The financial world we live in is just as wild, if not more, than the mountains and woods we walk through. We are told that the fundamentals of our economy are strong, but we can feel that something is wrong. My unique financial background and survival passion make Financial Survivalist and excellent place to learn and share.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Bargain Survival: To Skimp or Not To Skimp?

At first glance it may seem like preparing for the end of the world will break the bank. Not so. It is true that you often get what you pay for, but just as often the most expensive thing is not necessary. I am very picky when it comes to certain things, and other things I will gladly use the cheapest thing available. Below is just a few examples on what you can skimp on and what not.

Socks: Not to Skimp

It's funny that the first thing I write about I actually don't think you should skimp on. You can easily spend $10-$20 on a good pair of socks. That's a lot considering that some brands will sell 6 pairs for $8. However, in a bug out situation your feet may be your most important and most used tool. The last thing you need is sore feet and a bunch of blisters. It's true that a lot of preparation (ie breaking in boots, toughening your feet, etc) can go a long way, but so can a good pair of socks. There are plenty of hiking socks that will help prevent blisters by wicking moisture and also creating a soft friction reducing layer. Not only that, but by buying the proper socks you can make sure to keep your feet warm in cold weather.

Food Storage: Skimp

There are a million brands of longterm food storage. However, they are all selling basically the same stuff; some dehydrated, some freeze-dried. The difference between these brands is little more than packaging, taste, and ease of preparation (ie dehydrated food might take a few min. longer to hydrate). In a "bug in" situation these differences are negligible. If you want to live like a king at the end of the world, by all means go all out. However, I feel the likelihood that I will be forced to live on my longterm food storage is slim. I would rather save thousands on food storage by canning for basic needs, and spending the money elsewhere. For more information on food storage see Emergency Prep/Get a Kit. A few quick tips are:

  1. Dehydrated tends to be cheaper.
  2. Find a LDS Cannery close by. They can help you can a lot of your food storage for super cheap.
  3. Supplement what you can get there with a cheap dehydrated brand. We endorse Wise Food Storage found at UrbandSurvivalTools.com. However, we also like the brand Augason Farms. By following these tips you can save thousands on a year of food storage.


Clothing: Skimp

With the exception of a good rain layer, a little knowledge of fabric types can get you a long way at a second had store. You don't have to look like a professional outdoorsman to dress like one. Avoid cotton like the plague. Silk, wool, polyester, spandex and just about any synthetic fabric is good. Your layers are:

  1. Underwear: remember NO COTTON and something that won't rub.
  2. Thermal or Base: Any synthetic thermals or body armor type clothing is good.
  3. Fuzz: Fleece (no cotton) is common for this layer, but polyester pjs are just as good.
  4. Main Layer: This is your shirt and pants that you would normally wear. Synthetics only!
  5. Rain Layer: Don't Skimp. Cheap tyvek overalls would work well. Anything breathable and waterproof.
Lighting: Skimp

I found a really cool crank flashlight for $20. A month later I found the same flashlight with halloween print on clearance for $2.50. I purchased a mini keychain type light at REI for $15 and a few months later found the same light with some marketing material printed on it for $0.99 at Napa. My point is LED technology is getting cheaper everyday. Look for clearance and marketing material for the best value. These work just as good with the possible exception of battery quality. The same rule goes for head lamps and other lighting.

Backpacks: Skimp

There are plenty of quality backpacks available online or at bargain stores such as walmart. These backpacks may weigh a few ounces more, and may not be as hardy, but I have used them successfully for backpacking and other outdoor uses. If you want a specialty pack UrbanSurvivalTools.com has a number of mid and high quality packs specially designed for "Bug Out" use. You won't waste any money going with a middle grade bag, but the highest quality packs are not necessary. However, if you have money to burn, feel free.

Shelter: Not to Skimp

I used a cheap backpacking sleeping bag and tent for a long time. It worked, but I was constantly getting cold and fighting with bad weather. I remember waking up with a puddle in my tent. Another time I slept in my car after a thunderstorm completely folded my $30 tent. A good quality $100 sleeping bag and $200 tent will keep you dry and warm. In an emergency situation a little comfort goes a long way. Shelter that fails can mean disaster, especially when you can't dry out or head to the car.

In conclusion, skimping is a matter of preference. My decisions are always based on my experience and where I lack, the experience of others. The more you test your skills, the more you will know your weak points and how to improve them. Money does not equal expertise, neither does super nice gear.

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