> TEOTWAWKI Blog: Cache Contents Lists: Speedball/Resupply Cache

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6/18/13

Cache Contents Lists: Speedball/Resupply Cache

The overview of various cache types that I posted last week generated some more questions, with many of you wanting to get more into the specifics of what would actually go into each kind of cache.

The first cache we're running through is the "Speedball" or resupply cache, which focuses on replenishing the consumable items in your kit, versus entirely outfitting you with new tools and gear. The point is to get you topped off, refreshed and back out into the field.


There are of course no hard/fast rules to any of this, and I think it generally makes sense to throw some supporting tools that you wouldn't normally carry into one of these as well.

Now, keep in mind, when putting together any cache, deciding on the mission it will support upfront will give you better results and guide what you are putting together. A vehicle borne bug out is going to have different needs than an on-foot one. Scout operations will require different contents than E&E operations. Low-profile urban operations with society mostly intact will have different needs than Mad Max rural. So, if/when you actually decide to put a cache like this together, do some of that thinking.

Now, for general, survivalist type purposes, what would I store in a resupply cache? You want the list, right? We love our lists.

Here you go--for one individual. Multiply by the number of people you want to be able to resupply.

The Basics:
  • Rifle ammunition and spare magazines to re-outfit a fighting load, plus some extra--for the average survivalist with an AR-15, this would be 240 rounds in bandoleers, plus 5-7 magazines.
  • Pistol ammunition and spare magazines to re-outfit a fighting load, plus some extra. 100 rounds of pistol ammo, plus 3 magazines.
  • Spare batteries - two sets for flashlights, weaponlights, headlamps, commo gear and optics. Lithium store the longest.
  • Water (stored separately) - two gallons. More = better. As an alternative, a filter and purification tablets.
  • Small cleaning and spare parts kits
  • Source of caffeine/stimulant - pills like No-Doz
  • Pain killers - Ibuprofen
  • A few thousand calories of MRE grab-and-eat food (sides, snacks--the sandwich things, desserts, tortillas, crackers, peanut butter, cheese--that kind of thing)
  • In an urban/suburban environment, potentially cash or maybe precious metals or jewelry--would need to be very transportable and liquid
Nice to Have:
  • Change of socks; potentially clean boxers, t-shirt, too.
  • Wipes
  • Inexpensive but quality knife - Moras for me, all day long
  • A couple Bic lighters or a ferro rod
  • Boo-boo kit - especially with foot/blister care stuff
  • And probably some basic tool/repair stuff - needle, some cordage, contractor bag, duct tape, etc.
Keep in mind that this list is broadly focused, with a lean towards replenishing the average survivalist's fighting load out. You can, obviously, take this numerous ways.

For funsies, here's an idea of a more wilderness survival focused, Dave Canterbury-esque speedball cache might look like:
  • A mix of 12 gauge in birdshot, buckshot and slugs
  • A few hundred rounds of .22lr hunting ammo (CCI Stingers or Velocitors)
  • Mora knife
  • A couple saw blades
  • Cheap multi-tool
  • Sharpening stone
  • Ferro rod and tinder
  • A few Bic lighters
  • Headlamp batteries
  • 100% cotton cloth
  • Socks
  • Cordage - bank line and paracord
  • Roll o' duct tape
  • Cheapie tarp and/or contractor-grade trash bags
  • Sail needle
  • #110 conibear traps
  • Fishing kit
  • Food - common man stuff
  • Salt
  • Beeswax/fixing wax
  • Slingshot band
For those who will inevitably ask about how to package the cache, store it and so on, I will get into the actual container and concealment part of caching in the future, but there are plenty of great resources out there for the impatient--hit up YouTube and Google.