The Bare Minimum for Disaster Preparedness
When disaster strikes, you don’t always have time to pack. That’s why every Squatch Survival Gear customer should know the bare minimum items to keep on hand—or on your person—when things go sideways. This isn’t about building a full emergency bug-out bag for urban survival (we’ve covered that before). This is about the essentials that give you a fighting chance to survive when you’ve got seconds, not hours.
1. Clothing That Can Take a Beating
Forget shorts and flip-flops. You need:
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Long pants: Protects from cuts, debris, and cold nights.
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Shoes or boots that lace up: Stability matters when running, climbing, or wading through broken ground. If you get washed away, slip or take a fall, you are most likely to have your footwear.
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A sturdy belt: Keeps gear secure, supports holsters, and can serve as an improvised carrying strap or tourniquet in a pinch.
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A long-sleeve layer: Lightweight and breathable in the South to guard against sun and bugs; heavier and insulated if you’re in cooler climates where hypothermia is a real risk.
2. A Survival Tool You Trust
Whether it’s a Gerber multi-tool or a pocket knife, you need something that cuts, pries, screws, and slices. Pair it with durable EDC gear for urban survival like a Squatch Survival Gear chest pack, so your essentials are always within reach.
3. Fire-Making Ability
Fire is life. Carry at least one way to spark it up, such as a Firebiner, lighter, or ferro rod. Fire cooks, purifies, warms, and signals. Don’t gamble on finding dry matches when you’re already cold.
4. Cash is Still King
In a blackout or grid-down event, credit cards and apps are useless. Keep at least $200–$300 in cash, broken down as:
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$100 in small bills
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$100 in $50s
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$100 extra as backup
That mix buys you food, gas, or a safe ride out when ATMs are dead. Keep these amounts separated on your person.
5. Critical Documents, Twice Over
If you’re forced to bug out, proving your identity is vital. Have both paper and digital copies of:
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IDs
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Insurance policies
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Medical info
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Property deeds or leases
Store paper copies in a waterproof sleeve and digital copies on an encrypted thumb drive or cloud backup.
6. Water is Non-Negotiable
The human body crashes fast without hydration. Always have:
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A way to collect water (collapsible container or metal canteen)
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A way to purify water (filter, tablets, or a Lifesaver Liberty bottle)
A water-resistant hiking backpack for emergencies, like our American-made packs, ensures your gear and water purification tools stay dry and ready.
7. Security Matters
In uncertain times, your safety is in your own hands. A reliable sidearm—your smoke wagon—keeps predators, both two- and four-legged, at bay. Make sure it’s paired with a sturdy holster, proper training, and the mindset to use it responsibly. That’s why law enforcement professionals trust reliable tactical gear made in the USA.
8. Your Everyday Carry
Don’t forget the little things that go everywhere with you:
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Wallet (IDs, access cards, etc.)
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Phone and charger (if power’s available, it’s still a lifeline)
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Squatch Survival Gear chest pack or compact American-made tactical survival backpack for keeping it all ready at a moment’s notice
Final Word: Preparedness is Mindset
Disaster doesn’t send a calendar invite. The bare minimum isn’t glamorous—but it’s what separates survivors from victims. Start small, carry what you can, and build from there.
At Squatch Survival Gear, our high-quality survival gear made in the USA is built for people who give a damn—people who know being ready isn’t paranoia, it’s responsibility. When the storm hits, you’ll be glad you didn’t settle for less.