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.
Knives, Axes, Machetes and Hatchets
Best Survival Guns
Matches, Lighters and Other Fire-Starters
Bags, Backpacks and Pouches
- WolfWarriorX Military Tactical Assault Backpack
- 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 Back Pack
- Mardingtop 25L/35L Tactical Backpack – this one is bigger, can be used as an INCH bag, or for you and a loved one who can’t carry his own for whatever reason
- Survival Backpack, Drakon, 40L
- Maglite LED 3-Cell D Flashlight
Water Filtration Systems
- The LifeStraw Water Filter
- The Lifestraw + an additional water bottle, so you can take water with you on the go
- The Sawyer Mini – seems to have better specs, many say it’s better than the LifeStraw
- The Brita Water Filter – to be used inside your home to purify and drink tap water; it does not filter microorganisms though
- Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent – useful for a large family
- Coleman Sundome 2-Person Dome Tent – the 2-person version, probably better than having one 4-person tent if there’s only 3 or 4 of you
- Snugpak The Ionosphere 1 Man Dome Tent – this is a one person tent if you’re bugging out solo
- Flytop 3-4 season 2-person Double Layer Backpacking Tent – double layered ten
Sleeping Bags
- Coleman Palmetto Cool Weather Adult Sleeping Bag
- Abco Tech Sleeping Bag
- MalloMe Camping Sleeping Bag
- Coleman North Rim Adult Mummy Sleeping Bag
Bivvy Bags
- The Tact Bivvy Bag – most popular and one of the best
- S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer Escape Bivvy
- Abco Tech Sleeping Bag
Knives, Axes, Machetes and Hatchets
- Mora Companion – the best all-around fixed-blade survival knife for most preppers, with an excellent price; it’s what I carry
- SOG Force Fixed Blade SE38-N – fixed blade
- Case Amber Bone Mini Copperlock Knife – folding knife
- Fiskars x27 Super Splitting Axe 36 Inch
- Estwing Sportsman’s Axe – 14″ Camping Hatchet
- PECO 33000-PE Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe
- Tomahawk Razorback Full Tang Machete
- Ontario Knife Company 8689 Gen Ii SP53 Survival Knife
- SOG Jungle Primitive Fixed Blade F03TN-CP – Hardcased
- Ontario Knife Company 8679 Sp-1 Combat Knife
- Fiskars X11 Splitting Axe
- Gränsfors Bruks Hand Hatchet
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:
- Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit (120 Piece) + Bonus 32-Piece Mini First Aid Kit
- Be Smart Get Prepared 100 Piece First Aid Kit
- First Aid Kit 150 Piece The Only One With Flashlight And Multi-Use Knife
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:
- LEATHERMAN – Wingman Multitool
- Victorinox 1.6795.XAVT Swiss Army Swisschamp Xavt Pocket Knife
- MLTOOLS Survival Tool | Multi purpose Survival Tool
- Gerber Dime Multi-Tool – keychain size
- LEATHERMAN – Micra – keychain size
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.
- Coleman Classic Propane Stove
- Coleman PowerPack Propane Stove, Single Burner
- the Solo Stove
- LEATHERMAN – Style CS Multitool
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.
- Outlite A100 LED Flashlight – small, lightweight and a great price
- MECO Hand Cranking Solar Powered Flashlight – not very bright but excellent price, plus it’s hand-crank AND solar, so you don’t have to worry about batteries
- GearLight High-Powered LED Flashlight – very bright
- Flashlight, NICRON N7 600 Lumens Tactical Flashlight – it’s waterproof and the head can rotate to 90 degrees should you ever need that
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:
- Vont 2 Pack LED Camping Lantern
- Streamlight 44931 Siege
- 4 Pack LED Camping Lantern
- SUAOKI Led Camping Lantern Lights
- Thorfire LED Camping Lantern Lights Hand Crank USB Rechargeable Lanterns Collapsible
Headlamps
- EverBrite 5-Pack LED Headlamp Flashlight
- Foxelli Headlamp Flashlight
- LE LED Headlamp, 4 Lighting Modes, Lightweight Headlight, Helmet
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:
- AIvada 80% Merino Wool Hiking Socks Thermal Warm Crew Winter Sock
- LAPASA Men’s Heavyweight Thermal Underwear Long John
- Thermal Underwear for Women Long Johns
- Wrangler Authentics Men’s Classic Twill Relaxed Fit Cargo Pant
- Women’s Outdoor Water-Resistant convertible Zip Off Quick Drying Lightweight hiking travel Pants
Tactical Pens
They’re tiny, but they can save your life should you be attacked. Here are some of the best ones:
- Smith and Wesson SWPENMP2BK 5.8in Aircraft Aluminum Refillable Tactical Pen
- The Atomic Bear DeaI + Tactical Pen – Self Defense Pen and Window Breaker
- Tactical Pen with 4 ink refill – 4 in 1 – Black Ball Point
Best Survival Guns
(coming soon)
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:
- The American Red Cross FRX3+ Emergency Weather Radio
- iRonsnow IS-399 Real NOAA Alert Weather Radio
- Kaito KA500 5-way Powered Solar Power,Dynamo Crank, Wind Up Emergency AM/FM/SW/NOAA Weather Alert Radio
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.
- Midland – LXT630VP3, 36 Channel FRS Two-Way Radio – Up to 30 Miles
- Midland – GXT1000VP4, 50 Channel GMRS Two-Way Radio – Up to 36 Miles
Here are a few CB citizen’s band radios:
- Uniden PRO505XL 40-Channel CB Radio. Pro-Series
- Uniden BEARCAT 980SSB 40- Channel SSB CB Radio
- President McKinley USA 40 Channel CB Radio
… 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):
- President Ronald 10 Meter Amateur Ham Radio
- BaoFeng BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio
- Yaesu FT-60R Dual Band Handheld 5W VHF
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:
- VIPERTEK VTS-881 – 35 Billion Micro Stun Gun
- VIPERTEK VTS-T03 – Aluminum Series 53 Billion Heavy Duty Stun Gun – this one has and looks like a flashlight, which is great
- Police 928-58 Billion Max Voltage Heavy Duty Super Powerful Stun Gun
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:
- WNG Brands Roadside Assistance Car Emergency Kit
- Blikzone Premium Auto Roadside Assistance Emergency Car Kit with 81 Essentials
- First Secure 90-Piece Car Emergency Kit with Roadside Assistance
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:
- Sunnydaze 16×20 Waterproof Tarp, Heavy Duty
- 8′ x 10′ Super Heavy Duty 16 Mil Brown Poly Tarp Cover
- Stansport Reinforced Multi-Purpose Tarp
- Sunnydaze 16×20 Waterproof Tarp, Heavy Duty
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.
- Anyoo Waterproof Military Rain Poncho
- LINENLUX Women Rain Jacket Hooded Coat
- you also might want to have these disposable ponchos, just in case: Disposable Rain Poncho for Adults by(6 Pack) Including Drawstring Hood and Premium Quality
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:
- UCO Stormproof Matches
- Zippo Typhoon Matches and Match Kit
- Zippo Lighters
- Bic Ligthers
- Schrade SCHFS1 4in Ferro Rod Fire Striker
- überleben Zünden Ferro Rod
- Exotac MATCHAP Waterproof Match Case
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:
- Mountain House’s freeze-dried food selection with a 30+ years of shelf life
- organic honey – unlimited shelf life
- peanut butter – at least one year unopened
- salmon
- powdered cheese – 15 years of shelf life
- coffee, tea, whiskey, and vodka as comfort drinks
- food bars (these should last for 5 years)
- salt and sugar
- you can find more items here in this list I made years ago on Survival Sullivan
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:
- Portable Charger Solar Charger Power Bank 24000mah High Capacity
- Anker 21W Dual USB Solar Charger
- Foxelli Dual USB Solar Charger 10W – Foldable Solar Panel Phone Charger
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:
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.
- Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
- Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Hiking Boot
- Hi-Tec Kids Unisex Hillside Waterproof Jr hiking Boot (for most kids)
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: