Doomsday Tech: 6 gadgets to help you survive the apocalypse

We humans sure do love to contemplate the end of the world. We've been assuming the apocalypse is nigh for various reasons at various times throughout history — often due to flukes of an arbitrary numbering system, but also as the result of dangers like global warming, nuclear war, or other phenomena.

Of course, no self-respecting person is going to give up when the zombies attack; we'll be hunkering down and taking a stand, ensuring the survival of the human race — or just making sure we're prepared for a power outage, tornado, or other unexpected emergency. We've collected the six best gadgets and gizmos to help you survive the coming apocalypse (or a few hours while the cable's out). 

1. Lifesaver water filtration system
Price: $179.99
Where to get it: Lifesaver Bottle 6000 Ultra Filtration Water Bottle

The first problem you need to address in a survival situation is that of potable water. With the utility grid offline in an earthquake, tsunami, or zombie attack, you won't necessarily be able to trust the water coming out of your faucet — and that's where the Lifesaver Bottle comes in. Utilizing the world's first nano-filtration technology, this oversized water bottle provides clean, safe drinking water anywhere from any source of water. Simply fill the bottle from your water source, and the active carbon and nano-filters effectively block all pathogens, chemicals, heavy metals, and even bad tastes and smells, leaving you with simple, pure water. 

2. BioLite CampStove
Price: $129
Where to get it: Reserve your BioLite CampStove online, orders ship "in time for camping season 2012."

The next thing you need to figure out, after you've fortified your camp against marauding zombies and found a good water supply, is how you're going to eat. Canned goods only get you so far, so you'll eventually need to find a way to cook. A good old-fashioned wood-fueled campfire is fine, of course, but why not go a generous leap better? The BioLite CampStove not only cooks more efficiently than an open wood fire, it also uses the heat generated by the fire to power your small electronics. You can charge your cell phone, power a light, or plug in anything with a USB power converter. The CampStove uses small twigs, pine cones, pellets, or any other biomass as fuel, so you don't have to spend time and energy finding and chopping firewood. 

Note: Cell phones are not guaranteed to work in a zombie apocalypse.

3. Micro-Max 19-in-1 multi-tool
Price: $11.68
Where to get it: Swiss+Tech 19-in-1 Micro-Max

Swiss Army knives with only a few tools are so last apocalypse. This bad boy has two hex wrenches, six screwdrivers, pliers, a wire cutter/stripper, a bottle opener, a wire crimper, a hand drill, a file, two rulers, and two ruler extensions. And it all folds up into a compact form that barely takes up half a pocket's worth of space. Sturdy enough to handle just about any task, this little device packs a lot of utility into a tiny package.

4. BedBunker concealed bed safe
Price: $2,200 to $4,200
Where to get it: Available from BedBunker

As the post-apocalypse lawlessness grows, you'll need to make sure you can keep your valuables safe. The BedBunker is a solid steel fireproof safe that is concealed under your bed mattress. Designed to fit any size bed, it'll keep your guns, ammunition, gold, important papers, or the last priceless pound of coffee safe from prying eyes and itchy fingers. While it's not exactly portable, if you're able to stay in your home during the apocalypse, the BedBunker is an invaluable addition to any bedroom!

5. Portable Solar Kit
Price: $725
Where to get it: Portable Solar Kit — Self-contained  

Another long-term necessity while you're weathering Armageddon is power. While the small amount of power generated by the BioLite CampStove is helpful for small objects, what if you want to power something a little more sizable? This self-contained Portable Solar Kit provides immediate power for your essential communication needs, combining a 10-watt solar panel with a portable 300-watt inverter and battery, providing up to 300 watts of backup power wherever you need it — that's enough to power a 25-watt laptop computer for up to four hours. 

6. EcoRoamer zombie-proof survival RV
Price: Starting at $275,000
Where to get it: Build your own from open-source plans

For the truly dedicated (or the truly paranoid), the EcoRoamer is the way to go in post-apocalyptic, self-contained portable housing. Touted as the world's first open-source, eco-friendly, family-sized 4x4 overland expedition vehicle, it's like an RV on eco-friendly steroids, complete with a NASA-designed water purification system, solar panels for auxiliary power, and a biodiesel engine. The cabin uses yacht design techniques to make the most efficient use of the space available, with loft beds, slide-out shelving, a bathroom with a shower and a composting toilet, and even a dorm-style kitchen with a two-burner stove, sink, and microwave/convection oven. And it's all built using recycled and repurposed materials whenever possible, so you can console yourself that you're saving what's left of the planet.

The end of the world as we know it... and we feel fine
Whatever the flavor of apocalypse you think might be coming, it pays to be ready. You definitely want to be the one with the food, water, coffee, and beer when the zombie hordes arrive, not the one banging at the door begging to be let inside.

In all seriousness, every family should have an emergency plan in place for weathering whatever situation might arise. These products would all be solid additions to that plan.

[Image credit: fraydidacus]