Every prepper should have a complete knowledge-base in their home library and these are books you can’t leave out of that library. Check out some of the best survival and self sufficiency books that we’ve found. These are books you need!

1. Making the Best of Basics

2. The Ultimate Guide to US Army Survival Skills, Tactics & Techniques

3.Camping & Wilderness Survival

4. US Army Survival Guide

5. Country Wisdom & Know-how

6. Tom Browns Guide to Edible & Medicinal Plants

7. Gardening When It Counts

8.Crisis Preparedness Handbook: A Complete Guide to Home Storage and Physical Survival

9. Earth Abides

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10. Patriots

Sometimes we need to be prepared for everyday situations and electronics are escpecially vulnerable to this threat. Falls, bumps, water, dirt and dozens of other threats can ruin expensive electronics, some of which contain our most valuable documents and passwords. Survival Spot has selected some tough gadgets that will stand up to your everyday emergencies.

The Iron Key USB Drive

This is one of those “every day items” for most people who work on computers. The difference is that this USB is more of an everyday item for spies or government agents.  The Iron Key a.k.a. “the Silver Bullet” offers more protection than you really need for a USB drive. A rugged water resistant outer shell protects the drive from the weather but more importantly from people. This drive will automatically encrypt files and it’s coolest (and most worrisome) feature self destructs the drive after too many failed password attempts. Yes you heard right, after you type the password incorrectly enough times the password will burn itself on the inside, permanently deleting any and all files on the drive.

The XP1 – 1 Bad A** Cell Phone

This phone is by far more durable than any factory phone you can buy. A hardened molding cast protects the phone from dirt, dust and even a small stream of water. Additionally you can drop this phone from 5 ft onto concrete in -4 degree or 140 degree weather and still have a working phone. The drawback, you may not get the best coverage in the US as you might abroad but it still works and is still very tough.

FR500 Solarlink by Eton Corp

Don’t go to any outdoor adventure without this radio. The FR500 is self powered and can operate by solar power, hand crank or traditional batteries. Easily pickup AM/FM, shortwave radio and NOAA and while you’re doing that charge up your cell phone with the built in charger. There are many other features such as flashlight and siren but all in all this is one great radio. The drawbacks are that you can only receive one cell phone adapter (as far as I know) and you don’t have the shock resistance some radios gave. However you can run this baby without batteries so that gives it an A+.

Panasonic ToughBook

Built to military standards this award winning laptop offers protection against the most brutal abuse. The toughbook will withstand water, dirt, dust, sunlight and even harsh falls or drops. The screen boasts a 1,000 Nit brightness so that you can see it outside and has internal parts that are mounted into place (what allows it to withstand shock) as well as offering a magnesium alloy case with a built in handle. If you need a computer on the road or in the field this should be your number one choice.

Yet again we are reminded how quickly the tide can change, world turmoil is a constant reminder that we must be prepared if and when turmoil occurs here.

View the photos

It’s amazing what kind of water purification technology exists these days. Things like reverse osmosis and UV light purification are changing the way we think about our drinking water.

Two new water purifiers actually produce by absorbing the humidity from the air. The Water Mill isn’t out yet but looks very promising, whereas the EcoloBlue can produce 7 gallons in about 24 hours which costs you only 20 cents a gallon….not bad.

Water Mill
EcoloBlue

These seem to have a lot of potential for being solar powered, however the technology needs a leap forward until I would give it the survivalist stamp of approval. If however you want to use it to fill up water containers for storage or for daily drinking that would be a great idea.

(if you keep it inside will it dry out the house??)

The Berkey is the standard for survivalists and long term water purification.  Producing anywhere from 5 to 25 gallons an hour and lasting for 2000 gallons per filter, the Berkey is a wise choice for large groups over an extended period of time.
Berkey Water Filter

The base camp water filter is my choice for “on the go” water purification for more than one person. The base camp water filter works on gravity, simply fill up the bag, hang it on a tree and bam you have over a gallon of clean drinking water an hour. And the filters can last for an impressive 5,300 gallons.

Katydyn Base Camp Filter

Not a purifier but still useful. Fill up your bath tub with water during an emergency and use this nifty plastic cover to pump out every last drop of water in there. It also protects it (somewhat) from the elements during storage

Water BOB

It may not be very practical, but come on you can’t deny that it’s cool.

http://jalopnik.com/5067352/the-unicat-amerigo-international-is-good-for-regular-zombie-or-financiapocalypse

Root cellars have been used for centuries, before electricity and refrigeration was the norm they were used to keep the harvest good during the winter. While it’s not such a common sight today many rural homes have a root cellar. In a grid down scenario not having refrigeration can literally mean life or death. With a good root cellar or even a simple pot in pot cooler you can prolong the life of your foods and have a greater chance at survival.

How it works

A root cellar is a great place to store food because of the low temperature and low humidity. This keeps food from freezing in the winter and overheating in the summer. The soil on top of the root cellar the earth acts as the temperature control.

Originally root cellars held mostly vegetables but they can also accommodate certain fruits and beverages. It was not uncommon in past times to have a root cellar full of alcoholic beverages. Some other foods can be kept in a root cellar primarily jams, salted meat, bread, butter, cheese and even milk and cream. Some food like salads, meat and pies can be kept in the root cellar but this will only prolong their life for a short time. Many other foods will sour and rot even if kept in the root cellar.

Some Examples

Wanna build your own root cellar? Here’s how

http://survivalacres.com/wordpress/?p=1475

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Green-Homes/2004-12-01/Build-a-Basement-Root-Cellar.aspx

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/1974-09-01/The-Parthenon-of-Root-Cellars.aspx

http://www.richardspelling.com/stormshelter/index.htm

http://web1.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/modp1/morefile/E0104.pdf

Simpler Root Cellars

http://www.backwoodshome.com/articles/deblois47.html

http://chroniclesofafarmgirl.blogspot.com/2007/08/root-cellar.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_2085550_make-basement-root-cellar.html

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/08/diy_root_cellar.php

http://www.tpub.com/mms/128.htm

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/robert_conroy/rootcell.htm

http://www.dragongoose.com/LewHisWinterStorageVeg.html

Pot in Pot Coolers

http://other90.cooperhewitt.org/Design/pot-in-pot-cooler

http://solarcooking.wikia.com/wiki/Pot-in-pot_cooler

http://www.seed.slb.com/en/scictr/lab/pot_refrigerator/pot_refrigerator.pdf

More Info

http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/miscpubs/mp0562.htm

http://floydcountyinview.com/rcbasics.html

http://www.tribwatch.com/rootcell.htm

http://agebb.missouri.edu/mac/links/linkview3.asp?catnum=195&linknum=2871

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07601.pdf

http://www.seedsofchange.com/enewsletter/issue_38/storage.asp

http://www.spiritofmaat.com/archive/apr2/foodstor.htm

http://www.ptialaska.net/~pbabcock/patch/September.html

Great Books

1. Generators (Good ones cost dearly. Gas storage, risky. Noisy…target of thieves; maintenance etc.)
2. Water Filters/Purifiers
3. Portable Toilets
4. Seasoned Firewood. Wood takes about 6 – 12 months to become dried, for home uses.
5. Lamp Oil, Wicks, Lamps (First Choice: Buy CLEAR oil. If scarce, stockpile ANY!)
6. Coleman Fuel. Impossible to stockpile too much.
7. Guns, Ammunition, Pepper Spray, Knives, Clubs, Bats & Slingshots.
8. Hand-can openers, & hand egg beaters, whisks.
9. Honey/Syrups/white, brown sugar
10. Rice – Beans – Wheat
11. Vegetable Oil (for cooking) Without it food burns/must be boiled etc.,)
12. Charcoal, Lighter Fluid (Will become scarce suddenly)
13. Water Containers (Urgent Item to obtain.) Any size. Small: HARD CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY – note – food grade if for drinking.
16. Propane Cylinders (Urgent: Definite shortages will occur.)
17. Survival Guide Book.
18. Mantles: Aladdin, Coleman, etc. (Without this item, longer-term lighting is difficult.)
19. Baby Supplies: Diapers/formula. ointments/aspirin, etc.
20. Washboards, Mop Bucket w/wringer (for Laundry)
21. Cookstoves (Propane, Coleman & Kerosene)
22. Vitamins
23. Propane Cylinder Handle-Holder (Urgent: Small canister use is dangerous without this item)
24. Feminine Hygiene/Haircare/Skin products.
25. Thermal underwear (Tops & Bottoms)
26. Bow saws, axes and hatchets, Wedges (also, honing oil)
27. Aluminum Foil Reg. & Heavy Duty (Great Cooking and Barter Item)
28. Gasoline Containers (Plastic & Metal)
29. Garbage Bags (Impossible To Have Too Many).
30. Toilet Paper, Kleenex, Paper Towels
31. Milk – Powdered & Condensed (Shake Liquid every 3 to 4 months)
32. Garden Seeds (Non-Hybrid) (A MUST)
33. Clothes pins/line/hangers (A MUST)
34. Coleman’s Pump Repair Kit
35. Tuna Fish (in oil)
36. Fire Extinguishers (or..large box of Baking Soda in every room)
37. First aid kits
38. Batteries (all sizes…buy furthest-out for Expiration Dates)
39. Garlic, spices & vinegar, baking supplies
40. Big Dogs (and plenty of dog food)
41. Flour, yeast & salt
42. Matches. {“Strike Anywhere” preferred.) Boxed, wooden matches will go first
43. Writing paper/pads/pencils, solar calculators
44. Insulated ice chests (good for keeping items from freezing in Wintertime.)
45. Workboots, belts, Levis & durable shirts
46. Flashlights/LIGHTSTICKS & torches, “No. 76 Dietz” Lanterns
47. Journals, Diaries & Scrapbooks (jot down ideas, feelings, experience; Historic Times)
48. Garbage cans Plastic (great for storage, water, transporting – if with wheels)
49. Men’s Hygiene: Shampoo, Toothbrush/paste, Mouthwash/floss, nail clippers, etc
50. Cast iron cookware (sturdy, efficient)
51. Fishing supplies/tools
52. Mosquito coils/repellent, sprays/creams
53. Duct Tape
54. Tarps/stakes/twine/nails/rope/spikes
55. Candles
56. Laundry Detergent (liquid)
57. Backpacks, Duffel Bags
58. Garden tools & supplies
59. Scissors, fabrics & sewing supplies
60. Canned Fruits, Veggies, Soups, stews, etc.
61. Bleach (plain, NOT scented: 4 to 6% sodium hypochlorite)
62. Canning supplies, (Jars/lids/wax)
63. Knives & Sharpening tools: files, stones, steel
64. Bicycles…Tires/tubes/pumps/chains, etc
65. Sleeping Bags & blankets/pillows/mats
66. Carbon Monoxide Alarm (battery powered)
67. Board Games, Cards, Dice
68. d-con Rat poison, MOUSE PRUFE II, Roach Killer
69. Mousetraps, Ant traps & cockroach magnets
70. Paper plates/cups/utensils (stock up, folks)
71. Baby wipes, oils, waterless & Antibacterial soap (saves a lot of water)
72. Rain gear, rubberized boots, etc.
73. Shaving supplies (razors & creams, talc, after shave)
74. Hand pumps & siphons (for water and for fuels)
75. Soysauce, vinegar, bullions/gravy/soupbase
76. Reading glasses
77. Chocolate/Cocoa/Tang/Punch (water enhancers)
78. “Survival-in-a-Can”
79. Woolen clothing, scarves/ear-muffs/mittens
80. Boy Scout Handbook, / also Leaders Catalog
81. Roll-on Window Insulation Kit (MANCO)
82. Graham crackers, saltines, pretzels, Trail mix/Jerky
83. Popcorn, Peanut Butter, Nuts
84. Socks, Underwear, T-shirts, etc. (extras)
85. Lumber (all types)
86. Wagons & carts (for transport to and from)
87. Cots & Inflatable mattress’s
88. Gloves: Work/warming/gardening, etc.
89. Lantern Hangers
90. Screen Patches, glue, nails, screws,, nuts & bolts
91. Teas
92. Coffee
93. Cigarettes
94. Wine/Liquors (for bribes, medicinal, etc,)
95. Paraffin wax
96. Glue, nails, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
97. Chewing gum/candies
98. Atomizers (for cooling/bathing)
99. Hats & cotton neckerchiefs
100. Livestock

[Thanks to The Bacon Report for this list]