I was going through a bunch of things I’m either looking to buy or that others were asking about and thought you migh be interested in knowing which prepper and survival gear is selling better than the rest. It’s a great indication that what you’re buying is a good value, and you can always read the reviews to see if you should buy it. This is currently the list of the top 10 best-selling prepper and survival gear items, along with an explanation for each.
1. Mini Cree Led Flashlight Torch Adjustable Focus Light Lamp
This is the same flashlight I reviewed a while back. I had already ordered a couple just as throwaway backups because they were so cheap but they were so awesome I wrote a review on them even though they cost less than my starbucks coffee.. I’ve now ordered several more. They’re not only fantastic little flashlights that run off AA batteries (which is my choice due to their availability and ease to recharge), they make great gifts that people will actually like, use, and think you spent a lot more than just a few bucks on. This is a definite must-buy.
Check the reviews and buy one -> Mini Cree Led Flashlight Torch Adjustable Focus Light Lamp
2. MTM Ammo Can (Forest Green)
This is the same ammo can that I use in my portable camping solar power box thingy that I wrote about last year. It’s a tough little box that I use to hold the batteries and electronics so you know it’ll hold whatever you need. It’s made for ammo, after all, and if you’ve ever carried a bunch of it, you know how heavy it can be for just a small amount, let alone what a box like this could carry.
Check the reviews and buy one -> MTM Ammo Can (Forest Green)
3. Leatherman 830039 New Wave Multitool with Leather/Nylon Combination Sheath
One of the best survival items you can get is a multi-tool – and it’s a Leatherman. It gives you knives, scissors, pliers, screwdrivers, and a saw in one little pouch. If you could only have one item with you in a survival situation, I’d be hard-pressed to think of anything better to have. This particular one has absolutely fantastic reviews and is similar to the one that the Army gave me when I went to Afghanistan.
Check the reviews and buy one -> Leatherman 830039 New Wave Multitool with Leather/Nylon Combination Sheath
4. Military Surplus .30 Caliber Ammo Can (Empty)
If you need something like the camping solar power box I mentioned above, but need it in metal, this is it. Again, a top seller with great reviews.
Check the reviews and buy one -> Military Surplus .30 Caliber Ammo Can (Empty)
5. Para Cord Brands SBODM Survival Bracelet Olive Drab Size Medium with Hand Tied Military Para-Cord Construction
Definitely a part of any respectable EDC kit. Cheap and fits right on your wrist. I wear one my buddy made for me but you can just pick one up here like everyone else is apparently doing. This particular one is the best-selling one. In case you want to make your own, here’s a video that explains how:
Check the reviews and buy one -> Para Cord Brands SBODM Survival Bracelet Olive Drab Size Medium with Hand Tied Military Para-Cord Construction
6. ILBE Main Pack USMC Generation 2 With Assault Pack
This one surprised me that it showed up as one of the top sellers but I’ve actually had a few people in the past few weeks asking me about it. This particular one gets stellar reviews too. If you need a bug out bag, this is a great choice. A lot of people get a bag like this for the quality and details and just change the color. It’s pretty easy to do, and that way you’re not skimping on function and form by choosing something else that’s in the color you’re looking for. Here’s a pretty lengthy video on it:
Check the reviews and buy one -> ILBE Main Pack USMC Generation 2 With Assault Pack
7. Skip Hop Zoo Pack Little Kid Backpack, Owl
If you need a bug out bag for a kid, this is the #1 seller. They’ll love the look, and you’ll love the reviews and the price. You may even be able to convince them to let you dye it the same color as yours.
Check the reviews and buy one -> Skip Hop Zoo Pack Little Kid Backpack, Owl
8. Coast HP17TAC High Performance Focusing 615 Lumen LED Flashlight with Tactical Strobe
This ridiculously bright light is a steal for what they’re asking for, which is why it’s in the top 10 best selling prepper and survival gear items list. It’s a monster. Here’s a video review of it:
Check the reviews and buy one -> Coast HP17TAC High Performance Focusing 615 Lumen LED Flashlight with Tactical Strobe
9. BaoFeng UV-5R+ Dual-Band 136-174/400-480 MHz FM Ham Two-Way Radio (Black)
A ham radio is an absolute must-have if you’re a prepper. Get one. Get your license. Do it now. I have this exact radio on my Harley. It transmits on the same frequencies as your little family radios too. This has been a best-seller since it came out. The Search and Rescue guys I work with in the local Sheriff’s Office (Sheriff Joe, btw) carry this.
Check the reviews and buy one -> BaoFeng UV-5R+ Dual-Band 136-174/400-480 MHz FM Ham Two-Way Radio (Black)
10. Mountain House Best Sellers Kit (6 Pouches)
I was actually pretty surprised at this one too that survival food could be one of the best sellers. It’s actually designed for camping but it’s perfect for your family’s bug out bag. If you need food, get this. I personally pack the SOS FOOD LAB 2400 CALORIE EMERGENCY FOOD BAR PACKETS (U.S. Coast Guard Approved) – 8 Packets in my packs but they didn’t make the best seller list due to the fact that most people don’t know about them, and they’re more expensive.
Check the reviews and buy one -> Mountain House Best Sellers Kit (6 Pouches)
Well, that’s my list of the best selling prepper and survival gear for now. If you like this post, please share it with other people (facebook, pinterest, etc) and comment below.
If there’s enough interest, I’ll do another one of these occasionally.
The Baofeng UV-5R (and derivates) are quite the bargain, Some people scoff at the “chinese crap” but I’d rather have this than nothing at all..
It’s really hard to beat them for the cost. We use them in the Sheriff’s search and rescue operations too.
Regarding the Leatherman, the weight should male a person think twice about carrying it on their belt, or in their pocket, or BOB. It is similar in weight to the Leatherman EOD multitool. I have it on good authority that the EOD guys don’t like them because, “Uncle Steve, we don’t use them because they’re to damn heavy.”
EOD guys also always have a vehicle nearby and a toolbox. I’ve worked with them quite a lot.
I get the weight “issue,” however, I’ve been a fan of Leatherman since my first one in 1995. It accompanied me through my last 6 years in the Marines and beyond. Haven’t looked back since. The saw EASILY cuts through a 2×4 and with little effort. I do recommend a model that has flat surfaces to grip. My first one didn’t and could be a bit painful when really gripping hard on an item. Also, as do many others, Leatherman has an incredible warranty. If repairable they will repair. If not they will send a new or refurbished one to replace it. On my first warranty return (screwdriver chipped), they replaced with the most current model. It is a supertool. Not a Craftsman heavy duty fix anything short of a dozer, so common sense apples. But for the size and functionality, you can’t beat a Leatherman!
I appreciate your work to share your experience and knowledge with people like us! I have to look into the frequency of the personal family radios.
Thanks for sharing!
Doug
Always have a backup. 2m and 70cm are the most popular but they don’t have a long range. Find out what the local repeaters are using and use a rotating schedule that covers different frequencies on different bands at different times of the day because you don’t know what’s going to be available or possible until it happens. Also, see if you can practice it. In theory, this all sounds pretty easy. It’s really not.
As far as food storage is concerned I happen to like Sopacko MREs but for a BOB or camping they are not feasible. I happen to prefer Wise food over Mountain House.
My sons and I are considering a “pop-up” location for a survivor gear retail store. We’re considering 50-60 items of inventory at first. I see your top 10 list and agree. But do you see a need for retail outlets oriented toward BOB, off the grid type gear? And we mean good, legit gear. Not Zombie BS.
It may not be legit prepper gear, but for the money a pair of Crocs is an excellent value as a camp and walking shoe. Sure, they’re ugly as sin. So were my last three girlfriends, and like them I came to love the Crocs through long experience. They go for about $30, are easy to put on, keep on, dry out, and maintain. Even though I’d much rather have a good pair of boots, Crocs are a great “prepper” shoe since they’re light, cheap, durable, keep the top of your feet from getting sunburned, and are an ENORMOUS relief when you have a blister that moleskin won’t handle (ask me how I know). Get the ones WITHOUT the holes though. If you need more airflow drill a couple holes on the sides, not the top. Also, unlike your “go boots” which you have to wear occasionally to keep to the shape of your feet, you don’t have to break them in. Leave them tied to the outside of your BOB and when “IT” goes down, just grab your bag and head out.