Let's Build a Survival Kit(Part 10) - THOUGHTS ON DEFENSE

We’re going to have some fun designing and building a survival kit together and we are well on our way. Here is Part 10 in the series where each week we will vote on a new item(s) to add to the kit and see the results from the previous week. Well – sorta. This week we will discuss defense items, but, no voting. Be patient – you’ll see below.

Back when I first got involved in preparedness there were lots of discussions about “survival kits.” Nowadays, there are INCH bags, Bug Out bags, Get Home bags, and many more. I may be a bit old school but I’m going back to my roots and survival kit it is.

Here’s the bag we started with: The Paratus 3-Day Operator’s Pack. The Paratus is a popular pack and often considered the “Prepper’s Backpack” as it is high quality, rugged, extremely versatile, and budget-friendly. Cost is phenomenal at well under $100.

Here’s what we’re going to do. Every week(or so) I’ll post a category of products along with several choices to choose from. Everyone will vote on which items to put in the bag. When the voting is over I’ll buy the selected item and add it to the bag. With each new week, I’ll update what we’ve put in the bag until the kit is completed.

LAST INSTALLMENT: Last we looked at ways of carrying water:

3V Scout 2 Liter Water Bladder(made for this specific backpack)
Nalgene Water Bottle
Military Canteen Kit with Cover and Aluminum Cup
Water Bota Bag
Military Issue 2 Quart Canteen

The 3V Scout Water Bladder won out which is perfect as it is made for the Paratus backpack. The bladder was ordered and has been received.

THIS WEEK: We’ve got the bag, a water filter, a knife, a bit of food, some first aid supplies, a flashlight, a cookstove, an ax, cook set, and a tent, various supplies, and the 3V water bladder- – Let’s discuss defensive tools.

DEFENSE

People that put together survival kits live in numerous geographical regions, with a vast array of cultures, climates, and gun laws. With that said listing a few firearms and defensive tools here and voting on them simply won’t make sense for most people.

What works for one may not work for another ten. I’ll tell you what works for me(and it could change at any time).

My EDC consists of a Sheild 9mm pistol, with a couple of extra mags. Within my transport is a kit consisting of my SHTF weapon and a complete battle belt. At this time I see no need to include any additional pistol or rifle.

OPTIONS

.22LR: I could certainly see a time when I may want a .22LR pistol or rifle. A takedown Ruger 10/22 with a few BX-25 magazines and 300 rounds of CCI Mini-Mags would be light and extremely versatile. It would excel at taking small game and from a defensive perspective is certainly much better than bad language.

Shotgun: I’m not a huge fan of the shotgun but it is probably the most versatile firearm out there. A standard pump-action can be used to take deer at distance, and birds close up. Motorcycle-riding evil brigands will soil their pants seeing a 12 gauge pointed in their direction.

Beyond a .22LR and a shotgun I do not see many alternatives to a standard duty pistol and an AR. Remember – we are talking defensive firearms that could also serve other functions as well. Your mileage may vary.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If by some unfortunate set of circumstances I am having to rely on this survival kit, “defense” will start with avoidance. I would avoid trouble at all costs.

The kit is nearing completion.

Stay tuned!

Rourke

What else would you recommend for the kit? Comment below!!!