survival kits for camping and disasters

see also:

• bushwalking in Australia
• first aid kits for camping and hiking
• navigation management for hikers
• risk management when camping
• keeping warm when camping or hiking
• ropes for camping, winches and towing
• essential knots for campers
• rigging for camping, 4WD and recovery

• as a minimum each home should have a kit consisting of:
  • potable water 10L per person to provide for 3 days (if possible have 2 weeks worth)
  • water filtration system
  • paper and pencils
  • deck of playing cards to keep you sane
  • whistle
  • a reasonable amount of cash in small denominations as credit cards and ATMs are not likely to be functional for sometime if there is a widespread power/internet outage
  • torches/headlamps + extra batteries + omnidirectional solar-charged lantern
  • battery powered or hand-crank radio + extra batteries for weather updates etc
    • see hand crank torch radios for disasters and hiking
  • first aid kit mainly to keep cuts and wounds clean
  • medication supply for at least 7 days plus analgesics/asthma meds/etc
  • sanitation items - extra toothbrush/toilet paper/etc
  • multipurpose tool
  • wool blanket for bushfire survival and warmth
  • space blankets
  • non-perishable food to last at least 3 days (preferably 2 weeks worth)
    • eg. freeze-dried with long shelf-life; canned foods;
  • copies of important documents and family/friends contact information and map (consider storing in waterproof fire proof box)
  • smartphone chargers
  • gas cartridge stove system with pots
• advanced options
  • off-grid 12V power such as:
    • 12V LiFePO4 battery preferably at least 100Ah
    • cables and plugs to allow cigarette lighter accessories such as USB-C ports to run your laptop briefly and normal USB ports to charge your smartphone and LED headlamps, etc
    • solar panels (probably wont be useful in severe weather but may be useful for prolonged power outages of more than a few days)
    • car fridge to keep your milk and meat cold until power is back on
  • portable gas heater and gas cylinder

• warm clothes
• rain protection
• sun protection if indicated
• smartphone
• water bottle

• Swiss army knife or similar
  • knife and scissors can be very important
• fire lighter
  • cig. lighter with 1“ duct tape wrapped around it (many uses including as tinder) - advantages over a ferro rod is that it will float if falls into water
  • plus a Ferro-rod and rear of the Swiss army knife saw
• 2m paracord
  • emergency boot lace, tie survival blanket around you, repair back pack, hand gear in a tree, etc.

• compass and map - see navigation management for hikers
• headlamp
• small metal pot to boil water on a wood fire with a nesting drink container, preferably also metal
• you need something to sleep on, to sleep inside and to sleep under:
  • tarp made from reflective material such as a strong space blanket
    • this will be used to not only protect from rain but to deflect radiant heat from your fire back down onto you
    • eg. Pathfinder Survival Blanket 1.5×2.1m 340g 6 guy outs;
    • plus 6 x 10” plastic stakes plus rapid deployment ridge line plus 4 guy out lines
      • can burn one of the stakes
  • survival bivy with internal reflective Mylar
    • will suffice down to ~4degC with you wearing dry clothing and sleeping on a insulated sleeping pad
  • insulated sleeping pad
    • this could be a large strong rubbish bag which you fill with leaves and also acts as a waterproof ground sheet
• full tang 4-5“ blade knife that can be used to baton kindling
  • for processing firewood and creating wooden tools if needed
  • see camping, hiking and survival knives
• additional cordage

• water filter kit
  • see treating water to make it potable / drinkable
• small power bank for your smartphone (and charging cable)
• basic first aid kit for wound care, etc
• EPIRB radio beacon particularly if going solo