We decided to start another new weekly column here on Survival Cache called 5 Dollar Preps. Each week we are going to buy $5 dollars worth of survival gear to show people that preparing doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive. You can get a surprising amount of useful survival preps with just 5 bucks and here is what we got this week:
Lucas
I got a great little collection of fishing supplies. Fishing Line, Assorted hooks, and a small pack of weights.
I was able to get 500 yards of 15lb test line for $2.50. I went for the 15lb pound test even though it sounds like overkill. Fishing line is one of those things that you can use for a hundred different problems. It’s not Duct Tape or WD40, but it’s on that list. 15lb test is enough to be able to use it for other heavier things and fishing.
A pack of assorted hooks. These were $2.96, and I decided to go a little over budget because of the dial box they came in so I can just toss it in my Bug Out Bag.
Finally, I got a small pack of fishing weights for $1.50.
Like I said I went over budget to get the hooks with the container but for a total of $6.96 I was able to get a pretty effective basic fishing set up. I wish I had looked online before shopping because I found this Hook, Sinker, and Swivel pack all in the same type of dial container for $3.99
Zack
Zack decided to go for some supplies for his first aid kit. First aid supplies are a bit more expensive than fishing line, but every single thing you buy for survival preparedness is a step in the right direction.
The problem with giant pre-made first aid kits is that they have tons of stuff but usually only a little bit of everything. Having something for every possibility is important, but we like to plan our kits based on specific application and the likelihood that they will be needed. Today’s idea was cuts and scrapes too large for band-aids that need to be dressed an protected.
A roll of gauze for $1.72 is perfect anything larger than a small cut and once dressed you can wrap it with a self adhesive bandage for $3.84
I know some of our readers have creative ideas for $5 dollar preps. Leave us a comment and let us know what you’re doing to prepare.
More First Aid Gear we looked at recently: The Sawyer Extractor for Poisonous Snake Bites
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My name is Lucas and I run SurvivalCache along with the help of several great contributing authors. You can read more on the
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Cool site. Glad I found it. Just wanted to let you know that you can save a buck or two on first aid supplies by getting them at the vet supply store. The Johnson & Johnson Coach self adhesive bandage that Zack got for $3.84 can be found for around $2.00 in different colors.
Betty,
Thanks for the compliments.
Good idea on the vet supply store. I'm not sure if there is one in my city, but I've definitely going to check into that.
HI all–
With regard to the multicolor adhesive bandages that are from a vet supply–Jeffers Equine Catalog. 1-800-Jeffers. I've ordered from them for years. Their surgical and bandage scissors are excellent quality and price, and the Vetrap (or Co-flex) is cheap. Also, the Jeffers Catalog –Pet Version has an earscope for around $13.00 I've been using for kids and also a wound stapling kit for field dogs.
Best of luck,
Mountain Mama
Mountain Mama,
Thanks for sharing your source.
I haven't gotten into buying from vet suppliers yet, but it sounds like I really need to.
another place to get supplys that my family uses is the dollar stores its a good place to start looking for band aids and ace bandages. I completely out fitted a friend for 25 bucks with close to an intermediate field kit. just be careful and look at the stuff before you buy some can be junk while others are good it all works out in the end. even the junk can be use once in a pinch.
The best place to get first aid gear is if you have a friend that works at a hospital, especially a military hospital, they waste money as fast as they make it. I know a guy that works at the hospital, he got me a 50$ FAK in a 15$ pouch for 0$.
I need a source like that!!!
I have to agree with you there that is why i became friends with the local ambulence crews so i get good stuff that the pros use all the time. my office looks like a hospitol supply room with all the stuff i get for freebies
Good point caine,
I should put together a whole "dollar store" article. Just to see how much good stuff I could get.
I haven't used it much for pack/bug out gear, but for stocking preps the dollar stores are invaluable. Especially for things like TP, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and other household items.
Lucas,
one of the things i found at the dollar stores is a hand crank radio that works great and last for over an hour with 1 min. of cranking. and just to add to this one I have also found the travel size bottles of like hand sanatizer and little bottles of hydrogen peroxcide and there again most people if they have kids have that stuff around. but one thing thay forget to look for is a steptic pencil one of the greatest inventions i have 13 of them you can hardly find them anymore because one pencil lasts forever lol. I look for them every where i go they work great on little cuts and poped blisters it stings at first but then seals they are cool,
thanks again
Chuck
I just bought a 4 function whistle from Wal Mart. Ozark Trail brand. The ball less whistle is pretty loud. The thermometer is accurate to 2 degrees. The compass is basic but does accurately give the main points. The magnifying glass is a little hard to get out but could be useful. All in all not too shabby for 5 bucks.
aj,
that's a pretty good haul for 5 bucks. I'd be leery about trusting the compass too much in situations that warrant close accuracy but otherwise sounds great.
here is something to keep in your go bag . oil of oregano! yes the herb that is used on pasta. oregano oil kills foot fungus on contact ! it also cures most stomach bugs. like stomach flu ! no joke. i use it and raw garlic also . but remember ! ! ! you must put oregano oil in a softgel !!!!!! never put directly in mouth !!!
Great weesite! You should look at getting a Speedhook. It is a fising hook set up that sets itself once there is a bite! You can set it up somewhere and leave it! It is like a snare in the water. I have a few that my grandfather had in the military but they still make them!