Key to a nearby recently constructed (last decade) self storage locker probably solves the storage limitations of the room. A closet-sized on is usually inexpensive

Walmart have Ozark Trail mini headlamps with 2 coin cells included for a $1.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-LED-Mini-Headlamp-20-Lumens-6-Colors/757604188

Probably fine for in campus accommodation at night or "loaners".

Alright, let's do some product recommendations for prybars & hatchets! What's your favorite?

When it comes to hatchets, my favorite is my Gränsfors Bruks Mini Belt Hatchet, but I wouldn’t use that as an emergency egress tool unless I had no other choice, because it’s too valuable to be used as a demolition tool. I would think an all-steel Estwing would be a better idea to keep for that purpose.

As for prybars, there are many makers of good flatbars. My current favorite was made by Vaughan, and is about 21” long, a bit longer than the typical Stanley. And actually, just inside my front door is a 36” DeWalt wrecking bar that weighs a ton. I bought it to chip through ice, because it was the cheapest, heaviest thing I could find at the time I needed it.

I’m thinking more and more about how important off-site storage is, especially now that I am a renter again, instead of the owner of a 3-story home with basement and 3-car garage, like I used to be. If anything happens to my house, it’s a cheap insurance policy.

Did we include N-95 masks in the shoebox? Very useful if there would be wildfires, not necessarily close....

Not the same as the usual covid mask, although those would be better than nothing.

Bingley: When it comes to emergency axes/ multi-purpose tools, IMO , the new category leader is the Ontario SPAX-16. This awkward looking tool is actually an evolution of an earlier aircraft rescue crash hatchet. It’s 13” long, 2lb.s of axe, curved spike, pry bar, hammer, rudimentary shovel and manhole lifter ( with the spike and top of tool as lever) . But what really makes it really unique is the odd looking cutout in back of the axe head. This cutout enables turning gas and water cocks on & off and opening and closing most fire hydrant water valves. Note, this tool is standard kit on Marine 1.

For a light strong pry bar, my ( admittedly expensive) my choice is an 8oz., 12” long, titanium nail puller, by Stilleto Tools. Stronger and much lighter than its steel contemporaries. I wrap self-adherent silicon tape around the shaft to improve the grip. I tape a Double thickness of Gorilla tape to each end to prevent it cutting thru my pack.

Couple these two tools with a Knipex, 8”” rod, wire, fence & grill cutter, ( Again it costs a bit more, but it beats the competition all hollow with its compound hard steel cutting edges). Optional is a 6” to 8” adjustable pliers-wrench like a Robotool or Vise-Grip. ( I tend not to exercise this option . But my fire rescue friends tell me I’m wrong.) Also add a Gerber LMF II 5” insulated , half serrated bladed knife with electrically insulated handle and steel glass breaker- hammerhead end AP. Add a 4-way silcock key ( wrench ), a 50’ -100’ Hank of 550’ or 750’ para cord, about 20’ of flat-rollled 2” gorilla tape, goggles that seal the eye, and a good pair of leather or nomex work gloves, Add an XCaper fire escape mask and N-95 masks and a good 3AA weatherproof headlamp with lithium batteries and you got yourself a good urban-rural rescue and shelter, fire wood kit. And for the capability ,it is actually packable without adding too much weight. I’m also assuming you carry on your person, a good multi tool. My choice is a LM wave +..

If I can only have two and weight and size are of the essence, I take the LM Wave+ and the 4 - way silcock key. If I’m working urban and can carry a little more , I add the gloves, googles and XCaper escape mask.

D'oh, a silcock key!! Thanks for the reminder, Acropolis50!
-Blast

@Blast. If you can find it, buy the Knipex. It has 8 different heads.

https://geekprepper.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/61JwtVlZXSL._SL1001_-e1565443676184.jpg

https://www.kctool.com