Don't forget that kit begins with what's already on hand (or in general possession). For example the old pocket knife corroding away in a drawer or closet could easily be your EDC, at least at first.

Most of us who are building preparedness from ... well, from not much ... should probably have some matches around, if not a lighter or two.

Add those, a large bottle of water, and that throw blanket that's in the closet, and you've got yourself a very basic kit to pack in the trunk of the car around the spare tire.

Granted, this is by no means a permanent idea; it's meant to be built upon, improved, and probably completely replaced in time.

I like that... add an unused bookpack to carry it all...

When I started I spent way to much on shipping buying individual items and buying gear that was not worth buying.

These days I'd advise buying two of Doug's PSP kits - one goes into your pocket and slowly gets "enhanced" by adding cool extras (light, water, ....), and the other gets ripped open so you can play (practice) using all of it under different conditionss (wind, rain, cold, ...)

Hi there beginners

Time to time, life throws something at us for the fun of it. We call them "hard times" or "emergencies" for short. These have the purpose of reminding us to be prepared.

Everytime I had a domino of emergencies thrown at me , I would try to deal with it as best as I can, and then I would WRITE DOWN what happened and what I did. A few weeks/months down the road,I would read and think what I could have done different, or what gear I should have had on me that would have made it easier.

This strategy keeps sharpening my skills ... not to forget sticking around, and harrasing the great folks here by endless questions. The questions must have been asked before, but they answer them anyway.

Today's idea: add a garbage bag to your car and briefcase...

One more easy one: filll up your vehicle before it gets to half full. You'll fill up twice as often but it will only cost half as much so it balances out cost-wise, and you'll be better prepared to sit in traffic, bug-out, or whatever. AND, it's also less likely that your teenager will leave you on E when they borrow the car.

Don't even have to allocate extra, just buy extra when things are on sale and stock it up.

Take a first aid and CPR course. Knowledge is quite light and takes up little space.

A: Get a good knife
B: Get a good knife
C: Get a good knife

So on so forth. A Good Folder and a good Fixed Blade.

Get Good Tools, Cheap All in one tool kits with that 1 ounce toothpick handled Hammer will not cut it When push comes to shove. At The Minimal A Good 16ounce Hammer, A Pair Of Channel Lock Pliers, Two Identical Crescent Wrenches, A Good Screwdriver set (I LOVE Craftsman Screwdrivers) And a Decent Ratchet set. Keep In Stock a Box Of Framing nails and 3 Inch Deck Screws. A Battery powered Drill Can save a Lot of time and effort and can increase the strength of things like boarded up windows with screws instead of nails.

I agree - get good tools. They will be in daily use, not just for emergencies alone. I would add a shovel, swede saw, axe, and a serious pry bar or two, also a widget to turn off your gas.

Note: I live in earthquake country, so I more concerned about getting out of the wreckage than buttoning up for a storm. YMMV.

You will never outgrow your need for just one more tool....