What’s in your emergency bug out bag?

[Sérénité]

More than ever, it feels like a good time to sort out or update an emergency bug out bag.
It’s probably covered elsewhere and I can’t find it (please merge if that’s the case)

I thought it would be good to share what’s in our bags…
I’ve got the basics (emergency foil sleeping bags, cellular blanket, water purifying straw, fire starters, high energy snacks, torch etc etc)

What’s in your bag?
What essentials should we make sure are in there?

It’s easy to overlook some items that may prove crucial…looking forward to hearing everyone’s tips and suggestions
🙏🏼

[ExomatrixTV]

Not checking any books now nor sites (directly from the top of my head):

Multifunctional knife, dried food, water, compass, small radio, rechargeable batteries + solar energy convertor, toilet paper, special filter to clean up water found elsewhere, nuts, first aid kit, lightweight but strong refillable bottle, pencil, small notebook, flashlight, fire matches, lighter, cayenne pepper & himalayan salt, cane sugar, coffee/tea, small mirror, magnifying glass, map of the area, gold, silver or anything that can be an alternative currency ... there is much more I can type ... but this is good enough for now :)


When I was a kid in the mid 1970s I used to be part of a local scouting club going in to the woods with others to train how to survive in the wild not using any tech (no smartphone no laptop etc.).

cheers,
John 🦜🦋🌳

[Bill Ryan]

Not reading any books nor sites (directly from the top of my head):


Multifunctional knife, dried food, water, compass, small radio, batteries, toilet paper, special filter to clean up water found elsewhere, nuts, first aid kit, lightweight but strong refillable bottle, pencil, small notebook, flashlight, fire matches, lighter, cayenne pepper & himalayan salt, cane sugar, coffee/tea, gold, silver or anything that can be an alternative currency ... there is much more I can type ... but this is good enough for now :)

cheers,
John 🦜🦋🌳An excellent list. :muscle:

This all depends where you are in the world, and whether you're on your own, on foot or in a vehicle (etc!), but maybe also


Small bottle of iodine (for sterilizing water or treating wounds)
Antibiotics (just a few)
Multivitamins
A good lightweight rain poncho (can also be an emergency shelter)
Spare glasses (if you need them or rely on them)
Personal ID and emergency contact details (in laminated plastic: I have my blood group card in my backpack at all times when hiking)
Plastic bags, including a few large ones (1000 uses, and you can keep wet feet very warm with plastic bags between wet socks and shoes)
Spare dry wool socks, hat and gloves
Lightweight warm coat (I have a down jacket that weighs just 1 lb and packs up super-small)
GPS device (if you have one, but folded paper maps are always a good idea)
Satphone (if you have one)
Duct tape (good for mending rips in clothes or holes in anything)
Tiny tube of superglue
Small sewing kit
Whistle
Strong string/ paracord
A few square feet of thin lightweight closed-cell foam padding (multipurpose insulation)
A cheap spare watch
Marker pen
A second knifeblade, because it's so very important... just a little plastic craft knife will do.

That sounds like a lot of stuff, but most of it is extremely compact or light. :thumbsup:

[thepainterdoug]

colloidal silver. an essential for cuts internal and external.its an antibiotic.

foil wrap covering for warmth. portable water filter for dirty polluted water cleaning. Magnifying glass, start fire. solar or crank flashlight

add to Bills list .

[Bill Ryan]

gold, silver or anything that can be an alternative currency


Cash is probably best. Small denomination paper notes, lots of them (depending on your circumstances!), most of them sealed in plastic and well-hidden in your bag. Paying someone $10/£10 for a loaf of bread is good value if you're very hungry and have the money.
Passport (also wrapped in plastic), if there's any chance you might cross a border to a neighboring country.
Personal defense (depending on your ethics/values, and what country you're in). Doesn't have to be a knife or gun: pepper spray or a self-protection laser can be very effective, and just having that as a fall-back measure bolsters confidence in a Max Max situation.
If you have rechargeable batteries (recommended!), a small lightweight solar AA/AAA battery charger (https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Charger-Charging-Portable-Batteries/dp/B076DB9ZVR) might keep your flashlight, radio or GPS working for as long as you ever need. (Solar phone chargers are also readily available.)
A tiny military can-opener (https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Survival-Opener-Military-Model/dp/B005IDQW3S/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2PVYBBH8EVIAL) (weights half an ounce),

[TrumanCash]

Rather than a bug out bag I have a "bug to" place in the woods with all survival needs where there are many others who are well-armed, Constitution-supporting people in a county with a constitutional sheriff.

[mizo]

I have thought about it often, putting it all in a bag... I do have all the necessary emergency items that I'd need.
Albeit, I do feel there's nowhere to run and ultimately hide within the UK, if/when it all goes pear-shaped. Maybe staying put and defending where you know and feel safe is simpler than trying to do it on the run.

[Bill Ryan]

This is an American company, but there may be equivalents in the UK and EU. I can recommend them: I bought a really excellent super-cheap 8 oz survival bag from them, the kind that fits in your pocket but which you can sleep in if you have to and survive a cold rainy night.


https://stealthangelsurvival.com/pages/search-results?q=bug%20out%20bag

The search will pull up a range of bug out bags all fully equipped with a whole bunch of stuff. I'd still choose to create my own (see the various lists and suggestions above), but for anyone who isn't in a position to do this and can afford the ready-equipped thing to keep on hand and grab without thinking if ever needed, this might be useful.

Here are a couple of them:

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1660/4869/products/Backpack_Survival_Kit_05_600x.jpg?v=1640099256
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1660/4869/products/Backpack_Survival_Kit_13_600x.jpg?v=1640099267

[ExomatrixTV]

Mainstream promoting "Bug Out Bags":

https://sp.rmbl.ws/s8/2/-/F/J/0/-FJ0f.gaa.mp4


source (https://rumble.com/v1m598e-bug-out-bags-underground-bases-and-the-denver-international-airport.html)

[Strat]

Rather than a bug out bag I have a "bug to" place in the woods with all survival needs where there are many others who are well-armed, Constitution-supporting people in a county with a constitutional sheriff.

I think bug out is a bit of an umbrella term, I'm not sure, but in severe scenarios like infrastructure collapse I think your 'bug to' solution is the only solution. One can only imagine how quickly society breaks down to tribalism and bandits on every major road. Kicking doors in and robbing would happen quickly. It would be like the Purge. I wish folks could just stick to themselves on their little plot of land and live out a happy life but I imagine gangs are going to rove around taking what they want a la Joseph Kony et al. I'm especially screwed because I rely on medication to alleviate my epilepsy symptoms. I can live and contribute to society without them, but life would be much more 'challenging.'

I think that's great you found a place like that. I have friends who would be good candidates to form something similar but they don't have the same beliefs. They'd rather take the boat out and drink a beer than 'game plan' so to speak. Don't get me wrong, I love boats, beers and babes too but we should also be responsible in life.

At the moment I do have a kind of quick bug out bag. I get hit by hurricanes almost annually and I have to be prepared to leave if necessary. I follow the suggested guidelines, I can post them if yall are curious but it's specifically for hurricanes so that won't apply to most of the users here. There's nothing specific or unique about it, it's just ready to go basically at all times, and it's enough for a week.

I would stress some form of prep work. Store your items in a way that they're ready to go, otherwise your tearing the house apart looking for a document or something, all the while becoming more stressed. It's nice to just grab boxes and duffle bags and toss them in the vehicle with confidence and ease. Also make sure stuff in the first aide kit is up to date and that you've been rotating your stored food. Keep your vehicle maintained. And this may sound dumb... be healthy/get in shape. You're going to be doing a lot of manual work and if you're out of shape it will make these things a pain in the ass. Just keep it in mind.

Use all the things in your kit a few times, get familiar with them and comfortable using them. Hell, if nothing else it's a good excuse to go camping.

[Matthew]

I've grown a large hockey kit bugout bag. The bag is so big it can hold three tents and it has this little detachable rucksack. I need to sort it out and reduce it to one separate smaller bag, it's a placeholder for all and any kit I've acquired over the last seven years.


ExomatrixTV already said water filtration straw, I have a couple of these sorts of things:

https://i.postimg.cc/9fXG3Wpr/image.png

Cheap "life straws" cost about £20 each.

But water purification tablets too.



This might make it to my final bag. I love this guy:

BioLite CampStove 2+

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0263/1079/products/CSC0200CampStove2_8786b79c-45f9-4b06-af4f-493da7ddc719_500x.jpg?v=1619520561

But it pumps air into the fire chamber so it's basically a blast furnace; great for boiling water but rubbish if you want to fry an egg.

It takes ages to fully charge the battery, and when it's fully charged its battery only recharges about half my phone. But still, better than a kick in the teeth.

I love this little burner so much


My perfectionist friend found this brand of dried rations, which knowing my friend I'm going to bet are amongst the best in world for dried food: Real Turmat. A little bit pricier than others.

REAL TURMAT
Real Turmat Beef & Potato Casserole
Sale price £11.99

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0263/1079/products/5212-7036480052126-rt-lapskaus-beef-and-potato_grande-min_500x.png?v=1571267411



And then there are the military 'Meal Ready to Eat' aka MRE rations. They provide 12 or 24 hours of food and drink although you need to supply yourself with 2L of water yourself. Each nationality really expresses itself in its military rations.


Lithuania has the best pork meal AND the best chocolate
Israel the best sweet
America the best (and only?) pizza slice MRE
England has a whole pack of tissues in theirs (why don't the other countries do this???)


Any old MRE meal is a handy addition. They still last past their best before date, sometimes for decades. They can be eaten cold, and sometimes come with a flameless heater, which works by adding a few teaspoons of water to a bag which heats it up and steam cooks it for twelve minutes or so. But it varies from nationality to nationality.

The go-to for MRE reviews is Steve from Steve1989MREInfo (https://www.youtube.com/@LetsGetThisOutOntoATrayNice)on youtube.

Here's his review of the 2014 Italian Combat Food Ration, Module B:

GowFRT19yok

[happyuk]

Just some thinking-aloud thought experiments that are pretty off-the-cuff so feel free to debate/contradict/disagree.

Let's say today you are at work one day and the electricity goes out and does not come back on.

Now you are in a community of people (whether rural or urban) who are in the same boat as you.
The internet and telecommunications are down. The water becomes stagnant in a matter of days. All your refrigerated and frozen food will rot.

This got me drilling down further. Am I even going to let my own family know where my stash is, on pain of friends and friends of their friends knowing about it?
Do I let their kids starve? When I read about Hurricane Katrina or the Siege of Sarajevo and what happens when the government doesn't/cannot help I shudder.
I don't even want to go there although I still think communities of like-minded people would help each other.

My very first priorities are: 1. What will I drink? 2. What will I eat? 3. How will I bathe?

So maybe I would think about long term food that wont go bad, a water filtration system and maybe containers to collect rain water.

>water
>food
>alcohol/cigarettes/sweets for bartering
>ways to defend yourself
>light sources/fire starters/cigarette lighters
>medicine (of all kinds)
>tools for cutting, chopping, splitting, moving, etc are preferred too.
>situational awareness - learn about your neighbours, particularly areas lacking civic pride etc.

[Matthew]

...
This got me drilling down further. Am I even going to let my own family know where my stash is, on pain of friends and friends of their friends knowing about it?
Do I let their kids starve? When I read about Hurricane Katrina or the Siege of Sarajevo and what happens when the government doesn't/cannot help I shudder.
I don't even want to go there although I still think communities of like-minded people would help each other.
...

I don't admit this often but I've thought along these lines. We have grass lawns but that's a new thing, it used to be for growing food. Grass lawns were for people who didn't have to grow their own food, then it became a status symbol which others aspired to. Dandelions are suddenly the enemy but apparently they are awesome food and drink. Bet there are other benefits too. Grass lawns suck.

But the point is, I wonder if I would be able to rally some neighbors to drop their lawns and convert to a backyard farming setup. I don't think they would want to go old fashioned, like with a ridge and furrow, or growing without fertilizer, but they are great gardeners so that's a start. It depends how desperate they get.

The issue I predict is a life of luxury will be the way they get you, or more specifically, get my neighbors. For example: use digital Id money and get cheap petrol, or use inflated cash and get very little. I might be in an urban farming community of one.

I do have stand in the park type friends close-ish, some closer proximity than others, and they are all thinking like we are here... that is pretty good for me. But ideally I want to get my closest neighbors involved.

Along these lines and thinking positively I have for example 10kg of diatomaceous earth, which might really help a small farming group get through tough times.

For urban survival I know where my nearest water is, I have some sturdy water carry containers, I have planned to collect water in the early hours to avoid other people best I can. I also have sodium chlorate which can be used to activate charcoal to make filters.

It is possible to make a water filter out of moss, sand and normal charcoal, so the activated charcoal is only a nice to have. I have enough MRE rations to support several people for a season, but that buys time to get a farming community together.

It's not without risks, like people around me don't know my stockpile. But it's cards in my hand. I want supplies but I'm not going to watch things burn while I sit on my throne of supplies. Although that has crossed my mind.

That's at home. In my car I have enough MRE rations, gas stove, stove heater converter (turns the gas stove into a heater), new bottles of water, blankets, waterproofs, thick woolen jumper, more dried rations, solid fuel burner stove (burns sticks) and a micro shovel. I keep the tank full of unleaded.

I keep cash in the glovebox (my car is a 20 year-old old ****-heap). I can live in my car for at least three days. But I digress... to survive at home for me it's about being prepared enough to be a the best position of strength I can be to be able to be a player to make a new farming community in or around my street. Or nearest offer.

[bobme]

Depends on where you are at really.

If you are where I am for instance, All I need is a small tent, fishing pole, 22 caliber rifle, and warm clothes. Water proof matches also.

A book of edible plants, and something to cook on.

I could survive for years.

[Pam]

I watched this documentary about very simple cheap and lightweight fairly durable living structures. Many which can be fairly quickly assembled on the sight you choose to those that can be pulled by a bicycle. It opened my mind to a world of possibilities that are quite inexpensive to create or you can buy some of them. I really think most of you will find it valuable and realize there are endless possibilities it one went to a more rural or remote areas.



brQRVbtayK4

[Tiyaira]

What a fun topic :bigsmile: My bugout bag is also a camping bag; I take it whenever I go out, hang it on a tree, and then everything I need is easily available.

This thing folds up into a briefcase. From top-to-bottom, right-to-left:

toilet paper, food prep swiss army knife, flashlight, utility cards including fish hooks and spear tips
storm-proof matches, fire steel, electric lighter, fire starters, long matches
compact stove, another fire steel, normal matches, signaling mirror and tinder
emergency shelters and paracord (for more shelter-making)
real N95 masks (from before the pandemic)
water filtration, purification, and fish knife
another shelter, knife sharpener, splint
medical kit, clotting aid, medical tweezers, skin stapler
There are also a number of cards throughout that contain hints and instructions for their respective areas.

50527

I have another foldable briefcase is also a solar panel that can charge the flashlight and electric lighter, and everything else.

My everyday carry is a tactical purse that contains a bushcrafting swiss army knife, whistle, flashlight, more emergency shelters, backup hard drives (for my important data!), and my keychain has a survival pen on it that breaks apart into smaller pieces and contains, among other things, a window breaker (to escape cars).

So, there's some ideas! For the best use, pair with knowledge of bushcrafting, wild edibles, and wilderness medicine, and of course, fishing.

All that said, though, perhaps the most important thing is building community. Surviving by yourself is neither healthy nor fun, and there is much strength in numbers. Form strong bonds! :heart:

[RatRodRob...RRR]

More than ever, it feels like a good time to sort out or update an emergency bug out bag.
It’s probably covered elsewhere and I can’t find it (please merge if that’s the case)

I thought it would be good to share what’s in our bags…
I’ve got the basics (emergency foil sleeping bags, cellular blanket, water purifying straw, fire starters, high energy snacks, torch etc etc)

What’s in your bag?
What essentials should we make sure are in there?

It’s easy to overlook some items that may prove crucial…looking forward to hearing everyone’s tips and suggestions
🙏🏼

You really need a hunting knife and a firearm and lots of ammo too....................................RRR

[RatRodRob...RRR]

Not reading any books nor sites (directly from the top of my head):


Multifunctional knife, dried food, water, compass, small radio, batteries, toilet paper, special filter to clean up water found elsewhere, nuts, first aid kit, lightweight but strong refillable bottle, pencil, small notebook, flashlight, fire matches, lighter, cayenne pepper & himalayan salt, cane sugar, coffee/tea, gold, silver or anything that can be an alternative currency ... there is much more I can type ... but this is good enough for now :)

cheers,
John 🦜🦋🌳An excellent list. :muscle:

This all depends where you are in the world, and whether you're on your own, on foot or in a vehicle (etc!), but maybe also


Small bottle of iodine (for sterilizing water or treating wounds)
Antibiotics (just a few)
Multivitamins
A good lightweight rain poncho (can also be an emergency shelter)
Spare glasses (if you need them or rely on them)
Personal ID and emergency contact details (in laminated plastic: I have my blood group card in my backpack at all times when hiking)
Plastic bags, including a few large ones (1000 uses, and you can keep wet feet very warm with plastic bags between wet socks and shoes)
Spare dry wool socks, hat and gloves
Lightweight warm coat (I have a down jacket that weighs just 1 lb and packs up super-small)
GPS device (if you have one, but folded paper maps are always a good idea)
Satphone (if you have one)
Duct tape (good for mending rips in clothes or holes in anything)
Tiny tube of superglue
Small sewing kit
Whistle
Strong string/ paracord
A few square feet of thin lightweight closed-cell foam padding (multipurpose insulation)
A cheap spare watch
Marker pen
A second knifeblade, because it's so very important... just a little plastic craft knife will do.

That sounds like a lot of stuff, but most of it is extremely compact or light. :thumbsup:

To Bill and John, yes it depends whether you are on foot or have a vehicle (finding petrol could be a problem though) , a book listing bush tucker in your area, we have a chit load of plants we can eat, but if you eat the wrong ones, they can kill you.
Personnel hygiene products like soap and dunny roll, and most important is a hand line for fishing with plenty of hooks, and a gun............................RRR

[RatRodRob...RRR]

Rather than a bug out bag I have a "bug to" place in the woods with all survival needs where there are many others who are well-armed, Constitution-supporting people in a county with a constitutional sheriff.

I think bug out is a bit of an umbrella term, I'm not sure, but in severe scenarios like infrastructure collapse I think your 'bug to' solution is the only solution. One can only imagine how quickly society breaks down to tribalism and bandits on every major road. Kicking doors in and robbing would happen quickly. It would be like the Purge. I wish folks could just stick to themselves on their little plot of land and live out a happy life but I imagine gangs are going to rove around taking what they want a la Joseph Kony et al. I'm especially screwed because I rely on medication to alleviate my epilepsy symptoms. I can live and contribute to society without them, but life would be much more 'challenging.'

I think that's great you found a place like that. I have friends who would be good candidates to form something similar but they don't have the same beliefs. They'd rather take the boat out and drink a beer than 'game plan' so to speak. Don't get me wrong, I love boats, beers and babes too but we should also be responsible in life.

At the moment I do have a kind of quick bug out bag. I get hit by hurricanes almost annually and I have to be prepared to leave if necessary. I follow the suggested guidelines, I can post them if yall are curious but it's specifically for hurricanes so that won't apply to most of the users here. There's nothing specific or unique about it, it's just ready to go basically at all times, and it's enough for a week.

I would stress some form of prep work. Store your items in a way that they're ready to go, otherwise your tearing the house apart looking for a document or something, all the while becoming more stressed. It's nice to just grab boxes and duffle bags and toss them in the vehicle with confidence and ease. Also make sure stuff in the first aide kit is up to date and that you've been rotating your stored food. Keep your vehicle maintained. And this may sound dumb... be healthy/get in shape. You're going to be doing a lot of manual work and if you're out of shape it will make these things a pain in the ass. Just keep it in mind.

Use all the things in your kit a few times, get familiar with them and comfortable using them. Hell, if nothing else it's a good excuse to go camping.

The "Bug To" would be my choice, but a group will only let you in if you have or can do something for that group, other wise you are just a useless eater to them.
My reliance on medication would actually make a bug out or a bug to impossible for me so im screwed either way, think ill just get a deck chair and plant it on a beach somewhere with bourbon and ciggys ......................................RRR

[Bill Ryan]

What a fun topic :bigsmile: My bugout bag is also a camping bag; I take it whenever I go out, hang it on a tree, and then everything I need is easily available.

This thing folds up into a briefcase. From top-to-bottom, right-to-left:


toilet paper, food prep swiss army knife, flashlight, utility cards including fish hooks and spear tips
storm-proof matches, fire steel, electric lighter, fire starters, long matches
compact stove, another fire steel, normal matches, signaling mirror and tinder
emergency shelters and paracord (for more shelter-making)
real N95 masks (from before the pandemic)
water filtration, purification, and fish knife
another shelter, knife sharpener, splint
medical kit, clotting aid, medical tweezers, skin stapler

There are also a number of cards throughout that contain hints and instructions for their respective areas.

https://projectavalon.net/forum4/attachment.php?attachmentid=50527&d=1677730637&thumb=1

I have another foldable briefcase is also a solar panel that can charge the flashlight and electric lighter, and everything else.

My everyday carry is a tactical purse that contains a bushcrafting swiss army knife, whistle, flashlight, more emergency shelters, backup hard drives (for my important data!), and my keychain has a survival pen on it that breaks apart into smaller pieces and contains, among other things, a window breaker (to escape cars).

So, there's some ideas! For the best use, pair with knowledge of bushcrafting, wild edibles, and wilderness medicine, and of course, fishing.

All that said, though, perhaps the most important thing is building community. Surviving by yourself is neither healthy nor fun, and there is much strength in numbers. Form strong bonds! :heart:That impressed me. Kudos! :highfive:

And it prompted me to add a fishing rod to my own list. I do have a tiny telescopic one that weighs just a few ounces, all complete with a small reel and some lures.

https://s.alicdn.com/@sc04/kf/H3fb78b39b32f47a8a3b0773d0c675ff3J.jpg_280x280.jpg

I know exactly how to use it, and used to be an avid fisherman when I was a teenager. Even tiny trout from a small creek, for which a rod like this is ideal, can make an excellent meal and keep one alive, very healthily too.

:heart:

Edit to add: :)

There are also a number of cards throughout that contain hints and instructions for their respective areas.I took a close zoomed-in look at your fascinating photo, and saw what they were (https://www.amazon.com/UST-Educational-Waterproof-Essential-Survival/dp/B00PNBUWDG?th=1). Good idea! :muscle:

https://projectavalon.net/Learn_and_live_cards_sm.jpg

Re Fire Building, btw (though this is getting into advanced bushcraft! :P ), the very best firestarter tinder is lint from the filter of a tumble drier. Weighs nothing, compresses to even less in a small plastic bag, and starts a fire instantly. :thumbsup:

[Matthew]

I watched this documentary about very simple cheap and lightweight fairly durable living structures. ...

Ah I saw a documentary about the homeless guy with the goats and cart. It inspired me. I think of his lifestyle a lot. That guy has a metal weedwhacker pressure sprayer container, that he fills with water then heats over a fire, then pumps the pressure to make a shower. I bought a small one with that purpose in mind.


YouTube 123HomeFree (https://www.youtube.com/@123Homefree)




...

The "Bug To" would be my choice, but a group will only let you in if you have or can do something for that group, other wise you are just a useless eater to them.
My reliance on medication would actually make a bug out or a bug to impossible for me so im screwed either way, think ill just get a deck chair and plant it on a beach somewhere with bourbon and ciggys ......................................RRR

:beer: :bigsmile:

All my flapping and prepping I think you have the right spirit. Have you got room for another? I'll bring cigars?

[Anchor]

--

Bug-in > Bug-to > Bug-out > Bugging out and never coming back.

Bug in, is BEST when you can, and I think should be the preferred choice as it trumps all the others in terms of risk management for lots of reasons and having your stuff to hand. However you have to have a town/utility independent supply of food and water to make it work - depending on your means aim for at least 4 weeks per person (and any of the other living entities in your charge). Also where possible to do so consider what you can do extra for hungry neighbors. If you don't think through your bug in plans, you may need to escalate to riskier options when otherwise you might not have needed to.

Bug-to

For this to work, you have to have an alternative location prearranged, and the means to travel there on foot (for the worst case), horseback/bike or car. Whatever your plan is, you must have rehearsed it - and if involves sleeping outside, then you have to do it for real.

Bug-out

For how long? Regardless... this consideration is for people that can't plan ahead and get caught essentially unprepared - if they had been prepared they would most likely be doing "bug-to" :)

For most scenarios where this becomes necessary, unless you are a have up to date practice at living with your bug out kit especially with the "out" part of bugging out and all the survival or bush-crafting skills that are required, it can spectacularly complicate your life and worst case - shorten it.

I have a bug out option for car and another for foot - fully prepped. They are the absolute last resort. The above posts, especially Bill and Tiyaira's posts have you covered.

Final thoughts:

- it has been mentioned, I want to stress it, the ability to make water safe to drink is an absolutely vital skill in ALL of the scenarios.

- review your footwear and clothing choices - when you bug out you need to be wearing the boots you will live and may quite possibly die in!

- cordage has been mentioned, but I would just like to add tarred nylon bank-line - it is a "Swiss Knife" of cordage very light and strong - a great addition to paracord.

- keep the weight down when on foot - you may need to move really fast.


ITS ALL GOING TO BE OK.
The truth is becoming known, the truth that you already know is spreading and is less and less fettered as each day passes.
Nevertheless turmoil created in the war between the goodies and baddies makes consideration of the survival scenarios necessary and fortune does favor the prepared.

[Isserley]

...

The "Bug To" would be my choice, but a group will only let you in if you have or can do something for that group, other wise you are just a useless eater to them.
My reliance on medication would actually make a bug out or a bug to impossible for me so im screwed either way, think ill just get a deck chair and plant it on a beach somewhere with bourbon and ciggys ......................................RRR

:beer: :bigsmile:


This is exactly my plan as well.. :p
With 9 months old baby I can put dipers in my bag and ask myself - is it possible that I chose this lifetime?

[Strat]

Is it too off topic to ask what you guys carry in your car for everyday emergencies? I don't mean jumper cables but like water, first aid, fire extinguisher etc. Items for humans not automobiles.

I'm an extremely organized person so I don't (/can't) carry much in my truck. I keep kicking myself for not being prepared for a fire or first aid. When I had a car I had these things in my trunk, as well as water. What about you guys?

Before someone quotes me with an idea of how I can store items safely in the bed of my truck... it's not happening. Long story lol

[palehorse]

My strategy for whatever it worth is very simple but not easy to move in a hurry, I have a place more than 600km away from where I am right now, that would be the place to be if everything goes under, but if I can't get there in time then plan B kicks in.


Plan B (seems it is more important than plan A but it is not, plan A is already established, but plan B would be from scratch)

I am studying to get a plot of land right in the border with a national park that goes into Myanmar, it is a huge area covered by native jungle. Here are some key points that made me chose this particular area:

- no cellular towers, no signal (I confirmed myself).
- there is lots of water from rivers to stream to water springs, fish in abundance.
- fertile soil, anything will grow, I found a small farmer planting coffee around there, also lots of small holders planting all sort of vegetables.
- the is no checkpoints or border control around this area, no police stations, no electricity, no public water, no nothing, it is literally off the grid place and a very small community spread around.
- it is a freeway straight into Myanmar through the jungle (far from conflicted areas like Hpa-an in Karen state).
- access is trick, roads are not maintained, 4x4 is preferable to access the place, sedans won't do well in there.
- since it rains a lot in the area, and it is close to sea and jungle, no need to say it is very humid all year round (maybe it is a downside for some).

I went to check the area months ago and planning to get there again in a few weeks, I am studying now the possibility to lease the land from the local people, have the place handy just in case plan A fail.

I had to adapt for my specific situation, there is no unique solution that fits all, you have to research what works for you.

I found this place because a friend told me about the area, he is a ranger in a national park about 140km from that area and he knows the entire area, he said it would be probably a great place to be in a shtf scenario, but one need skills to survive and hunt/fish for food, there is nothing there, it is pristine nature!


tip for shelter and cooking

Bamboo shelter with coconut straw as roof is a great option for those living in tropical countries, quick to build, protect from sunlight and rain, just do not build such structure in the open (not wind proof also heavy rain not good), find a nice shady area with trees around, clean the ground very well before build. I already built myself more than 5x, slept twice inside of it, not bad.

I also built a cob oven (small one) with my kid, we did on the weekend, cooked some pork leg and corns, small cob ovens can be built is less than 2 hours if you got the right skill, it doesn't need to be perfect or fancy, just functional. You can basically prepare any meal with the oven, I boiled eggs on it already, all you need is a can and water and eggs, a bonfire will do the trick too :)


Here are a few things I have always ready to go, nothing fancy, just useful stuffs when I go out to camping or exploring some areas around, store in the truck and good to go.

https://images2.imgbox.com/74/e3/b4tH0PHd_o.jpg

from left to right I got
- 5L of Kerosene (usually I carry 1 can of 300ml when going out for the weekend)
- matches
- kerosene lamp
- fishing accessories, hooks, floaters, sinkers, line in different sizes, the full set.
- a pair of baofeng 888S models good for around 5km talking, tested already. it is a two-way comm radio with FM/AM and a flashlight built-in.
- small knife for general use.

the 2 boxes in the background of the photo is packed with all sort of things that may be useful including canned food, clothing, etc.. it fits exactly in the back of the truck.. a jungle in a tropical country is very different from a forest in a cold country, here we got all sort of animals including very long boas, which will scary the hell out of anyone that never saw one before, also is advised to use long sleeves full time or at least in the evening when the bugs comes out, a bonfire will help with the situation which occur everyday around sunset time.

It never seems to be enough, but I lost count how many time went out and carried lots of things that I end up never using, in the end all the basic stuffs is what you need.

[Vicus]

Learning

2 years ago a friend wanted to test his new tent and cooking stuff...

We needed a long travel by train with our bicycles withal because we wanted out from city to "outlaw" camping...
On the way searching for a "place" happens "little problem", some cord from my bag came into the wheel and here came to perform my "Swiss" knife.

It was late winter without snow, and I wear my standard from eons military pants and boots.
After finish the tent, I thought now come fire making, nope! he got a gas cane and warmed some caned food.
Already finish our dinner( it was dark) began to rain *!'#!... all night long and half next morning! the wheatear
prognoses' was wrong!
Good thing the tent was optimal and we make jokes all night, bad thing I needed to pee and went outside with my
only socks! after hanged it some where I went to my sleeping bag and began the wet hell!

The humidity was unbearable, I needed new dry socks and something under my back!
In short: no sleep and dangerous cooled only waiting to the jerk awakening and go home!
Finally awake he joke "you are worse as my wife..." and I knew why she don't wanted to come...

Lessons learning: extra warm(all sort) clothing and something to mate with your back against humidity...:sherlock:

PS: we make some experiments with our smart phones with tin foil...
his was mute, no signal came, with mine don't worked.
He have a you tube channel about "places" in the city and outside and wanted to test if he can be "invisible"...without use it of course.

[Matthew]

Is it too off topic to ask what you guys carry in your car for everyday emergencies? I don't mean jumper cables but like water, first aid, fire extinguisher etc. Items for humans not automobiles.

I'm an extremely organized person so I don't (/can't) carry much in my truck. I keep kicking myself for not being prepared for a fire or first aid. When I had a car I had these things in my trunk, as well as water. What about you guys?

Before someone quotes me with an idea of how I can store items safely in the bed of my truck... it's not happening. Long story lol

In my car I have enough MRE rations and dried food for one person for a week, a gas stove, a stove heater converter which turns the gas stove into a heater, spare gas cans, new bottles of water, 2xblankets, waterproof coat, waterproof trousers, waterproof shoes, a spare thick woolen jumper, a solid fuel burner stove which burns sticks, a kettle, cutlery sets (proper ones not puny camping ones), plastic plates, mugs, tea, dried milk, a micro shovel, some cash, an inverter to plug a mains plug, a big roll of gaffer tape. I have a very small car. It takes up half my boot. I've just ordered a few meters roll of 90gsm black paper, three foot wide, to be able to shut out light. Edit add: and toilet paper, and military sachets of coffee.

[Jaak]

I guess im too depressed to have any survival kit or an survival plan. My work got shut down for a year when scamdemic started so ive been in poverty and in survival mode ever since lol .
Running and hiding in the woods from NWO might seem like a decent plan but in the long term what will be achieved with this ? Bad guys will win and will get their NWO and in your next lifetime you will be born into it. Every fifth person already gets born into CCP China and one can imagine how complicated it can be to spiritually grow in the right direction in a place like that . But when the whole planet is gonna turned into something similar ... It will be spiritual hell where materialism and selfishness rule over everything .
In this lifetime we have a chance to stop it . If we dont our next lifetimes might be quite hell-ish .
It should be the NWO-terrorists like billy gates and Clown Schwab who are makeing plans to hide in the bushes from an angry mob ,not us .

[Sérénité]

I’m taking so many notes…lots i certainly hadn’t thought about and the input is much appreciated!

I have a rucksack in the boot of my car and one at home. I’ve also made smaller ones for the kids and the dog, just incase.

As many have said, my first plan of action is always to ‘bug in’ discreetly, as I’ve catered for the long haul in that instance.
But on the off chance staying put may not be an option…there is only so much you can fit in a rucksack.
So your suggestions are a massive assistance in what to prioritise, thank you all 👌🏼

[Ernie Nemeth]

I have a bug out bag but over the years priorities have changed. My wife is too sick to bug out regardless of the conveyance. No way we can walk out.

So my bug out bag is morphing into items I can use from here, in place.

Candles, water filter, water storage, emergency food (enough for half a year), batteries, radio, flashlights, coins, lots of paper products, solar charger, amoxicillin, first aid kit, sewing kit, cans of sterno and butane, portable stove (very small, size of pack of smokes), tooth paste and brushes, pencils and paper, small steel grill, fishing line and hooks, rope, string, plastic bags, small umbrella, plastic sheet, 12 ft of flexible steel 1/8th" wide (good for so many uses, as electrician it is called a fish tape), 6" spikes, axe, saw, knife, staff, socks, underwear, shirt, pants, scissors, magnifying glass, pertroleum jelly, rags, cheese cloth, and sundry items.

Although we cannot move, I can. So if worse comes to worst, I can go outside to forage, or start a fire, or get water, or find help, or...But every time I would leave, I would risk not coming back. And that would leave my wife vulnerable.

In our house we call it the "apocanipse" (an inside joke). Every now and then I'll come home with an item that the wife will ask me, "Why did you buy that?". And I'll answer, "It's for the "apocanipse".

I surely hope we never come to that scenario.
It is depressing and sad.

[Bill Ryan]

Is it too off topic to ask what you guys carry in your car for everyday emergencies? I don't mean jumper cables but like water, first aid, fire extinguisher etc. Items for humans not automobiles.Semi-off topic! :P But it's relevant, in terms of thinking processes. ('What if'?? Etc.)

This all lives happily in my old truck:


Water
Fire extinguisher
First aid kit
Toilet paper
Tool kit
Small shovel
Knife
Ropes of various kinds.

I once got caught up among protest roadblocks for 24 hours, totally unable to get home. If I think there's any chance of that happening again I add in a warm winter jacket and a whole bunch of food. :)

:focus:

[Michi]

I usually carry in my back-pack all kind of technical tools since I am using some for my work.

If I have the possibility to get home, I would additionally pack my power bank, extra stored cash, extra clothes and that's perhaps it.

Here in Europe, the distances aren't that vast as in the US - so I wouldn't need to walk far to reach others.

Whatever comes up - I will deal with it. I can't possibly carry all items for any possible scenario with me but I carry in me the ability to face any situation and handle any needs.
And if my body should perish because of the too hazardous challenge, I go off, pick up another body or whatever in far-far-away and have a new adventure.




Even it's my 404th post - this page can be found. (Techie insider joke) :dance3:

[happyuk]

Some great down-to-earth advice from Special Air Service survival instructor "Lofty" Wiseman, (at the time the youngest ever to pass selection at age 18) in this informative video where he opines on a variety of subjects


mobile phones - "Got no time for 'em!"
our basic needs - "food, fire, shelter, water, navigation & medical" or to prioritise - PLAN - "protection, location, acquisition, navigation"
Bear Grylls - "Tells people to do things that could kill them" in reference to his once mentioning the eating of snakes (risk of salmonella)
Desert survival - in a desert a blanket would keep you alive longer than two pints of water would due to protection from the sun
Is positive about the younger generation questioning things, having better imaginations etc when compared to his National Service days.
in addition to growing food, have a pond - a good potential source of water and food.
how people revert to type in these situations - civilized behaviour goes out of the window.


CoinKrDZXlY

[bobme]

I forgot to mention a couple of more items. A wet stone to sharpen your knives with, and some sort of hand held cutting snips.

you can cut vines and drink the water they have in them.

Also, your sense of humor, and amusement.

[Nasu]

Some great down-to-earth advice from Special Air Service survival instructor "Lofty" Wiseman, (at the time the youngest ever to pass selection at age 18) in this informative video where he opines on a variety of subjects


mobile phones - "Got no time for 'em!"
our basic needs - "food, fire, shelter, water, navigation & medical" or to prioritise - PLAN - "protection, location, acquisition, navigation"
Bear Grylls - "Tells people to do things that could kill them" in reference to his once mentioning the eating of snakes (risk of salmonella)
Desert survival - in a desert a blanket would keep you alive longer than two pints of water would due to protection from the sun
Is positive about the younger generation questioning things, having better imaginations etc when compared to his National Service days.
in addition to growing food, have a pond - a good potential source of water and food.
how people revert to type in these situations - civilized behaviour goes out of the window.


CoinKrDZXlY

I trained under Lofty, a really great guy. He was always a big joker. His favourite thing was always “get your mate to do it” especially if it was dangerous. I still remember him teaching us about snow holes, he said, best way to stay warm in a snow hole is to masterbate, but don’t waste your energy, get your mate to do it! Lol. We all laughed at that one. He was great at short simple ways to remember things, like stalking or hunting, the six s’s, shape shadow shine silhouette sound smell, or the four ways to trap, tangle mangle dangle and strangle. Great guy. True legend…..x…… N

[RatRodRob...RRR]

I watched this documentary about very simple cheap and lightweight fairly durable living structures. ...

Ah I saw a documentary about the homeless guy with the goats and cart. It inspired me. I think of his lifestyle a lot. That guy has a metal weedwhacker pressure sprayer container, that he fills with water then heats over a fire, then pumps the pressure to make a shower. I bought a small one with that purpose in mind.


YouTube 123HomeFree (https://www.youtube.com/@123Homefree)




...

The "Bug To" would be my choice, but a group will only let you in if you have or can do something for that group, other wise you are just a useless eater to them.
My reliance on medication would actually make a bug out or a bug to impossible for me so im screwed either way, think ill just get a deck chair and plant it on a beach somewhere with bourbon and ciggys ......................................RRR

:beer: :bigsmile:

All my flapping and prepping I think you have the right spirit. Have you got room for another? I'll bring cigars?

Haha no worries Matt, the more the merrier..........................RRR

[RatRodRob...RRR]

...

The "Bug To" would be my choice, but a group will only let you in if you have or can do something for that group, other wise you are just a useless eater to them.
My reliance on medication would actually make a bug out or a bug to impossible for me so im screwed either way, think ill just get a deck chair and plant it on a beach somewhere with bourbon and ciggys ......................................RRR

:beer: :bigsmile:


This is exactly my plan as well.. :p
With 9 months old baby I can put dipers in my bag and ask myself - is it possible that I chose this lifetime?

A baby, man that would be tough goin, im not sure id like to bring up a baby in todays times, my boys are 29 and 27 so i dont need to cater for them, thank god............RRR

[Denise/Dizi]

Out of curiosity, I know a good medical kit affords their owner some damage repair, such as kits that can provide you to give stitches...And splints and such.. My question is this..

What would be the bet MEDICATIONS to carry with you,

antibiotics, pain relievers, anti viral, anti bacterial, etc... Illness and injuries mostly happen when people leave their comfort zone, from cuts and scrapes, to more serious infections such as viral or bacterial infections, both inn and outside the body.

While I have a healthy survival kit, I do not know which types of medications would be the best for all around uses?

[Jamie]

Out of curiosity, I know a good medical kit affords their owner some damage repair, such as kits that can provide you to give stitches...And splints and such.. My question is this..

What would be the bet MEDICATIONS to carry with you,

antibiotics, pain relievers, anti viral, anti bacterial, etc... Illness and injuries mostly happen when people leave their comfort zone, from cuts and scrapes, to more serious infections such as viral or bacterial infections, both inn and outside the body.

While I have a healthy survival kit, I do not know which types of medications would be the best for all around uses?


I guess firstly, whatever medication you regularly have to take as an individual, but that's a given for most of us.

In the UK most anti-virals, anti-biotics, STRONG pain relief is prescribed by doctors only, so that means it's all about what you have from your own past prescriptions or from kindly family.
So medication I keep in my B.O.B.

* STRONG ANTI-HISTAMINE - Fexofenadine (For allergic reactions)
* STRONG PAIN KILLER - Tramadol (For Very Bad Muscle Pain)
* ANTI-BIOTIC - Amoxicillin
* And of course - IVERMECTIN

As with all medication I have all the dosage info. and cautions on a label attached to them all. Tramadol with other pain killers is complete no no. DO NOT take tramadol with any other type of pain killer

I also take & have with me in ALL my rucksacks a Bottle of 'Peppermint Essential Oil' for any & all stomach complaints!

I grew up with a therapist parent, and if ever I had stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea... I would be given 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil in a small quantity of sweetened water and it would stop the problem dead.
I have taken peppermint oil with me on holidays and camping trips where diarrhea can occur, and this treatment (for me at least) stops it within half an hour. Amazing stuff!
As a caution to others if you do try peppermint essential oil for such things...NEVER exceed 2-3 drops. Too much peppermint oil can cause heart palpitations.

[bluestflame]

for the bug TO option https://growfully.com/medicinal-herbs-garden/

something handy to have in a bug OUT bag ( on wheels enables more items)

https://strictlymedicinalseeds.com/

[bluestflame]

Out of curiosity, I know a good medical kit affords their owner some damage repair, such as kits that can provide you to give stitches...And splints and such.. My question is this..

What would be the bet MEDICATIONS to carry with you,

antibiotics, pain relievers, anti viral, anti bacterial, etc... Illness and injuries mostly happen when people leave their comfort zone, from cuts and scrapes, to more serious infections such as viral or bacterial infections, both inn and outside the body.

While I have a healthy survival kit, I do not know which types of medications would be the best for all around uses?

super glue has been used with some success with closing wounds in absence of stitches

[Mark (Star Mariner)]

I was just wondering - for contrast here - if anyone else was looking upon this thread with a burgeoning sense of...anxiety(?), knowing you have no bug out bag, no place to bug out anyway, no room at home for survival gear or extra food, and the 'emergency supplies' in your car extend no further than that box of tissues in the glove box and a small LED torch. That all describes me. And I don't have the first clue *whatsoever* about doing a single thing about it.

Anxious? Yes, a little. If society broke down or infrastructure collapsed then I'm probably toast. But so will millions of others in the UK. There's really next to no prepper culture here, and guns just do not exist. The question, what guns do you have? to my ears is entirely alien. In my whole life I think I've only ever seen a real gun once or twice, and that's on armed units at the airport (post 9/11).

I don't like to imagine what it will be like here if things went sideways - so maybe I'm hiding from it. I don't really have much choice. My parents are elderly now, mid-80s, and they depend on me a great deal. It would be impossible for them to just 'up and bug out' at their age. I think the same must go for nearly all folks over a certain age. Where would they go?!! There is nowhere to go. Thus by extension there's nowhere for me to go either, for I will not abandon them.

For good or for worse I'm stuck where I am and with what I've got.

[Harmony]

I was just wondering - for contrast here - if anyone else was looking upon this thread with a burgeoning sense of...anxiety(?), knowing you have no bug out bag, no place to bug out anyway, no room at home for survival gear or extra food, and the 'emergency supplies' in your car extend no further than that box of tissues in the glove box and a small LED torch. That all describes me. And I don't have the first clue *whatsoever* about doing a single thing about it.

Anxious? Yes, a little. If society broke down or infrastructure collapsed then I'm probably toast. But so will millions of others in the UK. There's really next to no prepper culture here, and guns just do not exist. The question, what guns do you have? to my ears is entirely alien. In my whole life I think I've only ever seen a real gun once or twice, and that's on armed units at the airport (post 9/11).

I don't like to imagine what it will be like here if things went sideways - so maybe I'm hiding from it. I don't really have much choice. My parents are elderly now, mid-80s, and they depend on me a great deal. It would be impossible for them to just 'up and bug out' at their age. I think the same must go for nearly all folks over a certain age. Where would they go?!! There is nowhere to go. Thus by extension there's nowhere for me to go either, for I will not abandon them.

For good or for worse I'm stuck where I am and with what I've got.


Mark, I am sure many have thought that as well, and that is so intuitive of you to have brought to light your thoughts, because they are very important. I think you need to prepare for whatever circumstance you find yourself in, it may not be ideal and you will need an inner trust that all will be well.


In other dire situations I have chosen to stay put and not abandon others or animals and somehow it turned out ok. I think that can be the highest love that you can enter and no matter what happens it will be ok wherever you end up, even if you have lost your "material" body.

[Matthew]

I was just wondering - for contrast here - if anyone else was looking upon this thread with a burgeoning sense of...anxiety(?), knowing you have no bug out bag, no place to bug out anyway, no room at home for survival gear or extra food, and the 'emergency supplies' in your car extend no further than that box of tissues in the glove box and a small LED torch. That all describes me. And I don't have the first clue *whatsoever* about doing a single thing about it.

...

That is a fair point. There's bits and bobs that are possible but we could drill down to the bear essentials. My contribution to the thread has been how to have the most luxurious bug out equipment, but this is neither needed or even useful.

I'm working from three or so vague scenarios that trouble me. I don't know how realistic these are:

1) Home electricity and water stops
2) I need to flee to the forest and survive (?)five nights
3) I'm caught in my car unable to get home during prophetic three days of darkness
4) Money becomes worthless, unless you use digital ID, but I still have my home for the foreseeable future

I can imagine tons of horrible scenarios and I have been doing so for the last several years. But the bear minimum to survive a night:
- warmth
- water

The only thing that abates the anxiety for me is investing my time and or money towards tasks and goals. Putting a blanket in the car is a task towards a goal, I feel a little better. Putting unopened bottles of water in the car again, same deal. I catch myself going too mad though, and constantly stop myself buying rubbish that would make me feel better for the afternoon. I mean, how much control don't we have? Grant me the grace to accept the things I can't change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to not buy endless rubbish that I think will make a difference.

[JackMcThorn]

The problem with 'worst case scenarios' is that the absolute worst does not usually happen. This should be an aid to the anxious mind. If you think over your life [many of us for some decades] what we think the worst is, just does not generally happen. What are the chances of your locale to become 'war-torn' [figuratively or literally]. Probably pretty slim.

When I was more rooted and secure I was better prepared than I am now. Currently, I am in a situation with little control. But the place I am in is highly unlikely to unravel into 'survival mode'.

There is an aspect of fear that may drive some of your decisions. I think there to be a balance of fear and preparedness. Skills insofar as self-sufficiency will be a very useful way to manage yourself, others, and time. If many people are thinking and acting on bugging out, those that remain may indeed find themselves in a good position to help others whom cannot leave.

When they say moderation is ideal, it really seems so; no matter the circumstances.

[Matthew]

The problem with 'worst case scenarios' is that the absolute worst does not usually happen. This should be an aid to the anxious mind. If you think over your life [many of us for some decades] what we think the worst is, just does not generally happen. What are the chances of your locale to become 'war-torn' [figuratively or literally]. Probably pretty slim.
...

Perhaps but I believe prophesy, and if it never happens then I'm also ok. But I didn't get to be a truther by thinking 'It probably won't happen'. I can see you make a brilliant point about skills though; I look in envy at some of my blue-pilled friends who are skilled up at gardening, woodwork, metal identification, sewing, knitting and a whole host of premium skills that will last ten times longer than the best dried ration I can find :bigsmile:

[RunningDeer]

No bug out bag. It’s unrealistic for me to join the bumper to bumper traffic on their way to nowhere and out of gas. And I lost count of how many batteries, can goods, medicines have past their sell-by-date.

I chose to not buy into all the non-stop brouhaha. Fear lowers frequency. The higher the frequency the greater the possibility for soul/consciousness to explore new ways or new part of consciousness.

My engagement in the fear created world is minimal. I do not permit anyone to usurp my hard earned creativity of thought and deeds. That is one of my contributions towards humanity moving in a co-creative direction.

I had a wake up call on “power of a few over the many”. I jumped through hoops for my licensed to carry a concealed weapon. It’s required in my state. I got it, but I chose not to renew it.

For the conceal carry, I had to travel to different places and wait in a line which was sometimes outside. The unpredictable winters in New England added another layer of craziness. It was on their time schedule that moved at a snail’s pace and where they hit up your wallet every step of the way. The hours and days were limited. If you missed a step because of bad weather you had to begin the process all over again. One example was I had to go back a second time to be fingerprinted because they weren’t clear enough. Which meant another delay because you have to wait up to a month for the results.

I’m with those that stand in sovereignty and integrity. We are powerful beings. And it’s time to take advantage of the current expansive period.

Disclaimer: I'm a work in progress. ♡
http://paula.avalonlibrary.net/smilies/work-in-progress.gif

[grapevine]

I was just wondering - for contrast here - if anyone else was looking upon this thread with a burgeoning sense of...anxiety(?), knowing you have no bug out bag, no place to bug out anyway, no room at home for survival gear or extra food, and the 'emergency supplies' in your car extend no further than that box of tissues in the glove box and a small LED torch. That all describes me. And I don't have the first clue *whatsoever* about doing a single thing about it.

Anxious? Yes, a little. If society broke down or infrastructure collapsed then I'm probably toast. But so will millions of others in the UK. There's really next to no prepper culture here, and guns just do not exist. The question, what guns do you have? to my ears is entirely alien. In my whole life I think I've only ever seen a real gun once or twice, and that's on armed units at the airport (post 9/11).

I don't like to imagine what it will be like here if things went sideways - so maybe I'm hiding from it. I don't really have much choice. My parents are elderly now, mid-80s, and they depend on me a great deal. It would be impossible for them to just 'up and bug out' at their age. I think the same must go for nearly all folks over a certain age. Where would they go?!! There is nowhere to go. Thus by extension there's nowhere for me to go either, for I will not abandon them.

For good or for worse I'm stuck where I am and with what I've got.

I'm one of the millions who's with you Mark. 👍 If the shtf the first thing to go will be communication and everyone I know is spread far and wide and no doubt will be busy doing their own thing (every man for himself). My biggest concern would be for our beloved pets tbh and keeping them safe. But I do have a lot of resources here at home, and a good supply of food at the moment which I would share with anyone in need of it. Couldn't imagine killing anyone over it or making weapons (for some reason I remember my dad telling me that a large stone in the end of a sock makes a great makeshift weapon, but then he meant his knee length, not my ankle socks :bigsmile:).

[Denise/Dizi]

I was just wondering - for contrast here - if anyone else was looking upon this thread with a burgeoning sense of...anxiety(?), knowing you have no bug out bag, no place to bug out anyway, no room at home for survival gear or extra food, and the 'emergency supplies' in your car extend no further than that box of tissues in the glove box and a small LED torch. That all describes me. And I don't have the first clue *whatsoever* about doing a single thing about it.

Anxious? Yes, a little. If society broke down or infrastructure collapsed then I'm probably toast. But so will millions of others in the UK. There's really next to no prepper culture here, and guns just do not exist. The question, what guns do you have? to my ears is entirely alien. In my whole life I think I've only ever seen a real gun once or twice, and that's on armed units at the airport (post 9/11).

I don't like to imagine what it will be like here if things went sideways - so maybe I'm hiding from it. I don't really have much choice. My parents are elderly now, mid-80s, and they depend on me a great deal. It would be impossible for them to just 'up and bug out' at their age. I think the same must go for nearly all folks over a certain age. Where would they go?!! There is nowhere to go. Thus by extension there's nowhere for me to go either, for I will not abandon them.

For good or for worse I'm stuck where I am and with what I've got.

I do not think anyone is stuck. Perhaps this may seem like a silly statement, given your situation, but there are times we all feel helpless inn our own situations...For example, I am sure a large percentage of even Avalon members feel helpless when it comes to rooting out corruption even at the local levels of our own governments, much less at a larger level, considering they have all militaries at their disposal.

You are a mere few clicks away from joining others who DO have some reserves, things stored away, and resources. What good is a stockpile of weapons if there is only one person to fire them? Or enough supplies for a small clan, when they are single? I have several bug out bags... All focusing on certain areas. We have freezers full of food we rotate, and friends who do similar things. Our particular circle is small yet we have a vast array or resources as a result of our efforts. From boats to planes, to four wheel drives, and all terrain vehicles. We have food, guns, ammo, and information. And while I am sure some of those resources would be eliminated immediately after a SHTF scenerio, having a network helps..

The easiest way to find like minded individuals is to go to the places that sell the type things that you desire, or groups, and ask... Where does one find like minded individuals? In that way you will meet other of like mind, possibly with more resources...

Yesterday, after having been without power for days, we had a friend randomly drive by on his CAT tractor, and plow out the front of our home... As it was the neighbors were leaving by the truckload due to the weather as we were eating smoked meats, and watching television as we have a generator. It CAN happen... But it does take time...

Just don't lose hope..

[grapevine]

Perhaps but I believe prophesy, and if it never happens then I'm also ok. But I didn't get to be a truther by thinking 'It probably won't happen'. I can see you make a brilliant point about skills though; I look in envy at some of my blue-pilled friends who are skilled up at gardening, woodwork, metal identification, sewing, knitting and a whole host of premium skills that will last ten times longer than the best dried ration I can find :bigsmile:

When and if the need arises you'll find you're able to turn your hand to most of the skills you've listed Matthew. It's surprising how many transferable skills we all have and how quickly all those survival tips come to mind when needed. I know this without a shadow of a doubt, having read so many of your posts

[Matthew]

...

When and if the need arises you'll find you're able to turn your hand to most of the skills you've listed Matthew. ...

Thanks! :bigsmile: it must be the same for other urbanites too, that is if the old ways appeal to them. The production chain to get from sheep to jumper is intimidating compared to store shopping. ChatGPT threatens my type of work in ways we can only sense right now, old ways of engineering feels more resistant to that threat, like regressing to beat it, rather than try to beat it at its own game. But what a strange and ridiculously complicated way of working we've evolved to? We could have stopped evolving in 2006 and things would have been fine.

Really what I'd like is to run a junkyard, then I get to look through other people's junk for free ...no, get paid for it. I don't look in other people's skips because it's especially rude, so I never do. But then it hurts when I pass them.

[palehorse]

I guess im too depressed to have any survival kit or an survival plan. My work got shut down for a year when scamdemic started so ive been in poverty and in survival mode ever since lol .
Running and hiding in the woods from NWO might seem like a decent plan but in the long term what will be achieved with this ? Bad guys will win and will get their NWO and in your next lifetime you will be born into it. Every fifth person already gets born into CCP China and one can imagine how complicated it can be to spiritually grow in the right direction in a place like that . But when the whole planet is gonna turned into something similar ... It will be spiritual hell where materialism and selfishness rule over everything .
In this lifetime we have a chance to stop it . If we dont our next lifetimes might be quite hell-ish .
It should be the NWO-terrorists like billy gates and Clown Schwab who are makeing plans to hide in the bushes from an angry mob ,not us .


Why are you so sure about it? Don't take me wrong, but civilization rises and fall pretty much all the time, the fall comes when evil "gain control", it is very short moment to their pleasure, take the so many empires as an example..
We don't have to go along with evil and play their little games, that's exactly why some of us decided to live in the outdoors, in small communities, with like minded people, having a more meaningful like close to nature and far from the great development of civilization which will always cut on both side of evil and good.

I don't think if you live a meaningful life you will be born into samsara or whatever people call these loop of life. That's just my point of view and it won't prove anything to anyone, but I can feel I am better person when I do things that mean something to someone or for myself instead of turn on the automatic biological machine and keep going with all the madness.

It is always our choices not theirs. The controllers can pretty much suck it up, hunt me down if dislike it.

[palehorse]

gold, silver or anything that can be an alternative currency


Cash is probably best. Small denomination paper notes, lots of them (depending on your circumstances!), most of them sealed in plastic and well-hidden in your bag. Paying someone $10/£10 for a loaf of bread is good value if you're very hungry and have the money.
Passport (also wrapped in plastic), if there's any chance you might cross a border to a neighboring country.
Personal defense (depending on your ethics/values, and what country you're in). Doesn't have to be a knife or gun: pepper spray or a self-protection laser can be very effective, and just having that as a fall-back measure bolsters confidence in a Max Max situation.
If you have rechargeable batteries (recommended!), a small lightweight solar AA/AAA battery charger (https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Charger-Charging-Portable-Batteries/dp/B076DB9ZVR) might keep your flashlight, radio or GPS working for as long as you ever need. (Solar phone chargers are also readily available.)
A tiny military can-opener (https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Survival-Opener-Military-Model/dp/B005IDQW3S/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2PVYBBH8EVIAL) (weights half an ounce),



Just trying to follow the same "rationale" of John and Bill regarding money, I am always talking to people that are involved with crypto currency and I had this discussion a few times about what would be the ideal move in a SHTF situation in our local area or even in our country, would bitcoin or any other crypto prevail over gold/silver or fiat ?

of course the answers was always the expected ones, for those involved in crypto would stick to their bitcoins and those who are not into crypto would not even think getting into it.. then cash/barter/gold/silver would be king. There is no common sense agreement in between these 2 groups and I think there will never be, one person leaded me to this article about offline bitcoin transactions

https://hackernoon.com/completely-offline-bitcoin-transactions-4e58324637bd

but really, after reading the entire thing I came to the conclusion, it is not for everyone, even though they claim it could be a new era of bitcoin adoption. Also the co-founder of Dollar Vigilante is pushing hard the bitcoin adoption, he gave a talk at the last Anarcapulco in Mexico about chapGPT and bitcoin adoption, he was saying something about fighting AI while adopting bitcoin, but to be frank, that talk was too much for my brain. To avoid going further into off-topic I will stop here.. the talk is available at dolarvigilante website if anyone is interested.

The question would be, how many Avalonians would hold some crypto for emergency (for spending not as investment)?

For me no crypto at all at this moment, but I may get into Monero or something just to have it in an offline wallet just in case someone somewhere would accept it in exchange of something that i want. who knows.


Here is a nice movie called "Survival Family" from 2016
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5890000/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

"After a sudden worldwide power cut, a Tokyo family are caught up in the chaos as millions traverse the country in search of electricity."

[grapevine]

It is always our choices not theirs.

It sure is :thumbsup:

[I am B]

Welp, after a bunch of youtube videos I slowly built my prepping stuff over time. I'm no guru or anything, just did my thing with the public knowledge and little bits of situations here and there where I could apply/use some of the gear configuration cited on this following post.

I'm gonna lay it down as a way of having my overall prepping setup down "on paper", having some feedback from you fellas, and maybe helping some too ^^

For context, I'll say I live on the area surounding Barcelona. Halfway on an urban enviroment, halfway on a natural park, and 10 minutes from the sea by car. The temperatures here can be deadly hot in summer, and deadly cold in winter too, but I will rarely be more than a day or two hike from home. I'm proficient with mechanics (I prety much rebuilt my own car) and fishing.

I've layered my prepping/bugout according to possible scenarios, but always keeping a baseline. Sort of how the military gear-lines work, but in a survival mindset.

My priorities usually go as: medical aid, temperature, movement, water, food, security.

Also, I've tried to pack everything in the most compact way possible, in order for it not to interfere with the everyday life (or do it as little as possible), where it is, fortunately so far, way less necessary.

Let's start:

I carry 24/7, wherever I go, a pouch on me with some essentials to cover the most basic needs.

-Thermal blanket
-Knife
-Zippo lighter, fire rod, and magnifying glass card to start fire
-Tea candle
-Small compact medkit
-Expired condoms (yes im serious)
-Some toilet paper (for the REAL emergency)
-Couple of purifying tablets
-Multitool
-whistle
-Sillock Key (important)
-Flashlight (uses 1 AAA battery)
-4 AAA Batteries
-Perfumed Vaseline
-Compass
-Marker
-Tightly packed 100L trashbag (works for carrying stuff and to make an improvised poncho)
-2 little sugar bags
-Mirror
-Contact lenses
-Cash
-Rubber bands
-peppermint candies (they keep you awake)
-Plastic sheet to open building main doors

Its a ~20x30x10cm waterproof pouch with two shoulderstraps. Which would be the first line of gear.

On my wallet I carry an extra flashlight, a magnifying glass lense, lockpick set, and a knife. (and its not a big one at all)

In case something happened, my first priority would be to get to immediate safety, find water, food and warm clothes in case I'm REALLY lacking them, and just get home or to my car. Of course I'd probably have tremendous trouble surviving permanently with this, but it works as a first-reaction, get-home/car kit, and It should give a good bunch of time in case of a perpetual survival scenario where I only have that.

Once home, I have different elements depending on the situation. The basic one would be the bug-out bag, and then there would be complimentary stuff to pick up, throw in the car, or just use at home if necessary.

The bug out bag is a bigger version of the everyday-pouch, with more advanced elements and extra items for more of a perpetual survival situation rather than staying alive for a while.

Abandoning my house is a last resource, but in such a situation this is the first thing I would pick up. And I use it for camping too!

And there goes the bug out bag item list:
-hammock
-paracord
-thick plastic poncho that can be used as tarp
-iron floor hooks for tents
-shemagh
-working gloves
-knife with saw
-Backup folding knife
-extended firekit (tea candles, rod, matches, jet lighter, firestarting tablets,aluminium paper...)
-backup waterproofed firekit (candle and lighter)
-medkit (with trauma kit)
-a bit of activated charcoal
-emergency blanket
-water filter (lifestraw)
-camping water bottle
-shirt socks and undies
-headlamp (AAA)
-AAA Batteries
-cranking (no batteries) flashlight
-sillock key
-compass
-map
-cooking kit w/
Pan and pot
salt, pepper, oil
beef and chicken solid soup
chewing gum
peppermint candies
powder cocoa
tang (water flavoring & cancer inducing)
4 protein bars
-vitamin tablets (vitamin C + zinc)
-fishing supplies (weights, hooks and 400m line roll)
-Multitool
-soap bar
-1inch perfume tester bottle (boosts morale and makes you feel fresco)
-wet wipes
-toilet paper
-toothbrush head
-tweezers
-collapsible hairbrush with mirror
-perfumed vaseline
-ultra small lip-balm and skin cream
-dry soap

The pack is stored next to a warm jacket, military boots, and handgun, in case they were to be taken, and an extra small belt bag with a baofeng uv5, a 10€ old-people fm radio, and a bunch of batteries.

You may have noticed I don't carry almost any food other than the protein bars. (lasting barely a couple of days) This backpack has an unfoldable addition that gives extra capacity over it. This allows to throw in any food or valuable stuff on the go (and have easy access to it), but, as mentioned before, the main purpose of this pack is to get in a situation where I'm able to obtain my own food and water.
It is not a big pack, and it allows me to hike or drive my bycicle without trouble.

I feel it is important to note, that the bug out bag is the most relevant asset, since it should contain everything to help you stay alive in whatever situation, but at the same time, it should be the LAST resource, since staying home is usually the best strategy. (unless a bunch of situations we can all think about)

On the other hand, before I may get to the bug out bag I usually keep at home, if I'm outside, I'd probably get to the car first.

Once in my car, I have a crate with some more specific stuff. Its objective is to keep me alive and dandy longer, and keep the car moving, hopefully back home or to safety.

The car pack has:
-Slings & Rope
-Wheel plates (for unstucking it)
-Snowy road wheel coverings
-Tire repair kits and tire puncture foam spray
-Crowbar
-Saw
-Bottle of Cooling liquid
-Bottle of oil
-Bottle of brake fluid
-Engine cement
-A bit of metal wire
-Thick elerctric wire (works as jumpcables, more unconfortable to use, but way less bulky without the clamps and can be used for fixing stuff)
-zipties
-metal tube ties
-Really basic extra tools (A long flat screwdriver, and pliers)
-Collapsible fuel transport bag
-Collapsible water bag
-Handcranked fuel pump (that broke last week, and now I'm looking for a better one)
-Plastic tarp
-Wool Blanket
-Hoodie & Thermal shirt
-Shirt, undies and socks
-Beanie
-Working gloves
-Cheap sport shoes
-3 or 4 100L. trashbags
-Maps of iberian peninsula and France
-Compass (again)
-Paper, pen, marker
-Magnetic lamp that uses AAA batteries
-A BIG pack of AAA batteries
-Tape
-a couple of red pieces of cloth, for marking oneself
-Small firestarting kit
-Complimentary medkit
-1 or 2 couples of menstruation pads
-Expired condoms
-extra contact lenses
-4/5 Tea candles
-Energy bars
-8h Caffeine boost
-3 Small cans of monster energy
-Cookies
-Water bottles
-Toilet paper roll
-Fork-knife-spoon
-A bag of bags I use for groceries

This all (except the plates) fits into a ~70x 50x50 plastic crate. I also carry a small 2 wheeled collapsible cart in case I have to abandon the vehicle and take the crate with me if possible. (or just go shopping, some things are just heavy sometimes...) This would be a mix of second/third line, for I may not have the bug out bag on me when needed, but also contains specific car stuff. In any way, my priority, unless strictly impossible, would be to get back home.

Finally, as third lines, at home, I have different "packs" to be used mainly at home, but also on the run, given that you're using a vehicle to move, since they are too big to carry on oneself while hiking or cycling. They are organised depending on their purpose, and only serve as a complement/extension to the previous ones. One ideally would not idependently rely on them. In case they were all taken on a single bug out run in a car, I believe they would provide as much as one could hope for.

Security, hunting, and protection from the elements pack:
-cal 5.5" Handcranked airgun
-plenty of hunting pellets
-fishing set expansion (small rod, extra hooks, etc)
-collapsible bow
-arrows
-Binoculars
- set of thick camo clothes
-2 sets of thermal clothes
-Full camo Waterproof outfit
- 3 or 4 Magnetic tripwire alarms
-Extra green tarp
-extra rope
-Axe
-Saw
-Gas mask (to be worked on)
-Flare gun

Food water & Fire pack:
-Big bunch of non perishable food and some bottled water.
-seeds of different things to be planted all around the year
-10L water jug
-Firestarting Tablets
-3 Lighters
-Lighter refill
-Lighter flints
-Candles
-Fire rod
-Magnifying lense

Wellbeing pack:
-Medkit expansion (more bandages, meds, alcohol, oxigenated water, iodine, creams, etc)
-Expanded Hygiene (a lot of soap & soap bars, toothbrushes, deodorant and a handful of other cosmetics)
-Earplugs
-Contact lenses box
-Collapsible shower bag
-Beach towel
-wet wipes
-toilet paper
-Hairbrush
-Smell candles
-Pads

Energy pack:
-450w solar panel (to be tied on top of the car)
-x2 car batteries
-2000w inverter
-22000mah power bank
-phone charger
-solar lamp with movement detection activation
-handheld radio charger
-AAA Rechargable battery packs + charging dock
(i use AAA batteries for all my stuff, so this gives me preety much unlimited energy for any small appliances and lights)

Hustling pack: (with the purpose of commerce and exchange. None of the below are meant to be used by oneself unless strictly necessary)
-1kg bucket of cheap rolling tobacco
-smoking paper and filters
-zip bags for packing the tobacco
-a couple of Small alcohol bottles ~20cL
-soap bars
-candles
-lighters
-lighter refill fluid

My good ol' Toolbox:
Suited to refloat the titanic!

Only the hunting & security one is packed on a bagpack, that (although uncomfy) could be taken with the bug out bag while driving my motorbike or on a short distance hike. The rest are exclusively to be taken in a vehicle.

There is plenty (probably too much) redundancy, but the idea is to have the basic needs always covered, and be able to make a permanent stay wherever and however necessary, hopefully at home, but always ready to be packed and leave.

I feel important to mention that I mostly got these things through super-sales occasions, and slowly over time (started right before COVID started, smh the spirits warned me). I never went out spending the big buck on ANY of my prepping stuff. Just keeping an eye on useful stuff that can be aquired for little or no money, while keeping an eye on not hoarding too. Aquiring most of the things should be, in a way, thought as literally throwing the money away, because there is little to no chance to use much of the gear on a normal daily basis, specially if we're talking about diehard prepping gear. Sometimes the smallest home things can be the most useful in a prepping situation. A small handheld barbecue could be both a regular friend reunion trigger, or a life saving device to cook, warm yourself or even purify water, and a simple extra bag of rice could keep you fed for a few days.

I think there is no need to spend too much of an extra money on prepping (to each in their capabilities), but there is also no excuse to not slowly build up some, essentially, freedom to not depend on whatever.

I'm really glad if some (or any) of you made it that far onto this post. Thank you! And please do criticise it as much as you can! I'm always looking to slowly improve on it.

I'm looking forward to slowly expand it on the fancier side now:
-I found a small old fire extinguisher, but It lost pressure and I have to figure out how to refill and mantain it.
-Fixing my laptop and going through an old SDR device I have for listening to comms all over the spectrum.
-Getting a long distance drone with camera. (thats just a big treat, okay)
-Getting a geiger counter and radiation suitable filters. But its really expensive and not usable regularly.
-Getting a long distance ham radio. (I've seen there is some NEAT documentation in this forum)

[Ravenlocke]

“
No bug out bag. It’s unrealistic for me to join the bumper to bumper traffic on their way to nowhere and out of gas. And I lost count of how many batteries, can goods, medicines have past their sell-by-date.

I chose to not buy into all the non-stop brouhaha. Fear lowers frequency. The higher the frequency the greater the possibility for soul/consciousness to explore new ways or new part of consciousness.

My engagement in the fear created world is minimal. I do not permit anyone to usurp my hard earned creativity of thought and deeds. That is one of my contributions towards humanity moving in a co-creative direction”

Thank you Running Deer, ditto for me as well what you said above. :heart:

[Merkaba360]

No bug out bag. It’s unrealistic for me to join the bumper to bumper traffic on their way to nowhere and out of gas. And I lost count of how many batteries, can goods, medicines have past their sell-by-date.

I chose to not buy into all the non-stop brouhaha. Fear lowers frequency. The higher the frequency the greater the possibility for soul/consciousness to explore new ways or new part of consciousness.

My engagement in the fear created world is minimal. I do not permit anyone to usurp my hard earned creativity of thought and deeds. That is one of my contributions towards humanity moving in a co-creative direction.

I had a wake up call on “power of a few over the many”. I jumped through hoops for my licensed to carry a concealed weapon. It’s required in my state. I got it, but I chose not to renew it.

For the conceal carry, I had to travel to different places and wait in a line which was sometimes outside. The unpredictable winters in New England added another layer of craziness. It was on their time schedule that moved at a snail’s pace and where they hit up your wallet every step of the way. The hours and days were limited. If you missed a step because of bad weather you had to begin the process all over again. One example was I had to go back a second time to be fingerprinted because they weren’t clear enough. Which meant another delay because you have to wait up to a month for the results.

I’m with those that stand in sovereignty and integrity. We are powerful beings. And it’s time to take advantage of the current expansive period.

Disclaimer: I'm a work in progress. ♡
http://paula.avalonlibrary.net/smilies/work-in-progress.gif

I think we all understand this view.

I think we can stock up and still not be in fear. It can be done out of love - think how happy those around us would be if we share our wealth of supplies if things get rough. Its actually a good investment if done right. You save money buying a stock of goods now that just cost more next year. Things like toilet paper dont have the expiration date problem.

For expiring goods like batteries, just be sure to keep using the oldest batteries first just like stores do with inventory. Just buy to a degree that there is no waste if the Poo does not hit the fan. lol

It doesn't have to be super elaborate and costly. Even just the basics would be so much better than nothing in bad circumstances.

Also, its not necessarily going to happen so fast that there are traffic jams out of town. It could very well be obvious to us before the normies figure it out. We might be able to head out of town for days or weeks prior as a holiday, because we can see it unfolding.

[Jamie]

*Bump* *Bump*

I understand the sentiment of many here, that 'What will be, will be', and perhaps why even bother with a B.O.G.

Ultimately we all live in different circumstances, and even if I agree with such reasoning... if push comes to shove... I'd still want a basic rucksack to grab for making a move.

[Pam]

I did a bunch of the prepper stuff. I have enough food to last a long, long time. Water purification ect. I am poor in organizational skills so I am fortunate enough to have a very large room that I don't use and it is all in there.

Now, I have undergone the same transition that Paula so eloquently spoke of. I realize that even though I live in the country, most likely most if not all of the stuff I have will be stolen if people are hungry. I have accepted that.

I have found the most peace in accepting that all my fiat currency could go, my house could be taken from me, my cars stolen and the list goes on. The one thing I am working on is wanting to have some control, if I am killed. I don't want to suffer a long drawn out death. I would like to let go of that as well.

It is possible to find peace with this. A huge benefit is that it has helped me immensely to find absolute joy in the tiniest of things. I know that is sounds silly, we are all going to die, but the current situation creates more of, I may very likely have much less "time" here than I thought. Sort of like getting a diagnoses of a disease, where "the experts" where they tell you have not much longer to live.

I used to believe, having strong addictive tendencies that I would resume that lifestyle and just zone out, and the exact other has occurred. I would like crystal clarity of the whole event that is occurring which may ultimately lead to my death.

I have spent this spring reveling at the tiny new leaves and the color of each leaf as it progresses in the seasons. I was babysitting a neighbors puppy and I haven't had such genuine fun in many, many years. I appreciate the sound of the birds. I feel intense love of the natural world, and am so very grateful I get to live in this beauty.

I am going to strongly recommend a movie if you are having trouble and anxiety about this. It is actually a masterpiece and it is a new movie. I don't know if the writer understood the implications of what he wrote but it is brilliant.
It's call "Don't look up" on Netflix. Ultimately it about coming to terms with something that seems impossible to comprehend, and the beauty and grace of acceptance.

What seems like a million years ago, when I went to AA ( a twelve step program) which gave me a huge paradigm shift, my favorite topic was acceptance. At the time, I could only see it as accepting this thing or a specific event or a specific person. Little did I understand how you could expand this to everything. It doesn't mean you don't change the things you can, but if you can't and you can accept the possibilities and the reality you see, it is nothing short of miraculous.

[thepainterdoug]

I have casually scanned this post, lots of good info and thank you all.

but this is a depressing post, a depressing reality . somehow we all seem to know that life, our way of life is being taken from us , TAKEN FROM US, and we are powerless to do anything about it.
We elected a gov to do the work for us. we pay huge taxes , we follow laws and rules, and yet somehow we have this situation where we have to worry about these issues.
I live in a condo building 10 min outside NYC. Im not leaving.
but lets say i do because things a re so dire. then what? I walk up into a forest? I squat under a bridge? i have my boogie bag and its inadequate, or a ruthless person not as kind as me says, hey thats mine now at gunpoint?
Fore the most part, all we really know about this scenario is from movies. The Road ,comes to my mind. and also the recent The Last of Us on HBO.

when to leave my home? what if I go, false alarm and I return and others have moved on in? everything is in play, everything up for grabs, the rule of law gone. Regardless, who wants this life?

I do have a boogie bag. What its missing is about 50 boxes of ambien

[Jamie]

I have casually scanned this post, lots of good info and thank you all.

but this is a depressing post, a depressing reality . somehow we all seem to know that life, our way of life is being taken from us , TAKEN FROM US, and we are powerless to do anything about it.
We elected a gov to do the work for us. we pay huge taxes , we follow laws and rules, and yet somehow we have this situation where we have to worry about these issues.
I live in a condo building 10 min outside NYC. Im not leaving.
but lets say i do because things a re so dire. then what? I walk up into a forest? I squat under a bridge? i have my boogie bag and its inadequate, or a ruthless person not as kind as me says, hey thats mine now at gunpoint?
Fore the most part, all we really know about this scenario is from movies. The Road ,comes to my mind. and also the recent The Last of Us on HBO.

when to leave my home? what if I go, false alarm and I return and others have moved on in? everything is in play, everything up for grabs, the rule of law gone. Regardless, who wants this life?

I do have a boogie bag. What its missing is about 50 boxes of ambien


I honestly...100% agree with everything you've said.
You're an American, whilst I'm from the UK... but the reality is the same.
Politicians do not serve the people any more.
In the United Kingdom the expression for most of those that enter politics is... "career politician"!.
Someone who studied law & politics at University, and then moved straight on to be an MP's aide.
They are simply not there to represent the people of the Country any more, but their own career progression.

I totally understand the sentiment.
No-one is there to back up the tax paying, bog standard members of society any more.
We all have to fend for ourselves.

Regardless of that, I am still scared of the sudden changes that may come at any time.



I prefer to believe that I am safer at home.... where all my possessions & devices are, to protect and defend myself.
Yet... I err on the side of caution.
If everything in society goes to hell, then I would totally prefer to be at home, and blockade everything.

Still, on the slightest chance of a bad situation, I would like to have a backpack/rucksack with a few items to help me on my way.
So I created one for myself.

Annoyingly... me being me... most of my family lives 600 yards from me so I automatically worry about them too.
I've bought and made them all a B.O.B., simply because I'd be ashamed if i said, "well i've got a bag... see you later!".

I've bought the items for 8 rucksacks for my family. Admittedly one third of what's in my rucksack... but the basics at least for their sakes.

- A highlander 'Forces' Rucksack.
- A simple $10 [£9] knife (Hultsfor)... Extremely good quality. On par with a basic Mora knife.
- A folding saw (Bahco laplander)... I have a Silky saw in my B.O.G.
- A water filter (Sawyer, with extra water bags).
- Cheap Millbank bags for filtering water in the first pass.
- Terra Nova Bivvy Bags (the basic version, to cover a sleeping bag, not the fancy tent kind).
- Helikon-tex Poncho (as a raincoat and a tarp shelter)
- SealSkinz socks (so no matter what shoes they bring with them, their feet will be dry)
- 30m of Paracord (Real 550lb, 7 strand)
- Thermal silver 'Space Blanket' (£2 / $3... dirt cheap).
- Simple folding stove, with paraffin blocks. A simple BIC gas lighter, and a ferro-rod.
- Titanium cooking pots each.
- Simple compass (liquid filled, from Silva). Not sure they could actually use it properly.
- Cheap Ski mask/ thin balaclava (to keep the face warm, outside of the basic sleeping bags I've bought them).
- Kendall Mint cake :p (A block of pure icing sugar flavoured with mint).
- A small roll of gaffa tape.

Reality is my family have way, WAYYYY more money than me, but they won't spend a single penny on preparation for future problems.
Even though most of them bombard me with horrendous links which i ignore, from GLP (God Like Productions) :silent:... Charlie Ward :facepalm:... & Simon Parkes :confused::( But sadly all their money goes on takeaways, etc.
Perhaps they are the sensible ones though... living in the now... and not the future of 'What could maybe happen!'.

Yep...I'm an alternative media snob. I follow the best out there...Project Avalon. :bigsmile:
I guess I'll make some 'Bug Out Bags' (B.O.B.) for them instead... due to fear for their future.
Perhaps not right, but family is family.

Ultimately I'm not overly worried about what may come, but I know I'd have regrets if I didn't take precautions.

[thepainterdoug]

Jambo. thanks. There is a great classic movie," the Taking of Pelham 123" you may know, ?

a subway train is taken hostage for ransom money
thru the entire chaos of the movie, a drunk is passed out on the train seat as the train flys down the track tipping this way and that until it screeches to a halt at the end

the drunk slides forward and then wakes up looks around as if nothing at all happened.

[Jamie]

Jambo. thanks. There is a great classic movie," the Taking of Pelham 123" you may know, ?

a subway train is taken hostage for ransom money
thru the entire chaos of the movie, a drunk is passed out on the train seat as the train flys down the track tipping this way and that until it screeches to a halt at the end

the drunk slides forward and then wakes up looks around as if nothing at all happened.

I have indeed seen the film.

All I can say is I hope that whatever may come for our future, that I can be that man (perhaps, just like you too) .
Thank you.

[grapevine]

A Plan to go with our bug out bags would be handy so here's an article as a reminder to research any likely local shelters / buildings. As you'll see from the link, they're in very short supply in the UK:

The Guardian (November 2022)
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/24/when-you-hear-the-four-minute-warning-whatever-happened-to-britains-nuclear-bunkers#:~:text=Situated%20below%20an%20inconspicuous%20bungalow,headquarters%20throughout%20the%20c old%20war.

I wrote to my MP (Labour) back in February 2022 when "nuclear" was first mentioned, asking what arrangements there were for Lambeth residents in the event of nuclear escalation. This was her response:

"It is not within my power or that of Lambeth Council to issue an emergency evacuation procedure for the area, because this would have to be based on intelligence assessments that are not shared. I am sure that our intelligence services are working to update these plans given the escalation in rhetoric, but they do have to be cautious about releasing details prematurely and causing undue panic.
Please be assured however, that any such plans would not simply protect public representatives at the expense of the general population".


Every man for himself then :facepalm:

[Jamie]

*Bump* *Bump*

Sorry, I'm bumping this thread as I am wondering if any on here are preparing (in a camping bag sense / B.O.B.), as a precaution for what 2024 may bring.
Hopefully 2024 will bring us nothing (just like multiple years previous), yet I still like to have a simple shelter in a backpack and a water filter... with the water carriers and pots and pans to cook with.
I'm just playing safe.

I'm interested to know what othe PA members are doing, and if you have any suggestions for the rest of us.

[Vicus]

Brutal mode

Apart from fancy "go into the wild" plus/minus "peaceful " modes, prepare you for the "other"one too... :sherlock:

_ Reduce your weight NOW,practice regular sport (swimming, running,bike,weights,boxing,etc) if you aren't in shape ,that reduce your chances to survive more as 50 %...

_be frugal and learn to eat "everything" sooner or later your "fancy" food will run out...

_ your weapons will run out of ammo too, learn how defense yourself from knives attacks and...how and when "attack "...

Remember, you will need in worst case to walk or run "X" km to next "secure"point trough city/wildness/roads/mountains /desert,etc

What’s in my emergency bug out bag?

_all documents in plastic bags
_Medical aid kit
_ Swiss knives
_water
_toilet paper
_sleep bag
_extra socks,t shirts,etc

_salami,cheese,dry bred ,vitamins,chocolate bars,all sort of bars
_military/jag knives,axe,knife sharpener,shovel,fishing stuff
_silver coins
_Brandy. against cold... and /or for barter/ disinfectant for cuts.etc
-some plastic cape for rain protection
_ duct tape
_fire starter

You get my point, when "its" come dawn, no time or peace for fancy "camping"...

All this post is for 1man/woman survival army, when more people,young.elderly,kids,teenagers,etc everybody must take care from all sections ... from that point forward they are now in a survival army modus. :muscle:

The "pack" bring more protection than as loner,as such better early than too late to deploy "killer" instinct... :ninja: the pack is whiting you...

[Jamie]

Brutal mode

Apart from fancy "go into the wild" plus/minus "peaceful " modes, prepare you for the "other"one too... :sherlock:

_ Reduce your weight NOW,practice regular sport (swimming, running,bike,weigh,box,etc) if you aren't in shape ,that reduce your chances to survive more as 50 %...

_be frugal and learn to eat "everything" sooner or later your "fancy" food will run out...

_ your weapons will run out of ammo too, learn how defense yourself from knives attacks and...how and when "attack "...

Remember, you will need in worst case to walk or run "X" km to next "secure"point trough city/wildness/roads/mountains /desert,etc



...when "its" come dawn, no time or peace for fancy "camping"...

All this post is for 1man/woman survival army, when more people,young.elderly,kids,teenagers,etc everybody must take care from all sections ... from that point forward they are now in a survival army modus. :muscle:

The "pack" bring more protection than as loner,as such better early than too late to deploy "killer" instinct... :ninja: the pack is whiting you...


All good advise and so very true. Get yourself healthy and fit.
When it comes down to it... the best equipment you'll have is your 'body & knowledge'.
Thanks for that Vicus

[Johnnycomelately]

Brutal mode

Apart from fancy "go into the wild" plus/minus "peaceful " modes, prepare you for the "other"one too... :sherlock:
.
.
.

What’s in my emergency bug out bag?

.
.
.
_toilet paper
.
.

Glad to unbulk your quick pack, in theory. TP is not necessary. Use the water method, like 2/3 of humanity (stat is a guess).

I think this question is not trivial. Our ingrained notions of our identity, usually held hard to help us feel better about ourselves, can be based in others’ profit motives or other motives. Think Christmas.

If anyone has the idea to use leaves, which I have done, beware the poison ones. My mom had a pained story about, turned out, using Poison Oak.