In the wake of Avengers: Endgame, last month’s terrifying earthquake, and the recent episodes of Game of Thrones, talk about the end of the world has been slipping in and out of conversations. Which got us thinking: What kind of tech would you need with you when shit hits the fan?
For starters, you need stuff that’s built to last. We need devices built like tanks and will survive bad weather and being used as a bludgeon against zombies (okay, maybe that’s a bit much).
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You’ll also need tech that can go for days without access to a charger, and conforms to the most common standards of wireless communication, ports, and anything else you’d need to connect to it. Today, solving compatibility issues is as easy as ordering an adapter or dongle from Lazada, but in the post-apocalypse, you’ll have to make do with what you have on hand.
Finally, you’ll need tech that you can actually use. All those MIL -STD devices and ruggedized laptops won’t mean a thing if you won’t really play PUBG in the apocalypse, right? Storage and bag space are at a premium when it comes to the end of the world, and you should only carry the right tools for survival.
With that, we were able to cull the herd and come up with the best gadgets to help you survive the end.
Smartphone
Yes, a smartphone may definitely have use in the apocalypse. Phones come with a vast array of tools that can help you survive. First, the navigation tools, such as GPS and a compass, can help you find your way. Even if the maps are no longer useful or accessible, there are still offline apps that you can download to help you record points of interest. Tools like the flashlight and camera can definitely come in handy as well, whenever you need to keep track of things. Finally, if networks do get restored at some point, you don’t want to be left without access.
Our Pick: Doogee S90
The Doogee S90 is one of the most ruggedized phones ever made. With its titanium alloy build, class-leading IP68/69K rating for environmental protection, temperature resistance and ultra-sturdy casing, this smartphone is built to survive the end.
On top of that, its modular design allows for several attachments that make it even more useful. For instance, its already large 5050mAh battery can be extended even further with a 5000mAh module. It also has a walkie-talkie module that allows it to communicate on standard radio frequencies without a network connection.
Finally, the Doogee S90 comes with a bunch of survival apps preinstalled, including a barometer, compass, and sound meter, which can definitely help in the wild.
Power Bank With Car Starter
Everyone loves a good power bank, but for the apocalypse, you need a solid one that can do more than give your phone a boost. You want to be able to jumpstart any dead cars you find along the way. A power bank with a car starter is an excellent choice for the job. It will come with a massive battery and the jumper terminals necessary for resurrecting a car with a dead battery, and can also keep any of your devices charged for a long period of time.
Our Pick: 68800mAh 4USB Multi-Function 12V Car Jump Starter Power Bank Rechargable Battery
This car starter contains everything you need to charge your phones and start your car, with a gigantic battery that can last for days. It even has a multi-volt output to charge laptops and other DC-powered devices. It also includes an emergency hammer built right into the casing.
Water Filter
Clean drinking water isn’t going to be easy to find after everyone’s cleared out the groceries and water supply stations. You’re going to need to find a way to make your own wherever you go. That’s where a water filter will come in handy.
Our Pick: LifeStraw Go
The award-winning LifeStraw was praised for its innovative and effective solution to clean water, by creating a 2-stage filter in the form of a straw that can filter 4000 liters of water – enough to supply a person for three years.
The LifeStraw Go packs the LifeStraw filter along with a convenient bottle for your use.
3D Printer
What use would a 3D printer have after the apocalypse?
Actually, the right question is: What use wouldn’t it have? With a 3D printer, you can print replacement parts or tools that you would never otherwise have access to. It’s an insanely important tool to have that people rarely consider. Yes, it does require you to have a home base, as 3D printers are too heavy to carry around. But it’s worth having regardless.
Our Pick: Makerbot Replicator Mini+
The MakerBot Replicator Mini+ is insanely durable and relatively portable compared to other printers of its class, and can connect via Wi-Fi or USB to a laptop or a mobile app. It also uses standard spools of PLA, so stock up on those!
Ruggedized Laptop
Whether you’re writing your post-apocalyptic young adult novel thanks to the newfound inspiration of everyone dying, or you just want to have a taste of tech even after all’s gone, a ruggedized laptop is a helpful piece of survival tech for anyone.
Our Pick: Panasonic Toughbook 33
One of the original ruggedized laptops, the legendary Toughbook brand still maintains its heritage of delivering indestructible goods. With a detachable touchscreen that transforms the device into a tablet, 20 hours of battery life with a second backup battery, 7th generation Intel processor, and an absurd array of ruggedness certifications, this thing will probably last longer than you.