Top 7 prepper/survival/camping gifts for preppers

Ever sat down and wondered, “What the heck am I going to get him or her this year”? Obviously, you want to get them something they like. Why not get them something they need?

Ok, it doesn’t have to be for this upcoming holiday in particular. It could be for:

• Father’s day
• Christmas
• His birthday
• Sweetest Day
• Valentines Day
• Your anniversary
• An upcoming camping trip
• Just because that’s the way you roll

Whether you’re looking for a gift for your dad, husband, wife, brother, sister, son, daughter, cousin, neighbor, boyfriend, workmate, or whatever, pretty much anyone who likes to camp or be self-reliant will like these items.

Believe me, if you ever wondered if you got him the right thing in the past, you won’t wonder that if you get it from this list.

If you’re absolutely not sure if you’re getting them the right thing, just suggest a gift on a gift card and have them send it out to them.

Because everyone has different budgets and you may be considering getting more than one thing, I’ve decided to list budget items and high end items so there are actually 14 things here.

Every one of these was pre-screened by me for quality and usability.

So, here are some great gifts for guys that you should consider:

1) Water Filtration

– Budget

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

Why?

Because the lifeStraw is the best-selling water filter on the market. It fits in his backpack very easily or he can keep it in his vehicle. If something happens and he’s out camping or in a survival situation, he’s gonna need fresh water. This will do that very cheaply and efficiently.

Personally, I prefer the Sawyer MINI so you may want to also consider that one as well but the LifeStraw is a HUGE seller and people love them.

Check out the video review (left column after the click)

– High-End

Katadyn Survivor 35 Desalinator

Why?

Because this type of water filter is the best you can get. It can turn saltwater into drinkable water and removes bacteria, viruses and other contaminants. It can make over a gallon an hour and doesn’t require electricity. It’s the ultimate prepper water filtration system. They also make powered versions that will run off 12v as well but this one weighs less than a few pounds and will fit into almost all emergency kits. This particular version is used by militaries and government agencies around the world.

If you’re looking for the ultimate water filtration system, a reverse-osmosis desalinator is it.

2) Camping Tents

– Budget

Coleman Sundome 4-Person Tent

Why?

This one is made for family camping, which can get everyone out there to learn what gear works and what doesn’t. It has fantastic reviews, and is Amazon’s best-selling tent of all that they sell. It has extra features to keep rain out and vents to keep it cooler inside. It’s 9 feet by 7 feet, so it can fit a small family or a couple with all their gear with no problem.

One of the biggest reasons I like it is that it has a waterproof floor, which is a feature that I won’t compromise on.

Here’s a quick video on how easy it is to set this one up, which will also let you see how big it is.

– High-End

Mountain HardWear – SuperMega 2 – 2 Person Tent

Why?

This tent weighs just a hair over 2 pounds! It’s perfect for a bug out bag or motorcycle. Unlike some backpackable tents, this one is free-standing so you don’t have to anchor it into anything to get it to stand up (something you don’t think you need until you’re faced with that situation).

Here’s a quick video to let you know the details.

It’s a great little tent and one of my top contenders for my next personal tent.

3) Tactical Knives

– Super Budget

Free folding credit card

Why?

Because it’s as inexpensive as it gets. All you pay is shipping and you get the knife and a book and a survival class. Here’s what they’re giving you here with this.

• Ultra Slim – Folds to the size of a credit card, 2 mm THIN! (The same size as your standard credit card and 1/10th the thickness of your standard utility knife!)
• Quick and Simple Conversion – In just seconds, this tool transforms from an unassuming card in your wallet into a fully functional knife.
• Surgical Steel Blade – Stainless steel construction for durable, rust-free sharpness.
• Protective Hand Guard – Helps you get a grip and prevents the blade from slipping.
• Built-In Safety Sheath – This prevents any accidents caused by an open blade in your pocket or pack, and even prevents the blade from becoming blunted during everyday carry.
• Snap-Open, Waterproof Locking Mechanism – Easier to open than ordinary penknives, and no metal hinges that rust.
• BONUS #1 Get a new book Ultimate Survival Skills FREE.
• BONUS #2 Get a FREE 2 Hour Survival Class.

Obviously, this one isn’t going to be free forever so let me know when it stops and I’ll edit this page.

– Budget

Smith & Wesson SWBG2TS Border Guard 2 Rescue Knife

Why?

It’s one of the best selling tactical knives on Amazon and is the best one anywhere near this pricepoint. It has a tanto blade (which not only makes it look like some kind of ninja thing, it’s my preferred blade style). It has 7Cr17 high carbon stainless steel so it will last and hold an edge. It also has a glass breaker on the end and a strap cutter, which is great for cutting 550 cord. It’s great as an EDC (Every Day Carry) knife or something for the backpack, hunting/fishing kit, or vehicle.

– High-End

SOG Seal Team Elite Knife

Why?

Because this knife is BADD-ASS!

It’s the knife I wore on the front of my body armor in Iraq and Afghanistan and the one I now keep on the tank of my Desert Warrior Harley. For the money, I haven’t found anything better. I know I put this in the high end category but it’s actually less than $100, which is dirt cheap for a good knife.

Here’s a video review:

4) Flashlights

– Budget

Mini Cree Led Flashlight

Why?

This one is a no-brainer. It’s by far the best flashlight for the money. I have several of these. Most people buy a dozen or so but some buy even more than that.

It’s cheap as hell, super tough, and super bright. I got a few just as throwaway lights (they’re under $5) and was so impressed, I did a review of this flashlight. If you check out the reviews, you’ll see that several thousand people agree – it’s an awesome light.

Just keep in mind that these are like Doritos and tattoos. You can’t have just one. You’ll end up liking it so much, you’ll keep ordering more like I do. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer. When I got my first set, they took a few weeks to come in so order them early (although the last couple orders were here in just a couple days).

I have one in each vehicle and in several rooms of my house.

Flashlight Torch: 
Model of LED: Q5
Aluminum alloy casing
Aluminum alloy reflector
Output bright can come to 300 lumens
3 Switch Mode: High, Low, SOS
Power by: 1 x AA or 1 x 14500 3.7v battery
Coating Color: Blue and Red
Special Features: Adjustable Focus
Size(mm):92mm X 25mm

Battery
Battery Type:14500 battery
Voltage: 3.7v
Capacity: 900mAh
Charge Time: about 6~8hours
Rechargeable Times: about 500~700
Material: Li-ion Battery

Charger: 
LED indication for Power On / Charging / Full charge
Smart AC charger automatically stops when charging is complete
Input: AC100-240V 50-60Hz Max150mA
Output: DC4.2V 650mAh
Caution: Indoor use only

Advanced Gift Box
Dimensions:19cm*13cm*5cm
Material: The box is made of PP (polypropylene), It’s non-toxic and odorless, it’s environmental protection material. Stable enough to take the high pressure

Package Includes: 
1 X Advanced Gift Box
1 x 100% Brand New SK-68 LED Torch Blue
1 x 100% Brand New SK-68 LED Torch Red
1 x Smart Li-ion Battery Charger
2 x 900mAh 14500 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
1 x User Manual

– High-End

SureFire P3X Fury

Why?

Because holy crap! It can put out 1,000 freaking lumens, which is almost definitely brighter than any flashlight you’ve ever seen that takes batteries. It takes 3 CR123A batteries (the same as most of my military gear takes) and can also be set for 15 lumens in case you’re not out there to signal the space shuttle one night. I also like that it has the click-type tailcap switch instead of a button or slider (or twist) thingy.

If you want him to have a giddy look on his face when he shines it, this is the one to get. Just don’t be surprised if he doesn’t literally call up his friends to come over that night as they go outside and shine it around the neighborhood.

Here’s a quick video from the SHOT Show this year about it:

5) Prepper/Survival Book

– Budget

SAS Survival Handbook

Why?

Because this is one of the best books out there for survival. It’s not really a ‘budget’ item but it’s still super cheap. It has a crapload of great reviews and has sold over a million copies. You can’t go wrong with this one.

– High-End

Foxfire Book Series

For over 40 years, high school students in Foxfire programs have helped to gather and publish information about their Southern Appalachian heritage. Best known for the best-selling Foxfire Book series, the series and the other topical titles were all grown from interviews gathered for The Foxfire Magazine. The success of the student-driven program led to professional research that generated the Foxfire Approach to Teaching and Learning and its support materials for use by other educators hoping to achieve similar levels of student involvement and create life-long learners.

These are the coveted Foxfire books. They were originally to gather information for high school students many years ago on their Appalachian heritage but they were so useful, they are the ultimate prepper book collection. Many people have the first few books in the series but very few have the last – and almost no one has all twelve.

Not only are these fantastic to learn the old ways of backwoods survival, they’re a great way to start a discussion. If he’s a prepper or into survival, he’ll be bragging about these.

You can occasionally get the entire set of 12 books. THAT would be a great gift.

6) Solar Generator

– Budget

Solar Generator Plug N Play Kit

Why?

This is a great beginner’s solar kit. It has a 30 watt solar panal and a 600 watt generator with a 28 amp-hour battery – and it’s all weatherproofed. It would be great for an RV or apartment to keep several lights and small electronics charged during power outages – and since it’s solar, not only does it not need fuel, it’s silent so no one knows you have it.

You can also charge it with a/c so it’s always ready for whenever the power goes out. You can use it to jumpstart your car battery too.

– High-End

Goal Zero BONUS Yeti 1250 Solar Generator Kit with cart, (4) Boulder 30 solar panels, (2) panel carrying cases, (1) Solar Tripod (holds 4 panels), 3 Light a Life Lanterns, (10) Boulder Clips

Why?

Because this is an awesome system for power outages, a complete campsite, or tailgating. It’ll run a LOT of things for many hours. This would be fantastic for an RV. You might think it’s pricey compared to a gas generator but not only do you not need to find fuel for it in a long-term emergency – you don’t need to pay for fuel. Ever.

Here’s a video review of it that will give you an idea about what kinds of things it’ll charge and for how long:

7) Portable Communication

– Budget

Baofeng UV5RA Ham Two Way Radio 136-174/400-480 MHz Dual-Band Transceiver (Black)

Why?

For about $30, you can’t beat it. It runs all kinds of frequencies and has a built-in flashlight. I keep one of these in a pouch on my Harley in case I’m stuck somewhere and have no cell phone reception. It even runs FMS and GMRS frequencies so you can use it if you don’t have a ham radio license.

– High-End

Yaesu FT-897D All-Mode HF thru UHF Transceiver AM-FM-CW-USB-LSB

Why?

Because this thing is hella awesome. I have the FT-857D version at home, which I absolutely love, but this version has two built-in battery bay slots and you can get a bolt-on auto-tuner for it. They both run a LOT of frequencies – something that most radios won’t do.

I set up a portable camping solar box to be able to take mine camping but it would have been a LOT easier if I would have gotten this model instead. As with mine, it’ll run 100 watts right out of the box on battery power. If you want a full power radio that you can put in  a backpack, you really can’t beat this thing. I may actually be selling my 857d and getting this one because it’s pretty much built for preppers. It has a great reputation in the ham radio community as well.

Here’s a video that kj6bbs did that included his whole setup and not just the FT-897d but it was the best video out there for you to get an idea of what this thing can do.

Obviously, there are all kinds of good deals out there but these were the ones that I found that really stood out.

Still stuck on what to get them?

Here’s a pretty cool gift you can get ANYONE! Get them a gift card through email. What’s awesome about this is that you can upload your image to it or a video on it and they’ll send it to them.

What would you like to get as a prepper/survival/camping gift? What are you getting as a gift for someone else?