Best Survival Kits

I want to prepare my family in case there is a huge earthquake . I know the basics,battery radio,batteries,firstaid kit,matches,canned foods,can opener,extra clothes,blankets,I even thought of having extra bags of dog and cat food for my pets.Any more suggestions? My main concern is what are the best containers to store water in? You know ones that won't collapse too easily if something should fall on it? I want to keep these containers outside in our shed since we do not have a garage. We live in the desert where the temp can get upto 120 degrees in the summer.Would this water be drinkable and safe to drink? whatever is left that won't evaporate that is,and how often should I change it out?To whoever answers,thank you very much.

check www.emergencyessentials.com

http://beprepared.com/category.asp_Q_c_E _137_A_name_E_Water

They have lots of good stuff including barrels for water. The water in the shed should be fine in one of their blue barrels. But you may want to refill it once in a while so it taste better if you need it.

You should consider a gun and lots of ammo. If not then maybe a bow and arrow and some arrows. Likely you will not need it in the desert for New Orlean type looters, but you may need a meal if it goes on for a while.

Always a knife, saw, rope and a striker for a fire.

You may want a large tarp in the desert to create a shady spot to sleep if the house is wrecked.

2007-09-10 20:32:11 by Red 7

For its size, this survival kit is the best one I have yet to see. Includes a description of each item and where they can be obtained. This kit ...

I think the knife itself could be replaced with a small kit and several smaller knives, for spear heads and arrows? What do you think? Still, I acknowledge that a knife is handy, so which one would you choose?

Yes, a survival kit is the essential equipment you carry with you when away from civilization. A good knife is part of that. Most of us can forget Rambo, we don't have to deal with the humans coming to get us! So, what's the knife for?
1) building a fire - I chose a fixed blade knife that weights more than a half pound. I can split sticks with it to make kindling to start the fire. I found a CRKT one about 8 years ago, has served me well. (similar link below, check out other brands that store has). Bring a butane lighter, too.
2) building a shelter - you need something stout enough to cut or chop some strong branches, collect some fir or pine for insulation, make a lean-to, etc. Include a roll of dental floss (very strong and couple hundred yards!) and you will be set
3) food getting? I've never been in an area that I could speer any food. I need a gun for food. Or just carry a couple energy bars, just in case. That will get you through the first 48 hours.
4. defense - you with the broken leg, lying at the bottom of the cliff surrounded by coyotes and mountain lions - yeah, a knife might help as a last resort. I'd be embarrased to be in that situation WITHOUT a knife, ha! That is where the sheath knife comes in handy, easy to get at.
5. digging - yeah, maybe - make a foot hold, anchor a post for a shelter, level a fire pit, dig a toilet, uproot a rock, etc
6. first aid - cut branches for a sling, etc. Don't cut your snake bite unless you know what you are doing.....

Put it all in a fanny pack and always take it with you. Don't forget about the compass (no batteries- always works), map, little flashlight, butane lighter (test it), water purifyer or tablets, emergency blanket (mylar wrap) and filled water bottle as a minimum.
Link #2 is another "knife" for outback. I still want one of those! Good luck!

2008-02-14 02:48:34 by Swampy

My husband is really into the hiking/ backpacking/ camping thing.
The only thing is he does it for usually 1 week at a time and in nature. Like nature nature. Backwoods holy crap I'm lost nature. -__- It scares the crap outta me!! So just in case I/ we get lost . What are the best things to have?!...oh and his rules is no cell phones :'(

,,its the one between your ears,,

2009-03-12 00:53:39 by kidaga

My husband is really into the hiking/ backpacking/ camping thing.
The only thing is he does it for usually 1 week at a time and in nature. Like nature nature. Backwoods holy crap I'm lost nature. -__- It scares the crap outta me!! So just in case I/ we get lost . What are the best things to have?!...oh and his rules is no cell phones :'(

Here is a list of other items you’ll need in your survival kit:

A compass - this may seem unnecessary for a light day hike, but this small, lightweight item can help if you become lost or disoriented.

First aid kit - fill a small zippered, waterproof pouch, bag, or daypack pocket with band-aids, moleskin, first-aid tape and ointment, an ace bandage, mosquito repellent, a snake bite kit, and aspirin.

Flashlight or headlamp and extra bulbs/batteries - you may get caught on the trail after dark or need to signal for help.

Food - for an all day hike, you’ll need a lunch, plus several snacks. Energy bars and gels are lightweight and keep you going. Other options that don’t weigh a lot or take up a lot of room in your pack are tortillas or pita bread, dry salami or jerky, string cheese, fruit leather, small bags of baby carrots, and small boxes of raisins or other dried fruit.

A map - even if you know the trail, a map is a lightweight item that can help you locate water sources, and an exit route or place to camp in case of an emergency.

Rain gear and extra clothing - the weather can change rapidly, particularly at high elevations. Lightweight rain gear can be stuffed in a pack (the best folds up into itself to make a compact “package"). Long underwear (capilene or another high-tech, fast drying, sweat-wicking fabric) is lightweight but adds warmth. A fleece or other lightweight hat keeps body heat from escaping through your head.

Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat - again, the weather can change. Plus, you can get sunburned on a cloudy day - especially at high elevations and where there is snow. Sunglasses are especially important in snowy areas to prevent snowblindedness. A well-ventilated, lightweight sun hat with a brim can provide enough shade to keep you from overheating and provide further protection against sunburn.

A swiss army knife or multi-purpose tool - the best ones have scissors, tweezers, small screwdriver, can opener, and knives in various sizes.

Waterproof/windproof matches in a sealed container or ziploc bag - in an emergency, a fire can prevent hypothermia and can be used to signal for help.

Water/water filter - hiking guides recommend a minimum of one liter per person per day of hiking. However, the minimum is increased to up to one gallon per person in hot, dry areas and during the summer months. Carrying a gallon of water in heavy water bottles is cumbersome; options include a hydration system that you wear like a backpack with a tube that you drink from while walking, or you can carry a water filter if there are water sources on your route and purify drinking water along the way. Never drink untreated water even if it looks clean.

These other items are optional, but can be useful if you have room in your pack and/or don’t mind the extra weight:

Binoculars.

Camera/video camera.

Extra socks - a fresh pair of socks can energize you for the return trip.

Field guides - bird books, wild edible plant guides, tree guides, etc.

Gaiters - these can be useful if your hike takes you through snow, especially on a warm day when you are wearing shorts.

Gloves - a pair of lightweight, capilene or wool gloves can come in handy if the weather turns cold.

Mosquito netting - a piece of netting to wear over your head and cover your face can mean the difference between a miserable day and a tolerable one.

Notebook and pen or pencil.

A tarp - this can be used to sit on if the ground is wet, to build a shelter to sleep under, and as additional protection from bad weather.

Trekking poles - these provide added stability and balance. Telescoping poles are fairly lightweight and can be stored in your pack when not needed.

Ziploc bags - a couple of these thrown into your pack always come in handy for packing out trash, storing leftover food, and a number of other uses.

2009-03-12 00:50:35 by kidaga

I'm making a kit for my family, and I have to do this for A HUGE PROJECT! ...I hate school.

Bottled water, canned food, pet supplies, lots of plastic bags (use for waste, keep things dry, or use as a poncho), lots of those long lighters, a lantern with extra fuel, galoshes, ladder to stand on (?) when the water got high (how big is the kit?), rain coat.

...an umbrella. lol.


...a plane ticket for before it hits. Doh!

2008-04-24 17:47:48 by Kevin