(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best emergency & survival kits

I just moved some things around on my wishlists yesterday. I am really bad about reorganizing my wishlists all the time :P

fear cuts deeper than swords

1. Something that is grey OPI Silver Nailpolish Added July 17 to $5 and Under Wishlist Silver..Grey..Close Enough?
   
   
2. Something reminiscent of rain Ancient Aliens Season 3 Added July 28 to DVD Wishlist This is a stretch - it has a storm on the cover :P
   
   
3. Something food related that is unusual - Black Truffle Sea Salt Added July 15 to The Hubby Wishlist He loves to cook and likes to experiment with different spices.
   
   
4. Something on my list that is for someone else - Game of Thrones Season 1 Added July 15 to The Hubby Wishlist. I got my husband the eBook version of the Game of Thrones series and he has been wanting to watch the show. We don't have HBO so we haven't had a chance to see the show.
   
   
5. A book to read - More Plums in One Added May 17 to Book Wishlist The Step Plum series is a great series and I really recommend it.
   
   
6. Less than 99 cents MP3 Added July 17 to MP3 Wishlist
   
   
7. Something related to cats - Petco Giftcard Added May 20 to My Furbaby Minnie Wishlist
   
   
8. Something so beautiful but not useful - Thomas Kinkade Cinderella Castle Cross Stitch Added August 9 to Crafting Wishlist I think this cross stitch kit is very beautiful. I have always been a big fan of Disney and love the colors in this piece. It is crazy expensive though!
   
   
9. Movie everyone should see - Evil Dead 2 Added June 13 to DVD Wishlist Why? Campy horror and Bruce Campbell!
   
   
10. Zombie attack - Swiss Army Knife Added July 15 to The Hubby Wishlist It would be good for a zombie attack as it is a tool that has many purpose. It would be very helpful for survival. Maybe not necessarily this version but a Swiss Army Knife in general :P
    
    
11. Profound Impact - Bed of Nails Neck Pillow Added July 29 to Migraine Wishlist. It is suppose to really help with neck pain. I suffer from migraines and a lot of the time I have horrible neck pain with it. It is something I would like to try sometime. My current goal is to try to find new ways to deal with pain.
    
    
12. Add On - Waste Canvas Added July 22 to $5 and Under Wishlist. This item is used to add cross stitch to other types of fabric. When I am done stitching the canvas will "melt" away with water.
    
    
13. My Dream Item - Nintendo Wii Added August 10 to Household Wishlist. We use to have one before it died a year and a half ago. I would love to get another one as hubby and I love to play video games.
    
    
14. Bigger than a breadbox - Small Dog Evacuation Kit Added May 20. This just seems like a good item to have in case of any disaster.
    
    
15. Smaller than a goftball - Snowflake Necklace Added August 10 to Things to Wear Wishlist. My husband and I got married Jan 9. Our reception theme was snowflakes so these reminds me of our wedding :)
    
    
16. Something that smells wonderful - Eco Clean Set Added August 9 to Beauty Wishlist.
    
    
17. SFW Toy - Merida Funko July 16 to $5 to $10 Wishlist. My husband got me the special edition Merida Funko for my birthday so I want to get the regular version as well.
    
    
18. Helpful for back to school - Sharpies July 17 to $5 to $10 Wishlist. Sharpies are so versatile and can be used for all sorts of things! The ones I linked are metallic colors and so pretty.
    
    
19. Current Obsession - Cross Stitch Owl Ornaments Added July 17 to Crafting Wishlist My current obsession is getting ready for the holidays. I want to start doing some Xmas projects so I have all I want done before Xmas.
    
    
20. Amazing and Grand - Art of Disney Princesses Book Added August 6 to Book Wishlist. I think this is so awesome! I love Disney especially the Princesses. This book shows the Princesses in all sorts of artistic ways, not just how we normally see them drawn.
    
    Bonus
    
    Made in Oregon Lip Balm Gift Set Added August 11 to Beauty Wishlist :P I did a search for this contest and found something that goes with one of my obsessions - lip gloss!

Here's a few I snagged from my recently ordered list.

Secure USB Drive - For storing scans of important documents.

Mylar Blankets - Ridiculously thin. Good to keep in the car or every day carry bag for a variety of situations.

Camp Suds - Or alternately hand sanitizer. Both useful to stay healthy in Flu season or another outbreak that spreads via contact.

Emergency Whistle - Small enough to keep on a keychain. Loud enough to get attention when it's needed.

Mylar Bags + Oxygen Absorbers - If you're prepping, putting a hundred pounds or so of white rice in 5 gallon buckets is a great way to get started on a long term food supply without breaking the bank. Put it in these and it will stay fresher longer.

Water BOB - Great little device for if/when you know the water supply may be at risk. It's a cheap way to be able to store 100 gallons in preparation for an emergency.

Pepper Spray - The security product you can take most places.

Starter First Aid Kit - Gotta get that going some how. This one has a hard shell which is nice for tossing it in a pack. You'll have to fill it out with what you're likely to need.

Mainstay 2400 Calorie Bars - They stay good through some pretty extreme highs and lows which makes them ideal for tossing in a car. They last about 5 years or so and don't require any water to make them. They're very handy as they're a purchase and forget about them item (for a few years anyway) that lets you have some immediate food for however long you have them stocked for.

Life Straw - A personal filter for waterborne bacteria. Most water purification methods have some significant cost to them, but this one is a great inexpensive item to get started with.

There's a ton of little things on Amazon that are kind of cool to have on hand, but I'd recommend snagging whatever is most likely to help you in whatever your situation is likely to be. If you live in a wildfire prone area... the usb drive would be a wise start. Earthquakes? The emergency whistle. Bad neighborhood, pepper spray. You get the idea. Good luck!

Np! Link to ours, but you can get non - themed ones for cheaper, too. The Vinyl can smell strong right out of the pack, so we typically air out beforehand:

Disney 1-Pack Mickey Mouse Rain Poncho Hoodie Front Back Print (Mickey - Adult) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B3VR93Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_GFXyDbMR83488


I just hate the super cheap ones because they feel like a sauna suit and bake you inside. Lol.

Also, just left you a big list. Will add more if I can think of anything. Doing the same for my dad that we're meeting there, so figured I'd hook you up too! Lol

Look into state and national park passes! Also, identification books for local flora and fauna.

As others have said, headlamps are great -- especially with a red light. Slide buttons last a bit longer than push buttons, I've heard.

There's this stove for $6: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ENDRORM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also really like this spork, even if it's a bit pricey:
http://www.amazon.com/MSR-4-Piece-Spork-Utensil-Set/dp/B00HV8KT0A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406671843&sr=8-1&keywords=msr+spork+utensil

Sleeping bag liners are nice to keep bags warmer and cleaner.

The MSR Seagull stowaway pots are really nice cooking pots because of the locking lid. They come in multiple sizes, too.

Burt's bees hand salve I got this for my boyfriend. He climbs so his hands get all roughed up and he's a bit "metro" himself, so likes to take care of his hands.

Really fucking nice utility gloves For working on shit.

Bear Grylls survival kit

George Forman grill/bachelor pad's best friend

Hadn't heard about Katadyn before, thanks for mentioning them. Yeah, the water here is going to have sediment in it, I was thinking of a system like this that can hopefully do the desalination and filtration together, using something like a gas grill I think: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B019NHVTKK/.

I've always heard that one of the best books on survival is the SAS Survival Handbook. It looks like there is a SAS Urban Survival Handbook too that might be useful for imitating Bourne although it does not have as many 5 star reviews.

You're thinking correctly. Nautical survival kits use [pouched water] (https://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Pouches-Survival-Disaster-Supplies/dp/B00OX2HU0Y/) but it's pricy. I don't know anything about vacuum sealers, but I would try to use the thickest material you can - something between a ziplock bag and a camelbak material's thickness.

Edit: although for backpacking, you probably want just a 2qt canteen or something similar ... if you're really a glutton for carrying weight, then a couple 5qt blivets would work better than trying to pouch your own water.

How temporary? These only last a season, but I had good luck last year. https://amazon.com/HydraSorber-Sandless-Sandbags-Absorbent-Barrier/dp/B01BGBYVEC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1495839450&sr=8-4&keywords=water+barrier

I'd recommend some canned water. It'll last longer than plastic bottles and is probably easier to store. We have these ones at my house. Besides that, canned fruits and vegetables are good, any non perishables.

When I first moved out here, because I didn't have any of the basics, I opted for the basic version at Red Cross. They left in a checklist of items in there as well as items that you might want to add to personalize it, which I did. That is more of a single person kit though, so later when I moved, we got this 4 Person Kit. I forget which version of the cat one, but we have that one as well.

I'd say, before committing to the kits, first check against what you already have. In both situations, it was due to a large move that we realized we couldn't find everything or it would need to be purchased again which meant that it worked out financially to get the kit instead. Here's a good list to start with.

It's also trash food, this 72 hour kit would probably be better for just a bulk kit.
Best thing would be to get separate canned/dried supplies and stored water.

We have a food tote that we put the food in and it works well. It also makes it easy to mix it. The main thing is just don't let it air out all the time. As long as there is even a minimal seal keeping the moisture from escaping, it will stay good longer.

this is basically what we have

Honestly.. just spend like $50 on something like this and you never have to worry again.

A few days worth of food and water.. some essentials.

You don't even need to do any work.

Yeah, you're comparing a 5 day food supply to 30 day food supply. Even if we assume the extras are useful, it's not a good deal.

A cursory look on Amazon yields:
9 day worth of SOS Rations, $20.45 (vs 5 days)
Ammo Box, $5.98
100 Aquatabs, $9.90 (vs 10)
10 1-gallon mylar pouches, $8.99 (vs 1 small bag)
Similarly stocked survival tin, $15.50

Now I already have more things and I'm only at around $60.

You won't find the military version sold in stores, (and if you do, they are likely expires, surplus stuff that you won't want to eat.)

However, you can find the same exact thing under a different label, for example Hooah! bars are called Soldier Fuel.

I would recommend the self-heating MREs, just as you stated. Perhaps this or this may be a good starting point.

Don't forget water, and lots of it.

In your FAK/ repair kit throw in a couple large pieces of tenacious tape, some duct or gaffer tape, small tube of adhesives (shoe goo and seam grip ), Leukotape, tiny spool of heavy thread, and 3 large needles. UL gear is great and you definitely dont need some ultra strong 1000D codura nylon backpack that weighs 9 lbs on its own, but it is fragile and a few multiuse repair items can go A LONG WAY.


https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Clear-Contact-Adhesive-Waterproof/dp/B06WGSRM4Z/ref

https://www.amazon.com/BSN-Medical-BEI076168-Leukotape-Sports/dp/B000E59HXC/ref

https://www.amazon.com/Gear-Aid-Tenacious-Repair-Fabric/dp/B001949Z4I/ref

https://www.amazon.com/Gear-Aid-Outdoor-adhesive-Tenacious/dp/B000BRDDW4/ref

https://www.amazon.com/Gear-Aid-Outdoor-Repairs-Needles/dp/B003B678VO/ref

https://www.amazon.com/Upholstery-Naturel-150-Yard-Assorted-Needles/dp/B016C39XW4/ref

https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-5510110-Mini-Adhesive-Pack/dp/B01JCCKWZO/ref

• Emergency Blanket
  
• [Survivor Water Filter] (http://www.survivorfilter.com/)
  
• Bic Lighters
  
• Poncho
  
• Strike Anywhere Match
  
• Chapstick
  
• Flashlight
  
• Paracord
  
• Tarp
  
• Bandana
  
• Medical Kit
  
• [SOS Emergency Water Pouches] (http://www.amazon.com/SOS-Emergency-Water-Packets-Supply/dp/B006RBKP8I/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1449170132&sr=8-4&keywords=emergency+water+pouch)
  
• Knife
  
• Food Bars
  
• Gun
  
  
  For the Car
  
  
• If budget allows - Blue Can Water
  
• Good Boots
  
• Wool Socks
  
• Good Jacket, Pants
  
• Mask
  
• Goggles
  
• Weather Appropriate Extra Clothing
  
  inx: Just recently here at my work, we celebrated a Bday Party for a co worker, when its time to light the candle, all my co-workers ( 16 people) don't have a match/lighter to light the candle. I don't think we have any first aid kits, flashlights, or most of the basic emergency stuff. SO when SHTF, looks like I'm the only one carrying the basics on me and in my car. It's kinda sad.

Here is the list of gear. It is meant for both myself and my wife, so I doubled up in some places. (Links where I have them)

• LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
  
• yueton Shatterproof Stainless Steel Ultrathin Folding Travel Mirror
  
• S.O.S. Rations Emergency 3600 Calorie Food Bar
  
• Mini Foldable Folding Shovel
  
• Coleman Dome Tent
  
• GreenLight Diamond Strike on Box Matches,
  
• Zippo Typhoon Matches and Match Kit
  
• My Amazing Outdoor Inc Camp Mess Kit
  
• Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets
  
• Aootek Upgraded first aid survival Kit
  
• AxPower Dust Masks
  
• Dust mask filter pack
  
• Esky Portable Emergency Weather Radio Hand Crank Self Powered
  
• Foxelli Disposable Rain Ponchos
  
• TOUGH-GRID 750lb Paracord/Parachute Cord
  
• Aquatabs AQT200 Water Purification Tablets 200 Pack
  
• REEBOW GEAR Hard Knuckle Tactical Gloves
  
• Sharpie Plastic Point Stick Water Resistant Pen
  
• Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Top-Spiral Notebook
  
• Buck Knife 119
  
• 1 quart zip lock bags pack
  
• 1 gallon zip lock bags pack
  
• 2 Days worth of clothes
  
• REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Assault Pack Backpack, Capacity: 34L
  
  Total Combined weight 27.4969375 Lbs (assuming my measurements are correct, couldn't get a good read on the tent so I had to use manufacturer info)
  
  Stuff I don't have yet, but which I plan to include as I get them:
  
  
• Passports, and other document copies
  
• Extra cash
  
• 9mm pistol
  
• Better water storage
  
• Solar charging and power banks

This is incredibly important now that we're starting to roll into the big storm season.

In the '89 earthquake we were without power and water for a few days or more. Telephones didn't work (no cell phones back then). "Liquifaction" caused buildings in the Marina to slid off their foundations. The Bay Bridge was out of service for months. Then came the Northridge quake. Having an earthquake kit is being prepared. Here's some of what's in mine.

1. [First Aid Kit] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003H2EODW/).
   
   
2. Water. I've got four of [these] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0053GVRWQ/) stored under my bed. Plus a couple of boxes of [these] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ANY4EXM/)
   
   
3. [Emergency food] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00955DUHQ/), and a [three pack of S.O.S. rations] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MDY91HY/).
   
   
4. [Lantern] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018S4XIS/), flashlights and batteries.
   
   
5. [Portable propane stove] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009PUR5E/) and propane.
   
   
6. I have a [UPS backup battery] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0083TXNMM/) that will charge cell phones etc.
   
   
7. Various camping gear and tools.
   

Here is the Amazon page.

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Can-Premium-Emergency-Drinking/dp/B00M9O9HTK/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=31MNJQQAJE2BL&keywords=canned+water&qid=1555456285&s=gateway&sprefix=canned+water&sr=8-3

Now you have: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Can-Premium-Emergency-Drinking/dp/B00M9O9HTK

Just bought one. http://www.amazon.com/Earthquake-Person-Deluxe-Survival-Emergency/dp/B003L2E7IA

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004DSXC7I/?tag=047-20

Enjoy

I haven't pulled the trigger yet but I've been considering getting canned water.

I don't normally buy bottled water so I don't want to have to worry about rotating them, so $40 seems like a decent price to pay for emergency water in my car that I can trust for a few years. I'll probably keep them in a cooler to prevent freezing in the winter (despite the username, I'm not actually in Texas).

They do - 50 year water ...
http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Can-Premium-Emergency-Drinking/dp/B00M9O9HTK

and I swear I've been served plain water in a can on an airplane somewhere

They sell canned water. In particular, they sell canned water in soda cans that has a 50 year shelf life. Heat wouldn't be an issue.

This stuff is more for deep storage than something you're going to rotate through and be drinking every day. It's not cheap like bottled water is.

Nothing beats Blue Can premium emergency canned drinking water.

Blue Can - Premium Emergency Drinking Water https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M9O9HTK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_2GNmybHGA1FS9

This one is worthless without a siphon.