A general conversations about Prepping/Surviving for beginners to long time preppers

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I have a nice test for everyone, take your GHB/BOB and remove the weapons and put 5 red bricks in there or about how much your weapons and ammo weigh.
Take a day hike, If you're dying inside a mile, time to re think some things!
 
This thread and any other threads that I and others make are meant to help each other learn, (hopefully) the easy way, I truly believe that not one size fits all.



I do not know were any one of you live, with that being said every ones situation will be different, what works in one are will not work in another, For example were I live in Canada in the winter, we get a lot of snow, can get cold -30'c (-22'f) or colder, when I used to go to the bottom of Texas when I was a long haul driver, it has hit over 40'c (104'f) (To friggen hot). What I had to prepare for was both scenarios, who here can truly tell me they had to prepare for both at the same time, not many I'm guessing.



With that being said I truly believe that both sonya and Hardcalibres are both right in their thinking due to that their situations are different.



I live some were in Canada, were I live there is no chance of flooding (unless on a back road some were), but there have been the occasional tornado (far and few in between)but right now the are I live in has a lot of forest and its so dry that there is a fire ban on, so the chance of a forest fire is very high, thats my situation right now. Im sure your situations might be similar but also not similar to mine at this time.
 
So, what do you think the next topic should be?
-EDC
-Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room Inside Your House
-First-Aid
-Sustainable LivingYour Basement Fallout Shelter
-Be Prepared for a Power Outage
-Hurricane or Tornado Survival
-Water
-Food
-Shelter
This list is only a very small amount and not limited of topics I would like to talk about, If someone out there wants to talk about a certain topic, please let me know and we will talk about it.
 
Amish Heart said:
I don't think the 3 months, 6 months, one year of food is going to be enough. I think five years is good. Thinking that telling beginners to store 3 months is just going to prevent them from starving for just 3 months. Buying cases of canned ravioli isn't going to cut it. Beginners need to do better.
Click to expand...
I actually agree; however, I think for those who have nothing, 3 months is a good starting point as during that time they will have to figure out how much of what they actually eat. I would say in most cases once that is figured out it’s game on and up it to a year, then beyond. If you throw 5 years at them out the gate they are apt to say just forget it. I’m doomed. That’s where I think the 3 month advice is reasonable (just as a jumping off point).
 
Flight said:
So, what do you think the next topic should be?
Click to expand...
Alertness condition: when to jack it up and reel it back. like say a Russian plane shoots down an American plane with American senators on board in international waters should send you into condition red!

The resurgence of the 1918 flu should put you in orange.

The talk of civil war might well put you in yellow if there has already been a conflict.

A month of filler news ought to put you in blue.

A night out with the kids is green.

You just moved to a tropical island, you're rich and sleeping in the sun is white.
 
Magus said:
Alertness condition: when to jack it up and reel it back. like say a Russian plane shoots down an American plane with American senators on board in international waters should send you into condition red!

The resurgence of the 1918 flu should put you in orange.

The talk of civil war might well put you in yellow if there has already been a conflict.

A month of filler news ought to put you in blue.

A night out with the kids is green.

You just moved to a tropical island, you're rich and sleeping in the sun is white.
Click to expand...
Can you explain or provide a reference to the colors you used? Where can I find that so I can incorporate into my future post please
 
Remember the terror levels that used to parade under the TV screen after 911? a minor variation of.
time2die.jpg
 
When I first started volunteering in search n rescue, the bag I set up I had all kinds of gadgets n doohickies galore in it.
It was fun ..having all sorts off cool stuff in it. But..soon I realized it was all too much.
At the same I was doing SAR stuff, I worked in remote locations , on trails on creeks always out in the boonies in remote locations.
I was in good shape and still i learned to keep my pack as simple as possible.
Generally over time i concluded if a bob just had to get me home , just say within 30 or something close miles, what I always carried in my day pack for either work or SAR stuff became the same.
My day pack for work and SAR was my purse. I always had extra temp/weather appropriate clothes in my truck to change into if needed.
I put stuff in ziplock bags to waterproof them. They need to be changed every few months. I tried those waterproof pack bags b4, but wear n tear wears them out about just as fast as cheap ziplock bags.
In my daypack: small compartment side. wallet , some cash, not much.
Sunglasses, chapstick, hair ties, beenie, extra batteries for my headlamp, small amount of tp, keys, hankie, compass n mirror, I'd throw my SAR pager in it n radio, small write in the rain pad n pencil or pen. N my SOG knife tool unless it was on my belt.
Inside bigger compartment in zip locks,
Extra pair of socks, headlamp, small water filter , a few energy bars ,small first aid kit mainly moleskin, few bandaid n some duct tape n lighter, large n small garbage bag and one of those small emergency blanket and one emergency rain parka things. I usually had 3 or 4 water bottles which was the heaviest thing in my pack. I always had my work gloves in it..always. I usually had a light jacket n shell strapped on the outside.
What I always used the most..water, hankie beenie n gloves headlamp...that's it.
The energy bars i usually had to make a point of eating or replacing them.
I still use the same daypack, bought it new in 95 n it wow..almost 30 years old now! This thread reminds me I should go through it.
 
I really need to buy myself another digital camera. this WAS my GHB, twenty years ago.
MRES not shown. things have changed a LOT since then, more emphasis on food and water, NO heavy tools, I still have the knife and I went 9MM, no rifle at all.
bugger out kit.png
 
Magus said:
Remember the terror levels that used to parade under the TV screen after 911? a minor variation of.
View attachment 109922
Click to expand...
It NEVER goes below "ORANGE" for me, and that is only when inside the cabin. Always bright RED outside. But it is a thrilling environment.
 
Magus said:
I really need to buy myself another digital camera. this WAS my GHB, twenty years ago.
MRES not shown. things have changed a LOT since then, more emphasis on food and water, NO heavy tools, I still have the knife and I went 9MM, no rifle at all.View attachment 109940
Click to expand...
So admit it, you climbed a tree to take that pix didn't you 😂
 
Magus said:
Alertness condition: when to jack it up and reel it back. like say a Russian plane shoots down an American plane with American senators on board in international waters should send you into condition red!

The resurgence of the 1918 flu should put you in orange.

The talk of civil war might well put you in yellow if there has already been a conflict.

A month of filler news ought to put you in blue.

A night out with the kids is green.

You just moved to a tropical island, you're rich and sleeping in the sun is white.
Click to expand...
Okay, thanks for that; I will do my best to incorporate the color alertness level. I will try to get this in by Friday night, if not buy Sunday night, slow-pitch game Friday night and a tournament all day Saturday
 
As promised, here is my next topic up for discussion: alertness.




In survival situations, being alert can mean the difference between life and death. It's about staying mentally and physically aware and tuned in to the world around you. From detecting potential threats to making quick decisions and managing resources effectively, alertness is a vital condition for survival. In this discussion, we'll explore the five levels of alertness—red, orange, yellow, blue, and green—and how they relate to different aspects of surviving in challenging environments. So, let's dive in and discover why being alert is essential for navigating through the trials and triumphs of survival scenarios

1. Threat detection: Alertness at the highest level, red, sharpens the senses and increases awareness, enabling individuals to spot potential threats or dangers in their surroundings with utmost vigilance. It could be a lurking predator, hazardous terrain, or even a sudden change in weather conditions.

2. Quick response: Being alert at the orange level allows for rapid reactions and responses to imminent risks. Individuals in this state of high alertness can react swiftly and appropriately when faced with immediate dangers, employing instinctive or planned actions to protect themselves and ensure survival.

3. Decision-making: Alertness at the yellow level enhances the ability to think critically and make effective decisions in survival situations. It enables individuals to evaluate available options, weigh the pros and cons, and choose the most suitable course of action considering the circumstances at hand, all while maintaining an elevated level of awareness.

4. Situational awareness: Alertness at the blue level fosters a clear understanding of the surroundings, including the layout of the environment, potential hazards, and the presence of other individuals or resources. It helps individuals stay mindful of their surroundings and make informed choices based on the situation while maintaining a guarded level of awareness.

5. Adaptability: Being alert at the green level allows individuals to stay flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. It helps in recognizing when the initial survival plan needs adjustment and facilitates quick modifications or alternative strategies to ensure continued survival. Although at a low level of alertness, individuals remain aware of the need to adapt and respond as needed to maintain their survival.

6. Resource management: Alertness at the red level assists in efficiently utilizing available resources for survival. It involves rationing food and water supplies, conserving energy, and making the most of limited resources to prolong survival until help arrives or a sustainable solution is found.

7. Problem-solving: Alertness at the orange level enhances problem-solving skills by enabling individuals to think critically and creatively. It promotes the ability to identify challenges, evaluate possible solutions, and implement effective strategies to overcome obstacles encountered during survival situations.

8. Self-defense: Alertness at the yellow level plays a crucial role in self-defense by heightening awareness of potential threats and dangers. It allows individuals to anticipate and respond appropriately, using physical techniques, improvised tools, or self-defense strategies to protect themselves from harm.

9. Identifying opportunities: Being alert at the blue level helps individuals recognize opportunities for survival. It could be the discovery of a water source, edible plants, or signs of potential rescue, allowing individuals to leverage these opportunities for increased chances of survival while maintaining a guarded level of awareness.

10. Stamina preservation: Alertness at the green level assists in managing energy levels and preserving stamina during prolonged survival scenarios. By staying mentally focused and physically aware, individuals can pace themselves, prioritize essential tasks, and conserve energy for critical actions or emergencies.

11. Planning and organization: Alertness at the red level facilitates the development of effective survival plans. It enables individuals to assess their situation, set goals, and create structured plans that outline necessary actions, the allocation of resources, and contingencies in case of unforeseen events.

12. Emergency response: Alertness at the orange level enables individuals to respond swiftly and appropriately during emergencies. It ensures that individuals can quickly assess the situation, initiate emergency procedures, and execute necessary actions to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of themselves and others.

13. Observation skills: Being alert at the yellow level enhances the ability to observe and interpret critical details in the environment. It involves noticing subtle changes, identifying patterns, and extracting relevant information that can aid in decision-making and survival.

14. Environmental awareness: Alertness at the blue level fosters an understanding of the natural elements present in the environment and their impact on survival. It includes knowledge of local flora and fauna, weather patterns, geographical features, and other factors that may affect survival strategies and resource availability while maintaining a guarded level of awareness.

15. Risk assessment: Alertness at the green level assists in evaluating potential risks associated with certain actions or situations. It enables individuals to assess the likelihood and severity of risks, helping them make informed choices and take necessary precautions to minimize dangers during survival scenarios while maintaining a low level of alertness.

16. Navigation and orientation: Alertness at the red level aids in finding directions and navigating through unfamiliar terrain. By staying mentally engaged and aware of landmarks, celestial cues, or other navigational aids, individuals can maintain a high level of alertness while navigating towards safety or desired destinations.

17. Communication: Alertness at the orange level allows individuals to effectively convey information and coordinate with others for survival. It involves active listening, clear expression of ideas, and understanding non-verbal cues, facilitating effective communication within a group or when seeking help from external sources.

18. Teamwork: Being alert at the yellow level supports collaboration and cooperation within a group for mutual survival. It involves being attentive to the needs and actions of others, actively contributing to collective efforts, and maintaining open lines of communication to maximize the group's survival potential.

19. Emotional regulation: Alertness at the blue level contributes to maintaining a calm and composed mindset during stressful situations. It enables individuals to manage fear, anxiety, and panic, allowing for rational decision-making, effective problem-solving, and maintaining focus on critical survival tasks while maintaining a guarded level of awareness.

20. Mental preparedness: Being alert at the green level mentally prepares individuals for the challenges they may encounter during survival scenarios. It involves maintaining a proactive mindset, being mentally focused and resilient, and cultivating the necessary mental strength to adapt, persevere, and overcome adversities to survive, albeit at a low level of alertness.
 
Col. Jeff Cooper had a security rating of just 3 colors: yellow, orange, and red. Yellow was lowest, and was for everyday scenarios. It was more of a mindset - "I must be alert because something or someone may be a threat today".

Orange was for when something has occurred and gotten your attention - "That guy is out of the ordinary. He may represent an immediate threat and bears watching".

Red is for an immediate threat - "That dog is acting aggressive and I may need to shoot it" or "That guy is robbing this store, so am drawing and am prepared to shoot right now".

A condition lower than yellow didn't exist in Cooper's theory. He said that if you are not already in yellow before a situation arises, you are unlikely to escape the situation unharmed. Note that he specifically meant self defense, but I think it applies to any situation...
 
Caching, Stashing, making drops.
This can be as simple as having some supplies in a sealed bucket in the closet at the office or as elaborate as a PVC ground vault with a full combat kit buried somewhere between where you are and home or a basic GHB/BOB A simple GHB in a bucket. (Who's going to look at a bucket? That fancy backpack in itself is tempting loot!) Let's say you're ten to fifteen miles from home when some desert trash lights up the state capitol with a nuke and the lights are out, no phone, no radio, no GPS, hell. your watch might be out as well! Let's look in your "boogie bucket"
On top, there should be a pistol, 6 clips, 100 rounds of killing ammo, a holster, and mag pouches. a quality pocket knife like a Buck 110 or Cold steel SR-1 and a quality field knife such as a K-bar or Camillus pilot survival knife. (Get a real American-made one, the knockoff is trash!) a Leatherman or any quality multi-tool really. a medical kit, a 6 pack of water, a quality compass, a filter straw, 3 MRE pouches, walking shoes, socks, and maybe your favorite "Gray man" clothes. A map of the area is great to have as is a quality tactical light, 50' of paracord, and some handcuff-type zip ties. if it will fit, some heavy-duty plastic drop sheet. AND DON'T FORGET A LIGHTER OR TWO! Remember, you're not that far from home, but you might not be traveling the usual route either.

This is pretty basic, the average Joe Survivalist could likely make it home with nothing but a pistol, knife, and the water, IF things remain calm.

The second kit is for the hunter/trapper/fisherman Not too far from home, it could be pre or post-TEOTWAKI, Let's put his cache in his hunting blind or nearby, this guy's needs are FAR different from the first. We're going to cram a day pack inside a good-sized cooler and seal it up nicely and bury it, we MIGHT put a pistol and knife, but chances are he's packing those already. Let's put some ammo in there, a medical kit, a gun maintenance kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, a knife sharpening kit, fire-making tools, and maybe even a fire log. A space blanket and dry clothes are a must! maybe a few minor tools, extra fishhooks etc.

The idea is, your kit is totally situation and location-dependent and pretty much common sense driven, the further away from the base you are, the more you will need and the heavier it will be. Adding things like extra supplies or tools like crowbars and machetes is your call. When I was a kid, I had a kit crammed into a Prince Albert can shoved into my pocket when I hit the woods. in it was:
a small lock-blade knife, a mirror, a whistle, a candle, fishing line, hooks, a small floater, a couple of fire starter tabs, a BIC lighter, a couple of large band-aids, water pure tabs, a couple of razor knife blades, and some wire for making a snare, that was plenty for my stomping grounds back then.
 
This is a very well thought out list. Thank you for it!
My father taught me to always be prepared.
Having a 72-kit in a backpack is like having a camping bag ready to go.

A few things to maybe add might be:
* a local map & compass
* food catching/hunting equipment (supportive for the area)
* survival book, cards, info that you want (what you lack in experience, etc.)
* binoculars
* sunglasses
* something to read
* solar battery pack to recharge phone, etc.
* in clothing: add a substantial set of shoes, jacket & hat
* extra compact bag
 
what would you guys like to talk about now?
 
a car survival kit.
I'm not a mechanic by anybody's imagination, BUT I always carry:
Oil
Antifreeze.
power steering fluid.
Transmission fluid
starting fluid.
stop leak.
brake fluid.
WD/40
water.
Spare spark plug wires.
Jumper cables and a charger.
a small floor jack.
A drop cloth.
various tools.
Breaker bar.
Flashlight and extra batteries.
heavy-duty rubber gloves and leather work gloves.
a respirator and a decent knife.
All of this crap fits into a milk crate and a small ammo can.
I need to replenish my duct tape, electrical tape, fix-flat, and a new spare, a real one, not the damn doughnut!
 
When preparing for a car journey, it's always a good idea to have certain items on hand to help with survival or ensure your safety. Here's a list of items you should consider bringing:


1. Emergency kit: Consider a comprehensive emergency kit like the "AAA 85 Piece Commuter First Aid Kit" or the "Ready America Emergency Kit."

2. Water and food: Opt for sealed water bottles or pouches with a long shelf life, such as the "LifeStraw Personal Water Filter," for water purification. For food, choose non-perishable options like energy bars, jerky, or canned goods from reputable brands like Clif Bar, Mountain House, or MRE (Meals Ready-to-Eat) packs.

3. Cell phone charger: Look for reliable car chargers such as the Anker PowerDrive or Belkin Car Charger that offer fast charging and compatibility with various devices.

4. Spare tire and tire repair kit: Ensure your spare tire is in good condition and matches the size and specifications of your vehicle. Consider a tire repair kit like the "Slime Smart Spair Emergency Tire Repair Kit" or the "TECCPO Tire Repair Kit" for quick and temporary fixes.

5. Road maps and compass: National Geographic offers durable and detailed road atlases and maps. For a reliable compass, consider brands like Suunto or Brunton.

6. Extra clothing and blankets: Look for warm and lightweight options like thermal blankets or emergency blankets from brands like Swiss Safe or SOL (Survive Outdoors Longer).

7. Basic tools: Choose a toolkit that includes essential tools like a tire iron, jack, wrench, and jumper cables. Brands like Craftsman, Stanley, or Kobalt offer reliable toolkits.

8. Reflective vest: Opt for high-visibility reflective vests, such as those from 3M, JKSafety, or PeerBasics, which are designed for safety and durability.

9. Fire extinguisher: Look for compact and reliable fire extinguishers, such as the First Alert Auto Fire Extinguisher or the Kidde FA110 Multi-Purpose Fire Extinguisher.

10. Flares or LED emergency lights: Consider LED emergency lights like the "Stone-Point LED Lighting Flare Kit" or the "FalconLED 3-Pack Emergency Road Flares" for durability and long-lasting visibility.

11. Window breaker and seat belt cutter: Choose a combined tool like the Resqme: The Original Keychain Car Escape Tool" or the "Lifesaver Seat Belt Cutter and Window Glass Breaker."

12. Portable jump starter: Look for portable jump starters like the "NOCO Boost Plus GB40" or the "DBPOWER 800A Peak 18000mAh Portable Car Jump Starter."

13. Duct tape and rope: Brands like 3M or Gorilla Tape offer reliable duct tape options. For ropes, consider high-strength and versatile options from brands like Titan, Paracord Planet, or OutdoorMaster.

14. Spare fluids: Stick to reputable brands that offer fluids compatible with your vehicle's specifications. For example, Castrol, Mobil 1, or Prestone for engine oil and coolant

15. Portable air compressor: Consider portable air compressors like the "EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump" or the "Viair 88P Portable Air Compressor" for reliable tire inflation.

16. Cash and coins: It's advisable to keep a variety of bills and coins in small denominations. No specific brand recommendations apply here.

17. Emergency contact information: Use a small notebook or print out a list and keep it in a waterproof document holder. Brands like Rite in the Rain offer weatherproof notebooks.

18. Personal documents and identification: Keep copies of your documents in a secure folder or use a document organizer like the "AmazonBasics Expanding File Folder" or the "Smead Poly Expanding File Organizer."

19. Spare medications and personal hygiene items: Choose portable and durable medication organizers like the "Lewis N. Clark Pill Organizer" and opt for travel-size personal hygiene items from reputable brands like Dove, Purell, or Wet Ones.

20. Reflective triangles: Look for reflective triangles with sturdy construction and high visibility, such as the "Orion Motor Tech 3-Pack Emergency Triangles" or the "Bell Automotive Emergency Warning Triangle."

21. Sufficient fuel: Choose fuel from reputable gas stations and consider keeping a fuel canister from brands like Scepter or No-Spill for emergency fuel storage.

22. Multi-purpose knife or multi-tool: A versatile tool like a Swiss Army knife or a Leatherman multi-tool can assist with various tasks such as cutting, opening cans, or repairing equipment.

23. Portable battery charger or power bank: Having a portable battery charger or power bank allows you to charge your electronic devices, such as smartphones or tablets, when you don't have access to a power source.

24. Tire pressure gauge: A tire pressure gauge enables you to regularly monitor and maintain the optimal tire pressure, promoting fuel efficiency and safe driving.

25. Rain poncho or waterproof jacket: A rain poncho or waterproof jacket can protect you from rain and keep you dry during wet weather conditions.

26. Sunscreen and insect repellent: These items are essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and preventing bug bites during outdoor activities or prolonged waiting periods.

27. Extra car key: Consider having a spare key for your vehicle in case you misplace or lose the original one.

28. Paper towels or cleaning wipes: Paper towels or cleaning wipes come in handy for cleaning spills, wiping surfaces, or maintaining cleanliness inside your vehicle.

29. Emergency cash reserve: Apart from loose change, keep an emergency cash reserve in a secure location in case you need additional funds for unforeseen circumstances.

30. Basic hygiene supplies: Include items such as toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and personal hygiene products to maintain cleanliness and sanitation.

31. Fire starters or waterproof matches: These items are useful for starting a fire if needed for warmth, cooking, or signaling for help.

32. Whistle or signaling device: A whistle or signaling device can attract attention in an emergency situation and assist in alerting others to your presence.

33. Spare batteries: Pack extra batteries for your flashlight, emergency lights, or other battery-powered devices to ensure they remain functional when needed.

34. Tire chains or traction mats: If you often drive in snowy or icy conditions, consider including tire chains or traction mats to improve traction and enhance your vehicle's grip on slippery surfaces.

34. Portable shelter or emergency tent: In case you need to spend the night outdoors or seek shelter from harsh weather conditions, having a portable shelter or emergency tent can provide protection and insulation.

35. Entertainment items: To help pass the time during unexpected delays, include some entertainment items like books, playing cards, or puzzles.


By incorporating these items into your car survival kit, you are well-prepared to handle various emergency situations, address common vehicle issues, stay nourished and hydrated, navigate effectively, and ensure your safety and well-being during your journey. Regularly check and update your supplies to maintain their effectiveness and reliability. Remember, staying calm, assessing the situation, and prioritizing your safety are paramount in any emergency scenario. Remember to research and read reviews to find the specific brands or equipment that best suit your needs and budget.
 
Flight said:
Are these talks that I am posting up to your expectations? Want to talk about something else? I would like your input please.
Click to expand...
I am empathic as to your bewilderment and fundamental lack of interest. Abnormality bias is a hard sell.
 
Flight said:
I'm not sure what you mean by this.
Click to expand...
Sorry, I meant to say, "I am empathic as to your bewilderment about the fundamental lack of interest". Abnormality bias is a hard sell.
 
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