Advice

[Spc. Alan]

I am currently in senior in college. I have 4 years in the military as an infantryman(along with all the gear that goes with the job.) Heres my situation; Being a college student leaves me very little money to play around with. I do not own any property as I currently rent an apartment in the city. I do however have 3 handguns and 2 rifles with scopes. My military equipment includes boots, high quality cold and wet weather clothing, good knife, multi-tool, e-tool, two sleeping bags with covers, canteens, few other larger water storage devices, ruck-sack, assault pack, vest but no plates, kevlar (helmet), and some other odd items.

So my question is, given my situation what would you experienced preppers do if you were in my situation? what would you pack? Where would you go? What things would you be getting right now (listed from most important on down.) Looking forward to the replies! Thanks Oh and the kicker is I drive a 2013 kia forte, which is not a good vehicle for going off roading to much lol.

 

[Colt 1911]

Water purifier, tent or tarp, food, lights, I think if you are planning on buggin out you should recon your area, You should have at least two location. Everyone's bags are different do to climate and location so practice is key to see what works for you.

 

[jimLE]

what clyde said.pluse,i've lived in apartment before.so i know that your very limited while liveing in one.stock up water and food 1st.once youv'e decided on where you'll bug out to.then you can figure out what you need for your bg out bag.and how much of each item that'll supply you untill you get to the location.might even locate some good stash point locations where you can stash items you might and/or will need on your way.like certain foods.extra ammo flashlights battries.i lived in ohio for 4 years,so i know the winters there can get pretty cold.that means long johns cap gloves jacket if it's winter or not.just to make sure your prepared for that..

 

[Shenandoah]

I am currently in senior in college. I have 4 years in the military as an infantryman(along with all the gear that goes with the job.) Heres my situation; Being a college student leaves me very little money to play around with. I do not own any property as I currently rent an apartment in the city. I do however have 3 handguns and 2 rifles with scopes. My military equipment includes boots, high quality cold and wet weather clothing, good knife, multi-tool, e-tool, two sleeping bags with covers, canteens, few other larger water storage devices, ruck-sack, assault pack, vest but no plates, kevlar (helmet), and some other odd items.

So my question is, given my situation what would you experienced preppers do if you were in my situation? what would you pack? Where would you go? What things would you be getting right now (listed from most important on down.) Looking forward to the replies! Thanks Oh and the kicker is I drive a 2013 kia forte, which is not a good vehicle for going off roading to much lol.

Spc.Alan-
Berkey makes a water bottle water filter, I keep it attached to the outside of my Get-Home Bag. The water purifier is a must have for you. I'm not big into MRE type foods but you will need enough to get you out of the populated areas until you can set-up camp and begin to hunker down for the long haul. You are blessed in that Ohio has wonderful hill country and great water! I would spend some time on weekends checking out areas, where are your water sources, rivers, streams, etc. Other items you should consider is a hatchet/ax of some type. The tent will only last so long, especially in the snow and you will need wood for heat/cooking. Also, a Pocket-Fisherman would certainly be a bonus. Please put Immodium, Tylenol and some Tums in your bag. The best plans have often ended with death related to dehydration from diarrhea. Chewing 2 Tums will eliminate muscle cramps within seconds.
My Friend, you know your chances are much better if you buddy-up with a like-minded person. We are all in this together so let us know how we can help you!

And Thank You for your military service! God Bless You!

Shenandoah

 

[Kenprep1979]

Compass,coordage,a backup knife! since your stretched on funds an old hickory butcher knife is a good choice it is carbon steel and a few bucks at a yard sale or 9 bucks for a new one. hatchet or saw wouldnt carry both unless u like packing heavy. mre's are expensive so i would carry the foil packs of tuna and some protein bars that will more then get you by till u can get some real food. dont worry about carrying the kevlar helmet chances are u wont need it in a survival situation. also if your canteens are plastic make sure u have a good mess kit or some type of metal pot for boiling water ,filters will not last! make sure u have a good fire starting kit should include-a bic lighter,ferro rod-strike anywere matches, atleast a 5x magnifying glass u can get those at just about any store for a few bucks and a small bag or case to keep it in to prevent scratching. fire material- cotton balls and some type of cheap skin balm that contains oils and beeswax to use in conjunction with the cotton balls this is a very good fire starter use this in my personal kit! a small chunk of pine or cedar to make shavings with is good it is very high in sap content and will take a spark very well burns for a long time im sure i could keep going but this will get u started .

 

[realisticdude]

Slow and steady is the best way to prep. Think things out before spending your dough.

 

[Spc. Alan]

This is some great advice, thanks everyone! Thus far my plan is to recon specific locations based on the events that take place. Obviously I know that where I go will change if there is a natural disaster such as a flood verses something like economic collapse. So Ill keep you posted on that. As for gear, I have a 5.11 rush 72 backpack that I will now begin to pack. As some, if not all of you said it is crucial to think about what I am packing. So as this process unfolds I will keep you posted and be looking for your feedback. Two things I know will be in this bag are my Gerber prodigy knife and my gerber 600 multi-tool (both are fairly new as of this summer and I have seen great reviews on both to include: a sgt that has the same multi-tool and used it through two deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan). As some of you have probably done, I am making a list to which I have divided into sub-categories. Tools, Food, Weapons, Medical..ect. My roommate is an EMT so I am working on getting medical supplies. As for a hatchet or saw; I like the idea of a hatchet more than a saw because it appears more reliable and less bulky. I don't mind carrying extra weight (as a mortar man I've carried 60-80 lbs for over 15 miles so physically I know what the demands are) but if I am going to carry it I want to know that the things I have are reliable and not a waste of space. If its one thing I have learned its that we are all preparing for the unknown. On one hand I want to be realistic about the things I need to survive and on the other hand I don't want to worry about how long a certain item is going to last me. On some items its a no brainer and easy decision but on others there will definitely have to be some testing involved. So with that in mind I have a very basic camping trip plan at the end of this month simply to test the storage capabilities of the backpack and a few other items. This trip is to an actual campsite that people use all the time so its not to crazy. Ultimately, I want to do a true test this winter when weather conditions are a bit rougher and I have a much better grasp on what I want in my bob. I've picked up extra shifts at work and will be cutting some expenses so I can take this more serious. So keep the advice coming and thanks again!

 

[jimLE]

there's one thing you might want to think of,if you havent already..the hatchet makes noise where the saw dont.it's important not to make noise when there might be ppl in the area.pluse,if your haveing to cut trees down.you work up less sweat when sawing compared to choping.and thats important not to dureing the winter..