By no means am I arguing that any of these specific items are the best for the job. We aren't all made of money, able to run off and buy the latest and greatest gadgets and gear. My goal is to demonstrate how to use what is already on hand to get started. Don't worry if something isn't ideal. Preparedness is an ongoing process, and everything can be replaced or supplemented later on. "A job well begun is a job half done," the saying goes, so let's begin!
Left: this ammunition box from Harbor Freight still requires testing for water resistance, but should be sufficient to keep the contents somewhat protected regardless.
Top row: leather gloves, a weather radio with its USB charging system, a Buck model 117 Small Special fixed-blade knife with sheath, and a Mini Maglite AA LED model with a sheath. The Buck knife is a high-dollar item, but just small enough to fit in this container, and far better than the abysmal Grand Way knife I recently reviewed.
Middle row: a coil of parachute cord, a notepad, a package of various needles, a package of thread spools, and a handkerchief.
Bottom row: a matchbook, two CR123A batteries, and several AA batteries. The plastic bags should ensure the batteries don't discharge or corrode in storage. The radio and flashlight both use AA batteries. The CR123A batteries are for the Streamlight flashlight I always carry, although it can also use a standard AA at the cost of dimmer output, so perhaps I should omit the specialty batteries. On the other hand, if there is an emergency, I think I also want all the lumens I can get.
This assortment does not fulfill all of the items in my C's of survival checklist, but it's a good start. More can be added, or this can be stuffed into a backpack alongside other items to better complete that list. I have a cutting tool, a combustion device, cordage, a cotton bandana, a canvas needle (along with more sewing stuff), a candling device, communications, and protective clothing in the form of work gloves. I need to find a pen or pencil to add. I carry a Fisher Space Pen in my pocket, but if the notepad is to be more than fire starting tinder, I'd prefer to have a writing tool included here, too. I think I have a stash of mechanical pencils somewhere, so I will take a look after I finish this post.
To expand on this, I can add the blue tarp under everything as cover, although this one is not very durable. A more complete kit also needs at least a water container, a compass, food, some extra seasonal clothing, and a few comfort items like toilet paper. I am also working on a better first aid solution than the glorified Band-Aid box I had in my old car kit. I am also weighing whether I should replace the Buck 117 with my model 110 folding knife and a multitool, but I don't want to needlessly duplicate items I already carry every day.
Depending on your needs, this kind of kit could be part of a go bag for evacuation emergencies, or a car kit you keep in your vehicle when you are on the road. What would you add or remove? How would you pack such a kit aside from in a backpack? Can you gather a similar kit and share it here? Comment below!
