(Continued from Part 1 — End-Times Survival Guide.)
4. Survival Necessities: Supplies, Tools and Skills
In case of the event of an economic collapse or blackout scenario, it’s recommended to have a minimum of six months of supplies prepared. Make sure you have enough food and other survival essentials properly stored and well-hidden. You also need a reliable source of water, and the means to make it safe to drink. Keep in mind, tools and gear should be light, portable and durable. Invest in quality American-made products that you can depend on when the going gets tough.
Survivalist Checklist:
• Firearms: Guns prove to be the greatest asset in any survival situation. Owning a firearm gives us optimal protection and the ability to hunt more efficiently. I recommend investing in a short barreled rifle; you need something powerful and intimidating yet versatile for different situations. If you buy a scope, think about getting a light amplification or thermal night vision scope; it’s nice to see what’s hiding in the dark—plus—hunting at night has it’s advantages. It’s also a good idea to have a back-up pistol and of course a gun cleaning kit.
• Ammunition: Cartridges are the money of the future; make sure you invest in a currency that is most widely accepted. Choose a caliber that is easy to come by; 9mm is the most common, and it is inexpensive and lightweight. Have some hollow-point ammunition in your arsenal too.
• Water: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend storing one gallon of water per person per day; one half gallon is to drink and the other half is for hygiene purposes; if you have animals, factor their needs as well. It would be wise to invest in a quality water filter and collect rainwater if you can.
• Food: Store non-perishable organic foods that are healthy and easy to prepare: rice, pasta, flour, beans, oatmeal, canned foods, dehydrated meals, salt and spices, honey, sugar, coffee, herbal teas, almond milk, dried fruit, crackers, energy bars, hemp seeds, hemp protein powder, cacao powder, cooking oil and most importantly: peanut butter.
• Medical Supplies: Wean yourselves from pharmaceuticals if you are dependent on these kinds of medications—instead—choose natural solutions for finding remedy. Maintain your health by taking multi-vitamin supplements and drinking plenty of fluids. Always be prepared for trauma situations and keep a well-stocked inventory of medical supplies. Here’s how your medical inventory should look: medical manual, professional medical kit, first responder field kit, bleeding control kit, Israeli bandages, extra gauze and bandage wraps, extra medical tape, sanitizer gel and wipes, cotton balls and Q-tips, rubbing alcohol, antibiotic ointment, antihistamines, antidiarrheal treatment, pain killers, organic multi-vitamin supplements, cold medicine, thermometer, surgical scissors, medical gloves, and a bulb syringe.
• Tools: It is imperative to have the most basic survival tools ready. Have at least one full tang survival knife with guided field sharpener, an ax or hatchet, a multi-tool, a hand saw with replacement blades and a folding shovel; you will also need a pair leather work gloves. Don’t enter the wild ill-equipped.
• Backpack: Create a practical carry-system to transport gear and supplies. Invest in a quality, military-grade, modular pack system and customize it to your needs. Get a dependable backpack that can withstand the elements and carry heavy loads without breaking your back.
• Portable Shelter: Having proper shelter is crucial for survival in the wilderness; make sure you have the following: a light-weight tent and extra stakes, plastic tarps, heavy-duty trash bags, paracord, an emergency bivvy, survival blankets and a water-resistant insulated sleeping bag.
• Rain Gear: Keep your gear dry; have multiple waterproof carry options available; take into account items such as paper documents, electronics, fire-starter and ammunition when configuring your setup. Have a rain cover for your pack and a poncho for your back. Also, there are many chemical solutions for waterproofing your clothing and gear.
• Portable Stove: A portable stove allows you to cook more conveniently and heat your shelter from the inside. Having a stove is optional, but definitely something to consider depending on your needs.
• Cookware: It wouldn’t hurt to have some basic camping cookware and utensils: pot, pot holder, canteen, mug and thermos. Titanium cookware is the most durable and lightweight.
• Communications: In the case of a blackout event, communications will be knocked out completely. Having an emergency hand crank radio will ensure that you stay connected to the world—and if you can afford. Invest in a pair of FRS, GMRS, or MURS band walkie-talkies. Make sure they are waterproof and rechargeable. (Preferably via USB.)
• Fire Starter Kit: Have the essentials for making fire: fuel and tinder, a carpenter’s pencil sharpener for collecting wood shavings, a couple of striking rods, waterproof matches, wind proof lighters and flares. Keep your fire starter kit dry and accessible.
• Alternate Power Source: Be prepared to go off-grid; find an on-the-go solution for charging electronics; invest in a portable photovoltaic panel system and charging station.
• Lighting: Let there be light! Have plenty of options for lighting: candles, oil lamps, head lamps and at least one high lumen lithium ion flashlight.
• Batteries: Make an inventory of your electronics that require batteries and prioritize them based on their necessity of use; have enough of the right-sized batteries for the electronics that are most important. Proper waterproof storage of batteries should also be a concern, especially when in the field.
• Shoes: Keep your feet warm, clean, and dry. Invest in some quality hiking boots and have plenty of wool socks ready; a good pair of boot gaiters will also be much appreciated.
• Toiletries: Have the toiletries you need to maintain good personal hygiene. Toilet paper will become a prized commodity during times of crises; consider using a lab safety wash bottle as an alternative to cleaning your backside.
• Navigation: Don’t get lost; buy a military-grade compass and always have a map of your surrounding area. GPS navigators won’t be of much use if there’s an EMP attack. Instead, learn to depend on more traditional navigation methods.
• Maintenance and Repair: Be prepared for quick fixes on the field: duct tape, zip ties, super glue, epoxy glue, sewing kit, etc.
Survival Skills
It is said that wisdom without knowledge is like a king without his crown. It does not matter how well-prepared you may think you are—if you don’t have the right knowledge—then you have no chance for survival. We must educate ourselves now while we still have opportunity. Develop the necessary skills for survival and self-reliance.
-Fire Starting:
Fire starting is one of the most primitive skills that we must master as a survivalist.
• Be able to distinguish different kinds of trees and know their uses.
• Know how to find tinder and kindling even in the most harsh weather conditions.
• Specialize in primitive techniques for making fire without using a lighter or matches.
• Learn how to make a long-log fire.
-Building Shelters:
After you’ve made a fire, it’s time to build your shelter. A shelter protects you from the elements, insects and enemy observation.
• I recommend learning different tarp shelter setups for bushcraft and camping; they are the most simple yet effective solution for providing a survival structure.
• Prepare all the tools and materials necessary for building your desired structures.
• Have an emergency bivy, tarps, paracord, heavy duty garbage bags and a couple of survival blankets with you at all times.
-Hunting:
It’s important to know how to hunt proficiently for obvious reasons; the survivalist depends on his hunting skills for food.
• Be knowledgeable of wild edibles.
• Learn how to make survival weapons for hunting.
• Learn different trapping methods.
• Have a small fishing kit packed.
-Cooking:
Cooking is a skill that can not be overlooked by the survivalist. We must know how to prepare, cook and preserve food properly in an outdoor environment.
• Learn how to skin, gut, quarter and de-bone different game species.
• Have the proper storage for perishables and a meat bag for game.
• Keep multiple knives and a portable bone saw.
• Know how to cook on an open fire.
• Make sure you have plenty of spices packed in your bug out bag.
-Gardening:
The goal of the survivalist is to be self-reliant; gardening is key to claiming our independence.
• Have the basic gardening tools: gloves, a small gardening shovel and handheld pruning shears.
• Always keep a supply of seeds.
-Wayfinding:
It’s important to have basic way-finding skills as a survivalist; know your surroundings.
• Learn how to navigate by the stars, moon and other signs in nature.
• Know how to properly forecast weather.
• Keep at least two waterproof compasses in your inventory.
-Self-Defense:
It’s good to be able to protect yourself in a combat situation.
• Combat training builds confidence and endurance.
• Teach your family how to defend themselves.
• Find a boxing gym (or dojo) and get pounding.
-Medicine:
Get some basic medical training and prepare yourselves mentally and emotionally for trauma situations. It’s also good to keep a book on herbs and natural remedies handy.
• Neem oil is perfect for repelling parasites and other insects
• Clove oil relieves the pain of toothaches
• Turmeric powder promotes overall healthy body functions.
• Milk thistle and dandelion can save you from liver disease.
—Strictly follow these guidelines to ensure your survival for the end-times—
5. Conclusion:
“Do your best, prepare for the worst; then trust in God to bring victory.” ~ King Solomon
The day of our Lord is on arrival—until that day comes—give all your blood, sweat and tears to help save the lives of your family; don’t sit around and expect God to do all the work. Be watchful and prepare diligently to ensure the safety and survival of your family during the end-times. Through Christ Almighty, we are more than conquerors and evil has already been defeated. Make sure you know who your master is and get ready for the final battle.
It’s time to take a stand; live an honest life and you will undoubtedly know the truth, which is the way and the light that leads to Ultimate Salvation. God bless all those who walk in truth; in His Son’s name we pray: Jesus Christ! Yahusha Hamashiach!
Please read: Luke Chapter 21
My add ons
Food: real tea if you´re a tea Person
Tools: Multi tool, SAK
Backpack: good civilian Backpack, comfotable, less weight and look what they take to climb mountains and expeditions
Rain Gear: Pants and pack your gear waterproof in your backpack
Lightning: a Lantern for your candles
I get that survival means different things to different people, but from my perspective, a proper fixed blade knife together with a way to hold and boil water are my two most essential items. I do not even see a knife mentioned here. Oh, and a knife sharpener.
It´s under Tools
Ah yes. Thanks ThoDan!
I think that you missed seeing this: “Have at least one full tang survival knife with guided field sharpener”
And a small home made strop to fit in your pack.
Don’t forget your “short barreled rifle” for its “intimidating effect”. And your organic food along with hemp seeds and hemp oil…thanks, I’m guessing those are important in NYC. Geez!
Save as many as you can, but at least save the ones you love.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Robert.
I understand that this series is geared to heading to the mountains when “something big is about to happen”. I agree that gardening is key being self-reliant.
However, building productive gardens takes years, long after 6 months of basic supplies are exhausted. And under the author’s scenario the project can’t start until you ‘find Zion’. Then it will take moving earth; think heavy duty construction equipment. This is way beyond the capability of gloves, a small gardening shovel and handheld pruning shears, an unproven supply of seeds.
My point: Survival for the first 2 years (minimum) will depend on food from someone else’s pre-existing garden(s). Find Zion NOW. Make friends and build trust with folks living there NOW. Recognize that this is challenging even if you are a neighbor, even more difficult if you are ‘an outsider’. Also they may view your survival plans as threatening to the survival of their loved ones.
Montana Guy, you nailed it. With the emphasis on NOW. Better
yet, do it yesterday.
Carry on
For trapping supplies, I use Fur Harvesters Trading Post (fntpost.com).
All things trapping/snaring from beginners to pros. Low prices, friendly folks.
Trapping is a skill you need to have.
That’s a pretty daunting list for a “newby”, hell, it’ a pretty daunting list for an old timer like me! Do I have most of this stuff ? Well, yes, but it has taken most of my life to do it. My best advice, GO CAMPING ! Even if you don’t have ANY camping gear. Just take stuff from your home. Build a little shelter, make a campfire to heat up a can of beanie weinies. Sleep under the stars. When you do it again you’ll bring things you forgot the first time. Just do it, get started !
This Spring start a garden. Even if it’s just a couple of tomato plants in a pot. Get the experience of doing it! Get your spouse and kids involved. These are life long skills that may some day save your life, or theirs.
Just caught up on another awesome PodCast by JWR. You need to do more PodCasts.
Since moving to the redoubt fully, we’re still not self sufficient. The wood stove caught my attention in the PodCast… You need to understand the mechanics, the brick layout, the heating structures, and making spaghetti wasn’t that easy the first time. There’s a huge learning curve with everything. I like the camping example above.
Real, full self suficiency was a fools Dream since humanity started as hunter gatherers.
Can you build your house including every brick, glas and tool?
Good article.
Milk thistle? Or milkweed or musk thistle?
Short barreled rifles are no help, too much loss of power. Take 7.62×39 8M3 for example: The round fired from a 10.5″ barrel will have only 1250 ft/lbs of energy, and the bullet performs as most “hollow points” and remains roughly intact. But fire this round from a 16″ barrel, and the energy jumps to 1550 ft/lbs, and the bullet tears a huge wound channel and fragments. M193 ammo also does the same in energy vs barrel length. That round was designed for a 20″ barrel length, and not the 14-16″ lengths of M4’s.
I have studied the feasibility of hemp production for fiber and paper pulp, and in my studies found that hemp seed and oil does not store well. It’s too unstable for prepping purposes.
I would like restate the importance of gloves. Leather and heavy duty rubber palmed garden gloves. Most of us don’t have toughend hands and cuts can get infected and a doctor may not be available as well it’s much harder to work with a wounded hand. Also rechargeable batteries are a good investment. We have a small solar battery charger that works great. Having flashlights and battery operated tools makes work much easier and saves time.
there is no way to get ready you don’t know whats going to happen I suggest you rely on GOD instead of predicting the future
Runnamuck, ah yes, “Rely on God”. This is the same God who has already bestowed an abundance of blessings (faith, liberty, skills, knowledge, ingenuity, perseverance, discernment, ability to compose compute rationalize memorize etc.) upon us.
Most folks here have used these blessings to learn that our loved ones are in danger. Do you honestly believe that God does not expect us to use these God-given blessings to protect our loved ones?
Yes we must Rely on God. We must keep faith in Him and continue praying for guidance to get through a time of possibly great suffering, just like he guided us in discovering and discerning, the danger beforehand.