Anyone interested in survival?

[Judge]

If you do what kind of knife tool/tool is it? The Rayner is curious.

I don't normally carry knives or tools on a regular basis. But I do love all my tools. Especially the precision ones.

 

[Mia]

I'm probably the only one but I have used the both the Phillips and flat head screw driver, to adjust the frame inside my backpack, I've used it on camp stoves and I've used the screw drivers to fix the broken latches and hinges on the 'red roofs' on my two treks at philmont scout ranch.

Probably not the only one Rayner Sounds like you hauled a lot of gear for these treks. Girl guides required ten pound packs and in those days they looked more like those pictured below, we also didn't haul stoves, but built fires, for cooking, twice a day. What are red roof's if you don't mind my asking? Our packs looked more like these in the seventies:

 

[Manuheleku]

I'm not going to lie, that looks like it would be fun too play and stim with.

I like stimming with knives... I have an automatic out the front knife I can play with all day...

 

[Manuheleku]

Guilty as charged. The way I sometimes handle tools I'm so fond of, I think I might be arrested! [emoji14]

A leatherman, or Victorinox Swiss Army Knife....whatever. I love the way they feel in my palm.

The Leatherman OHT is nice to play with, I like flicking the pliers in and out. Nice sound and smooth and snappy.

 

[Manuheleku]

I've got a question for you judge do you carry a pocket knife on you regular basis?

If you do what kind of knife tool/tool is it? The Rayner is curious.

I usually have a Leatherman Wave in a sheath and a regular pocket knife clipped in my pocket. Along with my NAA 22 Magnum pocket pistol (CCW).

 

[Rayner]

At Philmount scout ranch all of the outhouses have a red roof. Because there are old cabins,hunting shacks and historical structures On the property they would mark all of the buildings in non staffed camps with red shingled roofs. Well since the only structures in non staffed campsites are 'outhouses'. They were spefically referred to as 'red roofs' not outhouse or any thing else. I hope that Answer that question.


My first trek was 10 days on the trail and 2 nights in base camp.

My second trek was 28 days days on the trail and 2 in base camp.

My first trek my entire backpack including food and water was 51.3 pounds according to scale in base camp. I was 15 and I weighed at the time roughly 125 pounds.

My second trek I my entire backpack with food and water weighed 74.9 pounds. I was 16 and I weighed roughly 130 pounds.

I swear on my second trek that POS stove weighed more than it was worth. It was probably about 30 years old, it was made entirely of steel and it would burn most types of liquid fuel. Up to and Including kerosene,Coleman white fuel, denatured alcohol and even unleaded gasoline.

Probably not the only one Rayner Sounds like you hauled a lot of gear for these treks. Girl guides required ten pound packs and in those days they looked more like those pictured below, we also didn't haul stoves, but built fires, for cooking, twice a day. What are red roof's if you don't mind my asking? Our packs looked more like these in the seventies:

 

[Rayner]

I've been carrying the "Super Tool 300" in a leather shealth and my 940 Benchmade.

I slightly prefer I find that having more reach in on screwdrivers and larger wire cutters indispisible.

If I could I would most likely carry my P-95 but since I'm too young to be issued a CCW.

I usually have a Leatherman Wave in a sheath and a regular pocket knife clipped in my pocket. Along with my NAA 22 Magnum pocket pistol (CCW).

 

[Rayner]

I think part of why we like to stim with pocket knives, is with knives (especially high quality knives) is the designers put a lot of consideration into the ergonomics, how it feels in the hand.

I like stimming with knives... I have an automatic out the front knife I can play with all day...

 

[Rayner]

When the time comes for me to put together my bug out bag, I'm going to use a medium Alice pack I've already got. I don't have a frame for the Alice pack, so I'm going to figure out a way build my own frame.

Well, my bug-out bag arrived today along with a couple dehydrated entrees. The entrees are good until 2046; I don't believe I'll be needing them by then.

As for the bag, it's nice, but I'm wondering if it might be too small for a three-day (72-hour) bug-out bag. The purpose of the bag is not for long-term survival, but rather to allow me to get out of danger and to a place where I can sustain long term if need be.

I'm going to start packing it to see if it will be okay. I know I'll have to strap the tent and sleeping bag on the outside, and perhaps some of the implements like knife and "E-tool." The rest of the space will be for food, clothes, first-aid kit, extra ammo, maps, etc. Here's what it looks like (click the images to expand):

View attachment 27327 View attachment 27328​

 

[Manuheleku]

Well, my bug-out bag arrived today along with a couple dehydrated entrees. The entrees are good until 2046; I don't believe I'll be needing them by then.

As for the bag, it's nice, but I'm wondering if it might be too small for a three-day (72-hour) bug-out bag. The purpose of the bag is not for long-term survival, but rather to allow me to get out of danger and to a place where I can sustain long term if need be.

I'm going to start packing it to see if it will be okay. I know I'll have to strap the tent and sleeping bag on the outside, and perhaps some of the implements like knife and "E-tool." The rest of the space will be for food, clothes, first-aid kit, extra ammo, maps, etc. Here's what it looks like (click the images to expand):

View attachment 27327 View attachment 27328​

Looks like a good size, in fact it looks about like mine size wise. I got pretty much all the medical/fire making/dehydrated energy bars/space blankets/ammo/various odds and ends that I can think of and some room to spare. I keep it in my trunk. My wife has a similar setup in her trunk. I also have mre's in the garage beer fridge if I happen to be home if and when SHTF. I need to come up with better water solutions other than my cases of bottled water in the cars. Right now I pretty much have a 72 hour setup.

 

[clg114]

I usually have a Leatherman Wave in a sheath and a regular pocket knife clipped in my pocket. Along with my NAA 22 Magnum pocket pistol (CCW).

I always carry my old Super Leatherman because to me it is everyday tool and I play with it when I do not have anything to do with my hands.

I have a pocket pistol also. It is a AMT Backup II in 380 ACP. It is so small that it fits in the palm of my hand. It is just a point and shoot pistol, it does not even have sights.

 

[Mia]

Right about now, when fresh food is plentiful and cheap I've been using my food dryer and putting the dried fruit and veg in sealed vacuum packs. Used to do it for hiking and camping. If you do it yourself it's about 1/4 of the price of the store versions. Most of the dried mixes that you buy have a lot of salt and filler, so you need to be careful when choosing which ones. Look for dried foods that don't rely on salt as a preservative in the powdered mix, some things to consider keeping in storage for the future:

Teas, powdered beverages, and juice mixes
Dried cranberries, cherries, and other dried fruit
Powdered milk (add to coffee or instant oatmeal)
Nuts
Jerky (beef, turkey, bison, or tofu)
Salmon, chicken, and tuna in foil pouches
Quick cooking grains such as couscous, minute rice, oatmeal, and instant grits
Dehydrated instant refried beans, hummus, and mashed potatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes, dried mushrooms, dehydrated onions, peppers, and other vegetables

Choosing a Food Dehydrator - Real Food - MOTHER EARTH NEWS

 

[Manuheleku]

UPDATE - My knife arrived from Amazon in yesterday's mail. I have but one word, "WOW!!!" It's better than I expected. One thing is for certain, it's not at toy. I've had a couple of those cheesy, Rambo wanna-be survival knives that don't hold an edge and look like a toy you'd give a 12-year-old. This thing has some serious heft. What the video shows is quite accurate. I still can't figure out the screwdriver set in the handle. It's going to be replaced with a fire starter or lifeboat matches.

Crocodile Dundee said it right, ". . . that's a knife."

That is a very nice looking knife, it looks virtually indestructible!

 

[Rayner]

I'm inclined to add a my hatchet to my "bug out bag" I've got a 2 1/2 pound Norlund hatchet with a 20 inch wooden handle on it. I'm still deciding on my survival knife...

That's the first thing I thought when I took it out of the box. Usually those hollow-handle knives are cheap and fragile, but this thing is incredibly solid. It is a bit large for a survival knife, but I'd rather have large and not need it than the other way around.

I also like the serrations. A small section is just right for cutting stuff that is sometimes a challenge for a smooth blade.

 

[Rayner]

I'm inclined almost to use a smaller survival and a hatchet. As far as my norlund goes, norlund when out of business sometime in the early 1970's the one I have was made in sometime in the early 1960's

I've been considering a hatchet since it would come in handy for preparing firewood. My main concern is if I might be getting to the point of overloading my bug-out bag. I'm trying to find a balance between carrying what I need for 72 hours versus mobility (in a vehicle) and portability (on my back) if I have to abandon the vehicle or can't take it.

A hatchet would definitely be very useful, so I'm going to shop to see what I can find. I'll check out the Norlund you mentioned. As for a survival knife, I highly recommend the one I've posted about. They make one that is similar, but a bit smaller if you don't need the heft or length. Frankly, part of me wishes I had gotten the smaller one, because what I bought is almost overkill.

 

[Rayner]

Anyway I use my Norlund for firewood, limbing up tree's, etc. I would a hatchet or axe of some sort. What I would do If I were you sportster I would put together your bug out bag then supplement that with more equipment and supplies that you can fit in your car. Does that make sense?

I've been considering a hatchet since it would come in handy for preparing firewood. My main concern is if I might be getting to the point of overloading my bug-out bag. I'm trying to find a balance between carrying what I need for 72 hours versus mobility (in a vehicle) and portability (on my back) if I have to abandon the vehicle or can't take it.

A hatchet would definitely be very useful, so I'm going to shop to see what I can find. I'll check out the Norlund you mentioned. As for a survival knife, I highly recommend the one I've posted about. They make one that is similar, but a bit smaller if you don't need the heft or length. Frankly, part of me wishes I had gotten the smaller one, because what I bought is almost overkill.

 

[Rayner]

It really isn't had far fetched as we like to think it is. Now don't get me wrong I highly doubt that our society will end up like a scene from "the walking dead".

I guess there really is a fine line between being 'just prepared' and being paranoid.

Hmm, that figures. I'll have to research to see what I can find.



I am contemplating several different scenarios. My hope is to be able to get out of the city in the car and make it to my buddy's in Tennessee in it. That would afford me the opportunity to carry more items; if I have my trailer finished by then, then I can travel in style and not have to worry about squatting over a log . . . if you catch my meaning.

However, my worst case scenario is not being able to get the car out of the city or having to abandon it somewhere along the way and take off cross country on foot. That means I'll have to take what I can on my back. I'll need enough to survive until I get to my buddy's, but yet light enough to be stealthy. I'd have several miles of dangerous territory to cross; it would probably be worse in the event of civil unrest.

This all sounds very apocalyptic, but the way things are going it's not as far-fetched as it once was. It might even get to the point that I'll have to dig in and "stand my ground," which is something I'd rather not do. Defending a static position is not my forte. I'd rather be on the move and make them chase me.

 

[Rayner]

No actually it's not really far fetched, an F5 tornado destroy a large chunk of my hometown and the next town over. I serviced as part of the relief effort just hours after the tornado wrecked havoc.

Now with rioting, that's something else that I will consider.

I agree. My buddy that I've mentioned is what I'd consider paranoid. He sees conspiracy in everything, listens to nothing but talk radio, and is making what I consider irrational decisions based on what "may or may not" happen.

He honestly believes that there will be some sort of FEMA army roaming the country confiscating guns, enforcing martial law, and pretty much stomping all over The Constitution. He also believes that it's very possible that UN peacekeepers or NATO troops would be brought in to quell any uprising. As far as he's concerned, all of this is going to take place prior to the election; that will give the present administration grounds to suspend the election. During the Civil War Lincoln stomped all over The Constitution, so it's not totally far-fetched.

Frankly, I personally feel the likelihood of something that extreme happening is remote. I do, however, feel it may become like it was in 60's with riots; maybe worse. There's also the threat of tornadoes where I live not to mention a problem at the nuclear power plant, etc., etc.

No, we won't become like "The Walking Dead," but there's certain to be pockets of unrest or problems. It just seems that now there's a greater urgency to be prepared than it was after the end of the Cold War. You're too young to have remembered that, but people were certain that Russia was going to rain nuclear fire on us, so there were preppers building bomb shelters, stockpiling food, provisions, and weapons, etc.

 

[Manuheleku]

Have you considered what you'd do about your cell phone in the event of a zombie apocalypse and the power grip is laid waste? That thought crossed my mind and all I have is a 3G flip-phone. Those of you that have the fancy gadgets will be in a world of hurt. With that eventuality in mind, I searched and found a nifty hand-crank radio, flash light, and cell phone charger that also has a solar cell. It cost $22.95 on Amazon and received high reviews. I'll post a review when mine arrives:

Epica Emergency Solar Hand Crank AM/FM/NOAA Digital Radio, Flashlight, Cell Phone Charger with NOAA Certified Weather Alert & Cables

I have something similar, you crank for awhile to get a few minutes talk time. Something good to have in the ol bug out bag

 

[Rayner]

Absolutely. I've got one of those things similar to the you are describing around here somewhere.It's a pretty handy device, especially when when backpacking or doing something off the grid. The one that I have the flashlight aspect of the device isn't the brightest so that's something to keep in mind.

It's interesting at least to me, that I find that these items that are good for survival many of them I use on a almost daily basis. In my mind it shows that the most useful tools we use are actually the some simplest and most multi functional.

Have you considered what you'd do about your cell phone in the event of a zombie apocalypse and the power grip is laid waste? That thought crossed my mind and all I have is a 3G flip-phone. Those of you that have the fancy gadgets will be in a world of hurt. With that eventuality in mind, I searched and found a nifty hand-crank radio, flash light, and cell phone charger that also has a solar cell. It cost $22.95 on Amazon and received high reviews. I'll post a review when mine arrives:

Epica Emergency Solar Hand Crank AM/FM/NOAA Digital Radio, Flashlight, Cell Phone Charger with NOAA Certified Weather Alert & Cables