What I use and recommend
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If you are buying one thing in each category
The 25 items marked Buy first are the ones I would put on the shelf before anything else: the smallest station and panel that make a difference, a gravity filter, a license-free radio, KI tablets, three ways to light a fire. The Upgrade and Big ticket items are what you grow into.
Buy first
EcoFlowEcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic1,024 Wh, 1,800 W: the carry-in size$499optionsAbout, at us.ecoflow.com, checked today
EcoFlowEcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus2,048 Wh, 3,000 W: the family size$1,199$1,599optionsAbout, at us.ecoflow.com, checked today
EcoFlowEcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus3,072 Wh, 3,600 W: the homestead size$1,599$2,199optionsAbout, at us.ecoflow.com, checked today
EcoFlowEcoFlow DELTA Pro 34,096 Wh, 4,000 W, 240 volts: the whole-house size$2,799$3,299optionsAbout, at us.ecoflow.com, checked todayBuy first
ZoupwZoupw 400 W Folding Solar PanelThe standard panel: 400 W, 26 lb, plugs into any DELTA$439.99$479.99About, at zoupw.com, checked today
ZoupwZoupw 480 W Bifacial Folding PanelThe bigger stations' panel: two per port, 22.5 lb$649.99About, at zoupw.com, checked today
ZoupwZoupw 430 W Bifacial Folding PanelThe middle panel: 430 W, 21 lb$525.99$549.99About, at zoupw.com, checked today
ZoupwZoupw 250 W Solar BlanketThe one that travels: 12.35 lb, folds to a backpack$299.99optionsAbout, at zoupw.com, checked todayBuy first
ZoupwZoupw K1S Power Bank with AC Outlet99.9 Wh, a real AC outlet, flight approved$139.99About, at zoupw.com, checked today
Roam EnergyRoamEnergy PowerBridge Pro (Gen 2)The car as a generator: 7,500 W at 240 V from the EV's charge port$1,899$2,899About, at roamenergy.tech, checked todayCode BUCKHORN at checkout
Roam EnergyRoamEnergy PowerBridge Standard (Gen 1)120 V, up to 3,500 W, Tesla only$1,199$1,899About, at roamenergy.tech, checked todayCode BUCKHORN at checkout
Star-BattStar-Batt MiniA 576 Wh LiFePO4 case built around the Starlink Mini$1,099optionsAbout, at star-batt.com, checked todayCode BUCKHORN at checkout
OlightOlight Marauder 325,000 lumens and a 1,000 meter spot from a light you hold in one hand$369.99About, at olight.com, checked today
OlightOlight ArkTac UltraFlood, spot, red, UV and a green laser in one flat light for the belt or the rig$159.99About, at olight.com, checked todayBuy first
OlightOlight Oclip 2 UltraThe clip light that becomes a headlamp, a work light and a UV inspection light$94.99About, at olight.com, checked todayBuy first
OlightOlight Warrior Ultra 2500The light in my bug-out bag: 2,500 lumens, 320 meters, from a pocket$139.99About, at olight.com, checked todayBuy first
BorouxBoroux Legacy 3-Gallon Gravity FilterStainless, gravity fed, no power: the top pick for a new tabletop system$399optionsAbout, at boroux.com, checked todayBuy first
BorouxBoroux Foundation Filter ElementsFit Berkey-style housings; a pair runs about a year$159optionsAbout, at boroux.com, checked todayBuy first
Sagan LifeSagan Life AquaBrick, 2 Bricks and SpigotThree gallons each, flat sides that strap tight, stacks for storage$74.95About, at saganlife.com, checked todayBuy first
GRAYLGRAYL GeoPress Ti Purifier BottlePress to purify, then put the cup on the stove: two ways to safe water in one bottle$219.95optionsAbout, at grayl.com, checked today
GRAYLGRAYL GeoPress Ti and Dining Set BundleThe purifier bottle plus the titanium bowl, plate and spork that nest with it$231.95$272.90optionsAbout, at grayl.com, checked today
Rocky TalkieRocky Talkie Expedition Radio (5 W GMRS)My GMRS pick: 5 watts, repeater capable, 4 to 6 days on a charge$195optionsAbout, at rockytalkie.com, checked todayBuy first
Rocky TalkieRocky Talkie Mountain Radio (2 W FRS)My FRS pick: no license, 3 to 5 days on a charge, built for being dropped on rock$120About, at rockytalkie.com, checked today
BuyTwoWayRadiosWouxun KG-935G Plus GMRS RadioThe step up: more channels, scanning, FM, every repeater feature$119.99About, at buytwowayradios.com, checked todayCode BUCKHORN at checkoutBuy first
BuyTwoWayRadiosBTWR Prepper Walkie Talkie Kit (2 Radios)The cheapest pair for the house, with the spares that matter$239.99About, at buytwowayradios.com, checked todayCode BUCKHORN at checkout
weBoostweBoost Cabin Signal BoosterTook my home signal from -123 dBm to -86 dBm$699.99About, at weboost.com, checked todayCode BUCKHORN at checkout
weBoostweBoost Drive Reach OverlandPermanently mounted on my truck$549.99About, at weboost.com, checked todayCode BUCKHORN at checkout
StarlinkStarlink Mini on the Roam PlanInternet from the sky, in a backpack; this link adds a free month of service$55 a monthoptionsAbout, at starlink.com, checked today
SolisSolis Go Hotspot and Power BankData anywhere there is any tower, with an 8,000 mAh battery built in$179.99$239.99About, at on.simo.co, checked today
Jase MedicalJase Case Emergency AntibioticsPrescription medicines for the shelf, by online consultation$289.95About, at jase.com, checked todayBuy first
Jase MedicalJaseTrauma KitThe Stop the Bleed kit on top of my bug-out bag$199.95About, at jase.com, checked todayBuy first
Jase MedicalJaseAid First Aid KitCuts, sprains, blisters, headaches: the everyday companion to the trauma kit$99.95About, at jase.com, checked today
Jase MedicalJase Medical Parasite KitCompounded ivermectin and mebendazole in one capsule; 30 to 180 pills$209.95optionsAbout, at jase.com, checked today
Jase MedicalJase Compounded Ivermectin, 12 mg30 capsules by prescription, or as a Jase Case add-on$124.95About, at jase.com, checked today
Jase MedicalJasePlus Annual Membership15 percent off Jase orders, half off refills, and a first aid hotline$249.95$359.95About, at jase.com, checked today
Jase MedicalJasePantry 30-Day Emergency Food Supply2,100 calories a day for 30 days, 400 servings, just add water$274.95About, at jase.com, checked today
Jase MedicalJase Bunker in a Box RxThe Jase Case, three first aid kits, a month of food, an AquaBrick and a hard case in one order$1,995.95$2,215.65About, at jase.com, checked todayBuy first
MIRA SafetyMIRA Safety Potassium Iodide Tablets65 mg, scored, 60 count, 10-year shelf life$19.95optionsAbout, at mirasafety.com, checked today
MIRA SafetyMIRA Safety CM-6M Gas MaskThe mask I recommend; filters sold separately$245.95$275.95optionsAbout, at mirasafety.com, checked today
MIRA SafetyMIRA Safety EvakPak Plus KitMask plus a CBRN filter and a smoke/CO filter in one kit$562.89$760.66optionsAbout, at mirasafety.com, checked todayBuy first
Black Beard Fire StartersBlack Beard Stormproof MatchesLight after being soaked; the backup that needs no charge$14.99optionsAbout, at blackbeardfire.com, checked todayBuy first
Black Beard Fire StartersBlack Beard Fire PlugsTinder that does not care about rain: 8 minutes a plug, 30-year shelf life$14.95$20optionsAbout, at blackbeardfire.com, checked todayBuy first
Black Beard Fire StartersBlack Beard Arc LighterWindproof, waterproof, USB-rechargeable; no fuel to store$29.99optionsAbout, at blackbeardfire.com, checked today
Black Beard Fire StartersBlack Beard Lifeline Fire KitThree ways to light, in one bin, with tinder that ignores rain$154.95$180About, at blackbeardfire.com, checked todayBuy first
GRAYLPathfinder x GRAYL Titanium Camp Stove28 grams, nests inside the GeoPress cup with a 100 g canister$22.95About, at grayl.com, checked today
GRAYLGRAYL Titanium Dining SetDeep-dish plate, bowl and a 3-in-1 tool that nest with the bottle$52.95optionsAbout, at grayl.com, checked todayBuy first
GRAYLGRAYL Transport EXP Backpack, 30 LThe pack for most people: takes the bladder, the laptop and the GeoPress$249.95optionsAbout, at grayl.com, checked today
Breakwater SupplyBreakwater Supply Fogland Waterproof BackpackSubmersible, IP68: the overnight loadout pack$159.95About, at breakwatersupply.com, checked todayCode BUCKHORN at checkoutBuy first
EberlestockEberlestock Fade Flex SlingMine: a pistol, two magazines, a fixed blade, a light and spray, close to the body$75optionsAbout, at eberlestock.com, checked today
EberlestockEberlestock Mainframe IIBuilt for dense, heavy, irregular loads: water containers strap cleanly$349optionsAbout, at eberlestock.com, checked today
Condition 1Condition 1 22 Inch Wheeled Hard CaseWaterproof, dividers you cut to each device, wheels and a pull handle$279.99optionsAbout, at condition1.com, checked todayBuy first
MODLMODL Infinity ToolKitThe straps that replaced the bungees and Velcro in the bag$149$178optionsAbout, at modl.com, checked today
Toor KnivesToor Knives Mullet TThe fixed blade that rides in my sling$210.99optionsAbout, at toorknives.com, checked todayOut of stock when last checkedBuy first
Faraday DefenseFaraday Defense Dry Bag Sling PackA dry bag and a Faraday bag in one: 5 to 30 liters$69.99optionsAbout, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked todayBuy first
Faraday DefenseFaraday Defense JACKET Phone BagThe phone-size Faraday bag, Velcro closure$32.99About, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked today
Faraday DefenseFaraday Defense JACKET Pro CORDURA Phone BagThe tougher phone bag with a magnetic closure$47.99optionsAbout, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked today
Faraday DefenseFaraday Defense JACKET Pro CORDURA Laptop Bag9.5 x 13 inches, with a 14 x 17 XL$89.99optionsAbout, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked today
Faraday DefenseFaraday Defense Small Generator Dry BagShielded, watertight, sized for a power station or a Starlink kit$349.99About, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked todayBuy first
POM IndustriesPOM Home Defense UnitPistol grip, safety pin, 20-plus foot range: the can by the bed$49.95About, at pompepperspray.com, checked todayBuy first
POM IndustriesPOM Pepper Spray, Clip ModelThe pocket and pack-strap can: flip-top, rotating clip, maximum strength$14.95About, at pompepperspray.com, checked today
POM IndustriesPOM Home and Away BundleThe house, the truck and every pocket in one order, with two practice cans$119.95$149.95About, at pompepperspray.com, checked today
BALLISTABALLISTA BAT Reverse CrossbowA 340 fps crossbow that fits in a 30 liter pack and cocks with under 50 pounds of pull$449.95About, at ballista.co, checked today
Toor KnivesToor Knives Darter S, Shadow BlackThe Haley Strategic fighting blade: a sharp spine without a double edge$350About, at toorknives.com, checked today
Toor KnivesToor Knives Serpent T, SOCOM BlackThe ring-draw tanto for a chest rig or a sling where space is short$325About, at toorknives.com, checked today
SpotOnSpotOn GPS Dog Fence, Nova EditionA fence you draw in the app: no wire, no cell signal needed, any shape of land$999About, at spotonfence.com, checked today
Toor KnivesToor Knives Draper Folder, SOCOM BlackThe pocket blade for food and cord, so the fixed blade stays sharp$325About, at toorknives.com, checked today
Harvest RightHarvest Right Home Freeze DryerThe machine I have run for a decade: if your family already eats it, you can store it$1,895$2,495optionsAbout, at harvestright.com, checked today
Harvest RightHarvest Right Pharmaceutical Freeze DryerThe stainless, lower-temperature version$2,495$3,245optionsAbout, at harvestright.com, checked today
Harvest RightHarvest Right Commercial Freeze DryerFor a farm, a co-op, or a business that sells what it dries$13,895$14,795About, at harvestright.com, checked today
weBoostweBoost Drive Reach OverlandPermanently mounted on my truck$549.99About, at weboost.com, checked todayCode BUCKHORN at checkoutFaraday DefenseFaraday Defense Dry Bag Sling PackA dry bag and a Faraday bag in one: 5 to 30 liters$69.99optionsAbout, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked todayBuy firstFaraday DefenseFaraday Defense JACKET Phone BagThe phone-size Faraday bag, Velcro closure$32.99About, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked todayFaraday DefenseFaraday Defense JACKET Pro CORDURA Phone BagThe tougher phone bag with a magnetic closure$47.99optionsAbout, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked todayFaraday DefenseFaraday Defense JACKET Pro CORDURA Laptop Bag9.5 x 13 inches, with a 14 x 17 XL$89.99optionsAbout, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked todayFaraday DefenseFaraday Defense Small Generator Dry BagShielded, watertight, sized for a power station or a Starlink kit$349.99About, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked todayBuy firstNothing matches those filters. Clear one and try again.
Power and Light
Stations, panels, the car as a generator, the batteries that run the dish, and the lights for the dark.
Buy firstEcoFlowEcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic1,024 Wh, 1,800 W: the carry-in size$499optionsAbout, at us.ecoflow.com, checked todayEcoFlowEcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus2,048 Wh, 3,000 W: the family size$1,199$1,599optionsAbout, at us.ecoflow.com, checked todayEcoFlowEcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus3,072 Wh, 3,600 W: the homestead size$1,599$2,199optionsAbout, at us.ecoflow.com, checked todayEcoFlowEcoFlow DELTA Pro 34,096 Wh, 4,000 W, 240 volts: the whole-house size$2,799$3,299optionsAbout, at us.ecoflow.com, checked todayBuy firstZoupwZoupw 400 W Folding Solar PanelThe standard panel: 400 W, 26 lb, plugs into any DELTA$439.99$479.99About, at zoupw.com, checked todayZoupwZoupw 480 W Bifacial Folding PanelThe bigger stations' panel: two per port, 22.5 lb$649.99About, at zoupw.com, checked todayZoupwZoupw 430 W Bifacial Folding PanelThe middle panel: 430 W, 21 lb$525.99$549.99About, at zoupw.com, checked todayZoupwZoupw 250 W Solar BlanketThe one that travels: 12.35 lb, folds to a backpack$299.99optionsAbout, at zoupw.com, checked todayBuy firstZoupwZoupw K1S Power Bank with AC Outlet99.9 Wh, a real AC outlet, flight approved$139.99About, at zoupw.com, checked todayRoam EnergyRoamEnergy PowerBridge Pro (Gen 2)The car as a generator: 7,500 W at 240 V from the EV's charge port$1,899$2,899About, at roamenergy.tech, checked todayCode BUCKHORN at checkoutRoam EnergyRoamEnergy PowerBridge Standard (Gen 1)120 V, up to 3,500 W, Tesla only$1,199$1,899About, at roamenergy.tech, checked todayCode BUCKHORN at checkoutOlightOlight Marauder 325,000 lumens and a 1,000 meter spot from a light you hold in one hand$369.99About, at olight.com, checked todayOlightOlight ArkTac UltraFlood, spot, red, UV and a green laser in one flat light for the belt or the rig$159.99About, at olight.com, checked todayBuy firstOlightOlight Oclip 2 UltraThe clip light that becomes a headlamp, a work light and a UV inspection light$94.99About, at olight.com, checked todayBuy firstOlightOlight Warrior Ultra 2500The light in my bug-out bag: 2,500 lumens, 320 meters, from a pocket$139.99About, at olight.com, checked today
Water
Gravity filters, a purifier bottle that boils, and containers that carry.
Buy firstBorouxBoroux Legacy 3-Gallon Gravity FilterStainless, gravity fed, no power: the top pick for a new tabletop system$399optionsAbout, at boroux.com, checked todayBuy firstBorouxBoroux Foundation Filter ElementsFit Berkey-style housings; a pair runs about a year$159optionsAbout, at boroux.com, checked todayBuy firstSagan LifeSagan Life AquaBrick, 2 Bricks and SpigotThree gallons each, flat sides that strap tight, stacks for storage$74.95About, at saganlife.com, checked todayBuy firstGRAYLGRAYL GeoPress Ti Purifier BottlePress to purify, then put the cup on the stove: two ways to safe water in one bottle$219.95optionsAbout, at grayl.com, checked todayGRAYLGRAYL GeoPress Ti and Dining Set BundleThe purifier bottle plus the titanium bowl, plate and spork that nest with it$231.95$272.90optionsAbout, at grayl.com, checked today
Comms and Signal
Radios that work with no tower, a booster for a weak one, and internet from the sky.
weBoostweBoost Drive Reach OverlandPermanently mounted on my truck$549.99About, at weboost.com, checked todayCode BUCKHORN at checkoutMedical and Protection
Antibiotics on the shelf, KI for the thyroid, a mask for the worst day.
Fire and Cooking
Three ways to light, tinder that ignores rain, and a 28 gram stove.
Buy firstBlack Beard Fire StartersBlack Beard Stormproof MatchesLight after being soaked; the backup that needs no charge$14.99optionsAbout, at blackbeardfire.com, checked todayBuy firstBlack Beard Fire StartersBlack Beard Fire PlugsTinder that does not care about rain: 8 minutes a plug, 30-year shelf life$14.95$20optionsAbout, at blackbeardfire.com, checked todayBuy firstBlack Beard Fire StartersBlack Beard Arc LighterWindproof, waterproof, USB-rechargeable; no fuel to store$29.99optionsAbout, at blackbeardfire.com, checked todayBlack Beard Fire StartersBlack Beard Lifeline Fire KitThree ways to light, in one bin, with tinder that ignores rain$154.95$180About, at blackbeardfire.com, checked todayBuy firstGRAYLPathfinder x GRAYL Titanium Camp Stove28 grams, nests inside the GeoPress cup with a 100 g canister$22.95About, at grayl.com, checked todayGRAYLGRAYL Titanium Dining SetDeep-dish plate, bowl and a 3-in-1 tool that nest with the bottle$52.95optionsAbout, at grayl.com, checked today
Bags, Carry and Cases
Packs that stay dry, a frame that hauls water, a case that takes the knocks.
Buy firstGRAYLGRAYL Transport EXP Backpack, 30 LThe pack for most people: takes the bladder, the laptop and the GeoPress$249.95optionsAbout, at grayl.com, checked todayBreakwater SupplyBreakwater Supply Fogland Waterproof BackpackSubmersible, IP68: the overnight loadout pack$159.95About, at breakwatersupply.com, checked todayCode BUCKHORN at checkoutBuy firstEberlestockEberlestock Fade Flex SlingMine: a pistol, two magazines, a fixed blade, a light and spray, close to the body$75optionsAbout, at eberlestock.com, checked todayEberlestockEberlestock Mainframe IIBuilt for dense, heavy, irregular loads: water containers strap cleanly$349optionsAbout, at eberlestock.com, checked todayCondition 1Condition 1 22 Inch Wheeled Hard CaseWaterproof, dividers you cut to each device, wheels and a pull handle$279.99optionsAbout, at condition1.com, checked todayToor KnivesToor Knives Mullet TThe fixed blade that rides in my sling$210.99optionsAbout, at toorknives.com, checked todayOut of stock when last checkedToor KnivesToor Knives Draper Folder, SOCOM BlackThe pocket blade for food and cord, so the fixed blade stays sharp$325About, at toorknives.com, checked today
Tools and Repair
The straps, lashings and small tools that fix, hold and tie down.
Food Storage
A month of just-add-water food in one order, and the freeze dryer that turns what your family already eats into 25-year food.
Faraday and EMP
Bags that keep phones, laptops and the power station off the air and out of an EMP.
Buy firstFaraday DefenseFaraday Defense Dry Bag Sling PackA dry bag and a Faraday bag in one: 5 to 30 liters$69.99optionsAbout, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked todayBuy firstFaraday DefenseFaraday Defense JACKET Phone BagThe phone-size Faraday bag, Velcro closure$32.99About, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked todayFaraday DefenseFaraday Defense JACKET Pro CORDURA Phone BagThe tougher phone bag with a magnetic closure$47.99optionsAbout, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked todayFaraday DefenseFaraday Defense JACKET Pro CORDURA Laptop Bag9.5 x 13 inches, with a 14 x 17 XL$89.99optionsAbout, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked todayFaraday DefenseFaraday Defense Small Generator Dry BagShielded, watertight, sized for a power station or a Starlink kit$349.99About, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked today
Faraday DefenseFaraday Defense Dry Bag Sling PackA dry bag and a Faraday bag in one: 5 to 30 liters$69.99optionsAbout, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked todayBuy firstFaraday DefenseFaraday Defense JACKET Phone BagThe phone-size Faraday bag, Velcro closure$32.99About, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked todayFaraday DefenseFaraday Defense JACKET Pro CORDURA Phone BagThe tougher phone bag with a magnetic closure$47.99optionsAbout, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked todayFaraday DefenseFaraday Defense JACKET Pro CORDURA Laptop Bag9.5 x 13 inches, with a 14 x 17 XL$89.99optionsAbout, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked todayFaraday DefenseFaraday Defense Small Generator Dry BagShielded, watertight, sized for a power station or a Starlink kit$349.99About, at shop.faradaydefense.com, checked todaySecurity and Defense
Less-lethal pepper spray for the house and the pocket, two fighting blades, and a crossbow that hunts and defends without a report.
Buy firstPOM IndustriesPOM Home Defense UnitPistol grip, safety pin, 20-plus foot range: the can by the bed$49.95About, at pompepperspray.com, checked todayBuy firstPOM IndustriesPOM Pepper Spray, Clip ModelThe pocket and pack-strap can: flip-top, rotating clip, maximum strength$14.95About, at pompepperspray.com, checked todayPOM IndustriesPOM Home and Away BundleThe house, the truck and every pocket in one order, with two practice cans$119.95$149.95About, at pompepperspray.com, checked todayBALLISTABALLISTA BAT Reverse CrossbowA 340 fps crossbow that fits in a 30 liter pack and cocks with under 50 pounds of pull$449.95About, at ballista.co, checked todayToor KnivesToor Knives Darter S, Shadow BlackThe Haley Strategic fighting blade: a sharp spine without a double edge$350About, at toorknives.com, checked todayToor KnivesToor Knives Serpent T, SOCOM BlackThe ring-draw tanto for a chest rig or a sling where space is short$325About, at toorknives.com, checked today
Dogs and Livestock
A GPS fence that keeps the dog on the property with no buried wire and no cell signal.
Also on this site
The things I make and sell myself, the book and the field guides, are in the shop. The rest of the gear that appears in my pages, including anything on Amazon, stays linked from the page it belongs to.