Urban Survival: The Vulture Tool Kit / SHTF Gear 

All the items in the video are linked up in this blog post: bit.ly/UrbanSurvivalToolKit

I love seeing how ill prepared and oblivious my competition is.

My suburban prep kit is to get me directly home on foot as fast as possible and regroup. Not playing Darryl, Carl, or Rick.

you just need a bag, like an of gym bag, to carry things you find. Generally a shopping bag might do, but you could roll up an old gym bag and tie it on the side of your pack, then use it if your "shopping" gains are more than a Walmart sack will hold

Knee pads would be something that I'd add. Then you might want something (camo tarp or sniper's veil) for camouflage to avoid others finding you should they wander near you.

Loved the name for your kit. Solid ideas that everyone can adapt/adopt to their own situation. Thanks!

a few ideas/tips: get under the car and poke a hole in the tank..if needed use a foam ear plug for a stopper if you'll be back a pair of large side cutters work better on chainlink,can be use to cut wire,rubber hose,etc and would be lighter then the bolt cutters a spiked tomahawk can be inserted into padlock hasps and twisted quickly to break. a small 'packable' backpack could be quickly deployed to care any extra loot you may find a 2-3' section of house with the female end intact can be coupled with the silcock key to allow a quick shower and/or easier filling of larger containers a can of bright colored spraypaint to mark areas you've "visited"(you may know your city now but post disaster it could look a whole lot different)

Good thoughts. I don't think eye protection is a "might be nice." Post-SHTF, with no health care around, eye damage is the last thing you want. Protect those eyes. And I think a real mask might be a better choice for your vulture kit. On the road you want things that can multitask, but this short range pack can be more specific, and a real mask will work better than a rag over your face.

I'm pretty sure that if you get stopped carrying a pry bar, bolt cutters, and lock picks that you'll be detained at best, if not arrested.

Leatherman or any other plier based Multitool, that may be more an EDC thing but it's amazing how handy they really are.

Another thing came to me. I don't remember the exact name, but, it is put out by Stanley (and several other companies) and takes reciprocating saw blades. A collection of hacksaw and wood blades could come in really handy in an urban environment. And gives you a tool you can make use of the tons of saw blades left lying around in a collapse. I saw one at my local Ace hardware store.

great vid. you've earned yourself another subscriber. also agree with your parting comments. a lot of preppers just seem to be camping enthusiasts or knife or firearm enthusiasts. they're forgetting many of the vital skills needed.

Awesome upload. Lots of ideas, well thought out and above all realistic and practical. I have a great deal of the kit you listed, now I need to consolidate. Thanks for sharing. ATB

Excellent video. Great, no-nonsense advice. It’s good to see more urban advice!

A little tip if you are going to syphon fuel. Take two pipes and a handkerchief. Syphoning with your mouth is the worst way of getting fuel for obvious reasons. (your health). Put two pipes down the tank neck and stop the excess area up with something then blow to pressurise the tank. IT will push fuel out of your pipe...This works on the small tank or full tanks.

Another thing you might use tubing for is distilling water. If you had an enclosed metal container you could boil the water and the water vapor would collect in another clean container. One problem with urban (and some rural) water is that it can be contaminated with chemicals and heavy metals. Especially if you gather it from near an abandoned factory. In that vein another thing you might consider adding is a cheap plastic cammo tarp, casualty blanket, or the kind of space blanket that's heavier and has gromets. A poncho might work, but, I'm thinking your ponchos should stay with you for emergency shelter. You can tie it out in an area during a rain storm and get fresh water that doesn't need purifying. I would say get some surgical masks (the real deal, not dust masks) because black mold is nothing to sneeze at (no pun intended). I have a friend who had a friend die because the black mold got into his lungs during a bathroom renovation. Another thing I'm assuming you have (since I've seen some of your other videos, but, mentioned in passing) is a multitool. But, I'd add that I suggest a multitool that has a screwdriver bit socket with it. The reason I say this is that you can add some security bits to your tool kit in case the lock-picks can't get through a rusted padlock and you don't want to make noise with the prybar. Might come in handy. In this vein, a little lubricant of some kind might also help get into some places. I have a cheap oil pen from the Dollar Tree and it works just fine, weighs nothing, and takes up no more space than a Sharpie. Just a few thoughts.

Great kit. It will give you a lot of help in an urban setting. The urban setting is different than the bush and the tools are different. You have what it takes to get anything else you might need.

Love the channel man, concise and fast paced witha lot of info.

Some good ideas. I use a reciprocating saw blade handle and several different multi purpose blades. Diamond, pruning, metal, wood and their cheap.

Awesome pack and you got a great deal! Well done video

I keep coming back to this particular video for ideas on urban scavenging. Would really enjoy seeing a updated version of this kit!

That's a really good kit you built! I live in Los Angeles, and you are 100% correct that Urban Survival skills are so important and under represented in the prepping community. There are 1,000's of wilderness survival / bushcraft videos, but good urban survival videos are harder to find. Great job and I can't wait to see more videos like this.

very good! the large number of homeless do urban survival successfully or not, depending on how discreet they are. Part of my travel kit is for sleeping out. I suggest a red or blue light for maintaining night vision in dark places. Shelter, water, toilets and showers, and feral food sources, including fishing, are easy to find, if one looks. Safety goggles are a must

First of all great video. Alot of things to consider. Instead of a syphon for gas just puncture a hole in the bottom of the gas tank. No need for that big syphon taking space. This can be used for any car fluids. fluids drop into abowl or whatever container you have. You can drain 4 cars at the same time while you rummage through some other things and quickly pick up your fluids when you're done.

In relation to the smaller bolt cutters, I see you have an alternative now however, if you did need to use it and wanted more leverage you might try this. Tie some strong cordage around the handles in a loop and start a square knot. Put the axe handle in and do the second part of the knot. Now twist. Like on old jail break movie when they bend the bars. Same method can be used to pry off locks if you have another fixed anchor point!

your right, we need to look at the urban situation in a lot more detail

This is one of the best survival bag I have seen so far, I actually learn thing or two and will defently put it to use. Personally I would add a foldable shovel. shovel have many different uses, may one day save your life.

Schrade survival hatchet (strong, reliable, durable, and has fire rod in handle. Very lightweight yet powerful) Multitool? Hello? And one big thing you're missing, battery pouches. They don't take up much space, and are compact and save you a lot of time and money. Life straw, that's a no brainer Survival knife, it'll save you in these conditions one of those days. Matches, I know you have a lighter but might as well. Don't take up much space and weight. If you're super hardcore, and want unlimited electricity, get one of those solar panels that can attach to your pack. Very good video, this man is smart and prepared. The suggestions should be followed through, because they are compact, lightweight, and reliable.

Nice Burglar Kit Dude! ------ You won't last long in a SHTF situation!

excellent video - never heard of ayone who made a kit/bag especially for foraging, to enable and find ways to collect what you need. Truely very very smart and helpful. I have all the items you mentioned, now all I need to do is make an extra bag for it. btw there are mini plyers as well, found some in a hardwarestore some time agoi and bought several for all my packs. excellent video!!! thank you very much!!! ps some ducttape won't be bad either...

First aid in case of need to wash eye (free, light medicine cup as eyebath), disinfectant and bandaids/ bandage of some sort. Infection of minor wounds in shtf can kill you. Sewing needle to repair damaged clothes on the go, sew wounds, remove splinters etc. Long hair can replace thread in a pinch. Tooth floss is strong as thread and has many uses as well. Stocking. Seriously undervalued by preppers. Can act as bag, net, prefilter for muddy water, extra layer of warmth, etc. If you have a small wd40 that's a good add. Reduces noise from rusty hinges, helps loosen rusted on bolts etc. A multitool with -pliers -good quality tweezers- screwdrivers etc. Does your torch have a red light option to reduce your visual at night? Great kit, thanks for sharing :)

great video, I also have a set of lock picks, practice practice practice.....also not only noise, but you can lock it behind you and be secure

I like the concept you have for the kit. I remind me of gears use in breaching rescue or force entry.

Revisiting this video the second time in one year...now June 2022...the tips have been useful for my scriptwriting work for a (possible) post-apocalyptic adventure series set in Venezuela 6 months after a worldwide collapse... where i currently am on location now, doing site scouting with local producers and regular folks.

Nice kit and i completely agree with you about the urban survival stuff

I love this idea. Great info.

This has been one of my favorite videos you have done. With the climate of the world today, it may be (this video and subject matter) more of a realist necessity to have this bit of knowledge and skill. Do a part 2 to this focusing on what we need to have and do for radiation fall out

Don't forget guys those large strong garbage bags can be used for sleeping in an emergency and also wading across small rivers or ponds keeping your feet dry no need in getting the feet wet if it's not necessary.

Two things caught my eye: the pry-bar & the hatchet. Might be able to find something else laying around the area that can be used to pry with, without lugging that weight everywhere; same goes for the hammering-power of the hatchet. How about a glass-cutter, or part of a glass-cutter? edit: ... And nobody ever says T.P.; gotta clean that crap off the fan; amiright?

I was going to give you a tumbs down till I heard what you said at the end regarding urban survival...well done! keep it up!

looks like a very well thought out kit thanks for the video

I don't see eye protection as optional if there's a need for a dust mask in a demolition context. could be a bias from having had eye surgery, but... Otherwise, that seems to be an admirably comprehensive kit! Question: doesn't the type of fuel we can siphon expire in three to six months? How could you tell the fuel from the boat was still good?

My INCH bag is the USMC ILBE main rucksack and i freakin love it. I have rucked 70 lbs of gear comfortably. I do plan on getting the assault pack and the Source 3 litre hydration carrier to go with it. I'd really like to have the Recon version of the ILBE system. Great tool kit. Lowe's has a smaller one handed hacksaw and a smaller packable prybar. Both would be good for breaching urban structures. I know how to pick locks and on a police gear website i found lock pick sets and slim jims. To get gas outta vehicles you can puncture the tank. Or use a hacksaw or small tubing cutter to cut the fuel lines.

Well done, man.

@ The Survival Outpost another reason to use a lock pick set aside from being discreet is that you preserve a resource. Meaning if someone is following you in a Temps to do you harm now you still have a door WITH A LOCK to place between you and a potential hazard. Resource preservation is one of those things that very few people think of in a deuce hitting the air circulation device situation

Nice load out, keep the good videos coming!

I'm kinda living this right now, only I don't carry a kit, just an empty daypack for foraging wild edibles, just walking the roads in my neighborhood I have found, coins, socket bits, Drill bits, screwdrivers, a D shackle, Bic Lighters & what I consider the most valuable item, over a pound of Lead Wheel weights I use for casting Round Fishing Sinkers/Shotgun shot & Bullets.

great video and choice of tools

You'll want to have two mult-itools on your kit! :) One to hold the nut and the other to turn the bolt! :)

Great kit! I like to think I will be long gone in a SHTF scenario, that I will have seen it coming soon enough to get out of dodge to an isolated area...but, you never know...I think your kit is an outstanding idea...

very nice tool kit thanks for sharing atb John

Very comprehensive setup my friend. At the same time a ton of gear to carry. Bolt cutters for cutting fence could likely be replaced for a good set of side-cuts. Doubtful you would need gas collection devices in your pack either. Just a few helpful tips. Great video sir.

I think you have most of it covered. I would throw in a fire kit and poncho for rain coverage/tarp.

Yeah I like this video and definitely took a lot of advice from it. I live in an area that mostly woods and a few fields, and every house has gun-toting hunters. I've never thought about actually cutting a chainlink fence because around here you can either just go around or jump it assuming concertina wire isn't present. I'm going to have to pick up some of those small bolt cutters for the truck and also that little hacksaw.

Any "kit" or BOB should be assembled with 1 priority in mind: WATER. Finding it, collecting it and FILTERING it. Add some water filters and a couple of high capacity USB power banks with dual charging mode (AC & solar cell). Otherwise, your Vulture Kit is awesome!

Great vid.

Nice pack! Where can I get one of those multi keys? If you don't already have one I suggest getting a police scanner for your pack. While your smart phone has scanner apps in a shtf event your phone won't be much use. However scanners run on AA batteries and transmit on the UHF/VHF frequency which will allow you to not only hear your local pd/fd but amateur radio also. Having the upper hand on knowing where people are is key.

A small multitool Gerber Leatherman etc they have blade and Phillips head screw drivers blade ssawblade awl wire cutters pliers etc multiple items small package great video👍👍

A respirator with extra filters is a must, preferably a chemical set of filters as well. The last thing you want to deal with is black mold or fungal infections in your lungs. A proper means of self-defense is also on call for your bag.

Urban survival brings about several challenges that are going to be tough to get through, now then let's talk about knives a regular bush craft knife isn't gonna be as practical as say a Ka-Bar BK 2 which is perfect for shoving into door frames and window frames and being able to work quickly and quietly when an axe and a pry bar are gonna get you noticed. Also Ontario knives makes small pry bars as well which will seriously compliment your knife. Something else to think for an urban environment is your actual pack a surplus military ruck will get a lot of looks in a shtf I would suggest using a good civilian backpack to keep a more grey man persona. I think it is fantastic that you're thinking this way. I would seriously think about adding a shovel (a fold up military one) to hide in your kit as well as some heavy duty duct tape also,

I think you are right on point with having this type of kit I do have some suggestions for you in pretty much of the modules that you have.... 1. Intel- You might want to think about adding some type of small radio so you can hear if there is any weather things you need to know about, places to avoid. Perhaps a 2 way radio to communicate with another person, maybe even a short wave radio, an possibly a police scanner.. Some of these can be bought as combined units I highly suggest you look into them. Especially with the intentions of this kit. You do not want to be going into a HOT zone. What i mean is you dont want to be leading yourself into like a riot zone, or something like that. 2. Cordage... I think it would be a good idea to add some type of cordage that is better at supporting weight an also some cordage that doesnt have such elasticity to it. Such as bankline perhaps a #36. Just make sure you get real bankline not the walmart crap. An I would also include in this section several carabiners that i would trust my weight to an several that i could use as a make shift pully system. 3. Water System... In addition to the clear tube especially when getting water from already filtered source if it is not compromised I would suggest adding a marine grade hose. If you are getting water that is some how not filtered that i would use the clear hose so you know the difference. I would also suggest getting like a sawyer mini an putting a carbon filter in the mix it will help a lot... for filling up that msr water pouch. Also just a type when prepping your water storage containers use hydrogen peroxide an water in a 1 to 4 ratio this is what hospitals use. They do not use bleach. 4. Breaching Tools- I just recently learned about this oddly on youtube an have tested it myself it does work. You might want to add some heavy duty wrench 5. Personal Safety- 1. I think you should have some type of firearm on you... you have zero mention of this. 2. You should definitely have eye protection, an a filtered mask a couple of them those N-95 masks arent that expensive. I would also think perhaps some foam ear plugs might be good if you are doing tons of banging on something in a factory type place, also perhaps some knee pads. Lastly, I was just thinking you might want to put together a small tool roll of like a universal socket set. They have ones that in cover a lot of sizes in just a few pieces good set. I would also put in a a screw driver set that has the same set up. I just think these few more tools might be helpful in the event your needing something to help with electricity, cars, security. Where you might be taking batteries, alternators, electric panels. This just also popped in my mind perhaps some discuss on this items usefulness might be warranted an what i thought of is those collapsible luggage or grocery carts that you see a lot of older people using? it might come in handy to have that in your pack. An than as your getting stuff take it to one central place where that is at putting it in that. So you can get it back to your location easily. What do you think? Hope you enjoyed my ideas. I have a similar kit myself. Glad to see someone else is on the same wave length as myself.

In a SHTF scenario I already have a house with all the heavy duty hand tools I’ll ever need in it, so that is always going to be my base and the place I’ll defend. The only reason I’d be out with a kit like yours would be to break into other houses and steal food, although I’d hope my preparations would make it unnecessary.

I got my binoculars really good ones UV with a night lens included for 10.00 from good will in almost new condition.

Just a thought for your bolt-cutters, get a couple of sections of pipe about the same length of the cutters that fit snuggly over the ends of the cutter handgrips, cap one end of each pipe and wrap up with wilsons wrap, voila extra leverage for your cutters that you can break down and stow

Excellent!

Awsome kit, i was thinking of putting a similar kit together and u gave me some good ideas. As i live in the north country, right on the edge of the white mtns national forests there are alot of rural towns and bigger cities not just forest and trees. Plus I travel alot so i never know where I'll be when things go south.

I like the ideas presented here.

Watching this video in April 2021... pucked up some ideas for the props and dress for a proposed post-SHTF action adventure horror series set in a 2020s tropical country in S.America, revolving around the story of a city girl that bugs out of a major city to a rumored distant rural sanctuary.... American expat salutes from Venezuela!.

Perhaps you are not the only one who saw that abandon house or building.

The bolt cutters could be removed from the pack if their primary purpose is to cut chain link fence. A leatherman, pliers or similar tool, is all that is needed to make passage through chain link fence. Straighten out a "loop" on the bottom and un twist the same vertical wire at the top. that wire will spiral out toward the top very easily.

Hiya. I'd recommend getting a dim red-light headlamp.

Could consider adding rubber door wedges to keep doors either open or closed behind you. Other people have said it, but eye pro is a must.

Very informative!

Thanks for the video! I would suggest dumping the wire cutter and getting a good multi-tool and depending on how far you go from your "base", ditch the gas collection. It seems to be taking up a lot of space. Depending on where you're trying to get to in a vehicle, 1 liter won't go far. Let's say an average car is 20mpg, then 1 liter will only get you 5 miles. If I had my Jeep, then we are talking 3-3 1/2 miles. Keep up the good work! Subscribed!

great vid thanks

excellent video. entertaining as well as intelligent. great stuff.

I would use the DEAD ON multi pry bar hammer tool . I would also bring pepper spray for that occasional dog that might be holing up in or being left to guard property that youmight not have seen going in. I would also bring a multi tester to test any electronic parts or maybe some batteries to test any flashlights radios I might find. I would also bring a flashlight. In case you are suddenlt surrounded by other marauders and have to hunker down and hide until dark and slip out at night and find your way back with your map in the dark. And bring some hot dogs or bologna for any multiple dog packs that might be guarding a high value property that you needto get into. You throw the bologna about 50 yards away and make a dash for the target and hopefullyget there before they can get back. And keep another slice of bologna on you to repeat when leaving the target house or property. I would also bring a slide bar and screwdriver or a FORCE OVER tool to start any vehicles you might encounter along the way. Why walk back to your camp location if there was a vehicle you might have been able to drive and drive back with all your stuff and more. I use to repossess vehicles in Los Angeles. I would also Bring a couple of locks with me in case I find or need to stash some of the stuff I found at a nice location and needed to make sure other LESS PREPARED VULTURES want to wander on the property. NOW I LOCKED IT UP SO I CAN COME BACK. I would also have a few signs from HOME DEPOT or LOWES that say NO TRESPASSING OWNER HAS A SHOTGUN. If I did have a property that wasnice for the pickings I would post it where everyone could see it. That way the less motivated VULTURES would move on and I can come back to the property. If these were helpful to you shoot me back an email

Also adding cheater bars to the bolt cutters will give the leverage needed to cut locks and bolts. ( for those who don't know a cheater is a small pipe that fits over the tool handle to add leverage)

Not bad at all: very sensible compared to a lot of over-the-top bags... :)

how about a video on finding a safe sleeping spot during 72 hour quick excursions.avoiding patrols.

great job

I thought since the idea is to breach obstacles, a possible option would be to use a demolition tool that's like a crowbar and hammer combined such as the Fatmax by Stanley. The second thought, was to have rope or a rope ladder to help get into basements, lower rooms, or to climb up and then ascend when finished. Tarps, canvas bags, or maybe a bucket and a few carabiners can be used to collect and lift or lower supplies. It's probable that after a breakdown of society that those who tend to seek trouble will damage and vandalize resources before thinking how it's useful.

Great ideas. I would add more tools for locks like padlock shims and bump keys-be sure to get rubber washers to put on bump keys. I would definitely get eye protection. When you are prying something loose you do not want something flying to your eye.

I have the same bolt cutters but I added 2 pipes to make my handle's longer to cut more

great vid bro, check out sparrows lock picks and they have some good 14in folding bolt cutters they work just as well as non folding bolt cutters, also they make siphon pumps lightweight and works fantastic....jmho.....Great vid man!!!!

Sir, please step out of the car. We’re getting reports of a burglary in the area...

Given how trigger happy most preppers seem across the pond I'd be happy to have a periscope if I lived over there. The ability to see round a corner without putting your head around would be a certain life saver. It would be interesting to see a video on any strategies that you might have too. Where to target, what to look for etc. Me personally I would try to avoid one of these situations going alone. Ideally you'd have comms with at least one other person and have a number of diversions set up. I would also suggest any strategies possible to ensure that you are not being followed. Changing routes, trip wires, doubling back and an overwatch if possible

Nice job man! I like that lizard in the intro lol

When doing a B&E you may find it best not to leave the location wide open so your first choice should be a to pick the locks so the can be left lock if you find a real big hoard of food. That requires a number of trips. Your right about this whole concept, remember most of us will consider going vulture to be simple looting and kill a looter so be careful. If thing get hard someone may hold up in a lock building going out at odd hours that could run you into a conflict. I know if I'm resorting to looting the stakes are very high.

a couple of good additions, -- Masking (or duct) tape .... ideal for putting on windows before you break them, (helps keep the glass together also) -- An off cut of wool blanket (or some other thick fabric) for muffling the sound of breaking glass.

I would highly consider taking the average razor knife and switching a breakaway razor blade with a shorted hacksaw blade. Also a lockpick gun is quicker and more effective and quicker than normal picks.

Nice set up👍 subscribed

I didn't notice any type of flashlight or headlamp item as well as multiple ways of Starting Fire or first aid. A few small things that I have in my Urban bag. That I notice weren't in yours. A small Altoids can stove. MRE a little water. Paracord. Hidden handcuff keys. Pocket knives with window Breakers. P-38 can opener. Of course some of these items I would take out to make room if I was out in the city foraging for more supplies. Like handles are canned goods firing fuel Etc

nice kit

I agree with prepping for urban more than wilderness, sure there are forest areas around me but it's a lot easier to just go next door for supplies (assuming next door left town during an event)

You have a lot of great things.....it's like the Dream Team of survival gear. but question realistically how heavy is your pack? I saw a crowbar, tomahawk, bolt cutter, fuel canteen, gas hoses , folding saw....and we haven't even talked about weaponry, ammo, aid, food,cloth etc.....

Carry a small boo-boo first aid kit, eye protection is a must, safety (steel toed) boots, a roll of duct tape and a painter or dust mask(s). Other than that, good thought kit.

Good video brother

Great video

be careful with that thawk hammerhead; i've broke off mine when i was pounding over steel I-beam. Also you could soak bandana in vinegar an up the protection factor in case of heavy dust in air (or just buy cheap halfmask with dust filters ;) ). nice tips , thanks :)