#don’t forget kids: Bug Types have the advantage against Dark types!

[samyelbanette]

I really love that my tiny little Ribombee is fighting this huge Obstagoon, and winning. 😂

#Kelley plays Pokémon Sword #don’t forget kids: Bug Types have the advantage against Dark types!

[stillebesat]

Christmas Eve (3/5)

Sanders Sides: Janus, Patton, Roman, Virgil Pairings: Past Roceit (was toxic), Familial Moceit (Dad Janus, Son Patton) Blurb: Of all the barriers that Janus expected to have to overcome in order to get his son a pet for Christmas, encountering his Ex, Roman, working in the pet store had never once crossed his mind. Fic Type: Christmas!Eve Fic, Past Lovers to Enemies to ??? trope, Dad!Janus, Kid!Patton, MythicalMin!AU, Frogmin!AU Overall Fic Warnings: Past Toxic Relationship Talk, Manipulation/Lying Talk Taglist in Reblog To Catch Up: Part 1 Part 2 

He supposed it was the shock of Roman actually helping him that allowed his Ex to drag him halfway through the store before Janus remembered he didn’t have to be complacent in this. 

“Seriously.” He rasped, jerking his arm, finding it difficult to focus on anything more than the burning grip of Roman’s hand around his wrist. “You don’t have to do this.” 

It sounded so flimsy soo--so trite. So insincere. Even to his own ears. Roman had to be dissecting his words and tone even now, searching for the trick--the manipulation he had used as easily as a fish breathed water all throughout his--well his entire life, even if Roman had only experienced it first hand for a couple of years during college. 

With that sort of bad history between them...of all the possibilities that had flashed through his mind when he and Roman had made eye contact...having him actually help them had never--well it had--briefly. Very very briefly. Crossed his mind. But it had been a fool’s hope. Not when their relationship had ended more explosively than the grand finale of a firework show.

“I--” He swallowed trying again as he adjusted Pattey’s weight on his hip. This wasn’t at all how he’d pictured them meeting again. He wasn’t ready for this. “We really can just leave. He’ll understand.” His son knew all too well about his history with the Prince even if it was just through bedtime stories. “You don’t have to--”

“Shut up, Dragon Witch.” Roman growled, tugging him around a corner. “I don’t want to either. But I’m not heartless.” 

“You’re not.” He agreed. Roman was anything but that. He was good. He’d been the best thing that had happened to him before Patton came into his life, and Janus had taken advantage of that in the worst ways possible, using him and then tossing him away like so much trash without realizing what a treasure Roman actually was. “But you don’t have to force yourself on my--” Janus cut off as a small hand covered his mouth, his son’s bright eyes filled with excitement. 

“Shh, Daddy.” He patted his lips. “You told me if a Prince offers to help you, you let him help! You don’t say no.”

Yes. But he hadn’t meant that to apply to himself! What he’d done--it could be considered unforgivable. No one should be treated how he’d treated Roman--or well, any of his former relationships. It had taken Patton’s birth to get him to...stop. To want to change. To be better. 

Roman had the gall to smirk at him as he stopped in front of a display of cages, letting go of Janus’s wrist so he could fish out a set of keys from his pocket. “Correct, little man. It’s a Prince’s duty to help all those he encounters in distress….even if the fair damsel turns out to be a---.”

“Aaraog!” Patton piped up.

Roman froze, looking nonplussed at the nonsequir. “Aaraog?” 

“You can’t trust them. They’re Evil.” Patton said solemnly before bouncing in Janus’s arms as he stared eagerly into the cages. “Daddy says that even though the Dragon Witch is a jerk, he still occasionally helps the Prince! And so they can’t be meanies to each other all the time like Aaraog sooo if the Prince can help the Dragon Witch then you, Prince--” 

“Roman.” Janus said softly, the name feeling like he was tasting the forbidden fruit as it rolled off his tongue. He looked away as his Ex shot him a dark look. Yah...he didn’t think they were on first name terms anymore, hence why he only ever called the Prince...well Prince. But Pattey had been upset that the Dragon Witch always fought with the Prince and always lost...so he’d told a slightly different story from the usual, using a giant spider as the villain instead. It’d been... a kind of self wish of his. Where he hoped things would eventually...maybe...work out.

“Prince Roman! And my Daddy can be friends today too as you help!”

Ha. That would be the day. He wasn’t a fool enough to believe them rekindling any sort of...friendship...would ever actually happen. Even if he wanted a redo...he was pretty sure he’d burned that bridge and then buried the ashes in a pit a hundred feet deep back in college.

“I--I--don’t think he’s...uh...I’m sure the Dragon Witch can be...nice.” Roman said, rubbing the back of his neck.

And Janus was a platypus. “Liar.” He mumbled. Roman had only ever known his manipulative nice. Not his genuine niceness. How could he? Janus had only learned how to be so after Patton had said his first word. Years after everything had...ended between them. 

“You’re one to talk.” Roman hissed. 

“Yes and?” 

Pattey looked between the two of them, before deciding that comforting his Dad was needed. His little hands squished Janus’s cheeks. “But Daddy isn’t a true Dragon Witch!” He said firmly, maintaining eye contact before he flashed his hundred watt smile, succeeding in melting Janus’s heart once again. “He’s the bestest Daddy in the whole world! Even if he doesn’t think so.” 

Janus flushed. “Liar.” He repeated. He was sure there were plenty of other Dads who were far better than he could ever be.

“Truther!” Patton grinned. “The best best best BEST Daddy!!” 

He shook his head as Roman scoffed, hoping his face wasn’t as red as a tomato--this awkward encounter was only going to get much worse if he didn’t hurry this up. Janus quickly set his son down, pushing him towards the cage his Ex had unlocked. 

“Go pick one you like.” He encouraged, staying crouched to discourage Roman from talking to him even if it did mean his Ex would be hovering over him like the Sword of Damocles. It wasn’t ideal, but it would hopefully keep himself from saying something he would regret and get them kicked out before he could buy a Frogmin for his son.

After all, Roman had to only be helping him on Patton’s behalf. If his kid hadn’t been here he was sure his Ex would have taken one look at him and thrown him right back out, no questions asked. So the sooner they could get out of here the sooner they both could forget this whole encounter. 

Not that Janus would be able to forget. Not when Pattey usually demanded a Prince story for bedtime. 

“Oh!!!” Patton pressed his face against the glass where little multi-colored frog-like humans crouched among the branches inside the cage. “Look at them, Daddy!!! LOOK! FROGMINS!! They’re here! AWWWWWW. Look at their cute little spots!!”

Janus let out a slow breath, the tension in his shoulders easing. Finally. After fifteen stores he could finally make good on his promise to his son.

“Careful. You don’t want to scare them.” Roman said, also kneeling down, keeping Pattey between them as he pointed to the half dozen Frogmins inside. “While they have frog characteristics, it’s easier to think of them as mini people. And some of them can get really scared when a giant face suddenly appears in front of them.”

His son’s eyes went wide. “Noooo. I don’t wanna scare them!” Pattey leaned back, wrapping his arms around himself as he twisted back and forth. “They’re just sooo cool! And so Princely! Cus if you kiss one they can turn large and save the day! Like the stories! But I want mine to remain small, so I’ll be very careful in my kisses. And they can hop and climb walls like--” Patton made a face and Janus had to bite back a smile at his son’s reluctance to say Spiderman. “Like superheros!! And they eat bugs! Like...like!!!....like….spiders.” He shivered. “I don’t like them.” 

Roman tilted his head, amber eyes flashing with understanding. “So you’re looking for a Frogmin to protect you from spiders?” 

Pattey nodded hard enough he looked like a bobble head. “He’ll keep me safe while I sleep!”

Roman chuckled. “A good reason to get a Frogmin. Though not all of them like to eat spiders. Just like some little boys don’t like to eat their vegetables.”

His son grimaced. “But carrots are icky!!”

“And some Frogmins think spiders are icky too.” He said gently, opening a small hatch in the side of the cage where three of the Frogmins had already gathered. “While you can just pick one that you like the look of...you could also come over here and hold out your hands--don’t reach in, but hold out your hands and ask them if any of them would like to come live with you and eat spiders...or well, like to have them as a treat as I’m sure you don’t want to feed them dried ones.” He glanced over to Janus as he spoke.

Ha. No. While he did have some dried spiders waiting at home, there was no way he’d pull out any of the creatures...even dead ones...where his son could see. One meltdown at the first pet store had been enough to convince him why having his Lilypatton see spiders--dead or alive--was a bad idea. 

Janus let out a slow breath as Pattey eagerly moved closer, his small hands held out to the opening. 

“Do you guys like to eat spiders?” He whisper-shouted to the group. “If you do, we have plenty of them at home and I really really REALLY want you to eat ALL of them. Please? Pleeeease.”

And now Roman was going to think they lived in a haunted house or something. Really, it was more of an issue of all the spiders in their backyard instead of inside. 

Janus shook his head, holding up a hand. “I have a variety of other dried insects to choose from at home if the one Pattey picks doesn’t like spiders.” He said, glancing at his Ex before turning his attention back to the cage, watching as more Frogmins crept out of the leaves towards his son. 

Sure, he knew that Pattey wanted the Frogmin mostly for their ability to eat spiders--and their connection to Princes--but he wasn’t a fool to expect that to be the only food source.

Though knowing his luck, whichever one his son picked would be extremely picky and want to eat only the most expensive of the bugs. 

Roman raised an eyebrow. “You already have everything else as well? The cage?” 

Janus rolled his eyes. Nooo he’d just spent months preparing and all day searching for a Frogmin and totally forgot about getting the creature a home to live in. “Yes.”

Roman pursed his lips, an obvious indication that he didn’t like the answer and stood, tilting his head down the aisle to where a variety of cages sat on the shelves. “Show me.”

To Be Continued. Part 4

#Christmas Eve #stillebesat #Sanders Sides #Janus #Roman #Patton #Deceit #Creativity #Morality #Familial Moceit #Dad!Janus #Child!Patton #Past Toxic Relationship talk tw #Manipulation talk tw #Lying talk tw #Frogmin!AU #MythicalMin!AU #PetStore!AU

[bittersnakes]

Pokemon trainers as stereotypes

Dragon: They are those guys that are always talking about how they can beat legendaries and are the best type ever and all other types are lame, they are likely to try and convince you to get a dragon.

Flying Types: They are never paying attention to anything you say and always have wild ideas, their minds are always elsewhere and they are very likely to come late to any event ever

Electric: Caffeine? What's that? Well as I was saying I was wearing a shirt have you ever wore a cotton shirt? And it was yellow I love yellow.. they never know what they are talking about and are always hyper, most likely to be geeks.

Psychic types: remember that creepy weird guy on your class that believed in aliens and was always reading weird books? Well here you have him, their Pokemon already know all your deepest darkest secrets. They know they are smarter than you and aren't afraid to say it

Dark: they would sell their mothers for half a potato chip and they like to kick puppies. They aready blackmailed the psychic trainer and will use the new information about you as blackmail material in the future, most likely an INTJ

Ghost: Halloween is everyday, their ringtone is "halloween" by Marilyn Manson, their hands and feet are always cold, bring a lamp and a sweater when you are going to their house it is gonna be dark and cold af. Also beware if you see your shadow move before you do and do not EVER walk in the dark.

Do NOT EVER accept to conjure spirits or do any mystic stuff because their Pokemon are gonna prank you and you might get a heart attack by the end or carry something home.

Steel types: big nerds, most likely studying something to do with engineering, they are strict, orderly and very diciplined.

They tend to seem very unemotional and cold.

Rock: Blunt af, Texan accent, They do things their way and only their way.

They have a good nose for negotiations.

Very distrustful and traditional.

Ground: Very down to earth (I know I know) they don't brag as much as other trainers and mostly keep to themselves.

Always forget levitate exists and they try to use earthquakes against everything

Very flexible but not as much as normal trainers

Normal: Basic and boring. They are very adaptable and that's a good thing but they are always just average at everything, good training type for begginers

Bug type: Remember that guy who ate a lizard once and had to be taken to the nurse?

Very nerdy and weird, they know their Pokemon are weak and so they have a lot of setup before battles and will always try to overcompensate and show off their very complicated strategies

Ice types: Cold and blunt af, but they are very grateful on their movements, most of them tried ballet when they were little.

That dude that wears shorts when it's like -10 c outside

The weird thing is that they have no chill.

Much like bug type trainers they do a lot of setup

Fire types: The edgy kid, very aggressive, tend to get angry very quickly, their mood changes per second.

They tend to be friend with fighting type trainers

Fighting type: That dude that is buff and it's always talking about their buffness and workout routines

They diet hard.

Adrenaline junkie

They tend to have a more mild temper

They hate ghost types trainers

Poison: Edgy 2.0

It's not a phase mom!

They know their type isn't the best but they have some good mons so they are going to boost the hell out of them

Ride or die

Very loyal

Tend to have weird friends and like Rock music

Faerie types: Innocet children

In reality they are way worse than dark trainers and they take advantage of their looks

Their Pokemon are really vicious

Nasty bitch who pretends to be your friend and backstabs you

Very superficial

Water: All over the place

They are very smart and take advantage of secondary types a lot

They tend to hold grudges worse than dark and ghost trainers

They are very competitive

Do not ever insult their type or you are gonna get hyperbeamed

Grass: Hippies

Most likely to be vegan and shove it on your face

They treat their Pokemon like babies

Have you tried berries?

Best type for begginers

#pokemon types #pokemon #ghost type #psychic type #electric type #fire type #water type #bug type #poison type #faerie type #dark type #grass type #steel type #ground type #rock type #normal type

[kristablogs]

11 essential items for four specialized survival kits

A proper survival kit includes essentials like a compass, matches, knife, and food. (Tim MacWelch/)

This story was originally featured on Outdoor Life.

Ask 100 outdoor enthusiasts to write up a shopping list for a wilderness survival kit and you’ll get 100 different lists. The same is true for preppers building disaster preparedness kits or picking which everyday carry gear to bring with them. We all like different products and worry about different scenarios (and there are specialized survival kits for a variety of perilous situations). Individually, we all have different skill sets and budgets. What we do have in common are the same needs. We all need shelter, water, and food every day. In an emergency, first aid, lighting, signaling, and navigation equipment are often a necessity as well.

The simplest “survival priorities” list (shelter, water, fire, and food) can help us build a kit for many situations (especially in the backcountry), but the more refined “10 essentials” list will give us the tools for all types of scenarios. The original list of the “10 essentials” was created by Seattle-based group called the Mountaineers in the 1930s. This simple list of supplies would help a mountain climber during an accident or emergency, and it provided a support system if someone had to spend an unexpected night in the outdoors (or stay out there even longer). In recent years, the group has revamped the list to focus on systems, rather than specific pieces of gear.

The original list had some indispensable items on it, like a compass, matches, knife, and food. Today’s system-based list, however, doesn’t limit you to 10 separate items. As I detail these different builds, I will look at some popular items for wilderness survival kits, disaster preparedness kits, budget kits, and kits for the little ones to carry. Whatever you pack, just make sure it contains the most critical elements for survival: hydration, emergency shelter, first aid, navigation, fire, and signaling.

1. Navigation

A simple compass and a map can make “getting turned around” into a minor inconvenience and prevent a major emergency.

Disaster kit: A paper map can be a vital tool when you need to bug out, especially if your smartphone is down. With so many people trusting their pathfinding to a functional mobile device, few people carry a map in their vehicle anymore or think to include one in their disaster supplies. But there’s no better way to find alternate routes than to look at an old-fashioned (but up-to-date) street map.

Wilderness kit: Spring for a GPS unit if it’s within your budget. These remarkable gadgets can help you get back to the trailhead or parking lot, and find spots that are hard to locate.

Budget kit: Treating yourself to an inexpensive baseplate compass and a local topographical map won’t break the bank, and they’ll give you the basic tools to avoid getting lost in the wild. Don’t be a cheapskate. Buy a map that’s waterproof. I’ve heard horror stories of people printing their own maps at home then watching them melt into mush after a few rain drops fall.

Kid’s kit: A simple compass (and knowing how to use it) can allow a kid to travel in a straight line and retrace their path. They’re also fun to play with. If your kiddo is old enough to understand some basic math, you can even teach them to shoot azimuths and back azimuths on the off chance they get separated from you and lost.

2. Protection

Threats come in many different forms, and so do the supplies that protect you and your family.

Disaster kit: Dust masks, safety glasses, gloves, and other protective equipment can help with your personal protective equipment needs in a disaster survival kit. Your favorite “everyday carry” weapons can also be lumped into this category.

Wilderness kit: Your environment will dictate the necessary protection you’ll need. Ultraviolet-light-blocking sunglasses can mean the difference between seeing clearly and suffering from a painful case of “snow blindness” when sun and snow are both present. You may also want sunscreen, bug repellent, bug netting, and many other items, including a proper backcountry firearm.

Budget kit: Hit the dollar store if you’re short on funds and treat yourself to sunscreen, a rain poncho, and any other protective gear they might have. You will get what you pay for, so keep that in mind. As for weapons, a cheap knife is better than none at all.

Kid’s kit: Chapstick? Yes. Weapons? Probably not. Protective supplies and equipment in a kid’s survival kit should be pretty tame. Keep it simple, and don’t allow them to carry anything that might be harmful, like DEET bug spray.

3. Insulation

Cold weather is a deadly foe, and protecting ourselves from it is as simple as adding insulation around our bodies.

Disaster kit: When stocking a “car kit” or 72-hour kit for winter travel, sleeping bags and blankets offer vital insulation.

Wilderness kit: Mom always told us to take a jacket or bring a coat. If you wouldn’t listen to her then, listen to me now. Bring a jacket or a coat—always. The weather can change unexpectedly in wild places and you’ll need to be ready with insulating warmth.

Budget kit: Space blankets aren’t exactly warm and snug, and they can’t match the warmth of a down parka. Still, they do offer insulation against the cold and are affordable.

Kid’s kit: You didn’t want to carry a coat when you were a kid. Don’t count on your kids carrying one either. Tuck a space blanket into their kit. Hand and foot warmers are also ideal for kids, just make sure they are in a waterproof container.

4. Lighting

For nighttime travel, signaling, working after dark, security, and comfort, a light source is a necessity after the sun goes down. (Tim MacWelch/)

The definitive advantage of a light is it can signal your location and show that you are in need of help.

Disaster kit: Candles offer a little heat and cast a warm glow across a room. They also have a long track record, being used for household lighting for at least 5,000 years. Here’s the problem. They can also burn your house down. In a crisis, you’ll be better off with flame-free light sources. LED lights don’t suck as much battery life as others and newer models are brighter than ever. Don’t forget to stock up on extra batteries as well. Lithium batteries are the most expensive, but also last the longest and will perform in extreme cold or heat. The same cannot be said for alkalines and rechargeables.

Wilderness kit: I prefer headlamps for many tasks, since the light is directed right where you are looking and you still have both hands free.

Budget kit: Cheap flashlights and chemical light sticks can do the job on a budget.

Kid’s kit: A dependable little flashlight is a good choice for a responsible kid. Then again, you may just have to give them a “glow stick” (chem light) and hope they don’t crack it as soon as your back is turned. Make sure they are no longer obsessed with putting everything in their mouths. You don’t want them biting into a glow stick.

5. First-aid supplies

If you’re having a bad day and need to break out a survival kit, chances are good that someone has been hurt and is in need of medical attention. Even though some first-aid supplies can be improvised in the field, it’s better to have a dedicated kit.

Disaster kit: Expect the worst when building or enhancing your disaster medicine kit. Since you’re probably not carrying it on your back, a few heavier (yet valuable) items can be included. A great book on disaster medicine, like “The Survival Medicine Handbook” by Dr. Joseph Alton should be included.

Wilderness kit: You might be on your own for a while in a wilderness emergency, so carrying a well-stocked first-aid kit is a necessity. One popular pick on Amazon right now is the Swiss Safe 2-in-1 first aid kit. This 120-piece medical kit has a pocket-sized bonus kit that is modular. Don’t be shy about purchasing a ready-made kit from your favorite outdoor store and then modifying it. Add a tourniquet and other supplies to deal with major bleeds and traumatic injuries. Include some common over-the-counter medicines as well.

Budget kit: You can buy an affordable first-aid kit for as little as $10 at big box stores, but remember that you get what you pay for in most cases. Add more supplies to this basic kit as finances allow.

Kid’s kit: Depending on the age, maturity, and the first-aid training your child has received, you should custom-build their medical module. For the very young (or the overly experimental child), limit the supplies they can use to get into trouble. A few band-aids, some gauze, and tape will work. For more responsible kids, beef up their kit accordingly.

6. Fire-building

The author’s favorite resource is fire-making equipment, and for good reason. Fire is your energy source for light, warmth, cooking, signaling, and many other survival tasks. (Tim MacWelch/)

Fire is your friend in a wide range of circumstances. I recommend carrying three ignition sources and some reliable fuel in all types of survival kits.

Disaster kit: There’s some irony when including fire-starting supplies in a disaster preparedness kit, especially if the disaster you are facing is a wildfire. Regardless, you’ll still want matches or lighters in your kit to light candles, stoves, etc.

Wilderness kit: The colder and wetter the environment, the better your fire-building module should be. Start with lighters, waterproof matches and spark rods. Add in commercially available fuel products, like UST’s WetFire Cubes or some cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly and you’ve got the beginnings of a solid kit. Add in other materials that are familiar favorites, for example, magnifying or Fresnel lenses for sunny locations.

Budget kit: While a few fire-making gadgets are expensive, most are not. A good butane lighter can be had for $1 or less. Free matches from the convenience store and free lint from your clothes dryer are also great budget kit items for your fire-building module—and they don’t cost a dime.

Kid’s kit: Responsible kids can have the same fire-starting supplies that the grownups carry.

7. Repair kit and tools

Did the sole come off your boot or your hydration bladder burst? Repairs that might be simple at home are not so simple in the backcountry, unless you brought along specialized tools and materials. Duct tape and dental floss are standard, but there are many more fine products that can help you with repairs and camp chores.

Disaster kit: This could be your everyday tool kit you carry in the truck, packed up and ready to go. It could also be some special kit you’ve built for disasters. In addition to the repair items you’d take into the wilderness, add some things that would make a difference in a disaster. Hammers, nails, and a pry bar will all come in handy. Hand saws, wrenches, and screwdrivers are equally valuable.

Wilderness kit: If you can’t fix your broken gear in the middle of nowhere, who will? Mending your gear can save the day, but you’ll need the right tools and materials to do the job. Super glue, duct tape, various threads and cords, needles, safety pins, wire, and other mending supplies are great, as are sharp knives, razor blades, and multi-purpose tools.

Budget kit: Cheap duct tape isn’t usually very good, but it’s better than none. The same can be said for affordably priced multi-tools and Swiss Army knife knockoffs.

Kid’s kit: Being a big fan of the original “MacGyver” television show, I was beyond thrilled when I received a beautiful Wenger Swiss Army knife as a birthday gift in my teens. If your kids are well-taught in knife and tool safety, treat them to a multi-tool and the same repair supplies you would carry. If not, a little duct tape and cordage will give them some repair options without giving them too many opportunities to hurt themselves.

8. Nutrition

Extra food may be a little heavy in your pack, but when your stomach is empty, you’ll be glad to have this extra weight in your kit. (Tim MacWelch/)

Since most of us eat several times a day and our bodies tend to run best when fed, food should be a high priority for every kit.

Disaster kit: No-cook foods with a long shelf life are great choices. Think MREs and canned goods you can buy at the grocery store. You can also start canning at home.

Wilderness kit: In some places, the only food you are guaranteed is the food you bring with you. Carrying emergency rations is a great idea, but don’t forget to bring the gear that can help you acquire more calories in the wild. A Jetboil and freeze-dried food pouches are a fine idea. A lightweight survival fishing kit is also smart to bring along and can help you catch fish in the right environment.

Budget kit: Some hooks and line don’t cost very much, but having food ready to eat is a better strategy. Trail mix and jerky are age-old camp foods that taste great. Canned goods are also an affordable option. In environments where they won’t freeze and burst, a few cans of higher-calorie food won’t break the bank.

Kid’s kit: To keep them from eating through the food at the first opportunity, pack something that they would eat, but make it something they would pick last if given the choice.

9. Hydration

Without a proper water supply, you’re doomed. (Tim MacWelch/)

Supplying your own water can be a daunting task, particularly in a dry climate. Be ready by bringing extra water and the supplies to disinfect and carry water that you find in your travels.

Disaster kit: The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends you have three gallons of water per person in a disaster readiness kits. This a great start, but it’s only a drop in the bucket compared to the amount of water we are accustomed to wasting every day. Consider stocking more water than that for your household, and purchasing water filters to supply you with more water when the jugs run dry.

Wilderness kit: In addition to carrying plenty of water, small water filters are a great option for hydration in the wild. Disinfection tablets are always an option, but these take time to do their work. The new MSR Trailshot water filter is a pocket-sized device that is feather-light and offers safe water immediately. All you have to do is squeeze the pump bulb.

Budget kit: Boiling has always been a great strategy for disinfecting water, and that doesn’t have to change. An inexpensive metal pot can be your boiling vessel for both the backyard and the backcountry.

Kid’s kit: This can be a tough one. Improper use of disinfection tablets and other water procurement supplies can be just as bad as having no supplies. Water bottles with built-in filters may be the best choice for many kids. Children can simply scoop up available water in the bottle and drink through the filter.

10. Emergency shelter

Shelter can serve many needs, blocking the harsh sun, stiff winds, and driving rain.

Disaster kit: Since you’re probably spending your time in a vehicle or building in a disaster, your shelter needs are lesser than someone stuck in the wild. Rain ponchos, plastic sheeting, and duct tape can serve you well in several tough disaster situations.

Wilderness kit: Bivy sacks and even tiny tents work well in wild places.

Budget kit: When funds are low, don’t skimp in this department. Plastic tube tents are affordable enough. Inexpensive tarps can also serve as shelters. These may only cost a few dollars when you catch them on sale.

Kid’s kit: Since most kids are smaller than their parents, and smaller frames cool down quicker than large bodies, emergency shelter is an area where we can’t afford to cut corners in a kid’s survival kit. Give them several space blankets or an emergency bivy sack, along with a small poncho. The blanket can help keep them warm and the poncho can block wind and rain. These items should all be brightly colored to assist search-and-rescue crews and make the kids easier to spot. Don’t take chances by giving the little folks camouflage space blankets or ponchos. Kids are hard enough to spot without camo.

11. The missing piece

A whistle and/or lighter are smart items to bring along in case you need to be rescued. (Tim MacWelch/)

With the majority of your needs met, it’s time to fill one last empty spot. The “10 Essential Systems” list doesn’t talk about signaling or communication, which is paramount in a rescue situation.

Signaling and communication are the areas in which we can assist with our own rescue. Sure, the flashlight could signal your position at night, but you’ll need more. Audible signaling can be achieved with a whistle, which will work day or night to summon a rescue party. Signal mirrors can also help us get noticed by rescuers. All of these items are cheap, kid-friendly and suitable for all survival kits. For those with a little extra cash, a personal locator beacon may be a smart investment. This product is essentially a panic button that sends a signal to a satellite, summoning local help through emergency services in the region and providing your coordinates. You could also spring for some two-way radios or a satellite phone to call for help more effectively. Your fully-charged mobile phone could also save the day.

[scootoaster]

11 essential items for four specialized survival kits

A proper survival kit includes essentials like a compass, matches, knife, and food. (Tim MacWelch/)

This story was originally featured on Outdoor Life.

Ask 100 outdoor enthusiasts to write up a shopping list for a wilderness survival kit and you’ll get 100 different lists. The same is true for preppers building disaster preparedness kits or picking which everyday carry gear to bring with them. We all like different products and worry about different scenarios (and there are specialized survival kits for a variety of perilous situations). Individually, we all have different skill sets and budgets. What we do have in common are the same needs. We all need shelter, water, and food every day. In an emergency, first aid, lighting, signaling, and navigation equipment are often a necessity as well.

The simplest “survival priorities” list (shelter, water, fire, and food) can help us build a kit for many situations (especially in the backcountry), but the more refined “10 essentials” list will give us the tools for all types of scenarios. The original list of the “10 essentials” was created by Seattle-based group called the Mountaineers in the 1930s. This simple list of supplies would help a mountain climber during an accident or emergency, and it provided a support system if someone had to spend an unexpected night in the outdoors (or stay out there even longer). In recent years, the group has revamped the list to focus on systems, rather than specific pieces of gear.

The original list had some indispensable items on it, like a compass, matches, knife, and food. Today’s system-based list, however, doesn’t limit you to 10 separate items. As I detail these different builds, I will look at some popular items for wilderness survival kits, disaster preparedness kits, budget kits, and kits for the little ones to carry. Whatever you pack, just make sure it contains the most critical elements for survival: hydration, emergency shelter, first aid, navigation, fire, and signaling.

1. Navigation

A simple compass and a map can make “getting turned around” into a minor inconvenience and prevent a major emergency.

Disaster kit: A paper map can be a vital tool when you need to bug out, especially if your smartphone is down. With so many people trusting their pathfinding to a functional mobile device, few people carry a map in their vehicle anymore or think to include one in their disaster supplies. But there’s no better way to find alternate routes than to look at an old-fashioned (but up-to-date) street map.

Wilderness kit: Spring for a GPS unit if it’s within your budget. These remarkable gadgets can help you get back to the trailhead or parking lot, and find spots that are hard to locate.

Budget kit: Treating yourself to an inexpensive baseplate compass and a local topographical map won’t break the bank, and they’ll give you the basic tools to avoid getting lost in the wild. Don’t be a cheapskate. Buy a map that���s waterproof. I’ve heard horror stories of people printing their own maps at home then watching them melt into mush after a few rain drops fall.

Kid’s kit: A simple compass (and knowing how to use it) can allow a kid to travel in a straight line and retrace their path. They’re also fun to play with. If your kiddo is old enough to understand some basic math, you can even teach them to shoot azimuths and back azimuths on the off chance they get separated from you and lost.

2. Protection

Threats come in many different forms, and so do the supplies that protect you and your family.

Disaster kit: Dust masks, safety glasses, gloves, and other protective equipment can help with your personal protective equipment needs in a disaster survival kit. Your favorite “everyday carry” weapons can also be lumped into this category.

Wilderness kit: Your environment will dictate the necessary protection you’ll need. Ultraviolet-light-blocking sunglasses can mean the difference between seeing clearly and suffering from a painful case of “snow blindness” when sun and snow are both present. You may also want sunscreen, bug repellent, bug netting, and many other items, including a proper backcountry firearm.

Budget kit: Hit the dollar store if you’re short on funds and treat yourself to sunscreen, a rain poncho, and any other protective gear they might have. You will get what you pay for, so keep that in mind. As for weapons, a cheap knife is better than none at all.

Kid’s kit: Chapstick? Yes. Weapons? Probably not. Protective supplies and equipment in a kid’s survival kit should be pretty tame. Keep it simple, and don’t allow them to carry anything that might be harmful, like DEET bug spray.

3. Insulation

Cold weather is a deadly foe, and protecting ourselves from it is as simple as adding insulation around our bodies.

Disaster kit: When stocking a “car kit” or 72-hour kit for winter travel, sleeping bags and blankets offer vital insulation.

Wilderness kit: Mom always told us to take a jacket or bring a coat. If you wouldn’t listen to her then, listen to me now. Bring a jacket or a coat—always. The weather can change unexpectedly in wild places and you’ll need to be ready with insulating warmth.

Budget kit: Space blankets aren’t exactly warm and snug, and they can’t match the warmth of a down parka. Still, they do offer insulation against the cold and are affordable.

Kid’s kit: You didn’t want to carry a coat when you were a kid. Don’t count on your kids carrying one either. Tuck a space blanket into their kit. Hand and foot warmers are also ideal for kids, just make sure they are in a waterproof container.

4. Lighting

For nighttime travel, signaling, working after dark, security, and comfort, a light source is a necessity after the sun goes down. (Tim MacWelch/)

The definitive advantage of a light is it can signal your location and show that you are in need of help.

Disaster kit: Candles offer a little heat and cast a warm glow across a room. They also have a long track record, being used for household lighting for at least 5,000 years. Here’s the problem. They can also burn your house down. In a crisis, you’ll be better off with flame-free light sources. LED lights don’t suck as much battery life as others and newer models are brighter than ever. Don’t forget to stock up on extra batteries as well. Lithium batteries are the most expensive, but also last the longest and will perform in extreme cold or heat. The same cannot be said for alkalines and rechargeables.

Wilderness kit: I prefer headlamps for many tasks, since the light is directed right where you are looking and you still have both hands free.

Budget kit: Cheap flashlights and chemical light sticks can do the job on a budget.

Kid’s kit: A dependable little flashlight is a good choice for a responsible kid. Then again, you may just have to give them a “glow stick” (chem light) and hope they don’t crack it as soon as your back is turned. Make sure they are no longer obsessed with putting everything in their mouths. You don’t want them biting into a glow stick.

5. First-aid supplies

If you’re having a bad day and need to break out a survival kit, chances are good that someone has been hurt and is in need of medical attention. Even though some first-aid supplies can be improvised in the field, it’s better to have a dedicated kit.

Disaster kit: Expect the worst when building or enhancing your disaster medicine kit. Since you’re probably not carrying it on your back, a few heavier (yet valuable) items can be included. A great book on disaster medicine, like “The Survival Medicine Handbook” by Dr. Joseph Alton should be included.

Wilderness kit: You might be on your own for a while in a wilderness emergency, so carrying a well-stocked first-aid kit is a necessity. One popular pick on Amazon right now is the Swiss Safe 2-in-1 first aid kit. This 120-piece medical kit has a pocket-sized bonus kit that is modular. Don’t be shy about purchasing a ready-made kit from your favorite outdoor store and then modifying it. Add a tourniquet and other supplies to deal with major bleeds and traumatic injuries. Include some common over-the-counter medicines as well.

Budget kit: You can buy an affordable first-aid kit for as little as $10 at big box stores, but remember that you get what you pay for in most cases. Add more supplies to this basic kit as finances allow.

Kid’s kit: Depending on the age, maturity, and the first-aid training your child has received, you should custom-build their medical module. For the very young (or the overly experimental child), limit the supplies they can use to get into trouble. A few band-aids, some gauze, and tape will work. For more responsible kids, beef up their kit accordingly.

6. Fire-building

The author’s favorite resource is fire-making equipment, and for good reason. Fire is your energy source for light, warmth, cooking, signaling, and many other survival tasks. (Tim MacWelch/)

Fire is your friend in a wide range of circumstances. I recommend carrying three ignition sources and some reliable fuel in all types of survival kits.

Disaster kit: There’s some irony when including fire-starting supplies in a disaster preparedness kit, especially if the disaster you are facing is a wildfire. Regardless, you’ll still want matches or lighters in your kit to light candles, stoves, etc.

Wilderness kit: The colder and wetter the environment, the better your fire-building module should be. Start with lighters, waterproof matches and spark rods. Add in commercially available fuel products, like UST’s WetFire Cubes or some cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly and you’ve got the beginnings of a solid kit. Add in other materials that are familiar favorites, for example, magnifying or Fresnel lenses for sunny locations.

Budget kit: While a few fire-making gadgets are expensive, most are not. A good butane lighter can be had for $1 or less. Free matches from the convenience store and free lint from your clothes dryer are also great budget kit items for your fire-building module—and they don’t cost a dime.

Kid’s kit: Responsible kids can have the same fire-starting supplies that the grownups carry.

7. Repair kit and tools

Did the sole come off your boot or your hydration bladder burst? Repairs that might be simple at home are not so simple in the backcountry, unless you brought along specialized tools and materials. Duct tape and dental floss are standard, but there are many more fine products that can help you with repairs and camp chores.

Disaster kit: This could be your everyday tool kit you carry in the truck, packed up and ready to go. It could also be some special kit you’ve built for disasters. In addition to the repair items you’d take into the wilderness, add some things that would make a difference in a disaster. Hammers, nails, and a pry bar will all come in handy. Hand saws, wrenches, and screwdrivers are equally valuable.

Wilderness kit: If you can’t fix your broken gear in the middle of nowhere, who will? Mending your gear can save the day, but you’ll need the right tools and materials to do the job. Super glue, duct tape, various threads and cords, needles, safety pins, wire, and other mending supplies are great, as are sharp knives, razor blades, and multi-purpose tools.

Budget kit: Cheap duct tape isn’t usually very good, but it’s better than none. The same can be said for affordably priced multi-tools and Swiss Army knife knockoffs.

Kid’s kit: Being a big fan of the original “MacGyver” television show, I was beyond thrilled when I received a beautiful Wenger Swiss Army knife as a birthday gift in my teens. If your kids are well-taught in knife and tool safety, treat them to a multi-tool and the same repair supplies you would carry. If not, a little duct tape and cordage will give them some repair options without giving them too many opportunities to hurt themselves.

8. Nutrition

Extra food may be a little heavy in your pack, but when your stomach is empty, you’ll be glad to have this extra weight in your kit. (Tim MacWelch/)

Since most of us eat several times a day and our bodies tend to run best when fed, food should be a high priority for every kit.

Disaster kit: No-cook foods with a long shelf life are great choices. Think MREs and canned goods you can buy at the grocery store. You can also start canning at home.

Wilderness kit: In some places, the only food you are guaranteed is the food you bring with you. Carrying emergency rations is a great idea, but don’t forget to bring the gear that can help you acquire more calories in the wild. A Jetboil and freeze-dried food pouches are a fine idea. A lightweight survival fishing kit is also smart to bring along and can help you catch fish in the right environment.

Budget kit: Some hooks and line don’t cost very much, but having food ready to eat is a better strategy. Trail mix and jerky are age-old camp foods that taste great. Canned goods are also an affordable option. In environments where they won’t freeze and burst, a few cans of higher-calorie food won’t break the bank.

Kid’s kit: To keep them from eating through the food at the first opportunity, pack something that they would eat, but make it something they would pick last if given the choice.

9. Hydration

Without a proper water supply, you’re doomed. (Tim MacWelch/)

Supplying your own water can be a daunting task, particularly in a dry climate. Be ready by bringing extra water and the supplies to disinfect and carry water that you find in your travels.

Disaster kit: The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends you have three gallons of water per person in a disaster readiness kits. This a great start, but it’s only a drop in the bucket compared to the amount of water we are accustomed to wasting every day. Consider stocking more water than that for your household, and purchasing water filters to supply you with more water when the jugs run dry.

Wilderness kit: In addition to carrying plenty of water, small water filters are a great option for hydration in the wild. Disinfection tablets are always an option, but these take time to do their work. The new MSR Trailshot water filter is a pocket-sized device that is feather-light and offers safe water immediately. All you have to do is squeeze the pump bulb.

Budget kit: Boiling has always been a great strategy for disinfecting water, and that doesn’t have to change. An inexpensive metal pot can be your boiling vessel for both the backyard and the backcountry.

Kid’s kit: This can be a tough one. Improper use of disinfection tablets and other water procurement supplies can be just as bad as having no supplies. Water bottles with built-in filters may be the best choice for many kids. Children can simply scoop up available water in the bottle and drink through the filter.

10. Emergency shelter

Shelter can serve many needs, blocking the harsh sun, stiff winds, and driving rain.

Disaster kit: Since you’re probably spending your time in a vehicle or building in a disaster, your shelter needs are lesser than someone stuck in the wild. Rain ponchos, plastic sheeting, and duct tape can serve you well in several tough disaster situations.

Wilderness kit: Bivy sacks and even tiny tents work well in wild places.

Budget kit: When funds are low, don’t skimp in this department. Plastic tube tents are affordable enough. Inexpensive tarps can also serve as shelters. These may only cost a few dollars when you catch them on sale.

Kid’s kit: Since most kids are smaller than their parents, and smaller frames cool down quicker than large bodies, emergency shelter is an area where we can’t afford to cut corners in a kid’s survival kit. Give them several space blankets or an emergency bivy sack, along with a small poncho. The blanket can help keep them warm and the poncho can block wind and rain. These items should all be brightly colored to assist search-and-rescue crews and make the kids easier to spot. Don’t take chances by giving the little folks camouflage space blankets or ponchos. Kids are hard enough to spot without camo.

11. The missing piece

A whistle and/or lighter are smart items to bring along in case you need to be rescued. (Tim MacWelch/)

With the majority of your needs met, it’s time to fill one last empty spot. The “10 Essential Systems” list doesn’t talk about signaling or communication, which is paramount in a rescue situation.

Signaling and communication are the areas in which we can assist with our own rescue. Sure, the flashlight could signal your position at night, but you’ll need more. Audible signaling can be achieved with a whistle, which will work day or night to summon a rescue party. Signal mirrors can also help us get noticed by rescuers. All of these items are cheap, kid-friendly and suitable for all survival kits. For those with a little extra cash, a personal locator beacon may be a smart investment. This product is essentially a panic button that sends a signal to a satellite, summoning local help through emergency services in the region and providing your coordinates. You could also spring for some two-way radios or a satellite phone to call for help more effectively. Your fully-charged mobile phone could also save the day.