I have $18 left on my Greendot card. What should I buy?

[Moab]

Alright this is the $18 challenge. Whats the coolest piece of bug out gear you can buy for $18?

I put $120 on a greendot card. And I spent all of it today on a polartec 300 fleece jacket and a merino wool hoodie.

But i have $18 left over. I don't really have anything on my needs list for less than an $18.

So whats a cool piece of bug out gear I should buy for $18 or less?

And dont say something sensible like batteries. Lol!

Or more food (unless its something really interesting). Lol.

Show me something cool. That I havent thought of.

PS - For those that dont know me. I have a complete INCH and BOB. And backpacking gear. But Im always looking for cool pieces of bug out gear. Thanks for participating! 🤪

[Crosscut]

I love challenges like this, gets the creative juices flowing 

Digital voice recorder (w/VOR)
For use with your Baofeng or SW radio, headphone out jack on the radio to microphone in on the recoder and set to voice operated recording.  Silently scan and record any activity while you sleep.

Mini Handheld Digital LCD Multimeter.  Is it live?  Does it conduct?

Fishing gill net, fish trap, snare wire.  Many under $18.  Maybe catch breakfast (or minnows for bait) while you're off doing something else.

Folding slingshot/wrist rocket  Mine gets used mostly for launching line over tree limbs (antennas, buck pole, etc), but I could get lucky with a treed squirrel given enough time and rocks.

JB Weld.  For putting stuff back together, plugs leaks/cracks in metal tanks (crankcase, radiator, gas tank) too.  Nobody has enough

Close Quarter Hack Saw For taking stuff apart in tight places.

Electrically Conductive Wire Glue.  Quick electronic field repairs.

Valve Stem tool and spare cores.  They're such little things, but vehicles aren't going anywhere without them.  For use only on your own vehicle of course.

Glow in The Dark Paint Can make moving around a dark house easier/safer.  I painted small strips on a couple of our fire extinguishers too.

Handheld Sterilization Wand UV Light Sanitizer Portable.  Kill cooties.

Steramine Sanitizing Tablets Ditto

Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Spray
Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Spray.  Expedient repair for leaks, good starter item for a roof repair kit.

Lansky Puck for sharpening tools.  Chainsaw File kit too.

Welding torch.  Free rusted nuts & bolts, sweat copper pipes, thaw frozen locks.

Camo tarps, help hide your vehicle or yourself in the woods.  Hunting blind use too, especially if you let the wildlife get used to it being there.

Gotta go to work, might have more later. 

[Moab]

I love challenges like this, gets the creative juices flowing 

Digital voice recorder (w/VOR)
For use with your Baofeng or SW radio, headphone out jack on the radio to microphone in on the recoder and set to voice operated recording.  Silently scan and record any activity while you sleep.

Mini Handheld Digital LCD Multimeter.  Is it live?  Does it conduct?

Fishing gill net, fish trap, snare wire.  Many under $18.  Maybe catch breakfast (or minnows for bait) while you're off doing something else.

Folding slingshot/wrist rocket  Mine gets used mostly for launching line over tree limbs (antennas, buck pole, etc), but I could get lucky with a treed squirrel given enough time and rocks.

JB Weld.  For putting stuff back together, plugs leaks/cracks in metal tanks (crankcase, radiator, gas tank) too.  Nobody has enough

Close Quarter Hack Saw For taking stuff apart in tight places.

Electrically Conductive Wire Glue.  Quick electronic field repairs.

Valve Stem tool and spare cores.  They're such little things, but vehicles aren't going anywhere without them.  For use only on your own vehicle of course.

Glow in The Dark Paint Can make moving around a dark house easier/safer.  I painted small strips on a couple of our fire extinguishers too.

Handheld Sterilization Wand UV Light Sanitizer Portable.  Kill cooties.

Steramine Sanitizing Tablets Ditto

Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Spray
Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Spray.  Expedient repair for leaks, good starter item for a roof repair kit.

Lansky Puck for sharpening tools.  Chainsaw File kit too.

Welding torch.  Free rusted nuts & bolts, sweat copper pipes, thaw frozen locks.

Camo tarps, help hide your vehicle or yourself in the woods.  Hunting blind use too, especially if you let the wildlife get used to it being there.

Gotta go to work, might have more later. 

Awesome!!!!!

Those steri tablets are cool! Never heard of them. The slingshot idea is cool too! And i used to have a vox recorder for my scanners. Thats a good one too!

Im gonna try to come up with ones myself today. I love these challenges too.

[NapalmMan67]

If you put $120 on the card, but have $18 left, then you didn't use it all.   But I digress...   

Why not reload it with more cash and save for the proverbeal "rainy day" expense?

Word of caution from an experienced user of the "Close quarter Hacksaw"... In my use, the blade bent/broke 99.9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999% of the time before I got through the item I was wanting to cut.  I got mine 25+ years ago, doesn't have the fancy cushioned handle though.

https://www.survivalfrog.com/collections/under-20/products/light-sticks-by-frog-co?variant=41765127028930

https://www.survivalfrog.com/collections/under-20/products/survival-tips-playing-cards-survival-tools

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Outdoor-Emergency-Portable-Hand-Power-Dynamo-Hand-Crank-USB-Charging-Charger-Camping-Backpack-Survival-Gear/675166574?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=18988&&adid=22222222227384672018&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=478709150357&wl4=aud-393207457166:pla-1015911854541&wl5=9021502&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=125210027&wl11=online&wl12=675166574&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyeSurZn79gIVAR-tBh2NewOzEAQYAyABEgISBfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[NapalmMan67]

Oh, and some more batteries.   

[SCBrian]

Those steri tablets are cool! Never heard of them. The slingshot idea is cool too! And i used to have a vox recorder for my scanners. Thats a good one too!

Im gonna try to come up with ones myself today. I love these challenges too.

If you need some and want to play, let me know.  I've a bit available.  I use it to teach the Scouts & Leaders.  It's safer than bleach for sanitizing. 

[Moab]

If you put $120 on the card, but have $18 left, then you didn't use it all.   But I digress...   

Why not reload it with more cash and save for the proverbeal "rainy day" expense?

Word of caution from an experienced user of the "Close quarter Hacksaw"... In my use, the blade bent/broke 99.9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999% of the time before I got through the item I was wanting to cut.  I got mine 25+ years ago, doesn't have the fancy cushioned handle though.

https://www.survivalfrog.com/collections/under-20/products/light-sticks-by-frog-co?variant=41765127028930

https://www.survivalfrog.com/collections/under-20/products/survival-tips-playing-cards-survival-tools

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Outdoor-Emergency-Portable-Hand-Power-Dynamo-Hand-Crank-USB-Charging-Charger-Camping-Backpack-Survival-Gear/675166574?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=18988&&adid=22222222227384672018&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=478709150357&wl4=aud-393207457166:pla-1015911854541&wl5=9021502&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=125210027&wl11=online&wl12=675166574&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyeSurZn79gIVAR-tBh2NewOzEAQYAyABEgISBfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Load more onto it?! That would take all the fun out of this excercise. And besides if you leave amy balance they start charging you $6 a month. So i never keave a balance beyond 30 days.

Ya. I have one of thos hacksaw handle things too  you have to use a real light touch. But i think thats only if you use the end of the blade. I think the center oart is held in place well. But ya they arent that great. I dont think i ever used it beyond the first time. Its still in my tool chest somewhere. Lol.

Batteries?! Haha good one. I laugh. But i do need a fresh set of nimhs. They always end up getting used around the house. And invariably get lost. I buy tenergys in sets of 12 off ebay. Good solid aa's. And the price point is perfect when they get lost all the time.

Dont ask me why i use Greendot cards and not the account i share with my wife.

[Moab]

Those steri tablets are cool! Never heard of them. The slingshot idea is cool too! And i used to have a vox recorder for my scanners. Thats a good one too!

Im gonna try to come up with ones myself today. I love these challenges too.

If you need some and want to play, let me know.  I've a bit available.  I use it to teach the Scouts & Leaders.  It's safer than bleach for sanitizing. 

Vwry generous of you, brian. But i can oick some up. Whats your review of them? They look very interesting. Like a good around the house preo item.

Reminds me of that new laundry detergent that comes in sheets. I wonder if that would be a good inch bag item? I guess sooner or later u have to wash your cloths. And dr bronners only goes so far.

[NapalmMan67]

If you put $120 on the card, but have $18 left, then you didn't use it all.   But I digress...   

Why not reload it with more cash and save for the proverbeal "rainy day" expense?

Word of caution from an experienced user of the "Close quarter Hacksaw"... In my use, the blade bent/broke 99.9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999% of the time before I got through the item I was wanting to cut.  I got mine 25+ years ago, doesn't have the fancy cushioned handle though.

https://www.survivalfrog.com/collections/under-20/products/light-sticks-by-frog-co?variant=41765127028930

https://www.survivalfrog.com/collections/under-20/products/survival-tips-playing-cards-survival-tools

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Outdoor-Emergency-Portable-Hand-Power-Dynamo-Hand-Crank-USB-Charging-Charger-Camping-Backpack-Survival-Gear/675166574?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=18988&&adid=22222222227384672018&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=478709150357&wl4=aud-393207457166:pla-1015911854541&wl5=9021502&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=125210027&wl11=online&wl12=675166574&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyeSurZn79gIVAR-tBh2NewOzEAQYAyABEgISBfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Load more onto it?! That would take all the fun out of this excercise. And besides if you leave amy balance they start charging you $6 a month. So i never keave a balance beyond 30 days.


Dont ask me why i use Greendot cards and not the account i share with my wife.  

I would find a different pre loadable service to use that doesn't charge stupid service fees.  I thought the Feds outlawed those fees on balances?  Or was that just gift cards?

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

I think that was just gift cards, NapalmMan67.

I've got one of those Greendot cards as well (well, it's similar to a Greendot card. Mine is a Walmart Money Card) and it's got like a 4 bucks a month service charge.

[Moab]

Heres a good one. I just need a new 5 gal bucket to go with it.

72HOURS Premium Camp Toilet, Portable Toilet for Camping, Bucket Toilet Seat with Lid fit 5 Gallon Bucket, Luggable Loo Black (No Bucket Included) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DSQDX4T/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_2DX5GST4D40GXMRR1XA2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[Moab]

If you put $120 on the card, but have $18 left, then you didn't use it all.   But I digress...   

Why not reload it with more cash and save for the proverbeal "rainy day" expense?

Word of caution from an experienced user of the "Close quarter Hacksaw"... In my use, the blade bent/broke 99.9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999% of the time before I got through the item I was wanting to cut.  I got mine 25+ years ago, doesn't have the fancy cushioned handle though.

https://www.survivalfrog.com/collections/under-20/products/light-sticks-by-frog-co?variant=41765127028930

https://www.survivalfrog.com/collections/under-20/products/survival-tips-playing-cards-survival-tools

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Outdoor-Emergency-Portable-Hand-Power-Dynamo-Hand-Crank-USB-Charging-Charger-Camping-Backpack-Survival-Gear/675166574?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=18988&&adid=22222222227384672018&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=478709150357&wl4=aud-393207457166:pla-1015911854541&wl5=9021502&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=125210027&wl11=online&wl12=675166574&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyeSurZn79gIVAR-tBh2NewOzEAQYAyABEgISBfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Load more onto it?! That would take all the fun out of this excercise. And besides if you leave amy balance they start charging you $6 a month. So i never keave a balance beyond 30 days.


Dont ask me why i use Greendot cards and not the account i share with my wife.  

I would find a different pre loadable service to use that doesn't charge stupid service fees.  I thought the Feds outlawed those fees on balances?  Or was that just gift cards?

Ya. Its really lame. I just remembered tho. You can get around it if you have a paypal card associated with your paypal acct. I should have used it. But forgot it as its tucked way down in my wallet. Because i didnt want my wife finding it. Lol. God im terrible.

It seems to me i had a problem loading it last time tho. I dont remember. Ill have to try it at riteaid. I know walgreens stopped selling and loading greendot cards. And the time before last it wouldnt let you load more than $500 at a time onto a greendot. I forget what i was trying to pay for.

So the oaypal card might work. If u can find a place to load it. The paypal card isnt a credit card either. It just lets you use your paypal balance. What i usually do is take that as payment whenever i sell anything. Then use it tomake purchases. There is no monthly fee. But either the seller or buyer does pay a small percentage. I think its if you sell something and take paypal that u pay a fee. I dont think you pay a fee if you buy using your balance.

[SCBrian]

If you need some and want to play, let me know.  I've a bit available.  I use it to teach the Scouts & Leaders.  It's safer than bleach for sanitizing. 

Vwry generous of you, brian. But i can oick some up. Whats your review of them? They look very interesting. Like a good around the house preo item.

Works well, takes a little to dissolve, but reviews are typically positive.   It's used in restaurants and that does speak volumes.
My typically use was to take a small prescription bottle for each patrol and put a handful of them in it.  (About the size of a skittles candy) .  Add a piece of cotton or another type of desiccant to keep dry.  That way the large bottle was preserved from grubby hands and kept controlled. 
***Keep in mind this is a 'sanitizer' and not a 'sterilizer'. ***
Overall,  safer than bleach, easier to transport.  longer lifespan.  Now that said, it can't be used to purify water, etc.
Bleach has it's place, but I think so do these.

[Crosscut]

If you need some and want to play, let me know.  I've a bit available.  I use it to teach the Scouts & Leaders.  It's safer than bleach for sanitizing.

I'm pretty sure I first heard of them from you at the old site. 

Word of caution from an experienced user of the "Close quarter Hacksaw"... In my use, the blade bent/broke 99.9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999% of the time before I got through the item I was wanting to cut.  I got mine 25+ years ago, doesn't have the fancy cushioned handle though.

https://www.survivalfrog.com/collections/under-20/products/light-sticks-by-frog-co?variant=41765127028930

https://www.survivalfrog.com/collections/under-20/products/survival-tips-playing-cards-survival-tools

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Outdoor-Emergency-Portable-Hand-Power-Dynamo-Hand-Crank-USB-Charging-Charger-Camping-Backpack-Survival-Gear/675166574?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=18988&&adid=22222222227384672018&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=478709150357&wl4=aud-393207457166:pla-1015911854541&wl5=9021502&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=125210027&wl11=online&wl12=675166574&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyeSurZn79gIVAR-tBh2NewOzEAQYAyABEgISBfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

That USB dynamo crank is interesting, have to wonder how it compares to the dynamo emergency radios for power output and reliability.  I've read a lot of comments that the emergency radio ones break easily, but the one on my old (late 90's) Grundig FR-200 still works and I used it fairly often back then, but always treated it semi-gently while cranking.

For the slingshot line launcher, lightweight string tied to a 3/4" nut is what I use.  Bring extra nuts and string

5 Tine Fish Spear.  Turn your walking stick into a fish, frog, and snake spear.  Pro tip, wear a yellow shirt and you'll look like Aquaman wandering through the woods.

3M™ Scotchlok™ Electrical Connectors  Great for splicing into small gauge wires, like fixing trailer wiring or tapping into power in the BOV.  Snap on with pliers and can be removed without damaging the original wiring.

Cigarette lighter socket for the above.  Or get one with a mount and mount it under the dash, inside the glovebox or console box.  I tapped into wiring tied directly to the battery so it always has power as my newer truck kills power to everything 5 mins or so after the truck is shut off.

5 watt solar panel Along with the two above, can leave it on the dashboard to trickle charge the battery. 

Bow Saw  More for home/base camp use maybe.  I keep one in the BOV, short of having a chainsaw it helps (along with a tow strap or logging chain) to clear a downed tree blocking a road or trail.  Just need to saw it enough so it breaks where you want it to when you start dragging it with the vehicle.

Collapsible Bucket  Another item in my BOV kit, I've used it twice to put out still smouldering fires left by careless campers.

[Moab]

If you need some and want to play, let me know.  I've a bit available.  I use it to teach the Scouts & Leaders.  It's safer than bleach for sanitizing.

I'm pretty sure I first heard of them from you at the old site. 

Word of caution from an experienced user of the "Close quarter Hacksaw"... In my use, the blade bent/broke 99.9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999% of the time before I got through the item I was wanting to cut.  I got mine 25+ years ago, doesn't have the fancy cushioned handle though.

https://www.survivalfrog.com/collections/under-20/products/light-sticks-by-frog-co?variant=41765127028930

https://www.survivalfrog.com/collections/under-20/products/survival-tips-playing-cards-survival-tools

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Outdoor-Emergency-Portable-Hand-Power-Dynamo-Hand-Crank-USB-Charging-Charger-Camping-Backpack-Survival-Gear/675166574?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=18988&&adid=22222222227384672018&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=478709150357&wl4=aud-393207457166:pla-1015911854541&wl5=9021502&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=125210027&wl11=online&wl12=675166574&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyeSurZn79gIVAR-tBh2NewOzEAQYAyABEgISBfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

That USB dynamo crank is interesting, have to wonder how it compares to the dynamo emergency radios for power output and reliability.  I've read a lot of comments that the emergency radio ones break easily, but the one on my old (late 90's) Grundig FR-200 still works and I used it fairly often back then, but always treated it semi-gently while cranking.

For the slingshot line launcher, lightweight string tied to a 3/4" nut is what I use.  Bring extra nuts and string

5 Tine Fish Spear.  Turn your walking stick into a fish, frog, and snake spear.  Pro tip, wear a yellow shirt and you'll look like Aquaman wandering through the woods.

3M™ Scotchlok™ Electrical Connectors  Great for splicing into small gauge wires, like fixing trailer wiring or tapping into power in the BOV.  Snap on with pliers and can be removed without damaging the original wiring.

Cigarette lighter socket for the above.  Or get one with a mount and mount it under the dash, inside the glovebox or console box.  I tapped into wiring tied directly to the battery so it always has power as my newer truck kills power to everything 5 mins or so after the truck is shut off.

5 watt solar panel Along with the two above, can leave it on the dashboard to trickle charge the battery. 

Bow Saw  More for home/base camp use maybe.  I keep one in the BOV, short of having a chainsaw it helps (along with a tow strap or logging chain) to clear a downed tree blocking a road or trail.  Just need to saw it enough so it breaks where you want it to when you start dragging it with the vehicle.

Collapsible Bucket  Another item in my BOV kit, I've used it twice to put out still smouldering fires left by careless campers.

Nice selection!

I have heard the same thing about the cranks. The one on my emergency radio feels like a 6 times use device or something. Might last for a week. Lol. But who knows.

I like the slingshot idea. But i have had this on my list forever.

https://simple-shot.com/slingshots/1b132xxx/hammer-bundle-both-lt-heads-xt-handle

Its like the best wrist rocket combined with a slingbow.

[Moab]

If you need some and want to play, let me know.  I've a bit available.  I use it to teach the Scouts & Leaders.  It's safer than bleach for sanitizing. 

Vwry generous of you, brian. But i can oick some up. Whats your review of them? They look very interesting. Like a good around the house preo item.

Works well, takes a little to dissolve, but reviews are typically positive.   It's used in restaurants and that does speak volumes.
My typically use was to take a small prescription bottle for each patrol and put a handful of them in it.  (About the size of a skittles candy) .  Add a piece of cotton or another type of desiccant to keep dry.  That way the large bottle was preserved from grubby hands and kept controlled. 
***Keep in mind this is a 'sanitizer' and not a 'sterilizer'. ***
Overall,  safer than bleach, easier to transport.  longer lifespan.  Now that said, it can't be used to purify water, etc.
Bleach has it's place, but I think so do these.

I mean do you literally wash dishes with them?

[NT2C]

3M™ Scotchlok™ Electrical Connectors  Great for splicing into small gauge wires, like fixing trailer wiring or tapping into power in the BOV.  Snap on with pliers and can be removed without damaging the original wiring.

(screeching halt)... No.  Just no.

Also known as "vampire splices" these things should be avoided.  Yes, they're easy to use and they work.  For awhile.  They also tend to damage conductors, invite corrosion from water penetration, and are often used incorrectly.  I used to swear by these things, nowadays I tend to swear at and about them.

[NapalmMan67]

https://www.bestglide.com/products/spiral-wire-pocket-saw   

or a two'fer  https://www.amazon.com/NOVSIX-Survival-Stainless-Outdoor-Emergency/dp/B0793R163R/ref=asc_df_B0793R163R/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242003507495&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1415118738270287559&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021502&hvtargid=pla-416300790845&psc=1


So as not to upset the Boss man, at least for indoor use.  https://www.lowes.com/pd/IDEAL-In-Sure-10-Pack-Orange-Push-In-Wire-Connectors/1000678773

[NapalmMan67]

So on the card thing- I'm not familiar, as I don't use them.  So why not use a gift card instead to avoid the service charges?  What are the advantages of the cash/gift card vs. a CC?

[Moab]

So on the card thing- I'm not familiar, as I don't use them.  So why not use a gift card instead to avoid the service charges?  What are the advantages of the cash/gift card vs. a CC?

Nothing. Except my wife doesn't see another order for prepping, bugging out or backpacking gear. Lmao! Luckily i pick up all the deliveries off the front porch. And decide if they come in the house. Or fall into the abyss of my garage, shop, prepping, bugging out supplies and coordination center - that is my garage. Lol!

"Oh... No honey. This isnt a new jacket. I've had this is my hiking gear for years!"

If a delivery shows up in my house with another new jacket, new sleeping bag, new tent, new whatever for prepping/bugging out. She will kill me.

Yes. I have a problem.

She did comment about how poorly I had set up packs for her and my son this month. Which she doesnt realize is a green light to go on a prepping shopping spree. Lol. She's coming around slowly.