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Be Prepared: A Disaster, Survival, and Camping Checklist

Contents
  1. Everyday Carry (EDC)
    1. Essentials
    2. Optional Additions
  2. Bug out / Bail out / Go Bag
    1. Essentials
    2. Optional Additions
  3. Vehicle
    1. Essentials
    2. Nice to Have Items
    3. Seasonal Considerations
  4. Home
    1. Pantry
    2. Tools and Equipment
    3. Supplies
    4. Garden
  5. Skills and Training
  6. References and Additional Resources

Whether it is a massive earthquake, zombie apocalypse, foreign invasion, the collapse of civilization, a snow storm, or just camping, the following items may be useful. Ultimately you should have the skills to survive without these items but these may help in the short-term and increase your odds of survival.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Every situation is different. The following are what I think may be important in a variety of situations. I’ve provided my rationale for every item but I am by no means an expert. Do your own research and only buy what makes sense for you. Some items in this list may not be legal for you to own. Consult your healthcare professional regarding first aid and medical recommendations. Do not take medical advice from someone on the internet.

Affiliate links: Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Everyday Carry (EDC)

Essentials

  • Knife — There are plenty of good options. Find one that is comfortable to carry and use. Know how to clean and sharpen it.
  • Sunglasses — Protect your eyes from the sun, dust, and debris.
  • Cash — In the event of a power outage or system failure, electronic payments might not work. Cash ensures you can buy necessary supplies.

Optional Additions

  • Pistol — Choose a common caliber (e.g. 9mm). Something like .50 AE or .30 Super Carry are often hard to find especially in an emergency. Whatever you choose to carry: know how to use it and maintain it. Don’t bother carrying if you aren’t training. Not being able to handle it properly will make it a liability not a resource.
  • Flashlight — A small, portable flashlight can be essential for seeing in the dark or signaling for help.
  • Whistle — Useful for signaling and attracting attention in an emergency.
  • First Aid Kit — A compact first aid kit for treating minor injuries.
  • Portable Charger — Keep your phone and other small devices charged.
  • Pepper Spray — Non-lethal self-defense tool.

Bug out / Bail out / Go Bag

Essentials

  • Bag — Consider what you need to carry, ease of access, and need for weather protection. Lots of compartments and zippers can make finding things difficult if you are not using the bag all the time.
  • Multitool — Carry as little as possible by consolidating tools. Pick a good multitool that covers most use cases.
  • Water Purification — I like to have multiple options for water filtering. Priorities change based on the situation, but water is generally one of the first considerations. All of these options are finite, so it is important to have the skills to acquire water by other means long-term.
    • Purification Tablets are cheap and easy to carry but eventually they run out. They are great for purifying water in bulk but do little to improve the taste of water.
    • Personal Pocket Purifiers are great for individual use and each one can filter as much as 1,000 gallons. While they are good for drinking water, they aren’t as useful for collecting water.
    • Pump Purifiers are great for family and general use however the unit and replacement filters are expensive.
  • Fire Starter — I like to have multiple options. No matter what you carry, be sure you are comfortable using it.
    • Ferro Rod — These can last a long time (20,000+ strikes) but do require a little practice.
    • Storm Proof Matches — These are really convenient but will run out quick. Save for bad weather conditions.
    • Magnifying Glass — No limit to the number of fires you can start and handy for reading a map but requires ideal sun exposure to work.
    • Fire Rope — Convenient but not necessary. Pocket lint also works well.
  • Mylar Thermal Blankets — These are cheap, small, and can be used for personal warmth or shelter.
  • Water Bottle — Lightweight and can be used to store items if needed. If space is a concern, the bottle can be clipped onto the bag. The bottle can be eliminated if the backpack has a built-in hydration pack or substituted for a Camelbak.
  • Headlamp — A flashlight works too but it is nice to have both hands-free.
  • Paracord — Lots of uses. Especially useful for shelters, tying things down, hoisting supplies into a tree, etc.
  • First Aid — Carry only what you need for your area. A Stop the Bleed course will teach you how to use the trauma items below.
    • First Aid Kit — A good place to start. Remove what you do not need. For instance, you don’t need scissors in your kit if you have them on your multitool.
    • Medications — Buy travel packs to save space. Remember medication has a shelf life but if stored properly many medications are good for years. Rotate medications every 2 to 3 years if possible but review the FDA’s SLEP findings to understand the potential efficacy of medications beyond the expiration date. Consider pain medications, antibiotics (requires prescription), allergy medications, sinus decongestants, cough suppressants, and gastrointestinal medications. A pill organizer may be a better option in some cases.
    • Quick Clot Gauze — Use to pack gunshot wound (not for chest wounds; see chest seal below).
    • Tourniquet — Use for gun shot or other significant limb wound.
    • Chest Seal — For gunshot or other penetrating wounds to the chest, which shouldn’t be packed with gauze.
    • Vinyl gloves — They don’t take up any space and are good to have when performing first aid on someone whose medical history you are not familiar with.
    • Potassium Iodide (KI) Radiation Tablets — If you have children under 3 you will need an oral solution. In a radiation emergency, people may be instructed to take KI. Do not take unless instructed. Follow the CDC’s guidance on who should take it and how much.
  • Extra Batteries — For your flashlight, radio, and other battery-operated devices.
  • Maps — Internet may be down and even if you have a local copy downloaded on your phone, your phone may not work. Consider having a local map with lots of details and more broad map of the entire country’s interstate highways.
  • Compass — Needed for accurate navigation but you should be able to roughly navigate based on the Sun and Stars.
  • Nested steel cooking set — Great for cooking or heating water. Do not buy double wall steel for this purpose.
  • Radio — Useless if you do not know how to use it. Get a GMRS license to practice. Consider a HAM license and an upgraded radio if you find you enjoy it. These are also great for picking up FM channels. Get familiar with your local frequencies and program your radio ahead of time. Most valuable use is getting news.
  • Cleaning Wipes — Good for cleaning hands or a sponge bath if water is scarce.
  • Duct Tape — Don’t waste space by carrying a whole roll. Either make your own small roll or buy a pre-made small roll.
  • Gloves — You will likely be using your hands a lot. Get a good pair of leather gloves that will last.
  • Mask — Useful for dust or smoke. A bandana may also work in some cases.
  • Emergency Rations (Food) — These will give you energy to keep moving but are not a good long term supply of nutrients. Once you get where you are going, you will need to find other sources of food.
  • Clear Plastic Drop Cloth — Useful for rain cover (emergency poncho or shelter), gun shot wounds to the lungs and water collection from rain or ground evaporation. These are cheap and light weight but fall apart quickly.
  • Notepad, Tactical Pen, and Pencil — For emergency information, notes, directions, etc. A tactical pen doubles as a less lethal self defense tool and a window punch.
  • In Case of Emergency (ICE) card — This could be a page in a notebook but it should be easy to find. Include details for each member of family and make sure everyone knows where to find this information.
    • List of medications
    • List of known medical history and concerns (e.g. Hypertension, Diabetes)
    • Emergency contacts
    • Blood type
  • Important Information — Could be in a notebook or stored with map.
    • Local emergency radio frequencies
    • Addresses and GPS coordinates for important destinations
    • Copy of Drivers License
    • Copy of Passport
    • Copy of Insurance
  • Photo of each family member — This is helpful when searching for someone in a disaster situation.

Optional Additions

These are items that may not be necessary but will make things easier or improve your chances of survival. Each item will add weight and occupy more space in your pack. So think carefully about what you add.

General

  • Pack Organizer — Makes finding things a little easier.
  • Water-resistant Zipper Pouch — Better quality than ziplock bags.
  • Electrolyte Pouches — Helpful to combat dehydration and illness.
  • Sunscreen — Depending on how easy you burn, this may be an essential item.
  • Silver and/or Gold coins/bullion — If cash isn’t worth anything, and you don’t have anything to barter with, precious metal may still be worth something.
  • Hand Warmers — Useful for keeping hands warm in cold weather.
  • Collapsible Shovel — Useful for digging and various other tasks.
  • Bivy / Sleeping Bag — Mylar blanket could be used instead but this has a sealed seam to maximize heat retention.

Urban

  • Solar Battery — Great for charging small devices like phones and flashlights. All of which should be considered conveniences and not something needed to survive.
  • Satellite Phone — Great for local disasters but expensive and useless for widespread incidents.
  • Navigation with GPS — Makes things easier but you should be comfortable with traditional maps navigation.
  • Sillcock Key — Opens water valve on commercial buildings.
  • OEM Penetration Keys — Open elevators, garage doors, cabinets, vehicle glove boxes, etc.
  • Heavy Equipment Keys — For operating tractors, construction equipment, etc.
  • Door Latch Bypass — Useful for quick entry when the door latch is exposed like with pool gates and interior doors.
  • Lockpick — Don’t bother with a large kit if you aren’t already a skilled locksmith. Get either a pocketknife style set or a small set. You shouldn’t need more than a half dozen picks to open most locks. Get a transparent training lock and practice. There is no point in carrying something you do not know how to use.
  • Crowbar — Useful for prying open doors or windows in an emergency.
  • Light Sticks — Provide light without using batteries, useful for marking locations or signaling.

Wilderness

  • Emergency Tent — Mylar blanket and paracord could be used instead but this is quick and easily reusable.
  • Campfire Tripod Plate — Makes cooking over an open fire easier.
  • Hand Auger — Useful for making shelters and branch tripods for cooking over a fire.
  • Pocket Saw — Great alternative to carrying an axe or hatchet. Can be used for acquiring wood for a fire or shelter.
  • Flat Pack Stove — Great for cooking or heating water. Alternatively you can cook directly on hot coals.
  • Insect Repellent Wipes — With wipes there isn’t a concern with spills and leaks. These are individually wrapped.
  • Fishing Kit — Basic fishing supplies for catching food.
  • Signal Mirror — For signaling aircraft or distant search teams.
  • Snare Wire — For trapping small game.

Vehicle

Essentials

  • Spare Tire — A properly inflated spare tire is crucial for any road trip. Make sure it’s in good condition and ready to use.
  • Jack and Lug Wrench — Essential tools for changing a tire. Ensure you know how to use them.
  • Jumper Cables — Useful for jump-starting a dead battery. Consider a portable jump starter for added convenience.
  • Tire Pressure Gauge — Regularly check tire pressure to prevent blowouts and maintain fuel efficiency.
  • First Aid Kit — Basic medical supplies to handle minor injuries on the road.
  • Reflective Warning Triangles or Flares — To warn other drivers if you are stopped on the side of the road.
  • Flashlight — A reliable, battery-powered flashlight for night-time emergencies.
  • Multi-tool — Versatile tool for various minor repairs and adjustments.
  • Blanket — Warmth in case you get stranded in cold weather.
  • Water and Non-Perishable Snacks — Stay hydrated and maintain energy levels if you are stuck for a prolonged period.
  • Fire Extinguisher — Small, automotive-specific extinguisher for dealing with small fires.
  • Vehicle Manual — The vehicle’s manual can provide troubleshooting tips for common problems.
  • Gloves — Protect your hands while working on your vehicle.
  • Zip Ties — Useful for securing loose items or making quick, temporary repairs.

Nice to Have Items

  • Portable Air Compressor — To inflate tires if they become under-inflated.
  • Tire Repair Kit — For minor tire repairs if a spare tire is not available.
  • Tow Strap or Rope — Useful if you need to be towed or help someone else.
  • Duct Tape — For temporary repairs on hoses or other vehicle parts.
  • Bungee Cords — Useful for securing items or keeping things in place.
  • Window Breaker and Seatbelt Cutter — In case of an emergency where you need to escape the vehicle quickly.
  • Phone Charger — Keep a car charger for your phone to ensure you can call for help.
  • Portable Battery Pack — Additional power source for your electronic devices. Be careful leaving batteries in the car in hotter climates as they could be damaged and possibly explode.
  • Rain Poncho — To stay dry if you need to work outside the vehicle in the rain.
  • Maps — Physical maps of your usual routes and surrounding areas in case GPS is unavailable.

Seasonal Considerations

  • Winter Gear — Extra blankets, warm clothing, hand warmer, ice scraper, snow shovel, and sand or kitty litter for traction on ice.
  • Summer Gear — Extra water, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat for protection against the sun.

Home

This section aims to provide a list of items to be kept around the home not just for disasters but for everyday use.

Pantry

Dry Goods

  • Beans (Pinto, Kidney, and Black) — Good source of protein and fiber, long shelf life.
  • Rice — Versatile staple, easy to store and cook.
  • Coffee — Boosts morale, can be used for trade.
  • Cocoa — Comfort food, high in antioxidants.
  • Sugar — Energy source, preserves food.
  • Salt — Essential for body function, food preservation.
  • Lentils — Nutrient-dense, easy to cook.
  • Powdered Milk — Long shelf life, source of calcium and protein.
  • Bouillon (Beef and Chicken) — Adds flavor to meals, easy to store.
  • Electrolyte Powder — Replenishes essential minerals, prevents dehydration.
  • Freeze-dried nutrient-dense powder — Easy to store, provides essential vitamins and minerals.
  • Wheat Berries — Can be ground into flour, long shelf life.
  • Dried Fruit — Long shelf life and a good source of vitamins and energy.
  • Jerky — High in protein and easy to store.
  • Pasta — Easy to cook and store.
  • Powdered Eggs — Long shelf life, versatile in cooking.

Fats

  • Olive Oil — Healthy fat, versatile for cooking.
  • Coconut Oil — Long shelf life, can be used for cooking and skin care.
  • Ghee — Clarified butter, stable at room temperature.
  • Tallow — Rendered beef fat, useful for cooking and candles.

Cans and Jars

  • Tomatoes — Base for many recipes, high in vitamins.
  • Beans — Ready to eat, good source of protein.
  • Tuna — High in protein, long shelf life.
  • Sardines — Nutrient-dense, high in omega-3s.
  • Salmon — Rich in protein and omega-3s.
  • Lentils — Ready to eat, good source of nutrients.
  • Chicken Soup — Comfort food, easy to prepare.
  • Chili — Ready-to-eat meal, high in protein.
  • Chicken — Versatile protein source.
  • Peanut Butter — High in protein, long shelf life.
  • Mixed Vegetables — Variety of nutrients and can be eaten cold if necessary.
  • Mixed Fruit — Provides vitamins and can be a morale booster.

Baking Supplies

  • Baking Powder — Essential for baking, long shelf life.
  • Baking Soda — Versatile, can be used for cleaning and baking.
  • Cornstarch — Thickening agent for cooking.
  • Vanilla Extract — Flavoring for baking.

Whole Spices

  • Peppercorn — Essential spice, long shelf life.
  • Cinnamon Sticks — Flavoring for food and drinks, medicinal properties.
  • Cumin — Flavoring for cooking, high in antioxidants.

Other

  • Liquor (Gin, Vodka, Whiskey/Scotch) — Good for extracts, pain relief, sterilization, and bartering.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar — Various health benefits, used in cooking and cleaning.
  • Soy Sauce — Flavoring, long shelf life.
  • Real Maple Syrup — Natural sweetener, long shelf life.
  • Honey — Natural sweetener, medicinal properties, long shelf life.
  • Vinegar — Various uses in cooking and cleaning.

Tools and Equipment

  • Grain Mill — If electricity is not a concern, the NutriMill is a great everyday use option. If electricity may not be available for a long period of time, a manual mill may be a good choice. These can be used to make flour from whole wheat berries. Whole wheat berries are inexpensive and much healthier than store-bought flour.
  • Axe — Useful for chopping wood, building shelter, and other heavy-duty tasks.
  • Hatchet — Smaller than an axe, useful for lighter chopping tasks.
  • Propane Stove — Portable cooking solution, easy to use.
  • Dual Fuel Generator — Provides backup power, can run on gasoline or propane.
  • Wood Stove or Fireplace — Heating and cooking option if electricity is unavailable.
  • Propane Adapters — Allows for the use of various propane-powered devices.
  • Scepter Water Storage Containers — Portable, durable containers for storing small amounts of water.
  • Water Storage Tanks — Allows for storage of large amounts of water.
  • Heavy Duty Tarp — Versatile, can be used for shelter, covering supplies, or collecting water.
  • Kerosene Heater — Provides heat during cold weather, portable.
  • Lantern — Provides light, useful for nighttime activities.
  • Flashlight — Essential for visibility in the dark.
  • Rifle — For hunting and self-defense.
  • Shotgun — Versatile for hunting and self-defense.
  • Gas Masks — Protects against harmful particles and gases.
  • Submersible Water Pump (Subpump) — Useful for removing water from flooded areas.
  • Emergency Fire Blanket — Can extinguish small fires, useful for personal protection.
  • Pressure Cooker — Speeds up cooking time, useful for preserving food.
  • Canning Equipment — Essential for preserving food long-term.
  • Solar Charger — For recharging batteries and small devices using sunlight.
  • Waterproof Bags — For keeping important items dry.
  • Rope — Strong, durable rope for a variety of uses.
  • Chainsaw — For cutting larger pieces of wood (requires maintenance and fuel).
  • Tire Repair Kit — For patching flat tires on vehicles.
  • Binoculars — For scouting and surveillance.

Supplies

  • Ammo — Essential for hunting and self-defense.
  • Tea Candles — Provide light, can be used for heating small spaces.
  • Fire Extinguisher — Essential for putting out small fires.
  • Seeds — For growing food, essential for long-term self-sufficiency.
  • Feed — For livestock if you have any.
  • Fuel
    • Propane — Versatile fuel source for cooking, heating, and generators.
    • Kerosene — Used for heaters and lamps.
    • Wood — Essential for heating and cooking if you have a wood stove or fireplace.
    • Gasoline — Needed for generators and vehicles.
  • Trash Bags — Multiple uses, including waste management and rain protection.
  • Soap — For hygiene and cleaning.
  • Bleach — Useful for disinfecting surfaces and purifying water.
  • Gloves — Additional pairs for handling various materials or situations.
  • Rubbing Alcohol — For disinfection and medical use.
  • Zip Ties — Useful for securing items quickly and easily.

Garden

  • Ginger — Medicinal properties, adds flavor to food.
  • Potato — High yield, versatile, and easy to grow.
  • Carrots — Nutritious and easy to store.
  • Onions — Essential for cooking, long storage life.
  • Garlic — Medicinal properties, adds flavor to food.
  • Lettuce — Quick-growing, provides fresh greens.
  • Spinach — Nutritious and easy to grow.
  • Tomatoes — Versatile in cooking, high in vitamins.
  • Herbs (e.g., Basil, Rosemary, Thyme) — Add flavor to food, some have medicinal properties.
  • Beans — High yield and good source of protein.
  • Peas — Easy to grow and nutritious.
  • Corn — Versatile and can be stored long-term.
  • Squash — High yield and good storage potential.
  • Berries — Nutrient-rich and good for fresh eating or preserving.

Skills and Training

Practice makes perfect. Practice often so tasks become second nature.

  • Starting Fire — Essential for warmth, cooking, and signaling.
  • Shelter Building — Crucial for protection from the elements.
  • Canning — Preserves food for long-term storage.
  • Gardening — Provides a sustainable food source.
  • Sourdough Bread Making — Allows for homemade bread without commercial yeast.
  • Navigation — Essential for finding your way without modern technology.
  • Hunting and Gathering — Provides food in the wild.
  • First Aid (CPR and Trauma) — Essential for treating injuries and saving lives.
  • Water Harvesting — Techniques for collecting and purifying water.
  • Basic Cooking — Knowledge of how to prepare simple, nutritious meals with limited resources.
  • Knot Tying — Essential for securing shelters, tying down equipment, and more.
  • Fishing and Trapping — Additional methods for sourcing food in the wild.
  • Tool Maintenance — Keeping your tools in good working condition.
  • Self-Defense — Basic skills to protect yourself in dangerous situations.

References and Additional Resources