Welcome to your one-stop shop for the best in survival essentials, hand-picked by me for you. If you like my videos and other free content, you’ll love my books. Order now by clicking the “BUY NOW” button below!
As a writer, blogger, consultant, and YouTuber, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring all kinds of survival gear and prepper tools. This experience has allowed me to choose the items I trust the most and would recommend to anyone. When you buy based on these recommendations, you’re choosing top-notch quality.
The gear I recommend covers everything you might need. You’ll find strong survival knives and powerful flashlights, quick water filters for clean drinking, and full first aid kits for any emergencies. Here, you’ll get all the essential gear to keep you safe and prepared, no matter what.
The best part? Most of these high-quality items can be found on Amazon. That means fast shipping and reliable return policies, making your shopping easier and worry-free.
There’s no better time than now to get equipped with the best. Check out my personally chosen essentials today and start your journey towards better preparedness.
Hard To Store Food Items
When it comes to long-term food storage, I wholeheartedly recommend My Patriot Supply – my number one choice, and here’s why. They offer an exceptional range of products, ensuring you’ll find exactly what you need for your emergency food supplies. Their unwavering commitment to quality is clear in every item they offer, all at competitive prices that respect your budget. Moreover, their customer service is truly unparalleled, always ready to assist and ensure a seamless shopping experience. So, if you’re serious about preparation and looking to invest in long-term food storage, don’t wait. Explore My Patriot Supply’s offerings today – it’s a choice you won’t regret.
Water Filters
My top choice for a stainless-steel gravity water filter system is the Alexapure Pro gravity-powered water filtration system.
When it comes to camping, hiking, hunting, or stocking my bug-out/get-home bags, the Survivor Filter is my preferred option. It’s highly effective at filtering water and removing viruses. Plus, it has replaceable elements, so instead of discarding the entire filter when it’s used up, you can simply change the elements and it’s as good as new.
If you’re concerned about nuclear events (and you should be), the Seychelle Water Straw is a must-have. This filter not only removes typical contaminants from untreated water sources, but it also filters out nuclear contaminants. The downside is that it’s only good for 25 gallons of water, so having multiple units is a wise investment.
Cooking, Preserving, Canning and Food Preparation
The Wonder Junior Mill is my top pick for a hand-operated grain mill. However, I primarily use an electric grain mill to grind my grains and keep the Wonder Junior Mill as a backup for when the grid goes down.
When it comes to dehydrators, the Excalibur Dehydrator is my choice. My first dehydrator was an inexpensive model from Walmart that was loud and short-lived. After upgrading to the Excalibur 3900, I haven’t had any more issues or needed to replace it. You truly get what you pay for.
For pressure cookers, the All-American 21-1/2-Quart Pressure Cooker Canner is top-of-the-line, and it’s the one I rely on for pressure canning. If you’re new to canning, I highly recommend this book.
The All-American Sun Oven is an exceptional, American-made product featuring rust-proof, highly polished, mirror-like anodized aluminum reflectors. It sets up in minutes and is lightweight with a carrying handle. Reaching temperatures of 360 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, I use it for most of my cooking needs during the summer months.
In a long-term grid-down situation, the Zoom Versa Cook Stove is my number one choice. It’s well-made, easy to find fuel for, and highly effective.
The BSG Gold Beer Home-brew Kit is perfect for those who enjoy the taste of fresh home-brewed beer. This all-inclusive kit has everything you need to get started.
A Cast-Iron Dutch Oven is one of my favorite methods for cooking outdoors over an open fire. It can also be buried in the ground and covered along the bottom, sides, and top for baking—this technique is known as Pit Cooking or Bean Hole Cooking.
Knives and Sharpeners
The Mora Bushcraft Survival Knife is my top pick among my collection of over a hundred knives. If I had to choose just one to take into the wilderness or to include in a bug-out or get-home bag, this would be it. It’s sharp, lightweight, tough, and comfortable with its ergonomic grip. Plus, it comes with a built-in fire starter and sharpener in the sheath.
The Victorinox Swiss Army Spartan Pocket Knife is my everyday carry for the past several years. It’s a handy multi-tool that performs all the functions you’d expect from a pocket knife. At under $25, it’s not a significant loss if I were to lose or break it, although I’ve never done either. I’d much rather lose one of these than an expensive pocket knife.
My favorite “big knife” is the Ontario Spec Plus Marine Raider Bowie. I keep one in my truck and one in my bug-out bag. Its heavy blade is perfect for chopping wood or clearing a campsite of undergrowth, and it’s sharp and maintains an edge very well. If needed, it could also serve as a formidable weapon capable of inflicting serious damage. Just saying…
Optics
The Nikon ProStaff Rimfire is my favorite scope for .22 rifles. Over the years, I’ve tried various scopes, but this one stands out as the best. I now have one of these mounted on each of my .22 rifles, and I’ve never encountered any issues.
I use the Nikon Buckmaster BDC on both of my centerfire hunting rifles. After three years of use, I’ve had zero problems. The optics are incredibly clear, never fog up, and maintain their center very well. Plus, the BDC reticle is well-calibrated with the .308 round.
The Holosun Micro Red Dot Sight is my preferred sight among the three I’ve used, including an Aimpoint on one of my AR-15s and an Eotech on another. What I love most about the Holosun is its automatic activation when the firearm is moved, eliminating the need to press buttons or turn knobs under stress.
Steiner 10×50 Binoculars may be more expensive compared to other binoculars, but their quality justifies the cost. These binoculars are simply awesome, proving that you sometimes get what you pay for.
Flashlights And Lanterns
The AYL StarLight is, without a doubt, the best battery-powered lantern I’ve ever owned. Among the 20 different brands and models I’ve tried over the years, this one stands out for its brightness and incredibly long-lasting batteries. There’s also a 700 lumens model available, though I haven’t tried it yet.
I have two Pelican 2360 Flashlights, both for several years, and I’ve never had any issues. One stays in my truck, and the other is on my nightstand. It’s one of the best all-around flashlights I’ve ever owned. Next on my shopping list is the Pelican 2350 Pocket Size Flashlight.
When it comes to a tactical light, my choice is the SureFire G2Z MV Combat Light. It’s well-made, has excellent switch functionality and ergonomics, and is incredibly bright.
Generators/Home Power
The Renogy 200 Watt Solar Panel Kit forms the foundation of my solar system. I don’t have the budget for a $10,000 solar system to power my entire home, so I use this setup for 12-volt lights, fans, communications equipment, and to charge batteries and cordless tools. I’ve also added a SunJack 20W Portable Solar Charger and a USB Battery Charger for rechargeable AA/AAA Ni-MH and Ni-Cd batteries.
The Renogy Phoenix Portable Generator is fantastic for camping and other situations where mobile power is required. It’s lightweight and smaller than a suitcase, making it easily portable. The unit includes everything you need—just pick it up and go.
The Humless Portable Generator is my newest addition to my home power options. I’ve only had it for a few months, but it has worked flawlessly without any issues.
After years of dealing with lesser-quality gasoline-powered generators, I decided to invest in the Honda 2000 Watt Portable Generator, and I’m glad I did. I’ve owned mine since July 4, 2015, and the only issue I’ve had is that it sometimes takes five or six cranks to start.
Security and Alarms
I’ve used the Dakota Alert MURS Wireless Motion Detection Kit (with four sensors) for over two years and have never encountered any issues, aside from a few false alarms triggered by animals and the need to change batteries every few months. These are also great for securing your workshop, garage, and food storage areas, alerting you to any intruders at odd hours.
Make sure to order the birdhouse kit and a handheld unit, allowing you to monitor your property even during power outages and communicate with the base unit when away from home.
Update: I now use the Vehicle Detection Probe Sensor for my driveway, as it produces no false alarms. You’ll also need the Dakota Alert base station or the Dakota Alert MURS Wireless 2-Way Handheld Radio. I prefer the two-way radio, as the alarm can still function during power outages.
The SimpliSafe DIY Home Security System is what I use to protect my home when I’m away. I started using SimpliSafe after hearing Glenn Beck promote it on his show, and although I don’t always agree with him, he was spot on with this recommendation.
To keep an eye on what’s happening outside my home, I use the Samsung 8 Channel 1080p HD 1TB Security Camera System.
Radios
The MURS Wireless 2-Way Handheld Radio is the same one I mentioned earlier, which works with the Dakota Alarm system. It’s also an excellent two-way radio for staying in contact with your family or survival group.
The Kaito 5-Way Powered Emergency AM/FM/SW Weather Alert Radio is hard to beat for the price. As a multi-powered radio, I own two of these and have taken one on numerous fishing and camping trips without any issues—it works great. Be sure to also order the Kaito T-1 Radio antenna for even better reception.
Health and Fitness
At 45 or older, getting into and staying in shape can be more challenging, and some exercises like running or lifting weights can be tough on the back, knees, shoulders, and well, the entire body. To stay in decent shape, besides working around the homestead, I walk for 30 minutes on most days of the week and workout on the Total Gym. I’ve found that the Total Gym works better for me than anything else I’ve tried, and it’s not nearly as demanding on aging joints.
My Favorite Concealed Carry Gear
IWB Holsters
When it comes to inside the waistband holders I have several favorites but if I had to narrow it down to just one IWB holster I’d have to choose the Alien Gear Holsters Cloak Tuck 3.0 IWB, Holster (check Amazon.com for current price and availability). As far as IWB holsters go this one is the most comfortable and well made of all the ones that I’ve tried and it’s available to fit a large number of different brands and models of concealed carry handguns.
My second choice for an IWB concealment holster is the Concealment Express IWB KYDEX Holster (click here to check current price and availability at Amazon.con). Fortunately, most brands of KYDEX IWB holsters are well made and to be honest it’s hard to find a meaningful difference in the majority of them.
And if you’re on a super-tight budget then the BLACKHAWK Inside-the-Pants Holster is a super low priced IWB holster that will serve you well (check current price on Amazon.com).
Belt Holsters
I seldom carry in a belt holster because I prefer to carry concealed, however, the exception being when I’m hiking the national park trails or riding my UTV in deep far-a-way back in the boondocks locations and for this, my favorite belt holster is the Model M12 Universal Military Holster. This holster offers protection while still leaving the sidearm easily assessable.
My second favorite belt holster is the Desantis Facilitator Holster (check current price and availability at Amazon.com). One of the downsides to open carry is the possibility that an attacker will try to take your handgun when starting their attack and the Redi-Lok system that comes with Desantis Facilitator Holster will make doing this successfully much more difficult for the attacker.
My third favorite belt holster is the Bianchi Accumold Holster Belt Slide (check Amazon.com for price and availability). It’s light-weight and offers some extra retention via the thumb-break, however, it’s not as secure from a grab-attack as the Desantis Facilitator Holster that I mentioned above.
Pocket Holsters
When carrying smaller handguns a good pocket holster is hard to beat. Need to run to the corner store or out to the mailbox? Don’t want to go through all of the trouble of putting on a belt and IWB or belt holster? Well, the pocket holster is your best option. Just slide it into your pocket and go…
I carry my Smith and Wesson Air-Weight in a DeSantis Nemesis pocket holster and love it (you can check it out on Amazon.com). I concealed carry the Smith and Wesson Air-Weight more than any other handgun and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
Tactical Knives
Oh, wow, choosing my favorite concealed carry knives was very difficult, to say the least, because there are so many great knives on the market today and I own so many, but then owning so many allows me to give knowledgeable suggestions from hands-on experience.
Once Tennessee changes the knife laws allowing legal ownership and carry of automatic (switchblade) knives, I went as fast as I could go and bought a Hogue automatic knife, and I’ve carried it every day for over two years and give it my highest recommendation.
My second favorite concealed carry knife is…. wait for it… the Columbia River Knife & Tool M16-Z! This is a very well made quality knife that’s also very reasonably priced. And the locking system is fantastic! If you’re looking for a concealed carry knife and automatic knives like the Hogue that I mentioned above isn’t legal in your state then this is a great alternative.
Okay, now on to my third favorite concealed carry knife and that’s the BLACKHAWK! Crucible II Folding Knife with a plain edge (check it out at Amazon.com). I’ve owned this knife for over five years and carried it a couple of those and have no complaints at all and at the current listed price on Amazon.com it’s hard to beat.
Please read my article on Tennessee Knife Laws if you’re interested in carrying a knife in Tennessee.
Tactical Lights
Like concealed carry knives, the mention of tactical knives gets folks looking straight and paying attention because most of the folks who are into such things as firearms and concealed carry have their own opinions as to what’s the best tactical light. Below are my current top picks…
My number one choice is the SureFire G2Z MV Combat Light, small, light-weight and easy to carry while putting out a blinding amount of light onto (you can check current price and availability at Amazon.com).
As for a general-purpose light, my top choice is the Duracell Durabeam Ultra 700 Heavy-Duty LED Flashlight (check current price and availability on Amazon.com). I have four of these with two in my house, one in each automobile and one in the garage. It’s hard (probably impossible) to beat these at the same or lower price.
Carry Belts
If you’re going to open carry and or concealed carry then you’ll need a good belt and my current favorite is the Relentless Tactical The Ultimate Concealed Carry CCW Gun Belt. It’s a little pricey, well, for me anyway, but it’s a belt that will last a lifetime and in fact, it has a lifetime warranty.
Non-Lethal Options
Okay, we all know that carrying a concealed handgun is a big responsibility because once you pull the trigger to defend yourself and the bullet is out of the barrel there isn’t any bringing it back and if it hits then death or grave bodily injury will be the result.
This is why I like to have a non-lethal alternative available, so I have a choice of lethal action or non-lethal action depending on the situation and what is warranted. My favorite and what I believe to be the best non-lethal alternative is OC or pepper spray.
My choice is from Fox Labs – Fox Labs Pepper Spray – Flip Top Cone (1.5 ounces) click here to check current prices and availability on Amazon.com.
Thank You!
Thank you for taking the time to explore my recommended essentials. I trust that you’ve found this collection insightful and valuable in equipping yourself for any circumstance. It’s my firm belief that preparedness is not just a one-time act, but a mindset and a way of life.
Remember, the quality of the tools you choose today can significantly impact your ability to navigate future uncertainties. That’s why I’ve devoted myself to sharing the best gear options, each personally tried, tested, and trusted by me.
Should you decide to make a purchase through the affiliate links on this page, know that you are supporting my continued efforts to bring you unbiased, reliable, and valuable content. I sincerely appreciate your trust and support.
Remember, there’s no time like the present to step up your preparedness game. Stay ready, stay safe, and let’s continue this journey together. Feel free to revisit this page often, as I’ll continually update it with new and improved recommendations.
