Survival Kit Series: Week One

If you are just joining us, you can read more about this series here:

Survival Kit Ideas: A week by week approach

Now onto this week's topic:

Part I: Rotation.  
If you already have a survival kit, bug out bag, or 72 hr kit, open it up and rotate things that need rotation.  Some things you may want to consider:

• Clothing (especially for children and make sure it works for the coming seasons)
• Food
• Medicine
• Water
• Diapers (if applicable)
• Wipes (they tend to dry out)
• Batteries
• List of important phone numbers (update any that have changed)

I also suggest reviewing a basic first aid guide (should be part of your kit): things like CPR, the Heimlich etc.

Part II: How to package your kit
If you are just starting or will be seriously re-vamping your kit, decide how you want to package it.  It needs to be something you can carry relatively easily.  It needs to be durable.  It should be as lightweight as possible.  Make sure you make your decision and have it ready to go by next week so you can start filling it up!

Here are a few ideas I've seen (and my opinions on them). 
Feel free to share more ideas and opinions if you've got them!

A cooler or suitcase on wheels
Easy to drag behind you, meaning you don't have to actually carry it.  May be difficult to use over tough terrain.   Would be heavy / difficult if you ever DID have to carry it.  Durable.

A large tupperware type tub.
Relatively durable.  Lightweight.  Can easily see & find what is inside. Very difficult to carry.

Backpacks
Very lightweight, but must be on your back at all times.  Will be heavy once packed.  Could put them in a wagon and pull them unless / until forced to carry them.

Wheeled Backpack

Could be carried if needed, but can also be pulled behind you to make things easier unless covering rough terrain.  Heavier than a traditional backpack would be.

What We Have Done in Our Family:

Right now, we have 2 adult backpacks and 2 children's backpacks.  Only two of our four children would be able to carry a pack / walk on their own at all (the 4 yr old twins); the other two would need to be carried (a 2 yr old and 8 month old).  Both my husband and I will need to have both hands free in order to be able to carry a child and manage another.  So, we went with backpacks.  Plus, the price can't be beat! (as of Sept 2011: $8.95 for the children's pack and $29.84 for the adult pack; contact me for current pricing).  However, we will likely switch to wheeled backpacks eventually.

How about you?  

Leave me a comment and tell me what you did to rotate your kit and / or how you've decided to package it.  Remember, everyone who participates / leaves a comment will get one entry into this week's free product drawing!  Read below for more information:


And don't forget....
Add $1 per person to your survival kit this week.  Make sure you use $1 bills and / or quarters.


At home prep for the month of October: Water.  
Find a way to store at least 14 gallons of water per person in your family.  This is a bare minimum for 2 week's survival and leaves no extra for cooking or washing.  If you already have some water stored, try to add at least another 14 gallons per person.  You can store it in 55 gallon water barrels, 5 gallon containers, plastic juice bottles (not the kind from the refrigerated section), soda bottles, or 16.9 oz water bottles.  A variety is best.  If you have a large water source such as a swimming pool, get a water filter so you could use it if contaminated.  Learn more about water storage

Photo Credit: Panhandle

Making these Survival Kit Ideas FUN
To me, the phrase "Survival Kit Ideas" rings strong of BORING and OVERWHELMING.  But having a survival kit is also extremely important.  Breaking it up into smaller bits helps with the overwhelming bit, but we are still left with boring.
I've decided to do something to make it a bit more fun!  Everyone who participates during the week AND leaves a comment here on my blog about what you did (even if you didn't accomplish everything) will be entered into a drawing to win your choice of:

1. A 55 gallon water barrel, 
2. A Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter, or 
3. A Featherlite zero degree sleeping bag
4. A $70 credit to purchase any emergency supplies you want from Shelf Reliance

That's right!  I will be giving away something EACH WEEK for 26 weeks!

Want to guarantee winning one of the above?  
Since building a survival kit is important, I want to help make it easier for as many people as possible.  Anyone who tells others about this week by week survival kit series in at least 100 ways during the first 6 month of the series will receive their choice of the above.  You can share it:

• on facebook (each post counts as one entry, so post often!), 
• on twitter (each tweet counts as one entry), 
• on pinterest (each pin counts as one entry)
• by phone (each phone call counts as one entry), 
• by email (each person you email counts as one entry), or 
• on your blog / website (each post / mention counts as one entry).  

The following form will be available at the end of each weeks post.  Simply submit your info each week.  Once you reach 50 entries, I will contact you about which product you'd like.  Please be honest!



I am an independent consultant for Shelf Reliance; a company with a mission to empower others to become self reliant, prosperous and charitable.  You can learn more about Shelf Reliance, buying their products, earning free products, or selling their products on my Shelf Reliance website.