That feeling that you didn’t pack something right after you left the house.
Was it the toothbrush? Cell phone charger?
The thought eats away at your brain until you finally remember.
In a survival situation, you might not get another chance to go back home and bag your essentials, so stick these in your bug-out bag.
Make a checklist and don’t forget. Survive.
KEY ITEMS FOR SURVIVAL
Model: TYgo Portable
Key Features: Portable water filter
MSRP: $64.95
Description:
You’ll always need clean drinking water, and now the TYgo portable water filter comes with pH testing drops so you can see how incredible this little guy really works. Its cartridge contains alkaline minerals, magnets and filter medium, so it re-mineralizes and ionizes ordinary tap water while filtering out chlorine, heavy metals and bacteria. Enjoy clean alkaline hydration on the go, as the TYgo will eliminate E. coli, B. subtilis and S. aureus, and give you one less thing to worry about.
Model: NavELite Backlit Magnetic Compass
Key Features: Compass face with wristband
MSRP: $79.99
Description:
The NavELite compass is worn on your wrist for ease of use and was patented by two Special Operations soldiers. This compass will face the demands of survival and even has an illuminated face for low- or no-light situations. Ergonomic feel, reliability and a simple design are just some of the benefits of the world’s fire on-demand, backlit, magnetic, wrist compass. The NavELite, for when survival counts.
Model: Men’s Basin Shoe
Key Features: Incredibly comfortable active shoe
MSRP: $115
Description:
For long stretches of being outdoors, you’ll want the support of a comfortable shoe. The Basin shoe by Chaco is for adventure, athleticism and activity. Built on a LUVSEAT platform, it’s perfect for hiking or whatever else you throw its way. Made from 25-percent recycled rubber, has an EcoTread sole, and PU-coated leather and canvas upper so you can keep on treading.
Model: Emergency Solar Essentials Kit (personal)
Key Features: Personal solar energy kit and flashlight
MSRP: $159.94
Description:
The Emergency Solar Essentials Kit will keep your phone charged so that you can stay connected with the people you love most. This kit includes a Guide 10 Plus recharger (to store energy in AA batteries for recharging you phone or tablet), the Nomad 7 solar panel (to collect the solar energy from the sun and charge your phone in 1-2 hours), the Chubby Flashlight (with rechargeable LED and can double as a latern) and four rechargeable AA batteries. Get the discounted price through the end of 2012.
Model: Emergency Solar Essentials Kit (household)
Key Features: Emergency power for your household
MSRP: $2,567.88
Description:
For emergency preparedness, use this great kit to power anything from electronics to tools to home appliances, like the fridge—all with green energy. The kit includes the Yeti 1250 Solar Generator, Boulder 30 Solar Panels, solar panel tripod, Boulder carrying cases and Light-A-Life (two 3-watt LED lantern lights). Keep your phone, laptop, TV, refrigerator, freezer, washer and dryer or more, going through the storm. The solar panels can collect 120 watts of power for the generator to operate, for maximum energy from the sun. Get the discounted price through the end of 2012.
Model: Solarmonkey Adventurer
Key Features: Portable power in extreme situations
MSRP: Starting at $138
Description:
Tested in some of the world’s most unwelcoming environments, the solarmonkey adventurer is made to efficiently solar charge your electronics when power is scarce. The solarmonkey adventurer features two compact solar panels for charging, with a 2500mAh internal, lithium ion polymer battery. Weighing only 66 grams, the polysilicon solar panel offers photovoltaic efficiency up to 17 percent and features a USB 700mA at 5v output (to support iPhones, iPads, iPods, cell phones and other 5v gadgets). The carabiner also allows for attachment of the kit to tents or rucksacks. The travel case is made from a tough, condura-type material with thermal insulation. The kit includes the portable charger, five adaptor tips, one USB connection cable, one carabiner and the neoprene travel case.
Model: Skin Therapy Cream
Key Features: Relieve dry, cracked skin
MSRP: $10
Description:
For relief of uncomfortable, dry skin, Outdoor Hands’ Skin Therapy Cream does the job with dramatic results. Developed by a clinical pharmacist for his family, this line of skin cream treats cracked, chapped and dry hands that other creams can’t heal. It’s made from a blend of certified organic oils for healing and botanical extracts for moisturizing. Contains no mineral oils or petrolatum and leaves no greasy residue.
Model: CONQUEST HD
Key Features: Sharp, long-distance viewing
MSRP: Starting at $999.99
Description:
Zeiss’ CONQUEST HD binoculars come in four different sizes (8×42, 10×42, 8×32, 8×42) and features an HD lens systems to view clear, natural colors. They are compact and lightweight, with a wide field or view. The LotuTec coating provides protection and they have amazing focus abilities with a bright, 90-percent light transmission. See far distances any time of day and in any weather conditions.
Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared in a 2012 print issue of American Survival Guide.