User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
USA
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:18:47 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Brian01]
Pretend you're advising someone who has recently decided they want to be a prepared citizen in the realm of tactical, medical, and survival stuff. They don't own any guns yet, no knives other than kitchen knives, no flashlights other than the one on their phone, no medical equipment other than bandaids.
What stuff do you advise them buying, and in what order? Considering that they can't afford to buy everything they would want all at once right away, they need a buying plan. My advice would be to start with flashlights and medical. Make sure they have a few good trauma FAKs and handheld flashlights around and have taken some training. Then move into a knife. Then move into firearms starting with a pistol and holster. Edit, updated list: 1. Two months worth of general supplies you consume, so you can bug IN while the rest of society is panic buying at the store and getting into fights over products. 2. Medical kits. At least two, one for the home and one for the vehicle. And associated training. 3. Handheld flashlights. At least three, one to leave with the home IFAK, one to leave with the vehicle IFAK, and one to EDC. 4. Multitool. 5. Water filtration and purification system. 6. Fire starting tools. A lighter, a flint rod, a few packs of matches, some vaseline soaked cotton balls. 7. Fire extinguisher. 8. Maps of the local area and points of interest, both paper and digital copies. 9. Pistol with light and optic, and all associated shooting gear. 10. Training classes. 11. Rifle with associated accessories and gear. 12. Chest rig. 13. Comms. |
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MO, USA
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:21:06 PM EDT
[#1]
water filters
cause you die fastest with no water and bad water makes you shit to death |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:22:25 PM EDT
[#2]
How are you on food and water?
Those and a generator might help you be prepared for the most likely scenarios to arise. |
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USA
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:22:51 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By LUZCANNON: water filters cause you die fastest with no water and bad water makes you shit to death I was just considering adding to my OP that I'd move on to water purification after the pistol but before getting into a rifle. |
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CO, USA
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:29:14 PM EDT
[#4]
food & water.
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:30:35 PM EDT
[#5]
Firearm first, doesn't have to be fancy. All the preps in the world mean nothing unless you can keep it and keep the goblins at bay.
As previous posters have said, water, food (canned & dry), shelter, vehicle, fuel, light, meds. Get some books on the subject. |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:31:55 PM EDT
[#6]
Stack Dinky Di Dog Food to the ceiling.
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:32:05 PM EDT
[#7]
Survival priorities:
Attitude First Aid Shelter Fire Water Food |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:33:00 PM EDT
[#8]
Dollar Store, Aldis....It is amazing how fast you can stock up on stuff for as little as $10 a week.
Food. Rice, beans, canned goods. Clorox or bleach for water purification. Fire source. Lighters are cheap, make firestarters with cotton balls and vaseline. |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:35:43 PM EDT
[#9]
My advice is don’t buy 87 million Gimmicky axes and shovels and all this dumb shit.
Drive down to some very specific things in each category and save up to buy the highest quality items. Then make a small kit, like say for purifying water, have it neatly organized so it’s ready to use. I see so many people have gear scattered everywhere and a bunch of stuff that none of it does any specific thing very well. For food go buy a few hundred dollars in can goods that you’ll actually eat, and just rotate them through the year. Then when you shopping just replace what you ate that week. |
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CO, USA
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:38:17 PM EDT
[#10]
Every capable citizen should have a semi-auto intermediate caliber rifle and 300 rounds, and another 300 rounds through it. This costs the about the same as one fast food takeout a week, for a year ($20*52).
The rifle and range time will probably encourage spending money on IFAK ect, buying some stuff to sit in a box usually won't. |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:38:39 PM EDT
[#11]
Gym membership
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:41:53 PM EDT
[#12]
An emergency fund is a great thing to have. Not a huge amount but at least a month or two of expenses.
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USA
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:43:21 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MidwestJ]
[#13]
Water
Water filtration Water purification Water storage Water Water Food Lots of it Medical? Batteries/power source(s) |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:44:45 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TribunusSanGeorgii: Survival priorities: Attitude First Aid Shelter Fire Water Food That said an incremental approach would be best. In the first month get extra bandaid and basic OTC meds, morakniv, a couple bics, 25lb rice and 5lbs of beans. Save water in 2L bottles (have others save them for you if you don't use them). Can be done for $50 or less. Subsequent months add more food. Extra canned goods of varieties you already eat. Etc Firearm in 6-12 months after a reasonable food stash is squirreled away. Hierarchy of needs. I've never needed a defensive weapon, but my family eats every day. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:45:24 PM EDT
[#15]
In this order.
1. Firearms & gear. Nothing is yours unless you can protect it. 2. Extensive first aid and follow up kits, including meds and antibiotics. 3. Water collection and purification. 4. Food and off-grid cooking facility. 5. Off-grid heat. More in some areas, less in others. 6. Sanitation. Somewhere in the mix your mobility and form of transportation might become very important. |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:47:10 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By shadowmaker1969: Dollar Store, Aldis....It is amazing how fast you can stock up on stuff for as little as $10 a week. Food. Rice, beans, canned goods. Clorox or bleach for water purification. Fire source. Lighters are cheap, make firestarters with cotton balls and vaseline. Good ideas here. I make fire starters of gulf wax, paper, and dryer lint that are easy and cheap. |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:48:41 PM EDT
[#17]
Get personal finances sorted out. The most likely event the average Joe will encounter will be financially related. Job loss, unexpected expenses, blah blah.
Fitness. Being healthy helps with everything. Start "copy canning". Buying an extra or two of the shelf stable stuff you actually eat, then organize it into a "FIFO" system in your kitchen. Water. Some stored but have a way to acquire and filter/sanitize more. A pistol and related gear and training. |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:49:04 PM EDT
[#18]
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:49:32 PM EDT
[#19]
Shampoo, body wash, and feminine hygiene products for the soccer mom harem
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:49:35 PM EDT
[#20]
Keep on hand more of the food you already eat.....more of the important consumables you already use (TP, hygiene stuff, batteries, wet wipes).....and most importantly more water or a means to procure water (filter, chemical treatment, boiling, etc). One can be better prepared than most just by NOT living on a just in time inventory system for everything.
Gadgets and prepper specific items should be pretty far down on the list. |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:49:54 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Halberdier: In this order. 1. Firearms & gear. Nothing is yours unless you can protect it. 2. Extensive first aid and follow up kits, including meds and antibiotics. 3. Water collection and purification. 4. Food and off-grid cooking facility. 5. Off-grid heat. More in some areas, less in others. 6. Sanitation. Somewhere in the mix your mobility and form of transportation might become very important. IDK what everyone else is up to but I drink water and eat food way more often than I need to shoot at people. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:54:35 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By DFARM: IDK what everyone else is up to but I drink water and eat food way more often than I need to shoot at people. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By DFARM: Originally Posted By Halberdier: In this order. 1. Firearms & gear. Nothing is yours unless you can protect it. 2. Extensive first aid and follow up kits, including meds and antibiotics. 3. Water collection and purification. 4. Food and off-grid cooking facility. 5. Off-grid heat. More in some areas, less in others. 6. Sanitation. Somewhere in the mix your mobility and form of transportation might become very important. IDK what everyone else is up to but I drink water and eat food way more often than I need to shoot at people. Same here. But if you think of a long term crises, your food and water are of no use if someone can easily kill you, or even just take over your space. |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:55:29 PM EDT
[Last Edit: manowar669]
[#23]
Friends (with guns) and stand alone comms to said friends.
Edit to add friends with medical skills. |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:55:36 PM EDT
[#24]
The 3B system.
Beans Bullets Band aids Starting now kinda sucks just with inflation alone. Bit better now then never. Lots of good recomendations. Rotate stock buy what you eat eat what you buy rotate. You can NOT prepare for everything so prepare to your location. IE: tornados, huricanes, floods, winter blizards. Those preps will get you through civil unrest. Buy once cry once ( buy quality) Learn some skills like how to use the stuff you buy. Nothing like owning a axe to find out you ain't got it in you to fell a tree or clear with it. Same with guns don't just buy one shot a mag snd stick it away. Practice. Or having a 1st aid kit and not knowing how to use what's in it or worse not knowing what is in the kit. Stocking up, prepping, survival, is so broad again see what crap happens in your AO and get on board for that. Best of luck. |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:56:30 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By LUZCANNON: water filters cause you die fastest with no water and bad water makes you shit to death Also check out the H2GO, you can make unlimited chlorine from table salt with that, to treat water during SHTF. Filters are good but can freeze or get clogged. Boiling is another indefinite option, but requires fire starting. Thermals are important if its on the list, clock on buying those is ticking, Biden today sanctioned Iray due to the "sanctioning russia" trash, for instance. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 5/2/2024 8:58:23 PM EDT
[#26]
$500 cash
Credit card not maxed out (or debit card) Bottled water Shelf stable food you normally eat. Prefer items that can be eaten without cooking. First aid kit TP Clothing for various seasons. Rain gear, boots/walking shoes. Flashlights Basic tool kit Phone/comms and battery charger Cooking/firestarting solution suitable for your situation. Get in good physical shape so you aren't reliant on meds (if possible). Educate yourself Find some like-minded friends Guns and ammo are still farther down the list. |
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PA, USA
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Posted: 5/2/2024 9:11:34 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Baq]
[#27]
Food and Water for a Month first
if you live in a "freezing" in winter climate then a 2nd heat source for the house 2nd. Handgun that you can carry 3rd Have some sort of a emergency fund and it might be a good idea to have sone hundred in cash in the safe. |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 9:14:49 PM EDT
[#28]
https://www.survival-spot.com/survival-blog/100-itemsnational-emergency/
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Posted: 5/2/2024 9:19:01 PM EDT
[#29]
First I'd watch gundaymorningqb's
video on buying guns, then buy a handgun and ammo, tourniquets, water containers, water filters, water purifying tablets, AR, firearms training, urgent meds stock (benadryl, immodium, steroid pack), wound packing, flashlights, decent knife, food (rice, canned goods, beans), batteries, solar charger, power banks, backpack with hydration bladder, chest rig, camo, chest seals, firearms training, climate control via wood in the winter, fire starting gear, bushcraft training if you need it, tent, freeze-dried food, more ammo, water catchment, chickens, garden, firearms training, ham radio, night vision, ir light/ laser, handheld thermal, team training, guns for family/group, 10/22, large wooded property with (fresh)water access, animal/fruit/vegetable farming, manned wall, solar farm, drones, some creature comforts, screen newcomers, build army, win. |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 9:21:02 PM EDT
[#30]
My list is the same as others but the order is different. And everyone will look at it different.
Shelter water protection food Shelter is needed, to survive the first days of shtf. This can be tents, your house, and rv pretty much anything to keep the sun and rain off your head. Water is needed, need ways to store, purifiy and get it Protection, obvious food, you will need to food. Ways to get more, ways to store and cook it. Get 30 days of all of the above. Then expand on all of the above from there. |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 9:23:18 PM EDT
[Last Edit: 1975]
[#31]
Water
Food Gas |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 9:24:20 PM EDT
[Last Edit: mac1020]
[#32]
1. clean drinking water (stocked, well, nearby stream) and a way to clean it.
2. food (including seeds to grow your own, wild edible books, hunting/trapping/fishing supplies, ways to find or create more) 3. shelter (usually already taken care of, but have a way to heat it in case of extreme cold) 4. sanitiation (tp, soap to clean your self, clothes, dishes, etc) 5. first aid 6. security (guns, ammo, mags, cleaning supplies) I put security last as most of us are more than covered on that. |
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MD, USA
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Posted: 5/2/2024 9:29:42 PM EDT
[#34]
Lots of good stuff so far. You’ll notice the trend that firearms are near the bottom of the lists.
Spend $20 a week for a month on food and water. ALDIs, and Dollar Tree are good sources. This is a good start. Following month spend $20 a week on OTC meds and first aid stuff. Next month, $20/week on flashlights and batteries. There is a pattern here….. Keep on this pattern with other necessities. Including saving that $20/ week for more expensive purchases. Being prepared is a marathon, not a sprint. In a years time, you can accumulate a lot. |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 9:32:06 PM EDT
[#35]
Best way to start is to learn how to manage bulk of the necessities you already use:
toilet paper, weekly/monthly groceries, medicine and first aid, soaps, fuel, clothes, etc. Start buying your stuff in bulk. Organize it. Ration it and document usage. That's where the real challenges of prepping lie, not just buying random stuff to fill shelves. |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 9:32:18 PM EDT
[#36]
Firearms have been the least useful SHTF item for me.
If I were advising someone, it would depend on what the most likely low level events would be based on where they live, and start building out training, equipment, and supplies from there. My generator has been called into use more times than any firearm. |
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USA
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Posted: 5/2/2024 9:37:00 PM EDT
[#37]
A lot of people seem to view water and food as being before firearms and even medical. I think med comes first, but I can see the argument for not worrying about a firearm until you have a a few months of supplies put away so you can stay home during the waves of panic buying. Bugging in beats bugging out.
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Posted: 5/2/2024 9:38:12 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Terriblis: Gym membership Yep.. without Cardio the rest of the things are useless.  Attached File |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 9:40:56 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By DFARM: Get personal finances sorted out. The most likely event the average Joe will encounter will be financially related. Job loss, unexpected expenses, blah blah. Fitness. Being healthy helps with everything. Start "copy canning". Buying an extra or two of the shelf stable stuff you actually eat, then organize it into a "FIFO" system in your kitchen. Water. Some stored but have a way to acquire and filter/sanitize more. A pistol and related gear and training.  Attached File. Great advice right here , OP |
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AL, USA
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Posted: 5/2/2024 9:54:18 PM EDT
[#40]
Not a list but a thought process
Take a piece of paper and write down the numbers 1-10. Starting at 1, list the most likely emergency you will encounter- Most likely #1 it will be something simple like a short power outage between 8-24 hours. #2 might be a winter storm that knocks out power for 48 hours or more. #4 might be a Hurricane Katrina type event with widespread extended damage to infrastructure. #6 might be a financial collapse. At the end of the list is things you may never encounter: Number #9 might be a global thermonuclear conflict, #10 could be asteroid striking the earth or a pole shift, etc. After you made the list of scenarios in order of likelihood put together a list to prepare for those scenarios in that order. The #1 (power outage) would require some batteries,flashlights, and a few ready to eat meals. Then add what you need for Number #2, this might the items from #1 but in addition would include weather radios, blankets, more food and ways to keep warm. Keep working through the list methodically. If you approach the list this way you'll buy the most practical, non-sexy items first and they are most likely to get used, which is positive reinforcement to continue prepping in this manner. |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 9:55:46 PM EDT
[#41]
When you get to long term storage preps,
It's hard to beat the offerings of the LDS. https://store.churchofjesuschrist.org/usa/en/new-category/food-storage/food-storage-items/5637169327.c?lang=eng |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 9:56:40 PM EDT
[#42]
as many five packs o' matchetes as you can afford
surplus wool blankets cases of HUMRATs and pallet o' chef boyardee raviolis titanium spork(s) couple ways to start a fire couple ways to purify wudder everything else can be acquired post collapse. @CastleBravo91 |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 10:09:52 PM EDT
[#43]
alcohol
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Posted: 5/2/2024 10:12:18 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By TexRdnec: alcohol 100-lbs of yeast and some copper line. 
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Posted: 5/2/2024 10:16:35 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By shadowmaker1969: Dollar Store, Aldis....It is amazing how fast you can stock up on stuff for as little as $10 a week. Food. Rice, beans, canned goods. Clorox or bleach for water purification. Fire source. Lighters are cheap, make firestarters with cotton balls and vaseline. Those are awesome. Also wind and rain resistant, burn for like....5 minutes. And a 50-brick of bic lighters is only $50. You can get Ferro rods for cheap too. Redundancy is your friend. |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 10:17:01 PM EDT
[#46]
Knowledge
Pistol and it’s necessary additions/holster spare mags Rifle and it’s necessary additions/sling optic light Water/water collection/purification Food/Means to procure more food You could likely stock a months worth of rations right now for $105 per person they won’t be great but they will keep you alive. |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 10:18:38 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JLPettimoreIII: as many five packs o' matchetes as you can afford surplus wool blankets cases of HUMRATs and pallet o' chef boyardee raviolis titanium spork(s) couple ways to start a fire couple ways to purify wudder everything else can be acquired post collapse. @CastleBravo91 There you are! I knew you'd be in this thread somewhere! |
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Posted: 5/2/2024 10:19:21 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JLPettimoreIII: negative, ghostrider. 100-lbs of yeast and some copper line. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JLPettimoreIII: Originally Posted By TexRdnec: alcohol 100-lbs of yeast and some copper line. there's a vevor for this https://www.ebay.com/itm/385202844827?itmmeta=01HWY3XEDDBW3K79FZCT80BJ84&hash=item59afe0f49b:g:gswAAOSwDLRjXydy&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAAwOcomgtiUH8pl9FPYCLYvzBV08fm90oWN4gEgpCa2XwFoDW3oESmurY%2Fl%2BQSYODKUL7QNufFIzDtheKg17x7%2BxmFdl0N7%2B%2BBETQnU5AmE8CLMxuZd9%2FvsHgZmBwY7bRGU5WX0JvM8ctiFl%2FkzdJr8CJb%2BuIIa3Np%2FxAOn8Si8gsAKE%2Be7wK7zZvNXSlVQs1lgVXgrkwmB2o33cbeojNm9tdvJizUwFgx53%2FRSuMXSxNSgqr3ySgINwD%2BMnkwWVZVnQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_Tm9cPnYw |
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USA
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Posted: 5/2/2024 10:22:14 PM EDT
[#49]
A worthy note on water is that any water storage long term should be in glass containers, not plastic. Because microplastics will leak into the water over extended periods of time. So any water stored in plastic should be planned only for use in hygiene and only the water stored in glass is used for consumption.
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Posted: 5/2/2024 10:26:01 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JLPettimoreIII: negative, ghostrider. 100-lbs of yeast and some copper line. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JLPettimoreIII: negative, ghostrider. 100-lbs of yeast and some copper line. Never has there ever been a more appropriate username being appropriate. Lol If you only go to town twice a year, you're probably pretty well prepped, especially if your white trash grandson lives nearby. Originally Posted By Brian01: A lot of people seem to view water and food as being before firearms and even medical. I think med comes first, but I can see the argument for not worrying about a firearm until you have a a few months of supplies put away so you can stay home during the waves of panic buying. Bugging in beats bugging out. It all depends on what you're preparing for. Most likely emergencies aren't WROL/TEOTWAWKI/MZB/whatever other prepper-porn scenario you're thinking of. Being friendly with the neighbors and having stuff on hand so you can go a couple weeks without going to the store will get you through a lot of situations. COVID was a good training event. I hope most people haven't forgotten how things were then. I think we're going to see similar situations in the near future. Not the pandemic part but limited availability of some things, people being weird and rioting. Mostly related to the election. The machine is already getting some riot reps in to freshen up for this season. |
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