Survival?...

[BigBear]

Where's that survival forum?

Recently there's been a lot of talk from tin hat wearers about SHTF and TEOTWAWKI and (insert own acronym here). While we've all had the discussions on the "best" (very subjective term) and "must have" gear, it seems to me that there is a lot of fantasy going on. So basically, I'm wanting to start a discussion on what would really be needed? I guess I'll go first and yes, we want to keep it CO related. I'll start with a lot of common things I hear and then follow with my own (granted - inexperienced) thoughts.


Transportation:

I would assume that 4x4 would be nessecary especially if going to the hills/mtns. So, something with 4x4 that has decent cargo room. But the super duece and a half, etc? Come on. If you have room for a garage for that beast, it seems to me that you don't need to go anywhere when the SHTF.

Edibles:

Protein and water. But forty tons of MRE's or beef jerky bars?! Really? I'm all about the whole "bacon" thing, but you'll be incapcitated by serious health problems without some sort of veggie.

Gear:

The new superduper magum piss to water purifier? A 4 bed room tent? That new $400 tactical vest and drop leg holster? A butane/propane stove?! In a SHTF scenario where are you going to find the propane refills? Oh yeah, I forgot, you bought 3 tons of them to store in your deuce and a half. I'm a big guy and a lot of the must haves list would break my back.

Firearms:

The SAW mounted on the front grill of the duece with 4 thousand rounds as back up.... no comment...

Luxuries - laptop computer with satellie internet capabilities... (and who's going to run the network while the earth goes to hell? lol) 1932 wine from berlin, pots pans, etc. etc.

My suggestions: (very generalized)

Transportation - Something with 4x4 that can handle hill/mtn or rocky/icy roads. Cargo space to allow ample storage of gear and extra gas. Full size spare tire mounted outside of cargo area is a plus.

Edibles - I would think that one would trap/hunt for primary nutrion. Plenty of plant species in CO can be consumed. Water is kind of common and some purification tablets could come in handy. Pack a few protein bars, some bottled water, a few MRE's (enough food for about two weeks or so) and SALT (natural meat preserver) and your set. Go easy on the hunting etc, meaning don't eat the whole damn deer the first night, save some as you might not catch anything tomorrow, lol.

Gear - Good weather senstive and rugged clothes in nuetral colors are a must. Three pair should hold you for a long time. Good boots, several pairs of socks/undershirts/underwear. A big, sturdy (framed) backpack to fit stuff into. A multitool, saw/hatchet combo, pocket knife. A book or two on survival (boy scouts and army/marine survival guides are cheap and chocked full of great info). Sunglasses, hat, etc. Basically, just the basics. Rope/paracord, maybe a poncho and tarp. Flashlight. Binoculars (or save space and just use a scoped rifle)

Firearms - A long rifle with a sling and a side arm. Spare ammo and mags (not 40K rounds though, I'm thinking like maybe 200 rounds or so).

Luxuries - ... not sure.

Okay, thoughts?

[KevDen2005]

Where's that survival forum?

but you'll be incapcitated by serious health problems without some sort of veggie

And surely you will need an ice cold beverage...

Ha ha, I just had to Big Bear

[KevDen2005]

Okay, I am no expert but I am an avid backpacker and camper and I learn something new everytime I go out. I think practice is a key. Building fires, shelters, getting and filtering water, navigation, and hunting (which I have to say I am not really educated and experienced with.

I have always thought of two types of survival, 1: The wildnerness, rambo style, living off of the earth completely. And, 2: The style in which survival blog seems to encourage which is builing up your home and supplies, etc.

I maintain my pack as well as a few things in the house that I wont allow to be depleted (Batteries, toilet paper, some canned goods, firewood, ammo, tylenol, etc).

I am looking forward to hearing about what other people do...

[BigBear]

And surely you will need an ice cold beverage...

Ha ha, I just had to Big Bear

HAHA. Yes sir! You must "Enjoy with an ice-cold beverage and veggies!" Good call, good call! HAHA.

Oh, and good thoughts... maybe it would be best to have two trains of thought.. one for alone int eh wilderness and one for house sitting.

[gnihcraes]

Depends on the time frame... if it's a bug out in 30 minutes +, I can make it, anything less probably not very well.

4x4 Crew Cab, Pop up camper is ready, got 30 gallons of water on standby and some limited food items in tubs to toss in the truck. Good backpack and clothes are handy, weapons/Bow can be accessed within minutes. If need be, ATV, Gas, and Generator are ready too.

I'm still working on putting together a bug out bag, it's just difficult to plan for a familly of four to hit the road on short notice.

I'm good to stay if I can shelter in place.

[gnihcraes]

and I try to keep a small supply of similar necessary items in each vehicle just for the day when you are stuck in traffic or a snow bank in town...

it is expensive though to plan for something in all locations/vehicles. I've got a small survival kit at each work office and the wifes too: light, knife, food and drink items, dust mask and such... watching the 911 stuff a while ago on TV made me think that I should have a few of these items with me at work.

Some people laugh at me and have said... "heck I'm just going home if it's bad..." but what if you can't get there! Big crack in the earth or some other disease/chemical etc. (i work downtown)

[jerrymrc]

As has been mentioned there is stay in place (bug in) or leave (bug out). Leaving could be almost imposable due to a number of factors.

I always believe that if one wants to be prepared then one needs to start at home first. And start small, learn and build. I am not an TEOTEAWKI kind of guy but I pray for the best and prepare for the worst.

If you work miles away from home then the "get me home bag" makes sense. And everyone here in CO should have a kit in there car to last them 3-4 days. Most here should have the weapons angle covered though I have noted some are a little short on ammo.

If the forum comes to pass I plan on bringing up many topics and even offering a class or two on some subjects that are near and dear to my heart.

[Mtn.man]

Ya'll just stay in the flat lands and leave the mtn folk to their own,, we are all crazy...

[newracer]

If it is short term (1-2 months) I have plenty of supplies at home.

Long term I will just bug out to my brother in laws place. He lives where there is plenty of game to harvest, water suplly is from a well, heat is from a fireplace, next to a creek, adn has a garden. He is working on a backup generator and solar sytem for power.

All I have to do is get there. With my wifes 4 dr wrangler and my built TJ we should make it no problem.

[BigBear]

Ya'll just stay in the flat lands and leave the mtn folk to their own,, we are all crazy...

Sorry my friend... I'm been on the flat plains too long. I miss the mountains. Would be in the TN Smokies every summer since I was born (or dad was PCS'ed to Germany for a few years) till grandpa passed. I love the mtns.

I currently live in an aptartment... so a stay in place for me would be interesting.... lol. And I'm very short on ammo. Every time I get some, I go shoot it! HAHA.