I’m generally the opposite of survivalist types. I always think of them as wildly paranoid. I think we’re an extremely long way from a complete breakdown of society, but I also think we’re less far away than we’ve been in my lifetime.

As much as an academic exercise as anything else – although I have to admit that I’ve actually considered buying these things just in case (maybe I’m not as opposite as I thought) – I put together a list of what I thought would assist my family’s survival in such a situation.

I’m not talking about how to survive for three weeks or three months. I’m talking about a permanent and complete breakdown.

I am as far from an expert on this as you can be. I did just a quick google search and found that most advice involves surviving for a relatively short period of time. But this list I made up myself. I would like to hear other ideas on what else might come in handy or what on this list wouldn’t be necessary. I realize that rechargeable batteries, even with a generator, would only last for so long.

Fishing net
Magnifying glass, matches, flint
Survival book, Medical book
Water still, water purifying tablets/liquids
Water storage jugs
Shotgun, Hunting Rifle, Sniper rifle, several different-sized revolvers
Ammo
Hunting knife
Ax, hammer, pocket knife, Saw, files
Rope, twine
Tent, tarp
Sleeping bags
Bow and arrows
Fishing pole, lures, hooks, lines, sinkers.
Compass, maps
Sextant and manual
Very large backpack
Shovel
Water, food
Salt
Mouse, rat traps
First aid kit
Antibiotics
Clothes, shoes, jackets
Cooking grill, utensils
Eating utensils, plates, cups
Mirror
Sewing kit
Plastic bags, ziploc bags
Duct tape
Snare
Night vision goggles
Scissors
Extra fishing line for trip wires
Binoculars
Hand-powered electric generator for charging batteries/electronics
Battery charger/rechargeable batteries
A dog