Homemade vs. Store Bought: Survival Kit

When it comes to "survival" many people think they have to go out an buy a pre-made survival kit. This is not the case. You can walk through your house and pick up a few odds and ends you have laying around and put into a container and have it be just as good if not, better than one you would but at Cabela's or REI. 

The Challenge: 

I walked around my house picking up stuff that I could put into a survival kit. I'll admit I may be at somewhat of an advantage because I was in the Boy Scouts, a Venture Crew, and I'm outdoorsy. However, that doesn't mean you can't do same thing. Everything I have was a hand me down, bought from a garage sale, found, or given to me as a gift. 

The Loot:

This is what I found in only FIVE minutes of walking around opening doors:

A dozen or so razors
A LOT of cotton swabs

Electrical tape

Scissors

Forceps
A pocket knife/ Bottle opener combo
Pony tail holders
A few match books
A paint brush

Medical Tape (two kinds)

Floss

Pain Medicine

Bandaids 

Travel Size Gold Bond, Shampoo, and Conditioner

An analog watch

Tea light candles

A whistle

A small fishing kit

Finger nail clippers

Rope

Army canteen

Mosquito repellant for a butane candle + the butane candle+ butane

Mylar blanket

Mess kit

Metal coffee mug

Compass

Mini First Aid kit

Backpack poncho

Snowboarding mask

Several pocket knives

Water proof phone case with lanyard

More matches and Tea lights

An old army First Aid kit box

I only glanced in these drawers and took about 5 minutes to do it. I could build a quick, efficient survival kit and the best part is: I didn't spend any money. Of course someone bought this stuff but I don't have to go to the store and buy specifically for a survival kit. 

My challenge for you is to do the same. Take a few minutes to walk around your house and see what kind of a survival kit you can build

Homemade: Emergency Survival Kit

Recently a friend of mine asked me if because I was an Eagle Scout I could survive in any situation. Although I wish it were true, it is not. The amount of experience I have and training gives me a good chance of making a survival situation easier and bettering my chances of making it home in good shape. He asked me if I had one of those really cool emergency survival kits that they advertise on websites like REI and Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. The answer is no. Why would someone go out and spend a fortune on a survival kit that you simply make at home and have it be way cheaper? Here's mine:

• An old backpack from an army surplus store
• A Leatherman Supertool 300
• A Smith and Wesson Search and Rescue fixed blade knife
• Knife sharpener
• A large Ziploc container
• A roll of duct tape
• Home made first aid kit
• Assorted Band-Aids
• Sterile Gauze
• Medical Tape
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Nylon rope
• Black trash bags
• Clear trash bags
• A compass
• A whistle
• Home made fishing kit
• Spool of line
• Hooks
• Sinkers
• Some fly tackle
• Backpacking stove + fuel
• Mess kit
• Matches
• Lighter
• Dryer lint
• Sleeping bag
• Chewing gum
• Mirror

My survival kit has some stuff in it that is kind of pricy only because I have acquired over time while I was in the Boy Scouts. Most of the stuff I have was either free, from a surplus or thrift store, or I bought it at the dollar store. I also have a few things I could honestly take out but I keep them because it fits, it's light weight, and you never know what could be useful. Everything I have in my kit has more than one use. If you don't believe me, leave a comment and I'll explain.

Eventually I'll put up a picture of my kit but for the time being it's nice and packed and I'd like to keep it that way.

Thanks for reading!