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Survival Pack for Beginners
If you’ve never prepared for an emergency, it’s time you do. Difficult situations can arise, and disasters can strike with a moment’s notice. Being prepared lessens your stress levels, makes situations easier and increases your chances of surviving in more serious emergency situations. The great thing is there really isn’t much you have to do in order to be prepared. One of the best things you can have on hand is a survival pack.
Don’t worry; they are easy to put together and don’t require that many supplies. Survival packs are great for beginners because they are less work than prepping a survival kit, for example. Survival packs are all about grab and go, making them super useful for situations that force you to leave your home. They are great travel companions as well, helping to ensure you are always safe no matter where you go. Keep reading this article to find out everything you need to know about survival packs for beginners!
What is A Survival Pack?
A survival pack is the same thing as a survival kit, but it is smaller and more portable. Basically, your bag needs to include all of the necessary items to help you survive in various situations. Since it is smaller than a survival kit, you have to make some choices regarding what to include. Typically, a pack is no bigger than a backpack, which means you really don’t have too much room for any extra items. It’s important you stick to the basics and only add the absolute essentials to your pack.
You should consider having a pack for every person in your household (or every person who is going camping, hiking, etc.) so that you aren’t worried about having enough supplies. A survival pack is great because it is easier to grab and go if there is a situation that requires you to move from place to place or be away from your home. You’ll have everything you need in there, and you won’t have to worry about packing anything. The point of a survival pack is to be more portable than a survival kit, which is meant to be kept in your home.
When Would I Need A Survival Pack?
There are so many situations where you might need to be prepared by having food and supplies on hand and ready to go. You never know when an emergency might occur or when a natural disaster might strike. These are the two most common reasons people have survival packs. There are other times when survival packs might come in handy besides emergencies and natural disasters. More than anything, most people just like to have them prepped and kept in a safe place at home, so they feel secure and prepared for anything.
If you love camping or going on outdoor adventures, then a survival pack is an important thing to bring with you. Anytime you find yourself away from access to stores or people (like out in the wilderness), it’s a good idea to be extra prepared. As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and the same applies to hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. You can always make the pack a little smaller and include only the necessities so that it’s easier to carry around outdoors.
Another situation where you might need a survival pack is going on road trips. If you know you will be in your car for a longer period of time, a survival pack is definitely something you should consider bringing with you. Even if you aren’t going on a road trip, it won’t hurt to keep this pack on hand. The thing with emergencies is that you never know when one might happen, so being prepared is the best thing you can do. There are a variety of scenarios that could happen when driving a car that would require a survival pack to help you through.
What Should I Include in My Survival Pack?
That’s a great question, and we are so glad you asked. There is actually quite a lot you should consider including in your survival pack, and we are going to tell you the most important things you need. Some items are more important than others, and some you might not need at all depending on where you live or what you are preparing for. As always, these are our suggestions, and you should make any changes relating to your specific lifestyle and situation.
Food
One of the most important things you will need in your survival pack is survival food. Survival food is food that is non-perishable and will keep you full and energized in any situation. Since you don’t want to take up too much room in your pack, we recommend our 72-Hour Survival Kit. This perfectly portioned kit comes with 16 servings of food including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s better to get one kit for each person in your household, but you can divide the servings if you’re in a pinch.
First Aid Kit
An absolutely essential item you must include in your survival pack is a first aid kit. One of the most common things that happen during an emergency situation is injuries. Anything from sprains to cuts to scrapes can occur during natural disasters or outdoor activities. Having this kit in your pack will ensure you can quickly help whoever sustains the injury until you are able to get help. This first aid kit contains 129 pieces, including bandages, antibacterial ointments, scissors, and more.
Water Filter
You won’t make it long without clean water, which makes it an essential item. Water bottles are too heavy to carry around, and they could slow you down too. An item to consider adding to your survival pack is a personal water filter. This filter removes up to 99.9% of bacteria, chemicals, and dirt from water. If you can find a river, spring, or even collect rainwater, this filter will help ensure you are drinking the cleanest water possible.
Extra Power Supply
Another item you might not think about needing is a portable power cell. If you are in an emergency, you’re going to need to call for help. The last thing you want to worry about is having your cellphone die, especially when you have to make a call. This power cell is solar-powered, so you don’t have to find a way to charge the cell. Just leave it in the sun for a bit, and then you’re ready to go.
Conclusion
Hopefully, after reading this article, you feel more knowledgeable about survival packs and your ability to put one together for you and your family. Again, this article is full of suggestions, but it’s a good idea to do your own research and put what you truly need in your pack. Maybe you keep a first aid kit in your car or your house and don’t need to put one in your pack. Where you live, the climate and the type of weather you get can all affect what you put in your kit. At the end of the day, being as prepared as you can is the best you can do. Having a survival pack with some supplies is better than none at all.
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Unexpected Thrifty Finds?
Perhaps the most common reason people give for not preparing is money.
They say that because they live paycheck to paycheck, there’s never anything left at the end of the month for stockpiling supplies.
It’s not that they don’t believe in the concept of preparing for an uncertain future. They’re fully convinced they’d be better off with survival food, water and a bunch of other items that will be essential for dealing with a crisis.
It’s just that when they finish paying for all the stuff they absolutely have to have, everything else is a luxury.
Thrift store prepping
I completely get that, and I sympathize with the plight of those who are barely scraping by.
But I also know that occasionally some unexpected money comes in. It might not be often and it might not be a lot, but it could be enough to get a survival stockpile going.
How? By purchasing items at the lowest possible price. And by doing it over time, rather than trying to gather everything at once.
So, whether you want to get started stockpiling necessary items for an emergency or you just want to economically add to your existing stash, here are some ideas for grabbing items from a Goodwill store or other low-cost venue. Let’s call it Goodwill hunting.
An economical goldmine
Winter clothes. Coats, gloves, hats and boots can usually be found at bargain prices at Goodwill or another thrift store.
First-aid kit. This is a kit you can form by purchasing bandages, gauze and adhesive tape. You might even see a pair of crutches, a brace and a sling for sale.
Backpack. Yeah, it will be used, but so what? It will be far less expensive than a new one in a retail store. Make sure it has wide shoulder straps and a reinforced bottom.
Ponchos and other rain gear. Most of your winter clothes won’t be waterproof, so you need stuff that is. Grab an umbrella while you’re at it.
Sewing kit. Fabric, needles and thread will come in very handy when stores are not open and you have to mend clothes or a tent.
Gas can. If the grid goes down and gas stations close, a gas can filled with gasoline will be a precious commodity.
Tools. No one is going to care how shiny their tools are in a crisis. Pick up some used hammers, screwdrivers, shovels and rakes.
Blankets. Even if the inevitable disaster occurs during the warmer half of the year, nights will get cold. Wool blankets will feel like lifesavers.
Camping equipment. Look for used tents and camp stoves, which will be much cheaper at thrift stores than elsewhere.
Pots, pans and other kitchen gear. Very expensive when they’re new, these items can be found at great prices in thrift stores.
Survival items. Multi-tools, Mylar blankets and other survival gear can often be found at these types of stores.
Books/Games/Crayons. If you have to bug out and TV is a thing of the past, these items will provide boredom relief for you and the kids or grandkids.
Hunting gear. Even if you’ve never hunted before, grab some camouflage clothes, game bags and boots. You may have to hunt for your meals.
Your Comprehensive Camping Checklist
If camping is a regular routine for you and your family or friends, you already know what you need to pack for each trip.
But suppose you saw a list that included a few items you might not have previously thought of? Or perhaps you’re just getting into camping and would like some advice along those lines.
That’s what I’d like to discuss today. Due to restrictions involving indoor events, more people are getting out and enjoying nature these days.
There will probably be a lot of camping going on over the next six months or so. I hope this “camping checklist” helps you include all the items you might need for your next excursion. Whether it’s at a state park, a private campground or your backyard.
Don’t pack too much… or too little
A family member of mine says, “If you’ve got it, pack it.” That might be fine for a long vacation. But it’s not what you want to do for camping.
One of the most enjoyable things about camping is getting away from it all. And that means a change of pace from many of the things you see or use or wear or eat or drink everyday.
Making do with less will enhance your camping experience. And will probably lead to deeper and more meaningful conversations with loved ones. On the other hand, you don’t want to get stuck miles away from home without something you really need.
So, let’s take a look at this camping checklist. How much you pack will depend on a couple of things. One, whether you’re roughing it or going to a campground where a number of amenities are provided. Two, how long you’ll be away from home.
Either way, you won’t need everything on the list. But hopefully it will help you avoid forgetting something important.
Here it is…
- Tent, with footprints, stakes and mallet/hammer
- Ground cloth/tarp
- Sleeping bags
- Sleeping pads
- Blankets and pillows
- Headlamps, flashlights and extra batteries
- Camp table and chairs (if the site doesn’t have them)
- Lantern
- Clothesline with clips
- Toiletries
- First-aid kit
- Prescription meds
- Sunscreen and protective hats
- Insect repellant
- Lip balm
- Rain gear
- Extra clothing, including several pairs of socks and underwear
- Hiking boots
- Bandanas
- Survival knife
- Multi-tool
- Duct tape
- Paracord or rope
- Saw or ax for cutting firewood (if needed)
- Compass
- Binoculars
- Field guides for flowers and insects
- Whistle
- Walkie-talkies
- Emergency radio
- Backpack
- Disinfectant wipes
Cooking without electrical power
I purposely left off food and food-related items from the list above. We’ll get to them in a moment.
In most camping situations, there are few if any eating establishments nearby. That’s OK. Food tastes better while you’re camping if you cook it yourself. And no matter what else you do or don’t do while camping, you have to eat.
The issue then becomes, how will you cook your food without electricity? Here are three ways to do that.
- Grills and open-fire cooking. Grills use gas or charcoal. They have an advantage over open-fire cooking because their lids trap more heat. Open-fire cooking is a simple outdoor solution. Set a barbeque grill plate over an open fire and cook.
- Solar oven cooking. The trapped heat is used to cook food. You can bake, boil, steam, stew and even dehydrate food. This is a safe option without flames. No fossil fuels are required and no air pollution is produced.
- Portable gas stoves. The two best options are butane and propane. Butane stoves are portable and can generate enough heat to do most cooking. Propane is a highly dependable fuel at freezing temperatures and high altitudes.
Don’t forget the food
Now for those promised food-related items:
- Perishable food packed in a cooler or ice chest
- Non-perishable food for snacking
- Plenty of bottled water and other beverages
- Personal water purifier
- Fire starters
- Cooking, serving and eating utensils
- Cooking pots, pans, plates and cups
- Tongs and skewers
- Oven mitts
- Cutting board
- Tablecloth with clips or tape
- Canteen/thermos
- Coffee pot
- Can opener
- Heavy duty aluminum foil
- Dishwashing liquid and sponges
- Paper towels and napkins
- Zip-top bags
- Trash and recycle bags
Camping trips may be the most enjoyable times of your year. Getting away from it all and getting back to nature at the same time can do wonders for your mental and emotional state during a trying time.
Just don’t forget to pack anything before you leave.
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Why You Need a Portable Power Bank
When I was a kid, I would frequently tell my parents I “needed” one thing or another.
Maybe it was something small like a pack of Topps baseball cards. Or something bigger like a new basketball. Perhaps it was a single G.I. Joe action toy. Or a whole set of plastic Army men figures.
Regardless, I would try to convince them that this was an essential thing for me to possess. My parents would then explain to me the difference between wanting something and needing something.
I’m reminded of this because when cellphones first became widely available, I saw them as a “want” rather than a “need.” Now I realize I need one. And if a cellphone is a need, so too is a portable way to keep it charged.
Today I want to tell you why I believe portable power banks are a necessity, not a luxury.
Charge your cellphone
Perhaps the single best reason for carrying a power bank with you wherever you go is to charge your cellphone. Cellphones are great, but their batteries… not so much.
Now, some people are on their cellphones all day long. Others only use them occasionally. Cellphones are used for many different purposes.
Like calling, texting and photo taking and sharing. Plus news gathering and social media interaction. As well as gaining directions and enjoying entertainment. It’s not surprising their batteries wear down quickly.
There’s not always an outlet available for charging your phone when you’re out and about. And even when there is, such as at an airport or coffee shop, juice jacking can be a concern.
You don’t want a dead phone when you really need it. Like when you’re lost or in a life-threatening situation. A portable power bank can keep that from happening.
Charge other devices
You may use your cellphone more than any other electronic device. Then again, you might use a laptop, tablet, iPod, GPS or other device more frequently.
A portable power bank will come in handy for charging those devices as well. Again, especially if you’re using them away from home.
Or maybe you find that a couple of your devices need charging at the same time. Portable power banks can handle that chore with multiple USB ports.
They are also very convenient to carry around. You can fit most of them in a shirt or pants pocket. Or a backpack pocket. So it will always be with you when you need it.
Traveling, hiking or camping
Portable power banks are especially helpful when you are in transit. Or when you’re camping, hiking or fishing.
Seldom are there outlets handy for charging a cellphone or other device in these circumstances.
But with a fully-charged power bank – or better yet, several power banks – you don’t have to worry about your devices dying.
Portable power banks will supply your devices with exactly what they need during your temporary time away from electrical outlets.
Rough and tough
Another great reason to carry a portable power bank is because they are rugged. They can withstand a fall or a bump.
When making a portable power bank choice, make sure it’s also water-resistant. You don’t know what the weather will be like when you need to use it.
And if you were to drop it into a puddle or even a body of water, you want to make sure it will still work properly.
Many people keep a fully-charged portable power bank in the glove compartment of their vehicle. Even if it bounces around while you’re on rough terrain, it will work perfectly.
Providing convenience
Now, this does not exactly qualify as a life-threatening problem. But sometimes you just don’t feel like getting up.
Let’s say you’re in your favorite chair and notice that your cellphone, laptop or other device is running low on batteries.
Or maybe you’re lying in bed listening to an audiobook or watching a movie on your tablet and notice the same thing.
Yeah, you could get up, plug the device in and try to get comfortable elsewhere. But why not just use your portable power bank to keep the device running until you have time to charge it in an outlet again?
Aiding others
When we think of self-sufficiency, we think about how we can take care of ourselves. This makes perfect sense. After all, it’s “self” sufficiency.
But another reason some of us wish to be self-reliant is because we want to be in a position to help others who may not be.
Like you, I need to take care of myself and my family first. But if I have more than enough – whether it’s food, water or power – I can come to the aid of someone who doesn’t.
Someday you might find yourself in a position to help a stranger who desperately needs to charge his phone or other device. If you have several portable power banks with you at the time, you could make a new friend for life.
Help from above
Now, what if your portable power bank runs out of juice and there is no outlet available? You’re sunk, right?
Not if your portable power bank can be charged with the free power of the sun. If it has a built-in solar panel, you’re in business.
Some solar-powered portable power banks even feature a built-in flashlight to help you see in the dark.
Which is especially helpful if your phone needs recharging and can’t provide the light it normally does.
Not All Power Banks Are Created Equal
I hope I’ve convinced you that a portable power bank is more than a luxury. You may find that you “need” it much more than you “want” it. I believe your best option is to have backup power that recharges from the free power of the sun. And my top recommendation is the Patriot Power Cell.
The Patriot Power Cell is small but mighty. It’s perfect for those of us on-the-go, anytime your cellphone needs a recharge. You can take it to the store or anywhere else… it’ll fit in your purse, your backpack, even your back pocket. Heck, you can even keep it on the dash so it can recharge as you drive.
