Is this MASSIVE Survival Kit Any Good
video description
Date: 2026-09-04
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 20
davidhawkins847
For an Earthquake kit, its interesting. Using that style of barrel gives you a container that is likely to survive the collapse of a common residency, even a brick/stone one. In addition, you can use it for water storage above the unit that comes with the kit. I can think of several other uses for the barrel.
I can't talk to the quality of that multi-tool, but I am glad it has a bit driver set with it. If it didn't, I would suggest having a multi-bit screwdriver added into the kit. I would put in a knife separate from teh one on the Multi-tool. Its much easier to use when cooking, etc. Something like a simple Mora would work.
That radio is fairly common, with really no issues except I would not plan to LIVE off the dynamo. They don't really put out enough power to keep other devices powered without a LOT of cranking.
I find it interesting that they include a battery powered headlight, but a dynamo flashlight. Those headlamps are very good, and I would swap out or add a real flashlight that uses batteries. I'll go into more detail regarding the batteries later.
A tarp is pretty common, but once again they include a 5x7 which is really to small for anything productive. I would expect something bigger, especially since this kit is big enough physically for a family. I generally recommend a 10x10 tarp as mor practical and gives more configurations one can use.
Within the destruction of an earthquake, a prybar is a necessity, so I'm glad one is included. I would probably add a saw, as in America a lot of homes are stick construction.
That stove is decent for teh kit, basically a JetBoil. Given that all the food included has its own heat source, is this a Tea time thing I would supplement the included food with some freeze dried food that only needs boiling water, or other long-term food.
Most of what's in that kit is ok, but not super useful if you're alone without any help.
A few minor issues that I would work on supplementing in the kit:
Something in addition to the matches like a fire steel or lighter.
Additional food supplies
Replace any alkaline batteries with Lithium. They last much longer in storage, 10yrs, and don't leak and ruin your gear. Better yet, upgrade the lights to something that takes a rechargeable Lithium battery.
Personally I standardized my electronics, or as many as I could especially lights, on one battery type. This make charging them easier and having spares on hand so I can charge the battery and not tie up the device. for a kit like this I would add in a battery bank, a universal battery charger, and chargers for AC, DC, and a small solar panel so I can keep my electronics charged, including my phone if it survived.
A major item missing from the kit is a water filter. The included water is NOT going to last very long.
reply
For an Earthquake kit, its interesting. Using that style of barrel gives you a container that is likely to survive the collapse of a common residency, even a brick/stone one. In addition, you can use it for water storage above the unit that comes with the kit. I can think of several other uses for the barrel.
I can't talk to the quality of that multi-tool, but I am glad it has a bit driver set with it. If it didn't, I would suggest having a multi-bit screwdriver added into the kit. I would put in a knife separate from teh one on the Multi-tool. Its much easier to use when cooking, etc. Something like a simple Mora would work.
That radio is fairly common, with really no issues except I would not plan to LIVE off the dynamo. They don't really put out enough power to keep other devices powered without a LOT of cranking.
I find it interesting that they include a battery powered headlight, but a dynamo flashlight. Those headlamps are very good, and I would swap out or add a real flashlight that uses batteries. I'll go into more detail regarding the batteries later.
A tarp is pretty common, but once again they include a 5x7 which is really to small for anything productive. I would expect something bigger, especially since this kit is big enough physically for a family. I generally recommend a 10x10 tarp as mor practical and gives more configurations one can use.
Within the destruction of an earthquake, a prybar is a necessity, so I'm glad one is included. I would probably add a saw, as in America a lot of homes are stick construction.
That stove is decent for teh kit, basically a JetBoil. Given that all the food included has its own heat source, is this a Tea time thing I would supplement the included food with some freeze dried food that only needs boiling water, or other long-term food.
Most of what's in that kit is ok, but not super useful if you're alone without any help.
A few minor issues that I would work on supplementing in the kit:
Something in addition to the matches like a fire steel or lighter.
Additional food supplies
Replace any alkaline batteries with Lithium. They last much longer in storage, 10yrs, and don't leak and ruin your gear. Better yet, upgrade the lights to something that takes a rechargeable Lithium battery.
Personally I standardized my electronics, or as many as I could especially lights, on one battery type. This make charging them easier and having spares on hand so I can charge the battery and not tie up the device. for a kit like this I would add in a battery bank, a universal battery charger, and chargers for AC, DC, and a small solar panel so I can keep my electronics charged, including my phone if it survived.
A major item missing from the kit is a water filter. The included water is NOT going to last very long.
reply
craigmooring2091
It is, indeed, very expensive for a kit that is 1) very weak on shelter, 2) horribly deficient in cutting tools, 3) mediocre in first aid, 4) weak on combustion, 5) utterly lacking any trauma mitigation, and 6) devoid of any proper cordage.
1. With 2 sets of 4 mylar blankets, implying supplies for 4 people, the 5'x7' 'tarp' is more suited to serving as a ground cloth than a shelter. But then the rations look more like the kit is for 2 people. A full-sized tarp should be included, either way.
2. The multi-tool is really just a back-up cutting tool for a serious kit, especially one this size. There should be at least one belt knife, one saw and one hatchet or machete.
3. At least the FAK doesn't have scores or hundreds of plasters (band-aids, but prep pads, BZK, bite & sting relief, nausea, diarrhea, pain relief, and antihistamines don't take up much room at all and should be included, perhaps along with a few finger splints. They could be stored in the absurdly included box of gloves, with most of the box left empty.
4. If you are going to include a gas canister, why, in heaven's name is there no lighter A couple of lighters, a ferrocerium rod, and alternative tinder to the packing paper should be in there to back up the gas and stove and for fire lighting for warmth.
5. The ability to stop serious bleeding, treat a sucking chest wound, apply a pressure bandage, splint a broken major bone, etc. is necessary in an emergency situation, whereas being able to treat a boo-boo is merely a convenience. A kit at this size and cost should do both.
6. Paracord, bank line, jute twine. I mean, c'mon, man!
I may have missed it, but I would have thought that a kit that supplies 2 different ways to trap and enclose your waste (not including the barrel the kit comes in) would have given more thought to t. p. and tissue.
Having said all that, I should at least note that, while there is plenty of room for improvement in this kit, it does, indeed HAVE plenty of room to improve it. Everything that I've said is lacking and more (e. g. cotton bandanas, passive visual signals, navigation aids, food procurement) could easily be added to the barrel without negating is use as a flotation device.
I also think it has done very well in providing hydration and water treatment and storage and in providing candling devices.
reply
It is, indeed, very expensive for a kit that is 1) very weak on shelter, 2) horribly deficient in cutting tools, 3) mediocre in first aid, 4) weak on combustion, 5) utterly lacking any trauma mitigation, and 6) devoid of any proper cordage.
1. With 2 sets of 4 mylar blankets, implying supplies for 4 people, the 5'x7' 'tarp' is more suited to serving as a ground cloth than a shelter. But then the rations look more like the kit is for 2 people. A full-sized tarp should be included, either way.
2. The multi-tool is really just a back-up cutting tool for a serious kit, especially one this size. There should be at least one belt knife, one saw and one hatchet or machete.
3. At least the FAK doesn't have scores or hundreds of plasters (band-aids, but prep pads, BZK, bite & sting relief, nausea, diarrhea, pain relief, and antihistamines don't take up much room at all and should be included, perhaps along with a few finger splints. They could be stored in the absurdly included box of gloves, with most of the box left empty.
4. If you are going to include a gas canister, why, in heaven's name is there no lighter A couple of lighters, a ferrocerium rod, and alternative tinder to the packing paper should be in there to back up the gas and stove and for fire lighting for warmth.
5. The ability to stop serious bleeding, treat a sucking chest wound, apply a pressure bandage, splint a broken major bone, etc. is necessary in an emergency situation, whereas being able to treat a boo-boo is merely a convenience. A kit at this size and cost should do both.
6. Paracord, bank line, jute twine. I mean, c'mon, man!
I may have missed it, but I would have thought that a kit that supplies 2 different ways to trap and enclose your waste (not including the barrel the kit comes in) would have given more thought to t. p. and tissue.
Having said all that, I should at least note that, while there is plenty of room for improvement in this kit, it does, indeed HAVE plenty of room to improve it. Everything that I've said is lacking and more (e. g. cotton bandanas, passive visual signals, navigation aids, food procurement) could easily be added to the barrel without negating is use as a flotation device.
I also think it has done very well in providing hydration and water treatment and storage and in providing candling devices.
reply
mendyviola
Ok, having lived in the heart of earthquake country in the US for decades, what I’ll say is that when an area is hit by a major earthquake, buildings and bridges collapse. A barrel that big is worthless because if you are adversely affected, most likely it’s squashed under a building or in a building that has been structurally compromised. If you are lucky you get enough SECONDS of warning to either get out or to a spot that keeps you from getting squished or avoid driving off a collapsed section of roadway. Just prep like you would for any other general emergency (loss of power, potable water, and cell towers getting overloaded or just lost. I keep a small kit in my car in case I can’t get home but it’s more like a change of clothes, toiletries, and some snacks.
15: 18 and as far as that pee bag goes. As a woman, I can guarantee you that being able to successfully pee in a bag that small without making a mess would be close to impossible.
reply
Ok, having lived in the heart of earthquake country in the US for decades, what I’ll say is that when an area is hit by a major earthquake, buildings and bridges collapse. A barrel that big is worthless because if you are adversely affected, most likely it’s squashed under a building or in a building that has been structurally compromised. If you are lucky you get enough SECONDS of warning to either get out or to a spot that keeps you from getting squished or avoid driving off a collapsed section of roadway. Just prep like you would for any other general emergency (loss of power, potable water, and cell towers getting overloaded or just lost. I keep a small kit in my car in case I can’t get home but it’s more like a change of clothes, toiletries, and some snacks.
15: 18 and as far as that pee bag goes. As a woman, I can guarantee you that being able to successfully pee in a bag that small without making a mess would be close to impossible.
reply
Sylvia_C
Watching from Canada, I'm getting a bit of a laugh out of the shelter provided with this kit. But seriously, in an actual earthquake, you're going to be running outside into the snow, probably in your slippers and nightgown. Maybe you'll have enough presence of mind to grab your purse. An emergency kit needs to be something you can realistically pick up and carry with you, even if you're a disabled senior such as myself. It also needs to be something that people can realistically afford, and that's designed for the type of emergencies that actually happen where you live. Anyway, there were some practical items in the kit, but I thought that it was mostly a waste of money. I probably couldn't even drag that barrel, never mind get it down the stairs if the elevator was out.
reply
Watching from Canada, I'm getting a bit of a laugh out of the shelter provided with this kit. But seriously, in an actual earthquake, you're going to be running outside into the snow, probably in your slippers and nightgown. Maybe you'll have enough presence of mind to grab your purse. An emergency kit needs to be something you can realistically pick up and carry with you, even if you're a disabled senior such as myself. It also needs to be something that people can realistically afford, and that's designed for the type of emergencies that actually happen where you live. Anyway, there were some practical items in the kit, but I thought that it was mostly a waste of money. I probably couldn't even drag that barrel, never mind get it down the stairs if the elevator was out.
reply
taoutdoors
I think it would be interesting to see if you could pack one of your own using similar items and to see how cheap you could get it cuz honestly the bog bag and the we go are literally just lined with the same silica that's in a diaper and if you were going to pack a survival kit like that anyway I imagine you would have to like storing in your house this wouldn't make a good evacuation kit but if you were going to go to all that effort you can store your own water inside the barrel like put a couple leader jugs inside the barrel and then you can probably use one of the plastic containers lined with like a kid's diaper because the silica and the inside of the toilet bags is literally the same silica in like diapers and feminine hygiene products
reply
I think it would be interesting to see if you could pack one of your own using similar items and to see how cheap you could get it cuz honestly the bog bag and the we go are literally just lined with the same silica that's in a diaper and if you were going to pack a survival kit like that anyway I imagine you would have to like storing in your house this wouldn't make a good evacuation kit but if you were going to go to all that effort you can store your own water inside the barrel like put a couple leader jugs inside the barrel and then you can probably use one of the plastic containers lined with like a kid's diaper because the silica and the inside of the toilet bags is literally the same silica in like diapers and feminine hygiene products
reply
meredithlyon3142
For all those UK earthquakes Sorry, unimpressed, especially for that price. As a native of Southern California, I've been through my fair share of quakes. I was in the thick of the January 1994 Northridge quake. We had no power for a week. Had to boil water for 6 weeks. Couldn't use fireplace or natural gas for days because of gas line ruptures. It was the middle of winter and started pouring rain the next day. No heat.
Need more water, purification tablets, and a filter.
Poncho, bandanna, hat.
Heavy duty leather gloves for removing broken glass and jagged concrete, saw to clear tree limbs.
Acetaminophen, tourniquet, splints, first aid cream, toilet paper, baby wipes, trash bags.
Lighter.
reply
For all those UK earthquakes Sorry, unimpressed, especially for that price. As a native of Southern California, I've been through my fair share of quakes. I was in the thick of the January 1994 Northridge quake. We had no power for a week. Had to boil water for 6 weeks. Couldn't use fireplace or natural gas for days because of gas line ruptures. It was the middle of winter and started pouring rain the next day. No heat.
Need more water, purification tablets, and a filter.
Poncho, bandanna, hat.
Heavy duty leather gloves for removing broken glass and jagged concrete, saw to clear tree limbs.
Acetaminophen, tourniquet, splints, first aid cream, toilet paper, baby wipes, trash bags.
Lighter.
reply
metaplante
Can you really survive with this for a harsh winter, for about three days Maybe in northern England, but not in northern Canada. Tools are scarce there, like a proper saw (for wood and metal, and just a rope for cutting, not even good quality. A shovel (just for basic hygiene. A decent knife. A small bucket, and finally, enough rope, wire, and an assortment of nails and screws for wood, to repair and/or build a more suitable shelter than the orange bag tents. On the plus side, there's a crowbar; if it's good quality, that's a good start. Because if you have 'camping items' in it, that means your house has collapse, and no inprovement in short time, (3 to 7 days) in view.
reply
Can you really survive with this for a harsh winter, for about three days Maybe in northern England, but not in northern Canada. Tools are scarce there, like a proper saw (for wood and metal, and just a rope for cutting, not even good quality. A shovel (just for basic hygiene. A decent knife. A small bucket, and finally, enough rope, wire, and an assortment of nails and screws for wood, to repair and/or build a more suitable shelter than the orange bag tents. On the plus side, there's a crowbar; if it's good quality, that's a good start. Because if you have 'camping items' in it, that means your house has collapse, and no inprovement in short time, (3 to 7 days) in view.
reply
lorknozzel11
the extra room was probably meant for clothing or footwear. huge lack of cutting tools, but this is in the UK, so no surprise there. i think the water side of kit could have been better. a gravity filter would be great in this kit. it has the room for it. and an extra water bottle or three would have been nice since the kit looks like it was made for 4 people. or parts of the kit look like it is for 4 people. and with that many people, a larger tarp would seem more appropriate. and no toilet paper again, NO TOILET PAPER an emergency toilet of sorts, great! but no toilet paper. the barrel looks awesome though.
reply
the extra room was probably meant for clothing or footwear. huge lack of cutting tools, but this is in the UK, so no surprise there. i think the water side of kit could have been better. a gravity filter would be great in this kit. it has the room for it. and an extra water bottle or three would have been nice since the kit looks like it was made for 4 people. or parts of the kit look like it is for 4 people. and with that many people, a larger tarp would seem more appropriate. and no toilet paper again, NO TOILET PAPER an emergency toilet of sorts, great! but no toilet paper. the barrel looks awesome though.
reply
keithdorset3824
I find it interesting that some supplies are in fours. Yet many of the other 'individual supplies are only single or double. Four space blankets, one tent. No trauma supplies. Pissy little booboo kit. That single, inadequate tarp. Those poly utility tarps are dirt cheap. That size is $4 retail here. 8x10 is less than $10. Not super tech fabric, but cheap emergency shelter or to cover a hole in a roof. In a real emergency they'll go for 10x the value. It's an easy start, but use this video as a pattern and DIY.
reply
I find it interesting that some supplies are in fours. Yet many of the other 'individual supplies are only single or double. Four space blankets, one tent. No trauma supplies. Pissy little booboo kit. That single, inadequate tarp. Those poly utility tarps are dirt cheap. That size is $4 retail here. 8x10 is less than $10. Not super tech fabric, but cheap emergency shelter or to cover a hole in a roof. In a real emergency they'll go for 10x the value. It's an easy start, but use this video as a pattern and DIY.
reply
bram3218
those dynamo torches like the blue one usually have non-rechargable lithium batteries in them, so you have basically 2 things in one: 1) battery powered light with 2-3 tiny button cells, once they are empty its done. 2) dynamo powered light (that you showed) by constantly pumping but the light is not constant. The pumping does NOT charge the batteries. There is just no charging circuit inside these! Lights that do recharge the batteries do exists though but they look different.
reply
those dynamo torches like the blue one usually have non-rechargable lithium batteries in them, so you have basically 2 things in one: 1) battery powered light with 2-3 tiny button cells, once they are empty its done. 2) dynamo powered light (that you showed) by constantly pumping but the light is not constant. The pumping does NOT charge the batteries. There is just no charging circuit inside these! Lights that do recharge the batteries do exists though but they look different.
reply
jasonjohnson6344
You can get a backpack harness for that type of barrel that is common with canoeing in the US. Makes them much easier to transport. Those barrels are a great cache container too. We have much larger ones available in the states. Burying one on a plot of land you own that you hike in to would be pretty handy for leaving heavier stuff like tools, cast iron cookware, etc. we can all build a better gear selection than that kit, it’s the barrel that makes it really desirable.
reply
You can get a backpack harness for that type of barrel that is common with canoeing in the US. Makes them much easier to transport. Those barrels are a great cache container too. We have much larger ones available in the states. Burying one on a plot of land you own that you hike in to would be pretty handy for leaving heavier stuff like tools, cast iron cookware, etc. we can all build a better gear selection than that kit, it’s the barrel that makes it really desirable.
reply
neil_castell
Useful items, BUT both seriously over priced And it seems limited to largely items from Highlander catalog who are/were a budget brand. (do the job but dont last)
IMO there should have been more food, maybe cheap rucksacks to allow the users to go mobile, quilted poncho liners or cheap sleeping bags rather than those mylar ones.
A kit like this should allow the (4) intended users to survive a week living in a tent/shed with just what is in the barrel.
reply
Useful items, BUT both seriously over priced And it seems limited to largely items from Highlander catalog who are/were a budget brand. (do the job but dont last)
IMO there should have been more food, maybe cheap rucksacks to allow the users to go mobile, quilted poncho liners or cheap sleeping bags rather than those mylar ones.
A kit like this should allow the (4) intended users to survive a week living in a tent/shed with just what is in the barrel.
reply
paulawigell55
Thank you, whether you are helping us prepare us for a fun camping trip or build a backyard treehouse or select emergency preparedness items you always provide such honest and useful information! Coupled with your previous video review of the EVAQ-8 backpack kit, this video gave me a good idea of how useful this kit would be for me. And, as always, it is just so pleasant to listen to you speak -- always encouraging, and uplifting.
reply
Thank you, whether you are helping us prepare us for a fun camping trip or build a backyard treehouse or select emergency preparedness items you always provide such honest and useful information! Coupled with your previous video review of the EVAQ-8 backpack kit, this video gave me a good idea of how useful this kit would be for me. And, as always, it is just so pleasant to listen to you speak -- always encouraging, and uplifting.
reply
noob4head
The thing that always surprises me about these kinds of kits is how much they cheap out on the knife/multitool. I understand that a good-quality one would increase the price, but I don't think the target audience for this kind of product would mind paying $50100 more if it meant getting a proper, high-quality knife included. It doesn't even need to be anything super premium. Just include a proper Victorinox or Leatherman.
reply
The thing that always surprises me about these kinds of kits is how much they cheap out on the knife/multitool. I understand that a good-quality one would increase the price, but I don't think the target audience for this kind of product would mind paying $50100 more if it meant getting a proper, high-quality knife included. It doesn't even need to be anything super premium. Just include a proper Victorinox or Leatherman.
reply
user-wt8jp4qx6l
Another interesting video. Thank you. Small but important point. I've bought several of these barrels (UN seal of approval - food storage quality, to keep food in, but be warned. Determined rodents can and will chew through this is. Best practice, to place it on bricks or similar (a bit like the old straddle stones they used for cereal stores in the past) and/or wrap base in chicken wire or similar.
reply
Another interesting video. Thank you. Small but important point. I've bought several of these barrels (UN seal of approval - food storage quality, to keep food in, but be warned. Determined rodents can and will chew through this is. Best practice, to place it on bricks or similar (a bit like the old straddle stones they used for cereal stores in the past) and/or wrap base in chicken wire or similar.
reply
Leo-Bassment
I’d include a shovel, some kind of oxygen supply, breathing tubes, etcbecause I assume the ones stuck under buildings or in their homes, under the rubble, will need something to dig themselves out, pierce a hole, break a wall, trying to get some oxygen in, sooner or later! I’d also include a fire extinguisher because many small fires happen right after earthquakes, because of gases and oils leaking!
reply
I’d include a shovel, some kind of oxygen supply, breathing tubes, etcbecause I assume the ones stuck under buildings or in their homes, under the rubble, will need something to dig themselves out, pierce a hole, break a wall, trying to get some oxygen in, sooner or later! I’d also include a fire extinguisher because many small fires happen right after earthquakes, because of gases and oils leaking!
reply
Hemachromatosis
We live in an extreme bushfire risk area as such we have an emergency bug out kit which basically is a backpack with all the gear. Including documents passports etc. its also handy when going remote 4x4. Theres cases where 4x4s have had a build up of grasses around the exhaust and have caught on fire. A bug out bag or barrel is a quick grab for food shelter water first aid.
reply
We live in an extreme bushfire risk area as such we have an emergency bug out kit which basically is a backpack with all the gear. Including documents passports etc. its also handy when going remote 4x4. Theres cases where 4x4s have had a build up of grasses around the exhaust and have caught on fire. A bug out bag or barrel is a quick grab for food shelter water first aid.
reply
Ente1369
Interesting video. Just one small potential correction: The wound cleaniing pads/wipes are likely not alcohol based i. e. they're probably based on other disinfecting/antiseptic agents plus some moisture (chloridic. Alcohol swabs are usually for skin only but not open wounds, as I understand they would aggravate a wound possibly more than help. But I'm not a medical professional.
reply
Interesting video. Just one small potential correction: The wound cleaniing pads/wipes are likely not alcohol based i. e. they're probably based on other disinfecting/antiseptic agents plus some moisture (chloridic. Alcohol swabs are usually for skin only but not open wounds, as I understand they would aggravate a wound possibly more than help. But I'm not a medical professional.
reply
darrenc2721
A useful kit for the bunker prepper, the kits are a bit on the expensive side uk wise, does this mean they are imported Ive seen those ready meal box kits, much cheaper in the USA, but once imported they are super expensive.
Peeing on the ground not only alerts animals, it alerts other people to your location, the bag is useful if you want to stay unseen.
reply
A useful kit for the bunker prepper, the kits are a bit on the expensive side uk wise, does this mean they are imported Ive seen those ready meal box kits, much cheaper in the USA, but once imported they are super expensive.
Peeing on the ground not only alerts animals, it alerts other people to your location, the bag is useful if you want to stay unseen.
reply
ClareJuland
I'd challenge anyone to remember to grab that during a hasty evacuation when the building is collapsing around you. Nice idea but not very practical under those circumstances. That said it could potentially be useful in buildings that are designed to withstand the shaking better and where they survive but you have lost power and water supply.
reply
I'd challenge anyone to remember to grab that during a hasty evacuation when the building is collapsing around you. Nice idea but not very practical under those circumstances. That said it could potentially be useful in buildings that are designed to withstand the shaking better and where they survive but you have lost power and water supply.
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
