Don't make the mistake of solely relying on anything motorized because you might run out of fuel. Get something you can pedal, pull, push, or roll easily. Heavy supplies like water will be easier to carry with a wagon, so get something with wheels. (h/t to ModernSurvivalBlog.com.)
Uses for manual transportation when SHTF
When disaster strikes, you'll need an easy way to transport water to your home or shelter. If you have a bicycle, yard cart, wagon, or a wheelbarrow, it will be easier to carry gallons of water.
A simple cart or wagon can let you transport five-gallon jugs of water, even if you're alone. That's 40 pounds overall since one gallon is eight pounds! You can use carts for other things, but when SHTF, hauling water will be easier with a wagon or two. (Related: What’s in YOUR bug out bag? 10 must-have multipurpose survival tools.)
You can also use wagons or yard carts in your garden, especially when you need to haul some heavy vegetation. For example, if you're cultivating heavy produce such as potatoes, a cart will make this task easier to accomplish. They're also handy if you're "weeding, planting, and harvesting."
What else can you use wagons, wheelbarrows, and yard carts for? Here are some examples:
- Bicycles can transport heavy loads, simply sling a load over each side
- Deer/Game hauler
- Hauling wood/firewood
- A mountain bike/pull-behind carrier
- A manual means of transport for operations security (OPSEC)
If you're not sure what kind of bicycle is best for a survival situation, they all have their pros and cons. You can even consider the following options:
- A furniture dolly or garage dolly
- A hand-cart
- A jogging stroller
- A shopping cart
- A two-wheel hand-truck
Try to keep some extra wheels, axles, casters, and repair kits for whatever you choose. Keep these tips in mind when you're choosing a manual transportation tool:
- Carts with large-diameter wheels are easier to roll around in the field. Larger wheels help decrease the rolling resistance.
- Fat tires won't sink as much in soft terrain or mud.
- A yard cart with four wheels will distribute weight better than a wheelbarrow or a similar cart.
- You can build up the sides of a yard cart by adding tie-downs to make it hold more items.
- Don't forget to calculate the overall weight of your items. If it's too heavy, they can be harder to transport. This defeats the purpose of your cart or wagon.
In a post-collapse world, you'll be relying on manual labor more to move and transport gear and supplies. Anything with wheels can even help save your life one day.
Other prepping items to consider
Aside from deciding on manual transportation tools, keep these multipurpose items in mind:
- Chopsticks -- Chopsticks can also be used as kindling or splints for broken fingers/toes.
- Dental floss -- Floss will keep your teeth clean, but when SHTF, you can use it as a makeshift rope, or to cut food with.
- Nails and screws -- These can always be used when you want to build, create, or secure something.
- A shovel -- Aside from their obvious uses, shovels can be used as makeshift weapons. Get a fiberglass handled shovel, which is "more durable, has a higher impact rating, and is also much lighter" than a wooden handled shovel.
- Zip ties -- These can be used to secure anything, such as when you're building a shelter or tying down items to your car.
You can read more articles about the possible uses of wagons, wheelbarrows, and yard carts when SHTF at Preparedness.news.
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