Buy cheap buy twice? Not if you buy the right one!
So, you’re setting up your emergency loadout bag with awesome survival tools to prepare for disasters and the apocalypse? Well, I have good news and bad news for you.
Let’s start with the bad news ⸺ expensive doesn’t always mean “quality”. Hence, if you’ve ever fallen for marketing b.s. and let your credit card do the exorbitant math, then you may have just thrown your money down the drain.
Worse is discovering an unbranded version soon after with the same material and quality but 10 times less expensive. Yeah, we’ve all been there.
The good news? Cheap or inexpensive doesn’t always mean “junk”. Especially when they are sold directly to consumers without costly advertising and luxury branding.
Thus, be smart. Focus on the specs, not the name. Research. Know the manufacturer. Scrutinize reviews both positives and negatives. Analyze product fact sheets. Do a scientific and algorithmic investigation. Study the atomic… okay you get the point.
But who’s got time for all that headache-causing chores? Besides, you aren’t Sherlock Holmes, are you?
Lucky you. I already did the legwork and removed the guesswork. For you my busy friend, I’ve compiled the top 10 budget survival tools worth every penny. And let me tell you, they’re not your typical throwaway rejects. If used properly, can be up to par with their Ferrari counterpart.
And yes you’ve read the title right ⸺ under $20!
Ready to save money without sacrificing quality (or making your accountant wife angry)?
Let’s line them budget survival tools up!
Illumination is a must for any survival/emergency kit. But that doesn’t mean breaking the bank for the flashlight that can make the new moon full moon.
All you need is something durable yet lightweight, waterproof, and without frills. The Lumintop Tool AA is just that. What’s more? You can turn it into a lamp thanks to the included diffuser. Cool!
Awesome features you’re getting:
On top of a flashlight, having a headlamp to keep both your hands-free is a lifesaver.
Now, in case you didn’t know already, Energizer makes top-notch batteries that are second to none. And them also killing the competition in the headlamp arena is nothing short of extraordinary.
Awesome features you’re getting:
Another critical survival tool is the means to start a fire. While you can’t beat a regular Bic lighter in terms of price and convenience, it can run out of fuel and the igniter may fail.
Enter fire steel. It’s a piece of solid steel that showers sparks (tens of thousands of times) when struck (properly). No moving parts, no points of failure.
But save yourself from gimmick ones and choose überleben Zünden instead.
Awesome features you’re getting:
The ability to record and convey information during an emergency in any weather is a must. That said, you’ll never go wrong with having a Rite in the Rain notebook in your survival kit.
And what’s better than 1 weatherproof notebook? 6 weatherproof notebooks! That’s right. For just under $20, you’re getting 6 packs.
Awesome features you’re getting:
With a stainless-steel water bottle, you kill two birds with one stone ⸺ water storage and disinfection thru boiling. And with it being metal, not plastic, you can be confident it won’t break on you.
Awesome features you’re getting:
As a complement to your steel bottle, LifeStraw can filter out nasties on the go without needing to stop and make a fire saving you time, effort, and resources.
Awesome features you’re getting:
Lest you forget, you can only last for 3 hours in a harsh environment without shelter. The main culprit being is body temperature drop. Hence, the importance of having a survival bivvy in conjunction with your main shelter can’t be stressed enough.
Awesome features you’re getting:
When SHTF, modern machinery will be down. And when every work (DIY repairs, farming, construction, etc.) is done by hand, heavy-duty gloves keep cuts, infections, and injuries at bay which your hands will thank you for.
And speaking of which, Wells Lamont’s work gloves have got you covered (literally). Your hands’ safety for under 20 bucks? Absolutely!
Awesome features you’re getting:
The benefits of paracord are only limited to your imagination. Not only is it useful in everyday use but more importantly in survival situations, bushcraft, self-defense, repairs, lashing, leashing, fishing, anything.
Awesome features you’re getting:
God made duct tape and saw it was good!
Whatever needs taping, binding, fixing, sealing, sticking, splinting, and all verb wording you’re thinking, duct tape is fitting. And if there’s a budget-friendly brand that smashes the competition, it’s Gorilla duct tape (King Kong approves).
Awesome features you’re getting:
As you can see, your humble $20 can go a long way if spent wisely on budget survival tools that don’t sacrifice quality. Money, therefore, shouldn’t stop nor dismay you from your SHTF preparedness, bushcraft endeavor, outdoor adventure, or anything in between.
Although inexpensive survival tools may not be perfect, so are the expensive ones. The thing is, you really don’t have to spend more than you have to ⸺ no more hiding receipts from your budget-conscious spouse or partner.
So, go forth and spend wisely… Andrew Jackson will be proud of you.