Artist's conception of the rogue planet Nibiru, or Planet X. (gilderm / sxc.hu)
Are you ready for the coming apocalypse? You might want to take a trip to Target and be prepared.
Even though we’re been hearing about the Mayan Apocalypse on December 21, 2012, for the past decade -- and reading an equal number of stories debunking the threats and hype -- few of us are actually ready for it. Why not be prepared, should the end of the world arrive? For only $441, this kit includes everything you need to start a fire, cook on a stove, wash your clothes, and even keep your iPhone running.
1. Kikkerland Survival Tool, $18
Here’s everything you need in one compact gadget. This survival tool offers ten functions including a whistle, a bright LED light for finding your way in a blackout, a compass, a fire starter flint, thermometer, and even a hygrometer (for checking the barometric pressure).
2. Etón BoostTurbine2000, $60
If the power grid goes down, this hand-cranked power generator can keep your gadgets running. Turn the crank for one minute to get 30-seconds of power on your phone. An LED light on the turbine shows the battery level – at full-power, the turbine can fully charge a smartphone from zero.
3. Scrubba Wash Bag, $60
This 5-ounce urethane bag folds up into a tight fist-sized pouch. When you’re ready to do your laundry, you pour in some water and laundry soap, seal the bag, add some air, and start kneading out the bag. Small plastic nobules inside the bag help scrub your clothes. A valve releases the air and water.
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4. Verilux ReadyLight Solar Rechargeable Flashlight, $30
Batteries might be scarce after a catastrophic event, but this rechargeable flashlight, which uses six LED bulbs, is powered by the sun. Made of a rugged and water resistant plastic, the flashlight has a carabineer clip you can use to attach to a backpack. Charges in eight hours for four hours of use.
5. BioLite CampStove, $130
This portable cooking stove doubles as a battery charger – helpful in a survival setting. You first stuff the BioLite with twigs to get a fire going, which then starts providing power to the built-in fan. There’s a three-prong metal cooking surface for your own pots and pans. The fire powers a battery pack, which you can use for charging your smartphone or any device with a USB charger.
6. Gerber LMF II Knife, $108
The 4.8-inch high-carbon blade on this military-grade knife, measures about 11-inches long, is tough enough to chip away at tree bark, pry off metal parts, and chop up wood. At the base of the knife, you’ll find partially serrated blade that can cut through a seatbelt. Comes in brown or black.
7. Zippo Emergency Fire Starter Kit, $25
This no-frills fire starter kit, which comes in a water-sealed case, includes a flint wheel you turn to create a spark (no lighter fluid needed) and several waxed tinder sticks. You can start a fire in seconds by roughing up the tinder sticks and then firing up a spark to get the flames going.
8. Pandemic Quick Kit, $10
Available at ContagionSurvival.com, this pandemic survival kit includes a pair of plastic coveralls (blue for adults, white for kids), a hair net, goggles, latex gloves, a respirator mask, a bio-hazard disposal bag, and two different hand sanitizers. Comes in a handy re-sealable plastic pouch.