If you think having a garage filled with canned goods is what preparedness looks like, then you’re probably wrong. In a survival situation, the chance of you and your loved ones needing to move locations, “bugout” or resupply along the way is very high. Not to mention the need for redundancy – system that help you cover your butt after unforeseen circumstances. What if your home is destroyed by flood or tornado? What if you have to flee quickly in the middle of the night with little warning? What if your supplies are stolen?

The simple way to cover all your bases is to set-up up strategic Survival Caches. For those of you new to this term, the dictionary defines a Cache as “A hiding place used especially for storing provisions.” They are usually buried for concealment and placed strategically along an escape route or even various places on the property of your retreat location. They are usually solid, air tight containers that are filled with items like food, water, clothing, ammunition, firearms, tools, maps, camping gear, etc.

Now that you know what a cache is, let take a look at some common items that could make for a very useful container for keeping your gear safe.

7 Types of Survival Cache Containers

Pelican cases. These are expensive, but they are a good option. They are watertight, airtight, and crush proof, and some models have a pressure-equalization valve. Plastic trash cans and storage bins. You can store your supplies in a trash can or storage bin labeled “chicken feed” or some such thing. Be sure to use the kind that is not translucent. Keep in mind they won’t be airtight, but they will work for certain types of supplies like canned goods, water containers, tools, and shelters. Old suitcases. Like the trash can, it won’t be airtight, but you can store it above ground and cover it with a tarp, then camouflage it with branches, leaves, or grasses. Just be careful to do it so the wind won’t uncover it. Used ammo cans. If the seal is still good, you can make these airtight, but long exposure to damp conditions may cause corrosion. This is a good option for storage in some sort of building, like the aforementioned shed, barn, or basement. PVC pipe. An 8-inch pipe will hold an AR-15 with the handle still on it, but the six-inch variety is easier to find at building supply stores. That’s what I use. They’re easy to seal completely shut to protect from water infiltration. Vacuum bags. The FoodSaver is a popular brand, but there are many others. Important tip: check your vacuum-sealed goods after a week to make sure they sealed properly, then hide them. Food storage buckets. These buckets are what I use for long-term food storage. I haven’t tested them underground, but the lids do seal, so they should protect the contents from water infiltration.

In coming articles we’ll talk more on where and how to place these caches for maximum effectiveness. We’ll also talk about which items are the best and worst things to use in your survival cache.

Have any ideas we didn’t list here? Join the conversation and leave your comment below. We’d love to hear what you think!

– Skip Tanner, the Expert Prepper