All Categories

Emergency Survival Kit List

1/10/2015

By Survival Ready Blog Team

There is no one size fits all survival or emergency kit for everyone and anyone. When putting together your kit, you must take into account specific needs you and your family could have in the event of an emergency. For example do you have kids, pet or elderly member in your household? Does anyone need specific care or assistance due to medical conditions? Do you need to stock up additional supplies due to your location (I.E. water in desert climate)?

There is not one emergency survival kit list that will be the end all be all list and contain everything you can possibly need. However there are universal supplies that are must haves in any survival or emergency kit

Via All Things Emergency Prepared

“A detailed survival list will help you and your family prepare essential emergency items that...
you may NOT have remembered or thought of, without having a check-list.

The survival stuff listed here includes many things that will be hard, or impossible, to find and will disappear very quickly from stores when a major disaster or emergency does happen.

You should do your best to prepare as many of them as possible, especially before a large scale or long term emergency."

Emergency survival kit list contents:
WATER
EMERGENCY FOOD
EMERGENCY POWER
COOKING & HEATING
SAFETY ITEMS
KITCHEN & HOUSEHOLD
PERSONAL CARE/HYGIENE
LIGHTING
TOOLS
CLOTHING
PET SUPPLIES
MISCELLANEOUS
SELF SUFFICIENCY SUPPLIES

Via All Things Emergency Prepared

Download the full survival kit list here

Full Article Via All Things Emergency Prepared

0 Comments

Essentials for Your Emergency Preparedness Kit

1/7/2015

0 Comments

You never know when an emergency will occur. Therefore you should always be prepared and have the necessary essentials. If you already have an emergency preparedness kit make sure its accessible and in good condition. Its good to clarify that an emergency preparedness kit should be fairly portable and therefore it is not design for long term survival. Think of it as a lighter version of your bugout bag.

Generally speaking, the main difference between an emergency preparedness kit and a bugout bag, is that bugout bags are usually more complex and functional than your typical emergency preparedness kit. Bugout bags are mostly intended for escape(hence the “bugout”), movement and survival until a safe location(usually a pre-established location) is reached. This could be well after the 72 hour mark and it also has the tools to produce and procure essentials like food & water. See our battle proven bugout bag here.
An emergency preparedness kit, would typically include essential equipment and supplies to keep you going for 72-hours if you are caught in the middle of a disaster. This makes this type of kit easier to replicate in multiple locations (Ie, Office, Car, Etc)

Below is a list of out top 10 essentials for your emergency preparedness kit:

"It is never a bad idea to prepare for an emergency. The kinds of things you need to prepare for will change depending on where you live, but everyone needs to have an emergency preparedness kit.

1. Water
While you can last for several weeks without food, the same is not true for water. If it is cool, 10 days without hydration is considered the limit. Taking that into account, it is a good idea to have one gallon of water per person, per day. The problem with water is that it is relatively heavy. One gallon of water weighs just over eight pounds, but trust us, all that weight is definitely worth it. Read more.

2. Cordage & Tape
Rope is also useful for camping, especially if you find yourself in a survival situation.

I prefer 550 parachute cord. It's lightweight, strong, and takes up little space. I am always wearing a paracord bracelet and usually bring an extra one camping, in addition to a large length of unused paracord. My extra bracelet has a side release buckle which makes it easy to attach to a strap on my pack. (Related: 101 Uses for Paracord) One neat property of 550 paracord is how it lengthens when wet. This is useful when you need a tight hold on something. Get it wet, then secure the object. When the cord dries, it will tighten. This is great for making grips on walking sticks and fixed bladed knives.

Uses:
- hoisting food to keep away from wildlife
- building emergency shelter
- making splint for broken bones
- lashing poles
- tent repair
- climbing
- attaching gear to pack
- fishing line
- trap for hunting
Read more

3. Food
How long can you go without food? The most common answer is between 4 to 6 weeks. Though, this depends largely on a person’s initial health. Regarding the emergency preparedness kit, it is a good idea to have a three day supply of food per person. The food shouldn’t need to be refrigerated or cooked. Some good ideas of the food to pack include:

Granola Bars
Trail Mix
Canned Meat
Crackers
Candy
Jerky

Organize the food according to meals in plastic bags. This way you don’t have to hunt through your emergency kit bag to find what you are looking for. Read more.

4. Bedding
There are two things to keep in mind when packing bedding: staying warm and keeping dry. Even in the driest environment, moisture is likely to form overnight and soak through the fabric of a cloth blanket. Invest in a water-repellent blanket and a tarp to protect yourself from moisture. A space blanket can be an ideal addition to an emergency it. Space blankets help you retain your body temperature, keep out the rain and wind and are compact and light. Read more

5. Clothing
Clothing is one of the most difficult items to pack because it takes up space and requires planning for everything. It is a good idea to have two shirts – short and long sleeves – a pair of trousers, a jacket, socks and under garments. And that is just covering the bare essentials since you don’t know what time of year it is going to be. At the very least have a jacket and a change of socks. Having warm, dry feet every night makes it easier to sleep and will keep you warmer overall. Read more

6. Lighting & Fire
There are various ways to get light when the power's out, including flashlights, lamps, flares and candles. Make sure you have spare batteries or matches. There are some flashlights and lamps that are powered either using a solar panel or a crank. These can be a great way to make sure you have light without worrying about corroded batteries.

For fire, always pack water-proof matches so you can start a fire if you need to. The matches should be placed in a water-proof container for extra protection, and they should be kept all together. Read more

7. First Aid Kit
We can’t stress the importance of this one enough. Having a first aid kit is vital in an emergency. Some of the items to included are:

First Aid Booklet (including CPR)
Adhesive
Antibacterial wipes
Antibiotic ointment
Band-aids
Bandages
Bicarbonate of soda
Eye drops/eye wash
Fever reducing medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen
Gloves
Hand sanitizer

Read more

8. Cash & IDs
While they don’t have to stay in the kit at all times, they should be close at hand and be in a water-proof container. During times of disaster it is probably unlikely that you will be able to find a workable ATM, so it is a good idea to have some cash stored in the kit as well. This can be used to purchase supplies or gas if needed. Read more

9. Shovel

You never know when you are going to need to dig yourself or your vehicle out of the snow or mud, or when you will need to build a fire pit or a solar still in the wilderness. Either way there is not a good substitute for a sturdy, well made shovel you can rely on.

10. Knife (Full Tang Fixed & Folding).
Knives have so many uses in every day camp activities and life in general. If you find yourself in a survival situation, your chances of survival are infinitely increased with a knife. I always have a pocket knife on me for everyday use and camping.

Fixed blade knives are ideal. They are more durable and resilient than folding knives as they do not have mechanical movement. They are also better for cutting large objects such as branches. Folding knives are great for a backup and less demanding tasks. Read more

Uses:
- cutting rope
- creating weapons
- opening packages
- boredom relief
- creating fire starters (ie: bow drill)
- building emergency shelters (cutting branches, cutting tarp, etc)
- cutting cloth for bandages (if you don't have a first aid kit)
- cutting bandages
- so much more; you discover many more uses through experience
Read more

0 Comments

Sentry Safe Biometric Pistol Safe: Gear Review

1/5/2015

0 Comments

Setting this up to scan several fingers was quick and easy, the hardest part was finding the button to push behind the battery compartment. There is also a button combination sequence that can be used if you don't want to use the fingerprint scan or find a need to tell someone how to open it for you instead of opening it yourself. Of course, there is also a key as the final backup, in case the battery dies or you want an 'override' access to the safe.

The safe itself is fairly small, but just the right size for a 'normal' handgun. It can fit a full size Glock or 1911 pistol in a paddle holster, with 2 extra magazines, but it takes a bit of thought to get it pointed correctly to fit. You wont fit a Dirty Harry style .44 Mag or a S&W 500 with 10" barrel in this, but it will fit what most people have or use.

The fingerprint scan is quick and very fast, opening the lid quickly and silently. This aspect is MUCH nicer than I thought it would be. The fingerprint biometric access is actually faster than the punch code sequence, as you have to tap a button to activate it, then enter the code and wait a second before it opens. Buy yours here.

Here’s a full video review

This unit is one of the few gun safes that has a biometric access, button code, and an emergency key override. I think this is a fantastic feature and ensures you can always get in, one way or another. The lid of the safe is gas strut operated so it pops quickly open once unlocked for easy one-hand access. It is not totally silent, but quiet enough. It is solidly built and I've bolted it to the shelf of my night stand using the included bolts. I am really impressed with how flawless the biometric has worked and how quickly you can get in to the safe when needed. See online deals

Overall, if you need a secure place to store a handgun, this is a great option.

Sentry Safe Biometric Quick Access Pistol Safe

0 Comments

Best Firearms & Rifles for Hunting and Self Defense

1/4/2015

0 Comments

By Randy A.

I approach this topic with caution, not intending to open up a Glock vs 1911 type debate. I will approach it as recommending some rifles that have worked well for me, with the understanding that I don’t know everything, and cannot possibly have shot everything available out there.

AR Type
Everyone owns an AR right? Well not some of us. The .223 round is an OK round for survival. It is kind of light for big game and is pretty hot for small game. My best advice on squirrels is to shoot them in the middle and pick up the two halves. However, for defense they are right up at the top, if you are comfortable with them, and will keep them maintained.

AK/SKS Type
The 7.62x39 is a better big game round than the .223, being similar to the venerable 30-30. Also kind of heavy for small game but not quite as explosive as the .223. As a self defense gun they are also right up there with people who are familiar with them. They are more forgiving than an AR and a little less expensive.

Commercial Bolt Action
From a purely hunting standpoint this is the way to go. You buy the rifle in the caliber that is best for the game you are hunting, and learn to shoot it and maintain it. From a self defense perspective they are lacking in capacity and speed, but as the old saying goes…”beware the man who only owns one rifle, he probably knows how to use it”. I won a side match at an IPSC event with my model 70 Winchester in 300 win mag. going up against semi autos in .243.

10-22
A good all around gun is the Ruger 10-22. It is excellent for small game. The 22LR round has reportedly taken more deer than any other round, since it is the preferred round of poachers. It will take big game if you know what you are doing. The 22 LR is lacking in stopping power, but still only fools are charging forward into gunfire, even if it is only .22.

Combo Guns
There are a few combo guns out there for the survival or hunting crowd. The most common being the 22LR on top of the .410 shotgun. I myself feel the .410 is a little light even with slugs, so I would consider a 20 or even a 12 gauge instead. These guns are excellent for hunting, but are very slow reloading for self defense.

Military Bolt Guns
There are a few surplus military bolt guns on the market. No matter the type, they are a little heavy for small game but excel for large game. They have a slow rate of fire but are built for the military so they are tough as nails in the field and shouldn't let you down.

No matter which type of rifle you pick for your survival plans get plenty of ammo and learn to shoot it well. Then learn how to clean it equally well.

About the author
Randy Augsburger lives and writes from an old farm that has been in his family since 1866. Born in northwest Ohio, Randy grew up in a small town in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. He draws on his experiences of hunting, fishing, trapping and prospecting for his writing. Randy is also an ordained Southern Baptist preacher.

You find his writing blog at http://randyswrite.blogspot.com/

0 Comments

Homemade Survival Kits

1/3/2015

1 Comment

By Survival Ready Blog

If you ever find yourself in a survival or worst case scenario, do you know what you need? Imagine for a second that you are lost in a wilderness area, social unrest has erupted, you’re the victim of an accident, or caught in a natural disaster.

Given that you are reading this, chances are that you have a fairly good idea of what to do, but do you have the basic, essential tools to help you survive.

Even if you don’t have a commercial emergency kit you may already have the essentials to put together your very own homemade survival kit. Building homemade survival kits from scratch can be very satisfying, yet also very intimidating. To see how to construct your Homemade Survival Kits click here

“A kit should contain basic elements to help you establish shelter, direction, water collection and the ability to catch or snare food. Many survival kits are available from different retailers. However, it is certainly possible to assemble your own kit in a size that is easy to transport.

Step 1
Select a small, durable and water resistant container for the kit. There are many options for storing a survival kit including metal containers with hinged lids and even sealing plastic bags. The main things to consider are the degree of water resistance and size, making sure the container is big enough to accommodate the contents. Consider placing a small container in a plastic bag for additional protection.

Step 2
Include fire-starting materials in your kit. Include more than one means of starting a fire. A small butane lighter, magnesium fire starter, waterproof matches, tinder and even a small piece of candle with wick are good choices. Never rely on only one method of fir-starting. Fire is a psychological boost. By making a fire you have the ability to somewhat control your situation and determine the outcome. Staying warm is nice too.

Step 3
Consider a means for collecting and purifying water. You can go much longer without food than you can water, especially under a stressful situation. Dehydration may quickly set in with symptoms ranging from mild disorientation to black out. Carry a few water purification tablets and a small piece of plastic sheeting or bag. If you choose a metal container for your kit, this may be used for boiling small amounts of water for drinking.

Read more here

1 Comment

Top 5 Hatchets for under $50 - Gear Review

1/1/2015

1 Comment

By Survival Ready Blog Team

Hatchets give provide with significant advantages in most survival or outdoor scenarios. Different from a knife, a hatchet allows a greater ability to gather and split firewood, speed up game processing, and create bigger and better shelters. Hatchets are great tools but you don't have to break the bank to get a good one. Below you'll find our top 5 list for hatchets for under $50.

**#5 - Husqvarna 576926401 13 in. Curved Handle Hatchet**

My first impression mirrored most here: This is a rather well-built tool. The forging was left clean but with imperfections. It has a very pleasing appearance, however, and was finished with an "acceptable" edge ground into the bit. I'm certain you could press this hatchet into service immediately out of the box, but you'll likely end up wishing you had put a better edge on it in the first place.

For roughly twice the price of that cheap-o hatchet with a tubular steel handle on the shelf of the nearest big-box retailer, you get a hand-forged tool that should last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. You'll need to do some work right out of the box to get a good edge on the bit and address the handle finish. When you're finished, though, you'll have a tool that is on par with some of the high-end hatchets that are twice or three times the price. And that, my friends, is a great value.

#4 - Gerber Gator Axe II

I found the hatchet to be a good size for recreational use, wouldn't be the best for downing large trees because of its size, but one should assume that even prior to purchasing. For it's intended use, downing small trees, knocking off limbs it works great. The finish, which appears to be a gray paint does come off but that's expected. I did split some large logs with this axe and it worked OK, I had to bang it on a hard surface a few times, but as I said before, one should assume this with an axe/hatchet this size.

Overall this is a great addition to anyone's gear if they are going to be in the woods for an extended time. It is very light for what it is. It would be great in emergencies, and using the saw and hatchet in conjunction, would allow someone to down just about anything given enough time. Needless to say, I won't be camping without this tool anytime soon.

#3 - Gerber 31-002070 Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet

Its compact and small, but not to small. It comes really sharp, and its easy to sharpen if you know what your doing. Its also really useful for cutting of chickens heads, and I've also used of for cutting of a dear leg.

I've split small logs, and have done a lot of bushcraft with this thing. It fits perfect in the front pocket of the Condor 3-day Assault Pack. I would highly recommend you get at least 2 of these for your bugout bag or for survival purposes!

#2 - Estwing E24A Sportsman's Hatchet

This hatchet is worth every penny. So solid and balanced. It just feels right. Not only is the steel outstanding quality and holds an edge very well, but the pressed leather handle is extremely comfortable and exquisite looking. I am proud to own this American Made product. Best hatchet on the market. It will last a lifetime...something you can pass down to your children. Comes with a beautifully crafted, QUALITY leather sheath as well. A definite favorite for me.

#1 - Fiskars X7 Hatchet

An amazingly solid hatchet. Great for chopping, felling, 'toting' logs back to the fire, and even close work such as whittling and spear making. A perfect fit in any bug-out-bag or camp pack, the included sheath ensures the blade stays safely put thanks to a locking mechanism on the back. I was a bit skeptical at first, as I am with any axe/hatchet; there's always a worry of the head breaking during use, but I can't feel any budge at all on impact.

The FiberComp® handle is an advanced composite of fiberglass in a thermoset polymer matrix that ensures it won't break through overstrike. The low-friction coating on the blade provides a buttery smooth slice without sacrificing sharpness. In fact, the blade arrived extremely sharp and ready for use.

1 Comment

Military Survival Kits Guide

12/30/2014

1 Comment

Military personnel can be sent out anywhere in there world. It may be a tropical, arctic or subarctic region. Soldiers typically carry all practical personal equipment wherever they are deployed to, and many times they may find themselves in remote areas, relying only in their gear. In these cases having the right gear can prove vital.

“The US Armed Forces have developed a number of different survival kits over the years, as well as a lot of individual equipment designed to help our troops stay alive in hostile environments. Other countries have acquired similar kits, and some invented a few unique gadgets of their own."

Studying the kits and equipment is fun and instructive, and a source of ideas for your own kits.”

Download the full report here

1 Comment

Would you drink water from a TOILET? This straw lets you do just that (and it's also saving millions of lives)

11/19/2014

0 Comments

It’s one of the worst fears of any hiker… running out of potable water. What do you do? Do you drink from a nearby stream or a pond? Is that safe? Are you thirsty enough that you would risk getting sick(and I mean really sick)?

But now there's an answer: a straw-shaped portable water filter that enables you to drink safely from any body of water - even from a puddle. Or, in fact, from a toilet.

Now available to buy online, the 22cm-long, LifeStraw was originally developed by Danish manufacturers in 2005 as a solution to the devastating problem of unsafe drinking water in the Third World, where one child dies every 15 seconds as a result of drinking dirty water.

According to the dailymail.co ”the straw's powerful purification pipe removes 99.9999 per cent of water-borne bacteria plus many other parasites, including E-coli, campylobacter, vibrio cholerae, pseudomonas aeruginosa, shigella and salmonella.

And it will safely filter at least 1000 litres of water.” Read More

Life Straw© is a simple but very capable answer to the critical question of how to provide safe water interventions for personal, military or preventative use.

It can guard against waterborne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, dysentery and diarrhoea, and provides for clean drinking water to be accessed anywhere there are water sources available such as rivers, lakes, ponds and even puddles.

As a mobile water purifier, LifeStraw© is designed to turn fresh water into safe drinking water. The purifier effectively removes over 99.99% of waterborne bacteria, and 99% of the waterborne viruses responsible for causing common diarrhoeal diseases. It requires no power-source or spare parts and can be easily carried for simple access to safe and clean water.

Buy Yours Online Here

As a mobile water purifier, LifeStraw© is designed to turn fresh water into safe drinking water. The purifier effectively removes over 99.99% of waterborne bacteria, and 99% of the waterborne viruses responsible for causing common diarrhoeal diseases. It requires no power-source or spare parts and can be easily carried for simple access to safe and clean water.

LifeStraw© contains a specially developed halogenated resin which kills bacteria and viruses on contact. A special chamber further increases the exposure of micro-organisms to the halogenated resin, thus enhancing the killing effect. Micro-filters are used to remove all particles down to 25 microns. Activated carbon absorbs residual iodine also improving the taste of water.

The filtration lifeline of LifeStraw© is a minimum of 1000 litres. The only maintenance required to help stop the filters becoming blocked is regular backwashing. This is achieved by simply blowing air through the device.

LifeStraw© offers reliable and easy access to safe drinking water, whatever the circumstances.

Related Posts:
Water Storing & Filtering

0 Comments

How to Find the Best Tactical Knife for You

11/16/2014

1 Comment

No matter which prepper or survival website or store you go to, you are almost certain to find claims and assurances of their knives, or the knives they promote of being the “best”. But what makes one tactical better than the next one? What do you need to consider when getting a tactical knife.

It really comes down on the application and personal preference. What works for some applications will not for other. Also what will work for me might not work for you.

Regardless of the application, there are things that every tactical knife should possess. Like with any other tool, there are tactical knives out there that just won’t cut it, (no pun intended). With some many option you are bound to find knives that are cheaply made, impractical, flimsy or prone to malfunction.

Here are a few resources to help you choose the perfect tactical knife. Design, purpose, size and ergonomics are just a few of the features that made the list. See the story.

10 Things That Make a Tactical Knife

via The Daily Caller

The “Tactical Knife” that you decide to carry should be one that you have confidence in. Choose a knife from a reputable manufacturer and purchase it from a reputable dealer. Swap meets are not on that list. A knife, unlike a gun, is used for many mundane purposes; however, someday you may need it to save the life of a loved one, your partner, yourself, or a complete stranger. Is your knife up to the task? Let’s take a look.

Click here for the full article.

Selecting Your First Tactical Folding Knife

"A discussion of considerations when selecting your first tactical folder, for the thinking warriors and responsible civilian self defenders out there. I would recommend starting with a diverse assortment of effective but inexpensive knives. Train safely, in slow motion, wargaming out different likely scenarios and basic moves. Learn the in's and out's of different types of knives, so that you can use what is available. Avoid spending huge amounts of money until you have gained some experience, since your tactical plan and thoughts on the ideal knife are bound to evolve and change over time. Avoid thinking there is one single "perfect" knife, remember, if you don't do your part, no knife will save you! Likewise, with proper training and motivation, almost any blade can be extremely deadly".

Related posts:
Top Survival Knives: How To Choose The Best Survival Knife

1 Comment

Emergency Survival Kit Essentials

11/1/2014

0 Comments

Whether you're going camping, hiking, hunting, or you just want to stock your home with the essentials in the event of an emergency, survival gear is a welcome addition to any home. Here are a few things to consider when browsing for the best survival gear.

What sort of things make the ideal survival kit? Regardless of your settings, a first aid kit, a lighter, blankets, food, and water are all good things to consider when purchasing survival gear. There are even specialized bags you can keep these supplies in, making it easy to store them in the spare room in your basement or the trunk of your car.

For our recommendations of what gear should be in your survival kit see our list here

Keep in mind, however, that it's not enough simply to purchase quality survival gear. If you're stocking up in the event of an emergency, it's important to check your supplies regularly to ensure that your food and water supplies are still top notch. Pack sensibly; make sure that all water sources are in water tight containers and stored in cool, dark areas. Do the same for any food items, even if it's just canned food. While most survival gear foodstuffs will last for several years if stored properly, it's nevertheless a good idea to make sure your supplies are still good. Nothing is worse, after all, than discovering your food and water has gone stale or moldy when you need it the most.

It's also a good idea to ensure that your survival gear is in working order. For example, make sure that your lighter or fire starter kit works and is easy to operate. Ensure that any flashlights or radios have a fresh supply of batteries. (As an afterthought, pack extra batteries as well; you never know when you might need them.

These are only a few things to consider when picking out the right survival supplies. While it may seem trivial now, in the long run you'll be glad you were so insightful. If you're having trouble finding everything you need, feel free to check out the survival gear kits available online to see if there is anything that caters to your specific needs. Learn more today about how the right survival gear can benefit you!

In addition include compasses, GPS navigators, flashlights, and emergency flares. Learn more about the importance of a survival tool kit today!

0 Comments

<<Previous

Forward>>