Halloween is here, and you know what that means — Zombie Apocalypse! Ok, we’re just having fun here, but we think our list is pretty awesome. Better yet, almost every item here would be a great tool for camping, emergency preparedness or self defense. And some just look fun.
Think we missed something important? Tell us in the comments below. ‘Cause when zombies lose, we all win!
Battle Axe – Don’t let the ghouls get close! Take them down with the SOG Battle Axe ($65). This modern battle/throwing axe can be used for target practice, a SWAT tool or universal backup – or zombies. Made from 420 Stainless and 12.5 inches long, we suspect it will be very effective.
Multi-Tool – To be self reliant you’ll just have to fix everything yourself. Leatherman is the pioneer in multi-tools, and their AR-15/M-16 MUT Multi Tool has some great tools (like a 7/64th hex, T-15 Torx and Phillips screw driver) rarely found on pocket tools but useful for fixing everything from a MAF Sensor on a Ford Truck to an M-16. Plus, it’s got all the standards like pliers, knife and saw blade.
Education – Never stop learning, right? These two books are chock full of useful information and would be great reading even without zombies knocking on your door.
“The Survival Medicine Handbook: A Guide for When Help is Not on the Way“ assumes that no hospital or doctor is available in the aftermath of a catastrophic event and will prepare you to handle injuries and illness when you might be the best doctor you’ll ever see.
Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival is based on the 5Cs of Survivability—cutting tools, covering, combustion devices, containers, and cordages. the advice in this book can help you live comfortably and manufacture tools from nature.
Survival Knife — This is a must-have implement in any survival situation. The SOG Seal Pup will be ideal. This is a great all-around survival blade that has been time tested by dozens of outdoors enthusiasts and will serve you well for as long as you need it.
ESG Trauma Kit ($140) – With all these sharp implements and monsters running amok, somebody’s bound to get hurt. Don’t be caught unprepared. The ESG Trauma Kit holds what you need to deal with a scarcity of medical help during a widespread emergency.
Pump Shotgun – When defense gets serious, there’s nothing better (at least in the movies) than a pump action 12 gauge shotgun. Might as well go with a classic! The Winchester Model 12 is an American Made icon. Nearly 2 million were manufactured between 1912 and 1964. Sure, it’s a little dated but has one very cool and rare (and maybe dangerous) feature – it has no trigger disconnector. If you hold the trigger down, it’ll fire every time you close the action, thus, it’ll shoot as fast as you can pump it! That and the ability to hold 6 rounds made it a top choice for WWI trench warfare – and zombies!
Water Filtration – Nobody wants to get giardia, and if the water treatment’s down, your H20 is going to go south quick. The Sawyer Mini Squeeze costs just $30 at Bass Pro Shops, but will filter a claimed 1 million gallons of water.
Solar Charging — It may be the end of times, but hopefully smoke won’t blot out the sun. Keep your electronics charged and ready to use with a solar charger. The Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Solar Generator Kit is a pricy investment at $1,800, but this beast of a charger and battery will run all your personal electronics and even fire up a small fridge.
Wood Burning Stove – Where do you plan to get gas once the grid goes down? So long as you live in a somewhat forested area, a wood stove will give you the option of burning wood to cook. We tested the Solo Stove ($120) recently and it worked like a champ. Readers also recommend the Four Dog Stove and Emberlit, which are Made In The USA.
Ziplock And Garbage Bags — You’ll want lots of these as you organize gear and dispose of contaminated biohazards.
Sack Of Bic Lighters — After using lots of emergency fire starters, I’ve come to one conclusion — they all work, but not as well as a functional Bic lighter. Fill a sack with 10 or 15, a few books of matches and a single ferro rod (just in case) and don’t over think it.
Sleeping bag — The age old question: synthetic for wet performance or down for compressibility? You might be fighting to survive for a long time, so choose wisely. For a cold environment, I’d choose the Big Agnes McAlpin 5-degree down mummy bag ($360). I’ve used one for years and it just works in a wide variety of weather.
Powerful Flashlight When night falls, you need powerful light at the flick of a switch. The LED Lenser P5R.2 is compact, light and rechargeable (remember that solar panel?). It’s also waterproof to deeper than you’ll ever dive without nitrox, so dropping it in a puddle of blood will be no problem.
Protective Eyewear – If you’ve seen the movies, you know that, if you get blood of the infected in your eyes, you’re toast! Protect those peepers (and your nose) with a dive mask.
Duct Tape — If it’s broke, apply one of two things… beer or duct tape. In this situation, duct tape will probably be more prudent. Don’t even try to survive without it.
Ponchos — Whether butchering corpses or smearing entrails to evade walkers, living among the dead is dirty business. But Mountain Laurel Designs Sil Pro Poncho ($175) is made of tough Cuben Fiber, so it won’t tear and it makes cleaning up a snap. It’ll even double as a dead-free shelter, providing you peace of mind during that unplanned bivy in the backwoods.
Beer — So the duct tape didn’t work, the zombies are on your threshold and time has run out. Dang. Well, you tried your best. This will be your last cold one, so make it count. Personally, I’d reach for a Mountain Standard by O’Delle Brewing Co., a boozy 9.5% alcohol double black IPA with moderately hoped 60IBUs. Delicious to savor as the undead break down your front door…..
