Life straw is not a great product. Spend a little extra and get the Sawyer. It is a better, more useful product. It just doesn't have as cool of a name.
Get a sawyer mini instead, about the same price and you don't have to bend down and stick your face in the water.
Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System, Single, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_1FJXCbNV7FQ2S
Yeah, this is a great point. I'm not aware of any guides either, but I'd love to hear of any that anybody knows about.
I might suggest:
A backpacking style water filter - I have this one, I like it and I think it's generally well thought of, and it's $20.
Bulk sacks of rice, beans, flour, or other dried staples, depending on what you actually use. They're cheap, will store forever (look out for mice, though), and you can use them regularly in your day to day cooking. Just maybe don't let them get below half full or so (depending on how many people you need to feed) before buying another.
Doing these two things will at least let you be self-sufficient for the absolutely essential.
Picking up a few more blankets when you find a good deal will help if it's winter when it happens. A backpacker's solar panel for charging phones would be nice and not too expensive. A propane cook stove and a few bottles of propane if you can afford them and the space to store them. And good relationships with friends and neighbors will be invaluable, so be sure to work on that too :)
Potentially, a sawyer squeeze water filter could be life changing. Popular among long distance backpackers for its light weight, it is also quite effective at... well... filtering water. If you’re out in nature, I would always suggest bringing a water filter. Amazon Link for the Product
Iodine is blegh. Takes a while to purify the water and leaves a taste.
instead get a sawyer mini from amazon for 20 bucks.
Removes 99.99999% of all bacteria, up to 100,000 gallons.
True, and it's an interesting question how to balance the water issue with food at these low budget levels. Water by itself is cheap, water storage quickly gets expensive. Even the cheapest Walmart jugs of water are still going to be above $1/gallon, which will blow the budget if you are trying to collect 2-3 months worth to match the food supply. Maybe take $40 out of the budget to get a Sawyer Mini plus 20 gallons of jug water to get you through short-term emergencies. Then reduce the food budget to $160.
thank you!
https://www.amazon.de/Sawyer-Wasserfilter-Wasseraufbereitung-Outdoor-Filter/dp/B00FA2RLX2
seems like they only have the mini, and not the squeeze.
active o2 bottles? haven't heard about or seen them, nothing on amazon either. but thank you for the advice.
i like this one better. More useful functionality wise and you don't have to stick your face next to a dirty pond. Just load up a water bottle/water bag and filter! I've drank out of a lake and a waterfall using it so far and been fine.
Neither the lifestraw nor this filter will filter out viruses though..so if someone who has a virus shit in your water, don't drink it.
Get a Sawyer Mini Water Filter Kit. It's the more compact one. It takes up very little space, you can drink from the source, and filters a LOT of water. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FA2RLX2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 If you're going old-school then learn the basics and all methods of filtering water. Get a good long, full-tang knife at least 4-6 inches with a good sheath and sharpening kit. Heck get two. Stainless steel. Folding shovel/entrenching tool. 8' x 10' tarp of good quality for some overhead shelter in case it rains so you're not trapped inside the tent. You'll want to protect your fire. Several different methods of firestarting: waterproof matches, firesteel, make a hobostove, etc. Figure out what you're going to do for food. Bring it with you or hunt. Location needs to be somewhat near running water. A poncho suit would be good to keep dry. A change or two of clothing. Biodegradeable soap to keep clean and save the environment from being polluted. Mini-hacksaw for cutting branches and logs for your fire. Bring something to entertain yourself during your downtime. Make sure some people know when you're leaving and the location in case something happens. Murphy's Law.
Here you go. Mines been working great for 3 years of hiking and camping. Rated to 100,000 gallons. Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_3S1PPTFJRC2TG2HWYA9B?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Sawyer filters are fine enough to be rated for those, and they're not terribly expensive.
I use the Sawyer Mini. It weighs almost nothing, is very small and can filter thousands of liters of water. It’s great to toss in a bag for a hike, just in case there’s an emergency.
Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9FNDX7T0ZE33Y3YVVS3J?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
There are pre packaged kits online or off Amazon that can add up a little bit the essentials.
I don't think too may of us will be in the woods drinking mud puddles but a water purifier is always a good start
We have a few of these on each backpack attached to a hydration bladder. Can fill your bladder with river or pond water and when you suck trough the end it passes through this 1st...not only removing all parasites (prevents diharrea which can kill you) but all the other impurities along the way.
Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_0R4SBC1G7PVZ2ERE32NV
We all have small individual first aid kits that are pretty basic and most can be made up with dollar store items. Band aids, ointment, small Advils, alcohol, peroxide
For more dramatic situations up to and including gunshot wounds look into ceelox.
If you don't go the dollar store route any decent prepacked 1st aid kit from Walgreens should suffice for the small stuff.
If someone breaks a leg and that nasty bone is sticking out...✌️....I can't do that kind of stuff...can't even look st it.
I used to watch alot of various YouTube videos and everyone takes it too far.
I don't imagine too many of us will be doing war in the woods or on mountains so I personally think you can't go wrong with decent Amazon kit with ceelox as an add in..plus your regular meds like an inhaler, or whatever else you might need in a pinch.
As the other folks have already suggested reasonable options like refill in shops and cafes, mentioned Refill app, and gone to purification tablets, lemme add an unreasonable one -- a filtering option.
I've been using this filter for a while and it's great for all my trips. Two years ago I was using it extensively in Siberia and no one had a diarrhea or any poisoning problems.
That is a LifeStraw. As someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, I would not recommend buying one of those. I'd recommend the Sawyer water filter, they are longer lasting and are more versitle.
I'd recommend the Sawyer water filter, they are longer lasting and are more versatile. So If you wanna drain the great lakes like this absolute unit, help yourself to one of these.
A mini water filtration gadget. I saw this on Amazon.
Even my little Sawyer purifier handles cryptosporidium and giardia; I did start reading about folks using charcoal tablets to try and overcome the toxins from algae, with very mixed results. It's a little concerning since I have drank out of all manner of springs and puddles all over the Rocky Mountains. Guess I'm lucky to still be here. :)
I never hike without my water purifier in case of emergency. Maybe she had something like this. The story doesn’t make much sense of she’s wrong about her location and you do have to wonder how she’s not weak and doesn’t need to be checked out at a hospital. I am going to be so mad if this is a scam. She had just lost her job...
Sawyer mini water filter: Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cNwuFbDQSSRXP
Great if you’re going to end up bugging out on foot, lets you filter water you find so you don’t have to carry as much with you.
My water bottle weighs a few ounces and my water filter for unlimited, naturally cold water.
Filter any water from the wild before drinking it.
$20 is a small price to pay to save yourself from some bacterial infection, worms or some sort of parasite. Or straight up save your life.
No matter HOW CLEAN the water may look, you never know because there is plenty of nasty shit in water that you can't see with the naked eye.
The water will still taste cold and refreshing and have that nature-like taste to it after filtering, in fact it should make the water taste even better because then it actually will be pure. (to an extent).
DM me if you want a bit more info on the subject.
Like this?
Amazon
There's a cheaper model that works just as well, but doesn't have a screw adapter on both ends so the clean water you just gotta kinda point and shoot when filling bottles.
Thank you so much. Thank you taking your time to explain it to me.
I have this Sawyer. I think we might have drank some water from one of the lakes in Titans but we survived that without getting sick. We also mostly boiled it as it was really cold outside(October).
I'm definitely going to get the tablets for treating. It sounds it's good to have them in your pack.
Lastly, which USGS maps do you use? I just went to their website and I am kinda lost. I have been buying the National Geographic maps where ever I go. Are those good enough? Would they show mining sites?
Thanks again. I really appreciate you typing all of this. It's super helpful.
Related note for anyone that hates dealing with nasty tap water, I use one of these for hiking but you could easily take it on tour (it's the size of your palm) and always have safe and clean tasting water for $20.
Knowing that Florida is hot and humid most of the year, I would suggest the Sawyer Mini Filtration Kit. It's an individual filter and they're not expensive. Staying hydrated is key regardless of climate, temperature, and activity.
https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473011934&sr=8-1&keywords=sawyer+mini+water+filtration+system
I go backpacking alot and I own/use this filter, http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453530791&sr=8-1&keywords=sawyer+mini+water+filter
would it be able to filter out lead?
Where are you going?
A Sawyer mini would also be my recommendation if you're going to be in North America (and probably Europe or Australia).
If you're going to a place that has the potential for viruses to be in the water you're going to need something with more filtering/germ killing capability.
I used to use tabs until this year, LOVE the Sawyer and won't be going back. Tabs definitely work, but they also impart a flavour to the water that I don't love. It always seemed silly to me to get water from a beautiful mountain stream and then add chemicals...
Those 'expiration' dates on sealed item don't mean they become useless. "Use By" dates are more relevant. Expiration and Use By are given according to the food/drink and by the FDA. As long as the food/water is sealed and in cooler/darker locations it can last longer. I hope that you have alternative methods of getting water other than bottled water. Iodine and purification tablets can treat water that you get from rain and well-water. Rain water is SAFE to drink until it touches the ground or a dirty/contaminated container. However, because humans have polluted more of certain areas then rain water could have slightly higher amounts of toxins. Best to boil/purify it. Option 3 is great for gathering water anytime. I would keep it behind the house as many states actually make this ILLEGAL for some reason. The government CAN'T claim rainwater. I bought this off of Amazon for less than $20: Sawyer Mini Filtration System - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FA2RLX2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00 There are larger filtration systems that you could buy for your families needs that would be well worth it.
not a bottle but... probably one of the smallest and best reusable filters out there.
Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System, Single, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_MzGzDbKTT58GD
I have an in-line attachment for hydration pack.
There’s a little pump too.
Water Purifier Pump with Replaceable Carbon 0.01 Micron Water Filter, 4 Filter Stages, Portable Outdoor Emergency and Survival Gear - Camping, Hiking, Backpacking https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NVCBWVV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_MBGzDbY1W35D3
Finding food in a wilderness survival situation should not be at the top of your to-do list. You can go for many days without food. Finding water is much more of a concern.
My suggestion is to start paying attention to where you see sources of water as you hike. Look for streams, springs, and pools of non-stagnant water. Just like with fire-making, signaling, and navigation, it's a good idea to have two methods of purifying water. If you're a regular hiker, a small filter like a Sawyer Mini might be a good idea, but if this is just emergency gear get a set of water purifying tablets and have a metal cup that nests with your water bottle. This $10 steel cup will nest with a Nalgene bottle and you can use it to boil any water you might find along the way. Add in 10 feet or so of cord so you can tie it to your cup handles and lower your cup into a stream instead of you having to deal with muddy stream banks.
Get that stuff and add a few teabags, instant coffee packs, cocoa, and/or bouillon cubes. Having a comforting drink is very calming and gives you something to do if you're lost and anxious. Throw in some hard candies you don't particularly like (so you won't eat them beforehand) and a few extra energy bars, and that should give you a pretty good basic kit for water and "morale food". You can spend $15 and get a fancy water bottle case that you can attach to your pack to keep all of this together.
Fire is your friend. It can keep hypothermia and bears away from you, it can boil your water, and it can alert rescue teams to your location. You want at least two ways to make fire and you need to practice making fires on a regular basis (my kids love s'mores). I suggest having a BIC lighter, a firesteel, and carrying a small container with tinder. This can either be commercial tinder like Wetfire or it can just be cotton balls mixed with petroleum jelly in a small plastic canister. This whole kit can go in a heavy-duty ziplock and go in your water bottle bag.
Always have a knife. I won't go into the hundreds of things you can do with a knife, I'll just say to spend $10-15 on a Mora and learn how to sharpen it. It will fit in the above water bottle bag as well.
Now you need a way to signal for help. Your phone is first attempt, but if you have no signal, having a signal mirror, a loud whistle, and a bright orange bandana are all ways to get attention visually or audibly.
Most commercial survival kits are trash or woefully short of supplies. That said, as a base starting point, I like the $30 Pocket Survival Pak designed by Doug Ritter of equipped.org that includes a good mirror, whistle, a decent little compass, a firestarter, and other bits and bobs. If you buy that plus a steel cup, water purifier tabs, a BIC lighter, a firesteel, a Mora, and a water bottle bag, you've spent about $100 and you've got a very decent and compact emergency kit. Throw in a handful of paracord and a couple of mylar space blankets. There's a cool trick when hiking in cold weather that you can wrap a mylar blanket around your body , sit at the base of a tree, and light a survival candle to put between your legs under the mylar blanket to keep your core warm.
If you're hiking, you should already have a rain jacket, some kind of base layer, and a map and compass.
Why would you not just buy the Sawyer Mini for $18.97 on Amazon?
Sawyer Products SP128 Mini Water Filtration System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_qhWfub0018FS9
20lbs of water to start? 😳 For next time
Sawyer Products MINI Water Filtration System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_H3MEHSX3DQYRFPCPAS27
Your on a good start, your best bet imho is to concentrate on breathability of your clothes in hot weather (depending on your area) and also keeping warm when at high altitudes (again depending on your area) If there is 2 things I would try to always have in a day pack it's an emergency bivy bag like this;
https://www.rei.com/product/862117/sol-emergency-bivy-xl?
And a way to filter water such as;
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_E33D5Z6HX3B74FEEDHR9
I have had more than once where I didn't bring enough water, and this saved my butt.
Past that, clothing of the correct type are very important, but I am still novice at this. I use smartwool for early or late in year, and mostly polyester in summer.
I would welcome others with more experience for clothing advise.
Don't do it. Buy a Sawyer Mini if you want something cheap and functional.
https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2
I also like the Sawyer, it's ~$22.00 on Amazon. It's not the fastest filter, but it works pretty well.
You're supposed to let them warm up to room temp before turning them on. Mine arrived frozen solid. They were going to ship me a replacement but then just refunded me instead. I've been cycling it on and off for a couple of weeks and still can't hardly see whats happening inside, lol.
I bought one of these... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FA2RLX2?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
As soon as I figure out what caps are needed I'm getting a bottle capper and opening her up to see if I can filter it clear...
Information.
You don't prep for one thing or a few things. You prep for any emergency where you will be without the necessities for some time. The scariest words are "I'm from the government and I'm here to help."
We all need the same basic necessities.
1-6 are far more important than 7 & 8.
If you must spend money and have the means to do so, are you prepared to stay home or leave at some point? If the latter that is a whole bag of mess that's another topic. I'm sure many would give suggestions.
i genuinely, truly, wholeheartedly believe that the best thing you can do is learn to live with the land. i don't think there's a future in cities or in a high-resource-intensity lifestyle.
there are many ways to live with the land - they are fully place-specific & take time to learn. i wrote a bit about that here: https://newcatwords.tumblr.com/post/189091907285/where-to-find-the-food-learning-from-indigenous
i'm not saying that you switch to a nature-based lifestyle fully..i don't think that's a recipe for success...but i do think that getting out of a city or at least getting a little bit of land where you can start growing things for real to be crucial. growing things is not as straightforward as us city-dwellers have been led to believe. plants take a while to grow & the only real way to do it is to start planting, observe what happens, change things, keep observing, change things, etc. start now before your back is up against the wall.
some people say "oh well what's the point of trying to grow stuff if the climate will change," sure, but what's the other option? at least if you start growing now, you can gain experience and select for the plants that do well in your area as the climate changes. it takes time to figure out which plants grow in one's area like wildfire with minimal intervention and which tolerate a wide range of conditions (a lot of sun, a lot of cold, not much rain, etc.). also it takes time to learn what wild foods are available in your area to supplement what you grow.
regarding electric power breakdown, etc., all i can suggest is to go off-grid. it doesn't have to be expensive. 12V or 24V DC solar systems can be very cheap to set up as long as you do not require power-hungry appliances like electric kettles, hair dryers, etc. the sooner you start, the more you can learn what parts you need, etc.
as for water, gotta set up your own filtration system. we live in a very rainy part of the country and use a sawyer mini filter ($20 on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=sawyer+filter&qid=1620156941&sr=8-2) for drinking water. for other water uses (dishes, handwashing, and water that will be boiled like coffee or soup), we use straight rainwater catchment water.
for materials, if your house is built from wood, you gotta grow your own and trees take a while to grow so start now. we built our current structures from lumber from the store, but we've also planted bamboo so that future structures can be built from our own wood. wherever you decide to settle, there is surely an appropriate lumber wood that is traditionally grown there.
personally i'm not scared of gun-wielding maniacs because we live in a rural area where almost everyone grows at least some food. plus we know our neighbors and already we share food with each other. plants are generous - especially trees, which produce way more than any one family can use at once. you take care of plants and they'll take care of you. the best insurance is to have more than you need so that you can always befriend someone by sharing your bounty.
please note that this isn't an on/off switch like one day you're in civilization & the next day you're living free. we live off-grid but we still cook on propane. we still rely heavily on staples from the store. i am currently in the process of trying to repair our blasted car. but we also have young trees in the ground. we have sweet potatoes, taro, & other root vegetables in the ground. our house is simple & we can repair it ourselves. we can troubleshoot our solar system ourselves. we have many friends & neighbors locally who we can turn to for help. it's always easier with friends. you can do it!
> https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/
You can use this link - the other one is a referral link.
Yep.
Get a Sawyer Mini. One filter is good for 100k gallons, easy to use, easy to carry.
I don't know about the drug its self or anything, so take this with a grain of salt, but if sub is water soluble all the way, you can use as small of a filter as you want because it is desolved in it. Just like if you use a filter in salt water, its still salty. Alot of hunting/camping stores sell water filters cheap. The sawyer 0.1 micron filter sells for $20, so its cheap as shit even if it doesn't work. Here However, this is a squez filter. THis probably will not work. A chem store such as Home sciance tools filter paper This is Less than 2 dollars for a 10 pack, and is used in chem where everthing needs to be pure, and I would trust them.
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I have a home with a 2 car garage, so this is what is working for me. I need to have water for myself, a child and possibly another adult. If it came to it, we would ration and reuse water as much as possible, etc.
- 5 x 5 gallon water jugs, like one would have at the office. I bought them right when covid hit, $25 each I believe. In the garage on shelves off the concrete.
- Every time I go to the store I get one of those bundles of water plastic water bottles. I have 10 or 12 of those, 1 per weeks or so. In the garage on shelves off the concrete. I will add to this. Sure a few bottles may leak, non issue.
- I'll pick up a gallon or 2 of water here and there, I think I have 10-12 of those around the house.
- 10 gallon camping water container filled with tap water. Mainly for car camping but its always full.
- Waterbob for the bathtub, if SHTF that will be 100 gallons.
- 4 or 5 LifeStraws in my bags. Each can filter something like 800 gallons.
- 1 Sawyer filter https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FA2RLX2/ up to 100,000 gallons filtering.
- water heater is 50 gallon. if SHTF I have that.
- Solar camping shower unit https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B085SZCRLN so if SHTF I can at least get a warm shower at some point. I also use this when I go camping.
- Several Potable Aqua, I think i have 3 or 4 of these total https://www.amazon.com/Potable-Aqua-Purification-Tablets-neutralizing/dp/B0009I3T3S
- I bought a small bottle of unscented bleach and printed directions on how to use to purify water. I think its 1/2 tsp for 8 gallons of water..so that bottle should last a long time. I know the shelf life of it isnt forever, but its lower on my list and might be the last resort to clean water.
- I have a plan to catch rain water and snow, when that comes. I would only do that if SHTF so i could supplement all the above.
- I have a few cords of firewood for heat, assuming electricity went out. I also have 3 20lb propane tanks, about a dozen of the small camping ones and adapters to fit the various stoves\heating elements.
Keep in mind this has been years worth of thinking\planning and anything I can use to camp with, I do. So this was not all "OMFG SHTF prep", but more i need it for camping and i can use it for crisis. I've had the camping stuff for years..so the cost was spread out over many years.
edit: I've only been in this house for 2 years, so before that all of this minus the 5 5gallon jugs and stacks of bottles (half of them) were in my 2bd apt.
Amazon does a sale on Sawyer’s a couple of times a year, and today is one of those times. $9 off normal price. Good filter if you don’t have one or need a backup.
Sawyer Mini is much better IMO. For BOBs I would suggest a gravity fed system like Sawyer SP160.
+1 on the sawyer mini. It works like a champ.
+1 for Sawyer Mini
Sawyer water filter
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FA2RLX2/ref=abs_add_sc_?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Have one in my kit and it has been extremely useful.
Hello fellow UT trail runner! You should come do the Tushars 93K Ultra (or marathon) with us on 8/1! I promise you'll have a good time :)
As far as acclimating or preparing for higher altitude running goes, be aware that your HR is going to be quite a bit higher than what you're used to at a given level of exertion. Take it easy, walk when you need to, and hydrate. I use a Sawyer Mini like this. It's super small, lightweight, easy to pack in your hydration bag/vest.
I've heard of runners getting a prescription for Cialis for high altitude events. Apparently it provides some benefit if you'll be running at an elevation ~5000 ft. higher than what you normally run at.
Good luck, be safe, and have fun!
Ah, yeah that review is for the mini, which is the one you currently have in your wishlist. The Sawyer Squeeze is the larger one. That reviewer looks like they had two problems with the mini: flow was slow, and the bag blew a hole. The flow of the full sized Sawyer is must more reasonable so you put less pressure on the reservoir you attach it to, and it's less likely to develop a leak. You'll also spend way less time at the stream replenishing water.
As to the bag leak, both models of Sawyer use a standard thread pattern, so you can just use your SmartWater bottles if your bag starts to leak. If you have (or can find) an older Platypus water pouch those are the best (durable and reliable), but a few years ago the company changed the thread pattern on the neck and now the Sawyers don't work with them any more so don't buy a new one expecting it to work.
Here's a link to the full sized one: http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1429134464&sr=8-2&keywords=sawyer+squeeze
Here is a review of the mini and comparison to the full size: https://youtu.be/tDFS2OshI0s
Good luck!
My wishlist for this year:
ZPacks 900 Fill Down - Lightest warmest 900 fill down sleeping bag on the market and for a reasonable price! Sadly I can't afford it for my 6 month bicycle tour that I'm going on this year :'( I'm stuck lugging around a 4lb synthetic sleeping bag that takes up about 25L of volume - If I had the ZPack sleeping bag I wouldn't need a front rack and two front panniers which would save me considerable weight as well.
Ortlieb Folding Bowl 5L - This folding bowl serves multiple purposes and can be used for doing laundry, washing dishes, washing smelly feet, and can even be used reverse side for food prep.
Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System - Most versatile compact water filtration system (I don't really need this one yet but it will come in handy for future trips outside of North America)
Keen Commuter 3 - Hiking/Biking sandal with SPD cleats (Apparently Keen Commuter 4 is coming out this year so I will wait and see how much that one has improved)
Icebreaker Anatomica Boxers - I would have bought these for only $18CAD but they don't have any in my size :'( I can't justify spending $30+ on a pair of boxers on my budget
Therm-a-rest Evolite Plus - I have a feeling this is going to be on par if not better than the NeroAir XLite because apparently it doesn't crinkle nearly as much! If I didn't already buy a Trail Pro this year then I would be purchasing the Evolite Plus
Future trips wishlist:
Stuff I bought this year:
Hennessy Hammock Expedition Asym Zip - Can't wait to try this out, it only weighs 2.4lbs, takes up little space since no tent poles, and it can be used virtually anywhere
Thermarest Trail Pro Sleeping Pad - I don't why it's marked "Irregular"? There's nothing wrong with it, no blemishes or anything
Eureka Cimarron 15 Degree Sleeping Bag - This sleeping bag is stupidly heavy, but cheap and very warm
Marmot Zeus Down Vest - 700 Fill Power - Lightweight warm high quality down vest that I got for stupidly cheap (Originally $200CAD got it on sale for $76CAD 61% off!)
Icebreaker Tech Lite National Park Shirt - 100% merino wool T-shirt for only $40CAD, nothing to complain about there
I actually have a Green MSR Hubba Hubba with Gear Shed that I bought last year and only used for a handful of days last Summer - no wear N tear at all. I'm going to be selling it soon for a steal at $420CAD on Amazon.ca (would cost you $620CAD+ to buy new) if you are interested feel free to let me know. Here is what it looks like http://i.imgur.com/hSjfpZb.jpg except the gear shed vestibule expands more than that http://i.imgur.com/ePVtarF.jpg
The Sawyer Mini water filter is smaller, can be screwed onto standard disposable plastic water bottles, and is capable of filtering far more water since you can reuse it. If you pick up a stainless steel water bottle, you can boil water in it as well.
You should always have a backup when it's a survival situation; Israeli water purification tablets will both look legit and be legit if she actually needs to use them.
There are always more items you might add to a first aid kit, but this one is pretty well rounded. If you want a cheaper base kit (i.e if you want to add your own items), this other kit will also do the job.
Battery-free lights can be good, but AA batteries are common enough that a good tactical light that takes AAs might be a more convenient option.
If she has a tablet (if tablet, go for the 12W) or E-reader (7W), solar power might be an option. With rechargeable AA batteries and a USB recharger, the flashlight and any other AA device (like a small, separate radio) could work indefinitely, as well as any regular USB-charged device.
ResQme may not be strictly zombie-related, but if you buckled up as per Rule #4, you may want a way to quickly exit your vehicle if your seatbelt jams and the windows and door won't open normally.
There are a lot of compasses out there, but this one is simple, reliable, and won't break easily. It's also designed to be laid over maps without getting in the way of reading them.
Pocket chainsaw. Won't be useful against zombies, but if you ever needed to cut a tree or thick branches and don't want to carry an axe...
...You can also carry a hatchet instead. This one has a short blade, which will cut into their heads and not get stuck like others. It'll also do a fine job cutting smaller branches.
For non-zombie/woodwork related tasks, the Victorinox Forester has your bases covered.
You should also include World War Z (the book, and the movie if you'd prefer), I Am Legend (both the book and the film), and the Walking Dead series (TV, comics, and both seasons of the Telltale game series on Steam).
I bought this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FA2RLX2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00 for my personal use. If I need water right away, to fill my Camelback or for another use, I can get drinkable water right away. I don't have to wait or build a fire if.....I need water quickly. I can get what I want and then worry about getting more . I can start getting wood and building a fire. I might not be someplace safe just yet. It might be raining, for example and I need shelter first. If I'm with other people, they can start gathering stuff for a fire. I can get my water needs met. If I know I'm going to be hiking with others I can convince them to get this, less than $20.00 Having multiple ways to get drinkable water doesn't mean a person isn't going to rely on one over the other. Every person isn't going to have the best skills at fire building and/or water purification. This filter is light and small> I would suggest that people get this, as an quick way to get drinkable water.