Wish you could go back to a simpler time, when man didn’t need to concern himself with things like taxes or mortgages… Back in the good old days, all a man had to worry about was filling his belly for the night (and disease, famine, the weather, millions of naturally occurring poisons, other humans, the wrath of the Sun God, bears). And there’s no better way to experience that kind of simplicity than camping – and isn’t that what camping is all about? The great outdoors. The fresh air. The peace and tranquility. The miles of forest separating you from the people with a warrant.

So You’re Going Off The Grid… well, congratulations. First things first, you’ll need some Camping and Survival Gear. Because man is cruel, but Mother Nature is a goddamn sadist.

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

Mmm, swamp water! Why is everything delicious always bad for you? Just like in Tijuana, drinking the water may be dangerous. But if you have the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter, the world is your malted milkshake just one straw away from being in your stomach.  This thing is better than chlorine for disinfecting water, and a lot more tasty.

Check Amazon for the LifeStraw Personal Water Filter

Swedish FireSteel Strike Fire Starter

Yeah, after seeing Castaway, we’re not thrilled about starting our own fires.  But when the nearest convenience store is many moons away, getting a lighter might now be an option. While the Swiss have their army knives, the Swedes have their Swedish FireSteel Strike Fire Starter – light your tinder in a few strikes. No frustration, no blood, no Wilson.

Check Amazon for the Swedish FireSteel Strike Fire Starter

4-in-1 Woodsman

Sorry, we take back what we said before… the truth is, this is what camping is about: hacking, slashing, cutting, and pounding! In fact, this is what life is about, and we’re tempted to buy the 4-in-1 Woodsman as a toy instead of a tool.

Buy the 4-in-1 Woodsman Here

Klymit Inertia Camping Mattress

All that running from the law must have done a number on your back, but sleeping bags are a far cry from your posturepedic support mattress. If you’re looking to soften your roughing it experience, the Klymit Inertia Camping Mattress features a body mapping capability that molds to your body.

Check Amazon for the Klymit Inertia Camping Mattress

ZODI Hot Camp Shower

I know what you’re thinking… “But the best part of camping is not showering!” Before you scoff, I want you to consider something:  Week 10, when you’re more pit stain than person. You’ll be glad you packed the ZODI Hot Camp Shower then.

Check Amazon for the ZODI Hot Camp Shower

Tree Tent

You’ve heard the park rangers say to tie up your food in a tree so bears can get to it, right? Well, to a bear, you are also food. Ipso facto, get your ass up in a tree before a bear eats you! The Tree Tent is more than just a tent, or a tree – it’s a home! The 3-meter sphere features a floor plan with a sleeping area, a cooking area, a dining area, and a “mess” area (think about it). We’re going to wait for the version with a foyer and wine cellar.

Buy the Tree Tent Here

Going Off The Grid: Essential Camping and Survival Gear

Are you a prepper? Do you have a plan for when the SHTF? You know, like an EMP in the atmosphere wiping out civilization as we know it? Or maybe the zombie apocalypse?

Will you at least be tuning in to Doomsday Castle (premiering tonight at 10PM EST on National Geographic Channel)? At least while there’s still power? Well, if you’ve glanced at some of the recent deals here at Ben’s Bargains, you might think we’re prepping for the end of the world.

Here are 10 recent deals we’ve seen around Ben’s Bargains that’ll help you get by during times of civil unrest and social upheaval, catastrophic disasters and/or zombies (deals active at time of posting):

1) REI Outlet frequently discounts outdoor gear up to 75% off in their Mega Deals sale, plus you can get an extra 20% off one item at checkout through August 13th.

2) A good source for survival kits is eBay, where you can pick up a 26-Piece ASR Outdoor SK-4 Ultimate Outdoor Survival Kit for $22 shipped.

3) Groupon Goods is in on this survival thing with a 167-piece Genuine Emergency Preparedness and First Aid Kit for $15 with free shipping. You’ll usually find these for around $25 on Amazon.

4) Speaking of Amazon, this stylish Soviet Russian Gas Mask (Model GP-5) (pictured at right) is available there from $8.70 with free shipping on orders $25 or more.

5) If you can wait for overseas shipping through an international eBay seller, this Mini Portable Multifunctional Hunt Army 10-in-1 Camp Hiking Survival Compass is just $4.85 shipped. Just hope things don’t go south while you’re waiting. Ba-dum-tss!

6) Everything is better when it’s tactical, like this Every Day Carry Tactical Assault Bag EDC Backpack for $35 shipped from Altatac at eBay.

7) The Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Serrated Knife is $34 with free shipping at Amazon. The Bear Grylls brand—the next best thing to tactical.

8) Have a handy store of undoubtedly delicious food with the Augason Farms 30-Day Food Storage Emergency Pail for $105 shipped from Overstock.com at eBay.

9) Cook your rat meat with an Ultralight Backpacking Canister Camp Stove for just $5.75 with free shipping at Amazon.

10) Last but not least, prepare for zombies with the Every Day Carry Zombie 3-Day Survival Disaster Preparedness Kit (5 Year Storage) (pictured at right) for $29 with free shipping from Altatac at eBay.

If any of the survival deals above have expired by the time you’ve read this,  you can create deal alerts (registration required) so you won’t miss them the next time they’re on Ben’s Bargains. You can also click the deal alert icon (the bell) on individual posts to receive an instant email alert. Hurry before time runs out!

10 Deals for the End of the World As We Know It