Like many people here on the forum I have a limited budget for survival gear and am constantly looking for bargains. I take it as a challenge and an exercise in thinking outside the box to acquiring cheap (inexpensive, not necessarily low quality) gear. To that end I enjoy spending an hour or so on a Saturday morning checking out the garage sales around town. Some days I dont find anything and some days I hit the jackpot. Last Saturday was especially fruitful and I offer the following as an example of what is to be had out there.
· 10 bandanas, all bright colors and most brand new. $0.10 each, total $1.00.
· 1 vynal zippered case about the size of an extra large eye glasses case with American Airlines on the side for .25c. This has since become a small toilet kit for my UPSK.
· 2 nylon multi-pocket bags about 5X8X3. Brand new with shoulder/waist strap for .50c each. One will become a level 2 FAK (first aid kit) for my wifes car. The other may become an office survival kit for my brief case. These are not Eagle or Blackhawk quality but have molle attachments and are good quality.
· 1 water proof nylon zippered pouch. Slightly smaller than the American Airlines case but better quality for .50c. This will probably be used to contain fire starting material to include fat wood, a small container of cotton and vasaline, a magnesium bar and striker, one or more disposable lighters and a water proof match safe.
· 3 pair rag wool socks, my size for .50c each.
· 1 pair fleece pants by The North Face, my size for $2.00.
· 1 GAZ single burner camp stove with 3 gas canisters for $4.00.
· 1 metal sided trunk, basically your cheap Wal-Mart special but in good condition for $5.00. This will probably become a Grab and Go container for odd Evac gear or maybe a Grab and Go container for dog food and related items.
Well, thats it. Total cost was $15.25 for gear, a little gas and about 2 hours of my valuable weekend time J. BTW, I almost bought 3 mountain bikes for $10.00 each but passed on the deal as my wife would kill me if I showed up with them. Even though, as we all know, I could fix them up and sell them or barter them in a SHTF situation. Yeah right! J
On previous excursions I have bought a new in the box 2300 BTU Kerosine heater for $20.00 (later priced on the internet at $95.00), a Coleman camp heater used in good condition for $10.00, a 50X telescope for $15.00, 2 camp tents for $5.00 each and a waterproof jacket for $3.00. The Kerosine Heater resides in my dog kennel for heating on cold nights. One tent and the jacket ride in my truck box just in case and the telescope travels with me to the range and, occasionally, onto the roof on clear nights.
Anyway, hope Ive inspired you do some hunting for bargains if you dont already, cause they are out there. Later.
OldSalt.
· 10 bandanas, all bright colors and most brand new. $0.10 each, total $1.00.
· 1 vynal zippered case about the size of an extra large eye glasses case with American Airlines on the side for .25c. This has since become a small toilet kit for my UPSK.
· 2 nylon multi-pocket bags about 5X8X3. Brand new with shoulder/waist strap for .50c each. One will become a level 2 FAK (first aid kit) for my wifes car. The other may become an office survival kit for my brief case. These are not Eagle or Blackhawk quality but have molle attachments and are good quality.
· 1 water proof nylon zippered pouch. Slightly smaller than the American Airlines case but better quality for .50c. This will probably be used to contain fire starting material to include fat wood, a small container of cotton and vasaline, a magnesium bar and striker, one or more disposable lighters and a water proof match safe.
· 3 pair rag wool socks, my size for .50c each.
· 1 pair fleece pants by The North Face, my size for $2.00.
· 1 GAZ single burner camp stove with 3 gas canisters for $4.00.
· 1 metal sided trunk, basically your cheap Wal-Mart special but in good condition for $5.00. This will probably become a Grab and Go container for odd Evac gear or maybe a Grab and Go container for dog food and related items.
Well, thats it. Total cost was $15.25 for gear, a little gas and about 2 hours of my valuable weekend time J. BTW, I almost bought 3 mountain bikes for $10.00 each but passed on the deal as my wife would kill me if I showed up with them. Even though, as we all know, I could fix them up and sell them or barter them in a SHTF situation. Yeah right! J
On previous excursions I have bought a new in the box 2300 BTU Kerosine heater for $20.00 (later priced on the internet at $95.00), a Coleman camp heater used in good condition for $10.00, a 50X telescope for $15.00, 2 camp tents for $5.00 each and a waterproof jacket for $3.00. The Kerosine Heater resides in my dog kennel for heating on cold nights. One tent and the jacket ride in my truck box just in case and the telescope travels with me to the range and, occasionally, onto the roof on clear nights.
Anyway, hope Ive inspired you do some hunting for bargains if you dont already, cause they are out there. Later.
OldSalt.
