You don't need a bunker. You need a system.

This week I finally rotated out the canned goods I bought during the pandemic. Half of them expired in 2023. Lesson learned: buying stuff isn’t the same as having a system.

That’s what this newsletter is about. Not hoarding. Not panic. Just building a little margin into your life so you’re not caught flat-footed when things get weird.

Let’s get into it.

Why Prepare Now (And Why It Doesn’t Make You Crazy)

You’re not here because you think the world is ending. You’re here because you’ve noticed things feel less predictable than they used to.

A pandemic emptied grocery store shelves for weeks. A winter storm knocked out power for millions in Texas. A cargo ship got stuck in a canal and suddenly car parts were backordered for months.

None of these were apocalyptic. All of them caught people off guard.

Preparedness isn’t about fear. It’s about margin. The same reason you keep a spare tire in your car or money in savings. You’re not expecting disaster. You’re just not expecting to be helpless if something happens.

Here’s the good news: getting started is simpler than the internet makes it seem. You don’t need a bunker. You don’t need six months of freeze-dried food. You need a few basics handled and a calm plan for the most likely disruptions in your area.

The mistake most people make is overthinking it. They spend weeks researching the “best” gear, buy nothing, and end up with zero preparation. A mediocre kit you actually have beats a perfect kit that only exists in a browser tab.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll cover water, food, power, communication, technology, and safety in small pieces. No fear-mongering. No politics. Just practical steps you can actually take.

Write down your emergency contacts on paper.

Your phone dies. You’re stressed. You can’t remember your spouse’s number because it’s just saved in your contacts.

Write down 5 to 10 essential numbers. Keep one copy at home, one in your wallet or car. Takes 10 minutes. Do it today.

The NY Fed Global Supply Chain Pressure Index rose to 0.49 in February, up from 0.42 in January. That was before the Strait of Hormuz shut down. With major shipping lines suspending transits and tanker traffic at near zero, expect the March reading to spike significantly. Keep an eye on grocery and fuel prices over the next two to four weeks.

Source: NY Fed, CNBC

Remi Adeleke went from legal immigrant to Navy SEAL to Hollywood. In his book Transformed, he writes about how his toughest missions weren’t won with gear or tactics. They were won because he’d already decided how he’d respond before the pressure hit.

The takeaway for us: preparedness isn’t really about stuff. It’s about decisions you make in advance so you’re not making them under stress. That’s why we start with simple actions like writing down phone numbers. Small reps build the habit.

US-Israel Strikes on Iran Enter Second Week as Strait of Hormuz Shuts Down

Joint US-Israeli military operations against Iran are now in their 10th day. Iran has responded with missile and drone strikes on US bases and Israeli territory. The IRGC has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, with tanker traffic dropping to near zero. Major carriers including Maersk and CMA CGM have suspended all transits. Brent crude hit $119 per barrel before settling around $113. National gas prices jumped 16% in one week to $3.48 per gallon.

What it means for you: This is the biggest supply chain disruption since 2020. About 20% of the world’s daily oil flows through that strait. Gas prices are climbing fast, and anything that ships by sea could see delays or price increases in the coming weeks. If you’ve been putting off stocking up on basics, now is the time. Fill your gas tank before prices climb further.

Source: Al Jazeera, CNBC, NPR, Windward

Sawyer Mini Squeeze Water Filter

I’ve been using this thing for two years now, both camping and as part of my home kit. It filters up to 100,000 gallons, weighs almost nothing, and threads onto standard water bottles.

It’s what backpackers and aid workers use. For just under $30, it’s the single best piece of gear for a beginner. If you’re only going to buy one thing after reading this newsletter, make it this.

Budget alternative: LifeStraw ($17). Simpler, shorter lifespan, still solid for a go-bag. I bought a pack of them for the family and keep them in the closet for emergencies.

Overrated: Giant survival knives. You’re not fighting off bears. A basic field knife handles 99% of tasks.

Underrated: A solar-powered, hand crank radio. When the power’s out and cell towers are jammed, AM/FM is how you get information. NOAA weather radio is even better.

We’re building your first 72-hour kit. I’ll break down exactly what goes in it, what you can skip, and how to do it for under $100.

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