TSB’s Recommended Survival Gear

Confused about the myriad of survival products out there? Here at we’re obsessed with quality, so without further ado, here’s a list of all the things that will get you the most bang for your buck. And to make it easier for you to find them, we’ve put them into categories.

Just keep in mind this mega-list is a work in progress, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find some good recommendations. It’ best to take each item one by one anyway, so you have time to get uses to it, learn how it works etc.

Bags, backpacks and pouches

Water filtration systems

Tents

Sleeping Bags

Bivvy Bags

Knives,  Axes, Machetes and Hatchets

First aid kits

Multitools

Emergency Radios

Camping stoves

Best Survival Guns

Tasers

Tactical Pens

Flashlights

Lanterns

Headlamps

Survival Fashion

Tarps

Ponchos

Matches, Lighters and Other Fire-Starters

Survival food

Solar chargers

Roadside Emergency Kits

Boots

Misc

survival backpack

Bags, Backpacks and Pouches

the LifeStaw

Water Filtration Systems

tent

Sleeping Bags

bivvy bag

Bivvy Bags

knives

Knives,  Axes, Machetes and Hatchets

first aid kit items

First aid kits

As with the rest of the survival kits, ideally you’ll want to assemble it yourself, item by item, but if you don’t want to or unable to do that for whatever reason, you can find some solid first aid kits (FAKs) online. Just make sure you actually know how to use the items inside:

Multitools

Multi-tools should be in any bug out bag, but they can also be kept in your car and around the house. These will make good bartering items post-SHTF, as well:

Camping Stoves

Contrary to what you may think ,camping stoves aren’t “just for your bug out bag”. You could definitely use it when you bug in as an alternate way to cook, and even heat yourself. So while it’s true a small, foldable camping stove is perfect for your BOB, consider slightly bigger camping stoves, with more than one burner. If you end up bugging out, you can throw these in the back of your BOV’s truck, of course.

flashlights

Flashlights

Ideally you’d need a couple in your bug out bag, one or two in your get home bag, at least 3 in your INCH bag, and at least one in your EDC, preferably attached to your keychain.

Lanterns

Ambient lighting is one of those things you don’t know you need until you actually do. It’ll make life so much easier whether you bug in our out. Check these out:

Headlamps

Survival Fashion

Socks, underwear, hoodies, t-shirts, sweaters, raingear – everything goes here The best place to “shop” for survival clothes is in your attic. Who doesn’t have clothes they haven’t worn in years? Many can be reconditioned (you can go to a tailor or even do it yourself – they don’t need to look fancy), or you can repurpose them into clothes for your kids, or other smaller garments.

If you’re looking for something new, here are a few good deals on Amazon:

tactical pen clipped to back pocket of camo pants
tactical pen clipped to back pocket of camo pants

Tactical Pens

They’re tiny, but they can save your life should you be attacked. Here are some of the best ones:

Best Survival Guns

(coming soon)

walkie talkies

Emergency Radios

The bare minimum would be to have a weather radio, so you’re up to date with whatever disaster you’re facing, plus a two-way radio, so you can communicate with loved ones, or others who could come to your aid. The emergency radios below all have lots of other features, such as hand-crank flashlights:

Here are some of the best walkie-talkies Amazon has to offer, but keep in mind the “range” they claim to have is typically in open terrain, with no obstacles and good weather. in real-life scenarios, they will typically last a lot less.

Here are a few CB citizen’s band radios:

… and some HAM radios (keep in mind you need a license to use these, but if it’s an emergency, you can use one without a license):

Tasers

Tasers may not be as effective at deterring 2 and 4-legged predators, but they can make excellent back-ups, particularly in gun free zones and gun-free countries. Here are my top picks:

Roadside Emergency Kits

Whether you’re bugging out using your vehicle or just driving somewhere, a flat tire or some other emergency can and WILL occur at some point. Though you can always buy each item one by one, you can also find pre-packed kits that will save you some hassle. Just keep in mind having the tools and knowing how to use it are two different things:

tent

Tarps

Tarps can be used in dozens of ways, the most important use being shelter. This is one of those items that needs to be of quality. it should be extremely durable, and also waterproof if you’re going to keep the elements out. Thicker is better, but keep in mind it might weigh you down as you carry it.

Here are my recommendations below:

poncho

Ponchos

Ponchos are smaller than tarps, so naturally they’re easier to carry. Perfect for kids and women, but many preppers should consider both a poncho and a tarp, as they can both help set up shelter. Besides, you’re going to need a poncho anyway to protect yourself from wind and rain.

Selection of Matches

Matches, Lighters and other Fire Starters

Below you can find some excellent ways to start a fire that shouldn’t fail you when you need them most. But have back-ups just in case:

freeze dried food

Survival Food

This is a very broad topic, but here we’re focusing on the food you can buy online. Of course having a garden or raising livestock is the best way to go about it long-term, but what about short term? Here’s my list of the best survival food you can get:

solar charger

Solar Chargers

A charger that can power as many devices as possible should be in any bug out bag. You obviously need to to consider the type of phone you have, the types of phones your family members have, plus any other electronics such e-readers, and tablets.

Here are some of the best chargers out there:

galaxy s7 active

Rugged Phones

While you can use any iPhone with a good case and use it as your EDC and/or survival phone, a rugged phone will typically be a better choice for reasons such as longer battery life and price. Check these out:

hiking boots

Boots

A pair of boots is essential not just for bugging out, but bugging in, doing chores around the house or bug out location, and and hunting and fishing to name a few.

Tip: always keep your boots next or as close to your bug out bag as possible. Should you ever have to bug out, you could grab both quickly and be on your way.

Misc

Last but not least, consider these survival items to complete your survival kit. You don’t need to spend hours and hours deciding for the best ones, but you do need them to be of quality. Here’s what I’m recommending: