At different points in my life I have walked a fine line between being well prepared and really wanting to go in to “survivalist” mode. I always read SurvivalBlog and I keep certain supplies on hand at all times.

On any trip the wife and I take out of town, we always pack my standard truck toolbox and our seasonally equipped B.O.B. (bug out bag). On one recent Christmas I made these for several family member, so they’re not terribly expensive. All you need is an old gym bag or back pack (Something you can carry comfortably for a day or so) and some basic supplies to keep you going. Here’s what I suggest for the basics.

  • matches
  • candles
  • basic med kit
    • bandages of all sizes (“tough strips” or “Waterproof”)
    • neosporin (triple anti-biotic ointment)
    • gauze wrap
    • aspirin (for heart)
    • Tylenol (for fever)
    • athletic/bandage tape
    • isopropyl alcohol
    • chapstick – lots of it
  • signal mirror
  • whistle (you get tired of screaming)
  • Winter Pack
    • gloves
    • long sleeved t-shirt
    • wool sweater or thermal fleece (wool dries better)
    • toboggan
    • …
  • water bottle (metal or nalgene)
  • water purification tablets
  • toilet paper
  • trowel (for digging a latrine)
  • Survival Cards
  • a good knife (fixed blade preferably)
  • Ziploc 1 gallon freezer bags (food storage, water transport, etc)
  • extra Prescription meds
  • Prescription Eyeglasses in unbreakable case
  • paracord
  • blanket(s)
  • tarp

Now, with the stuff above, you can do what it takes to survive. Not all of this has to be able to fit in your bag (a blanket can be rolled and tied outside) but it all helps, and if you can carry it, you’re better off.

Most of the items listed here (with the notable exception of a fixed-blade knife, pre-made med-pack, and blankets) can be picked up at your local Wal-Mart for a a buck or two each. It won’t take more than 1 or 2 paychecks to have it all together.

All this preparation may seem a little extreme, but consider this example: not 4 years ago, a freak snow storm in Nashville, TN came up and stranded THOUSANDS of motorists on the interstate. They literally ran out of gas in the middle of the road waiting for traffic to move. If this scenario were compounded by power loss due to above ground power lines falling, police and firefighters being disposed to other more immediate concerns, or the “blizzard” continued for several hours longer, you could be the person who was nice and safe and warm. Those little survival candles can heat the inside of a medium size car.

Some good sites for learning more: