Hey guys,
New to prepping I'm finding there is an absolute ton of information kicking around and for every topic there is a billion opinions. So I'm asking the question of where to start with quantities? Lists upon lists are available for the equipment you want on hand in a SHTF situation but I dont think going out and buying 600lbs of wheat, rice, and sugar is all that realistic for most people. I think there is a balance and a top ten list everyone should have and should probably only look to start prepping for a month at first. Then work towards prepping for a total WROL or TEOTWAWKI situation.
My top ten starting list (no order of best or worst just ten things I think are most important)
1. Survival rifle (pick your caliber and learn it 100% dont need to difersify at first just know how to defend yourself from looters) with 500-1500 rounds (depending on caliber some are cheaper in bulk packs)
2. 100gal. of water (some places have the 55gal drums for <30$. aswell as have some bleach for purification.)
3. Survival food for a month, nothing special but will keep you alive and will keep well (30 breakfasts, lunches, and dinners)
-home made survival bars (can be used as a breakfast cereal too)
-wild rice (if you happen to have some experiance in which kinds are good/prep the best I'm quite curious to know!)
-whole wheat berries
-canned meat
4. Alternate method of cooking (wood, gas, or solid fuel camping stove) & cooking gear
5. First aid kit (check out the dollour store for building the perfect kit)
6. Flash lights & extra batteries
7. two way radios (keep in contact with your group)
8. crank or solar powered radio (know whats going on in the world)
9. Clothing to keep warm in and do some work in (work gloves, boots, etc.)
10. Something for moral! (I'll be packing, chocolate, coffee, and some pure honey)
So what do you think ?
Whats your top 10?
-86
Welcome!
There is a ton of info out there and I am still in a way a bit new. Started just over a year ago more full throttle but dabbled in it for a bit before. I started out with a goal for a SHTF scenario i thought was more likely to happen and grew from there. I kept focus on one things at a time when researching because you can get SO overwhelmed. So at first for me i started prepping for a short term (72 hour - week) now a med term (3-6 months) and hopefully long term (1 year +) but i try to think of anything that can happen in between. I live in a big earthquake zone and everyone is always talking about THE ONE, so its the one SHTF situation i like to base my preps around to just for goal setting or keeping.
Everyone is different though and i think everyone knows what works for them and their own budgets. We are a big slower at our preps because of $$$ but you do what you can.
My top 10 would be (in no particular order)
- guns, knives and ammo
- barter items
- food storage and seed storage
- non electrical cooking methods and kitchen appliances ect (including a hand grinder)
- water and purification
- BOOKS lots of how to's and what to do's and knowladge i guess can be included
- clothes and foot wear and sleeping arrangements
- sanitation items like a toilet alternative ect
- first aide and natural medication knowladge
- communication
i know i didnt add a lot but i think id slip it all in there some how lol but i think at the end of the day knowladge can be one of the best things to have =)
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” ― Jimi Hendrix
~~ http://canada.thrivelife.com/foreverthrive ~~ https://www.facebook.com/ForeverThrive ~~
Good call on the alternative sanitation. I havnt thought to much about that but I should!
What kind of barter items are you thinking? I always thought that the things we/others need to survive would be plenty to barter with. So in some areas that I can I'll prep some extra for bartering.
Dont forget the deck of cards, maybe 2 or 3 packs. depending on what you like to play. Pinnocle any one?
"We 'Prep.' to live after a downfall, Not just to survive."
Good call on the alternative sanitation. I havnt thought to much about that but I should!
What kind of barter items are you thinking? I always thought that the things we/others need to survive would be plenty to barter with. So in some areas that I can I'll prep some extra for bartering.
My favorite barter item idea right now, i made a pat about a while ago is called the barter box. I have been collecting free samples from P&G and any other free samples for mini shampoo's and soaps ect.. also if i am at the dollar store I'll grab 1 or 2 little sewing kits or other little things i can think of. I try and be frugal with my barter box. Just free or dollar items but i bet it will just keep growing. There are also the things you can prep extra for like food and seeds of course but i was even thinking of vacuum sealed chocolate and things i think that people would love. Oh and someone mentioned mini liquor bottles to!
And the sanitation thing is big one on my list just because i know bad satiation can lead to some pretty nasty things!
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” ― Jimi Hendrix
~~ http://canada.thrivelife.com/foreverthrive ~~ https://www.facebook.com/ForeverThrive ~~
Dont forget the deck of cards, maybe 2 or 3 packs. depending on what you like to play. Pinnocle any one?
yes! i always think of things for the kids. I have 3 young children and if we something happened i would love to have extra small games or crayons and coloring books and toys! I was thinking of it while doing the list but not everyone has kids so i thought that would just be on my personal list. Prepping for kids is a whole other story! lol
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.” ― Jimi Hendrix
~~ http://canada.thrivelife.com/foreverthrive ~~ https://www.facebook.com/ForeverThrive ~~
The dollar store is awesome eh. Many good preps for little investment! I think they even have decks of cards in multi packs for the barter one and keep one system!
My Top ten is:
1 Gain and use skills that are useful.
2 Have Shelter
3 have food(3days, 2 weeks, 3months, 6 months 1 year)
4 if posable store water for drinking
5 have a few types of coms
6 shelter security (fences, blind spots, Plastic film on window, have storm boards ready for windows,it all depends on you and your situation)
7 join a range, meet great People to learn to shoot. Do competitions(three gun, idpa, ipsc, skeet,trap, archery)
8 double check portable shelters like your clothes and boots(layers)
9 get checked on often for you medical and dental
10 Live life plan to retire, If nothing Happens pass on skills to your kids, and kids kids. (it normally goes from grandparents to grandkids)
My Top ten is:
10 Live life plan to retire, If nothing Happens pass on skills to your kids, and kids kids. (it normally goes from grandparents to grandkids)
Best quote there is. IF nothing ever happens, then it doesn't necessarily mean it won't. Pass on skills to the next generation. Xbox is not something that will transfer over to real life skills. Continually take your kids and there buddies out for camping trips, show them how to make fire, rough shelters and use them...they will find it fun, and meanwhile they learn skills...our next generation is the ones that need it more than anyone, do not ignore them and thier training.
I myslef, have ensured my son can fish, shoot, start a fire and erect a shelter in the woods with what is around and he is only 9, I ask you how many kids of 9 can do same?? be a teacher always, and there will always be someone ready to take over for you as well as take care of themselves.
Cheers and take care,
Chevy55