Emergency/survival tools

[ChrisLS8]

So I live in a state that has a lot of upsides for someone who loves the outdoors like myself however with the recent fires, potential for a massive earthquake, zombie apocalypse etc etc it got me started on getting a fairly comprehensive emergency kit going.

Aside from the food, cash, documents, medical, water purification and other aspects what I'm looking into are the survival tools, things you will need to cut wood, make a fire, clean fish, make a shelter. I am currently trying to peruse the following catagories:

Hatchet: my two main contenders are the Estwing Sportsman and the Fiskar X7. I really love my fiskar axes so that put that in the running.

Knife- I have my EDC Spyderco and Milwaukee d2 knives however I'm thinking about a larger one, partially serrated, I want quality but I don't want to drop 150 on a knife I might never use.

Multitool- I have a Wave but it's fairly heavy and bulky if anyone else has a better recommendation

Non lethal weapons- mase, pepper spray, taze gun, I'd rather not have to point my 9mm unless absolutely necessary. Plus this would be a good piece for my GF and 15 yo stepdaughter as they are currently just getting into gun safety and training courses.

Misc gear- I currently have a 20000 mah Anker power bank and just ordered a solar charger power bank.

My Motorola Walkies were good for their time however they are about 12 years old so I'm considering replacing them

Tents? Clueless here, lay it on me, same goes for thermal blankets, ground pads etc etc.

I know some people can go hog wild on doomsday prepping but I don't want to go nuts, I just want to be fairly prepared when **** hits the fan

 

[Dave455]

Loads of thought provoking stuff here!

Personally, I reckon it’s a great plan! I live in a rural (ish) part of southern England, not a lot happens, and I can only dream of the excitement that would accompany a “zombie apocalypse”, yet over the last couple of decades we’ve had power cuts, floods, fuel shortages, snowfall that’s cut off my entire village, and a hurricane that did the same!

Knife - definitely, but many are appallingly ground, almost impossible to sharpen, and certainly not easily. On a budget you can’t really beat the Mora designs. Quite decent, nicely ground and inexpensive. A notch up in the same style and you’re looking at Helle. Beyond that you’re looking at custom stuff, but I’ve got local makers that make very decent stuff at reasonable prices, so I’m sure you have! I’d forget the partially serrated. If you want serrated, get something like a spyderco and have it as a dedicated tool.

I’ve just bought a folding saw and can’t believe I didn’t own one before. I’m leaving it in my vehicle and have needed it already. Great choice for a an emergency bag.

Multitool. Maybe? But if you really need tools I’d go with a proper bit driver, pliers, and cutters at a minimum.

Misc gear - I’m not a fan of filling an emergency bag with all these electronics. You always have the problem of powering them, and that’s limited. If you must, put lithium cells in ‘em and carry spares! Carry stuff that’s simple and reliable. Paper maps and compass for a start. I’d carry my pocket binoculars too, and several sources of light. Here I have a tritium light that needs no batteries an emits a low level glow for years! Perfect emergency kit!

Tents etc? You bet! Living in a cold wet country, the one obvious omission from most of the emergency bags I see is protection from the elements. Go on a hike in parts of the U.K. injure yourself so you can’t walk well, chuck in a weather change and you’re probably going to die if you don’t have weather protection. An emergency sleeping bag is probably the minimum, but I’d want a sleeping mat, sleeping bag, and a bivi bag!

 

[ChrisLS8]

The power bank and charger is mostly for my rechargable headlamp and flashlights. Phones are more useful than ever even when offline as the GPS will still show location. As well as calulators, flashlights, and other useful things

 

[ZRX61]

Mossberg 590..

 

[bargainhuntingking]

So I live in a state that has a lot of upsides for someone who loves the outdoors like myself however with the recent fires, potential for a massive earthquake, zombie apocalypse etc etc it got me started on getting a fairly comprehensive emergency kit going.

Aside from the food, cash, documents, medical, water purification and other aspects what I'm looking into are the survival tools, things you will need to cut wood, make a fire, clean fish, make a shelter. I am currently trying to peruse the following catagories:

Hatchet: my two main contenders are the Estwing Sportsman and the Fiskar X7. I really love my fiskar axes so that put that in the running.

Knife- I have my EDC Spyderco and Milwaukee d2 knives however I'm thinking about a larger one, partially serrated, I want quality but I don't want to drop 150 on a knife I might never use.

Multitool- I have a Wave but it's fairly heavy and bulky if anyone else has a better recommendation

Non lethal weapons- mase, pepper spray, taze gun, I'd rather not have to point my 9mm unless absolutely necessary. Plus this would be a good piece for my GF and 15 yo stepdaughter as they are currently just getting into gun safety and training courses.

Misc gear- I currently have a 20000 mah Anker power bank and just ordered a solar charger power bank.

My Motorola Walkies were good for their time however they are about 12 years old so I'm considering replacing them

Tents? Clueless here, lay it on me, same goes for thermal blankets, ground pads etc etc.

I know some people can go hog wild on doomsday prepping but I don't want to go nuts, I just want to be fairly prepared when **** hits the fan

1) Use the HF 25% coupon and get their hatchet for under $10. It expires on 10/31/19. I'd go for hickory over fiberglass, but both will work. You'll need to sharpen it. Learn how with a ******* double cut file and a Lansky puck.

2) Knife: get a $10 Mora or a $15 Opinel.

3) Batteries will run out long term, so your solar charger is worthwhile. Anker is great brand with quality products much better than other batteries. Make sure you troubleshoot how it the solar charger works in all conditions and test its limitations thoroughly; some overcharge batteries and cause them to malfunction. Lithium batteries in the sun get ruined by the heat.

4) Get a big can of bear spray or two from REI or equivalent (Costco sold them by the 2 pack). Guns are heavy, even a Glock 26. I'd leave mine behind and opt instead for more food and water. I'm not shooting anyone. Learning how to make allegiances is more valuable than making violence. This is why the whole prepper crowd turns me off. They'd choose their guns over lentils and wool blankets. No thanks. It's not WW3.

5) Walkies: don't need 'em. Keep your possie together. Same with a multi-tool. It's too heavy. All this assumes you car is gone/ran out of gas and you need to move on foot. Get a headlamp like the BlackDiamond Spot.

6a) Tents: huge topic here. I'm a big fan of the MountainSmith Mountainshelter tarp tent for general use in all conditions except buggy areas and wind driven snow (in mild snow it's fine, but in heavy blowing snow spenddrift blows in and gets everything soggy even with the tent edges buried); I spent 60 days in it annually for the past 3 years and it's very durable. I have a mountaineering background with multiple peaks over 20k' under my belt thus I have a quiver of tents. 4 season mountaineering tents hold up in heavy extreme snow and better than the 3 season counterparts. I'm going tomorrow on a 5 day solo cross country trip in the North Cascades and am taking my MountainHardware Direkt 2 because it weighs only 2-3 pounds; but it's fabric is lightweight and relatively fragile compared to MountainSmith tarptent.

For frugal bastards (like myself), just use the free Harbor Freight blue tarps and learn how to pitch it with sticks and paracord. It's all about cost vs durability vs weight...choose your preference. Squatting inside a garbage bag (which can fit in your pocket) has saved my *** on unplanned bivys on mountain ridges in rainstorms more than once.

6b) Lightweight down feather bag: This can get expensive. Feathered Friends is great but pricey. Ultralight bags that keep you warm. You could just buy some wool blankets for a few bucks each from your local Goodwill. Effective but heavy.

6c) Cheap ensolite pads work fine and don't puncture/deflate. If you need cushiony comfort and want an ultralight compact inflatable, splurge for the Thermarest Neoair Ultralight. It's the size of a small water bottle.

You need to prioritize what you really need which is 1) air 2) shelter from the elements & adequate clothing 4) water 4) food 5) security. A means to make fire and cook indefinitely is important; any store bought fuel will eventually run out. May I recommend the SoloStove lite or titan...it's more efficient than cooking over a fire. Fuel (sticks and twigs) is unlimited and the SolosStove will burn water soaked wet sticks once the fire gets started with dry kindling.

Fitness: This is crucial. Most Americans are in such pathetic physical condition that they couldn't hike few miles without giving up. Have adequate fitness to escape to where you need to go, and have a plan (maps/compass/situational awareness). You will need to go where others are not, otherwise the unprepared mob will take your food and other supplies. As for security, just keep moving away from others. You don't want to be that person in the Costco parking lot gun fighting over the last can of beans as LA burns.

I keep an old pair of running shoes in my trunk and know I can run 40 miles in a few hours to get where I need to go. The hidden space in my subtrunk has adequate camping supplies including high calorie food (think maximum calories per ounce) for my family of 4 for a few days. Think about what's important to you. I'd also ignore all of the prepper blogs; what these people have stockpiled can easily be taken if they are made an offer they can't refuse.

 

[PelicanPines]

Mossberg 590..

Like button pressed...

 

[ChrisLS8]

1) Use the HF 25% coupon and get their hatchet for under $10. It expires on 10/31/19. I'd go for hickory over fiberglass, but both will work. You'll need to sharpen it. Learn how with a ******* double cut file and a Lansky puck.

2) Knife: get a $10 Mora or a $15 Opinel.

3) Batteries will run out long term, so your solar charger is worthwhile. Anker is great brand with quality products much better than other batteries. Make sure you troubleshoot how it the solar charger works in all conditions and test it's limitations thoroughly; some overcharge batteries and cause them to malfunction. Lithium batteries in the sun get ruined by the heat.

4) Get a big can of bear spray or two from REI or equivalent (Costco sold them by the 2 pack). Guns are heavy, even a Glock 26. I'd leave mine behind and opt instead for more food. and water. I'm not shooting anyone. Learning how to make allegiances is more valuable than making violence. This is why the whole prepper crowd turns me off. They'd choose their guns over lentils and wool blankets. No thanks. It's not WW3.

5) Walkies: don't need 'em. Keep your possie together. Same with a multi-tool. It's too heavy. All this assumes you car is gone/ran out of gas and you need to move on foot. Get a headlamp like the BlackDiamond Spot.

6a) Tents: huge topic here. I'm a big fan of the MountainSmith Mountainshelter tarp tent for general use in all conditions except buggy areas and wind driven snow (in mild snow it's fine, but in heavy blowing snow spendfrift blows in and gets everything soggy even with the tent edges buried); I spent 60 days in it annually for the past 3 years and it's very durable. I have a mountaineering background with multiple peaks over 20k' under my belt thus I have a quiver of tents. 4 season mountaineering tents hold up in heavy extreme snow and better than the 3 season counterparts. I'm going tomorrow on a 5 day solo cross country trip in the North Cascades and am taking my MountainHardware Direkt 2 because it weighs only 2 pounds; but it's fabric is lightweight and relatively fragile compared to MountainSmith tarptent.

For frugal bastards (like myself), just use the free Harbor Freight blue tarps and learn how to pitch it with sticks and paracord. It's all about cost vs durability vs weight...choose your preference. Squatting inside a garbage bag (which can fit in your pocket) has saved my *** on unplanned bivys on mountain ridges in rainstorms more than once.

6b) Lightweight down feather bag: This can get expensive. Feathered Friends is great but pricey. Ultralight bags that keep you warm. You could just buy some wool blankets for a few bucks each from your local Goodwill. Effective but heavy.

6c) Cheap ensolite pads work fine and don't puncture/deflate. If you need cushiony comfort and want an ultralight compact inflatable, splurge for the Thermarest Neoair Ultralight. It's the size of a small water bottle.

You need to prioritize what you really need which is 1) air 2) shelter from the elements & adequate clothing 4) water 4) food 5) security. A means to make fire and cook indefintely is important; any store bought fuel will eventually run out. May I recommend the SoloStove lite or titan...it's more efficient than cooking over a fire. Fuel (sticks and twigs) is unlimited and the SolosStove will burn water soaked wet sticks once the fire gets started with dry kindling.

Fitness: This is crucial. Most Americans are in such pathetic physicial condition that they couldn't hike few miles without giving up. Have adequate fitness to escape to where you need to go, and have a plan (maps/compass/situational awareness). You will need to go where others are not, otherwise the unprepared mob will take your food and other supplies. As for security, just keep moving away from others. You don't want to be that person in the Costco parking lot gun fighting over the last can of beans as LA burns.

I keep a pair of running shoes in my trunk and know i can run 40 miles in a few hours to get where I need to go. The hidden space in my trunk has adequate camping supplies including high calorie food for my family of 4 for a few days. Think about what's important to you. I'd also ignore all of the prepper blogs; what these people have stockpiled can easily be taken if they are made an offer they can't refuse.

This is a fantastic post thank you sir. To address a few things, I am a Union metal framer so I'm consistently carrying a full belt 10-12 hours/6 days a week which with guns and screws can weigh up to 35 lbs and that's no sweat. According to Zombieland Cardio is key and yes that is covered, my gf and I are avid gym/running junkies however the Stepdaughter is a fairly lazy teen but in good shape from rigorous cheerleading practice.

I like the idea of the stove and added that to the cart, the thing about fires is you need several ways to start them. If you have 2 you have 1 and if you have 1 you have none as my dad would say. I have several mag blocks with strikers, windproof lighters, waterproof matches and also a fresnel lens which honestly is just alot of fun to use.

Air- I have about 6 3m N95s in a Ziploc bag, I'm not going to go all ******** with a full respirator or anything.

I also appreciate the info about the tents, I spent a week with my dad in the Cascades by the Canadian border and I'll have to ask him what tent he had as well. I also did spend 4 years in CAP and we learned how to make a tarp shelter using Paracord and live in it for 3 days during a "simulated plane crash" where we also learned triangulation. Luckily I grew up in Alaska so the worst weather here in NorCal is mild in comparison( for me)

Maps- I have a laminated Local map for each of us and also a rand McNally of the state.

I still plan on keeping my backup 9mm UC on me. It's compact and very lightweight but I did just order 3 bottles of bear spray just now. I'm trying to approach this like much of the forum with tools. I'd rather have it and need it than need it and not have it and honestly I've been enjoying myself learning about something new that may one day save our asses

 

[oldschoolcraft]

No disrespect to garage journal but you're asking in the wrong place. It's like going to a prepper/survivalist forum and asking their advice on the best pair of pliers. I'd look around for the right forum, read all the old threads and start from there.

Hatchet: I would look into a saw instead. There's a small folding saw, I think made in Sweden that I have in my emergency kit. I forget the name but someone was talking about it in these forums a few days ago. The saw can probably do the job better than a hatchet for what you're trying to do. And be lighter and safer for your family to use.

Knife: If you can stomach spending $300+ on a knife, look for a used Chris Reeve Large Sebenza on ebay. For a quality inexpensive fixed blade, look at Mora knives for around $15 to $25 on Amazon. Get a portable DMT sharping stone.

Multitool- Wave is probably fine

Non lethal weapons- go to pistol-forum dot com, that's the GJ version of a self defense forum with people who actually know what they are talking about

Misc gear- the Anker stuff seems fine.

My Motorola Walkies- get Ham Radio licenses for your entire family. Make it a group thing. Very useful skill in a grid down scenario. Get Baofeng radios for $30 each to start and if you get into it, buy some Icoms or Yaesus for 10x the money.

Tents? - look on a camping forum for this info. I don't have much expertise here. The tradeoff involved in price, weight and durability. Pick 2 of the 3 to optimize. Heavy but cheap and durable if you're on a budget. Or Expensive but light and medium durable if you can afford it. Look on lightweight backpacking forums too, because you might want to move fast and not be bogged down by 60 pound survival packs

 

[M6erfan]

It really depends

Relatively small inconvenient emergency/interruption: 72hr bag ready at all times, for each family member.

Localized emergency: (Hurricane, ice storm, earthquake, etc.) 2-4 weeks (minimum) food, water, prescriptions stored, with a back up cooking source. Fuel storage, enough to fill each vehicle. Good inverter or generator. Batteries, led lights, etc. Bleach. Consider human waste disposal.

Regional emergency: Plan to get away from your area, multiple routes. Have a destination pre planned and practiced.

Beyond that... good luck rebuilding in the aftermath

Practice with your family a 3 day scenario. No gas/electricity for 3 days. None. Do this during the hottest and coldest part of the year. You'll probably discover things you might haven't thought of. Do this while your wife is pregnant or your kid has an ear infection.

Read up on Katrina. It was miserable for those that lived through it (and many did not). It doesn't take very long for emergency services to break down or roaming bands of thugs start to form. Skipping off into the woods and living off the land sounds good, until you and everyone else tries to do it. Deer were almost hunted to extinction during the great depression, it was not uncommon to eat dog during the revolutionary war.

 

[neophyte]

If a Leatherman Wave is too heavy, I don’t know what tell you. It’s by far not the heaviest multitool, but it is one of the multitools that packs the best assortment of features in one of the smallest sizes.
The Victorinox Spirit is well regarded and weighs an ounce less.
The Victorinox Champ is an “old” style, non-plier based multitool, and weighs two ounces less than the Wave. Other classic Victorinox multitools with less layers will weigh less still.
You’re better off having multiple multitools, since one on your person could be confiscated at shelters or emergency rooms etc.

 

[Jeffh40]

A few items I have in my bag that you might find useful. Mine isn't really a bug out bag, but more of a Oh **** bag

Leatherman Wave

LED flashlight, with spare batteries.

Emergency radio- mine also has a usb port so it can be recharged or can also be used to charge your cell phone.

folding saw.

pens/pencils/sharpie

matches/lighter

poncho(s)

roll of toilet paper

water purifier tablets





Regarding a firearm, I wouldn't put it in the bag. You couldn't get to it fast enough if you needed it. Get something small like the Sig P365 and learn to shoot it. Holds 11 rounds and disappears under a loose fitting shirt. Carry it on your belt.

 

[HeelSpur]

I have one of those crank up radio/flashlight gizmo's and it works pretty damn good.

 

[Dave455]

O.P. You originally asked about tools, and you’re asking on the right forum I reckon, as there’s probably more tool knowledge here than in the preppier world!

Here was what I turned out of the pockets of my work jacket a little while back. Looks a lot, but not much more weight than a big multitool, only much more capable!

Add a decent bit driver and you’re probably on the right lines for some emergency tools. I would probably chuck my a Knipex Co Bolt cutters in an emergency kit too!

 

[ChrisLS8]

A few items I have in my bag that you might find useful. Mine isn't really a bug out bag, but more of a Oh **** bag

Leatherman Wave

LED flashlight, with spare batteries.

Emergency radio- mine also has a usb port so it can be recharged or can also be used to charge your cell phone.

folding saw.

pens/pencils/sharpie

matches/lighter

poncho(s)

roll of toilet paper

water purifier tablets





Regarding a firearm, I wouldn't put it in the bag. You couldn't get to it fast enough if you needed it. Get something small like the Sig P365 and learn to shoot it. Holds 11 rounds and disappears under a loose fitting shirt. Carry it on your belt.

I actually have a CC permit here. It took FOREVER to get but I do have it. The only time I don't have my Bersa UC is at work and while I'm sleeping.

 

[ChrisLS8]

O.P. You originally asked about tools, and you’re asking on the right forum I reckon, as there’s probably more tool knowledge here than in the preppier world!

Here was what I turned out of the pockets of my work jacket a little while back. Looks a lot, but not much more weight than a big multitool, only much more capable!

Add a decent bit driver and you’re probably on the right lines for some emergency tools. I would probably chuck my a Knipex Co Bolt cutters in an emergency kit too!

Ha I'm digging that Lil ol school pipe wrench. I always have a flip pocket screwdriver a knife on me, just force of habit I suppose

 

[Max]

Some good suggestions above, but I think the tactics are getting before the strategy. M6erfan touched on this - what exact types of problems are you trying to prepare for? As examples, for problems at home (say no power for a week, or after a major earthquake) then you need lots of water, food, and sanitation. Or are you thinking more of a bug out kind of thing? That’s obviously got different needs, but then it also depends on where you are trying to get to...

Max

 

[M6erfan]

Some good suggestions above, but I think the tactics are getting before the strategy. M6erfan touched on this - what exact types of problems are you trying to prepare for? As examples, for problems at home (say no power for a week, or after a major earthquake) then you need lots of water, food, and sanitation. Or are you thinking more of a bug out kind of thing? That’s obviously got different needs, but then it also depends on where you are trying to get to...

Max

Exactly.

 

[KnurledNut]

As crazy as it sounds, a few CLEAN 5 gallon buckets with lids can be very beneficial. The same goes for 3 mil contractor garbage bags and quality disposable gloves.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Some good suggestions above, but I think the tactics are getting before the strategy. M6erfan touched on this - what exact types of problems are you trying to prepare for? As examples, for problems at home (say no power for a week, or after a major earthquake) then you need lots of water, food, and sanitation. Or are you thinking more of a bug out kind of thing? That’s obviously got different needs, but then it also depends on where you are trying to get to...

Max

More of a natural disasters type emergency but also cover other type of situations. I spent alot of time alone in the woods of the PNW with my Uncle who is a outdoor fanatic growing up so I have a lot of knowledge about edible plants, roots, tubers snares etc.

I don't want a huge stockpile I want a streamlimed setup that will cover all the basics for about 2 weeks that we can grab and go without wondering if we forgot anything. I figure 2 weeks is a good amount to find other options to improvise for a longer time if needed. Like I said this might never get used but I don't like getting caught with my pants down

 

[4 Ever-Fish N]

Fire blanket of some sort?

 

[Lassen Forge]

Small 3 or 4 person tent and a roll of reflective bubble insulation so you can use it in cold weather. Plus the plastic is waterproof... plus a tarp and some paracord to string it up to make a shelter for your tent, or for a footprint for it in soggy / cold ground.

Sleeping bag - best you can afford.

Clothes - and the ability to layer them. Extra underwear and socks.

Food - I actually LIKE most MRE's so that's an easy one for me. Remember freeze dried stuff like "backpackers pantry" takes water, and you may need that water for drinking...

Water - have not just a way to "make" water but store it. I have a pair of nalgene liter bottles and a couple collapsable ones that store flat (Not sure if you can still get these, mine are 5 years old) so you can have / carry a day's minimum water at a grab.

Have a "personal gear bag" in your bug out bag with things like a toothbrush & paste, a razor (good one, not a disposable plastic one), soap, etc... also documents, copies of important papers, etc. in a ziplock bag, along with as much digitally stored stuff you can put on a thumb drive.

Oh yeah... phones? You have the charger block, which is good, and cables (hopefully earphones)... but also use the storage on the phone for what I call "distractions" - books, music, whatever. And a way to charge both the phone AND your charger block from shore power if and when available. Invest in one of those little 3 way power cubes, so you can plug everything into an available outlet at once. If you have an e-watch like my dam apple watch...) don't forget to add that to your charger load.

Light. F** the little snaplights - get a led flashlight or 3. And batteries. Since I'm on electronical stuff, get a little pocket AMFM radio (Radio Shack used to sell them on line, think they still do, that uses the same batteries as the cheapy LED flashlights.)

I also took a paper towel roll, cut it in 3rds... put in a ziplock bag, you not only have paper towels, but duralast toilet paper.

What to carry it all in? I like Molle Packs, have a few mod pockets, two for the MRE's and a mosquito stove to heat water, a smaller one for a nalgene bottle, another ammo pouch that carrys a mini french press, coffee, and a cup.

DON'T OVERLOAD YOURSELF - you may think you can huff 70 lbs of gear on your back, but unless you do PT and a 3-5 mile a day run every day, you ain't as young as you used to be.

I teach this stuff to first responders who never know if they're going to be out for a day r a week... in a state where we LIVE disasters (including our current spate of fires and the never ending power outages).

Notice what I did NOT include - a brace of various and assorted weaponry. "Survivalists" like to have a couple firearms, a few knives, etc... but in a real survival situation, unless you normally (and legally) carry, you will likely need a good UTILITY knife that works far more than you'll ever need a couple 9mm pistols in various holsters, a Bear Gyllis Toadstabber mark XXI, and a genuine handmade Phillipino machete.

Remember the primary purpose if to be able to get from A to B, do so quickly and safely with as little holding you back as possible. Or to wait out something to get back to what you were doing. Because if you give up everything to "bug out" and live off your back - your survival odds drop with each day you're away from a base to call "home".

 

[KnurledNut]

I also took a paper towel roll, cut it in 3rds... put in a ziplock bag, you not only have paper towels, but duralast toilet paper.

Ive wanted to do this.
What do you cut them with?