A Dozen Prepper Goodies

From time to time the prepper crew at SHTF Blog runs across a number of product items that really work well.  The deal is that these pieces of gear, guns, clothing, gadgets or other items often do not justify a complete lengthy article review on their own.  Then it is time to combine these goodies into one overall mention.  Thus, here we are.

The list here is just one dozen of products and prepper-survival stuff that I have been testing and using at our Bug Out Camp these past six months or more.  A lot of my field testing takes place during the fall hunting seasons when I am out in the fields, woods and streams.  So, here is a report of items found of good quality, and definitely useful to preppers.

Red Head Lifetime Wool Socks.  

Who cannot use another pair of super quality wool socks?  You know the virtue of wool already, but nothing feels as great on your feet as a thick pair of really warm woolies.  These socks by tradename come from Bass Pro Shops stores or online.  The content of these socks is 81 percent wool, 17 percent stretch nylon and 2 percent spandex.  They are just stretchy enough to make it super easy to pull over the toes for an easy fit.  They stay up all day long, too.  About $12 a pair with lifetime warranty.

Yeti Sidekick Gear Case.  

Santa was supposed to bring this one, but somehow he missed it on the list.  So, I got it for myself with a gift card.  Yeti, of course, makes heavy duty ice coolers of all kinds that keep things cold for extended periods.  They also make accessory items of all kinds including this gear case.  

The Sidekick is a simple pouch with a sealed zipper top seam to make it water resistant, not necessarily waterproof.  The exterior material finish is a sort of rubberized coating to also repel water.  There are four straps with hook and loop closures on the back, so the case attachment options are many.  They come in tan/green, or gray/blue.  This case is useful for keeping a compact pistol, keys, licenses, meds, cell phone, candy, or snacks.  The uses are many.  Retails for under 50 bucks.  

Camper Match Container.  

This is a cheapie that every prepper, survivalist, camper, and outdoors person should have several in inventory.  These are simple plastic tube containers with a screw on top that has a rubber gasket seal to repel moisture.  Inside you simply slide 20-30 stick matches.  Glued on the bottom of the match holder is a small round piece of metal striker.  You know how that works.  Keep one in your BOB, EDC, vehicle glove box, gun bag, lunch box, backpack, several in an extended carry bag, and several in a bug out cache or back up location.   You can shop these at outdoorsy stores for a dollar each.  

Carabiner Sunscreen Tube.  

Especially for sun sensitive preppers and youngsters, sun screen is an important element of protection.  If your bug out plan including holding out in the wilds where sun is a frequent element, then exposed skin needs to be covered.  What easier way than to buy the small travel sized tubes with a quick attachment hook loop attached?  Snap on one a backpack, fanny bag, shoulder strap or any other suitable location where they can be easily found.  We’re talking a couple bucks each, but trade shows give them away.  

Gerber Multi-Tool.  

While Gerber makes great knives and tools for the outdoors, we recognize other good brands exist.  So take this generically as a useful implement.  The multi-tool as implied can perform a number of tasks with tools including a cutting blade, pliers and screwdrivers depending on how many different fold out tools are included.  This Gerber has both a belt clip on the side as well as a fold out snap on lock loop to attach in many different ways and places.  A good multi-tool can be found for under $50.  

Plano Tote Boxes.  

There are many variations on this theme from Plano.  There are gear boxes, hunting boxes, ammo totes, fishing tackle boxes and more.  The central design is from the classic metal 30-caliber military ammo box with a hinged top and snap over latch.  These are different sizes and different colors.  Most have a rubber type gasket in the lid to seal against moisture and dust.  The tops have a flip up carry handle and the boxes are stackable.  Prices vary but most cost under $15 and are often on sale for much less.

Glock 43.  

After over a year of personal and concealed carry use, I have concluded all else being equal the Glock 43 is one of the best CCW picks.  The 43 is light, handy, easy to slide cock, the right size for a good grip with great sights especially with the optional Talon red dot front sight.  The 43 is a single stack magazine, 9mm pistol that has a thin profile for effective concealed carry with a loaded weight that will hardly be noticed.  It can be worn IWB, OWB or in a pocket holster like a Sticky Holster.  The Glock 43’s retail price is around $500.  The Talon sight will cost slightly more.  

Land’s End Goose Down Vest.  

Yeah, maybe Land’s End clothing may seem a bit too preppy for preppers, but their base goose down vests are a best buy.  I have three of them in olive drab, yellow-gold, and Santa red.  Under a jacket they provide a very good extra warming layer.  The base model has a snap closing front, a stand up collar, and hand pockets.  I checked their site for this and the current model is listed at $45 on sale.  It’s a best buy.  

Alps Outdoor Z Extreme Fanny Pack.   

The ubiquitous fanny pack has a lot of utility, but that would be an understatement for this bag.  Where to start?  It is a waist pack with a heavy duty adjustable carry belt with a snap lock buckle.  The back of the main compartment is heavily padded as are both sides of the “belt” which has smaller compartments on either side which are zippered.  On the end of the main zippered bag are one bottle carrier with elastic top and one buckle-strap carry pocket.  

The front of the bag has four latch on loops and the bottom has two accessory holding adjustable loop straps for securing a pad, towel, or other roll up gear.  The back of the main compartment also includes a small zippered pouch as well as a grab loop with a rubberized handle.  Keep looking.  Unzip the ends of the main compartment to find a hand warmer with elastic wrist cuffs when the pack is worn in the front.  The whole bag is done in Realtree Extra a brown camo.  

Kobalt Ratcheting Bit Driver Set.  

An essential prepper micro tool kit, this Kobalt set has 32 pieces including a dual end ratchet, and 31 tool pieces made up of flat and Phillips tips, Torx tips, and Allen driver tips.  All this is secured in a fitted plastic case box with a slide lock.  This tool set comes for under $20 at Lowe’s or other outlets.  

Ruger 10-22 Rimfire Rifle.  

Do I really need to introduce this one?  Every prepper survivalist has to have one or more of these with a full complement of accessories.  Ruger is a stalwart firearm manufacturer of high quality, cost effective firearms.  Their iconic 10-22 rifle is a cornerstone product.  Base models have hardwood or now synthetic stocks, a 10-round rotary magazine, and simple open sights.  They are offered in blued steel or stainless.  The recommendation is to fully search the Ruger web site, www.ruger.com for specs on the seven available models including the take-down versions.

For add on accessories, stock up on 25-round magazines to start.  The 10-22 is perfect for mounting a conventional scope, red dot or other electronic optics.  There are slings, cases, bags, and many other items on the web site to check out.  A base 10-22 runs about $200.

On Your 6 Design Holsters.  

These holsters are custom molded of Kydex thermoplastic material specifically for the firearm model you own.  Holsters can be IWB or OWB.  They can be ordered in a variety of colors from basic black to vivid wild.  The cant of the holsters can be adjusted by rotating attachment clips via two screws.  

On Your Six also makes magazine carry “pouches” both in a single or dual magazine configurations.  These fit on a waist belt.  Everything is custom molded to fit the exact handgun or correct magazine with a perfect resistant fit.  Your pistol or mags will not fall out.   They cost from $35-50.  

So, that summarizes brief descriptions of twelve useful products for prepping and survival work.  We’ll report on more gear as time allows trials in the field so you’ll know what works and what may not.