The Dollar Store Survival kit (With a Give-away) UPDATED! PLEASE READ!

Well it is a rainy boring day here today so my son and I went to our local Dollar Store and went shopping. I was actually quite suprised at how much stuff we found :) I focused on the kit and skipped buying food as the rules state to put together the kit from the store. I will list what we picked up and it's possible uses. After laying it all out, I wish I had remembered a whistle for signaling. I am planning on setting the new gear aside and trying it out on our next fair weather trip :) My EDC was my Begg CIG folder, metal match on the key ring, watch with compass, and Leatherman Charge Ti.

3 Dollar Store small plastic bags :)
Gorilla Hooks- Closest thing I could find that could be made into fish hooks or short wire needs
Paper Towels-napkins,clean up,gauze,TP, and tinder
3 boot laces-good tough cordage
Hand Trowel- cat holes, moving coals for cooking
Heavy Duty Foil- signaling,cooking, form bowls,cups
Hand Sanitizer-cleaning,fire starter
Hat-keep the dome warm
Tall Candle-lots of light plus the glass can be used after the candle is gone
Plastic Bucket- water carrying,gathering,fish bucket,cleaning up,gear packing
Scarf-another warming tool,signal,wrap on hands for warmth
Flashlight-instant light, good for moving around at night
8 AA batteries- light needs two to run. Leave three more reloads
3Quart container-water storage, gear carrying, some measurements on side
10yards of duct tape- too many uses to list all but small pieces with trible antibiotic become band aides, tarp repair' can be used as cordage too when rolled up
Triple Antibiotic Ointment-keep small cuts from turning septic
70 foot of nylon cord- shelter building, can be unspooled for smaller size lines
3 Lighters-immediate fire
8 30 Gallon outdoor trash bags- pillows, rain/wind ponchos
Square Cake Pan-cooking,boiling water
9Foot X 12 Foot Drop Cloth- shelter
 
the drop cloth is big, I couldn't find one and had to settle for a disposable plastic table cloth glad i didn't have to rest my life on that
 
I was aiming for getting a shower curtain but I found the drop cloths. Figured bigger is better :) another thing I found out was look all around the store even at things you may have already grabbed. I found the 8 count battery pack and replaced the 4 count pack I had already snagged in the flashlight section. I also got the AA sized light because of the battery pack sizes. They had larger lights but the D size batteries were 3 packs so I would only get 1 battery loading. I don't know which would actually last longer but I do like knowing I have a working light AND spare batteries. I was kind of torn when it came to water treatment. I went with boiling as it is a sure method and with the 3 quart container, I should be able to make enough and store it without getting down to being out. Bleach was at the store but it did not serve more than 1 purpose for me so I kept my other choices in my basket which all serve multiple uses. I was shocked to find an actual SAK type folder at the store but I already EDC a few blades so I passed on it. I definitely can never again buy the idea that camping has to be a spendy hobby :D between the Dollar Store and a Goodwill Store, you could easily supply for a nice woods trip!
 
Bill Siegle said:
I definitely can never again buy the idea that camping has to be a spendy hobby :D between the Dollar Store and a Goodwill Store, you could easily supply for a nice woods trip!
Click to expand...

The older i get the more true that statement gets.
 
I came to the same conclusion about the water treatment, plus I would use a very small amount of bleach and still have a very bulky bottle to lug around. that is a grate point about camping this has changed my perspective some what
 
Well it was pretty damn hard to stay under a dollar and find enough decent stuff but I think I did okay. Here's my list:

1. Plastic drop cloth(very cheap and thin:rolleyes:) but good enough for this scenario
2. box of 8 33gal. garbage bags
3. spool of string/twine
4. 16 oz tumbler cup w/ lid
5. single roll of t.p.:thumbup:better than leaves and doubles as tinder material
6. 64oz bottle of water
7. roll of duct tape
8. can of spaghettios...oh yeah;)
9. 32 oz Gatorade
10. mini BIC lighter
11. small travel pack of tampons for tinder
12. 8pk of tea candles
13. knit hat
14. can of chicken noodle soup
15. tomato soup
16. 2/1$ small packs of trail mix
17. 1 can vienna sausage
18. 1 can of tuna
19. box of saltine crackers
20. 1 pair of gloves(the stretchy 1 size fits all kind or gardening gloves were my choices)

Some things I chose not to get since its a 7 day scenario were:
a picture hanging kit which has wire thats good for snares and hooks that could be ground down as possible fishing hooks
a bottle of bleach for water purification since its not hot outside so a half gallon of water and and the gatorade should be fine
a 9 volt battery and box of steel wool since I have numerous fire starting methods already
I hope these items can be helpful to somebody
The stuff in my pockets and on my person are:
SOG Flash II in left pocket
Spyderco Tenacious in right pocket
key rings which includes a mini thermometer/compass, mini LED flashlight, and magnesium block
Fiddleback Runt on my neck
small baggie with 3 band aids, a pack of anti-biotic ointment, and 2 IBU Profen 600mg tabs
my wallet which has an eye glass lens I found on the curb one day that can work for fire starting(though it has not yet been tested)
and of course a condom which has a couple survival uses;)
 
Have some ideas but they may seem far fetched. Will check the dollar stores in Canada. Salt might be a good thing to have
 
We have Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and Family Dollar, can I pick and choose components from all three if necessary as long as I stay under/at $20.00?

Or do I have to just pick one store?
 
My list as from the local store:

$2- (2)$1 Beef 'jerkey' bites (chunked/formed cubes) 1.5 ounces
$1- 6 oz hard candy (I went with butterscotch)
$2- (1)can corned beef hash (reuse cans to cook and boil water in) 12 oz and (1) can green beans 12oz
$1- 3 liter soda bottle (I went with root beer- sugar, flavor and when empty can be water bottle)
$1- 2 lighters from 5 pack (goes in plastic box)
$1- (2) 50 cent ponchos (one for groundcloth and other for rain)
$1- accessory cord, 50ft nylon weave
$1- work socks (1 pr) men's size 9-13 black wool blend (use as gloves- goes into plastic box)
$1- drawstring top nylon bag backpack 12"x16" with messed up imprint on it for some business (put everything in it for carry)
$1- plastic cover for picnic bench (clear- to be used as shelter with the cord)
$1- plastic latching food box 4"x6"x3" (sealed)
$1- bandana, orange gingerbread paisly (head cover to go with the hood and as signal during day)
$1- package panty liners, (3) in pack (first aid dressing- goes into plastic box)
$1- 3 pack of baby wipes, lemon scented (2 go into plastic box, one in pocket)
$1- (1) bottle close code dated 5 hr energy in citrus (1/2 at a time...morning "coffee"....grin...with vitamins)
$1- (2) pack of pocket tissues (tp and fire tinder...goes into the plastic box still in wrapper)
$1- tax on purchase

Everything fit into the bag but was very tight.

I am wearing levis, undershirt, t shirt and a cotton hoodie, boxer briefs, work boot socks, I have my wallet with 5 bucks, my dog tags (with ceramic tag/razor blade, sealed usb I.C.E. medical chip), my keys with the micro light and lanyard, and my 'Svord" clasp knife with the orange poly handle (3" carbon steel blade).
add to that whatever foot wear I would be wearing.
 
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Great idea for making us think a bit.

Here's my list

Pants Pockets:
keyring with misc. keys and small capsule containing aspirin
ITP a3 eos flashlight, uses aaa batts, new batt last week
small roll of Gorilla tape, rolled around a paracord loop
Wallet with Swiss Card Mini Kit, plus the normal stuff in a wallet
Three Sisters Forge custom folder, 3"
In my Carhart hooded work jacket. I figure jacket contents count since I don't leave without it:
Jersey gloves
Pen and pencil
Mini Bic in a small zip lock with a rubber band around it.
Survival Ring with small SAK, Swiss tech small screwdriver set. Mini pry bar. LED light. Pencil sharpener. Capsule with aspirin and Tylenol. Magnesieum bar with ferro rod.
On my head:
Baseball cap, and sunglasses
On my feet:
MUK boots and wool socks
I would love to be able to include my SOG multi tool thats in the console of my truck but it wasn't on me or in my jacket when I found the thread so I'll go with the rules.

Trip To The Dollar Store 19 Items, spent $19.60 with the tax.

1) 7- 39 gallon garbage bags. Shelter, Rain poncho, ruck sack, carrying tinder, bedding, and forage items for camp, ground cloth.
2) 4 Small rolls of toilet paper. The obvious use, tinder, band aid when wrapped in triple antibiotic and duct tape.
3) Duct tape 10 yards. Shelter, first aid, repairs, and improvising.
4) 16 Tea lights. Light, fire starting
5) 70' Rope, 3 strand poly. Shelter, carrying stuff, improvising.
6) Bucket 2 1/2 gallon. Carrying stuff, Water storage, handy container.
7) 2 Large spoons. One for food, one for digging, carving, multi tool.
8) Bread loaf pan. Cooking, boiling water.
9) Triple antibiotic. First aid, fire tinder extender
10) Wet wipes antibacterial. Cleaning & sanitation, first aid.
11- 19) Food and Water. 1 Gallon water, 1 quart orange juice, Can of Tomato sauce, Can of Tuna, Can of vienna bites, Salt free seasoning, 16 oz quick oats, Rice 24oz, 5 pack Ramen noodles.
Plus the three plastic bags this stuff came in.

Might be kind of fun to do this. Wish I had time for it.

EDC
6807498087_39b7cf6396.jpg


DOLLAR STORE STASH
6807505439_3ff5491cb5.jpg

I also usually have my pocket 9mm in my right rear pocket but don't carry it in the house while on the computer
 
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I'm not having any luck with prices either. While I have been able to find some gear, I know that it wouldn't be enough for a week - even with the mild winter we are having in Southern Ontario, Canada.

I've looked in 5 "dollar" stores and most prices are $1.25, $1.50, etc...

It sure is interesting to see what others are getting for their kits. Certainly made me change what I put on my list.

Thanks,
Dave
 
EDC
lighter
Leatherman wave
.40 cal (carry concealed)

Water
1. bottle of bleach for water
2. Aluminum 25oz bottle with screw on lid
3. 1 gallon plastic container with screw on lid

Food

4. bag of bannna chip 150 calories x 7 servings
5. bag of fruit and nut mix 150 calories x 6 servings
6. 3/$1 5 oz potted meat 160 cal each
7. 25ct of chicken boullion cubes (great for sodium)

Health
8. 75 wet wipes( antibacterial with aloe) good for after a #2 also
9. 3- 2oz hand sanitizer
10. 40 caplets of acetaminophen (tylenol)
11. 12 caplets of anti-diarrheal (vital to aviod dehydration if you eat something bad)

Survival goods

12. 10yds of Duct tape
13. 50 ft of poly rope(making shelter or snares)
14 1 can of portable fuel
15. 1 led flashlight w/2 AAA included
16. 8 pack of extra AAA batteries
17. 25 aluminum foil sheets reynolds(after catching fish with homemade spear)
18. 1 loaf pan to boil water or cook any game caught.
19. 8 heavy duty garbage bags
Can make a temporary ruck sack with your poly rope and two bags place with one inside the other and the bottom corners tied into a knot. Use a couple lengths of poly rope to secure the already tied corners and the other side of both rope to tie off the top opening of the bag.

Will add pic if i can figure it out.
 
  1. Lighter - I usually see the extended BBQ grill lighters, though I would buy matches if they had 'em.
  2. Vaseline - Some knock-off Vaseline is good for starting fires and has medicinal value.
  3. Cotton balls - Nothing like cotton impregnated with Vaseline to start a fire.
  4. Asprin/Advil
  5. Trash bags - Vapor barrier, shelter, etc.
  6. Aluminum Foil
  7. Mylar ballon - Probably strong enough for water storage
  8. Ramen Noodles
  9. Canned Goods
  10. Clothesline
  11. Make-up Mirror - Signalling
  12. Tweeezers
  13. Razor blades
  14. Whistle
  15. Insect Repellent
  16. Soap
  17. Hand Towels
  18. Tote Bag - To carry all this stuff
  19. $2 in quarters, case I find a pay phone
I will typically have a folder -- Strider PT or larger -- and a small Fenix light powered by one CR123. If I was spending $20 in survival at the dollar store, I would buy:
 
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