Prepper Presents: the Budget List

The dust has settled and the First 72 Hours have passed. Follow along as I build a long term plan via Prudent Prepping. 

In the almost ten years(!) that I've been writing here, there have been so many items to be added to a Budget Gift List that I'm having a hard time narrowing down what to feature here. To make life easier for me I'm going to list what folks have told me are their favorites.

Streamlight Pocket Mate

I bought this as a test item, but when the box was opened the Purple Pack Lady said, "OHHH, I like that! Thank you Honey! You are so good to me, Honey!" which I have learned means "This is now mine, and don't even think of getting it back, okay?" when translated from wife-speak to man-speak.

https://amzn.to/46UQB26

From the Amazon page:

• No Standalone lithium batteries are sold with the product
• Bright white LED with high and low mode: High: 325 lumens; 76m beam; runs 20 minutes Low: 45 lumens; 28m beam; runs 1 hour
• Spring-loaded clip with carabiner shape hangs cleanly on key rings, zippers, lanyards, etc
• Conveniently charges via USB power source, Lithium polymer battery charges in 4 hours
• Multi-function push-button switch with charger indicator LED: Red = charging; Green = charged

The light is very useful, puts out more than enough light to see where you are walking, and has what I really think is a fantastic feature: a color-change recharging and charged indicator.

https://amzn.to/46UQB26

Hatori LED Mini Flashlight
I've mentioned these several different times as one of my favorite lights, not only for their size but also for the amount of light this tiny flashlight produces! One of these sits in each of my first aid kits, regardless if there are other lights around or not, so that I always know there will be a light handy.

https://amzn.to/3RgtwkH

From the Amazon page: 

• Ultra Bright: This mini penlight gives out max 150 lumens. Super bright in a dark or lit room and lasts quite two hours with moderate use(keep on) on just one alkaline battery(not included), sufficient to light your way and light small dark spaces.
• Pocket Size: This flashlight is small and light enough to slip into a pocket, backpack or purse. Super Mini size is lightweight and small enough for EDC and fits in the palm of your hand. Only weighting about 30g.
• Clip on Flashlight: With a clip, the pen light could also be used as cap light for your convenience. Easy to clip to your belt, remove it if you don't need it.
• Skid-Proof Water-Resistant Design: Suitable for cycling, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities. Our flashlight set is made of high quality 6061T aluminum alloy with no worried using in rain, snow or emergency situations.
• Safe and Warranty Guarranteed: High-Efficiency and Great Output LED Chip with over charging protection, short circuit protection and reverse connected protection. All of Hatori Flashlights has 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE and NO HASSLE 90-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE.

The Amazon link is to the four-pack of lights. If you're like me, there's always someone you know that can use a really good $5 flashlight!

Nitecore MH11 
This is definitely not what most would call a budget light, but it came so highly recommended that I need to include it. 

https://amzn.to/3NirvmM

From the Amazon page:

• COMPACT EDC FLASHLIGHT - Nitecore MH11 is capable of 1000 lumen beam that throws 207 yards in distance. Ideal for edc, at only 5 inch long and 4 oz weight including battery.
• USB-C RECHARGEABLE - fast charged via the built-in USB-C port on the side of the flashlight. The power indicator tells you the battery status and reminds you to recharge.
• EASY TO OPERATE - full-press the tail switch to turn the light on and off while half-pressing to cycle through 4 brightness levels. Even remembers the brightness set.
• PREMIUM QUALITY - built with tough aero grade aluminum and given an HA III finish. Rated IP68 waterproof and 1m impact resistant, MH11 can take a beating in the toughest environment.
• POWER BUNDLE: MH11 flashlight, NL1826 (pre-installed), NL1834 (backup), USB-C charging cable, holster, lanyard, clip, LumenTac organizer

I have an older, now-discontinued Nitecore flashlight and this is the closest replacement to it in size, lumens, and ease of charging. My original came with a combination AC and car charger for the included batteries, but since everything seems to have a USB-C port now I will continue to recommend this one!

Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Clicker Pen
Everyone needs to write a note sometimes, and when the times are strange, having a pen that will write through anything can be a lifesaver. Paired with Rite in the Rain Notebooks (which I will discuss in my next post), these are included in every bag I have, plus in the cars and bike saddle bag. 

https://amzn.to/3t3fb3d

From the Amazon page:

• WRITES THROUGH: The permanent ink writes through water, grease, and mud without clumping or smearing.
• PRESSURIZED CARTRIDGE: All-Weather cartridge is manufactured in the USA by Fisher Pen Company. The pressurized ink writes in temperatures from -30F to 250F, under water (up to 35 ft), and any angle.
• PROPRIETARY INK: The ink and delivery system used exclusively in Rite in the Rain Refills will write without skipping in extremely wet conditions far better than other comparable weatherproof pens.
• INK DELIVERY: Tiny pockets in the pen's tip will deliver ink in the worst conditions without allowing water or air back into the Cartridge.
• RITE IN THE RAIN NOTEBOOKS: The most ideal pen for Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Notebooks.

I like the lighter-colored body, which (to me) makes this easier to see in low light or in the dark.

Sea to Summit Alpha Camping Cutlery Set
Since I bring my own food to work many days, I carry a set of my own utensils with me because expecting the store-supplied plastic forks to actually do a good job is a bet I don't like to take.

https://amzn.to/3ReVjSD

From the Amazon page:

• Durable aluminum cutlery set for camping, backpacking, boating or picnics
• Set includes serrated knife, fork, spoon, and mini carabiner to keep set together
• Hard-anodized aluminum with smooth matte finish is tough and lightweight for lifelong use
• Each piece has a hexagonal hole (3mm, 4mm or 5mm) in the handle which can be used as a wrench for stove repair
• Each utensil measures just over size inches, and set weighs 37g; hand wash (should not be washed in a dishwasher)

The reason these shouldn't be washed in a dishwasher is because, per the manufacturer, "the cleanser used in dishwashers will damage the anodization."


These are just a few of the many things I could list, but for a starter set of cool additions, I'd be happy to get any of them!

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Just a reminder: if you plan on buying anything through Amazon, please consider using our referral link. When you do, a portion of the sale comes back here to help keep this site running!

 

If you have comments, suggestions or corrections, please post them so we all can learn. And remember, Some Is Always Better Than None!

NOTE: All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will be listed as such. Suck it Feds.