Thrift Store Bug Out Bag (TBOB)

Thrift Store and Yard Sales
Sterling silver can have antimicrobial properties. Using this type of flatware can help ward off harmful bacteria. So if you can just pick one or two utensils up at a time, it’s worth it. These will run about 50 bucks a piece typically.
Survival Related Reference Books
Be on the lookout for survival related books that could include homesteading, gardening, primitive camping and wilderness survival. Tangible books will be a real asset in a SHTF scenario, not so much eBooks (unless you print them out).
Grain Mill
A good grain mill can be as much as $300 plus. Finding them in yard sales and thrift stores can be easier than you might think. Make sure to ask to test it with wheat or some other type of grain before buying it. You can score a decent one for less than $50.
Camping Equipment
Not everyone is cut out for camping and people buy up sleeping bags, stoves, lanterns etc. only to go camping once or twice. They end up throwing this stuff into the yard sale pile.
Quality Knives
Look for good name brands such as K-Bar, Cold Steel, Gerber and Swiss Army.
Homeschooling Supplies
In a SHTF scenario, you could be your child’s teacher. Finding old school books and supplies could be a great find.
Winter Wear
Lots of times you can find all sorts of clothing, especially winter wear. People go through coats like underwear. Most of the times they never even look worn.
Boots
If you find a pair of boots that are name brand and look in decent shape, consider buying them - especially if they are kids. Kids outgrow things and what’s to say it isn’t good enough for your kid? Even adults can find a pair or two - boots are good enough to get muddy and do the dirty work in.
Tools
Tools are somewhat irreplaceable items if you are left with nothing after a disaster. They are hard to re-create in nature. You can find some older made in the USA tools if you look hard enough which beat the heck out of the made in China stuff.
Battery Operated Appliances
Anything battery operated will come in handy as long as you have batteries to power them with. Following an EMP, battery powered fans, radios etc. will be coveted items.
Food Dehydrator
It’s a great find at a yard sale, even if it’s inexpensive. Should be able to find a cheap-o for around 30 bucks.
Fishing Equipment
Check out yard sales or estate sales for quality fishing poles and nets. Fishing may be part of your survival plan, so keep your eyes peeled for these types of bargains.
Emergency Supplies
If you’re attending a estate sale, most of these types of supplies will be found in the actual garage. You can find emergency radios, lanterns, backpacks, first aid kits and more usually.
Tough Kids Clothing
If you have kids you probably already know the brands that are durable. Kids can really do a number on their clothes, so check out brands like Gymboree - they are some of the toughest little jeans out there. Also keep your eyes open for larger sizes when they hit their growth spurts.
Canning Supplies
People like to get rid of jars. They are great for starting your own canning system. Look for “Ball” brand jars. You can get the lids and rims on Amazon cheap. Other items to look for are magnetic lid lifters, funnels, jar tongs and pots. Make sure you do your research on this stuff though, sometimes you can find them cheaper brand new.
Manual Kitchen & Household Tools
Be on the look out for manual egg beaters, flour sifters, can openers and meat grinders. These work great in a power outage or EMP attack.
Cast Iron Cookware
People do sometimes sell this stuff at yard sales or estate sales. You can also find good deals on Amazon if you catch the sale price in time.
Cookbooks
This basically goes along the same lines as the survival or homesteading books. Look for recipes for outdoor cooking, canning, dutch oven cooking with basic ingredients.
Gardening Tools & Supplies
This is a really easy find at yard sales. Gardening is a fad to most people and not a way of life so they end up throwing these out at their sales and at a solid discount.
First Aid & Medical Supplies
Sometimes you can get lucky and land an army first aid kit complete with surgical gloves, bandages, butterfly strips, surgical scissors and sterile gauze. If it’s an older person’s estate sale, lots of times they will have a hospice nurse or caretaker that may leave first aid items behind.
Hunting Supplies & Firearms
It’s probably rare, but sometimes you may find hunting rifles and possibly handguns for sale. Most of the time families will pass these down to other family members, but every now and then you can get lucky and simply ask the person in charge if they care to part with any weapons.

[@irehcorobray6310]

well young man been watching you for a while, their are few people in this country that has their head in the right place , I thank God for people like you that are smart and very real and look at life as a learning time to show companion and kindness without the slathering of honey nor bitterness. keep it up, your doing a very good job and I for one am listning.

[@301joey1]

Love it, "one mans garbage is another mans treasure!" That little pick/shovel would come in handy!

[@davidgonyeau1825]

This was a good video in that it shows that you don't have to spend a ton of money to build a BOB. There are a lot of people who are out of work, who really need to start thinking outside the box to build a bit of safety net for themselves for an emergency. This video of yours is the best one of the type that I've seen. Keep up the good work.

[@StepOneSurvival]

David Gonyeau definitely

[@andrewhowden5826]

This hurricane has brought you all out of the wood work and you just love it.

[@KentuckyWoodsman]

Cool video! Thrift stores and yard sales are two of my favorite places to buy gear. One mans trash/another mans treasure.

[@dropshot1967]

Adding a big trashbag or cheap tarp and you can set up a shelter. A sleepingbag or blanket would also be nice, both can be tied on the outside of your backpack in the trashbag to keep them dry

[@The_Oracle_Of_Garnishments]

Nice bag! Two whistles? Fishing line, dark balloons and the whistles make good perimeter alarms.

[@williammansfield9711]

40ml clean canteen with the sippy top and a ltr nalgene bottle for $1 each at a thrift store. Best coups I have had. Great video, love your humor, carry on.

[@nicolew.3365]

I love thrift store shopping. Recently found a couple of brand new wool Army blankets and poncho liner.

[@tomvawter4531]

Another great video. Thrift stores, Army/Navy, Surplus, etc are excellent. I shop at thrift stores routinely. I get all my shirts and vests for concealment and CCW at thrift stores. Hard to be the "Grey Man" in 5.11 gear. Cooking utensils for camping are readily available too. You got some great gear in Ramona. Thanks again for sharing. 👍

[@sammead6451]

Awesome find on the cook pots, love thrift store and goodwill finds ,can't hardly come out empty handed anytime I go to them

[@StepOneSurvival]

Sam Mead I almost couldn't leave one I was in. crazy.

[@rebeccaofsunnybrookefarm8469]

B.A. absolutely love the last statement. If you are going to dislike at least leave a comment! it's like keying a car and running away chickenshit. I absolutely love that statement, your going to be bold enough to be rude at least be bold enough that everybody else can acknowledge you! Psa! Those items are absolutely necessary for survival, by shtf, homelessness, financial crisis

[@KaylynnStrain]

I love thrift store prepping, I have found some awesome items including medical supplies

[@Servants_Heart]

Oh definitely do a compass & map video. We all should know how to read a compass/map, pot headings and course corrections.

[@imjussaying]

There are already several KZbin videos on using map & compass. And several other subjects. I'm just saying!

[@lynnmasoner7627]

Love all of the thrift store finds. I may take things out of my camping gear for a bug out bag

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

Stay alive and don't die...appreciate the sentiments...LOL. You really scored some good stuff. Our Goodwill and thrift stores have many of the same things always good. Looking forward to your outing with the kit. atb Opal

[@sostrucking]

Opal Preston Shirley towns with colleges are the better ones to find good stuff

[@ldtexas1648]

This is getting scary! You think just like I do when it comes to finding things and putting stuff together. And that's a good thing! Good job!

[@Rowdy216]

LD Texas most of the people watching this channel are going to be like minded

[@912deborah]

12:11 that all in one knife/hand saw is bad ass. Lucky you 🍀

[@earthboundmisfit637]

I stop at thrift stores every week I find gear aaaaaalot! Best way to prep!! No reason not to prep for most everyone!!!!! Yes it takes a little time but have found some real good gear like Alice packs. Oh yard sales too!!! Plus it's like a treasure hunt. Lots of fun.

[@ratroddiesels1981]

you got some great finds at your thrift store , you give back immeasureably when you shop there , my thrift store had xcountry skis but i said they would make great limbs for a bow, you never know what you find useful, also go to wealthy communities dumps ,they throw out brand new stuff not even used big ticket items.you give back a thosand times when you shop goodwill.

[@roadhandviking4228]

I do the same thing. yard sales, army surplus stores , flea markets, and I make / repurpos some of my gear. way to go my Man

[@StepOneSurvival]

Roadhand Viking thank you

[@thebaddog4104]

I just bought a brand new Mountain Equipment Co-op 60 litre backpack with attached day pack for $9 at a thrift store I'm still stoked about it.

[@MademoiselleIcelfly]

Awesome bag! Love the TiKi cup...you are so multi-talented and handy in an emergency. You are a blessing to many. Thank you. God Bless you and yours.

[@StepOneSurvival]

Lizzette Lavin thank you and God bless you and yours

[@michaelwied4034]

you know youve found a good person when there is a reloading station and a ted nugent sticker.... i like this guy... and i love uncle ted... keep up the great work

[@StepOneSurvival]

Michael Wied thank you

[@michaelwied4034]

Step One survival no problem man

[@nanashurieof1176]

Ok, you have been my fav so far. True enough you remind me of my oldest son lol. Keep up the good work. I am looking forward to checking out the rest of your videos.

[@crazgirl80]

I thought the idea was very cool. My daughter complains what are you looking for when I hit thrift store, I actually think there was another pot with the handle that went with the mess kit. Overall you made some amazing finds.

[@StepOneSurvival]

Thank you

[@claychandler3468]

These packs are way easier to attach. Sleeping bags to unlike military packs. They hold alot of stuff packed. I used theses. In the 70s. Light weight.

[@williamadams4044]

I have bought a ton of bug out bag stuff at thrift stores. Goodwill went online and the workers did not know what the he'll they were selling, so the auctions went cheap for really good stuff.

[@skullcrushers1000]

I just got done doing maintenance on the same e-tool shovel thing you got, and I love mine. Good poop/run-off hole shovel.

[@daveperala4723]

Dude, you ROCK. Just found your stuff and it's great. While I would like to try a little Thrift Store diving, there ain't no way in Hell 'Da Wife' would let me go without her. And if she got in there, my house would end up looking like the Thrift Store. Already got enough useless unused crap to begin with. As a matter of fact, I hit a yard sale the other day and found an unused, still in the box 'Ronco Pocket Fisherman' for 2 dollars. Yeah Baby, slips right into a old MOLLE bag I had laying around. Keep the Faith friend, and we'll see you on the other side.

[@StepOneSurvival]

I need to go thrift store shopping again to find leather stuff.

[@kaladrago1796]

Love thrift stores because you'll never know what you can find. Like i bought i think last december a 5.11 top thats not been used.the previous owner just slashed the tag off but its still intact and a original 5.11 moab 6 thats not really used apart from a big ass stain on the front and some vintage 1980s british issue combat boots whole leather and thick laces and its practically new and i used it in the farm almost everyday now since i bought it. The best thing is i bought all that for 12 bucks. (peso to dollar converted)

[@bamabushcrafter5181]

I had to comeback and re-watch this video after your podcast tonight(great job by the way). This is just one of the reasons why I love your show..your humor is awesome and plus you give great advice about gear and prepping for those on a budget. Thank you for all the hard work and I hope you and your family are well...

[@joedonahoe3250]

i just watched your video and subscribed your awesome. Made me laugh my ass off. After watching it I remembered i had that same mess kit and its in my bag now.

[@StepOneSurvival]

Joe Donahoe thanks brother welcome to the team

[@LEO1WOLF]

Brother man - - you've got some GREAT ideas for doin' it cheap. (So thanks for your reminder!) So many sites want you to buy the latest & greatest which can potentially = expensive. However, used &/or old does *not* necessarily = crap! I got caught up in having all new, can't wait too start hittin' the thrifty shops. Keep all the suggests coming Sir!

[@StepOneSurvival]

LEO1WOLF One video a day brother. always. thank you

[@GrumpyGenXGramps]

One thing I learned about the "epically cheap" glow stick, is that they only last about an hour! So keep that in mind so you aren't caught off guard when/if you ever use them.

[@punkrocksurvivlist6475]

I'm homeless.. I found straight gold items in thrift stores.. Surplus gear no joke G.I and boy scout mess kits and canteens.. I love thrift stores

[@punkrocksurvivlist6475]

My favorite saw came from a thrift store.. Its a collapsible Wyoming saw it was $15 ..but it has a wood and a bone blade and i love it

[@junkwire]

Love the last message. Have fun with it!

[@gonzo4605]

I garage sale and thrift store shop once a week. The thrill of the hunt and spend little. May not be "tacticool" but works just fine.

[@StepOneSurvival]

That's true. Exactly what I enjoy doing.

[@HighCountryHillbilly]

I sold NSA water filters back in the 90s that filter you have sold for $85 to $95 it's a great filter all NSA filters had silver disk to keep it clean

[@Hacksaw37]

Good stuff man, got to say don't cheap out on the food, out of date shit will bite you in the ass, No pun intended.

[@StepOneSurvival]

George Morgan definitely

[@csh6220]

What is a "hobo survival water container"? A: Little Richards Wild Irish Rose bottle. To purify water, just leave some of the alcohol in the bottle. LOL I really enjoy your videos. Thanks!

[@alwaysarmed88]

I love your vids. funny as he'll and good info for people

[@bearallison1633]

I really enjoy your channel. You're strategy is very smart.

[@StepOneSurvival]

Thank you

[@epicstudios713]

I found the same knife at Goodwill I did not know that was a wire cutter good video brother

[@eroneous3917]

Thanks for the schooling 😉 really good info! Subscribed!

[@honeyridgehomestead3197]

Some of my best BOB items have came from Goodwill or Salvation Army stores! They are better when you're located near a military base/camp.

[@StepOneSurvival]

BlackSwanPreparations I found one near Camp Pendleton that was nice

[@honeyridgehomestead3197]

Sheww been a long time since I've seen Pendleton or Camp San Mateo where I was stationed. It seems like the surplus stores around here have weak selections, even down close to Ft. Knox I wasn't impressed. Do you have a FB page? Check mine out if you have time, I'm trying to ramp up my activity on FB and hopefully soon here on KZbin.

[@williamadams4044]

Goodwill went online and boy did they sell stuff for cheap. The employees are way more savvy now, but at first it was a give away. I bought a Big Berkey water filtration system complete and had 4 extra ceramic filter elements. All new still in the box. It sells for like $350 or higher, and I got it for $160. I love hitting a good thrift store.

[@jennyhowdy9664]

I recently purchased 4 full bug out bags from a yard sale. an old lady was selling her son's belongings after he was sent to prison. I spoke to her explained what the bags were for tried to give her an out she asked 5 bucks each. yep I snatched em up. they each have medic bags, food supplies fiahing/hunting gear and hand guns. I lucked out! Yard sale bouncing for the win.

[@StepOneSurvival]

Jenny Howdy wow you're lucky you must have stepped on a leprechaun

[@jennyhowdy9664]

gold mine more like it. my husband hated my yard sale adventures until he realized I do d awesome deals like snap on tools and bug out bags. Most are junk sales but hey when you find great deals its an amazing rush. New to your videos love what I'm seeing so far.

[@StepOneSurvival]

Awesome I'm glad you like the channel. Thank you. I should do another junkyard prepper video

[@TacticoolCraig]

The smaller pot with the bail handle goes inside the kit you made the handle for. It should have its own lid and also a cup. I used to use the same set up as a kid

[@sterlingarcher6079]

If a Marine says his coffee is too strong, holy shit batman. That's some strong coffee bro.

[@BIGmike_shoots]

They're listening... don't talk to loud. Oh man that got me laughing.

[@StepOneSurvival]

BIGmike12790 shhhhhhhhh quiet

[@varsxvlogs9370]

I have the exact same machete and shovel in my b.o.b, both from a thrift stores haha, great minds think alike

[@sahmprepper1928]

Totally gotta start buying my stuff from goodwill. If you keep buying new, the cost quickly adds up. Great videl!

[@rjbothwell8889]

You should do an auction bug out bag. Items from auctions.

[@lisalynnbusienda9538]

Thanks for sharing! Very Helpful!

[@StepOneSurvival]

Lisa Majors thank you

[@badkarma8140]

Great Video had a fun time watching it other than some other people's sites, you remind me of a buddy of mine he acts just like you. One thing you forgot was zip ties and hemostats for those days when you need a buzz lol

[@wellarmedwife166]

all of our cast iron came fro goodwill and yard sales. my biggest pot, really a kettle, was my most expensive purchase at $5😂..a year ago we started cooking a few times a week on our fire pit with the cast iron...food tastes amàzing

[@StepOneSurvival]

well armed wife nice

[@shanewilson765]

The great thing about thrift stores is, It's the thrill of the hunt

[@bdcochran01]

My purchases at thrift stores - suits, coats, shoes, kitchen knives, lots of watches. I forgot to mention suitcases.

[@ronparker8582]

I found a store that had. twenty of the black scout sleep system bags and two full LBE sets. I bought three bags and both LBE sets for $20

[@zukislumber]

I shop thrift stores. Training from pops. You can find some items from Dollar Stores and Flea Markets.

[@allenfranklin499]

That's a lot of stuff for just a few bucks. Super Awesome, FYI another TN guy here Short Mt. Area. See ya around!

[@uscgalpha91]

I worked for a tactical gear mfg and still I got most of my gear at Goodwill for pocket change. Oh the power of soap and water to clean up gear.

[@master6676]

Had a pack like that in 84, it was a great little pack and when packing out large game (elk) etc the frame alone is awesome.

[@marinegrandpa]

Sweet video! Me and and the wife were going out this weekend...might just have to find me a good thrift store and take a gander at what they have for my "Hobo Bag"

[@StepOneSurvival]

marinegrandpa go in with an opened mind you'll find stuff.

[@tonycoleman292]

Ramona local here! Love your videos my man!

[@danhold1]

love your videos,

[@thomasniccum3443]

Thanks for the information.

[@cryptosiris8231]

Dude you are hilarious. Love your humor. Keep making good videos. Later!

[@StepOneSurvival]

DrClaw thanks

[@ruththinkingoutside.707]

This was great 😂.. but seriously.. what kind of thrift stores do you HAVE?? I have been haunting the ones here for ages and I've found great stuff.. but absolutely nothing like a Etool or a vintage water filter 😜 I've found almost all my camping cookware and etc as well as the bags and pouches I use to store and organize.. but. Wow.. hats off to you and the thrift stores you have! Thanks for the laughs and the ideas.

[@StepOneSurvival]

+Ruth Elgers up in the mountains they have small ones not big companies like goodwill

[@StepOneSurvival]

Please Subscribe and Share 👍

[@jeffouellette9946]

It is getting close.

[@mzindelo]

Awesome video!!

[@frankburns672]

Great show

[@StepOneSurvival]

Thank you

[@jimssurvival4994]

The NSA water filter you had upside down, the filter sits on cup...Funnel up. They do work for carbon filtration of water...havent seen any in years...

[@StepOneSurvival]

Love that you pointed that out

[@jameshutton756]

So damn good thanks will keep my eye open

[@ninjababoon1]

oh and yes do the map video. subscribed to lots of bushcraft/outdoors channels and none of them did a video on reading maps and navigating. looking forward to one of those

[@50corn]

I love going to them. I always find some good stuff. good video. you earned yourself a new subscriber

[@StepOneSurvival]

Casey Maple thank you

[@50corn]

+Step One survival (S.O.S.) your welcome sir

[@rippyvanallen6867]

You definitely are a bad ass..👍 love your channel!

[@StepOneSurvival]

Thank you

[@yaelrar.4460]

Great ideas here!

[@lisaquartararo7240]

Great videos :-) keep it up! Def have to be an out of the box thinker to be a prepper - especially when you have a family. I'm a new subscriber and just wanted to offer my encouragement and thanks!

[@StepOneSurvival]

Lisa Quartararo thank you and I'm happy you guys and gals like the channel

[@DavidPilcher83]

pretty awesome bag man

[@woodslore8537]

I had pack like that when I was a kid in the scouts. Only difference was mine was red. That brings back memories.

[@LicWalter]

oh dude, l like your videos, love buying stuff for my BOB at the Goodwill stores o Dollar Tree stores when l go to the US, you have a new suscriber!!

[@StepOneSurvival]

Thank you

[@patrickwaller3609]

There's no such thing as too strong of coffee. And that's an awesome cup

[@bobhill5791]

Pretty good practical bag. My first one from a long time ago was an old ALICE pack so full I couldn't carry it for even a mile.

[@brentgandhi]

Man I want to come and go garage scaling/thrift store shopping with you! That stuff is way cool

[@norrisbarnes5653]

that little pot with the wire handle goes with the mess kit

[@ATSW-FX4]

DAG GUM!!!! I wanna sit around a camp Fire and just talk "shop" with you!!! I just got turned onto your channel and this is the third video of yours I've watched and you're AWESOME!!! Real. Life. Person. I'd love to go thrift store hopping with you sometime. Great video and keep posting more

[@StepOneSurvival]

Well thank you I appreciate it

[@4BearWarrior]

If you are a veteran go to Stand Down if it goes to your area. I have gotten Alice Packs and duffel bags for free. I have gotten several sleeping bags through the years. My dog gets a free physical all of her shots dog food bath toys snacks etc. for free. The toiletries are free and a lot more. It's open to veterans and a family member. I have gotten a lot of SHTF items there for free.

[@donaldstotmeister3838]

Four year old video, SSBA has hair! I have that same shovel, flee market for a buck, new! It works, but a fighting hole will take you a week. But for trips to the bushes? works great and is light weight, even with it's cheap carry pouch.

[@alexdoingmyparttohelpthepl8682]

Going on my first bug out trip soon these videos have been a great help I was going to spend a bunch on supplies but this is help save on a lot of things.

[@StepOneSurvival]

Thank you

[@alexdoingmyparttohelpthepl8682]

Step One survival. Would you happen to have any tips for doing a solo bug-out trip?

[@joeholmberg250]

Great video and epic beard!

[@StepOneSurvival]

Joseph Holmberg thank you

[@TheRousler]

He's a man of constant sorrow.....esp with that opening music

[@doug9418]

Another one of the best information, ty Sir 💀

[@Harley365]

I find alot of useful things in thrift stores for my reloading room and bullet casting and lead smelting tools

[@kimonk]

That filter only filters for taste (chlorine) and sediment. It would be great for your chemically treated water (when you add the little pills) to make it taste better. I could tell you way more about it if you’d like (I used to sell them) It will not remove metals or things like guardia.

[@StepOneSurvival]

Yeah it's not very good

[@CharlesJanssensBrussel]

Greetings from Brussels, Belgium. Your a great host man \m/

[@rickysaints1ify]

Hey Mr.one step survival the two pots that you put together are one of them goes inside the mesh kit cooking pots ...i have the same mesh kit. Thx for the great video mate

[@beckhammills996]

love the videos

[@StepOneSurvival]

Thank you

[@JohntheBeastisthebeast]

awesome video

[@FC-zz1rs]

Great info...bro..👍

[@JaCkFrQsT]

Great video

[@StepOneSurvival]

Thank you