Thread: preparedness

Hi Guys.

I've carried some kind of first aid kit, or bug out bag, or survival kit for many years. It changes from time to time. I've never really been of the "hoarding survivalist" mentality. My carry habits began more with lazily leaving my backpack in my truck after a weekend camping trip; and before I could find a good reason to put things away I'd need something in it for work-maybe only a band-aid, or a bit of duct tape.

My best use so far was when I sliced the fabric of an expensive chair, cutting away the plastic it was wrapped in at a hotel we were building. I fixed it pretty good with my lil sewing kit.

*It could just be the effect of our collective awareness of the 2012 predictions, or my own paranoia building with all the crises around the world. But damned if it doesn't feel like the time is ripe for a good old-fashioned course of history altering event. If nothing else=by not yet happening it becomes more likely to happen 'cause it will. It always does geologically speaking

Which is why I turn to you-tube to get my expert advice on emergency preparedness. I don't watch much TV. It influeneces me too much. Like I mentioned when talking about barefooting. I like that Dual Survivor show. (see what happens I've only seen 3 episodes and I'm becoming a survivalist) That's a long enough backstory eh?

I recall a thread lambasting a youtube survival advice guy. (the baloon was interesting and the extraztor works pretty good) I was a bit surprised(I dont know why) just how much there was on there about the subject.

Have you seen and good ones on there, or where do you look for advice on general self reliance and preparedness?

I watched the first season of "The Colony" while I was on vacation, weed out the stupid Reality show situations and it was pretty good...The Second season which started last week looks dumber than dumb...

That Dual Survival show was actually funny in my eyes, but had some good tips in it...

Check out this one it has some great stuff in there

The one thing I don't believe any of them cover enough is that regardless of how prepared your "home base" is, you have to either be able protect it, or move it, hide it, or lose it...

I watch afew survival shows on OLN(outdoor life network)

My favorite one is survivorman. Man vs wild is also a great show, they are both filled with many handy wilderness tips and other info.


As such since I've seen these shows whenever I'm out and about in the wild or road trip I always carry a few things.

My hunting knife, rope, a lighter/matches. And something to sleep in like a blanket or sleeping bag.

How could I forget about my flashlight! And spare batteries

Originally Posted by basil

How could I forget about my flashlight! And spare batteries

I dont know, but what if you did?

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I watched the first season of "The Colony" while I was on vacation, weed out the stupid Reality show situations and it was pretty good...The Second season which started last week looks dumber than dumb...

That Dual Survival show was actually funny in my eyes, but had some good tips in it...

Check out this one it has some great stuff in there

The one thing I don't believe any of them cover enough is that regardless of how prepared your "home base" is, you have to either be able protect it, or move it, hide it, or lose it...

It is a funny show. I like both the "characters". I like the bush hippy best; but I'm with Dave- I need me some 4 legged furry critters.

I think the most valuable thing is knowledge, which is why I started this thread. So maybe if someone is not thinking much about it, or putting it off, they might at least start. There's no way to be prepared for every possible scenario so like they say: The more you know; the less you need

To me the biggest part of preparedness is knowing how to be sustainable and how to adapt to the situation at hand. I couldn't agree more with your post Kevin. I don't believe that hoarding can ever make someone truly prepared.
I used to participate in a survivalist forum, but left as the overwhelming mentality of the people there was that a bunker full of canned goods was the equivalent of being prepared. That said, I do have about a two month food supply on hand. I also have hand tools and various antiquities that would make a life without electricity livable. I've also been studying various crafts and elements of living from pre-electric times. It is amazing how much knowledge has been lost in the age of convenience.
Heck, that is how I got into straight razors in the first place. I wanted a means of shaving without being reliant on razors from the store.

I am not a doomsdayer. I really doubt that I'll ever have a need to use most of what I've collected, or any of the skills and crafts that I've learned. But, it is comforting to know that in the one in a million chance that it would be needed I have it.
Oh, and I have the means to defend it as well.

The power was out here for about 12 hours last week. I know that's not a big deal, but it was nice to know that it could have been out for several days and life would have proceeded virtually normally for me and my kids. Of course I wouldn't have been able to visit SRP for awhile...
I don't have a generator, as I don't see a point in becoming reliant on things that require gas to operate. One day when I have the funds I might look at solar or wind as backup power.

I probably sound totally nuts now...

Originally Posted by gssixgun

The one thing I don't believe any of them cover enough is that regardless of how prepared your "home base" is, you have to either be able protect it, or move it, hide it, or lose it...

+1 on that! Its all very well being prepared for anything, but if you're not ready to protect whats yours then you arent prepared for everything.

not exactly the same thing.. but i carry what is called the nannypack.. i basic blue jansport with everything i could ever possibly need for nanny survival..

diapers
wipeys
change of clothes
first aid kit
granola bars
sippy cups
random small toys
kids movies on dvd
laptop
mobile phone
notepad with vital information
crayolas and sketchbook
a $20 bill

i basically have everything i could ever need while away from the house with the smaller kids.. just the other day we took a trip to the natural history museum and ended up having to make our own way home via public transport.. it was a 2 hour adventure and you can be sure that i made use of many tools the nannypack had to offer.

It's all very well to have the gadgets, but if you don't have the mindset and willingness to use them, then you're as good as screwed. It's all very well to say you have the mindset, but you'll never know for sure if you've never been put to the test.
Then if you have all that, you'll also need the physical preparedness. A 'Big Mac' physique just won't cut it.


Mick