2aHawaii

General Topics => Preparedness and Survival => Topic started by: monster796 on July 08, 2014, 10:54:16 PM

Title: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: monster796 on July 08, 2014, 10:54:16 PM
Hello all,

Just as the title suggests, what are ideal items for a SHTF scenario. Aside from the basics like food, money, firearms, other weapons aside from firearms, gas mask, etc. I think it would be a great idea to get a list going. I know alot of you guys have a lot of great recommendations!
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: sworbeyegib on July 09, 2014, 12:49:57 PM
-Clean water, and the ability to make clean water. Along with proper storage and collection containers.
-Long term food.  You should have both food that needs to be prepared (dried stuff), and food that needs minimal preparation (canned).
-Medication.  An adequate amount of whatever prescriptions you may need, plus over the counter stuff.  Stuff like antibiotics could save your life as well.  Basic working knowledge of first aid.
-Alternative cooking source.  Propane burners with plenty of fuel etc...
-Basic tools, fasteners, parts for vehicles and home repair. Working knowledge on how to do repairs yourself.
-Flashlights, lanterns, lots of batteries.
-Basic sanitation supplies.  A gallon of bleach is cheap and versatile. So are heavy duty trash bags. 
-Basic hygiene supplies. Toilet paper is nice to have.
-A generator with lots of gas would be handy.

There are more, this is just what I rambled off of the top of my head.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: Tom_G on July 09, 2014, 03:19:38 PM
Cigarettes.  Cases and cases, don't worry about brand.
Liquor.  Cases and cases, variety in genre, but don't worry about brand.
Snacky cakes.  Cases and cases, don't worry about brand. 

One thing that often gets left out of survival discussions is the monotony.  Once the initial clamor is over, you are going to have a lot of really bored neighbors.  A well-stocked bar (as in, one that HAS alcohol and tobacco) will quickly become both a hub of barter and a community center.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: Jl808 on July 09, 2014, 03:22:33 PM
Snacky cakes = did you stock up on boxes of Twinkies?
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: Tom_G on July 09, 2014, 05:59:35 PM
Snacky cakes = did you stock up on boxes of Twinkies?
No, i missed the Twinkie boat.  ;)
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: Rocky on July 10, 2014, 08:18:57 AM
Cigarettes.  Cases and cases, don't worry about brand.
Liquor.  Cases and cases, variety in genre, but don't worry about brand.
Snacky cakes.  Cases and cases, don't worry about brand. 

One thing that often gets left out of survival discussions is the monotony.  Once the initial clamor is over, you are going to have a lot of really bored neighbors.  A well-stocked bar (as in, one that HAS alcohol and tobacco) will quickly become both a hub of barter and a community center.

Party's at Tom_ G's !
I also have a stash of "Feminine Hygene " products.
These will be very valuable for barter as what would you trade to keep the missus "comfortable" during such times!   :shake:  :rofl:
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: oldfart on July 10, 2014, 08:47:22 AM
Party's at Tom_ G's !
I also have a stash of "Feminine Hygene " products.
These will be very valuable for barter as what would you trade to keep the missus "comfortable" during such times!   :shake:  :rofl:
...
Feminine hygiene products...
For obvious reasons.
But they can be used to control bleeding.
There is a medical product similar to a tampon applicator just for treating wounds.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: matt0137 on July 10, 2014, 10:22:05 AM
Some easy (and less-than-obvious) items to get:
 1. Siphon hose - if you have a generator, chance are you aren't storing enough gas and will have to get out of car tanks at some point
 2. Propane hose adapter - get one that will allow you to hook your 5-gal BBQ propane tank to the small camping stoves. It will conserve your propane rather than heating your whole BBQ and saves money not buying all the little green cans
3. Manual tools - much of your garage has tools that will be tough to use unless you have a generator but even then who wants to waste gas just to cut a piece of wood
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: Rocky on July 10, 2014, 11:22:43 AM
I've posted this before in my "Surviving is only breaking even" page but it's so good, I'm gonna throw it out there again.  :thumbsup:

http://www.theplacewithnoname.com/blogs/klessons/ (http://www.theplacewithnoname.com/blogs/klessons/)

Not only is it well written, but he brings up ALOT from his personal experience as well as that of others regarding before and after a natural catastrophe.

Some of THE BEST info i've ever gotten regarding true BO necessity's.  :worship:
Title: .
Post by: Q on July 10, 2014, 11:24:21 AM
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Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: s197 on July 10, 2014, 04:32:15 PM
I've posted this before in my "Surviving is only breaking even" page but it's so good, I'm gonna throw it out there again.  :thumbsup:

http://www.theplacewithnoname.com/blogs/klessons/ (http://www.theplacewithnoname.com/blogs/klessons/)

Not only is it well written, but he brings up ALOT from his personal experience as well as that of others regarding before and after a natural catastrophe.

Some of THE BEST info i've ever gotten regarding true BO necessity's.  :worship:

Some of it was good food for thought but it was really really long winded, IMO.  Also, I don't think the laptop is necessary.  In a pinch, your smartphone can do everything the laptop can plus more (camera, flashlight, GPS/compass, text, etc.).  You could even use a tablet, I just think a laptop is too big and eats battery in that type of scenario.  Also most of those documents you can store online (encrypted), can be found online, or are not that difficult to replace.  When you're running from a hurricane, I think you can survive a week or two without your birth certificate.

Also, he mentions numerous times that you must have a towel in your bug out bag.  He says it's not an option but I don't recall him ever mentioning why.  Maybe I missed it, I started skimming after a while.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: sworbeyegib on July 10, 2014, 04:43:24 PM
Some of it was good food for thought but it was really really long winded, IMO.  Also, I don't think the laptop is necessary.  In a pinch, your smartphone can do everything the laptop can plus more (camera, flashlight, GPS/compass, text, etc.).  You could even use a tablet, I just think a laptop is too big and eats battery in that type of scenario.  Also most of those documents you can store online (encrypted), can be found online, or are not that difficult to replace.  When you're running from a hurricane, I think you can survive a week or two without your birth certificate.

Also, he mentions numerous times that you must have a towel in your bug out bag.  He says it's not an option but I don't recall him ever mentioning why.  Maybe I missed it, I started skimming after a while.

Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy reference perhaps?
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: sworbeyegib on July 10, 2014, 04:45:00 PM
Cody Lundin's book "When All Hell Breaks Loose" is a great read that focuses more on urban and suburban preparedness rather than living out in the middle of the woods.  Much more practical knowledge than most "survival manuals for actual emergencies.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: Jl808 on July 10, 2014, 07:26:11 PM
Ever gone camping?  It's always nice to have a rag for various uses.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: sworbeyegib on July 10, 2014, 10:54:32 PM
I think that it's also important to realize that there are different levels of the poop hitting the air circulation device.  You should be planning for everything, and have levels to your system.

This is just a off the top of my head example.

The SHTF for one week or less. Things like the Rodney King riots, mass panic, power outage, etc...
The SHTF, and stuff wont be back to normal for a few months, with a period of rebuilding after.  Natural disasters, shipping crisis, etc... Don't expect any help from the government until the hard part is over.
All the way up to TEOTWAWKI. Things are not going back to normal.  Not for years, or maybe generations. 

I'm just saying, it's a very wide envelope.  You need to consider it all.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: mauidog on July 10, 2014, 11:35:53 PM
Ever gone camping?  It's always nice to have a rag for various uses.

It's not only nice.  How many times are we told to use a jacket or shirt to stop profuse bleeding, raise the head or feet for shock victims, make a sling for sprains and broken bones?  A towel would keep you from maybe ruining the only clothes you have at the moment should you need to use them as first aid items.

Can be used to dry feet before putting on socks and boots to prevent foot problems, for tourniquet or bandage, to strain food when washing under running water, as pot holders when cooking, and for having handy in case you need a cloth for wiping away sweat or taking a "bird bath" when there is little water.  You can wrap your hands to protect them in place of gloves.

I'm sure there are a hundred more ordinary uses we take for granted.  Just wanted to toss out that some of the uses could make a huge difference in many situations.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: clshade on July 12, 2014, 02:47:29 PM
I don't have much to add to this great list so far.

I do include hand loading tools and supplies for all the shootin' irons I have. Plans include tooling up for the other common rounds that I don't shoot. Never hurts to be neighborly. Though my actual neighbors probably have more than enough ammo stocked up that it won't be an issue.

For the long haul ships ain't ever coming back scenario I like to have a rifle (or 3) that spit lead with no issues. Also the tools to make gas checks for them. Easy to store lead and cast up what you need. In theory one could also recycle rounds one doesn't shoot into rounds one does but in reality having scrap lead of unknown hardness is tricky. The gas checks make it easier but it is still too easy to lead the crap out of your barrel if you don't know the hardness.

Also have a liberal supply of Ballistol. Lots of uses for it besides cleaning and oiling the boomsticks. Its not the best at all of them of its great for the guns and pretty good for the rest. I've even used it as first at for small cuts while at the range when I forgot my first aid kit. Works.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: s197 on July 14, 2014, 07:39:50 AM
Chapstick.  Good fire starter, sealer/protectant, even heard stories of guys using it to lube their AR BCG in a pinch.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: jc2721 on July 14, 2014, 06:30:16 PM
I just got back from a week of camping and fishing.  The truly useful items were the bag of terry cloth rags from Costco and food grade 5 gallon buckets with lids.  Food prep, airtight/watertight/bug resistant storage, seats, fishing/gathering/scrounging, you name it--a bucket comes in handy.  I would imagine it would make a useful trade item as well as a measuring unit.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: new guy on July 15, 2014, 12:02:29 AM
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Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: BigBlue on July 16, 2014, 12:10:13 AM
Maxi pads for cheap sterile, bandages.

You're more likely to die from infection than malnutrition in an extended situation.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: causa mortis on July 19, 2014, 01:48:35 PM
 A solar powered generator. Gasoline goes bad a lot quicker than you would guess.
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Post by: Q on July 19, 2014, 02:22:29 PM
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Title: .
Post by: Q on July 19, 2014, 02:23:49 PM
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Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: Rocky on July 20, 2014, 09:54:06 AM
Rain poncho (still haven't found them locally, yet.  :grrr: ) for each person in your party.
If you're still looking for a heavy duty ponch, try POP fishing and supply off of Nimitz (pier 38 ?)
They have heavy duty types designed for sea duty.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: new guy on July 20, 2014, 11:37:26 PM
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Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: Rocky on July 21, 2014, 07:24:23 AM
Mahalo, Rocky... any idea how much they cost?
No.
Bought mine YEARS ago when I had my boat.
So durable, I still have it ( the slicker, not the boat)  :rofl:
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: hvybarrels on July 21, 2014, 10:07:58 AM
Bleach, soap, and nitrile gloves/sandwich bags. I live in town with the knowledge always hanging over my head that this place would turn into a septic disgusting nightmare within hours of services being interrupted. Disease would be rampant and it would be nearly impossible to get anything done without touching something nasty. Not even a tropical depression passed over yesterday and the sewage systems are overloaded, dumping brown water into the ocean. Imagine a real emergency.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: Jl808 on July 21, 2014, 10:52:48 AM
Oh yeah... +1 on hygiene.

A porta-potty bucket with lots of plastic trash bags... don't use any of those easy to rip Safeway grocery bags either.

Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: sworbeyegib on July 21, 2014, 12:32:33 PM
Here is a good interview from someone who lived in a real world SHTF environment.

http://sovietoutpost.revdisk.org/?p=72 (http://sovietoutpost.revdisk.org/?p=72)
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: newguy86 on July 23, 2014, 03:01:50 PM
I dont know about everyone, but I am not walking my phat around when their is no gas around, keep a mountain bike with side saddlebags, gtfo faster then cars I think, remember cars with fill up the roads
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: dirsh on July 24, 2014, 02:30:17 AM
Guns, ammo and body armor










Everything else will come eventually
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: new guy on July 24, 2014, 07:11:10 PM
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Title: .
Post by: Q on July 25, 2014, 12:14:55 AM
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Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: new guy on July 25, 2014, 07:47:58 AM
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Title: .
Post by: Q on July 25, 2014, 08:26:31 AM
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Title: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: Jl808 on July 25, 2014, 10:56:19 AM
Hopefully folks will never have to make that moral dilemma.

Truth be told, if SHTF, God help us all.

Distance from disorder.
http://www.ebooks.iospress.nl/publication/127
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Post by: Q on July 25, 2014, 06:52:53 PM
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Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: Jl808 on July 25, 2014, 06:54:59 PM
Haha rajah dat!
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: Surf on July 26, 2014, 09:07:52 AM
I know we are having fun with the topic and I often say that a scoped rifle and a bit of field craft and marksmanship skill is all you need, because you will be able to harvest any other weapons or supplies from there.  I will however note that for the individuals or groups who resort to such tactics for survival, they will need to be very good and very organized, because they will draw quite a bit of heat from the organized groups who hold a different belief and who will view them as a threat to their own community.  Rogue groups or gangs is a real threat that will invariably happen and be a big problem.   
Title: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: Jl808 on July 26, 2014, 10:02:11 AM
^ Truth.

Since we are having fun, to me an ideal thing to have when SHTF is a large underground nuclear bunker with stores of food, supplies and energy and a community of highly trained men ready to defend the base from rogue groups, gangs and outsiders.

Or living quarters inside a military base would also work.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: hvybarrels on July 27, 2014, 11:15:57 AM
the tower is a tarot card considered to be a bad omen. one would think it represents strength and ingenuity, but people who seek shelter in fortified positions often regret their salvation as a death trap. your resources must be greater than your enemy, and include outside help with a mutual agreement to come to each other's rescue. Otherwise it's just a means to prolong the inevitable.
Title: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: Jl808 on July 27, 2014, 11:52:05 AM
Interesting, hvybarrels.

Ultimately, anything can happen to the best laid plans (Murphy's Law) and I don't have a guaranteed answer for this.

The only real thing that I have confidence in this world is my God who is true to His Word.

Isaiah 45:22
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: stangzilla on July 27, 2014, 07:58:21 PM
An important item to have is a plan.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: s197 on July 27, 2014, 09:14:35 PM
For barter and looks cool while you wait for SHTF

http://www.providentmetals.com/1-oz-silver-bullet-45-caliber-acp.html (http://www.providentmetals.com/1-oz-silver-bullet-45-caliber-acp.html)
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: Rocky on July 28, 2014, 01:38:09 PM
The ideal item is being in a group.
No matter how well you're prepared you are, even in your sealed bunker with it's own oxygen generator and all of your provisions and will never see the light of day, you can't hold on by yourself.
You need a team/group/family, each of which have specific skills or trades who are all prepared and trained to defend each other.
Why do you think humans (and animals) started groups/tribes/villages.

No man is an island, but when you piss urination  :rofl:
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: stangzilla on July 28, 2014, 04:53:55 PM
being a marauder, and robbing your neighber is an option
and IMO, should be your last option
there are many, better options that come before this.
assembling a mini-community, with food, water, shelter, and security is a good place to start.
but the time to plan all this is now.  my plans are always evolving, always preparing. 
Title: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: Jl808 on July 28, 2014, 05:47:10 PM
Robbing people should never be an option.  That said... you never know what people (even the best of people) are capable of when desperate.

Looting robbers / marauders on the other hand is a whole different category.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: new guy on July 28, 2014, 06:18:26 PM
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Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: hvybarrels on July 28, 2014, 10:53:44 PM
The rough quote of one of my favorite philosophers is "live by the sword, die by the sword"

In a SHTF scenario you will be at the mercy of armed gangs in short order. If you have what they want, and you don't have your own armed gang then they will take it. When societies have collapsed, the era of 'big men' always followed. Charismatic leaders who rule with an iron fist find armed men with some training very convenient, but the problem is those armed men end up in high risk positions as canon fodder on the regular small brutal skirmishes with other gangs.

In that kind of scenario it's much better to have some sort of skill that makes you valuable enough that the big guy hesitates sending you to the front lines. Doctors, mechanics, electricians, and people who know how to make things and do stuff that are considered necessary and irreplaceable reap the benefits without taking unnecessary risks.

If you have family to protect then your death could put them in a horrible situation even among 'friends'.
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: dirsh on July 29, 2014, 10:16:36 PM
Care to expand upon this statementnteresting comment, bruddah dirsh.

Not sure if joking or not, but respectfully (and not knowing whether joking or not) this comment leaves me with a somewhat negative impression.


It was a joke

It would be true somewhat though. I'd hook up with people who had supplies and help them defend from robbers   :shaka:
Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: Jl808 on July 29, 2014, 10:23:48 PM
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/30/ramu7ave.jpg)
One of these to put outside the gate.
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Post by: Q on July 29, 2014, 10:52:04 PM
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Title: Re: Ideal items for a SHTF scenario
Post by: new guy on July 30, 2014, 07:44:18 AM
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