13 Survival Must-Haves You May Not Have Thought Of

Good ideas, never would have thought of the tampon for wound care. Thanks.

In the case of earthquakes, learn from my bad experience in the '94 Northridge event….keep your paper goods far away from your plastic water jugs — the bottles split when they hit the garage floor and walls.

I like this list. Thanks! However, you can also buy the lightsticks in bulk on eBay, and other places I'm sure, for less. And you can get pencils, glue, and paper cheap cheap and cheaper at Target, Walmart, etc, when they clearance the back to school supplies – along with spare back packs for the kids to put their Bug Out Kit into (unless you just use last years back pack for that). Personally, I think hairbands are good in conjunction with the rubber bands. There are big ones designed for headband use as well as the standard size. They last for more years (or it seems like it at least) and they don't stick on things as easily. Rubber bands for braces are also good to have on hand if you need small rubber bands.

This widget may not be a must-have, but I think it's pretty high up on the "nice optionals" list. I've always wondered about the advice to fill a tub since, I don't know about you, but I do NOT want to drink anything from my tub most of the time. It's not like it's terribly dirty or anything, just not up to snuff for potability.
http://www.hurricanestore.com/product147.html

P.S. Yes, I do generally have a lot to say. That's why my screen name is most often BabblesLong.

Be very careful about using tampons for plugging wounds. As the tampons take on fluid (blood), they expand and can cause tissue damage in addition to the original wound. Plus, if you remove the tampon from the wound, you may end up pulling the clotted blood from the wound, causing new bleeding.

I love lists! The idea of using black bags for water collection is only useful if you arent consuming the water. Most bags have pesticides in or on them. For flushing and such it might just work.

Tampons in bullet wounds are meant for "1st aid purposes only", meaning PLUG THE WOUND, GET THE VICTIM TO THE DOCTOR." He'll know how to treat the problem from there. Until then, if there is a long time frame getween the two, pull the plug only when signs of infection set in and only if there is some/any form of anti-biotic and blood stopping available..
Emergency Medicine is common sense. If it is working, run with it. If it aint, try something else.
Quick Clot ,A tampon and a Kotex is carried in my 1st aid kit when I go hunting bear country in Colorado.
I also have a top notch 1st aid kit in my truck for "JUSTIN"

Not sure about this one or not but something I was thinking about…….You know dryer lint….it is great for kindling a fire..So, if you were to save some of it instead of throwing it all out than you will have a slow burning kindle for a fire. and you can compact it tight in a small container or baggie

This has a couple bits of just plain wrong information.
Shoving a tampon in a bullet wound? Seriously?! Bullet wounds are much worse than people think. It's not a simple in and out that makes you bleed. Shoving a tampon INSIDE a bullet wound will only aggravate it. Not to mention, those little cloth fibers can stay inside the wound after it "heals" and cause infection stupidly easily. I NEVER carried these in my first aid kit while deployed. If anything, use it as tinder for fire or on the OUTSIDE of the wound as a pressure bandage. DO NOT EVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, STICK A TAMPON INSIDE OF A BULLET WOUND. I have seen this suggestion countless times by people with little to no first-aid training, and I hope to god that no one who believes this would ever perform first aid on me.
Also, stick a roll of quarters inside of a sock ? No thanks. Anyone who has ever tried this, or even thought about it extensively can tell you that one swing with a weight of some kind inside of a sock (doesn't even have to hit) will ruin the sock when it breaks and you may just lose your roll of quarters. Better off hitting someone with your fists.

as this is just an essential/handy/ not-thought-of list i will only mention one item i think is vital…

Triangular bandages (aka cravats, similar to bandanas, bandanas could work)
basically a large cloth dressing, packaged specifically for bandaging. I am a paramedic and this is one of the only items i put in my emergency first aid kits. if i need one item for all around first aid, and any “situations” I grab a triangular bandage. When I am on the ambulance I use this item far more than any other bandaging or splinting item.

Aside from being a wound dressing (i.e., bandage), they can be a splint, sling, swathe, cleaning cloth, head covering, foot covering (instead of socks), diaper or feminine item, patch clothing, replace or become clothing, strap, belt, etc. the commercial ones are kind of like a gauzy-linen, kind of like cheese cloth. you could use it as cheese cloth, strainer, filter, food wrap for storage, napkin, etc.

The commercial ones you purchase typically have 2 medium sized safety pins (endless uses) in each pouch and many come in handy ziplock style bags that can obviously be used for many things.

This is an example of some I actually have, I do not endorse or recommend any brand or purchase,

http://www.webstaurantstore.com/medi-first-triangle-bandage-with-pins/57765001.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=57765001&utm_campaign=PLA&gclid=CMrttoux3LICFWWCQgoduDYAHw

Personally i would recommend each person have no less than 15 in their possession.
Again, bandanas or large squares or scraps of fabric could work. Don’t throw out those old or mismatched sheets.

Just thought I’d share….

Vet wrap is also a good idea to have on hand as it sticks to itself if applying any type of bandage or using the sanitary pads. it will help hold the pads in place just have to be careful to not wrap it too tight.

I was thinking about the watch just the other day (and batteries if it’s not self winding). Everyone uses their cell phones to tell time now – what if we don’t have them anymore.

Another thing, a knife sharpening stone for your knives.

1) The new feminine pads have a wick-away feature that would be bad news for any kind of wound. Ditto tampons. I have sewn pads out of old sheets, about the same size as the sanitary ones, they don’t suck blood and you can boil them and use them again and again. When I was “on the rag” that is what we used. Soak in cold water before washing in hot to get the blood out first. For nosebleeds, cold water compress over the bridge of the nose with a slight pressure is better than sticking anything inside.
2) Get wick-away socks of several different thicknesses. Nothing worse than cold wet feet. I got mine at REI in my camping days and still have them. I have worn them in hiking boots, Teva sandals etc.
3) I have several BOBs, my most basic one has a Solo stove (very small and light for backpacks) and a zip lock bag of dry twigs. I have the usual leatherman of course but also a gardener’s leatherman which has the snips to cut more twigs up as needed, small saw etc. Of course multiple fire makers as others have mentioned.
4) Weapon protection – most camping departments have waterproof bags that are extremely sturdy, that seal with a roll down collar. I put full mags in it too. The additional advantage to waterproofing is the lack of printing – look at the bag and you do not see the outline of the weapon. Medications and first aid equipment go in smaller versions.
5) Every time I repack my backpack, I wear it for a day. You find out what is unessential really soon.
6) I don’t use plastic for anything. For eating I have the combination fork-spoon-knife that lock together when not in use and take up little space. The knife is decently sharp, adding it to the other bigger knives I carry.
7) I do carry some canned goods, eat them hot or cold and save the water they come in to be a soup base for rice or split peas. I also pack two envelopes of instant oatmeal in a small ziplock bag, and a bunch of those in a heavy duty ziplock. Also do that for grits. They pack well like that, nice and slippery. Come to that, I zip lock most everything that could be damaged by wet or damp.

Keep up the good work, Survival Mom!

Cotton bandanas are endlessly useful. Also tuck in a small pencil sharpener – not just for writing purposes. Pencil shavings make great tinder, or you could even ‘sharpen’ small dry sticks.

I really enjoyed the read. And, just like any other survival based topic, there’s always some people who feel the need to argue. So, I will avoid such topics. Instead, I’d like so suggest some alternatives.

Lightsticks are wonderful, but single use. I’d rather a shake-light. These can be found for pretty cheap some times. a quick search found them for $6 each.
Wool socks and sweater are a must. I wouldn’t change a thing here. I keep three pair of the socks in my bag.
Upholstery needles and thread are fine if you can sew. I carry three different kinds of glue: Krazy glue, Gorilla glue, and fabric glue.
Roll of quarters has been suggested time and time again, but I can’t bring myself to bother with them. I’d rather pry apart the mechanism and force it to work… But, I have experience is jury-rigging electronics. As a weapon, i’d be weary. Nothing wrong with gripping them in your fist to add some weight and reinforce your grip a little.
Pencils are good. I agree with Grease pencils. I carry both. Pencils will turn into tinder real quick if you have a knife on you (and you should).
Rubber bands decay too quick for my taste. I just print off a small knot reference with 4 knots on each side and laminate it (nothing wrong with forgetting how to tie proper knot when you’re tired, cold, wet, or any other form of stressed).
Tampons in a cardboard tube aren’t in my list. They do have their uses, but i’d fear that someone trying to help using them on me would do more harm than good. I just carry glue.
Paracord belt, paracord bracelet, paracord knife grip… The List goes on. Paracord is great stuff for so many uses.
Waterproof wrist watch is so often over-looked. I have one with a compass on it.
Animal repellant trash bags aren’t bad. I just use the same construction-grade bags we use when doing hardwood floors.
Safety pins are great. I carry 10.
Dental floss is great if you make sure to buy the round unscented. I’ve used it in snares when needed. As long as you have a good response time, you can get to the animal before it can calm down and bite through it.

As a side note, I take twine, charcloth, bark, and bee’s wax and make fire-balls. you can learn how here: http://www.primitiveways.com/waterproof_fire_starter.html

Hey just to let you know, the tampon in the bullet wound is a really bad idea. Fluffing the tampon and using it as Gauss is a good idea as it is absorbent, but actually sticking it in the wound would cause some serious issues.

I am new to your blog and did not read all the comments. One item, you already mentioned somewhere else but duct tape is another good item to have with you. I took a roll and split it down the middle and rolled on to my hiking poles. It is there as needed. I am sure you could roll onto a bug out bag somewhere.

These are great ideas! Thank you! I would never
Have thought about the mighty rubber and!
My son started making disaster relief kits recently, after
He returned from volunteer work in the Philippines when they
Were hit by that huge typhoon. Thanks for some
Great ideas!

Life straws!!! $20 each and safely filter 1000 gallons of water through each straw. They’re compact and light weight. Who wants to carry a bunch Of heavy water around with them? And honestly, in a survival situation, how feasible is “carrying” water anyway?!

For longer term medical needs, fine grade cheese cloth is an excellent bandage material that can be washed/boiled for reuse. A grease pencil is a handy device to keep in your vehicle or bug out kit. You can use it to write on a vehicle window or a household mirror to leave messages to love ones or emergency personnel to inform them where you can be found.

Great list, didnt read all the comments yet, so someone may have posted this but i recommend some religious text, whsyever religion you are. At times, these bags may be needed in life threatening situations and may bring peace and comfort to you or family, etc. Also, i have a family of 6 so i have several different bags. Everyone has their own 72 hour bag, but then i also have an extra, large food bag, an extended wilderness bag, a field cooking bag, a field “comfort” bag for non-essential but useful items, an expanded combat bag with several non-essential but useful weapons and several other bags. But we can throw them all at an instant in our bugout vehicle or just our regular 72 hour bag then pick and choose if we need others depending upon the circumstances. Sorry so long winded but hope this might help someone.

My husband and I thouroughly enjoyed reading your list as well as all the comments. We arent ‘hardcore’ preppers, but we do keep up on things like protection/weapons, canned and non perishable goods, we know how to hunt and grow our own food. Something you all might want to look into for storing dryness products such as flour, oats, wheat etc. Is Oven canning. I buy these type on items in bulk and oven can them, in regular Mason jars. This kills ALL the bug larvae that can hatch even in a ban of unopened flour or rice. Also, we use a vacuum sealer for things such as pads, bandaids, etc. Anything you want to keep dry, you can vacuum seal(yup, I mean like a Food saver) . Thanks again for a great blog!

Light sticks are also good to keep in any car kit for seeing helping others see your car etc..
Upholstery needles and thread. are a good point I also like having duct tape to add a layer where sewing so the material doesn’t rip and for quick fixes, you don’t need a whole roll you can layer some along other items like around walking sticks, lighters, or flash lights..
Roll of quarters it will create a much firmer punch also..
Pencils. I like having a pencil sharpener they are cheap $.39 or less, light weight, many have a place to catch the shavings which are good for using as tinder and they keep that pencil sharp or a stick for gigging or just for the extra shavings.
Pads are also good for wounds and often cheaper than dressing for wounds.
I think of basics first food, water, shelter, heat.. after that renewable sources like some edible plants knowledge for your area, ability to create fire over and over, a water filter for extended needs, and plans/ideas/knowledge for improving the shelter..

Also, a single 1-pound package of pool shock can purify 10k (yes, ten thousand!) gallons of water, so it’s a far more sensible purchase than liquid bleach, for long-term prepping needs. Here’s a very informative link, with other links in the article:
http://www.backdoorsurvival.com/how-to-use-pool-shock-to-purify-water/

About a tampon not being a good fire starter did you fluff it or did you leave it compressed

What about storing commercially Cannes chicken/ veggie/beef broth to supplement water supplies? It can be consumed as is it to cook and reconstitute fried foods for extra flavor and calories?

I have 2 Mora Knives, Companion and Robust/heavy duty, they can do just about anything I need. My 2nd Mora Companion is now a main kitchen knife, it will cut anything and is super sharp, easy to sharpen and comfortable to use. I also have a Victorinox ‘One handed Trekker’, and a Swiss Army Farmer.

I found out the hard way feminine napkins and duct tape will not only stop major bleeding, it will also slow/stop it enough the guy with the nicked artery made it alive to the hospital about 2 hours later (the Doc told me later it was actually nicked). I had shopped for a friend, picking up the pads, & had the duct tape in the truck, saw a nasty accident, stopped, patched wounds and forced the first vehicle passing to stop, and told them to contact police asap. Ambulance & PD arrived about an hour later. I now keep Unscented panty liners (deep scrapes, blisters), light, medium/reg and heavy pads, plus a roll of duct tape in the trauma kit I made & carried after that. I also carry several items *I* can’t use, but EMT’s can, and on a few occasions have done. I asked a couple EMT’s and a combat medic about tampons & bullet wounds, I was told never put anything in a bullet hole or puncture, the pads and duct tape will work fine.

I have been seeing wool as an important article but I have a problem, my daughter is allergic to it. What would you suggest as an alternative?