand out. Others mentioned are good but I can make cords and shades and obtain things for the other stuff. Part of this depends on what kind of environment you’ll be in, wilderness, rural, or city. Find a dump for all the other stuff.
Your three items are very good. I never realized the value of a trash bag.
I would replace bandanas with a large knife.
I agreed most with comment made by Watchmanonwall August 9, 2013.
I
there was some good reading materal there,and i watched all of it ,i only have one little prpblem i am 72 years old,and partly disabled so running i can`t do i would have to stick it out here,i am in the boonies, and somewhat prepaired,also have good watch dog,
there are so many good idea’s here. I was a navy seal for 12 years and our survival depended on living off the land so to speak, for shelter food and stealth. to do this we had to travel light and quiet. a good knife,pistol and rifle w/ammo for each and clear head no panic attack, you would be surprised how easy it is to be a protector , provider, and supporter for your friends and family.
I agree with the knife and Leatherman tool.
I would add tee shirts for bandsges. Body cooling and even (as I recently needed) an emergency sling for an arm or shoulder injury. You can wear several tee shirts per person an the weight is minimal. The sling can be reused for other uses when arm or shoulder. Grace and Peace!
at the minimum a good quality pocket knife preferably with locking blade, and a means of starting fire should always be on hand. Pocket knife for cutting, shaping utensils i.e. spear points, spoon, or fishing fork spear, obtaining food, skinning and creating protective clothing, metal onto flint striker for fire, shelter and signal materials gathering, tick removal and first aid surgical needs, and of course self defense if needed.
A small roll or squares of aluminum foil in your kit has multiple uses if available for cooking over/in the fire or coals or solar cooker, signaling, sealing a wound, water purification, and if in snow country can be used as reflective burn and eye protection.
A small sewing kit or needle and a bit of thread for repairs and first aid wound sealing takes very minimal space and the needle, a bit of aluminum foil and some water can make a makeshift compass.
My top three items would have to be food, shelter, and weapons. ;)
Get to the point!! Drags on !!!
While “bugging out” a man was shown how to take charcoal briquets
crush it/them up fine as powder in a bandana, put the bandana over
a container and poured used fountain water over the charcoal and into the
container.
This cleaned the water, but one may want to do this a
couple of times for their own peace of mind. If possible, use
flowing water site which will hopefully have less contaminates in
it. In the Bible it tells how Jesus cleansed the lepers. He put them
in flowing river water, not a standing body of water. There’s lots of
knowledge in that book if we see it in the right light.
Thank you Frank for all the knowledge you share and to all the others also who
are true Patriots and deeply love this country.
**Note to Mara:
I agree with you 100%, I have done quite a bit of reading, also dated military spec forces in my youth. At 46 (single mother-no welfare here either!) I have a daughter and grandson along with 2- 90 yr old grandparents to look after. We will be fortifying here. I believe your assumptions will be correct or close to it. Martial law is well to be avoided and a select group of adults can hunker down well with direction. It’s not just surviving but surviving well with intellect. I do have a bug-out bag but I pray I won’t need to use it since that is last resort.
I think the leatherman multi tool and a manfying glass are excellent ideas! I will keep the knife and sharpening stone too.
I would add a heavy duty folding knife and sharpening stone.Duct tape will stick to most anything dry.
I would hope to survive in my home which is away from the main stream with your ‘off the grid’ stuff plus the urban survival guide
Thick garbage bags = Get Lowe’s construction clean up bags.
I would also include duct tape in my list. Thanks
I want to prep with Lila! Rubber thongs would make great slingshots!! lol.
what about a knife or leathermans tool, and matches
A good multi-tool has endless possibilities and uses in a survival situation. A back-packing type water filter would also be a good item to have but they are pricey. Iodine or some other type of water purification would also be a good thing to have.
I have been planning, assembling & improving a bugout bag for years now and you nailed it precisely. Its not what you have but how many ways can you use it. This is the main factor in determining what stays and what goes. My bugout weight limit is 10% of body weight to maintain mobility and concealment. Thanks for giving me more reasons for hanging on too the bandana long after it went out of style as a clothing accessory. Bob.
US Army Ranger training says that your most important things for survival are fire, clean water, and maintaining A REASONABLE BODY TEMP. What you have listed are nice to have but the key is multi purpose items of low WEIGHT (there are natural replacements for those listed). AS THE WEIGHT YOU’R HUMPING AROUND GOES UP, YOUR SURVIVLE CHANCES GO DOWN. Generally, a well thought out balance between environmental requirements and weight is the best approach best.
Panic will kill you the quickest. A calm, alert mind is your best survival tool. Creative scrounging of available material also helps.
Swiss Army Knife
Good Lighter
Heavy Duty Garbage Bags
I think these are so important due to the vast uses each has. I have found contractor bags are extremely durable and large enough for any need.
Heavy duty Pruning shears and a good hunting knife
Extra pair of rubber thongs and
Vaseline,hydrogen peroxide and anti-biotic cream.
sin1. I have survived WWII. as a child and the 1956 hungarian revolution, as a young man. Your assessment is right on the mark. Also your take on the food and all other necessity items availability is correct, as I remember my experience in 1956.
To me the most amassing thing is, that nobody is able to halt this death spiral of our nation ?
Is congress really so blind, they can not see that the famous rope that “Lenin” wrote about, that will help to hang the USA, is sold by the President and the Congress, by creating the monitory chaos
with the over spending and over borrowing.
Thanks for your books and information lists.
Really, while this is good, I will take a good survival knife over that list any day.. If you know bushcraft, you can make any of these with a knife…
Just got your book. keep the e-mails coming.
Great Idea’s. I always thought that the laces in my boots would be enough cord. I guess it would’nt hurt to have a little extra’ Thanks
i just wanted to say that you have opened my eyes i live on Maui reality of what could and will happen is very scarey to me i will try my best to make sure that my daughter and i are prepaired thank you your truley jason
BANDANAS ARE ALSO THOUGHT TO BE USEFUL AGAINST TEAR GAS.
COVER NOSE AND MOUTH WITH WATER SOAKED BANDANA AND USE AS A FILTER
Q. WHAT ABOUT EYE PROTECTION?
As a better filter, you will want to soak your bandana in apple cider vinegar if you have it. It helps with breathing tear gas but you still have to worry about your eyes but at least you can breath.
All this craziness has been going on for some time. The hole is just getting deeper.
The greedy people are just getting greedier. It makes you sick to your stomach and I know it makes God sicker. We have to go through some very trying times before He comes back to claim the heaven and earth and everything in them that He created. In the meantime, we must do what we have to do to survive. Thank God for His Guide (The Bible). I like your suggestions, but I have so many irons in the fire, I have not thought too much about survival. I not only am out of a job, I recently lost a very dear relative.
Magnifying glass to start fires with and a multi tool i.e. leatherman Gerber and victorinox.
Need cutting tools/s, combustion device/s, container, cover and cordage….with these and survival knowledge plus practice one can survive if their mind is strong and ready…..
If you have room, and weight is not an issue, duct tape is a good thing to have also!
Don’t forget the Duct Tape and pots or pans
Mara, There is a website shtf (Shit hits the fan) I believe that is what it is called. There is a story a guy tells of Bosnea. Life is good there, everyone is happy. The town looks great, green grass with trees. The government tells them everything is great. The next day the grocery store shelves are bare. For the next year people are trying to survive living in their home. Please try to find it and read it. it was a real eye opener to what is coming to America.
I’m glad to be finally coming on/in to
the Patriot Headquarters site. I’m glad you are still here. Its been
a while since anyone posted, so I hope people are still reading this.
I read all of the postings, and while there were a lot of WONDERFUL
suggestions, as a financially strapped single mother who has had to
“survive” NOW in the life we live in now and raise three kids, I
have a question/problem. Well, most of us live in the great U.S.of A.
(sic) and well, most of these comments are regarding living in the
“bush” or in the “wilderness”. Won’t most of us be fighting
in the urban jungle? At least unless or until we could GET to
whatever “wilderness” is LEFT in this country? And, if everyone
is heading for the “wild”, it won’t be so wild any more, but
getting pretty crowded. Most of the post-apocalyptic science fiction
movies I’ve seen are either so far in the future that cities have
long since deteriorated, or have had some sort of war or cataclysm
decimate them. In a lot of the situations we are likely to face,
neither of these scenarios are likely. We are going to be in cities
and suburbs dealing with people who are scared and who haven’t
prepared or cared to look into anything. From everything I have read
(and I admit I haven’t read it ALL yet, working on it), the
suggestion is to stay put for as long as you can. Bugging out is a
last resort. Holing up, making sure our homes are protectable and
self contained should be first priority. Having a bug out bag and
potential transportation is essential, but only if it no longer
becomes a good idea to stay put. I have been reading things like this
for a long time and have totally ticked off family members collecting
much of these items that you and others have suggested. Living at
home, they are ALL of some benefit, either now, or for a future
cataclysmic event. The bug out bags are for the essentials that you
need if you have to get out fast. But, I would rather try very hard
to defend my present position if possible FIRST before litting out
for who knows where to face who knows what. I think (and others I
have read agree) that bugging out is SECOND priority to a defensive
posture in your HOME.
Boarding up lower story entrances.
Having an emergency exit strategy and route. Making sure you can see
all areas of entry to the property from upper windows and have
weapons to defend from them. Possibly booby trapping the entry points
to keep the two footed predators out might help. Survival seeds kits
for when your dried food rations run out. From all I’m reading/seeing
we only have to try to survive for a month to two or three years
before things start leveling out and we start trying to find life
again. Whether its without technology or with limited technology,
whether its with a military state or foreign invaders, whether its
extreme cold or heat … if we have a defended position, dug in, with
enough supplies to get through it, I would rather take my chances
HERE than be on the road, or living in a makeshift tree shelter. If I
have to leave I will, but I personally think that for most of us,
those of us who DON’T have an ex military husband or a prepper
husband or son around will be better off trying to defend the
position we have NOW rather than making ourselves vulnerable on the
road somewhere or in the wild. At least at home, I don’t have to
worry about wolves and bears and rattle snakes. Not to mention the
less dangerous but also annoy spiders, ticks and mosquitos.
Also, don’t advertise to everyone you
know what you are “hoarding” in your home. When something bad
happens, you only want to admit those who you KNOW are on the same
mental and SURVIVAL page that you are on. Those who can contribute to
the overall good of your entire group. You don’t want your extremely
lazy EX co-worker to remember that you said you were stocking up on
food and ammo to show up at your door begging entrance. For many of
us, just mentioning that we are preparing for “any eventuality”
makes most of the people we know snicker. Those snickerers are going
to be beating down your door when something really bad happens that
they poo-poo’d right now.
And, I know I’m not all that
knowledgeable, just a 50+ year old woman who has successfully raised
three sons to the age of consent WITHOUT welfare (for the most part,
a couple of times needing help), trying to keep OUT of the
governments way, and with barely enough money to keep a roof over
their heads. Many of these suggestions that you guys came up with are
things that a lot of poor people have been doing for years and years.
Or SHOULD have been doing. I just really think that with four or five
adults in a decent sized house, with the proper precautions taken,
that it makes far more sense to try to hold out rather than bug out
and to only use it as a last resort. And, if it DOES become
necessary, one person can hold the line while the others are safely
away. Nope, not throwing that person under the bus. Just saying …
once the family is safely away, its a whole lot easier for one person
to slip and slide and dodge their way to safety. How many movies or
stories have we seen or heard of where the husband/father got killed
because he had to worry about whether his family was safe or not?
Sorry to seem to be against the bug
out, but … I just think that we’re forgetting something that might
work just as good if not better … in the short term at least. And,
if your area doesn’t get particularly HIT too badly by whatever
happens, bugging out just leaves YOUR former home open to whatever
squatters decide to take it over when you might have been able to
protect it long enough for the major crap to get over with. Just
something else to think about.
Peace and Safety! Mara
The rules of 3 apply. Body temperature is more important than water. You can die of hypothermia or hyperthermia in a matter of hours. get “98.6 the art of keeping your ass alive” by Cody Lunden.
I watched a couple of episodes of “naked and afraid” where they could only take ONE item and NO clothes – at all. If you haven’t seen it, check it out. Every show someone had a large knife.
This is by far number 1. With this, I can cut natural cordage, make a debris hut, an elevated bed in swampy areas, roof for rain and sun or other types of shelters. regulate body temp. You can make a snare with cordage and a sapling, make other traps, make a spear, cut firewood, especially the kindling if the outside is wet, gut and clean animals and fish, defend myself, fashion other tools, make fish hooks from bones or wood. The utility of a good knife can never be exhausted.
#2. The second would be a way to make fire. to keep body temperature regulated, to boil and sanitize water, to cook food and signaling. This is 4 major needs. It is also light at night, scare away predators (especially if no gun) and psychological benefit. Matches run out and lighters fail. (they fail reliably) Old school flint and steel are difficult to learn but reliable. Most people cant do a bow or that plow method. magnesium and steel is easy and reliable, light weight. no moving parts, works when wet and cheap as can get at harbor freight.
#3. Third would be something to carry water to the fire, boil water, drink water and cook food and hike with water, carry edible plants while foraging. a small pot or SS widemouth canteen with a lid.
I would probably take the trash bag over the other two. As a poncho, it can keep you from getting wet and cold. Hopefully you are already wearing clothes and good shoes. You can fill it with leaves for extra insulation and as a ground cloth or sun shade.
The cordage would be tough to leave off the list, stronger and more reliable that natural cordage. But, I would still take a pot over it.
I can substitute my t-shirt for the bandana if necessary.
This has been a great exericise in just what is really necessary and what is “nice to have”
A high quality multivitamin & mineral supplement would top my list. If your food sources are limited you probably won’t get balanced nutrition and you will get sick. Liquid supplements are far superior to tablets but at the very least you should keep a backup bottle in your pack.
Frank, thank you for sharing what the power companies and the government don’t want us to know!!
But don’t forget about what the big drug companies and some doctors (not all of them) don’t want you to know.
We should all learn and teach our children what each vitamin and mineral does for the human body.
When my dad had heart bypass surgery his doc told him to eat bananas for potassium. That’s when I started learning about and taking minerals. 30 years later now I’m older than my dad was then and according to my complete blood count tests all my levels are normal! GO GOD!
A very sharp, big as you can carry,heavy duty knife.
I have to concur with many of the others making comments. A good cutting tool would be my #1 item, followed by the cord and the plastic bags.
When I was a Boy Scout, long ago, we would go on survival camping trips for 2-4 days. The leaders would take us to a remote location and leave us loosely supervised to fend for ourselves. We could bring what would fit in a small pack or on our belts, but no food, shelter or sleeping bags. They visited every few hours to observe us, but did not interfere unless someone was doing something dangerous. Each campsite had a sealed footlocker that contained shelter, food, water, matches, fire starter, first aid equipment and a rifle and ammunition for emergencies. My groups never opened one.
We then proceeded to make camp, building shelter and fires, trap small animals, catch fish and gather other natural foods. On one visit we treated out Scoutmaster to a meal of Poke Salad with wild onions and fresh fish (crappie and large mouth bass) cooked parrilla style over our fire. We stayed relatively comfortable and well fed.
Later I did a number of minimalist camping trips including backpacking, rock climbing, trekking, mountain rescue, whitewater and sea kayaking in different environments ranging from AK to Baja, float flying and even lived in a forestry cabin in AK for a month. I suggest that reading and preparing are good, but practicing a little is even better. Go out and try some of this stuff and learn how to adapt and overcome obstacles that come up. Do as we did and bring a safety cache of supplies and escape, but try not to use it.
My list of equipment includes: A good knife (I don’t go anywhere without one, except the airport), a good multitool (I like Gerber & don’t forget to put a lanyard on it- I have four at the bottom of lakes and rivers all over three countries), at least 20 ft of good strong cord, fishhooks and monofilament line, a large folded sheet of thick plastic, plastic garbage bags, steel wool, fire starter, some minor first aid supplies and a metal coffee can, which can serve as a waterproof container for most of the other stuff, and a water or cooking pot. Also have a warm layer, hat and change of underwear and socks.
If you have the luxury of space and weight capacity, a small axe and some soap can make things easier and more comfortable. A good firearm helps a lot. When were were flying in remote portions of Canada and Alaska we always kept a 12 ga shotgun with buckshot and slugs available. Birdshot can also make feeding yourself a little easier. In the plane, because we had the room (and some rules required it) we also carried 10,000 calories per person of dehydrated camp food, some food for our dog, a Felco folding saw and a larger first aid kit in a dry bag. That can give you a real head start in a remote situation.
A lot of this survival stuff isn’t too hard, if you know and practice what you are doing.
Oh I hate Discus! I left a long comment and when I logged in it went away!
What ways do you have to make clean water for drinking???
Outside of a knife, hatchet, or multipurpose tool. These items are dead on! Anybody here get a knife, hatchet or multipurpose tool on a plane? I was in a bad part of the country taking the wrong possible plane in the worst time of the year and the first two items saved my life!!! I had a poncho not a trash bag but in retrospect, I think I would have chosen the trash bag.
I think all are great items to have but also some of the other comments should add to list. Keep up the comments, I think all are great and it does make you think about what you need again great info, thanks for sharing them with us.
One last thing I would like to mention. Get a solar powered battery charger. It takes up little room in a back pack and very versatile for other things other than charging car batterys.
Do not forget a foot square piece of clear plastic and a collapsible cup for obtaining water using a solar still. Most campers, trekkers, and practicing survivalists know what I mean.
Oh…on the bandanas. If they get wet with sweat take it off and take the ends and spin the bandana several times…it will cool the moisture in the bandana and cool one off….or just soak it in water and do the same routine.Also get an engineers compass. Great for sighting a landmark a distance off and still be able to be able to reach that destination even in deep wood land and useful as a fire starter too. It has a little magnifying glass on it to read the degrees on the compass.
I would like to add that when selecting paracord that one should select the type that can be unraveled to smaller stands. Wouldn’t hurt to have different weight bearing type of cord either. Another item I would get is what I recently purchased at a WalMart Super Center…It is called a Gator Machette Jr. It has very sharp teeth on one side and a very sharp blade on the other and comes with very durable scabbard (sheath) BTW the blade will cut paper. I used it yesterday to saw and chop some low hanging branches and it did not dull the either the saw edge or the cutting edge. It is made by Gerber..would be a good defense weapon if needed .nuff said!
NEVER leave home without your pocket knife and band-aids! I’ve even got a little package of tissues, because leaves are scratchy.
I have 4 survival blankets that are silver/red with grommets along the edges, with parachute cord, they can be made into a shelter, ground cover/ sleeping bag by tying them together. The 4 together are smaller than a sleeping bag & are more versitle.
Need to make sure that multi tool is the highest quality, and try to get one where the tools are on the inside of the pliers handles, not on the outside where they can hurt your fingers. I have a little Gerber that is great! The heavy duty trash bags are super versatile. If you could choose companions with brains like the posters here, that would be the best survival tool of all!
Hey could you folks send me some pictures, prices and places to obtain the very best survival knives and hatchets. Thanks!
Bo Orr
Space Blankets four or five will fit in a pocket. Very light and if you have duck tape— Shelter I think Space Blankets are a great thing to have. Wrap up in one and feel the heat. I always carry one or two. You never know
I thing should be a solar flash light and a crank type radio.
Folding bucket to carry water
To be able to use the 3 items listed I think you would need some sort of cutting implement, such as a Swiss Army knife (usually come with more tools attached, especially the larger ones) , or any other multi-tool with a knife and other implements.
I love the responces. Many good thoughts and ideas. The main theme seems to be what should the 4th, 5th or 6th items be? First for me would be a good solid knife or multitool or both. Next would be one of those magnesium fire starter bars with a broken piece of hacksaw blade. Nothing beats the smooth side of the hacksaw blade for throwing sparks and the toothed side is great for shaving off fine pieces of magnesium. Since both the hacksaw blade and the magnesium bar have holes in them I keep mine on piece of stout cord hanging around my neck.
Note: my piece of hacksaw blade is about 5 inches long, and I took a piece of cardboard, folded it over and stapled it to make a sheath for the hacksaw blade so it wouldn’t cut me or my shirt. Now I don’t have to dull my knife cutting flint and magnesium to make a fire. The hacksaw blade only weightes an oz of less.
THOUGHT PROVOKING… THINGS I WOULD NEVER HAVE THOUGHT OF… GOOD WORK!
Very useful. never thought about the bandanas, or garbage bags
The three items are good, but a fourth is needed. A large hunting or kitchen knife to cut the cord and the plastic bag, for self defense, hunting and general purpose tool.
Don’t forget simple basic item like wooden matches, long tipped “electronic” lighters, simple small candles w/clear cover, knives, water container, and such.
On an unrelated note, If ignorance is no excuse in the court of law, How is it that OBAMANATION and his henchmen continue to get away with it??????????????????
#1 Hooked cane knife for multi purpose, self defense, building shelter, clearing trail, chopping wood, silent offensive weapon!, quartering game, kinetic energy booby trap, implement of terror!
#2 “Real” parra cord, look-a-like’s don’t have a multi braided, “multi cord” core that can be pulled out and used individually, each individual cord is very strong and can hold several hundred pounds! Uses, lashing, hanging, trapping, snaring, lases, bow string, garrote, “fuse” using outer shell, fishing and many more uses!
#3 wind and water proof lighter’s, much better than, flint, magnesium, or friction fire starters and cheaper to, when your freezing and can’t hardly move or your tinder is damp, a small torch that only needs a button depressed to throw pressurized flame up to two inches is a blessing and can unfreeze a frozen weapon likity-split and silently, it can be used as or with improvised munitions or booby trap, soldering and you can afford to have many of them stashed all around with small refill bottles that go a long way
I love dried apples. Beef jerky, too.
Know the area you are entering.
What plants can you eat? rose hips,
berries of various kinds and roots.
Tea is very helpful as well.
Of course, if you are in the eastern US, you
can see if you like cicadas as food.
MMM crunchy.
Well to be FRANK with you a really good knife is number 1! You can make cordage out of many plants all over the world but if you have a “555” belt it is better and faster so the para cord is right.
My brothers and I used to practice wilderness survival skills when we were young so my suggestion is to pick up a book on survival skills and go practice every chance you get. Fun with your family and everyone learns something. shelters made the way it is in the picture is a blast to do too.
With a bit of knowledge you free your back! Light weight backpacking skills will teach you a ton of things that will give you the freedom to not worry about most of this stuff….
I sent you an e-mail about how I differed with your ideas of survival but I would like to add some items to your latest list.All items you mentioned are great and necessary. What else would I have? An emergency blanket that you can pick up at Wal-Mart for $3 or 4 that will not let any heat out or any cold in. They fold up (the first time) to fit in your shirt pocket. They are made of space age material and will cover a twin size bed. However, you can also buy some large pieces of camouflage burlap to hide the chrome like color if you want to remain hidden. An IR Camera cannot detect your body heat if you are under one of these. Fish Hooks and 30 Lb. clear fishing line. Ka-Bar and sharpening stone at the very least. Magnifying glass, steel wool. 9V Battery and some Flint and steel for starting fires. Hackett, with this you can cut something to use as an entrenching tool if necessary.
If hiding out move to hills or mountains and seek over hangs, Gullies or Caves. If lost seek the highest ground and maintain 3 triangular fires 24 hours a day. One last thing as far as making it through a cold night in the woods, find a large tree that has been blown over and left a hump of soil and hollow out the hole and fill it with dry leaves if possible then cover the hole with fairly large poles across it and then cut small cedar limbs and lay them down thick over the top and then use other sticks and brush to hold them down and have an opening on one end big enough to slide in and that will close back and it will put you below the ground level. If you have an emergency blanket as I described above you will have to stay partially uncovered or burn up one. Sleep tight and when you awake listen, slowly raise up and get a good view of anything outside before exiting. Also a length of 30 Ga. wire tied perpendicular to two sticks isn’t a bad tool to have either if you are light footed!
Col. Dana Gillespie
Thank You Col. you brought me back to my survival training when I was Training in Survival Missions. Civil Air Patrol Stratford Eagle Squadron Ground Search and Rescue.
I’ll agree with the 550 cord, and possibly even the bandanas. I think that a good multi purpose tool, like a Leatherman or Gerber would edge out the trash bags, although they might come in fourth place..
Spare, broken-in, in good condition, tennis or hiking shoes for each family member. Likewise, spare glasses for those that need them– Rx sunglasses, maybe. And a fair-sized pot that can be used over a fire to make soups or just boil water– good for carrying, hauling liquids or gathering edibles, and ok to use as a shelter from rain in wet conditions to get a fire going. Of course, these would all be in addition to the water jugs, trash bags, fishing line, and multi-purpose tools…
I THINK A MULTI PURPOSE TOOL, CUZ THE TRASH BAG CAN PRETTY MUCH OFFSET THE BANDANA IF YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TOOL TO CUT IT TO PROPER LENGTH
One I think should be a Multi-Purpose Tool (i.e. Swiss Army Knife, Folding Tool, etc.).
I’m not sure haven’t read all the responses, PLEASE HAVE A FIRST AID KIT!!!!
After haveing read comments by others, ALL well meaning, thank you!
Here is my two cents worth. Anything and everything you obtain for survival.
Take it into your backyard and USE IT, PRACTICE WITH IT!
Nothing you buy will be of any use to you if YOU do not know how to use it.
That was taught to me in U.S. Navy survival school. It has been proven true to me at various times dureing my life.
1) Buckets let you carry stuff, store stuff, and transport water or food.
2) Having a leatherman type all purpose tool gives you an abundant number of tools all in one.
3) A metal pan. If you dont have a ceramic water filter the only way to get safe drinking water is to boil it.
Plastic sheeting doesn’t weigh much and can be rolled up. Its a great vapor barrier when sleeping on the ground, Its a water proof source for a roof over your sleeping area, When it rains it can be spread out to catch safe drinking water.
Also as your mothers have advised …..clean underwear! You never know when you might have an accident.
Deoderant. Very important! Don’t want to scare away the critters.
Hi Frank,
In my opinion, thick garbage bags should be changed to a supply clear, plastic, high mil, sheeting. Even a piece 8′ x 8′ would allow you to do all you mentioned but also gives you the ability to waterproof improvised shelters and construct solar stills.
Large 100 % Wool Blanket – like the Italian Military ones they are tough as well..
– Regulate core body temp, Shelter, shade, gather – carry items, Stays warm even when wet, will shed water if used as a tarp, can be used to collect dew, rain water etc (can be wrung out) naturally anit-microbial and fire resitant, holes and tears can easily be repaired.
Large Stainless Steel water bottle – like the 40 OZ wide mouth Klean Canteen
– Carry water, boil water/soups broths, signaling, stainless steel will last and can be kept hygenic with fire
Chinese Military issue Shovel – extremely durable will last more than a lifetime
-Cuts, chops, saws, digs, hammers, cook on, and does all of them well enough lethal tool for self defense in a pinch, check it on you tube (I got one) its a serious bush tool.
—–Coordage is great but if limited to only 3 items it can be made, If you want your top three mult-purpose items to cover all the bases then thiss would be it – knowlege is power, thick garbage bags are fine for short term situations but will wear out, melt, tear, get poked, bandanas are fine but their uses can be duplicated with other materials found in the bush,
Please send me a text copy of your equipment. I do not know electrical terms yet or what they mean or do.
Frank: Just watched that TV show on Disc about the naked survivor. Now he was a VERY, VERY well trained survivalist from the Brits. After watching him truly struggle with a clam shell
for a knife/hatchet, I feel like a very heavy kinfe or hatchet should be on your list. If I had to take
one off, it’d be the bandannas!! I’d have my pockets stuffed with every damned thing that Ace/
Cabellas sells!!! I’m honored you asked for my opinion. Did you see the Naked guy? I keep a
6 gallon, yes 6 gal bucket of gear in my vehicle 24/7/365. If I was heading into the out country,
the only thing I’d add, would be some kind of rifle/pistol.
SONNY
one will need fire, knife, and warmth. the three you mentioned cover the warmth.
hard to pick just three. In no particular order anf for a small go bag:
Money
small pistol, holster and ammo
multi tool flashlight with dim setting
larger pocket knife fire starter
small water filter light weight mylar blanket
medications
cell phone
first aid kit
water
energy bars
sunglasses
floppy hat
don’t get me started on the big go bag
All good ideas but I think a kitchen dish towel would work better than a bandana.
A good, sharp knife is paramount and waterproof fire starting material/articles!!
MMS. If you don’t know what it is, LOOK IT UP! It could very likely save your life and/or the lives of your loved ones.
AND a large caliber handgun with a good supply of rounds….
A Leatherman/multi-tool and some form of water purification, like a water bottle with a good filter, or water purification tablets—iodine works, in a pinch.
It would make sense to have clear trash bags as well. They can be used as water aspiration bags on plants. Black won’t work, because they make the plants think it is night time, and the plants won’t photosynthesize, and thus won’t create water… Black has many uses too…
Frank,
I would add (1) a flashlight and (2) a multipurpose knife/tool, both of which I carry on my belt.
Bob
Very informative. Would not have guessed the bandanas or garbage bags!!
all good, most people , if have not tried, will not realize the value of ingenuity of using simple items.
I like the list of items for survival and alot of your ideas about staying off the grid. I have been
telling people for years that electric companies are over charging us and continue to do so.
Im glad to know there is some one else out there that realizes it also. I really appreciate the
information you have sent me and i am reading it and i will let you know how it works out for
me. Thank you again for every thing you have done.
your friend
Daniel G
don’t forget matches or lighters,
I’ve always believed in taking a thick garbage bag and a bandana on a backpacking trip. Taking a rope is a good idea that I hadn’t thought of. Thanks for the tip!
However, there are other items that are essential in the wilderness, and here is a list of some of the things in consider necessities:
Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, raingear, extra clothing, shoelaces (yes, the parachute cord would work for that), a first aid kit, a knife (a versatile Swiss Army knife or equivalent is best), a map of the area and a compass. It’s also always good to carry extra food – even a candy bar can come in handy if you get stuck somewhere, are injured, or get hypothermia. WATER is the most important item to carry, but if you run out you will also need some water purification tablets or other method to treat water to make it safe to drink.
Always, but always, have some means of making fire! Water can be found, food for subsistence is not necessary short term, but fire can make the difference between surviving and thriving!
I was over trained because I put my hand up.
Something to hold water in,a knife and I mean a good one. Then just knowing as much as you can about where your going and always have more than one way to.get there and to get out of there. Because you could have all kinds of things but if you don’tvknow how to operate them if there is no good to you or anyone.
Gerber or equal multi tool, kbar knife, mess kit, lighter or fire starting tools. I don’t know if you can put it down to just 3 items and exist.
#1 Zombie protection: a gun and extra ammo
#2: Protection from the elements, especially in winter.
#3: Good water
BTW, while drinking straws and ALL the other water purifiers are good for removing bacteria and protozoa, the main water borne pathogens, they won’t filter out a virus, like H5N1 or H7N9 that ducks and geese could be carrying and “put” into the water. For having absolutely safe water when bugging out, get some very-light-to-carry water purification tablets. The best ones are probably the ones with Chlorine Dioxide. Or get a UV pen like the Steripen. (I don’t know how long the batteries last….)
For treating LOTS of water at your bug-out location, use regular ole Clorox bleach with NO additives. However, while a bottle of Clorox is too big and heavy for buggng out with, most people aren’t aware that the chlorine in Clorox decays with time and storage temperature. In “normal” environments figure on -2 to -3% per month. To get some chlorine that doesn’t decay, get calcium hypochlorite, however the stuff is not play dough so handle with extreme care and do NOT store it in a metal container.
A solid block carbon filter will take out any residual chlorine as well as the BAD by-products of chlorine and organic material.
BTW2: boiling is a very inefficient way to kill pathogens in water. And you don’t have to boil it at all, let alone for “10 minutes” Bringing the water temperature up to 160 F for a few minutes kills all “normal” water-borne pathogens. That’s at the first few good size bubbles popping the surface. You can even sterilize water using a 2L soda bottle and sun light (which also has UV). Google “Solar water disinfection”
What are the 10 essential items advocated by the Boy Scouts of America mentioned by Kirk?
During the years of 1967 and 1968 I lived in the highlands of Quangnam province in Vietnam.
I spent 11 months and 23 days in “the bush”.
Besides my weapon, ammo grenades and two c rations a day, I relied on my poncho for shelter, my “k bar for eating utensils, trioxane {misspelled) tablets for cooking.
The poncho of today can be bought with its own plastic pouch for cheap. Military army surplus is much better quality.
I procured a hammock during that time and found it to be portable and comfortable. (just don’t get caught sleeping in one when 82mm mortars are coming in.)
Just a few thoughts from an old Marine.
My favorite survival kit fits into an old metal sucrets container, I think there are other mints with nice containers as well.
It contains: cheap 99 cent store clear poncho. Use for rain protection, waterproofing the roof of a survival shelter, collect rainwater, and for a solar still. I like clear because I can see it working and can makes sure no water is lost.
3 sizes of fish hooks, 100 feet of 8lb test monofilament, split shot, a small signal mirror, whistle w/compass, 2 single edge razor blades, 10 waterproofed strike anywhere matches and a piece of char cloth in a baggie, a stub of pencil wrapped with about 10′ of duct tape, in fluorescent pink, a dozen or so water purification tablets, and it is tightly wrapped with para cord. There is about 20-25′ of cord. It fits in any pants pocket, and I always carry my mini leatherman. I have these for every car I own, and my two sons have them too.
The bug out bags contain one, in each, as well as a lot of other survival gear, including wrist rockets & small ball bearings/buckshot for small game, a bowstring, (I can make a bow in the wild)
lots of paracord, a small hammock, and a lot more.
SWISS TYPE ARMY KNIFE WITH MULTI TOOLS; WATER PROOF MATCHES OR CHEAP BIC LIGHTER, SIGNAL MIRROR, CUP-POT FOR BOILING WATER, TEA BAGS/SUGAR, FISHHOOKS,
These would be in addition to the 10 essentials advocated by Boy Scouts of America.
I’d add some form of a water purification system, whether tablets or a filter/pump and a colapsable cup to drink from.
Don’t forget post-it notes and a pencil with duct tape wrapped around it-never know when you might need to leave someone (or your-own-self) a note. Flagging tape is good and is light, in case you need to be located.
K
good common sense ideas.
There’s so many people these days now becoming ‘survival’ aware that the odds are even if you forgot something, another person might have it! LOL Here’s a mythbuster i teach in all my classes.
Food and water IS NOT the first two things on your carry list. You can have all the food and water you want but if you freeze to death you won’t be hungry anyway. SHELTER/Security is Numbahhucking one. Those small completely enclosed silver heat reflective tents around 10-20 bucks are mandatory. They fold very small and set up fast. Along with a couple space blankets That with the paracord will keep you protected from the elements long enough to build a fire, set up a camp, etc. The garbage bags also can be used as a solar still. Any woods can usually provide a cup of water a day per 4′ square plastic. Don’t waste time with a ‘snare’ set up. get a regular flat small spring trap for five bucks. They are not that big. Knives serve multiple purposes. Some better than others. Lately they have some nice camp ‘machete’s that would actually work to cut meat, besides being a wood chopper, AND they actually feel and work like a pretty good short sword! It’s possible to outfit a single backpack that can be worn while riding your bicycle that can get you across most anywhere in the country, in reasonable comfort, for as long as it takes to get where you’re going. And last, but not least, don’t forget the ‘Flask’! If it’s aluminum or stainless it can be also justified as a ‘signal mirror’ LOL!
I’d add a multipurpose knife and fire starter.
Your ideas are very good. I carry a sharp knife, a small axe , and some plastic sheeting. By using the knife, you can make twine from branches, even snares in catching small game. the axe use for chopping wood, help in digging, and as a make shift flint. the plastic to warp up in, to collect water( which with out water, forget it , you’ll die.)
Just add a hand axe, fire starter & a Leather-man multi-tool.
My survival kit includes everything mentioned, plus 100 feet of flourescent pink marking ribbon. A pilot for the park service said he could see this from 1500 feet. It weighs nothing and can be used to make your signal triangle on the ground. Stay safe. Elizabeth Standing Bear
Duct tape would be an item that I would want.
Me too! I think it should be near the top of the list.
survival gear: Flint and steel for fire+disposable lighters. small 1st aid kit. small tarp+ survival blankets (cost about 1.99 ea) a good knife, a small weapon of a very common or popular caliber.
water purification tablets + a small water purifier (lots on internet) dehydrated food The clothes on your back should be the type where linings can be taken out for different climates. Wear layers. A coat with lots of pockets that can hold the majority of these items. coleman makes a real small head band with a flashlight, weighs nothing, enough light to get by. A crank generated am/fm radio.. I have a plastic bag that was super large It covered a washing machine. I cut the bottom seam so that the bag became a tube. With the paracord that you already mentioned I can string this plastic between two trees, throw my gear inside and its a shelter. Seems like a lot of gear. Well, I’m 64 and I can carry all this and much more in an alice pack.
Remember to have a walking stick, which can be used for a variety of chores.
Weight is the enemy. A gallon of water weighs 8 lbs.
Stoves, ground cloth etc. all these things can be carried by one man without too much difficulty.
All my suff is packed now.
A good thing to have is dryer lint and a lighter kept in a large ziplok baggie. Use it as fire starter or emergency gauze.
All three suggestions are good, especially the paracord but, if I am limited to three items, I would choose a knife or multi-tool a Strikeforce or equivalent fire starting device; and a personal first-aid kit that includes Quickclot and a one-hand tourniquet over the bandannas and plastic bags. I’ll concede you can’t carry the knife/multi-tool and fire starter on a commercial flight, but then I don’t travel by air unless I am forced to.
Personally, I have kits containing the paracord, multi-tool, Strikeforce, and FAK in each of my vehicles plus another more elaborate kit in my bug-out bag. Anytime I leave home, the kits go with me.
With those four items I can build a shelter and traps for food, build a fire to keep myself warm, cook food and boil water (e coli and dysentery will surely ruin your day). Even minor wounds in a survival situation can prove fatal if they become infected, let alone major wounds. With fire, I can also signal (smoke in the daytime and flames at night are likely to be much more visible than a bandanna).
Unless somebody just drops me off in the middle of the Sahara, I reckon I can find a lot of materials outright, salvaged from wreckage, or found in abandoned vehicles and structures, but without some sort of tool to cut and/or detach them they wouldn’t do me much good. Given a choice between a knife or a multi-tool, I’d go with the multi-tool. I won’t be able to rebuild an engine with it, but I can sure do a lot more than with just a knife blade.
Those are all good items to have I carry those ever everywhere, I have a backpack I carry with me at all times and its loaded with a fire starter,50 rounds of ammo, a survival 22 cal. rifle,a K-bar, toilet paper, first aid kit, collapsable fishing rod & reel, and lots of other items
I would suggest multiple sources of fire starters, IE matches, cig lighter, striker block, flint over a bandana any day. A multitool with serrated blade for cutting tree limbs would be next. The last thing I would grab is a space blanket.
Para cord, knife, and something to make a fire with. With these three items and the clothes on your back, can help you survive just about anything.
You need fire and kindling such as steel wool. Fire starter could be a 9 volt battery or flint or many other things.
Good suggestion, I would submit duct tape and multipurpose knife.. Ray
If only three are on the list – I’d leave the bandanas and bring a fire starter. Garbage bags can provide shade, sling and pillow. Cord in form of strap could be used for potholder and wet cord for evaporation cooler. And signaling with smoke during the day or fire at night is way better than waving a bandana. At least that’s my opinion. Thanks for making me think through this, though!
Those are all nice to have. I personally always have a survival knife, a fire starter, and my survival knowledge, which I seek to expand all the time.
Don’t forget that people in the cities will have a lot harder time surviving than people living in the country (depending on location). I live on a farm along the banks of a big river in north western Canada with lots of wild life all around me and a year round spring with good water, a good well and 2 dug outs full of water. I heat my house with wood and have lots of trees on the farm. I have small and large cal. rifles with over 2000 shells and I reload my bullets. Country people living in similar situations like myself have a BIG advantage over people living in cities. Some (NO, I’ll say A LOT of) people don’t have a clue how to survive even if they had all the necessary gear, etc and others can survive under almost any situation with almost nothing, (I know some). I know some people who can’t light a fire with matches–they need paper and kindling. These kind of non-survival people will want to mooch off of others who are competent survivors. My motto has always been “PLAN FOR THE WORST AND HOPE FOR THE BEST”.
Don’t forget good old DUCK TAPE, saw, knife, gun (or guns) and ammo.
those three plus six more would be close to getting a family by if the shtf, a good cutting tool, fire starter, water pureacation straw, fishing gear, tarp, shotgun & ammo. you can fish hunt stay warm & dry & protect your family from any dangers you may encounter. another thing would be to pick a local where u wont or cant be flanked.
strongly agree
A mulitool! like a leatherman is very handy for survival ( saw,knife,screwdriver,ect. )
Ta65,
Handcrank emergency radio.
Everything sounds good but I think I would add a flint or fire starting device.
Brandon should make and sell his bracelets. I know I would order at least three.
I would need a sharp K-Bar or Survival knife!
Braided fishing line is lighter than para-cord and makes great trip wires.
nice ideas. They are all practical. Can be multi purpose used for many things. But if the proverbial SHTF and I am in Indiana, my wife is in NY on Long Island with one son, and a second son is away in Pennsylvania on a hiking excursion, how does one gt int ouch so all 4 people can communicate if all communications go down in an EMP attack? – If I am in a rural environment with a car driving thru cornfields in a Suite and Tie driving to a factory to in my plant in Indiana and the SHTF and we have a national EMP attack? – How does a plastic garbage bag, bandanna, and rope help me in a corn field when my children and wife are 1000 miles away? Should I be carrying these things while traveling for Business? – How do i communicate with my wife 1000 miles away if an EMP attack takes everything out including satellite communication? How is that Plastic bag going to help me reach out to a loved one to check on her safety? – My children? – Bandanna going to do anything for me now?
Prioritize. If being with loved ones is important, make changes to accommodate. Choosing family over income is a good thing, As an RN, I always tell family, when faced with a “come now” decision, that if they are going to kick themselves for the rest of their life if they’re not there to say goodbye, then they need to come. If not, then perhaps it’s ok not to come. Only you and your family can decide what is important, and make the life changes necessary to reflect what are your priorities. On a personal note, I’m certain that folks who are not currently gardening, and think that a can full of heirloom/open – pollinated seeds, planted in a new garden, is going to save their families, are absolutely delusional! I’ve been gardening for more than 15 years, and, as I’m sure many gardeners will attest, am learning new things every year. My best advice. Prioritize. Change life per priorities. Pray for mercy. Start a garden.
Excellent Survival Items, would NOT disregard any of them, but I would add the following:
A Bottle of Water may be the most important.
Maybe a multipurpose knife with a flash light, or other multipurpose tool you need.
Matches would be useful to start a fire, unless you are well versed in starting fires with sticks and friction…
Thanks for your post,
Rena Howard
First take your brain, MINUS the FEAR. Stay clam, even when everyone around you is in high gear with panic!!! Most emergency situations are much easier to over come with a CLEAR, CALM, and COLLECTED thought process making your decisions.
FEAR, will be something that you need to work through and KEEP in check.
Practice— face YOUR biggest fears NOW in a normal enviroment, so you “know” what you need to overcome and work through. PRACTICE, if only in your mind for the day we all PRAY will not happen, but we know it is rapidly approaching. (For myself PRAYING is a MUST)
Mostly all of the comments here are great and very useful, however, if you panic or react to the peoples fear around you. You may all be in for a long ordeal.
Even if you need to get away from those that panic “DO IT”. You can NOT help them LATER
if you are part of the PROBLEM.
After you have SECURED yourself, your site, and those that LIKE YOU, did NOT panic. Only Go help those that YOU can HELP. Sadly, some, yes even family and friends may well be BEYOND help. Help only if it is safe to do so, without making a path to your safe zone. But, remember some will, without a doubt be far beyond help “IF” they DO NOT control their fear as well.
Never ALLOW someone that is deep into panic and fear in or near your safe zone. It will ALWAYS create a PROBLEM at some point in some way.
The hardest thing to do may well be, To leave a LOVED one behind will NOT control their fear and panic.
Remember, panic can and will kill far more than forgetting a flashlight or other survivaul gear and items.
A lighter -extra flint , fuel and T-candles , can be used multiple times for light and starting a stubborn fire and light..!.! Your first three and these and I build a city..!
#4 would be your gun and a good knife
I think knife over bandanas. The other two I agree. The paracord bracelet I made has 15 ft of paracord, 5 split shot fishing weights, 50 feet of mono phishing line, flint, striker, fishing lure, 3 fishing hooks and twine for tinder.
In a survival situation I would not want to be without a cutting edge. Preferable high carbon steel to serve as a fire striker as well. Fire and a cutting edge greatly increase your options in my opinion.
instruments for survival and protection.
I am a 40 year old Eagle Scout. I teach urban survival……
1st- A large “Leatherman”
2nd- a way to make a fire in any situation.
3rd- Paracord bracellet and such.
4th- a way of producing water.
5th- Food…………………….
Depending on time of year and where you are a well thought out lightweight survival pack is critical to survival .You are not going to last long without the right gear especially in rough terrain or cold and wet or snowy conditions.Make a long list of everything you can think you might need and then eliminate what you can do without. The size of the pack should not be any heavier than you can handle. A good exersize routine to keep you in good shape is wise. An out of shape person will not last long and only hinders the progress and safety of those people they have to travel with.Learn what plants are good to eat or use for medicine.Learn how to catch and clean and prepare fish and animals. Do not take along any animal lovers or tree huggers or people who are addicted to drugs.Children have special considerations and will not travel far without resting frequently.Make sure to have compact high energy food and keep in mind water may have to be purified.You will need waterproof fire starting things,cooking things,shelter things,first aid things,A couple of good knives,a tomahawk-[sharp edge,hammer edge etc.]A good coil of rope,a canteen,Large green garbage bags.A .22cal. compact light rifle and ammo,animal snare wire,fish line and hooks.Figure out what you really need long before you ever need it.make up your pack and renew any perishables frequently.Good luck because an extreme situation usually means you may only have yourself to rely on and others may try to take what you have.Watch how and where you make or take shelter. Should be in a sheltered concealable place.Trust has to be earned and dog eat dog times call for total awareness.
For years I carried in my car a collapsable camp shovel, a magnesium and flint fire starter and sanitary napkins (for use as bandages), but I would also consider packing tampons. My friends in the infantry say that they carry them with them when they are deployed “down range” because they make excellent plugs for bullet wounds. God willing you would not get shot, but I think most of us realize that if riots were to ever break out the idea of being shot is in fact a possibilty
How bout laying out items unique to each geographic region of u.s.a. –for example what if you live within the 200 mile radius of Houston—that’s got to be differant from /denver or Miami, or Milwaukee,or San Francisco. What about those areas in specific times of year and weather conditions to prepare for. and how to avoid the authorities and military. Heck we all know FEMA,police, state tropers, national guard, Army,air Force, Marines Navy and “volinteers with bright colored vests and walkie-talkeis serving as extra eyes to snitch on people will just be another form of the GESTAPO in an AMERICAN version. ALL SHOULD BE AVOIDED for as long as possible. What would be helpful would be-where to go,how toget there, and how to avoid the AUTHORITIES OF ANY TYPES–how to live and move under the radar so to speak.. Where NEVER to go. Who never to talk to or be seen with.
I believe a knife would be very important. It wouldn’t be easy to use your paracord without being able to cut it, cleaning fish would be another use for the knife, self-defense from predators or dangerous people. It could also be sterilized & used for minor surgery if sharpened.
Fishing rig would be good — line, hooks, sinker. This would be useful for catching fish to eat. I imagine that you could also use fishing line & hooks to make some kind of a trap or snag for something if needed.
An axe would be needed to build a shelter, fire, self-defense, or killing an animal.
I would have trouble choosing because I would want the paracord too & some way to purify water.
there Should be 4 at lest and the 4th one should be a Knife
H20 and/or container with 99 & 44/100% filter, Leatherman or Swiss Army knife
I think these items are definitely a must for survival. Seems it’s the in-style thing to do now is teens wearing the paracord bracelets. And, these items are inexpensive and easily obtained. How many garbage bags do you thinkj is sufficient? A 25-count roll could become heavy is one was forced to trekking.
I can’t believe only one person added Duct tape! I would also add long heavy duty cable ties to the list and two wash cloths or small terry towels (one for washing and one for sanitary cleaning) although maybe the bandanas would work for these. Interesting discussion – thanks!
Having survived in the Alaska wilderness on numerous occasions, the flint & steel is a must. In a seewash situation fire is key. In extreme frigid temps build two fires (if possible surround by snow walls), move one fire onto the other, cover w/thin layer of foliage and sleep on the remains of the first and tough it out. It works. Besides, a knife & fire starter kit, a hatchet is a must, too.
A flask for water and iodine or chlorine tablets to purify water as it is not always possible to boil water. You can live without much food, but your body must have drinkable water. Thanks for the tip on the Bic lighter, large thick garbage sacks, and the heirloom seeds. I plant my garden with heirloom seeds, but had not thought to include them in my survival pack. Also, I have a complete survival pack in my car as well as one in my home within easy reach. I also have copies of important documents such as driver’s license, passport, property ownership, will etc. I only realized the necessity of these documents after Katrina when people could not prove who they were or what property or bank account was theirs.
I’ve got to agree with Chris on the priority of survival items having been a Scout leader for 19 yrs. My son went on a survival campout with his group and he found out how good a shiny emergency blanket was in 40 degree F night, he froze! Use this test for your potential survival items. Is this really going to be practical in the situations,climate and conditions I may find myself in? Can I fit all this in one backpack, and how far can I carry this stuff ? And lastly if you’re not sure if it will work or if you can carry it go out and test it on a camp out and find out. Putting on your common sense cap when you’re developing your bug out bag will help you eliminate several less desirable or impracticable items from ever making in your bag. Testing what you have will build your confidence that you really can make it out in the places you may be in. Seeing more than one non-Bic lighter fall apart on camp outs and finding out through experience that if its too cold for the lighter to work, you just shake it up and warm it in your hands or pocket and you’re good to go . Bring a Blastmatch or flint and steel as your secondary source but a Bic lighter is far better than a little box of survival matches that won;t ignite properly if there too old. Besides that you only have so many chances before all your tries are gone. If and when you run out of butane in your lighter it will still create sparks and you could start a fire with that. When you see an item on the ground or in the environment you find yourself in ask the question ” What other way can I use this item or how can I modify it to help serve some purpose to make my life easier ?” Thanks Frank for your time coming up with these useful ideas and info. You may never know how many lives you are touching with what you are doing! Keep up the good work! Kelly
I’m gonna trough my 2 cents in here and just mention that a cast iron skillet would be useful to cook with and most can be used on any heat source, including a wood fire.
Your items are not entirely right or wrong. Think rule of threes. 3 mins without air, bleed out, etc. 3 hours without shelter. 3 days without water. 3 weeks without food.
Then think,” are these the three items? I would take a good Bic lighter as #1. Knife as #2. Para cord as #3. Garbage bags are in top 5-10. Bandanas – hmmm help filter water, good, bandage, good, but you can cut part of a shirt for these things.
The most important thing you can bring: your prepared mind.
Chris – 20 years of SAR experience.
Chris – You are the only one that got the question correct, What you need FIRST to be a survivor in any given situation – A PREPAIRED MIND. With a prepared mind, you can think your way to survive even with limited supplies or tools.
je fait des expedition de survie avec des amies ,,je considere vos conseil justicieux pour la survie,,,mais un peut plus de materiel pour des expedition
I agree, the three items would be very useful. I would also include as a must “space blankets.” These can be purchased at any sporting goods store. The packets are very small and easy to take anywhere. These could save a life by preventing hypothermia and would also make a good shield from sun or rain.
a good quality knife and a hand ax if possible, some water and water purifacation tablets. i would also think a pocket full of heirloom vegetable seeds properly identified and in waterproof containers.sunscreen and insect repellent.
p.s. heirloom vegetable seeds can be taken from the grown vegetable dried and can be replanted .
hybred seeds cannot.
Jim, that’s precisely why I have http://www.survivalseeds4patriots.com
Nothing worse than being cold and wet in the bush, so yes, plastic water proof sheeting would be very important, as would strong light cord, and good old triangular bandages as bandanas. Very versatile and many uses.
regards,
Don.
i cant live without my leatherman. i do all kinds of things with it.die without
Three very important items.
Smaller plastic bags can be use for water—light to carry folded in gear.
Order para cord on line.
Never put more in your B-O-P than you can carry (quickly)for an hour or more .
MATCHES! Too many people couldn’t start a fire from scratch if their life literally depended on it.
I like all of these suggestions ~ I have almost 30 cat litter buckets, large and small with attached lids. I grow a large organic/heirloom garden and save all the seeds, and I keep them in vacuum sealed bags in these cat litter buckets, some are buried and some are refrigerated. These buckets make great camp stools too. I never travel since I have a small farm with animals, I’m always here…and I have a great big compost pile courtesy of my horse…a great place to bury things!
All I need is WAK.
1. Waterproof matches or fire starter.
2. Axe – to chop wood or make shelter or self defense
3. Knife – cut things, make tools like harpoon
A pocket Bible, Peanut Butter for non-perishable protein, a pocket knife with a good blade that won’t break easily, a flint stone.
JC
Canned heat, three penies and waterprof matches (compact stove). Old style military canteen with cup.
Skip the bandana, make it a lighter.
Very good, but don’t forget regular twine, a large coffee grounds can to make a camp stove/camp heater from and my biggie a 10×10 tarp. By putting a normal army type blanket inside of the tarp you can make an insulated bedrole to help keep warmer when using the garbage bag as a sleeping bag. There are other things I keep in my old Navy sea bag for survival usage but I don’t give out all of my secrets on how and what I use as survival tools. But I like your website and that everyone should be prepared in some way to survive what is coming within the next 3 years.
I would say that some sort of multi tool a qulity one
Oh ya magnesium block with lighter
Small hatchet or machete and a leather man tool
Do you know a good source for the para-cord? I have not been able to find it in the big-box stores!
We keep a dozen small tea candles in the car. Just one candle can raise the temp. to keep you from freezing. A few bottles of water, first aid kit, and multi-purpose knife also. It is also smart to have at least some multi-grain “granola” type bars in a sealed zip lock bag. Hopefully you already have a good flashlight with fresh batteries in the car. I have one that also flashes which can be seen about a mile and can flash for a week. An emergency cell phone, (one that doesn’t require a contract), which is a bare minimum service strictly used for emergenncy calls should be in you car at all times.
There are obviously many BASICS, FIRE WATER MEDICAL FOOD Shelter of some form. Depending on the location of your safe haven, you will need different items, some essential. just use the reverse logic, if it is cold you need warmth. if it is warm you need to stay cool, each level should have its basic list. MAKE THE LIST for at least one scenario. You never know when you might need it. Example, a fireman comes to your door and says you have 10 minutes to get out there is a raging fire coming. or the river is about to crest you only have 20 minutes to pack what you need and get the family in the car to get to safe high ground. you hunker down in place in the safest room in your home, and you manage to survive a tornado or a SEVERE EARTHQUAKE, which leaves the city in max devastation. Having a plan, and communication , a radio, and a BUG OUT BAG is JUST SMART. Enough food and staples to last 72 hours hey you might have to share it. have 2 bags or 3, one for each family member to carry. A 2 shoulder strap back pack full of what ever you can cram in it and leave in it for that unscheduled crisis is a win win situation. I liked what one person said in a previous blog. LUCK IS WITH THE PERSON PREPARED. That sure seems to be the case more often than not. Don’t just stick to three special items, go with what you can carry, and you know you need. Sure AS HELL you are gonna be out and trying to survive and be lookin in that BUG OUT BAG and say to yourself wow was I SMART to DO THIS OR WHAT. Or GEE I wish I had put one of those P38 can openers in the bag TOO LATE.
I ALWAYS HAVE A MULTIPURPOSE KNIFE/TOOL .
TABLETS FOR PURIFING WATER AND SOMETHING FOR BOILING WATER,,I USE A STEELPOT FROM A U.S.SUPPLY DEPOT.
multi purpose knife never now when u need it
Yes, you need a fire to keep from freezing your extremities off. The best which will not be killed off by moisture is a flint stick, and a sharp hunting knife.
I Dont have to worry about something hapening when I travel.You DONT even know who your talking with!ME and MINE will be FINE!
Good Knife,Boot laces,Lighter,orMatches.I CAN DO IT!The plastic Bag is good for water also.
Thank you
I appreciate your list of 3 items. Before injuring my spine in an accident I was an avid outsdoorsman and usually never went into the woods without those three items either in a fanny pack or my back pack. I concur with your assesment. Thanks for offering sound advice.
Was just thinking about a bug out bag. I have a flint fire starter. I HATE when I have to leave my knife behind ie plane flights as I only take carry on. Duct tape. pack of reflective ‘blankets’. clear plastic for solar still. The book: STALKING THE WILD ASPARAGUS by Euell Gibbons! I know a lot about wild foods but I am old and forget stuff. ; ) I have a favorite two man tent and am thinking about making an ultralite sleeping bag. I have a bolt of sheer material for mosquito netting. A multi purpose shovel. Depending on where people are going they might want to have a survival book.
I would think one of the most important items would be some kind of cutting tool. Knife,(fairly large), hatchet, etc. Then fire starting items.
Your #1 mentions cord to pull fire wood but not how to light it. I smoke so..BIC. I also read most of the other great ideas but recently found out from Outdoor Life Magazine to pack hand sanitizer.
IT’S ALCOHOL!!! be careful it will go pooofff. Great if leaves, sticks and wood is wet. Also they said to melt (don’t laugh) KY jelly in the microwave and dip strike anywhere matches and cotten balls in it and lay on wax paper to dry out and put them in small tins (think skoal cans) Makes
them all completly waterproof. Light match then light cottenball. Man (woman) cannot live without
FIRE!! Sushi is ok but Wild meat must be be (at the utmost) Medium Rare.. Yes GOD is with us!
But if our number is up- It’s up. Sorry to say.
I would add duck tape.
Yes. Think government information gathering violation of our rights & leads to identity theft as government does not protect what they gather.
I was thinking water and items for survival, such as medications and food. I guess that I am not as prepared as I need to be. I do have a machete, a large steel knife, that my daddy made for hog butchering, and a couple revolvers, and two bug out bags. bought from a company.
Excluding a Gun and Ammo as top choice:
MUST HAVE
1. 50# Spider Wire & 5 Gold Fish Hooks (FITS IN POCKET) – think snares, trip wire, near invisible
Will do all Jobs that para cord can do except – Haul a Carcass & heavy work
2. Personal ceramic Water Filtration. FITS IN POCKET
3. Large Survival Knife w saw back – lean to, spear, Hack & Saw, defense – FITS ON BELT
COULD GET BY WITHOUT
#4 Heavy Trash bag – FITS IN POCKET. Evaporative Water Collection!!!!
#5 Indian Fire Starter -or- Flint &Steel
#6 Cell Phone – to call mom to come get me……
1. Bic lighters
2. Socks
3. Leatherman
It would be nice to add an number of items to the three listed above. A good folding knife, some fishhooks, matches, needles, ect but you will not be able to travel on an airliner with these simple items. With good cordage, a couple of bandanas, and a couple of good trash liners you can make everything else you need. Just remember to pack clothing in your carry-on bag that would be helpful to you in all the regions that your plane will pass over on your trip. If you are not flying, there is no excuse for not bringing your first aid kit, survival pack, bedroll, etc..
I would add a good pocket knife to the list, not one of those ones with every blade under the sun, just a simple rugged knife with no more than three blades and keep it sharp. There is nothing worse than a dull knife.
I would also add a small pocket survival book like the ones available at most hunter education courses. It is amazing what you can get for free or a small registration fee. Through Hunter Ed you get an education on survival, map & compass, first aid, and also how and what to look for when you are in trouble.
I have not seen here, or elsewhere, how to provide sanitation facilities.
When free to travel in mexice, I did so going through Mexico and made a short visit into Belize.
I knew that rest rooms were adequate in the many places that aI had traveled into Mexico. The trip that time was very deep into unknown territory. I took a folding chair, cut a hole in the seat and took numerous garbage bags. It could serve the ppurpose but fortunately was not needed.
This is not something with a nice though but it can be useful in olne of the US propensity to have floods, storm etc.
Have I missed something. I have not found any concern about sanitation needs.
This should be an item
Good work in this arena. I have some of it.
Jim
I like to keep everything from a first aid kit, insect netting, rain ponchos, chords, ropes, etc in 5 gallon buckets with a lids. They can also be used as a camp stools. Many survival items should be found easily. Every bucket should be labelled.
I can’t believe I didn’t think of buckets. Of course! Waterproof, multipurpose, easy to pack and carry, stackable, nearly indestructible. Thanks for the tip, Dale.
Frank – I am a little lost on the bandanas. It comes to mind the head scarfs I see from time to time around town. Can you give me an expanded explaination of the bandana you mentioned.
I always keep water purification tablets in my truck and a pole saw blade and rain gear and a pocket knife. A pellet gun is also a good idea
I’d want the sip straw water filters you sell because water would be
really important then. So light weight, and no I’m not a distributor,
but when good things come up at reasonable cost, then I like to
say so.
Being a former scout. I would have my trusty multipurpose pocket knife. With that I can acquire the other things or substutes.
Yes, as noted below a compass is good and also emergency radio, potable water PILLS because they work and are compact. And extra underwear.
Deemer, take a walk somewhere beautiful, breathe deep and think “God is love, I am love, God is me, I am God, I love God, God loves me and us all, I love all, God thank you for helping us all all of the time because you are always good and strong, so we are good and strong. I give it all up to you to correct, my future, our future, planet earth’s future and thank you for planting your good word into my heart to know my part to stay alive and help all who I can safely.
Then just focus your eyes on flowers, beautiful trees, colors of the sky, clouds and shapes (please for this excercise ignore chemtrail – just do it, you can do it , Deemer) and realize there will be help for those of us who trust God. Amen.
knife like swiss army knife, I like eddie bauer one – and of course a cork screw for wine :) ok just kidding about that one. So knife, extra jacket so just wear it in case and extra socks n large tarp, etc.
I would feel better if I has a sharp knife and a piece of flint with me.
Two more things, Frank! A shovel, and make sure it’s sturdy; and socks!! Dry, warm socks!
Turns out the devil IS in the details. So best not go there TOO often; and when you do, best not stay Too Long/////
I try to tell my wife about the possibilities of total mayhem; radiated rain from fukoshima increasing air borne diseases; poisoned water. She helps criitically ill and dyng children and their families. all week. everyday. She has not the time or space to think about her own survival. Its a sad world.
Scenario: You are in full survival mode surviving global disaster so far; hunkered down with Everything you need. Day 100. A man is running toward your hut waving something. You kill him to protect your family. Turns out he only wanted a little water for his child. How do you tell your children you just killed an innocent man trying to provide for his family? Tell me the words you would use when your 4 yr. old looks back at you with a puzzeld and sad look?
any one… plz respond
Do you guys ever stop, and ask yourselves if you spend so much time “surviving” life, that you may not be “living” it?
Don’t get me wrong folks. I try not to pretend I have all the answers. To me, Anybody who says they do, raises an immediate red flag. Actually, I’m one fucked up guy, trying to find my way.
I would add a portable water purifier.
Large plastic bleach bottle: flotation device, water collection, bucket, and cut pieces can be used in many ways.
All very good. I would add Toilet Paper to the list.
good qualiy knife , fire starter, firstaid kit, knife sarperner. banndanas, trash bags, cord, container that can carry watter & boil water , fishing hooks line, muilti tool , compass ,duk tape , ziplock
bags. these are most of the things in my pack , they are good things i think i even carry a bag in both car & truck. another in the house.
Hey Elizabeth,
I have all your suggested survival tools in my pack, plus a compass and a few other things.
Amen to you Girrrl ; – )
3 things
Never hang over the rail on a Cruise Ship
Never try to climb Mt. Everest
Never go into the Everglades
While you are praying, Troy, that Gator or Boa is going to get you if you are in the Everglades. Give me a gun, a machete, a good first aid kit, a hook and line for fishing, waterproof matches, and a Leatherman at least. I’ll give thanks over the fresh fish I am eating. Amen.
Carry one of the most essential items absolutely necessary, strike flint! or several disposable
lighters, pitch, but fire can make your day believe me.
Very good choices. I suppose the big garbage bags would also sub for clothing in the right weather conditions. Thanks .
If you are like me and need reading glasses save the lenses out of you broucken glasses and put two in every part of your gear. You can use them if you loss your glasses and you can also use them to start a fire.
And also a lot of pray and The WORD of GOD, because it is written man shall not live by beard alone, but every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of GOD, which is JESUS CHRIST our LORD and Savor, JESUS is the reason for the season.
Thank You for the Survival Inf.
Troy
You might want to add a flare gun. The flare gun can be used for self defense as well as emergencies. A multipurpose knife and compass would work,(There are a lot of survival knives on the market, I have one that punches leather, opens cans/bottle tops,saw wood, ect. by LEATHERMAN.) A bicycle inner-tube,you can use it over your exhaust pipe to direct the exhaust away from the water on a flood prone surface, your auto will not drown out.
All 3 are good items if you are in a healthy state and feeling well. I would add activated charcoal ( get at any healthfood store ) most times if you eat or drink something bad you need to get it out and AC is a adsorptive that will attract most of the bad guys and if you have loose stools AC is a good binder that will make things better. Another item from the healthfood store is dietary iodine which can be use to treat many health challenges as well as bad water and iodise salt is not even close to a 2nd good choice for iodine. Honey would be another choice the best for burns and takeing the bitter taste out of campfire coffee.
Please let it be known that a couple of small bags of fritos corn chips are very small, easy to carry, light wieght, and very easily lit to start a fire. Have used them many times to light fires in the woods—works even when wood is damp, with dew or rain. Also they are good food source—has protein,carbohydrates,fiber,and calcium….small bag 3oz.. has about 460 calories not bad for emer. food source and fire starter……get one chip and light it, watch how long and easily it burns—-seeing is believing—try it for yourselfs…would ratjher see corn being used for food not for fuel additive….. knife has to be one of items—-never leave home without it.
I agree with your top 3 and would not replace them. The obvious next choice for me would be a multi-tool, but thinking of small, lightweigh, “carry-on friendly” items (which means no multi-tool), my next choices would be: 1)aluminum foil (water collection, signaling, solar stove, cooking vessel, wound covering, etc.), 2) duct tape (too many uses to list), 3) surgical tubing (slingshot, drinking straw,siphon hose, cordage, tourniquet, variety of “spring-loaded” snares/traps, etc.)
Most of these suggestions are very right. If you do not have a compase, you may have a wrist watch with a hour and minute hands. To find North and South simply point the hour hand at the sun anytime of the day, and half way between the hour hand and twelve on the watch face is South. Forget about the minute hand you just use the hour hand as a pointer. The cutting tool is a must and my may find good fire starting equipment either on the internet or in most Sporting goods stores, also a couple of heavy needles and dental floss might be helpful. I have enjoyed all the responces, there is good ideas out there, and good people to share them. Thanks
None of these apply if you travel by air as you won’t be allowed to carry them on. a good high quality pocket knife, some method of starting fires, any crucial medication; enough for a week or more. a pocket compass, a hatchet or a machete (now we’re getting heavy) la pair of gloves and a small first aid kit.
I think you need to expand that to Top 4 with the inclusion of a good knife…
Do you know what impressed me more? It’s the way you, back in USA, finally awaits a general agression/repression of other countries, especially Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia and so… well, I live in Brasil, where – nevertheless the money continually robbed by politicians – we live in a great peace with other countries, neighbour or distant! You always talk about food, surveillance in general, and other things we never even think about!
But aswering your question, all the three itens are very neccessary, and I would put in its side a good swiss army knife! (Or american knife, if you prefer!)
I’m not big on the bandanna. I have a knife with a built in magnesium flint, But I do not think it is dependable enough for a fire source. Fire is the greatest survival tool. Small candles in the little aluminum pots (1″ dia 1/4″ high) a small amount of 3 o steel wool and a cheep butane lighter. Note: put a rubber band around the thumb lever to prevent it from accidentally leaking out. Small tub chap stick, great on lips, easy to light. The above less than 5 oz. fit in a small zip lock bag.
I have a bradded belt with the cordage used to make crab pots. As is close to 4′ long with a loop. UN-bradded 200′ of 100 lb test line. It is liter than most belts.
Garbage bags the orange ones the state road crews use are the best. The best survival tool is your brain. The more you carry in your head the less you carry on your back. A few zip lock bags.
Duct tape ! How could you forget amazing duct tape? You can fix tears in tents, join several garbage bags to make a tarp, use it for lashing branches together to make lots of things, spell message on top of car for search plane, use for splinting, braid it for rope….
You also need a good knife and a folding multi purpose tool.
fire starter sticks and or waterproof matches or lighter
compass and a basic survival skills hand book
A good Knife with a heavy tine and a good sheath, also multipurpose tool/knife
steel wool and several 9v batteries (you can arc the steel wool across the battery and get a hot spark)
Cotton balls or Tampons(great for starting fire in almost any condition)
Bottle of water purification pills and a collapsable cup or a good heavy duty plastic flask(like you carry liquids in with a resealable cap) good for gathering water and being able to purify with pill.
one thing i keep in all vehicles is those hand or body warmers in packets in winter and plan to have on trip sure beats frost bit toes and hands even buy for school bus my daughter is on in case they break down for students
Natural honey. Great for wound care. Dr. are using to heal wounds. Also great for battling allergies
Hatchet. Uses include cutting, nailing, and defense.
A good survival knife (with wire saw in handle) , a magnesium firestarter bar and a #10 can. The can can be used as a small furnace if holes are punched in the lower wall. The thick garbage bags are also good for making a condensation catch for potable water, This can be done by digging a hole in moist ground, placing a catch container in the bottom of the hole, and then covering the hole with a piece of plastic that drapes a little bit into the hole. Place the dug out earth around the rim of the hole to hold down the plastic and hold in the earth’s humidity. Put a small rock in the center of the plastic to force it into an upside down cone shape. Water will condense on the underside of the plastic a drip down into the catch container.
Basic necessities of life, food, water, shelter and defensive weapon of choice. MIne is a SCAR-16.
#4 might be duct tape….and my Boy Scout jacknife !!!
I sent for and received the solar panel disc BUT it only plays for a few minutes
What gives ???
Hi, In Oct you sent me an e-mail about something you were going to send us for free (survival tip ?) I never got that e=mail. I have been so busy canning and taking acare of my elderly mother that I have not really looked at all the materials that I purchased from you. should I be looking at your blog?
Sincerely, Candy Woolsey
All three items are good.
Anouther is potassium iodide (not iodine) . It can be used to purify water, disonfect a cut, prevent catching infections in crouded areas (like recirculated air on a plane) by using it as a preventive by drinking a couple drops in a glass of water.
It can also prevent radiation poisining because it protects your thryiod from radiation, but only in an emergency (there are side effects if over used.)
a must have indeed!
Thoese are great items but i am lucky my job lets be carey my bug out bag and my fire arms with me when i travel which is 340days out of the year. i do happen to have all three in the bag
Thx for the blog man
The Stronghold Haywire Klamper, this tool is the hottest selling item at all the prepper shows everywhere. An absolute must for a bug out bag.
I have camped before and the bear necessities are for basic survival. I think you have given good basic essentials for such a need and I think keeping all the basics in an air tight see through emergency storage box that in an emergency one could easily carry to safety and start the survival situation. I highly recommend there are alot of camping gear that packs down to a small size to pack into your gear. Rea and campmore are two camping companies that have such supplies.In these times that we are in right now is smart for all households to prepare,God always favors the people who pay attention and listen to him.
Already on that from my past military background!!! Great send to others as well !!!
Drinkable water may not be available… carry potable water filtration unit. There are small potable ones available.
I agree with the thick plastic bags and strong chords. I like storing duct tape too.
What about medical emergencies? A first aid kit of your own design and floss, knife, hand sanitizer and wipes. Protein bars and prescription medicine.
I’ve been told that a bandanna can also be used as a deterrent for tear gas when soaked with cider vinegar and some tight fitting goggles alongside.
Large trash bags can also be used to collect rainfall into a container, which along with a good water filter (or not) can give great drinking water.
It’s kind of hard to condense survival items into a “top three”- a gun, proficiency, and ammo has got to be there somewhere. If you’re talking about survival in the wild (taking game) or urban survival (prevention of taking), a gun serves many purposes.
Thanks for reading.
I have a hiking packsack…I have the things you mentioned, but I also carry some water purifying pills… you can die from dehydration faster than without food…
I also carry a game gutting Knife, Hatchet, Solar Blanket dehydrated food including Jerky [light to carry] fish hooks, Wind -up Flashlight and a small wind up Radio…and some waxed matches…
I also carry a tube of “Loctite” Crazy Glue Jel… They use it in Hospitals for some operations, it works in a pinch… You can seal up an open injury with that.
I sealed a wound on my dog, who was injured by an animal while camping….. I flushed it, cleaned & dried it, and used a tiny amount on the edges to close the wound…You have control over the amount you use with Gel… My Vet told me I did a great job!
I have all these items stored in a camoflage pack sack in the trunk of my SUV…and a duplicate in my house in the closet, near the door.
My first three things for survival would be:
1- a small magnifying glass or a flint & striker, or light anywhere matches in a sealed container, for starting fires.
2- a 12″ stainless steel multy purpose knife with a thick blade & the handle ending as a hammer, for cutting wood to build shelter, hunting etc., use reflective blade for signals, handle to contain 10′ of the lightest aeroplane cable or a 50# fishing line.
3- several space blankets for heat, shelter, collecting water, etc.
Next I would choose a place close to running water and start to build a shelter or look for a natural recess in a rock wall (cave) for protection from the elements, before I would look for food.
This is good advise I could saved a life in the sandy area. thank goodness we live with a stable government. Thank goodness that all the apocalyptic speculation is just speculation. We would do better by helping our fellow man instead convincing ourselves to wait for an end that never comes. I have watched sci fi movies and listen to people for over 50 years talking about the end of the world. each one of us will go away in our own time. Use that time preparing for the bright future we are seeing right before our eyes. If you don’t see I feel sorry for you
ONE item. A fully packed backpack. I have an emergency pack in each vehicle and they’re pretty easy to take with me if I’m too far from the car or travelling with someone else. It has blades, stone, collapsible shovel, compass hooked to front, duct tape, waterproof matches in closeable bag, several lighters,various sizes of zip ties, 100 ft roll of resined twine, UV water filter-Steripen, hand crank radio, solar battery charger, six dehydrated meals, Neosporin and bandaging supplies, hundred hour candle, flashlight, batteries, emergency blankets, 2 pocket rain ponchos, 3 large heavy-duty trashbags, beef jerky packages, sm. bottle of peanut butter and honey (is a great wound dressing as well as delicious). My pack weighs 18lbs. I’m 5’2″ and 125lbs and old. I don’t have any problems with any of the packs though. p.s. did I forget anything? :)
I am rarely more than 10 miles from my home, so the most I would need is a good guy to get me home where I have all I need.
But on the other side. A good pair of shoes, a multi- purpose tool (the knives with all the goodies inside), Either a trash bag, poncho or really good coat (depending on the time of year.
!) My survival knife has a saw opposite the heavy blade, a compass in the butt knob, a flint & striker, fishing hook & line, in addition to water purification tabs inside the handle.
2) A folded tarp 9’x 12′ w/nylon lines attached.
3) Combo long gun, .22 cal rifle w/ .410 shotgun barrels and ammo.
If all I could have are three multi-purpose items, these three would provide the essentials for survival. It would be hard scrabble, for sure!
Toilet paper, gloves, and a pair of thick soft socks.
Item 1:: A fairly large heavy duty sheath knife with a sharpening stone.
.
Item 2: A small fire making kit. Could be a spark striker and tinder, a powerful magnifying lense, waterproof hurricane matches, a butane lighter, or any combination of these things..
Item 3: A “space” blanket.
I would add a 4th item to this package also; a good quality compass. The personal suvival kit that I carry when hunting has several other items, but the package is small enough to fit into a butt pack. I lived with Indians in the central Midwest, and I learned from them how to survive in the wilderness. The best preparation is to educate yourself in survival techniques prior to getting into a survival situation and don’t panic. If you never use the training, at least you will have comforting thought that you will be able to make it out alive if you get lost.
Empty # 10 can, large tarp, 100 hr candle.
I also like an E-tool -collapsible shovel /pik- axe/hoe/ And DUCT TAPE also
I always carry a tube (a glucose tablet tube is fine) filled with kitchen matches with the tips dipped in melted candle wax and then the cap on the tube likewise sealed. A few safety pins. Many uses for them including fish hooks.
blankets, matches, dried foods, bible!
Leatherman type multipurpose tool.
Hello!
I have a”leatherman” type knife that was given to me, and I constantly use it. It is a “para-tool” by S.O.G., and has the usual items, (standard blade, serrated blade, file, standard tip #2, tip#1 screwdriver, and #2 phillips head drivers, an awl, pliers with cutter, and a hooked bottle opener tool).
I haul semi-loads of fuel out of the Port of Tampa, and run over all kinds of “stuff”. This tool has helped me pull at least a dozen sharp objects from the rubber of truck tires. Also, in my 30 plus years of time “on the road’, I have carried a pack of chewing gum, and large wood screws, so if I do get a small nail in a tire, I pull the nail (while chewing a piece of gum), and when the gum is”workable”, wrap it around the screw, then screw it into the hole in the tire. Most of the time, this gets me to where I can get it properly attended to. I do carry a tire plug kit in my pick up, but have gone as many as 200 miles on the “gum-job”.
I hope this is helpful.
Steve…………………..
Duct Tape..Multipurpose, takes little room, and has uses in every facet of need.
Hunting Bow….and supply of arrows.
I have the bandanas listed from my hiking days. There is a list out there which lists 200 uses for the bandana, including coffee filter and toilet wipe.
I would also include on the list space blankets, and the most important besides a good 7″ blade, a gun (your choice), for hunting and security.
I carry an Ontario 12″ machete in a scabbard that I made myself.It has a large pocket on the front to carry extras in.The handle scales were removed by carefully drilling out the rivets.Then the scales were hollowed out with a dremel tool and replaced using long Chicago screws.The machete blade is razor sharp on the cutting edge and square/sharp on the spine for scraping.It’s light weight,can be used as a weapon,has the striking capacity to cut wrist-sized limbs,etc.
Very good info to know. I would also recommend a good knife of some sorts. A straight blade, stay away from the folding knives if possible.
I would want water, fire,knife
Magnifying glass for starting fires….Mirror for signaling, and to be able to view self in case of eye injury, etc
Also, I too did not receive to full package of items I ordered, AND the DVD sent is blank…nothing comes up…
Any good tent camper all ready knows all this. For those of you that havn’t tent camped, then I suggest you do it sometime and more than once. You will learn what you need to survive.
Everyone talks survival, but as a tent camper for many years, no one talks about a daily need by everyone, and that is taking a good heathy bowel movement. Materials used for wiping, info on finding a comfortable natural toilet seat.
For longer of duration, how to build a latrine, and where to place ,dig pit and use period. Build privacy shelter.
It seems common need, just like eating, but it is never discussed in most survival info sources.
Hi,
All the items you mentioned are great, but I think I would like to have a large survival knife close by. In it you can put fishing line, comes with a compass and also has room for matches and other items. Also good for self defense. If you don’t have room for that I suggest a multi-tool knife such as Victorinox or Leatherman. You can’t put anything in them but you can accomplish a lot with them. I am never with out mine and I use it every day for something or other.
I have a small leatherman that I carry in my purse. Don’t leave home without it.
Knife
Interesting idea. Some of these items would not have been thought about by many of us.
Very good ideas. Something you wouldn’t think about.
good ideas!
A water filter should be one of the most important things you should have on a list for survival.
I also like my tazer/flashlight combo. NOt only works on people with undesireable intentions, it’ll knock a bear down. And if it is on, animals can smell it and don’t like it!
The saran wrap idea is a good one. I would substitue that stretchy moving saran wrap…the 5″ on a roll. It is strong, long and will hold anything together. I used it around my garden fence to hold out the wind and it lasted all summer!
But let’s also learn how to type. I ment Tool – a (knife)
I often need to kick my own ass, sorry guys
Good selection Frank, but lets not forget the most important too – al (Knife).
I would include Saran Wrap. It us useful for many things, slings, bandages, can replace suitures for closing wounds and can even be made into a very strong rope if you have enough of it. I consider it one of most useful items.
Duct Tape and fish hooks.
Great ideas, Some of tham I already knew about, but the others I had no idea about them. Thanks alot on the heads up. Truely thank you! Duane
It all depends on WHERE it is one needs to survive, Out in the wilderness,is it forest,desert,jungle,ocean or what I think might be the worst of all A BIG GIANT CITY! If it is the last, I want a ShotGun,HandGun and Ammo! A good 4X4 might not be able to move in a City, So I have an emergency motorcycle, street/dirt combo, with an escape route and plan.
If I am going into the desert, Water, food & Shelter. If it is in the thick forest I want shelter and food and a way to disinfect water. In the jungle, well that would be a hard one for I never plan on going to any jungle EVER or being on the ocean, so what I would want there is OUT. In any case I would want a good mult-tool(knife,saw,plyers) Hatchet and a shovel
Knife Hatchet Shovel
Rick and CJHames are absolutely right
Id like to add duck tape
For the life of me I can’t understand what some people are complaining about on this and other threads. I received the Power4Patriots info and found it to be quite extensive and thorough, overall an excellent value for the money I spent. I was well pleased with what I received.
So what if Frank Bates has links to other sites and has a hand in selling other preparedness items as well. Last I checked this is still America and he has the right to try and make money however he see fits, and if he is PROVIDING VALUE for your hard earned dollar, what’s the beef?
I once had a friend tell me that anyone who sells something for $1 and gives $1 worth of services or product in return – yet still manages to make a profit – is a business person. But anyone who charges $1 for something and gives little or nothing in return is a thief. Sorry, but I don’t see Mr, Bates as being a thief.
How many complainers on here sit and watch their favorite TV show night after night and get mad at the companies who are paying the freight (commercials) for them to watch the show? This is no different than what Mr. Bates does.
Get a grip people. Get yourselves prepared. Quickly. As my dad used to say “Immediately. If not sooner.”
Something wicked this way comes.
I think you are right on the money! The other things I have in my survival pack are a way of starting fire, small water purifier, water bottle, 12 oz. tin can for cooking, small tarp, Leatherman and small machety, survival fishing kit, small first aid kit, space blanket,and a roll of TP.
I think that I know what ia going on here. This is how you make your money. Almost everything is talk video and then here somes the sells pitch. Not happy with that. You got me with the solar/ wind thing but no more.
Bob
Essential Oils are essential. A small travel kit with 8ml bottles, 1 each of eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, oregano and cinnamon oils all therapeutic grade. A bandana or ‘cotton scarf’ placed over the nose and mouth (can be done discreetly, people will think you are just cold) and put 1 to 3 drops of the essential oils on the scarf. These oils are antimicrobial and have many other benefits as well. Inhaling them helps put our immune system on alert to be ready for ‘incoming’. Also opens sinus passages, and in the case of lavender is calming. Oregano is the most powerful antiviral of all of them. If you have to travel by plane or be in crowds these oils used as above are invaluable. There are numerous blends of these and also with lemon oil, that go back to the days of the plague and are called Thieves’ Formula. Long story. Look up the oils individually. Get the best grade you can afford. They last a long time except for the citrus oils like lemon.
Space blanket (sheet of Mylar)
wiss Army knife or multipurpose tool of similar ilk
Combination water bottle/purifier
(I don’t know if these are on the market yet, but it was invented by a 14-year old girl and plans are ni place to manufacture it and market very cheap to third world countries
my motto is luck favors the prepared. i like tools because i can make things with tools. ilearned what to & not eat as i forage. binocs & magnifying glasses for fire less i really gotta rub sticks. know how to find &/or create water in any enviroment is a must. learn to orient yourself and build shelters for any season anywhere. i could go on but as i say luck does favor the prepared so have your wits about you ahead of time. thanx for the vent
Say what you will, but I am a senior woman & would not head out without certain knowledge that my kids & grandkids were as safe as circumstances would allow. That said, my 3 choices would be rope (cordage), a sharp knife, & a small tarp, which weighs not much more that garbage bags or visquine, but is much more durable.
Don’t believe I’ll sign up for this.
Great ideas, they will work well with the 3 items I always carry; multi-tool pliers, Swiss army knife, and openly carried Yugo Makarov.
Make up some signs that say: “Crazy Shooter Person, the law abiding citizens inside have been disarmed for your protection! Enjoy!”, then tape it over signs saying No Weapons Allowed on These Premises”.
Not bad; a couple of observations from a 40-years-worth Prepper and Thrivalist…..
1. Cordage – one of the MOST useful items….cannot have too much. Make certain, tho, that you
acquire “550 Parachute Cord”. Anything less than this will be a disappointment, and
ultimately fail you in a time of great need.
2. Never had much use for a bandana….useful as a towel. Never needed one, even through the
30-plus years of hiking Colorado’s 14’ers. Your discretion, I guess.
3. Plastic bags: Great suggestion. Strongly suggest you obtain the 3-mil thick “Contractor Clean-
up” bags….they will last MUCH longer than any of the other trash bags, will not sun-rot quickly, and you can use them multiple times.
I would also strongly suggest that the two single most important items you MUST HAVE for your “survival” are good, sturdy, high-quality hiking/work boots, and heavy-duty ranch-style leather gloves. Those two items will allow you to remain relatively unscathed and functional in disaster or emergency. Having blistered and bleeding feet and/or hands in a true disaster becomes a personal disaster, with probable death to follow closely behind.
Also: a good, heavy-duty blade, such as a Ka-Bar, Gerber, or Cold Steel. The battle blade can also be used to hunt, dress game, carve snare catches, cut firewood, etc., etc., etc.
One last idea: A 10’x12′ piece of clear “visqueen” or construction plastic sheeting makes a terrific make-shift shelter, is extraordinarily light-weight, and takes up very llittle room.
Although those three are good choices, I myself would choose an axe first, as it could be used as a defense weapon, for building, hammering, etc. Also you can kill an animal for food.
Next would be waterproof matches, and also electrical cable ‘zip’ ties for lashing things together…