Equiptment

There are lots of things you can get, but you can also just organize what you have already. The number of lists seems endless and what you need depends upon the situation, your skills, and your budget. Here is what is wrong with the DHS kit I have already mentioned several items above and list some others here but being comprehensive would take a lot of space (read the links and references for more). Here are some basics.

All types of camping equipment and tools come in handy but can be expensive (shipping can be expensive too so you may want to make your own, try your local yard sales, craigslist, sporting goods or hardware store first). You may want a small tent to carry and a larger tent to put in the car. Sleeping pads are as much for insulation as for comfort (learned the hard way—you don’t want to be in the cold without some insulation between you and the ground). A hammock can be multipurpose. You can try your local hardware store for lanterns or Lehmans (they also have candle making supplies).

I suggest four knives for anyone responsible enough to have one (in general you get what you pay for, but start cheap and upgrade later): a folding lock blade knife (buck and gerber are both good reasonably priced brands), a swiss army knife (with saw blade) or leatherman type knife (pliers are handy), a solid full tang knife, and a machete or short sword for brush. A kitchen knife can work until you get any of these. A hatchet would also be useful. Keep them sharp.

You need several maps (local, state (small scale and large scale), neighboring states, topographic and road) and a compass. A GPS is optional but very handy. There are usually welcome centers along interstates and in some cities that hand out free maps. The USGS is a good source for reasonably priced maps but sometimes it is a bit hard to find what you are looking for. They have a catalog for each state that really helps. They are also very friendly by phone but still prefer if you order online.

You should have at least one non portable (plug in) phone that can be used with the power out. Medicine, diapers and feminine products will be hard to get. A generator is great but can be expensive and you must have enough fuel (I don’t have one but want one). Solar powered battery chargers are really slow but might be the only option.

Change you attitude, don’t be wasteful, and you can reuse many items. A tin can becomes a cup or pot with a little work. Use both sides of a piece of paper and then use it as insulation or tinder. Waste not, want not. This also minimizes trash as there may be no trash pickup.
Organize your equipment and supplies into different levels and packages