13 Best SHTF Gear [2026]: Essentials for Bugging Out, Hunkering Down, and Staying Alive
When the grid goes down, gear you bought on Amazon won’t cut it. Here’s the SHTF gear we’d actually grab — from water filtration to comms to the stuff you haven’t thought about yet.
When the world turns into a flaming dumpster fire, the last thing you want is to be stuck with empty store shelves, a dead phone, and a crowd of unprepared, panicked people.
That’s why having the best SHTF gear matters—it can mean the difference between getting through the chaos or starring in your own personal disaster movie.
But let’s be real—most “survival kits” are either overpriced junk or filled with flashy gear that looks great in marketing photos but won’t do squat when reality decides to kick you in the teeth.
So what gear actually matters when SHTF?
We break it down for you below.
1. HANDGUNS
When things go sideways, and the rule of law becomes more of a suggestion, a reliable handgun isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. A good pistol is compact, easy to carry, and, most importantly, gives you a real chance when things get ugly.
This isn’t about playing action hero. It’s about staying alive and staying armed. That means picking a handgun that actually works when you need it. It should be tough, low-maintenance, and chambered in a common caliber—because when ammo becomes scarce, finding oddball rounds will be the least of your problems.
9mm is the obvious choice here, with its mix of availability, capacity, and manageable recoil.
So, which handguns are actually worth trusting your life to? Here are two rock-solid options that won’t let you down.
Glock 19 Gen 5
Sportsman’s Guide (See Price)
KYGUNCO (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
Midway USA (See Price)
Primary Arms (See Price)
If there’s one handgun that deserves a permanent spot in an SHTF loadout, it’s the Glock 19. Why? Because it just works.
Rain, mud, dust, neglect—it doesn’t care. The G19 keeps running like it was built for the apocalypse. With 15+1 rounds of 9mm, it hits the sweet spot between firepower and size. Need more ammo? It happily feeds from Glock 17 mags—or even those ridiculous 33-round sticks if you’re feeling spicy.
Reliability is where the G19 dominates. Law enforcement and military units worldwide trust it because it eats any ammo you throw at it and almost never fails. The design is simple and functional—no fiddly safeties, no unnecessary complications. It goes bang when you need it to, strips down in seconds, and requires almost no maintenance.
More from CAT Outdoors:
Best AR-15s
Best AR-15 Triggers
Best AR Red Dots
Best 1911 Pistols
Best Glocks
Another massive advantage? Parts and accessories are everywhere. You’ll never struggle to find extra mags, upgraded sights, or replacement parts. Small enough to carry, big enough to fight with, and built to last, the G19 is a no-brainer for any SHTF scenario.
But, if you’re looking for something with a little more finesse…
Walther PDP
Palmetto State Armory (See Price)
KYGUNCO (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
Cabela’s (See Price)
BattleHawk Armory (See Price)
Dirty Bird USA (See Price)
The Walther PDP is what happens when a handgun is built for performance instead of marketing hype. It’s accurate, fast, and ridiculously comfortable to shoot. Out of the box, it’s optics-ready, features a crisp trigger, and has a grip that locks into your hand like it belongs there. Chambered in 9mm with 15+1 or 18+1 rounds, it gives you serious firepower without unnecessary bulk.
The trigger is where the PDP really shines. It breaks clean, resets fast, and makes follow-up shots effortless. When time matters, a good trigger isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. The aggressive grip texture keeps the gun planted in your hand, even if it’s wet, muddy, or covered in sweat. And the deep slide serrations make racking the gun effortless—even under stress.
Durability? The PDP takes abuse and keeps running. It cycles through any ammo, resists wear, and holds up in rough conditions. Plus, it’s modular, allowing you to swap frames and slides to fit your setup.
If you want a modern, battle-ready handgun that shoots like a dream and won’t quit when the world does, the Walther PDP is a damn fine choice.
2. RIFLES
A handgun is great—it’s compact, easy to carry, and always within reach when trouble kicks down the door. But when you need more power, more accuracy, and more range, a rifle is the next step up. In an SHTF situation, a rifle is what separates the prepared from the soon-to-be looted.
Whether you’re defending your home, hunting for food, or keeping threats at a safe distance, the right rifle gives you the advantage. It provides better stopping power, greater accuracy, and the ability to handle longer engagements—things a handgun just can’t do as effectively.
Daniel Defense DDM4 V7
GrabAGun (See Price)
Cabela’s (See Price)
KYGUNCO (See Price)
Sportsman’s Guide (See Price)
Midway USA (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
Primary Arms (See Price)
If you’re serious about survival, defense, and pure rifle performance, the Daniel Defense DDM4 V7 isn’t just an option—it’s the gold standard. This isn’t some parts-bin AR slapped together with off-the-shelf components. The DDM4 V7 is a fully integrated system, designed and built almost entirely in-house by Daniel Defense, ensuring flawless quality control, unmatched reliability, and top-tier performance.
And when the world goes to hell, that’s exactly what you need.
Ruger 10/22
Cabela’s (See Price)
Sportsman’s Guide (See Price)
KYGUNCO (see Price)
Brownells (See Price)
Midway USA (See Price)
Primary Arms (See Price)
If you’re thinking bigger is always better, think again. The Ruger 10/22 in .22LR might not have the firepower of an AR-15, but it brings something just as valuable—versatility, affordability, and stealth. In an SHTF scenario, having a rifle that’s quiet, lightweight, and capable of taking small game can be just as important as a battle rifle.
The 10/22 is perfect for survival hunting, keeping your ammo supply stocked while staying under the radar. .22LR is cheap, easy to store in bulk, and weighs next to nothing, meaning you can carry thousands of rounds without breaking your back. Plus, the low recoil and high accuracy make it an ideal choice for new shooters or situations where conserving energy and ammo matters.
While the DDM4 V7 is your go-to for defense, the Ruger 10/22 is the rifle you’ll rely on for staying fed, practicing without burning expensive ammo, and handling pests without alerting half the county.
It’s the perfect second rifle for any SHTF loadout.
3. AMMUNITION STORAGE
Fortress Metal Ammo Can
Ammo isn’t just something you buy and forget about—it’s a critical resource that needs to be protected, organized, and ready to go when you need it. If you’re tossing loose rounds in a drawer or letting them rattle around in an old coffee can, congratulations—you’re doing it wrong.
Proper ammunition storage keeps your rounds dry, accessible, and safe from corrosion, theft, or just plain bad luck.
The classic choice? Metal ammo cans. They’re cheap, airtight, stackable, and built like a tank. Storing them in sealed containers with silica gel packs prevents moisture from turning your stockpile into a pile of duds.
MTM AC4C 4-Can Ammo Crate
Midway USA (See Price)
Cabela’s (See Price)
Brownells (See Price)
GrabAGun (See Price)
KYGUNCO (See Price)
Looking for a more organized approach? Dedicated ammo storage crates keep different calibers separated and ready for fast access. If you’re the type to plan ahead, storing pre-loaded mags in magazine pouches inside a locked container ensures you can grab and go when seconds count.
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4. NON-LETHAL DEFENSE
Sometimes, you need to stop a threat without pulling the trigger—whether it’s dealing with an aggressive looter, an unruly crowd, or just sending a clear message that you’re not to be messed with.
That’s where non-lethal defense tools come in. They give you options—ways to shut down a threat, control a situation, or buy yourself enough time to get the hell out.
When you need to end a problem without making permanent decisions, SABRE Pepper Spray is one of the best tools for the job. This stuff turns eyes into fire pits, lungs into air raid sirens, and forces even the toughest idiots to rethink their life choices.
With a 10-foot range and multiple bursts per canister, you can disable an attacker, create distance, and get the hell out of there.
Unlike other defense tools, pepper spray works on nearly anyone, and unless the other guy is wearing a gas mask, they’re going to have a bad time.
ASP Talon Baton
When you need something with a little more persuasion power—we like the ASP Talon Baton. With a flick of the wrist, this thing deploys into a rock-solid steel rod that’s perfect for breaking bones, disabling attackers, and making sure they stay down.
It’s compact, easy to carry, and lets you end a fight without sending anyone to the morgue. If you want a non-lethal defense option that still delivers serious stopping power, this is about as close as you get without pulling a trigger.
5. KNIVES & OTHER ESSENTIAL TOOLS
When it comes to sheer survival utility, nothing beats a good knife.
A knife isn’t just a weapon—it’s a tool that does everything. It’s what you’ll use to process firewood, build shelter, prepare food, and handle a hundred other daily tasks in an SHTF scenario. And yes, if things get desperate, it’s also your last line of defense.
ESEE 5 Fixed Blade Knife
The ESEE 5 is the brick house of survival knives—thick, heavy, and built to take punishment.
Designed with input from military SERE instructors, this ¼-inch slab of 1095 carbon steel isn’t just for cutting—it batons, pries, and smashes through whatever’s in your way. The full tang construction means it’s not snapping on you mid-use, and the Micarta handle stays grippy even when things get rough. If you need a knife that’s as tough as the situation you’re in, this one fits the bill.
A survival knife is crucial, but it’s not the only tool you’ll need. Here are a few others that belong in any serious SHTF loadout:
- Leatherman Wave+ – For fixing gear, cutting wire, and handling small repairs.
- Bahco Laplander – Folding saw that’s more efficient than a knife for cutting firewood or clearing brush.
- Estwing Camp Hatchet – Essential for splitting wood, hammering stakes, and heavier chopping tasks.
- Ferro Rod – Because without fire, survival gets a lot harder.
Each of these tools serves a different purpose, and having the right combination ensures you can build, fix, and defend when things go south.
6. WATER
In an SHTF scenario, clean water is more valuable than gold—without it, you’re as good as done.
The problem? Most water sources aren’t safe to drink. Contaminants, bacteria, and parasites can turn a simple sip into a death sentence. That’s why water purification and storage should be at the top of your survival checklist. Whether you’re bugging out, hunkering down, or on the move, having a reliable way to purify and store water is non-negotiable.
You’re not just drinking water—you’re cooking, cleaning wounds, and making sure you don’t die from dehydration. In an SHTF scenario, you need two things: a way to get safe water immediately, and a method to purify larger amounts for long-term use.
Lifestraw Personal Water Filter
The LifeStraw is simple, effective, and lets you drink straight from a contaminated source without turning your gut into a bacteria breeding ground.
It’s compact, lightweight, and perfect for emergency use. It’s not fancy, and you won’t be filling canteens with it, but when you’re dying of thirst, it beats rolling the dice with pond scum.
Sawyer SP128 Mini
This pint-sized powerhouse can filter up to 100,000 gallons, weighs next to nothing, and lets you drink straight from a river, bottle, or hydration pack without turning your stomach into a biohazard experiment.
Water is life, and the Sawyer Mini makes sure yours doesn’t come with a side of dysentery.
Unlike the LifeStraw, which requires you to get uncomfortably close to whatever sketchy puddle you’re drinking from, the Sawyer Mini lets you filter and store water for later. Compact, reliable, and dirt cheap for what it does, this is hands-down one of the best water filters for SHTF survival.
The Lifestraw and Sawyer Mini are great options for bugging out, but what if you’re just hunkering down? What’s the best for long-term storage?
Here’s the setup we recommend:
- 7-gallon water container for portability
- A water preserver concentrate for the long haul
Fill it, treat it, and congratulations—you won’t be the guy licking condensation off car windows when the taps run dry.
7. FOOD
If you want to avoid scavenging for scraps like a post-apocalyptic raccoon, having the right food supply isn’t optional—it’s survival 101.
Ready Hour Protein Buckets
MREs are a solid option—they last for years, don’t need refrigeration, and come with everything you need in a compact package. When cooking isn’t an option and you need calories fast, having a stash of ready-to-eat meals can make all the difference.
The reason I like these Ready Hour MREs is because they actually pack in a solid amount of protein, which is going to be one of the hardest things to come by when food supplies run dry.
Most survival rations are just carbs dressed up as food, leaving you running on fumes when you actually need strength and stamina. These? They’ll keep you going when everything else is running on empty.
Survival Vegetable Seeds Garden Kit
If you’re thinking long-term, growing your own food is just as important as stockpiling it.
A survival seed kit gives you the ability to produce fresh vegetables season after season, making your food supply renewable instead of just a countdown to empty shelves.
We like the Survival Vegetable Seeds Garden Kit—it gives you a variety of hardy, non-GMO heirloom seeds that will keep producing season after season. Unlike store-bought seeds that may be weak hybrids or chemically treated, these are designed for long-term sustainability.
Whether you’re planting now or storing them for later, having a survival seed bank means you’re thinking beyond the short-term—and that’s how you win at preparedness.
MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit
You can stockpile all the food you want, but if you don’t have a way to heat it up, you’re just one step away from eating cold chili out of a can like a raccoon behind a gas station.
Enter the MalloMe Camping Cookware Mess Kit—a lightweight, compact, and ridiculously useful cooking setup that’s built for survival, bug-out bags, and off-grid living.
It packs everything you need—a pot, pan, utensils, and even a mini stove—into a setup small enough to fit in your backpack. Whether you’re boiling water, cooking up some MRE mystery stew, or making coffee so you don’t turn into a zombie, this kit makes sure you can eat like a human when SHTF.
8. MEDICAL & HYGIENE
You can have all the guns, ammo, and survival skills in the world, but if an infected cut takes you out like a medieval peasant, congratulations—you played yourself. Injuries don’t heal faster just because the world’s ending, and good luck staying sharp when you’re covered in grime, stink, and regret.
Whether it’s patching up wounds, keeping clean, or figuring out where to take a crap when plumbing is a distant memory, this stuff matters. Ignore it at your own risk.
MyMedic MyFAK Mini Pro
When SHTF, you’re the medic—whether you like it or not. No ambulances, no hospitals, just you, whatever supplies you have, and the hope that you don’t screw it up. A half-empty box of Band-Aids and some expired ibuprofen won’t cut it when you’re dealing with deep cuts, burns, broken bones, or worse.
The MyMedic MyFAK Mini Pro is compact but loaded with tourniquets, chest seals, wound dressings, and other essentials that can actually save your life.
Combat Wipes ACTIVE
Combat Wipes ACTIVE are a must-have. You ever gone a few days without a shower? It’s not fun. Sweat, grime, and god knows what else build up fast, and before you know it, you look and smell like a swamp creature.
These are thick, unscented, and actually do the job.
Whether you’re cleaning up after a long day, wiping down before eating, or just trying to maintain some dignity, these wipes make life suck a little less.
TRIPTIPS Retractable Portable Toilet
No one wants to talk about it, but when the plumbing stops, what’s your plan? Digging a hole works—until it doesn’t.
That’s why we think the TRIPTIPS Retractable Portable Toilet is worth having. It packs down small, sets up fast, and won’t collapse on you mid-use (because, let’s be real, that’s everyone’s worst fear with these things).
Pair it with some waste bags, find a semi-decent spot, and congratulations—you now have a cleaner, more comfortable way to handle business. Trust us, figuring this out before it’s a problem is way better than pretending it won’t be.
9. POWER & LIGHTING
When the grid goes down, it won’t take long for things to get ugly. No power means no lights, no communication, and no way to keep essential gear running.
Here’s a couple of our favorite picks for keeping the lights on, your gear powered, and the darkness from becoming your worst enemy.
Jackery Solar Generators
We like the Jackery solar generator because it keeps essential gear running without the hassle of fuel, noise, or constant maintenance. It’s light enough to move around, simple to use, and quiet, which matters when you don’t want to advertise that you have working electricity.
It comes in different sizes to suit your needs. The E1000v2 is our top pick, but if you need something more powerful, there are larger options worth considering.
The best part? It doesn’t rely on gas, so as long as you have sunlight, you have power. Whether it’s charging radios, keeping lights on, or running medical equipment, this thing just does its job without needing babysitting.
Goal Zero Nomad 10
A full-size solar generator is great for keeping your bigger gear running, but sometimes you just need a smaller, more portable solution. That’s why we like the Goal Zero Nomad 10.
It’s lightweight, compact, and built for charging small essentials like radios, GPS devices, phones, and rechargeable batteries—without taking up much space in your pack.
Be sure to check out our guide on the Best Portable Power Stations!
10. COMMUNICATION & NAVIGATION
Losing communication is a fast track to getting lost, stranded, or cut off from critical information. Your cell phone? Useless once the towers go down. Google Maps? Gone the moment your battery dies.
In an SHTF scenario, having reliable ways to communicate and navigate is just as important as food, water, and self-defense.
You need two things: a way to stay in touch with others and a way to find your way without relying on modern tech. That means emergency radios, satellite messengers, paper maps, and a good compass. Whether you’re trying to coordinate with your group, monitor emergency broadcasts, or navigate rough terrain, having the right gear keeps you one step ahead instead of completely lost in the chaos.
FosPower Emergency Weather Radio
The FosPower Emergency Weather Radio is one of those things that just makes sense to have—it picks up NOAA alerts, AM/FM stations, and emergency broadcasts, so you’re not left guessing when things go sideways.
It’s got solar charging, a hand crank, and USB power, meaning even if the grid stays dead, you’ll still have a way to get updates and keep small devices running. Simple, reliable, and something you’ll be glad to have when the lights go out.
Midland GXT1000VP4
When the grid goes down and cell towers are nothing but expensive lawn ornaments, a solid two-way radio is the next best thing. The Midland GXT1000VP4 gives you long-range GMRS communication, 50 channels, and NOAA weather alerts, keeping you connected when shouting into the void won’t cut it.
Whether you’re checking in, scouting ahead, or covering ground in a bug-out scenario, these radios help keep communication alive when it matters most. They’re water-resistant and hands-free capable, meaning they’re built for real-world use, not just sitting in a drawer.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Screen Size: 1.27 Inches
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB
Audio Output Mode: mono
Battery Life: 336 Hours
Midway USA (See Price)
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a satellite communicator that lets you send messages, share your location, and call for help anywhere—no towers required. With two-way texting, SOS capabilities, and GPS navigation, it’s a practical tool for off-grid survival or emergencies when staying in touch isn’t optional.
It will go a long way in helping you stay in touch when cell service is gone.
When GPS is down and you have no clue which way is north, a simple compass can save you from walking in circles.
No need to overthink it—just get something reliable, lightweight, and easy to clip onto your gear like the Coghlan’s 1985 Carabiner Compass. It doesn’t need batteries, it doesn’t break the bank, and it’ll keep you headed in the right direction when everything else fails.
11. ON THE GO MUST-HAVES
It’s not always the obvious stuff that keeps you alive. Sure, food, water, and weapons matter, but what about keeping your gear dry, your electronics working, or your lungs free of toxic garbage? Overlook these details, and suddenly, your carefully laid survival plans start looking like a bad joke.
A busted backpack, fried electronics, or a lungful of whatever fresh hell is floating through the air can end your survival story real quick.
This is the gear that fills in the gaps.
A bug-out bag needs to be rugged, spacious, and built to handle serious weight—and that’s exactly why we like the 5.11 Tactical Rush 72 2.0. It’s designed for 72-hour survival, with enough compartments to keep your gear organized, MOLLE webbing for customization, and tough-as-nails construction that won’t fall apart when you need it most.
We’ve used cheaper packs before, and they always fail when it matters—busted zippers, torn straps, seams coming apart under stress. This bag? It holds up.
The padded straps make hauling heavy loads manageable, the water-resistant build keeps your gear dry, and the hydration compartment ensures you’ve got easy access to water on the move. If you need a pack that can carry your survival essentials without falling apart, this is the one.
SLNT Faraday Backpack
Want to keep your electronics protected when the power grid isn’t the only thing at risk? A Faraday bag shields your gear from EMPs, solar flares, and unwanted tracking, making it a solid addition to any survival setup. Whether it’s radios, GPS units, or backup batteries, keeping them in a Faraday bag ensures they stay functional when you need them most.
Our pick? The SLNT Faraday Dry Bag—it blocks signals, protects against water, and keeps your critical electronics from turning into expensive paperweights when SHTF.
Pelican Waterproof Dry Bag
If keeping things dry is something that concerns you, a solid waterproof dry bag is a must. Whether you’re dealing with rain, river crossings, or just an unexpected dunk in the mud, soaked gear can ruin your day fast. That’s why we like the Pelican Waterproof Dry Bag—it’s tough, airtight, and keeps your essentials bone dry no matter what.
We’ve stuffed these with clothes, electronics, food, and fire-starting gear, and they’ve never let us down. The roll-top seal locks out water, and the durable build doesn’t rip or leak like cheap alternatives.
If you’re packing for an SHTF scenario or just a backwoods trip, having one of these means the difference between dry, usable gear and a waterlogged mess.
Mira Safety CM-6M
If things ever go full nightmare mode, and the air itself becomes a problem, you’d better have a plan—because lungs don’t do well with poison, fallout, or airborne plagues.
Whether it’s chemical attacks, nuclear fallout, or some lab-leak special making the rounds, the difference between walking out alive or choking on your last mistake comes down to having the right protection.
Mira Safety NBC-77
If you’re going to prep for NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) threats, MIRA Safety masks paired with their NBC-77 filters are the best on the market. We put that claim through smoke, sweat, and rifle drills in our hands-on Mira Safety CM-8M review.
12. SHELTER & WARMTH
If you like the idea of shivering yourself into an early grave, by all means, skip this section. But for the rest of us who prefer not to be human popsicles, having the right shelter and insulation gear is the difference between waking up ready to move and waking up as something the next guy loots for supplies.
Whether you’re bugging out in the wild, reinforcing your home, or stuck in an emergency with nothing but what’s on your back, having the right shelter and insulation gear makes all the difference.
Let’s break down the essentials for staying warm, dry, and alive when nature isn’t on your side.
Go Time Gear Survival Life Tent
We like the Go Time Gear Survival Life Tent because it weighs practically nothing, packs down tiny, and gives you instant shelter when you need it most. If you’re caught in the cold with no cover, this tent keeps wind and rain off you while reflecting body heat back inside—a literal lifesaver in freezing conditions.
It’s stupidly simple to set up—just run paracord through the middle and anchor it down—and you’ve got a weatherproof shelter in minutes. We wouldn’t use it as an everyday tent, but as an emergency backup that could keep you alive? Absolutely.
It’s cheap insurance against the elements, and that’s why we always keep one in the bag.
Snugpak Special Forces Bivvi Bag
A good bivy sleeping bag can mean the difference between waking up ready to move or waking up borderline hypothermic.
If you’re sleeping outside, rain, wind, and condensation can wreck your warmth fast, which is why we like the Snugpak Special Forces Bivvi Bag. It’s lightweight, waterproof, and designed to trap heat without turning into a sweatbox.
Unlike cheap bivy sacks that feel like sleeping in a plastic bag, the Snugpak Bivvi is breathable, so you stay warm and dry instead of soaked in your own condensation. It packs down small, adds serious warmth to any sleep system, and works as a standalone emergency shelter when you’re traveling light.
If you’re prepping for cold nights in the wild, this one’s worth carrying.
Here’s a few other handy items to include in your go bag:
- Titan Survival Patented Paracord 550 – More than just a rope, the insides include fishing line and fire-starting strands.
- Camo Netting – Sometimes, the best defense is not being seen in the first place.
- GEAR AID Self-Cling Camo Wrap – Easy to wrap up rifles, binoculars, flashlights, etc.
13. SURVIVAL BOOKS & TRAINING
If you want to take your preparedness to the next level, invest in survival books and training. Learn how to purify water, navigate without GPS, treat injuries, and actually survive when resources are scarce. The more you know, the less you have to rely on luck or someone else bailing you out.
Here’s some of the best books and training resources available to sharpen your survival game.
SAS Survival Handbook
“A classic outdoor manual [that] addresses every conceivable disaster scenario. Don’t leave home without it.”
— Outside Magazine
If you only own one survival book, make it the SAS Survival Handbook. Written by John “Lofty” Wiseman, a former British SAS soldier, this book covers everything from wilderness survival to urban disaster preparedness.
It teaches you how to find food, purify water, build shelter, navigate without a compass, and handle life-or-death situations with nothing but your wits and what’s around you.
The Prepper’s Medical Handbook
The Prepper’s Medical Handbook by Dr. William Forgey gives you the knowledge to handle medical situations when professional help isn’t an option.
This book covers everything from wound care and infection treatment to dealing with fractures, burns, and illness in a grid-down scenario. It’s written for people without medical training, making it clear, practical, and designed for real-world use.
Because let’s be honest—all the gear in the world won’t save you if a simple infection takes you out first.
Waterproof Knot Tying Cards
Includes 22 Rope Knots for Camping, Backpacking, and Scouting Scenarios.
We like to keep these Waterproof Knot Tying Cards in our kit. They’re small, tough, and always there when we need a quick refresher. We’ve used them to secure tarps, rig shelters, and set up camp when muscle memory failed us.
Instead of fumbling around or hoping for the best, these cards give you a clear, step-by-step guide to get it right the first time.
Left of Bang
“At a time when we must adapt to the changing character of conflict, this is a serious book on a serious issue that can give us the edge we need.”
—General James Mattis, USMC, Ret.
We like this book because it’s not about paranoia—it’s about awareness. It breaks down how to read people, recognize threats, and understand pre-attack indicators the same way Marine Combat Hunter programs train soldiers to detect ambushes.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BEST SHTF GEAR
Survival isn’t about having the most gear—it’s about having the right gear. If SHTF, you don’t get points for packing a 100-pound rucksack filled with gimmicks and fluff. What actually matters is reliability, versatility, and making sure that everything you carry has a real-world use when things go south.
In preparing for SHTF scenarios, selecting the right gear is crucial. For handguns, we recommend the Glock 19 Gen 5 because of its reliability and versatility. For rifles, go with the Daniel Defense DDM4 V7—it’s rugged, accurate, and built for hard use. Store your ammo in MTM Ammo Cans to keep it dry and organized. For non-lethal defense, Sabre Red Pepper is effective and easy to deploy. As for knives and tools, the ESEE 5 Fixed Blade Knife is a classic for a reason.
Water is a top priority, and the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter is a compact, no-fuss option. When it comes to food, Ready Hour Protein Buckets give you long shelf life but don’t sacrifice on protein. Your med kit should include the MyMedic MyFAK First Aid Kit—it covers everything from minor cuts to serious trauma. For power and lighting, pack a Goal Zero Nomad 10 Solar Panel and invest in a Jackery Solar Generator.
Stay connected with the Midland GXT1000VP4 Two-Way Radio and keep your navigation squared away with a Coghlan’s 1985 Carabiner Compass. On the move, a 5.11 RUSH72 Tactical Backpack and Leatherman Wave+ Multitool are must-haves. For shelter and warmth, we recommend the Go-Time Survival Tent and Snugpak Special Forces Bivvi Bag. And finally, sharpen your skills with trusted resources like “SAS Survival Handbook” by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman.
The gear we’ve covered here? It works. From handguns to water filters, shelter to first-aid, these are the tools that give you the best shot at making it through whatever disaster kicks in the door. Because at the end of the day, surviving isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation, planning, and making sure you’ve got the right equipment when it counts.
So get your kit squared away now, because when the world turns into a flaming wreck, the last thing you want is to be caught with nothing but bad decisions and wishful thinking.
Justin Trump is the managing editor and owner of CAT Outdoors. The son of a Vietnam veteran, he’s a Certified Glock Armorer, an avid gun enthusiast and 2A advocate. He holds two firearm patents for the CAT M4 and Talon tools. When not managing CAT Outdoors, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, rooting for Michigan sports teams, and serving his church.