So true...

I built my smallest kit containing food in one of the containers from a dollar store FAK. At the very least you get bandages and wipes to beef up a standard FAK Hiker.

Wow, Be nine please. If the products are made in America, name brand items Likee Excedrin and Aleve such as at my local dollar store, they should be safe. We're all here to learn and share, no need to be so negative. Thanks for listening.

I agree that anywhere is a good place to start. That said, I found the prices on FAK supplies to be just as reasonable if not better at the local Target. In fact, there was a promo coupon last year where a starter kit could be had for a mere .22 cents.

Myself, I began with a little freebie first aid pouch I got from a mechanic's shop many moons ago. Something like this:

http://www.epromos.com/product/8833294/custom-zippered-kit.html

Great idea if you have a business to promote...

It IS a great place to start. You can get a lot for little money. After you have some basics i would save my money and invest in quality supplies as $ permits. Nothing wrong with dollar store prepping especially for beginners IMO.

I would say this tirade is unwaranted. About twenty years ago, I spent a month in China, well away from the standard tourist destinations. In one hamlet we were the first westerners to visit since WWII. The twelve in our party ate local cuisine exclusively, prepared by Chinese cooks. We did eat some different entrees - I know we consumed dog a few times - and we all learned it was better just to shut up and eat since some of the meals were banquets attended by the local big wheels. None of us had any ill effects at all - not a single case of "Mao's revenge" or anything like it.

Humans are great scavengers - that is how we evolved - and we can eat a wide variety of items comfortably, no matter who preps it.

Guys. Just remember, you are both replying to a thread that was started well over a year ago...

oh add a $1 sunscreen tube or chapstick!