HEAD GEAR

It may seem odd to many to see a prepper post on head gear. Well, if you look back at history you will find that a piece of head gear was worn by just about every outdoorsman, every warrior, every adventurer, etc. In the “modern, civilized world” headgear is often unneeded in everyday life. Such is not the case when you venture outside - especially in inclement weather.

When the modern conveniences - such as central heat and air conditioning - go by the wayside you will soon find that having quality headgear - multi-purpose and several if possible - is a must for surthrival. A variety of special purpose head gear is fine if you bug in; but, if you bug out you will need to limit your choices according to usage, weight and space. As with all prepper gear the more uses an item can serve the better it is. We will address a few options here.

Bandanas: although a versatile device these are not much use as a stand-alone piece of headgear; however, they are a great (if not essential) addition to about every other piece of head gear there is. They have too many uses to be forgotten - head cover, scarf, dust mask, sling(s), bandage, tourniquet, sediment filter, garrote, blackjack, etc.

Baseball caps: the common baseball style cap worn by many is a bare minimum. It offers very little protection from heat, cold, or rain; and, offers little in the multi-use department - i.e. most can’t be used to carry or filter water very well. There are some exceptions of course. The “hunter style” baseball caps are different. Many come with ear flaps too; and, some higher dollar caps have polar fleece liners, Gore-Tex, etc. I even have two baseball style hunting caps that have built in LED lights (which were on sale and cheaper to buy than an LED headlamp).

Trooper’s Caps: these, like many hunter style baseball caps, have earflaps and offer better cold weather protection. Quality examples even do well for limited wet weather protection. On the downside most are too hot for warm weather. Most do not store well due to excessive bulk.

Boonie rat/safari style hats: these hats are good for warm or wet weather but most offer little if any help for cold weather. Depending on the material they are good for carrying or filtering water. They are also easy to store. Quality hats have a strong tie down strap that makes them useful for carrying miscellaneous items - i.e. when collecting wild edibles. My own “desert rat” hat has a section of material that can be used to cover the back of the neck.

Knit caps: these are good for cold weather. Quality wool caps even work when wet but none offer true wet weather protection. They do make for a makeshift pillow though which can make a big difference for quality sleep. They also store very well.

Balaclavas: these are great in cold weather and have multiple uses - depending on material and design. They store very well. Mine can be worn as a neck warmer, knit cap, facemask, used as a sack, etc.

Helmets: If you are bugging in or in an urban environment it might be advantageous. My experience is that helmets are seldom worth the weight in field operations.

Head gear is a very personal choice. I have many for everyday use. I spend a lot of time backpacking out in the boonies - desert and mountains - and always carry my balaclava. I wear a bandana either around my neck as a scarf or as a hatband on my desert rat hat. My desert rat hat has sides that can be snapped or tied in the up position. I keep the sides up and stuff a small pepper spray on one side and an emergency whistle w/ a mini survival kit on the other. It gets a lot of use as a potholder too! With these few pieces of head gear I have all weather conditions covered and a lot of uses for them all - combined they even make a great pillow. Each is also a different color scheme for a variety of camouflage situations.

Choose what you will but note that many headgear items are like a new pair of boots and you should break them in. Some folks not used to wearing head gear even get headaches when first wearing head gear for any length of time. Don’t delay - don’t just survive - surthrive!

Ruck & LBE

I mentioned in an earlier article on Bugout gear that there will be times when you will need to carry some vital gear (i.e. first aid kit) but a ruck is too cumbersome, too heavy or just plain unneeded. This is why having a good LBE (Load bearing Equipment) is essential. Whether you are away from base camp to hunt, scout, patrol, or etc. you still need to keep a certain amount of gear with you without taking the whole kitchen sink. An LBE to a prepper in action is what a tool box is to a tradesman, or a briefcase is to a businessman - it goes where he goes when he is at work.

I don’t dedicate my LBE to being a B.O.B. only. I only have one setup and I use it 3 - 4 times a month for hiking and camping. That said, my LBE is always loaded and ready to go. My LBE consists of a base of a military web belt. Attached are a canteen holder, two ammo pouches, two utility pouches, and a battle dressing pouch. This belt is attached to and suspended from a vest with four diagonal chest pouches and two front vertical “hip” pouches. The vest also has multiple “connection points” from which you can attach other gear. Suspended from the belt are two leg units. The left leg unit consists of three vertical large “magazine” slots. The right leg unit has two removable, adjustable, “open” pouches front and rear; and, a center pouch with multiple zippered, expanding compartments.

The web belt: the canteen holder holds a canteen cup, a 1 quart canteen, and a small outer pocket holds a vial of water purification tablets. My ammo pouches are the old style that can each hold three M16 magazines inside and have outer open pockets for two grenades. I keep my battle dressing pouch attached to one of the grenade pockets. One ammo pouch usually has rations (protein bars, cliff bars, slimjims, Gatorade packets, etc.); but, the items in the web belt pouches varies with my activities and time of year - i.e. during snake season I keep my Sawyer extractor handy in the ammo pouch on my left front hip.

The vest: I attach a first aid kit to my Ruck with carabineers and when using only the LBE I transfer it to the “connection points” on the back of the vest. On the front “connection points” are a knife on one side and a light on the other. The items I carry will vary but I always put the electronics (phone, radio, stun gun, etc) in the upper pockets to keep them dry for wading creeks. I also always carry rations in at least one pouch.

The right leg unit: This unit never changes. I put binoculars in the rear open pouch. I put a large pepper spray in the front open pouch. In the center pouch: it has an inner zippered pouch, an outer zipper pouch, and a zippered flap pouch. In the inner pouch I have a wire saw, chem light, Chapstick, finger LED light, and my survival kit*, etc. In the outer pouch I have a mini stove with fuel tabs, a LED flashlight, a water filter with a straw, a compass, etc. In the flap pouch I have a WAPI, auto relight candles, and a permanent match.

The left leg unit: I carry two wide mouth bottles that my water filter will fit into and in the third is usually a large bag of trail mix. Whether hiking or after the SHTF, this unit alone would sustain you for a few days. I often freeze juice or water in the bottles and have diced pears or raisins mixed in. When you’re out in the boonies in AZ this little bit of cool makes a nice treat on your first day out.

As you can see, my LBE is, in essence, a mini B.O.B. all by itself. You may wonder though about all the “hiking and camping” related info I throw into mix. I love the outdoors; and, remember - practice, practice, practice. Don’t just survive - thrive.

* Those who read my article on an Emergency First Aid Kit know that it doubles as a survival kit too. I still carry a separate waterproof survival kit that holds: a space blanket, a knife, a bic lighter, auto relight candles, chem light, pain meds, adrenaline pills, finger LED light, etc.

BUGOUT FOODS

 

BUGOUT FOODS - A Baker’s Dozen for Surthrival

1.   Powdered Milk - vitamins, protein, stand alone or mix in other foods.

2.   Powdered Whole Eggs - freeze dried is better than dehydrated to my taste. Protein and fat. A variety of ways to use- eggs, French toast, bannock, cakes, soup, etc.

3.   Peanut Butter - great for fat and protein - calories! Adds flavor to oatmeal to change things up. If weight is a major concern there is dehydrated available; but, the oil has been removed and you lose the fat and a lot of calories. Price is okay if you buy wisely.

4.   Quick Oatmeal - good carbs and bulk; a lot of ways to use - boil, grind for flour, etc.

5.   Quinoa - you get a complete protein from a grain - close to milk, a “super food” - also good carbs and bulk too. Price is fair if bought in bulk.

6.   Refried Beans (freeze dried or dehydrated) - fat, protein, carbs, and bulk! Much lighter than regular beans and quicker to cook. Can be eaten without cooking it - though I do recommend you at least rehydrate first.

7.   Flour - bread is the staff of life, multiple uses - biscuits, dumplings, flapjacks, cakes, etc.

8.   Instant Rice - carbs and bulk, many ways to use

9.   Breakfast Cereals - variety of taste and textures, no cooking, etc.

10.         Sunflower Seed Kernels - great source of fat and calories, many uses too.

11.         SPAM - versatile, great for fat and protein - calories!

12.         Honey - it’s great for energy, flavoring other foods, etc.

13.         Misc Pouch - Mega Vitamin/Mineral supplement, condiments, seeds

This is a down and dirty basic list. Obviously not every food I have for bugging out is on this list. It is my top priority list though and is what is in my B.O.B. I am working on another article called BUG IN FOODS. All the items in this list have a very long shelf life, are suitable for a B.O.B., are available in bulk, and are fairly inexpensive (much less than most dehydrated or freeze dried “survival” or “back packing” food). They will keep you healthy and alive while you look for other resources and they go well with most of what nature can provide.

Never forget that the food source you may be counting on could get compromised - if you are counting on a flock of chickens and the SHTF because of a bird flu pandemic, or you’re counting on your garden and every crop for a hundred miles gets nailed by locusts, or your whole AO has radiation falling on it, etc.

These “base” items also provide an adequate change of flavor profiles to mix and match to hold off “burnout” - which is important to surthrival. Examples are: oatmeal plain, oatmeal with honey, with milk, with milk and honey, with nuts (sunflower seeds), with peanut butter, oatmeal flour for bread, flapjacks, etc. Quinoa can be done as all the above.

          A lot of folks go for regular beans and rice. They are cheap. But they have drawbacks compared to what I have on the list. They do not provide the same nutritional value or weight to calorie ratio. I will address the beans first. Weight wise they are a bust for bugging out afoot - dehydrated refried beans are much lighter and more compact. Regular beans have no fat; refried beans (unless you get vegan) do have the fat you need. In addition, even if you bug in, regular beans take a lot of fuel to cook - even with extra time for soaking quite a bit. Dehydrated refried beans can be eaten as is, rehydrated and eaten, or eaten as soon as they boil. As for the rice (except maybe instant for the sake of time and fuel) it cannot compete with quinoa. Nutritionally, rice is way out of its league when compared to quinoa. Quinoa cooks and eats much like rice but it has all the goods of rice plus it is a complete protein. If you can afford the difference it is well worth the price - if not, then its beans & rice.

          Survival means calories. Surthrival means calories and nutrition. Protein and carbs have 4 calories per gram. Fat has 9 calories per gram. Fat is king for surthrival. You can forage all the veggies you want but you won’t get much fat. Sources of fruits and veggies that have good amounts of fat are things like bananas and coconuts. Most folks don’t have these nearby. The other primary source of fat from fruits and veggies are nuts. Stock them as you can afford them - they also store well. Never pass them up if you find them - even if you are allergic they can be bartered.

          Whole milk and eggs are the king and queen of fat if you can get them. Many folks don’t know about “protein starvation”. Think death by rabbit. Vitamins are not all the same - they are soluble in differing mediums. Some require water for the body to absorb them - others require fat. People that plan on surviving by eating only small game (such as mice and rabbits) and veggies will actually begin to starve to death due to the lack of fat. It is the same for living off a garden. That is why chickens are so popular worldwide as a poor man’s livestock - eggs = fat. In many parts of the world a poor man “moves up” when he can get pigs - pork = fat. Spam and peanut butter are great for fat.

Fat, in Nature, is usually harder to come by. Many insects (larvae) are good but most folks balk at them. Most fish and waterfowl are good, as are most mid-sized critters - opossum, armadillo, raccoons, etc., and large critters - i.e. bears. A wild animal that you have heard of as having greasy meat is a fair source of fat. Finally, cheese is a prince of a source. For prepping, canned cheese is expensive. Velveeta is inexpensive and stores without refrigeration. My personal favorites though are the hard cheeses that last even longer - i.e. parmesan, Romano, etc. Most “cheese powders” have had most if not all of the fat taken out first (as have many freeze dried milk powders and most dehydrated milk powders).

          Milk and eggs are the king and queen of protein too. Meat may be hard to come by; but, when it comes to non-game protein you don’t need to be a licensed nutritionist to what works - just look at native cultures. Most grains have proteins but not the “complete” protein chain we need. Corn has some, beans have some that are different; when corn and beans are combined you get “complete” protein. It is the same when you combine almost any bean (i.e. soy) with almost any grain (i.e. rice). Quinoa is complete. Here again, cheese is a prince. Again, Spam and peanut are great for fat and protein. Tuna is cheap, long lasting, and great for protein but lousy for fat and calories. If Spam is out for you then consider salmon - for a meat with fat and protein.

          There are other inexpensive long term storage staples that are good for bugging out or in - Malt-o-Meal, Cream of Wheat, etc. I do stock them since I like them; but, they don’t add a lot of flavor profile changes. That is why I favor other “breakfast cereals”. These don’t require cooking, they add many taste profile changes, and they add a textural change that is nice. Also, many make a good cooked meal too. The sugary ones are good for energy boosts and cereals like Total raisin bran give you vitamins, fiber, and a fruit. They can also be eaten dry as a snack. In a surthrival situation all these foods form a complete protein with just a little milk.

          One of the guideline criteria for this list is weight. Everything, even the meats (spam, tuna, and salmon), are available in pouches. I load one or two items in cans, just for the sake of having the cans also, then finish with pouches. Pouches save weight and are easier to pack - they can be stuffed in to fill dead space. That is why I have misc pouches. They are a good way to fill dead spaces. My misc pouches have vitamins for obvious reasons. I have condiment packages: olive oil (fat), tartar sauce (fat), soy sauce (salt), jellies (energy), and hot sauce (can cover up a lot of nasty flavors). Lastly I have seeds that can be spouted or planted - i.e. wheat, beans, broccoli, etc.

          No matter what you pick, make sure it is something you actually like to eat. Yes, people will eat most anything if starving; but, you don’t want to weaken yourself by not eating because you dread the same old thing again. Also, food is more than fuel - it has a big impact on morale. Don’t just survive - thrive.

 

BUGOUT GEAR

BUGOUT GEAR - A Baker’s Dozen for Surthrival

1.   Shelter - exposure can kill even quicker than a lack of water.

2.   Knife - preferably large enough to hack with, small enough to carve with, and sharp enough to shave with.

3.   Fire Starter - get the best you can afford - the hotter the spark the better.

4.   First Aid/Survival Kit - see article - most store bought kits are not what you need most. A good first aid kit doubles as a survival kit!

5.   Weapons - if you don’t have a fortune a .22 rifle will kill most anything out to a hundred yards. Learn to use it!

6.   Cookware - whether it is a mess kit, canteen cup, or etc. the ability to make safe water and good safe food is essential for surthrival.

7.   Solar Landscape Lights - see article - light and power plus

8.   Ruck - A quality back pack is essential - the better it is the more you can carry

9.   LBE - Load bearing Equipment - when you have to go tactical you still need to have your basics with you

10.         Clothing/Boots - cotton kills and you won’t get far barefooted!

11.         Binoculars - essential for seeing things before it is too late - game, routes, threats, etc.

12.         Multi-tool - a good one with tools you can use.

13.         Night Vision - this is a game changer; and, the only high dollar item worth the expense.

 

Your bug in locale (and a lot of your gear) could be compromised by natural disaster, fire, NBC contamination, the government, or become just plain untenable to defend. That is why my gear list has what it has.

Exposure kills. Ironically, most people don’t have blankets good enough to keep them warm if there is no electric or gas to heat their home. If all you have is one space blanket per person that is better than nothing. If you do bug out remember - cold is dangerous, wet is dangerous, wet and cold are deadly. Exposure kills! I have numerous space blankets, an emergency “space blanket tent”, a regular backpacking tent, several local caves to go to, etc.

A good knife is an all-around life saver. I am talking along the lines of a good bowie knife. Tanto knives may look cool but most are worthless for any purpose other than what they were designed for - killing. A good bowie knife is a tool. It can hammer, pry, chop, cut, pare, skin, slice and dice almost anything - i.e. limbs of people or trees. I love edged weapons and have many; but, if I could only have one it would be a good bowie knife - about a 9 inch blade. The whole point is your knife should be more than an edged weapon - it should be a tool too. That said a multi-tool (and I love mine) doesn’t have a blade big enough or strong enough for many uses - prying, chopping, fighting, etc.

A while back a few hikers died from exposure here in AZ after being caught out overnight. When some of the survivors were asked why they didn’t light a fire they said they didn’t smoke so they didn’t carry lighters! - A sad way to whittle the “dumb” down from the gene pool. Fire is protection from cold and more: fire lets you make safe water and cooked food. It allows you to preserve food by drying, jerking, smoking, etc. It allows you to sterilize equipment, cauterize wounds, make medicines, etc. It allows you to make, remake, or repair many things - pottery, metal work, etc. If things really got bad it would even be your source of light. It is also a big morale booster.

Don’t get so focused on your weapons that all you consider are firearms and defense. The ability to hunt and kill, threats or game, without giving away your location could be critical. You should shop as your budget and skills allow. Think bows, crossbows, wrist rockets (sling shots), blow guns, spears, etc. Consider what you can make ammo for. I have a hunting quality, pump powered air rifle. It has interchangeable barrels. I can use a .22 barrel or a .177 barrel on it and I have a good stock of a variety of ammo for both calibers. Firepower is nice; but, skill is more important than caliber - practice often!

There are a lot of ways to cook and a lot of ways to make cookware; but, when the SHTF and you have to go mobile you will want a quick, easy, convenient way to cook and a way to collect, purify, and carry water. I keep a military canteen carrier on my LBE. It addition to holding the canteen in a canteen cup it has a small outer pouch that holds a bottle of water purification tablets. With this set up I am assured of a way to cook and to collect, purify, and carry water. With the canteen cup I can cook almost anything. In my B.O.B. ruck I have a mess kit. Inside my mess kit I keep condiment packets (such as olive oil, tartar sauce (for tuna), and jelly), compressed towelettes, a spoon etc. Because I carry my cookware I know they are uncontaminated and safe to use.

Yes, almost any bag will hold stuff to be a B.O.B.; but, a good ruck (backpack) is more than just a bag. It is (or should be) organized like a good combination closet, food pantry, and tool chest. You should be able to throw it into or out of a moving vehicle and still be able to locate and access important items in a hurry and in the dark. You should be able to get it on or off as if your life depended on it - which it might. When you have it on it should stay put - swimming, climbing, running, etc, without you wasting a hand to keep it in place.

There will be times when you will need to carry some vital gear (i.e. first aid kit) but a ruck is too cumbersome, too heavy or just plain unneeded. This is why having a good LBE (Load bearing Equipment) is essential. Whether you are away from base camp to hunt, scout, patrol, or etc. you still need to keep a certain amount of gear with you without taking the whole kitchen sink. An LBE to a prepper in action is what a tool box is to a tradesman, or a briefcase is to a businessman - it goes where he goes when he is at work.

Your nice jeans could be the death of you in extreme weather conditions - think cold and wet. Put at least one set of outdoor wear in your B.O.B or at least put some next to it, both is better. Wool and polypropylene are good choices. If you can afford it get some gear with Gore-Tex, Thinsulate, etc. This goes for clothing and boots. History shows that quality footwear will hard to come by if the SHTF. Have you ever tried walking very far with a blister? When carrying all your worldly goods and food? I have and it ain’t fun. Get the best you can afford, break them in, and use sparingly till you can get more.

Multi-tools come in as many different configurations as Swiss army knives. Get one that fits your needs; and, get one with quality. This is one place were cheap is not inexpensive - there is a lot of junk out there. Always remember that if it won’t last you don’t need it.

Is that distant bridge out or can you cross it? Is that guy headed toward you or away? Is he armed? One of the worse feelings in the world is when you know something bad is out there and you can’t see it. That’s one of the reasons why binoculars and night vision are on my list. Even if you bug in they will be important for seeing what is going on around you. Binoculars come in a wide range of prices, styles, optics, etc. They won’t be being made much if the SHTF very bad. Get them when you can.

There was a time night vision devices weren’t on my list; but, these days so many people - including the “bad guys” - have them that if you don’t you will be at a distinct disadvantage. Get them as soon as you can - even if just a 1^st Gen monocular. For an advantage get one that uses AA or AAA batteries and match some of your solar lights, battery wise, so you can stay recharged. When everyone else starts going dark again you won’t. Night vision makes you mobile 24 hours a day. It allows you to hunt better and have better security from threats - human and animal. In the land of the blind the one eyed man is king. Skip a few meals now if you must. (I am saving up to replace mine)

 

THE GARDEN CRAZE

          There is no doubt that having a garden is a good thing. Even if it is never “needed” it will always be a source of good food. As far as prepping goes, it is the value of the skill set you gain or maintain that is the biggest plus. It is extremely important to remember this. You can’t bug out with land. In a true TEOTWAWKI situation:

Strategically - it could be ruined by a variety of NBC incidents, military invasions, government takeover of resources (can you say Katrina), natural weather catastrophes, or critter outbreaks (i.e. locusts).

Tactically - Since most gardens require open space for sunlight they are a nightmare to defend. Worse, most are actually impossible to protect from destruction. Never underestimate they spite of people who are desperate - or how cruel they can be.

          All that having been said I still have one. I have two tiny plots (4x4) I can’t bug out with; and, I have a few containers that I may or may not be able to take (plan for the best and the worse). More important to me are what else I have that pertains to my garden. My skill sets are first. Everyone should have the gardening skill set - and maintain it. I also have an adequate supply of Non GMO seeds that I can bug out with. I rotate a small, select variety in my B.O.B.

          I have another garden related skill set - sprouting. Sprouting is another skill set everyone should have. Unlike a garden, you can grow sprouts practically anywhere - even on the move. If you can’t grow your garden for whatever reason you can still at least get great nutritional value from your seed supply.

          I am working on yet another garden related skill set - vermiculture (growing worms). In fact, since this is my first growing season at my latest AO I put in worms (red wigglers) before I put in plants. Worms are great for any garden even if we never have a TEOTWAWKI event. They also make good fish bait. With any luck I hope to raise enough to sell to a local bait shop. If there is a TEOTWAWKI event, worms transport well (even the slow USPS ships them alive) and transplant easily - which can’t be said for garden plots. As already mentioned they are good fish bait. When in abundance they can attract birds. They are an excellent form of protein. They can and will help when starting a new garden elsewhere - they will improve less than ideal soil conditions. Heck, I even raise them in small houseplant containers.

          Another new endeavor for me (working on my own surthrival) is growing my own tobacco. This will be my first attempt. Whether you smoke or not history shows tobacco will be a great barter item.

          I hope you can see there are a lot of garden related skill sets that are viable even for those without a green thumb. So get going ASAP. Don’t just survive - thrive.

 

THE BOTTOM LINE

Toilet Paper (TP) seems to be rarely mentioned among many preppers but here are some things to think about. Have you ever had to actually use Nature’s bounty to wipe yourself clean? Heck, just try using newspaper or paper towels for a week. I guarantee you that for the initial onset period you will likely have a chafed/chapped rear end! When was the last time you tried hiking any distance at all with a raw butt? Or tried to sit or get quality sleep with a sore butt? Beyond all that there are the added facts that pain can detract from sound thinking and that a raw enough butt could easily lead to a dangerous infection.

So what to do? Well, my suggestion, speaking from experience, is that nothing beats the little “compressed” towelettes. They are about the size of two stacked quarters and “swell” to size when added to water. They are inexpensive, very compact, and extremely light-weight. They are advertised as disposable though they are very durable (same rayon/nylon used in many higher dollar dishrags) and can be washed for repeated use - think of cloth diapers - it works. For the space and weight of one roll of TP you could store/carry a 100 of these little gems. These actually, because they work wet, clean better than regular TP. By rotating the use of these with Nature’s bounty you’d give yourself a chance to develop tolerance to whatever may be handy as time goes by.

These little towelettes are also good for doing dishes, regular hygiene (bucket bathing), first aid wound cleansing, etc. - of course I recommend designating which towel is used for which task! Wet down they would make an adequate emergency face mask against smoke, gas, etc. Heck, I guess you could use them still compressed to plug a puncture/bullet wound - the ladies could even use them as emergency tampons! As with all your Bug In or B.O.B. gear the more multipurpose an item is the better - as long as you don’t sacrifice quality. Cheap is not the same as inexpensive. You can even get these individually sealed and still in bulk.

Never overlook the difference it can make when you at least try to pamper the ladies a little too. So use your head and remember your bottom - you’ll be glad you did. Don’t just survive - thrive.

 

KNOWLEDGE IS GOOD - SKILL IS BETTER - BOTH ARE BEST

          Knowledge and skill are the two best things to have. They may become the difference between living and dying; and, if you stay alive, they may be the difference between surviving and thriving. They weigh nothing, don’t take up any space, you won’t leave them behind if caught off guard, they can’t be stolen, and best of all you can share them without giving them up and barter them repeatedly without the supply ever running low.

          Knowledge and skill go hand in hand. You can read all the books you want; but, unless you have tried to apply that knowledge you will most likely have a very steep learning curve - so steep it may cost you or some else their life. Now is the time to practice.

If you can’t light a back yard BBQ grill without lighter fluid you better start practicing your fire building skills. Sure you can tie your own shoes in the dark; but, can you tie someone else’s with wet cold hands in the dark? Can you tie a bowline in the dark? Practice. Practice! PRACTICE!

Both knowledge and skills can be lost. Just as the old expression goes - use it or lose it. Yes, many things are like riding a bike - it may have been awhile, but it will come back; but, when the SHTF is really not the time to be hoping it comes back soon enough to save your life. Also, there is a reason for the expression “he’s losing it”, when a person becomes erratic or panicky. Stress can be a deadly enemy.

          Most folks don’t understand just how stress and discomfort affects them. That is why elite military units screen trainees by testing three primary areas:

1.   Use of knowledge in decision making under extreme stress - i.e. navigation, shoot/don’t shoot.  

2.   Use of fine and gross motor skills under extreme environmental conditions - i.e. assess, treat, and evacuate a wounded buddy

3.   Overall determination - the ability to keep doing what has to be done - no matter what.

All of this is tested when it’s below freezing, you’re soaking wet, weighed down by a ton of mud and gear, it is pitch black dark, you can’t remember the last time you ate or slept, you have no idea if it will ever end, etc.

     If you struggle to do it in the easy times under ideal conditions you will be up the creek without a paddle when the SHTF.

          Many have heard the expression “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing”. It can be if you don’t have common sense. Common sense cannot be taught very well; but, it is really just the ability to reason. I’ll give an example: Suppose I told you that paper burns at 451 degrees, that matches will ignite paper, and that skin blisters at less than 200 degrees. I have not told you that a match will burn you; but, many would say common sense tells you that. Common sense - reasoning - is the ability to create new knowledge from existing knowledge. Not everyone can do this; but, for those that can a little knowledge can go a long way. Still, the more knowledge you have, the better your odds of surthrival.

          Study and practice now so that later you won’t just survive - you will thrive.

 

PS - The only thing common sense and common courtesy have in common is that they are uncommon. Practice both - we’ll all be better for it.

NECKLIST

          I have a “necklist”. This is a list of things I wear on a very special paracord “necklace” under my shirt. Why? Because, if you don’t have it with you then you can’t use it! I have worn my necklace so long I feel naked without it. Once you get used to it, you never forget it. A necklace won’t fall out of your pocket. It won’t get lost during a fall from a height, a tumble on a slope, or a swim/slip in the water. A necklace is easily reached with either hand if you are injured; and, by someone else if you are incapacitated.

My “necklist” is a small, lock-back, half-serrated, knife on a mini carabineer, a combo light unit that has a white LED, a UV LED, and a laser - on a mini carabineer, a small liquid filled compass on a mini carabineer, a fire starter/striker, and two mini waterproof metal pill containers - one with water purification tablets and one with prescription pain meds (I also always carry a midsized pocket knife and often a high quality multi-tool).

Granted not everyone needs all these items. I live rural and travel a lot in a remote and unique area - I live along a creek at a cusp area in Arizona where the high desert and the mountains meet along the Mogollon Rim. Many urban folks could go miles and miles and know North by street signs. I would still recommend a compass (and map and the knowledge to use them) but it may suffice to have them in a B.O.B. (Bug Out Bag). Your B.O.B. compass should be higher quality.

The mini carabineers aren’t necessary but I like being able to remove some items quickly and easily while on the move without removing the whole necklace. They could also be handy later.

Many folks may not have prescription medications; but, having pain meds handy is a good precaution for everybody. Pain is a great distraction to sound judgment and can inhibit peak performance. If pain meds are not on your necklist then at least put them in your B.O.B.

          Any small light will work but my light combo is the same size and weight as the average mini LED light and I got a batch of them dirt cheap. The white LED is good for exactly what it is - a small flashlight. Don’t forget that a white light is also good for attracting emergency survival foods - i.e. fish and moths. I like having the UV for many reasons - easy to see at night and still keep your night vision (especially blood wounds), mineral ID, find scorpions (they glow at night), etc. I also like having the laser light. It is good for aiming, pointing, signaling, leveling, etc. It also has a psychological effect on people who are familiar with laser sights for firearms. It could even be used as a weapon if you zapped someone in the eyes. Although I have yet to come up with a humane way test my theory, I also think it would work well as a predator deterrent if you lazed their eyes from a distance.

          The paracord is short but still ample for many things - i.e. repair a broken boot lace, make a tourniquet, lash a lean-to shelter, secure a threat (prisoner) or take out a threat (garrote), etc. The inner cords are long enough for sutures, sewing thread, etc.

          A fire starter/striker and a knife should be givens. A quality fire starter/striker will last longer than a butane lighter and it actually throws a hotter spark. Between the knife itself and the tools you can make with it, the uses for surthrival are endless. Both smooth and serrated portions have their own best applications.

          So give it some thought and give it a try. Don’t just survive - thrive.

 

PS - I try to update my free prepper library each time I post a new article here.

 

EMERGENCY FIRST AID KIT

          I don’t claim to be a medical expert but I have some experience and background. I have saved a few and lost a few.

What goes in your first aid kit depends a lot on your own skill set and situation. Are you prepping for just you, to help a few others too, or an extended family or large group? Are you prepping for your level of skill or hoping to find someone to use your gear? Is mobility a top priority? If so are you afoot? Is weight and space an issue? Not all of my medical supplies are in my first aid kits or my B.O.B. - i.e. some antibiotics which I keep refrigerated, etc. To me a good first aid kit doubles as a semi survival kit. Before I get into what you would expect to see in a first aid kit I am going to cover a few items you may not expect. These are items I carry both in (small amount) and out (larger amount) of my first aid kit.

SPACE BLANKET

          They are inexpensive, lightweight, compact, etc. Prices and quality vary. Get what you can afford - some is better than none. Shock is a quick killer and a space blanket is a great way to keep a patient’s temp stable and help stave off shock. It can also be used to keep warm to prevent hypothermia - wrap up in it (makes a decent emergency ground cloth too) and to provide warmth to treat hypothermia (crawl in with them). It can be used to keep cool by providing shade to prevent or treat heat injuries.

          It is waterproof so it can be used as an emergency rain poncho or rain fly shelter. Because it is waterproof it can be shaped to form a waterproof container for purifying and carrying water - quality counts here (line a boot or tied up t-shirt if needed). It can be used as a heat reflector for a fire to keep a whole group warm. It reflects light as well as heat so it can be used as a signaling device and to reflect a small light to illuminate a greater area.

PARACORD (550 Cord)

Prices and quality vary but paracord is generally fairly inexpensive, compact, lightweight, readily available, and multipurpose. If you can find and afford it, get the best - MilSpec 550 cord (Military Specification). Each strand of paracord is actually composed of an outer braided wrap over multiple (often 7) strands of smaller cords.

It can be used as a tourniquet, to secure splints in place, etc. If needed, it can be wrapped like lashing to act as a splint by itself, or to secure bandages. Unlike most tape it is completely waterproof and reusable (disinfect before reusing for wound care). It can be woven between poles for a stretcher or litter. In a real pinch it can be used to pull teeth. It can be used to suspend weight for traction. The inner cords can be used as sutures, dental floss, etc.

The cord, when whole (the real stuff), is actually good enough for climbing/rappelling if you can grip its small diameter (learn your knots - it is small enough in diameter to use as a boot lace). As for climbing, it forms awesome ascenders/descenders (i.e. Prusik Knot) on larger climbing ropes. Braid several strands together and it is strong enough for an emergency tow strap (not an extraction rope - be gentle). It makes a very effective garrote (don’t forget your knots). It also works well as a bow string or snare material for larger animals.

The outer wrap is tube shaped and quite strong all by itself. It can be used the same as most any rope - i.e. lashing. The inner strands resemble a cross between fishing line and heavy duty sewing thread - and can be used for both. Rather than use a whole piece for a small animal snare, you can remove the inner cords and recombine/braid them to a variety of diameters and strengths.

WAPI

          A WAPI is a Water Pasteurization Indicator. This simple reusable device is awesome. It is fairly inexpensive, compact, and lightweight. Infection is a killer and many can be prevented by washing all skin breaks - no matter how minor - in safe, clean water. Safe, clean water is essential to good health. All water should be treated - especially for medical purposes - so too all medical hardware. Boiling water is old school - it is a waste of resources (i.e. wood, gas, etc.). A WAPI can save more than fuel - it can save precious time when medical attention is needed.

Water is actually pasteurized when held at 140 degrees for a few minutes. A WAPI uses a soy based wax which melts at 140 degrees and enough of it so that by the time all the wax melts the water is pasteurized. It is good for water, milk, fruit juices, etc. It works great for solar water pasteurization too. You don’t have to guess if it got hot enough or if it was exposed to UV long enough - you can leave it and come back the next day and still be able to tell if it worked or not.

I have used this system for purifying water from many water sources in AZ and highly recommend this item. When I go trekking (which is often) it is the only water purification method I use on a regular basis.

Tampons/Pads

These take the place of regular cotton balls basically because they are more versatile. They do all the work of cotton balls (but are easier to keep sterile) - i.e. wound and weapon cleaning, tooth removal plug, etc. and like cotton balls these work fantastic with Vaseline as a fire starter. The pads work as makeshift battle wound dressings, eye patches, etc.; and, the tampons work well on puncture/bullet wounds. They even work for feminine hygiene. There are actually a myriad of uses depending on whether you prefer paper or plastic - which I may cover at another time.

Honey Packets

They are inexpensive, compact, lightweight, and readily available. Honey works as an excellent antibacterial and antiviral ointment. In fact, it is more effective than Neosporin and can even be used for wounds that go all the way through the skin (muscle showing). This is based on hard core mainstream medical science, not herbal/homeopathic treatments (which agree).

Anyone who has ever taken honey for a sore throat knows it helps. It’s good for minor scrapes and minor burns, chapped lips, ingrown nails, blisters, etc. It is the perfect quick energy booster when fatigue hits. It’s just all around good for what ails you.

A little honey works wonders on making many emergency drinks more palatable - i.e. pine needle tea, dandelion root coffee, etc. In an emergency it can also be used to attract edible insects - which go down better with honey on them anyway. Ants with honey are almost like a sweet and sour sauce.

Last but not least it has no expiration date!

COMPRESSED TOWLETTES

I have already posted a separate article on these (The Bottom Line); but, suffice it here to say I love these little things.

FLASH DRIVE

          Flash drives are common, compact, lightweight, and fairly inexpensive. Battery powered laptops are fairly prevalent across North America and many smart phones can read USB flash drives. It makes sense to have as much medical information as possible available as a prepper. I have three identical flash drives in three different locations - one in my first aid kit. Mine have 3 GB of storage each and I have all sorts of information on them - enough to rebuild a post-industrialized but pre-computer society. I am beginning to make this all available free on the internet via my website (thepathtolight.com - a prepper page/library with downloadable PDF’s). Coming later: Where There is No Doctor, Where There is No Dentist, Where There is No Doctor for Women, Where There is no Veterinarian, and more military medical manuals than I can list here (100+).

SUPER GLUE

          This little item is fairly inexpensive, compact, lightweight, readily available, and multipurpose. It is excellent medically for many uses - i.e. wound closure, dental repair, etc. A drop placed on a chigger bite will kill the chigger (by suffocation). A drop placed on a splinter and allowed to dry will give you something to grab a hold of without the need for tweezers or at least stabilize the splinter to prevent further penetration (needles shouldn’t be used due to increased risk of infection from enlarging the break in the skin). It can also be used to fabricate and repair more items than are feasible to list here.

SURGICAL TUBING

          Ever since I went thru a gamut of U.S. Navy schools - CWEST (Cold Weather Environment Survival Training), DEST (Desert), JEST (Jungle), WST (Water), S.E.R.E. (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, & Escape), SAR, NACCS, etc. I have been partial to surgical tubing. Repeating a lot of that training while in the U.S. Army didn’t change my mind. Another good way to keep some handy is to wrap your knife sheath with it.

          It can be used for its original application as a medical device - a surgical tourniquet; or it can be used as a regular tourniquet. It can be applied a little looser for a waterproof way to hold bandages or to hold splints in place (it has too much give to be used alone as a splint). It works well as a power source for sling shots, spear fishing, snares, booby traps, etc. It can be used as a drinking straw (it lets you keep your head up so you can watch your surroundings). It works well in most lashing situations; and, most situations needing a hose - i.e. as a siphon.

You can even hold your pants up with it! For the little weight and space it takes up it provides a great deal of utility and versatility limited only by your imagination.

Next are some items I want to stress that may or may not be in the average kit:

Antacids/Anti-diarrhea Medication - Between stress and the possibility you may be eating a few things your system is not used to these are essential. Yes, there are several natural sources; but, if it hits unexpectedly before you have access to them you will regret not being prepared. I recommend chewable Pepto-Bismol - it serves as a good combination medication for most stomach and intestinal issues.

Plain Aspirin - Acetaminophen works for fever and aches but not swelling. Ibuprofen works for swelling and aches but not fever. Only aspirin works for all three. Plus, it has been proven that taking an aspirin at the onset of a heart attack can save the person’s life.

Military Battle Wound Dressing - this is designed for quick self-aid.

Moleskin - if you are mobile and afoot this stuff may be a life saver.

EMT Shears - These are scissors on steroids. Besides being great for what they were designed for (cutting clothes off without cutting the patient) they can cut a wide variety of material. A good pair can do double duty as wire cutters - they can even cut a penny in half. They also work well for field dressing game - you won’t accidentally slice thru the guts.

Chapstick - Chapped lips can be more than an annoyance - with long exposure they can be painful and subject to infection. Chapstick works well for another long exposure injury - cuticles. Many lip balms (i.e. wax based) can also aid in fire starting, lubricating gear, etc.

Vaseline - This stuff can be used the same as Chapstick but it also works great to sooth/protect most any chapped or chafed area - which is very important if you are mobile and afoot and/or if your TP isn’t up to par. It also works as a good fire starter aid and as an emergency lubricant for firearms. Many debate its use on minor burns.

Prescription Meds - For me that just means pain meds. For a friend with a heart condition it includes a myriad of meds - some crucial, some “beneficial”. I slowly built up my emergency stash by skipping a pill every now and then when I felt up to it. So did they. I don’t give medical advice (couldn’t afford the lawyer) so follow your own path on this.

Now for items you might more readily expect to see. I include the usual array: various size and style band aids (extra butterflies), bandages (ace and wound), gauze, tapes, alcohol wipes, tweezers, etc. Living in an area rife with snakes I carry a Sawyer Extractor. I have an emergency dental filling kit. I have miscellaneous medications - Ambesol, Oral-Gel, Visine, Sting-Eze, etc. Even with the honey I still carry Neosporin. Even with the WAPI I also include iodine based water purification tablets to make an iodine paste or for water purification - just in case. I include mega multivitamin/mineral supplements. Finally, I separate and store items in quality Ziploc bags that can double as water or food containers.

There are some things you won’t find in my first aid kit or B.O.B. that you might expect. I have them but they are not critical to most non-advanced emergency medical care. Thermometer - even most mothers know you can tell a fever without a thermometer. Blood pressure device/stethoscope - all patients should be kept as calm as possible; if an injured person’s blood pressure is too high or too low they need specialized medicines beyond my resources. IV gear - an IV is actually more complicated than most people realize. Medicating via IV is dangerous even if I had the meds. I recommend you go oral or injection - with training first. As for injuries I don’t have plasma and can’t afford pre-made solutions. Homemade solutions can be deadly even though I know the ratios for making various solutions and know how to give an IV. Oral rehydration solutions are much safer if possible. Surgical gear - sew a guy up in the field and you will probably kill him with infection. Stabilize and transport. Combat medics can risk it because the wounded are quickly evac’ed to higher level care with ER doctors and the best equipment and meds in the world - think instead of the Civil War era. I might risk doing some surgeries - but not in the field. Know your limits - do no harm.

Whatever you chose just remember to cover all you can afford. Emphasize the items in your first aid kit that you, and most folks, won’t know how to make. Once you have the first aid gear and skills covered then you can move on to “second aid” gear and skills. When resources are limited, remember triage before treatment. Training can go a long way to cover equipment shortages. Don’t just survive - thrive.