So I just got this super cheap writing/drawing tablet for $5, it's a 8.5 inch tablet that uses CR2025 battery. You would have a few months of battery life if you use it freequently or up to 2 years if you don't use it daily. AA battery for size comparison https://imgur.com/a/ERiqrIJ

You can wipe the whole page if you press the trash can button or you can use the lock feature to make sure that you won't lose the content by accidentally pressing the button. I can think of a million uses for this tablet like planning, learning something new, using it like a paper, drawing for entertainment etc ...

My bugout bag would be used in the context of fire or earthquake. I'm considering my options for keeping warm overnight if I were forced to remain outside. Temperatures regularly go as low as the 40's F in winter. In addition to the clothes I'd wear, I will pack a fleece jacket, merino thermals, and a merino beanie. I'm a cold sleeper.

I'm looking for something I can store in my bag--so a compressed down sleeping bag is out. I'm trying to keep the weight under 1.5lbs. Options I've found include a woobie (US military poncho liner), snugpak jungle blanket (not sure if storing this compressed would affect its warmth), or maybe some kind of fleece or alpaca blanket.

Any thoughts on which would provide the most warmth?

Thanks.

I want to find a small pocket sized style solar charger. Trying to find them online all I find are the ones with flashlights and crank chargers and emergency radios and I don't need all those. Just something small and simple that can fit in my small day bag and be used to charge up my Streamlight batteries..

Hello, I am looking for recommendations for a brand/style of bug out bag that would be appropriate for a petite woman who is 5’2”. I have had issues with hiking backpacks in the past where they are simply too big to fit my frame, and nearly make me topple over before they are even full. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!

Hello I'm a lover of my gear for adventure in the woods over night or 96 hour if able to get away from job i have an opportunity to do a brotherhood trek in gates of the arctic in Alaska for approximately three months I have been twice for a few weeks but guided we are going unguided on a quest for a understanding of our true self and write a book it's planed for 2030 may to August

Do any of you have tips to get a quest of this magnitude complete

I'm looking for... Gear in General---always looking for gear recs Custom map service Food Safety Medical Evac knowledge and advice Best tent Previous trekker of gates tips n tricks Logistics of travel from lower 48

I'll start there I'm a mediocre when it comes to long stays and trials in the woods but I spend all free time in the woods doing bushfit and running dogs

Cyrus bear .deuces

All I see your guides, but I wonder how realistic it is. Some of these bags look like people are adding everything under the sun instead of what is actually expected for a realistic emergency in 72 hours.

I don’t think most of us are going to need to go fishing in a pond and only 72 hours. Although that is a nice to have, I’m just wondering what the bags were truly used for when people actually needed them and I’m having a hard time finding those sorts of stories. And I don’t mean somebody who goes out into the woods for 72 hours to test it rather people who are truly caught off guard during let’s say a weather emergency.

Hi, first-time poster here. I wanted to share a Google sheet I’ve been working on for a bit. 

A while back, I went down an ADHD-fueled rabbit hole researching prepping topics and I found there is just so much information online and all over reddit and to make sense of it all, I ended up organizing my thoughts into a Google sheet. I thought it might be a helpful reference for others.

 I’ll be the first to admit—it’s not perfect and probably leaves out quite a lot of information that can be supplemented in other locations. I’m still a novice myself. That’s why I’m inviting anyone interested to provide feedback, suggestions, or updates.

If there’s value in this resource, I’m more than willing to keep it updated and collaborate with others to improve it. I know that prepping can feel overwhelming and my hope is that this document can serve as a jumping-off point.

View the reference sheet here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Y__pf361DVvhUUOoTlBSibREUpe1-JqfdMETrgLb-vo/edit?usp=sharing

Thinking of a SHTF scenario. I feel like I might have the basics down but what would you suggest for bags for a family of 5. Dad carrying 1 big bag and a young toddler in a wrap, mom carrying medium bag and older toddler in a carrier, and a 6 year old with a school sized bag. Also making a tote box of easy to eat high calorie foods & other random things.

*This question was originally posted in r/EDC, but I was advised to post it here instead. Basically, I was just curious about what you would need to wear to be on the move at a moment's notice. Do any of you have items of clothing that you wear to be prepared for unexpected situations? Shoes, belt, jacket?

I use an Osprey Rook 50l as my camping bag, and I'm considering using it as an emergency bag too. I think a hiking pack makes much more sense as an emergency bag as it's designed to be able carry loads of weight long distances without becoming very uncomfortable.The thing that's preventing me from doing so, however, is this: Is a big hiking bag too conspicuous? Doesn't it kind of scream "I've got gear you want."?

Due to the many recent natural disasters in the world, I am in the process of curating a go-bag. Please see my itemized Google spreadsheet & give me some feedback, and feel free to adapt yourself. I definitely have drawn from many lists from other redditors so thanks :D

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ltQNCc9iVlB_uoiMNh1-q9L6EFm0-Q_rD0u633uR_Ho/edit?usp=sharing

Notes:

• Keep in mind I am in a big city in Canada so some of my choices take our weather into account
• I have included 7 day’s worth of essentials in the INCH bag as obviously you cannot carry unlimited supplies, but just enough to tie me over until I’m able to start gathering other supplies. Thoughts?

Specific Advice asks:

• Product sources in Canada - I am up North so often will have less choices for sourcing items than our friends in the states. If you have any recommendations for product sources for items, please let me know - especially:
  • nutrition bars
  • a lightweightcooking pot/water boiling pot
  • hand crank radio/battery/flashlight combo
  • good bag to put everything in
• Pets - I have 2 cats that I would 100% take with me in any situation, and I’m wondering if anyone has suggestions for considerations for pets/cats in particular in the curation of their go-bags. In particular, litter seems to be an issue I’d have to contend with - my cats are both indoor only and will only go in the litterbox. I know probably in a longer situation, I’d have to teach them how to go in the wild/nature but happy to hear thoughts
• Glaring Omissions/Excesses - if there’s anything you think I should add or take out, please let me know
• 72 hour vs. INCH bag - what are the main differences between these two bags for everyone? For myself so far, they differ mostly in quantity of items & more focus on shelter creation with INCH bag.

Thanks for your advice!

Introduced to this a while ago, current wildfires in the US reminded me of it.

LOD Outworks

He's putting together a trailer based off an old Canadian army one. Idea might be good for prepacking supplies if you live in a disaster prone area.

In an instant things can go from normal to devastating. LA is a prime example of this. Keep a bag handy for any climate, any situation.

Hello. I would like to acquire the perfect bugout bag. I only have maximum 100€ for this. I have pretty specific requirements, so this backpack might not even exist...

I would like a backpack that is around 30-40 liters, has got molle webbing on the front and on the sides (instead of a cup holder). There should be a water bladder compartment of at least 2 liters. Oh, and olve or od green camo. I was searching for this bag for entire weeks, but i only found cheap Chinese crap made out of 600d polyester. Almost all reviews had the materials torn apart... Thanks for your efforts!

Rounding out my BoB setup. And finishing bigger Medkit that will be going into the bag.

It forcing me to move some stuff and I’m thinking the water kid going to a Molle pouch is a great way to free up some space.

Currently I’ve pieced mealed two pouches to together to hold the water kit. But wondering if anyone has a better suggestion for a Molle pouch to get all the water needs fit into.i can mount on the side Molle on my bag.

What I’d be trying to fit is: a few small jars of purification tabs. A sawyer mini, with the water it comes with An empty 10L dirty water “dry bag” a rolled up Platypus bladder

The two pouches combo I have works but is chunky and clunky.

Other things for my water kit stored else where are single walled Klean canteen & nesting cup. 3l bladder in a bag I have attached inside the bob but can be pulled out to its own backpack bag.

Any suggestions for a good pouch would be appreciated. Any any suggested to add to the kit would be good. Thinking about shoving some cheese cloth in there but I do I have a bandana I can prefer with

I am interested In a rifle build for survival type hunting fantasies, and I am not a reloading expert. So I wanted to come here and ask people who actually knew what they were talking about. I don't think the usual multicaliber systems like barrel swaps and 12 gauge insert guns make the most sense because of rezeroing issues, weight, and practicality. These solutions are often in survival discussion topics for the advantage of not needed multiple guns for different uses, or so that scavanged ammo is more likely to be useful.

This lead me to wonder about a single cartridge that could just barely bridge the large gap between class 1 and class 3 game when loaded in two different "flavors".

I am guessing it would need to be in the 6-7mm range caliber. Small enough to not be too devastating to rabbits, but large enough for deer/elk.

The first thing that came to my mind was something like a 25-06. I am imagining a full power (or even +p) 120 gr loading for larger deer-like game. Then a down-loaded 90 gr bullet for varmint.

Another concept I know nothing about is sabot rounds or rat shot. Is it possible that maybe something like a 30-30 loaded normally for deer, and then one lighter loading with a sub-caliber sabot round, or maybe shot round exists for varmint?

The goal being practically taking small game without vaporizing them, while also effectively killing 300 lbs animals, simply by swapping between the two cartridges in the same barrel and chambering. All this without needing as much rezeroing or having to inventory multiple cartridges and barrels in your survival kit.

I'm not sure if this concept is realistic or possible but I would love to hear suggestions for a cartridge, and loading options.

Let's say I'm in the US with my wife and dog and want to be prepared to permanently flee the country under circumstances where the government has shut down border crossings and ports/airports, at least to me or people like me. Not "there's a nationwide manhunt for me specifically" but, like "I'm on a list." [I'm not on a list, just want some peace of mind]. I want to get over the border in a way that isn't going to lead to me being easily rounded up and sent back. Let's say I have an SUV, a bad but serviceable inflatable kayak, and a few thousand dollars in ready cash and funds enough to plot next steps once I'm out of the country. No foreign passports real or fake. I have basic orienteering skills and some experience in the outdoors, but wife does not.

1. Where am I going and how am I getting there? It seems to me Canada offers the most opportunity to get over the border undetected, by land, with some hiking. Also probably my preferred destination; I have friends there and my Spanish is bad. But Mexico, Cuba, Bermuda all possibilities.

2. Besides normal bugout gear you'd want in any 3-5 day emergency kit, what do I need?

I just realized I have no long johns to wear under my shirts or pants for cold weather , and I was wondering what thermals are really good?

I’ve not really explored the options much but would like to have a set between the 4 of us when skiing backcountry to communicate from the top and bottom of the pitch,

I am looking for something with the best range without making things complicated for my friends, I am willing to learn what I need to but don’t want to burden anyone else with something complicated.

Hi friends. I’m pretty new to this. Was having a conversation with my partner about walking plans for getting home/getting family if there was an EMP attack and that our cars wouldn’t work. He said something old like a jeep CJ 7 would work, but he’s not into prepping/survivalism at all, it was just a thought so I wanted to do some research. Is it likely an old jeep like that would actually still work? Thank you!

So I don’t know if it was on this sub, but I’m sure some of you are on some of the others that I may have seen it.

So it was a bug out/get home/ maybe something in that variation, bag but it used a vintage gas mask bag maybe like a British mk vii.

It had pictures in the post of how everything was situated inside, and the only thing I can remember that was in it was a mylar blanket.

If someone knows which post it was or can link it, I’d be forever grateful!

Thanks!

I've been interested in the idea of a Go Bag and Survival Kit for my family of three (two adults, one small child, two dogs) for a few years. I have no training or special knowledge, apart from my general experience learned outdoors/camping/backpacking/hunting/fishing. This doubles as a general emergency kit and I think contains what would be critical for 3-7 days (or longer) without support. Happy to hear any comments/suggestions.

Initial notes:

1. There are two different bags. Everything listed in the Go Bag fits in a large non-descript backpack or small day hiking pack and weighs about 25lbs without water. The Car Survival Kit is a larger backpacking pack to put in a car (another 25-30 lbs).
2. This does not include clothes. We live in Michigan, so we keep extra coats, gloves and hats in our vehicles at all times anyways.
3. I used to do a lot of multi-week backpacking (Pacific NW; Appalachian Trail area) and have a massive 110L pack. With exception of a few weighty items (road salt/dog food), everything plus clothes can be fit in that one bag if needed.
4. Yes, I'd grab a firearm in an emergency situation, but it would be defensive only and possibly for food if needed longer term. Frankly, I think the guys building heavy tactical bags with multiple ARs, pistols, magazines, etc., are watching too many movies (*let me hear it in the comments). I'd grab my bags and probably my semi-auto 22lr rifle, and/or a breakdown single shot 20 ga shotgun I have in the Car Bag. Importantly, these are easily serviceable, lightweight and with readily available ammo (250 rounds of 22lr weighs about 2.5 lbs). They also don't make me look like a threat. Why wife and son can also use both.

GO BAG: North Face Day Hiking Bag

Documents: Cash/Passports/Birth Certs/SSNs/Account #s/Extra Keys

Med/Health

• First Aid Kit (general, puncture, burn, laceration, fever/illness)
• Tampons
• Lighter/Matches
• Toothbrush
• Water purification tablets
• Masks/PPE/Rubber Gloves
• Toilet Paper
• Hand Sanitizer
• Bug Spray

Tools/Survival:

• Flashlight/Batteries
• Lighters (3)/homemade fire starters (10)
• Fixed Blade Knife/Pocketknife/small screwdriver set
• Binoculars
• Duct Tape (20 ft)
• Zip Ties (20)
• Paracord (75ft)
• Tea Candles (4)
• Tarp (12x12)
• Emergency Ponchos (3)
• Plastic Bags/Aluminum Foil
• Dog Leash/Dog Coats
• Survival Fishing Kit (handline, hooks, sinkers, floats)

Nav/Comms:

• Power Block/Chargers
• Map
• Pen/Paper
• Whistle
• Walkie Talkies

Food:

• 6 cups Rice
• 3 cups Dried Beans
• 6 cups Oatmeal
• Granola Bars (6)
• Honey/Salt/Pepper/Oil
• Powdered Pedialyte (5)
• Tea Bags (10)
• Utensils/Collapsible Cook Kit
• Water purification tablets
• Water Bottles/Camelback

CAR SURVIVAL KIT (REI Great Star Pack)

• Camp Stove/Gas/Collapsible Cooking Kit
• Dog Food/Collapsible Bowls
• Tent
• Sleeping Bags/Fleece Blankets
• Road Salt
• Camp Shovel
• 22lr Rifle/ammo (250 rounds)
• Breakdown 20 gauge survival shotgun/ammo (50 rounds gameshot; 5 rounds buckshot; 5 slugs)

Just completed a 3-day practice bug-out with my regular group (6 people) after previously doing several solo runs. Wanted to share some key insights about food planning that surprised us.

The biggest revelation: Group food is WAY different from solo food. When I bug out alone, I can get by with minimal variety and basic freeze-dried meals. With a group, food becomes much more complex:

• Someone always has dietary restrictions you didn't plan for
• Food prep takes 3x longer than solo
• You need group-sized cooking gear
• Water requirements skyrocket

After comparing various options (found this helpful) we ended up standardizing on freeze-dried meals that:

• Cook in their own pouches (less cleanup)
• Have 15+ year shelf life
• Only need boiling water
• Serve 4+ people per package

Another surprise: Meal sharing became critical for morale. When someone's meal tasted better than others, it created tension. Solution: We now plan all group meals to be shared meals.

Weight distribution was also tricky. We found it's better to distribute meal components among members rather than having each person carry their own complete food supply. This provides redundancy if someone gets separated.

Anyone else practice bug-out scenarios with groups? What food solutions worked for you?

Hi Friends! I’m looking for input on cities that would be ideal for a bug out location. I live in SoCal so I’m looking for something more Midwest in case it hits in the fan in this area. I’ve seen a lot of people buy raw land and while I think that’s amazing, I’m a busy working single mom and I don’t have time to figure out whether a lot is land locked, entitled or go through the building process.

Can you suggest anywhere that I could get several acres and a small home up to like $300k? Maybe one that wouldn’t require too much maintenance if vacant most of the year? I’ve never been in snow and I’m a bit worried about pipes freezing.

Thank you!

Family of 4, 2 small kids - what would be most critical to pack if you were to need to bug out fast. Say, if internment camps for targeted groups were becoming a reality in a country. Nothing that can't go on a commercial airplane, so I assume no multitools, guns, Kbar, etc. Of course there are a lot of assumptions here about the ability to fly in such a situation, whether a country will accept you, travel visa, etc.

Passports for the fam
$2,000 cash in 20's (at least buy the basics anywhere)
Change of clothes
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Phone charger
Coloring books/crayons to keep kids amused and quiet while figuring things out

What would you add?

The shat has hit the fan and blown all over the place. It's all over the ceiling's walls and floors. It's time to get out. You tac up, load up, and grab your guns. Your side arm is a 9mm of your choice. You have to choose 1 of 4 rifles. 1. AR15 with a 16 inch barrel. 2. An AR 15 SBR. 3. A 9mm carbine with a 16 inch barrel. 4. A 9mm carbine SBR. Which one are you grabbing and why?

Hi everyone!

I’m currently building out my bugout bag and on the hunt for a reliable, high-quality multitool. From my research, two Leatherman models have stood out:

• Leatherman Surge
• Leatherman Wave Plus

I’m not as focused on budget, quality and durability are my top priorities. Are there other models maybe even from different brands that I should consider?

Here are the main features I thought I will use the multitool for in a bugout situation:

• A sharp knife for general cutting tasks
• Strong wire-cutting
• A saw that can handle small branches

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

I assume many folks here already do, but for the handful that might not, you really should get out in the mud with your gear. The best way to test your mettle, and find weak spots in your equipment, is to use it in adverse conditions. Boots can be comfy out of the box, but blister factories after a few hours hiking. Your bag might seem fine, but the balance and distribution and pack order can only be properly refined by taking it in the field. Even brand new heavy duty rain gear can have failures at the seams. You can't be confident in anything until you test it.

I'm not suggesting everyone needs to plan a 72 hour bug out simulation in torrential rain. But if you can't bring yourself to don your wet weather gear and go on a 3 hour trail in the best of times, how can you have confidence in it when you really need it? And this goes doubly for life saving gear like sleep systems and shelters. I know a fair number of people who haven't taken the tags off theirs, let alone spent a night in it.

I'm new to the tinfoil hat brigade so please bear with me. I have these terrible feelings that something bad is going to happen in the country due to the elections/outside actors and it keeps me up at night. I don't care who wins honestly, I hate both of them and I don't think whoever wins is going to have a smooth transition of power. With that being said, what do I have to look forward to? What is the most likely scenario that can play out in society? Should I be buying a hundred cans of sardines and learning to drink my own piss (I'm kidding of course, I hate sardines).

Traveling to Texas via car. It will be a 22 hour drive there and back. Bringing a 40L backpack. I have the basics but would love to hear what everyone thinks I should pack for this trip. Thinking more on the lines of a road bugout bag