(Part 3) Top products from r/preppers

You're asking a very broad question while looking for specifics, making it very hard to pinpoint an answer. I'll give my advice on bug out bag items.

The bag itself - Should be a solid backpacking bag. Keep it light enough that it's manageable. For a very fit individual, the max weight should be your body weight divided by 3. Most of us are not that fit, so adjust accordingly. It should have hip support, well stitched straps, several compartments and a way to attach things to the outside (molle webbing, carabiner loops or exterior straps). Should be weatherproof.
Water - Depends entirely on your location. I live in Canada - Land of lakes and rivers. I wont need to carry a ton of water all the time. I've got a sawyer squeeze as my primary water filter. The collapsible water bottles it comes with work great for water storage as well. Wife and daughter carry a lifestraw as backups. We have some iodine drops as well.
As far as water carrying devices go, i find nalgene bottles work great. Theyre light and strong, and come in various sizes. A canteen is great if you want to use it to cook over a fire. Its not a bad idea either to have a large (5 litre+) collapsible water container. They're plastic and light. I havn't used mine extensively enough to recommend.
Sharp Things - I've got a Kabar as my primary fixed blade. It's tried and true. Good metal, full tang. I've got a leatherman wave multitool. Carry it everyday on my belt. Super handy. I should really add a 3-4" folding knife to my pack as sometimes the kabar is too big, and the multitool is hard to clean.
I also carry a Cold steel shovel. I looked into folding shovels, and they didnt seem reliable. Moving parts means they're more likely to fail. I haven't used this one extensively, but the few times i have tried it, its done an excellent job. If your pack's too heavy, put this one in your car.
Food - Your typical protein bars, dried rice/bean mix, snickers, small jar of PB, oatmeal and dehydrated fruit. A small bit of olive oil packs a ton of calories and adds flavour. It's good to have a small container of salt and pepper, or other spices to add flavour. You can grab MRE's or those mountainhouse dried meals, but theyre expensive. If you regularly buy pepperettes or jerkey, stick some in your bag and rotate it out when you buy it next. Multivitamins can keep you up if youre not getting a ton of food, but dont rely on them. Bring any meds you need, as well as tylenol or aspirin.
Hygiene - Pack a couple rolls of TP. Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant (chuck if too much weight), wash cloth, soap, soap for clothing, feminine products (if applicable), couple garbage bags (can separate dirty clothes), wet wipes, lip balm, hand sanitizer. Sun screen and bug spray in small bottles.
Clothing - Carry at least 7 pairs of good socks. Some warm ones if the location's cold. Extra shirts, underwear are essential. Pants/shorts and sweater are optional (besides whatever you're wearing). Stick your clothing in a waterproof sack. Try to keep only clean, dry clothes in there (no airflow + damp = mold).
-Paracord and rope
-Carabiners
-Sewing kit
-Tent patching kit (if you have a tent or a tarp)
-Tarp (who saw that coming). Doesn't have to be massive. Just know how to set it up to keep you dry.
-Fire Source. Have many. Lighters are cheap, stash away a bunch (7?). The lighter leash is awesome. You should be able to find that cheap at a corner store. Storm matches, for when its rainy. I think these are what I got. You can light them in any weather, put them under water, and they'll still be lit. Not a bad idea to carry regualr matches in a waterproof container. Firestarter packets are great. I just soak cotton balls in Vaseline. Flint and steel is cool, but only useful if youve exhausted all other fire starting methods.
-Super Glue
-Safety pins
-Zip ties
-Light. Hand crank flashlight is awesome. If you have a battery powered one, carry spare batteries. The mini maglite has a belt holster. Those small LED flashlights are great too. Grab a few glowsticks.
-fork and spoon
-emergency blanket or emergency sleeping bag. Only useful if you're SOL.
-poncho
-sleeping bag for your location. If its warm you don't need this. Can use a hammock or sleeping pad. Try and keep these small as they take up a ton of space.
-Compass. Useful if you have a map.
-Map of your location/where youre going.
-Signal mirror and a good whistle.
-Fishing supplies. I've got an emmrod. You can put a fairly small cheap reel on here. I've got the shimano ix2000. It casts a pretty good distance. Hooks, weights, bobs etc. Can all fit in small waterproof containers or camera film containers. Dont forget line! Mines already on the reel. A fishing vest gives you lots of little pockets to keep things in arms reach.
-First Aid kit. There's extensive lists online depending on how large you want it. Some gauze, band aids, polysporin, burn cream are a good start. Try and build it yourself, don't buy the gimmikey premade ones. Keep yours in a waterproof Tupperware container.
-Tiny roll of Gorilla Tape
-Games. Some dice and a deck of cards go a long way. Don't underestimate the value of laughter. If a sudden collapse ever happens, these might save you from depression.
-Headlamp. I've got this rayovac one (i think). Seems easy on batteries and has lasted a few camping trips. Haven't put serious use on it tho.
-Eating equipment. A mug and a small plate go a long way. A folding pan goes a long way, but is heavy. I would love to learn to use a pressure cooker over fires.
-Handkerchief or travel kleenex
-Bandanas. 3 of them.
-Bungee cords can be useful, but they run the risk of snapping and taking out an eye.
-Ziplock bags are handy. Keeps a lot of small things organized and dry.
-Pencils, Pens, notepad/book, sharpie.
-Hatchet is useful, but heavy. Take one if you can. The sven saw is awesome and hasn't broke on me yet.
-Spare pair of glasses (if applicable)
-Some sort of firearm is almost necessary. I don't have one yet, but i was planning on a 10/22 takedown. It's small and easy to pack. Bullets are light. If you need more stopping power than a .22, you're in a heap of trouble. Guns are not my specialty (can you guess), so ill leave it up to you
-In lieu of a firearm, you could grab a crossbow. If that's still too much, a good slingshot will do great.
-phone booklet and address's. In case your phone craps out and you cant charge it.
-A small windable clock is great. A solar watch is better. I think thats the one i have.

All this stuff is useless unless you know how to use it. Do your research, take some courses. Learn the necessary skills to survive, because that's what's really necessary. I like Les Stroud's (survivorman) book Survive!. Learn to tie knots, fish, hunt, forage, fight, build a fire in all conditions, etc.
If you have questions on the use of any of the above items, ask away. Any advice or suggestions, I welcome those too.

Don't buy too much too fast... get a little of all the stuff you need every week. Keep in mind that EVERYONE will at some point be unemployed, and cash in the bank (or a safe) is a pretty good prep on its own.

1. Water. You have 40 gallons in your hot water heater. Learn how to turn it off and get water out of it. After that, purification of some sort: iodine tables or a Sawyer Mini. After that, some 5 gallon containers, or a big 50 gallon barrel.
   
   
2. Food. Eat what you prep and prep what you eat. Buy a bit more every week until you have at least a 1 month supply of staples (rice, pasta, flour, canned meat). Some people keep a 1 year supply. Others keep a 3 year supply and a ton of seeds... you can pick how extreme you want to be. Mountain House has excellent (but expensive) freeze dried food if you want to travel light. Dont forget tea, instant coffee, and snack foods to keep your spirits up!
   
   
3. Clothing. Make sure you always have good shoes, good socks, warm jacket, and rain gear in the car. Spare socks are unbelievably important.
   
   
4. Shelter. Depends on your area, but I keep some space blankets and a bivy tent in my Get Home Bag (GHB) in the car, just in case.
   
   After that, it gets a bit fuzzy... you'll want a first aid kit, tools, radio, bic lighters, candles, flashlights and the like... These guys have the best pre-built bag I've seen yet:
   
   https://www.forcitekits.com/
   
   Pricy, but it has good stuff... and its a great guide if you want to buy a little at a time.
   
   After that... it really depends a lot on what you're planning for... tarps if you're in a hurricane/tornado prone area, temporary toilet for earthquake prone area, lots of garbage bags, etc. My first prepper book was the Prepper Pocket Guide:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Preppers-Pocket-Guide-Things-Disaster/dp/1569759294
   
   Lots of good, practical, everyday advice... the author is a woman, and she had ideas in there that as a guy I totally missed... like tampons.

This is basically as big a hobby if not bigger than you can get to with prepping. So the way I started I will tell you how I got started. I got the tech manual. Picked up a boafeng and found a weekly radio net in my area and started listening. You can legally listen as long as you don't transmit. I read the book, started doing a bunch of quizzes online at http://www.hamstudy.org the best website I can think of to learn the material.

I found my local club and scheduled a test session with them by emailing the president and he suggested why not try for your general. It was about a week before the test and I was already getting good marks on the tech questions so I added the general questions. I managed to pass the tech and general in the same night. I tried for the extra but didn't make it. I am no an extra however after 3 attempts.

The hobby can be extremely fun and rewarding in and of itself. This video here has a pretty good example of what they call Fox Hunting, or attempting triangulate a signal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EST2vxIXCCs If you have any further questions don't hesitate to PM me I'll be more than happy to help.

1) "Doomsday planning for less crazy folk"

(also sometimes called "prepping for practical people"). You can read this for free online. It is a good walk through some main, reasonable areas for prepping and how to approch them. I've used this to guide a lot of my preps and organizing.

The author grew up in martial law Poland before the fall of communism. Has a lot of world experience. Is a very smart computer security programmer.

2) The Prepper's Pocket Guide

Easy to follow, well organized, and each entry is short to read. This one is nice because you can implement some of the preps right away, and build as you have money and time. I don't agree with every single entry, but overall it's great. Very practical.

I have considered buying "Prepper's Pocket Guide" as a small gift or stocking stuffer for a few friends and family.

3) Emergency Checklist for Beginners

I have no affiliation with their site, but I have been impressed with all of the material they have put out so far. Walks through the concepts of "every day carry", to be ready for things you run into. Discusses starting small and building up over time. This is a good approach for people starting out.

I have a few, but they're all at home so I don't most of the models of them. A cheap flimsy one came with the bag, and so I added one of these (I have like 5 of them), I just bought this set which I'm pretty happy with, and added one that I got at Home Depot that looks just like a solid rocket booster from a few years ago

Fierce_Fox is right. FM manuals such as FM-217-76 Survival.....may be somewhat outdated but the information is reliable.
As a Medic/EMT my prepping focuses on my skill set with everything else falling close in line. I have a lot of information in digital format; both on USB and a small external drive. I have a small tablet that is in my BoB for reading documents and such.
At a minimum, here are my suggestions:
FM 21-76 Survival - Department of the Army
https://archive.org/details/military-manuals
SAS Survival Guide - https://www.amazon.com/SAS-Survival-Guide-Collins-Gem/dp/0061992860/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483496552&sr=8-1&keywords=sas+survival+guide
The Pocket Prepper's Guide - Bernie Car
https://www.amazon.com/Preppers-Pocket-Guide-Things-Disaster/dp/1569759294/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483496827&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=The+Pocket+Prepper%27s+Guide+-+Bernie+Car
The Complete Disaster Home Preparation Guide - Robert Roskind
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Disaster-Home-Preparation-Guide/dp/0130859001/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483496881&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Complete+Disaster+Home+Preparation+Guide+-+Robert+Roskind
How To Survive the End of the World As We Know It-James Wesley,Rawles
https://www.amazon.com/How-Survive-End-World-Know/dp/0452295831/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483496952&sr=8-1&keywords=How+To+Survive+the+End+of+the+World+As+We+Know+It-James+Wesley%2CRawles
Bug Out - Scott B. Williams
https://www.amazon.com/Bug-Out-Complete-Escaping-Catastrophic/dp/156975781X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483496991&sr=8-1&keywords=Bug+Out+-+Scott+B.+Williams
When There Is No Doctor - Gerard S. Doyle, MD -
https://www.amazon.com/When-There-Doctor-Challenging-Self-reliance/dp/1934170119/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483497054&sr=8-2&keywords=When+There+Is+No+Doctor
The Ultimate Survival Medicine Guide - Joseph Alton, MD & Amy Alton, ARNP - https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Survival-Medicine-Guide-Preparedness/dp/1629147702/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483497109&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=The+Ultimate+Survival+Medicine+Guide+-+Joseph+Alton%2C+MD+%26+Amy+Alton%2C+ARNP
Last, but not least, The Zombie Survival Guide - Max Brooks
https://www.amazon.com/Zombie-Survival-Guide-Complete-Protection/dp/1400049628/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483497158&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Zombie+Survival+Guide+-+Max+Brooks
The last one is more humor but it does have many great points and ideas.
A library that covered everything would be very heavy and take up a bit of space. For the minimum, at least 1-2 books on everything one will need to survive will still be a lot. These books should be read, reread, and read again. We can't memorize everything, but having this to go back on when needed is a great addition. There's tons of information online and downloadable for free.
Depending on one's skill set, then they may not need as much. Teach others in a group is a must. Can't have one person be the ONLY one who can do 'this' skill. IMO, research should always be the first step. So much information out there and it's free.

they are good and compact and pretty cheap. If you ever run out of water you'll wish you had one as most water sources are contaminated anymore.

I prefer my hand pump. I've had mine 10 years and it works great. I really doesn't weigh much and you can change out the filter.

https://www.amazon.com/Katadyn-Hiker-Microfilter-Water-Filter/dp/B0047QV0AM/ref=sr_1_9?crid=3OJ6CP0N5E4XC&keywords=water+filter+hand+pump&qid=1556483509&s=gateway&sprefix=water+filter+hand%2Caps%2C274&sr=8-9

Sounds great! I don't know what country you're in, but in the USA you can learn everything you need to know from the ARRL study book and doing some practice tests. There's no need for a course, although if that's how you learn best then go for it! Other resources:

Beginner’s guide to amateur (ham) radio for preppers

ARRL guide for beginners

HF on a budget

New ham radio operator

Also check out /r/amateurradio. Beginner questions are welcome. If IRC is your thing, they have a channel at irc.geekshed.net #redditnet. Freenode's ##hamradio is also good.

In a mass casualty situation, I would completely ignore anyone that needed CPR and focus on the bleeders. The time you spend giving one person CPR could be used stabilizing a dozen people who are bleeding.

For extremities, the most useful thing is a tourniquet. I prefer one with a windlass like a [CAT] (https://www.amazon.com/C--Combat-Application-Tourniquet-GENERATION/dp/B018R73OWI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468623443&sr=8-1&keywords=gen+7+cat+tourniquet) or [SOFTT] (https://www.amazon.com/Tac-Med-Solutions-SOFTT-W-Tourniquet/dp/B00E3W3BK2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468623620&sr=8-2&keywords=sof-t) over a [TK4] (https://www.amazon.com/H-Associates-TK4-Tourniquet/dp/B003YHGKF0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468623679&sr=8-1&keywords=tk4+tourniquet) or [SWAT] (https://www.amazon.com/SWAT-T-Tourniquet-Black-1-Count/dp/B003IWNOVO/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468623735&sr=8-2&keywords=swat+tourniquet).

For injuries to the abdomen, armpit, crotch, or neck; you will want a homeostatic agent. [Combat Gauze] (https://www.amazon.com/QuickClot-Combat-Gauze-Z-Fold/dp/B001E1CLTC/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468623859&sr=8-1&keywords=combat+gauze) is the way to go here, it is much better than powdered QuickClot.

For penetrating chest trauma (also called 'sucking chest wounds'), you need a large, occlusive bandage on both the entry and exit. In clinical testing of chest seals, the [Halo] (https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Medical-Performance-Occlusive-Dressing/dp/B003VSORKC/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468624256&sr=8-3&keywords=chest+seal) and [Hyfin] (https://www.amazon.com/North-American-Rescue-Hyfin-Chest/dp/B00KQS2NGK/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468624483&sr=8-1&keywords=hyfin) drastically outperformed the [Asherman] (https://www.amazon.com/Rusch-Inc-849100-Asherman-Chest/dp/B0015TE9N4/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468624546&sr=8-2&keywords=asherman+chest+seal).

I also personally have a [decompression needle] (http://www.rescue-essentials.com/h-h-needle-decompression-kit-tpak/) to treat tension pneumothorax, but I advise you not to get it unless you have specific training on it.

For general bleeding the [Israeli bandage] (https://www.amazon.com/Israeli-Bandage-Shipped-Israel-Inches/dp/B00JKMPJBY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468625201&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=israeli+bandage&psc=1) is way better than other bandages.

You will also want an [NPA] (https://www.amazon.com/Nasopharyngeal-Airway-Fr-9-3mm-Surgilube/dp/B003950R2E/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468625347&sr=8-1&keywords=nasal+pharyngeal+airway) to help keep an open airway.

Edit, I forgot that you are also going to want a good pair of [trauma shears] (https://www.amazon.com/Madison-Supply-Premium-Fluoride-Scissors/dp/B00YFG1U86/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468625730&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=trauma+shears&psc=1).

Some other things to consider are rubber gloves, [Kerlix] (https://www.amazon.com/Original-Kerlix-Sterile-Bandage-Rolls/dp/B00UAULWR0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468626013&sr=8-1&keywords=kerlix), [cravats] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HBG726G/ref=ox_sc_mini_detail?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AR9BYY7RS0Q08), [medical tape] (https://www.amazon.com/Durapore-Medical-Tape-Silk-yards/dp/B000C4O7GC/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1468626363&sr=1-2&keywords=medical+tape), a [SAM splint] (https://www.amazon.com/SAM-Rolled-Splint-Orange-Blue/dp/B001J5H92C/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1468626238&sr=1-1&keywords=sam+splint), and a [space blanket] (https://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Mylar-Blankets-84-52/dp/B004356WLY/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1468626282&sr=1-1&keywords=space+blanket).

You can get a filter that has chemical filtration capability for as low as $50.

http://www.amazon.com/Katadyn-8018270-Hiker-Microfilter/dp/B0047QV0AM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462453899&sr=8-1&keywords=Hiker+Microfilter

.2Micron and less gallons than the life straw posted.

You should absolutely plan for your particular area. 38% of ground water wells in California have high levels of arsenic. Source. The increased levels of arsenic will not kill you out right but will cause a increased chance of things like cancer.

If money is a concern I suggest building your own filter. It's actually pretty easy and cheap. Cheaper than that mylar blanket actually. Here is a good article.

The best two generators in that category are the Honda EU2000i or Yamaha EF2000IS — hands down. They both cost about the same ($1000) but only the Yamaha is available on Amazon if you have prime. Both generators can also be linked together with another identical unit to give you flexibility if you sometimes need 4000 watts.

Yes, both of those generators are substantially better than the lower end models. They also use less gas and are much quieter. Being quiet is important if you want to use the generator for camping.

The best solution for this is something like a Chevy Volt. There's an after market add on that lets you hook up to a 2000 watt inverter to it. Since the engine on a Volt is designed to charge the onboard battery it is better tuned to this. Of course you're buying a $35k car in that case, but in the future it' s more of an option.

I'd look at small portable suitcase sized generators. I have a 2000 watt Yamaha (http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-EF2000iS-4-Stroke-Generator-Compliant/dp/B002RWK9N2) that is very quiet and very fuel efficient. You can even order versions that run from gas, propane or natural gas.

> Datrex or SOS energy bars store well in a vehicle and provide 2-3 days' worth of food per brick.

This really is the perfect suggestion for food in a car. Walmart has the Mainstay 2400 bars in store for about $5 apiece. -40 to +300 degrees and a 5 year shelf life. No water needed to prepare. Just munch and move. I would recommend enclosing each bar in a gallon ziploc bag though. With the Mainstay bars at least they are not individually wrapped, so once open they can crumble and get everywhere.

I also have a Trucker's Friend in the trunk in case there's a downed tree. I'm not going to be hacking apart a huge monster of a tree by any means, but it's nice to have the option be there if it's something manageable and it has a few other tools on it as well.

1500 watts - are you joking? I suppose if you want to also purchase a dedicated portable generator for this thing you could use it.... or you could just build a cheap portable wood burning stove using everyday items. If you aren't mechanically inclined, I suppose you could just buy one here for less than half of the electric heater AND you can use it for cooking as well as staying warm.

I'd tend to stay away from anything that draws more energy than you can generate yourself without relying on the grid (which the NSA has just determined that China could disable quickly and remotely through cyber attacks).

Thanks for the levity, but I really am serious about this... The big cascadia earthquake is the main reason I prep and I only have two bridges that can get me to emergency facilities other than my small local hospital that may or may not be operational after the earthquake. If those bridges get damaged...

People are quick to judge prepare who want to know how they can prepare. so far I've got a book that has a few pages on antibiotics, a folder of random bits of info I've printed off, and now a snarky joke from a reddit doctor. ;)

I'd love if there was a better resource for this community to reference, even if it was extremely generalized and missing 98% of the nuance.

The Honda generators are really nice. You can set them to auto throttle up based on load so that you get the most run time from your gas. You may also look at the equivalent Yamaha generator too on Amazon. It's $150 cheaper and pretty much the same things as this Honda. A lot of the parts are also more easily sourced locally from what I've seen.

Yamaha EF2000iS

well im not an expert in any of those categories. but ive been doing a lot of heavy research into bushcrafting (ie watching all the top dogs on youtube and studyign their gear) and ill tell you knives are ultra important. the one you have listed is seen as a joke though it is a good one but without the serrated edge. you should add the mora $10 knife thats on amazon right now. https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Outdoor-Military-4-1-Inch/dp/B004TNWD40/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480303187&sr=8-1&keywords=mora+knife

Hi, I ran a garden consulting business for several years and worked with a number of preppers.

The one book you want is called The Square Foot Garden, it allows you to maximize the space you have available. One 4'x4'x6" is capable of pulling out hundreds of pounds of produce if you follow the instructions.

All of this is worthless information unless you start learning gardening in your free time.

There's definitely some community gardens in your area. Either ran by a community college, church group, or gardening group. You need to start volunteering there, or be willing to start your own garden. You can start a high potential Square Foot Garden for about $150.

Everyone's first garden is going to have a lot of failures. It takes a few years of growing to really get the hang of it.

You wouldn't go out and buy an airplane for SHTF without taking some time to learn how to fly it. It would be a disaster if you never started the engine and now you're flipping through a manual trying to learn how to fly. The same is true with gardening. Only practical experience is useful.

Patently false, and shill for Lifestraw detected.

Sawyer (and the one I have, full disclosure): http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-Water-Filtration-System/dp/B00FHRADQ2

Lifestraw: http://www.amazon.com/LifeStraw-LSPHF017-Personal-Water-Filter/dp/B006QF3TW4

Sawyer has a .1 micron, Lifestraw is a .2. Next time please post accurate information, thanks :) A Lifestraw will NOT filter out viruses.

If this is for a BOB and you're willing to consider a fixed blade utility knife, you might want to consider the Morakniv Companion:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004TNWD40/ref=ox_sc_saved_image_9?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

I have one in my vehicle bag. I haven't used it extensively but it's quality construction, inexpensive, and has a ton of great reviews.

I have thought about putting together an "urban" kit something like this:

A variety of different bump keys

Easy to carry set of lock picks

A multi-functional silcock key to access water

A "truckers friend" combination crowbar, axe, hammer

Sawzall blade handle and various blades for cutting metal and wood

And a good pair of gloves

I think this would cover all my bases and be able to get me into or out of pretty much anywhere I can expect to be, but it's a lot of equipment so I think it may be overkill

**The links are just representative of what I have in mind and not the actual product I would purchase.

How about a $15 hand crank charger from Amazon that doesn't make it look like you have Parkinson's?


https://www.amazon.com/American-crank-powered-flashlight-smartphone-ARCCR100R-SNG/dp/B003BYROUQ

There should be a lot more discussion on this topic. Bullets and beans don't mean anything if you can't dispose of waste in safe manner. My solution / thoughts below, and I live in a rural area but on a municipal system so this may or may not be as applicable.

For urine, pee in something like a bucket , or build a urinal that drains into a french drain. In general urine can be disposed of fairly easily. Gallons and gallons can go into a rather small area which you can cover later with dirt. Except for the fertilizer burn there's really no issues here. As others have noted keep the urine and solids separate.

For solid waste, relatively easy is:

• a 5 gallon bucket (which you probably already have for storage).
  
• a lid kit for the bucket.
  
• some biodegradable bags that fit into the bucket. You can just clean out the bucket each time but this makes a little easier and you can just bury the whole bag.
  
• some type of absorbing material to dry out the solid waste, and handle any urine that gets in there too. I have a pellet stove so I literally have tons of wood pellets which absorb a lot of water. Other good ideas are coir, sawdust, shredded cardboard, or kitty litter.
  
  Regarding the municipal system, eventually it will back up, it's a question of time. Where I live it's a straight downhill shot to the municipal waste treatment center, no lift pumps required. The waste treatment facility has backup generators and overflow ponds so provided they can still operate things will work. Shit flows downhill, as it was.
  
  In an extremely prolonged sort of situation where the crews weren't out doing maintenance or a large earthquake actually ruptured the pipes, things will back up. The folks at the bottom will experience it first.
  
  You can install a backup prevention device. It has regular maintenance and the install could be easy (in the crawlspace) or terrible (you have to dig). If you're preparing for generalized disruptions it's probably overkill but if you're on a municipal system and want to isolate yourself, it's a good idea. /u/parametrek 's PDF post is terrific, that's something every prepper should have.

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Outdoor-Military-4-1-Inch/dp/B004TNWD40


I have this knife and it is well made and reliable and great starter knife.

My favorite book for this sort of stuff and everything similar is Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills, Third Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/1602392331/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OKxMxb9TA4AX7


I'll post pictures of the soap and table of contents in another post. I hate mobile lol.


Edit: here's some quick pics. I can scan whatever pages if you guys want a better look. Before you buy the book. Mind you I've only ever used the bread making recipes and they turn out well. I can't vouch for the rest. Sorry.

https://imgur.com/a/4iTMH

ah...pretty easy. I've done some extreme camping/festivals and had to pack out everything.

Either a compostable toilet, or simply a honey bucket. Luggable loo lid on 5 gallon buckets. Place in biodegradable bag, then a cup of absorbent kitty litter. Do your business, and each time give it a pump of orange citrus freshener and a cup of kitty litter. Ue until bucket is 1/3 full and tie off bat and toss in garbage or a hole.

Repeat. The luggable loo lids actually snap tight down when not in use, sealing off all odors, etc. Feels just like using a regular toilet.


https://www.amazon.com/Reliance-Products-9881-03-Luggable-Toilet/dp/B0000B13MT/ref=sr_1_2?hvadid=178131274494&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9031550&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15145053386159400452&hvtargid=kwd-1915328318&keywords=luggable+loo&qid=1555353004&s=gateway&sr=8-2

I have a camp toilet. It’s a 5 gallon bucket, lined with a compactor bag (those are pretty much unbreakable and no leaks). Add a handful of the blue crystal kitty litter (no clay or clumping, just blue crystals). Top with a toilet seat (made to fit 5 gallon buckets), and you’re good. Change it once a day. You shouldn’t get any smell with the compactor bag/crystal litter combo.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0000B13MT/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523845278&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=reliance+toilet+seat&dpPl=1&dpID=31QH7j4%2BX1L&ref=plSrch


I’d also have some formula, just in case you get injured.

"All New Square Foot Gardening" book by Mel Bartholomew.

I own a business doing gardening consulting, training, and installs. The Square Foot Garden technique is simply the best and easiest and the methodology behind it brain-dead-simple. Any time I'm at a prepper fair I'm the guy hanging out with the old ladies in the "grow your own food!" booth, have a gay old time chatting it up about azaleas and squash.

If you want simple and results for cheap there is not another technique out there and this one book covers everything. I have not yet come across a use-case where the SFG was not the best for a gardening beginner. There are advanced techniques to gardening not covered in this book, but this book is the golden ticket.

Note: the old ladies also recommend this book.

1. Sawyer water filters are really cheap yet can filter an immense amount of water: http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-Filtration-System-Single/dp/B00MPH1LU4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1413472747&sr=8-2&keywords=sawyer+one
   
   
2. You can store bulk grains and beans cheaply to provide a large amount of emergency food using Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers along with 5 gallon buckets. These are what I got: http://www.amazon.com/10-2000cc-Oxyfree-Absorbers-Dehydrated-Storage/dp/B001Y0Y8C6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1413472777&sr=8-2&keywords=mylar+food+storage
   
   Then just buy 5 gallon hdpe buckets for 2.50 each and lids for 1.50 each from your local hardware store. Add the grains, oxygen absorber, and seal the bag with an iron. Each bucket when filled with rice or beans will provide enough calories for someone for a month. This is wayyyy cheaper than freeze dried food and will last just as long.
   
   
3. A crank flashlight with USB power, only $15: http://www.amazon.com/American-Cross-CLIPRAY-Charger-Flashlight/dp/B003BYROUQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413472929&sr=8-1&keywords=crank+usb+flashlight . Alternative power flashlights are always good and USB power to devices could either merely convenient or a life safer.
   
   
4. You can convert any trashcan into a rain barrel for much cheaper than buying one using a kit like this: http://www.amazon.com/EarthMinded-RBK-0001-DIY-Rain-Barrel/dp/B005CJFBJE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413473011&sr=8-1&keywords=rain+barrel+kit
   
   
5. Buy some heavy duty plastic sheeting and Gorilla tape for general purpose use too. They aren't expensive and can be used for so many different things.
   
   
6. With Ebola prep being something to consider now go and get a Flu shot. The symptoms are almost the same as Ebola (until Ebola gets really bad at least) and if the outbreak gets bad in the US you wouldn't want to have to go to the doctor to find out if you've got it or not. They are free if you have insurance and you can get them at most pharmacies.
   
   
7. Find out what food crops grow well in your area's soil type and start experimenting with your own garden. Seeds are cheap and it is better to have a garden established before you need it to grow emergency food.
   
   I don't think you can avoid spending money to prep, but with these supplies you would be better prepared than 90% of people for not much money.

Post tordado there will likely be collapsed buildings and down power lines I would imagine a truckers friend being useful in that scenario

https://www.amazon.com/Truckers-Friend-Purpose-Survival-Tool-Made/dp/B005HAT9SM

Have you considered a retail filter? I really like my Sawyer Mini and it's only $20.

http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-Water-Filtration-System/dp/B00FHRADQ2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

A truckers friend is always handy. https://smile.amazon.com/Truckers-Friend-Purpose-Survival-Tool-Made/dp/B005HAT9SM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1479408550&sr=8-1&keywords=truckers+friend

Back to Basics: How to Learn and Enjoy Traditional American Skills

Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills

The Encyclopedia of Country Living, 40th Anniversary Edition: The Original Manual for Living off the Land & Doing It Yourself

That's a crap ton of knowledge right there. Remember to practice and learn before you need the skills.

For larger pots and pans this one may work better : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006H42TVG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You'd be surprised what you can fit in there. This is the contents of mine.

1. Personal prescription meds inside quart ziploc for additional water resistance.
   
2. 2x 4inch Gauze rolls
   
3. 8x 4x4 sterile gauze pads
   
4. 2x tampons 2x menstrual pads (these are meant more for backups for wife rather than wound care)
   
5. 4x pair sterile surgical gloves (Latex. Fuck nitrile. Latex allergies only happened because they dropped the step that made the latex hypoallergenic from the manufacturing process, which is still used with surgical gloves.)
   
6. 4x 4x4 tegaderm
   
7. various butterfly closures and bandaids
   
8. 1x triangle bandage
   
9. Immodium & Pepto tabs
   
10. Tylenol
    
11. [redacted because people lack reading comprehension and I'm not going to debate it.]
    
12. 2x Epi Pen (These are in case I have a run in with sunflower seeds.)
    
13. 10x Alcohol swab
    
14. 1x tweezers
    
15. 1x tick remover
    
16. Medipore tape
    
17. Clotting Sponges
    
18. Shears
    
19. Israeli Bandage x2
    
20. Chest Vent
    
21. CAT Gen3
    
22. SAM splint
    
23. Hibiclens
    
24. Iodoform wound packing strip (1'x5yd)
    
    My at home one is just a plano tackle box, which is pretty much a mirror of the 6x6, there's just more of everything in it.

They make indoor gas stoves. It doesn't have to be for camping. I mean, regular kitchen gas stoves use propane or other type of natural gas.

A toilet seat cover made specifically to fit over a 5 gal bucket.

Hey, sorry, I forgot and my home internet situation is... challenging.
Tourniquet
Isreali bandage
Shears Nasopharyngeal Airway
Quikclot bandages
Eye Shields
Emergency blankets
Halo chest seals

I bought one of these to use for festival camping, and that + contractor bags + kitty litter is what I'd use for an extended loss of sewage service.

Based off my many years of backpacking, 70 pounds is way too heavy. Honestly, I would seriously try doing a 20 mile 2 day 1 night backpacking trip with that setup (replace the guns and ammo with water that weighs as much and you cant touch if you are backpacking in gun restricted areas). However, I'm 90% sure you will find that you're ditching your stuff left and right. Even when I am backpacking and sleeping out in 5 degree weather, my pack weight is only 25 pounds at max. I would look at the r/ultralight to learn what you really need.
Ways to lighten up your pack load:

-titanium pot

-alcohol stove instead of the butane/propane stoves (http://www.woodgaz-stove.com/starlyte-burner-with-lid.php)

-use a sawer mini (only $20 at 2 oz and filters 100,000 gallons) instead of a pump filter https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-Water-Filtration-System/dp/B00FHRADQ2)

-Switch to a cuben fiber tarp and try tarp camping (https://www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/flat-tarp.html)
-if bugs are an issue you can get a net tent insert with the tarp http://www.yamamountaingear.com/bug-shelter-2p/)

-ditch the nalgene water bottle/stainless steel kleen canteen (you already have the titanium pot that weighs less, just use a platypus soft water bottle, they weigh less/can be rolled up for storage/can hold boiling water so you can put that in your sleeping back to stay warmer at night) (https://www.rei.com/product/849826/platypus-softbottle-water-bottle-34-fl-oz)

-switch to a hydrophobic treated down sleeping bag instead of a synthetic bag (https://www.rei.com/product/895819/marmot-hydrogen-down-sleeping-bag?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-34947-_-46631-_-NA&avad=46631_cdb0d0a3&CA_6C15C=120217890002095893)

-Ditch the wilderness gps. Put your phone on airplane mode, turn on the gps, and use the app gaia gps. (https://www.gaiagps.com/)

Put one of these dessicant packs in each ammo can and you wont have to worry about moisture.

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrosorbent-OSG-40-Dehumidifier-Desiccant-Chloride/dp/B0037Z8K3E/ref=pd_sim_indust_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1AM48HE8XFJGGCAEHEBX

Medical:

Where there is no doctor

Where there is no dentist

Emergency War Surgery

The survival medicine handbook

Auerbach’s Wilderness Medicine

Special Operations Medical Handbook

Food Production

Mini Farming

encyclopedia of country living

square foot gardening

Seed Saving

Storey’s Raising Rabbits

Meat Rabbits

Aquaponics Gardening: Step By Step

Storey’s Chicken Book

Storey Dairy Goat

Storey Meat Goat

Storey Ducks

Storey’s Bees

Beekeepers Bible

bio-integrated farm

soil and water engineering

Food Preservation and Cooking

Steve Rinella’s Large Game Processing

Steve Rinella’s Small Game

Ball Home Preservation

Charcuterie

Root Cellaring

Art of Natural Cheesemaking

Mastering Artesian Cheese Making

American Farmstead Cheesemaking

Joe Beef: Surviving Apocalypse

Wild Fermentation

Art of Fermentation

Nose to Tail

Artisan Sourdough

Designing Great Beers

The Joy of Home Distilling

Foraging

Southeast Foraging

Boletes

Mushrooms of Carolinas

Mushrooms of Southeastern United States

Mushrooms of the Gulf Coast


Tech

farm and workshop Welding

ultimate guide: plumbing

ultimate guide: wiring

ultimate guide: home repair

off grid solar

Woodworking

Timberframe Construction

Basic Lathework

How to Run A Lathe

Backyard Foundry

Sand Casting

Practical Casting

The Complete Metalsmith

Gears and Cutting Gears

Hardening Tempering and Heat Treatment

Machinery’s Handbook

How to Diagnose and Fix Everything Electronic

Electronics For Inventors

Basic Science


Chemistry

Organic Chem

Understanding Basic Chemistry Through Problem Solving

Ham Radio

AARL Antenna Book

General Class Manual

Tech Class Manual


MISC

Ray Mears Essential Bushcraft

Contact!

Nuclear War Survival Skills

The Knowledge: How to rebuild civilization in the aftermath of a cataclysm

If you want a cheap wood burning stove these are cheap as dirt but you have to buy more piping to use it indoors.

Building up supplies got a box of water pouches and some water purification tablets. Might get a book on survival medicine. This one seems promising.

back to basics a complete guide to traditional skills.

https://www.amazon.com/Emergency-9881-03-Portable-Toilet-5-gallon/dp/B0000B13MT/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1503973880&sr=8-2&keywords=5+gallon+bucket+toilet

Here is the mobile version of your link

https://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-Marine-Corps-Fighting-Straight/dp/B001H53Q6M/ref=pd_aw_lpo_200_bs_tr_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4ASA1P7NNET9M2YSPGCB

This one unless it looks identical

They're tested and calibrated.

https://www.amazon.com/Iwatani-Corporation-America-ZA-3HP-Portable/dp/B006H42TVG

I think I'll be grabbing a few of these.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004TNWD40/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A36ZAOEPX7I0P8

Bigger generators are going to use more gas, even if they throttle down...

I'f your primarily concerned about essential items, consider getting a smaller generator that can run longer on a gallon of gas, such as this https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002RWK9N2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492978303&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=yamaha+generator&dpPl=1&dpID=41RR92Yk2mL&ref=plSrch

I bought this for this very purpose...

https://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Zone-Brand-Bucket-Toilet/dp/B004KLY5CE/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=emergency+toilet+seat&qid=1566672395&s=gateway&sr=8-2

This

https://www.amazon.com/TMS-Portable-Military-Camping-Ice-fishing/dp/B002XNWC8A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486318287&sr=8-1&keywords=wood+burning+stove

Here is the mobile version of your link

An old Kindle with survival/DIY books in a small waterproof bag, with one of these to charge it.

CAT is Combat Application Tourniquet.

I just bought the First Alert 2096DF-BD from Costco (it is $100 off right now). Note that it appears different than the model offered at Amazon.com which apparently does not bolt to the floor.

I purchased a SentrySafe previously and felt ok, but realized after I bolted it down to the floor that it was no longer water resistant according to the manual. I'm not sure if later models resolved this issue or not.

One other important issue is humidity and you should also get some desiccant to keep papers and things dry.

if it's an urban area (i'm assuming because you said apartment its a city/town) your going to need to leave. and local streams won't be safe whatsoever possibly even after boiling if sewage systems are no longer functioning. not to mention the types of people you could find in control of a water source. best to leave to crown land and find a pond/stream. also lifestraws great but the sawyer http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-Water-Filtration-System/dp/B00FHRADQ2 is my go to. i use both and one huge drawback i've found on the lifestraw is in the winter you can't get all the water out after use and the ice REALLY degrades the filter

Pizza's idea of the Sawyer was an excellent suggestion and would be one of my top recommendations as well. To hit some other categories for ideas:

Viral/Contamination:

• ReadiMask - http://www.amazon.com/Readi-Mask-Adult-Eye-Shield/dp/B004FNM3HG/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1405587012&sr=1-1&keywords=readimask (bonus in that it protects from pepper spray as well.
  
  
• iOsat - http://www.amazon.com/iOSAT-Potassium-Iodide-Tablets-130/dp/B00006NT3A/ref=pd_sim_hpc_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=1728J79YJKNWGHDRJN05 (for those worried about radiation)
  
  Medical:
  
  
• Israeli Bandage - http://www.amazon.com/Ever-Ready-First-Aid-Compression/dp/B003DPVERM/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1405587096&sr=1-1&keywords=israeli+bandage (useful in injury situations and classified by amazon as an add-on item)
  
  
• SAM Splint - http://www.amazon.com/SAM-Splint-36-Rolled-Orange/dp/B001J5H92C/ref=pd_sim_hpc_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=18S9GSPKTSW2TE04ATJ7 (variety of uses)
  
  
• PTK - http://www.amazon.com/Patrol-Officers-Pocket-Rescue-Essentials/dp/B006X6PA4Q/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1405587210&sr=8-16&keywords=ifak (basic, compact trauma kit)
  
  
  Informational:
  
  
• SAS Survival Guide http://www.amazon.com/SAS-Survival-Handbook-Revised-Edition/dp/0061733199/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405587615&sr=8-1&keywords=sas+survival+guide (Problem with this is I wouldn't be surprised if they had one already)
  
  
  Water:
  
  
• WaterBOB - http://www.amazon.com/waterBOB-Emergency-Drinking-Storage-Gallons/dp/B001AXLUX2/ref=pd_sim_hi_14?ie=UTF8&refRID=1YX88PYX3MPY73MFFPBT (Emergency Water Storage)
  
  
• Seychelle Filter Bottle http://www.amazon.com/Seychelle-1-10303-PI-SEYCHELLE-24-Inch-Bottle-Advanced/dp/B00B48XJZK/ref=pd_sbs_sg_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=0RQPR5EQ0W6AF13TPG8F (Advantage over sawyer? Removes viruses, heavy metals, and chemicals. Disadvantage? Only good for 100 gallons; also, I've seen mixed reviews on Amazon; I always ordered mine from the company directly and never had any product issues so idk there)
  
  
• Potassium Permanganate - http://www.amazon.com/Potassium-Permanganate-Ounces-Screw-top-bottles/dp/B00FH6R5AA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1405588269&sr=8-2&keywords=Potassium+permanganate (101 uses; research it out)
  
  
  Tools:
  
  
• On Duty 4 in 1 tool - http://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Earthquakes-Hurricanes-Disasters-Emergencies/dp/B000NYDEPQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1405588628&sr=8-2&keywords=water+shut+off+tool
  
  
• Opinel - http://www.amazon.com/Opinel-Carbon-Folding-Beechwood-Leather/dp/B00AZ5LW4S/ref=sr_1_6?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1405588822&sr=1-6&keywords=opinel (can't go wrong with a decent knife, plus they may get some use out of it now)
  
  
• Paracord Wrapped Prybar - http://www.amazon.com/Type-III-Apocalypse-Paracord-Wrapped-Compass/dp/B008DMSPPO/ref=sr_1_14?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1405589184&sr=1-14&keywords=mini+survival
  
  
  Other:
  
  
• Israeli Gas Mask - http://www.amazon.com/Israeli-Issue-Drinking-Sealed-Filter/dp/B004RUB8VE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1405588890&sr=8-2&keywords=israeli+gas+mask (I'd be dubious trusting it for anything other than tear gas, but that's me)
  
  
• Paracord Braclet - http://www.amazon.com/The-Friendly-Swede-Starter-Stainless/dp/B00EDYMWO6/ref=sr_1_25?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1405589015&sr=1-25&keywords=survival (Bit more useful than most)
  
  
• ER Bar (or other emergency ration, they all taste terrible) - http://www.amazon.com/ER-Emergency-Ration-Survival-Preparedness/dp/B008DEYC86/ref=sr_1_49?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1405589118&sr=1-49&keywords=survival
  
  
• Mini Fishing Kit - http://www.amazon.com/Best-Glide-Adventurer-Series-FG1250/dp/B004J4EXCO/ref=sr_1_55?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1405589118&sr=1-55&keywords=survival
  
  
  Anyway, just some suggestions. Hard to get too crazy on a budget. I'm sorry I missed the exchange but I signed up to give someone who gets screwed something so I'm sure I'm gonna help someone out.