ALTA SURVIVAL • EQUIPMENT & PRACTICAL READINESS

Choose gear for a capability you can use

Start with the household task you need to accomplish. Understand how to do it, review what you already have, and choose equipment that addresses a specific gap.

Knowledge first. Skills second. Gear third.

Before adding gear, answer four questions

• Can we do it? Identify the task and who knows how to use the equipment.
• Do we have enough? Check supplies, compatible parts and the number of people the system supports.
• How long will it work? Consider capacity, batteries, fuel, consumables, maintenance and replenishment.
• What is the backup? Look for an alternative that still works if the primary method’s critical dependency fails.

Explore equipment through the six capabilities

Each capability page connects learning, gear considerations and practical preparation. Use it to identify what your household needs before selecting a product.

• Survival — water, fire and heat, shelter, and food.
• Navigation & Communication — maps, compass, radio, GPS and signaling.
• Personal Safety — household safety, first-aid readiness and individual support needs.
• Vehicle Preparedness — readiness, travel support, roadside assistance and repair limits.
• Disaster Ready — kits, household energy, sanitation and practical repair.
• Long-Term Ready — sustainment, care continuity and maintaining household systems.

Make a useful gear decision

• Choose one household task and review the equipment you already own.
• Read the instructions for the exact model. Check intended use, limitations and compatibility.
• Identify the skill, maintenance and consumable supplies required to keep it working.
• Plan suitable practice, then record what worked and what needs improvement.
• Prioritize the gap that matters most within your current budget.

Example — safe water: Inventory stored water first. If you plan to use a treatment device, identify the likely hazard, verify what the exact device addresses, and account for clean storage and an independent backup.

Organize what you already have

A kit works best when its intended user can find the contents, understand the instructions and access the supplies needed for the task. Review one existing kit and choose a manageable improvement.

Explore learning tools and resources