Survival Gear

[Stephd2271]

I'm looking to set up myself up with some survival gear for when the SHTF! What items do you suggest or have yourself?

[SoCalDep]

There are lots of threads on this subject, but I think the big questions one must ask themselves is what type of SHTF you're anticipating, and what environment you're going to be existing in.

An earthquake in a rural area with little outside support or interference is going to require much different preparation than a blackout/riot in a major population center.

Shelter
Water
Fire
Food
Sanitation
Defense
Moral

There's lots more to think about. How long will problems last? One week? One month? One year? Forever? Do you plan on simply surviving or thriving? Will you go rogue and steal to survive or do you plan on working together with others? In SHTF, thieves get shot.

That's a start. I'm sure others will have more to add.

[Stephd2271]

I don't really have my mind set on any certain SHTF situation. I'm just looking for some universal items, something to get me started. I don't plan on stealing, that's a very bad idea! I would much rather work together than alone.

I do want a Missile Silo jam packed full of necessary items to survive anything the world/government has to throw at me!

[sorensen440]

start with water then get food

[bluestaterebel]

water is gold in SHTF

[Stephd2271]

Yes! I agree! I've got a few tricks for getting water if the lakes or Shasta Dam ever get too dry to salvage anything other than slime!

[tortoisethunder]

try this thread:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=147834

[Stephd2271]

@tortoisethunder: Thank you for helping me find that thread! I saw it quite a few months back and I haven't been able to find it since then!

[o22cool]

Water & Food, at least 2 weeks worth.

[67Roadster]

SHTF

Watch the boards on AR15.com as well since they cover survival products, techniques, ham radios, farming etc.

http://www.ar15.com/forums/board.html?b=10

[ireload]

I would start with canned goods and bottled water. Cheap enough to store. Large kitchen matches and pillar candles would be next. At least two can opener.

[drew.tadiarca]

ALL IN 1 BACKPACK

Shelter - Tent, Sleeping Bag, Tarp, Emergency Shelter

Clothing - 1 Water proof Jacket, 1 Water Proof Pants, 1 Winter Jacket, 1 Winter Pants, 1 Sweater, 1 Sweat Pants, 1 Shorts, 2 Socks, 2 Long Sleeve Shirts, 2 Synthetic Pants, 2 Liner Socks, 2 Underwear, 2 Long johns, Beanie, Hat, Gloves, Boots, Knee Pads, elbow pads, Slippers

Toiletries - Barsoap, Hand Sanitizer, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss, Toilet Paper, Razor Blade, Deodarant

First-Aid Kit - Neosporin, Band-Aids, ACE Bandage, Athletic Tape, Activated Charcoal, Benadryl, Tylenol, Poisin aid, Emergen-C, Multi-Vitamins etc...

Defense/Hunting - Handgun, Survival Rifle, Pepper Spray, Ammunition, Fishing Rod, Night Vision, sevylor packraft 4.5lbs

Tools - Fixed Blade Knife, Folding Knife, Multi Tool Knife, Foldable Shovel,
Hatchet/Hammer, Para-rope, Climbing Rope, Compass, Mirror, Umbrella, Binoculars, Duct Tape, Electric tape, whistle, Flare gun

Light/Energy/Heat Source- Head Lamp, Compact Flashlight, Lantern, 2x lighters, Magnesium lighter, magnifying glass, Solar Energy Charger

Food - Freeze Dried meals, rice/beans, Rations, Spork, Bowl

Water - Katadyn Water Filter, Steripen, Camelback, Water Bottle

Books - Survival Handbook, Edible Plants book, and Bible

Almost done putting mine together. Anything I'm missing?

[Bobbar]

If u go shopping every week, take 5 bucks and by canned food you LIKE/ENJOY and do that for a year, and see how much you will gain. That goes a lot farther then buying mres cuz of the moral boost!
5 bucks

Gas, I have on hand 10 gallons, and cycle it thru every 3 monthes

A bike/scooter.

Good shoes
Trash bags (city services will stop)

Those r my top things

[coolinsocal]

water is gold in SHTF

I would say that water would most definitely be key to your survival but many other things can be considered gold if shtf like cash, gold itself, ammo. I think it would be difficult enough to tote around amounts water for your own personal needs let alone have plenty of water to barter with if that was what you meant by gold?

I also suggest steering away from the "all in one kits" as they tend to include too many useless items for the sake of a high item count for marketing. Build your own BOB based on your needs, your geographic location, and those who are dependant on you such as kids or your woman. Most of those kits are based on the FEMA 72 hour rule. We all learned from New Orleans that our government will not come save us in 72 hours. If you are found by an official within 72 hours you can bet your well being is second of importance to them, taking your firearm will be their prime focus just as we all witnessed in New Orleans.

Be realistic about your survival needs and depend only on yourself to survive.

Our most likely scenario here in Calif will be a major quake. Many homes will be lost, we will lose all basic services which then will lead to urban unrest. Do you think your house will be standing? Will it be safe? Prepare for the worse possible case. Stocking up your pantry is a good idea for smaller scenarios but when your house is leveled how good is that when you cannot get to it?

Get an ALICE bag then stock it yourself but be reasonable, if you are on foot in the streets can you carry what you have? Many threads here at Calguns show what users have in their survival bags or BOB's. Many are excellent so check them out then base your gear on your needs and situation.

I would also not plan a vehicle escape as the roads will be thrashed, any that are not will be congested beyond safety. This is Calif, look around at daily life here and the types of people we have in our streets. Plan based on footing it and being among those you see out there now. Prepare for that, bring a weapon and plenty of ammo!

Here is a link to a place I have found to be the best stocked with survival gear.

http://www.majorsurplus.com/Default.aspx

Good luck!

[HDoctane]

Inany survival situation is best to think about yourself and your needs, not a good idea to be working with a group, and consider its takes most people a good thirty days to adjust to an inhospitable situation. On that note good reliable long arm like an AR-15 a good reliable hand gun some ammo,and than the basic food water shelter and heat(fire)