I was browsing through a thread on Survivalist Boards a while back and it got me thinking about the nature of our survival gear again. We often get caught up in the latest or the most expensive gadgets, but some of the most practical advice comes from people using everyday items in ways they were never intended for; it’s why I really enjoy DIY survival projects so much.
But I have to be honest with you right out of the gate: I don’t have much personal experience with many of the items on this specific list. That said, the logic behind them appears grounded in real-world utility, so I thought it would be worth discussing nonetheless.
As you well know, survival isn’t always about being the person with the most expensive knife; often, it’s about being the person who knows how to use unusual items in unusual ways to solve common problems.
Remember that when we look at historical precedents of hard times or actual collapse, like in Venezuela or Yugoslavia, we see that people didn’t survive on high-end gear alone. Rather, they survived on ingenuity and the ability to re-purpose what was available.
Signaling and Visibility
One of the first things that caught my eye was the use of high-vis contractor’s tape and chalk. One poster mentioned using contractor’s tape not just for marking trails, but for writing coordinates or status updates for first responders. It’s simple, cheap, and effective.
Similarly, using kids’ chalk or liquid glass chalk to leave temporary messages on trees or signs is an interesting “grey man” tactic but I’d have to imagine that would wash away quickly. Regardless, you can develop a private language with your group that looks like mere graffiti or a child’s doodle to anyone else, but provides vital information to those in the know. Again, this idea might be more useful around the home and your local community rather than out in the woods.
Have you ever heard of mule tape? It’s a high-strength polyester tape often found on job sites, and is apparently incredibly versatile as heavy-duty cordage. It’s much flatter and often stronger than standard paracord for certain applications.
Along those same lines, the mention of “CAT keys”—a set of heavy equipment keys that supposedly work on most Caterpillar machinery—is a fascinating addition. While I’m not suggesting anyone go out and “liberate” a bulldozer, having the ability to operate “found” transportation or utility equipment in a true disaster scenario is a high-level preparedness-related thought, and one I’d never considered.
Someone also suggested solar yard lights. These fit into this outside the box thinking because they provide a low-level, sustainable light source that doesn’t scream “I have a generator!” to the entire neighborhood. Plus, they can be reused over and over again without too much trouble. I keep a dozen or so for this very reason.
Heat and Security
The thread also touched on some very practical, if slightly “odd,” solutions for fire and security. Roadway flares, for example, are usually thought of as signaling devices, but they are also a foolproof way to start a fire when your fine motor skills are shot because of the cold. If you’ve ever tried to strike a ferro rod with frozen fingers, you know exactly why a “one-and-done” solution like a flare is a lifesaver.
Another clever fire-starting hack mentioned was cutting up Duraflame logs and keeping the pieces in sandwich bags. (I do something similar.) They are lightweight, waterproof until opened, and catch fire instantly. For those of us focused on survival supplies, these are the kinds of low-cost additions that can make a massive difference in a wet, cold, and stressful environment.
On the security front, there were some additional outside-the-box ideas, though I can’t say I’m onboard. For instance, one poster talked about keeping porcelain floor tiles to line sleeping quarters, acting as an “emergency contingent” against handgun rounds. Now, I’m not a ballistic expert, and I certainly haven’t tested this, but it’s a start at hardening a structure. FYI, while there are YouTube videos out there that purport the efficacy of tiles (combined with other substances) at blocking certain calibers, I would be VERY hesitant to rely on them without a lot of personal testing.
Regardless, these ideas remind me that preparedness is often about looking at the materials already in our homes—or at the local hardware store—and asking “What else can this do?” This is, after all, the essence of my DIY survival projects book, which is all about the skill of adapting what you already have for your survival.
The Importance of Morale
Perhaps the most grounded advice in the entire thread centered on morale. We talk a lot about calories and water filtration, but we don’t talk enough about the mental game. One poster suggested keeping Nutella and a spoon specifically as a “creature comfort.” I highly recommend comfort foods as a part of your survival pantry; not only for the kids, but you too.
Another poster mentioned dice and simple card games like “Go Fish” to pass the time. I completely agree. It’s why I keep a multi-game set, board games, decks of cards (and a book of card games), fiction books, and outdoor play items. In a long-term survival situation, boredom and depression are real enemies. If you’re huddled in a basement during a storm or waiting out a period of civil unrest, having something that feels like “normal life” (or a way to engage your brain when the smartphones die) can be the difference between keeping your cool and making a horrible mistake.
Of course, survival isn’t just about the physical body or entertainment; it’s about the spirit, too. I recommend a copy or two of your favorite religious text.
Final Thoughts
Reviewing a list like this is a great exercise in checking our own biases. It’s easy to get a “standard” list of gear and think we’re done. But the real world is messy, and disasters rarely follow the script we’ve written for them. Whether it’s using a paper towel dispenser key as a dead drop tool or keeping a moisture meter to avoid fines for chimney smoke, these items reflect a deep level of engagement with one’s specific environment.
The question is, what “odd” item are you overlooking because it doesn’t look like it belongs in a survival bag?. Maybe it’s time to take a walk through a hardware store or a craft shop with a different set of eyes.
Please take some time to look at your current kit and see if there’s room for a little more ingenuity and a little less “standard” gear.
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