I havent seen it yet here and may have missed it but a discussion on recomended gear couldnt hurt...
I can chime in to start things off. While there is actually so much to gather and get ready, if we tackle things as a group we can cover all the bases that apply to each persons plans. For me, Im a year round cyclist and I intend to incorporate my love of cycling into my plans. I suspect there is a real possibilty of an EMP or just an economic breakdown that will of course affect gasoline. Either way... vehicles are not in my future plans.
I have 6 bikes currently and each has a different purpose. Of these, 3 are set up for long distance trek's, trailer, racks, and so forth to carry gear and tow family if need be. Clothing is also part of this plan and it fits well with outdoor survival. I have amassed (and will continue to amass) clothing for this. I visit Value Village regularly and pick through looking for the gems. You want to familiarize yourself with clothing designed to wick away moisture and plenty of wool, ideally.. Marino wool. Gather this stuff up. At VV its rarely over $20 to buy and yet would run you over $150 retail minimum for any high performance articles like this. I dont always walk away from VV with treasures in hand so be prepared for that also... it's hit and miss if the stuff is there or in your size.
I will leave it at that.
Who is next with suggestions, tips, idea's?
No matter how good or bad your life is, wake up each day thankful because someone somewhere else right now is fighting for theirs
Wood heating/cooking:
I just had my power off for almost 3 days due to a storm. Without a wood stove it would have been a disaster - especially with 2 little kids. We cooked on it and heated bath water.
I also have a Volcano 2. This is a multi fuel stove. I just use wood in it. In a disaster scenario it would be essential to be able to boil water/cook/be warm and using something that doesn't rely on gas/propane is great.
Check out Bushbuddy.ca , it's a small single wood burner. I have the ultra and use it for backpacking. Again it uses wood as fuel and would be useful for boiling water when all other fuels have been exhausted.
I guess it depends if you are a camper or a nomad. If you are going to stay in one place, you can never have enough gear. If you are hitting the road, you can never lighten your load enough. Top 5 must haves though...
- Knives. At least three. 1 hack and chop type knife, 1 paring and fine work knife, 1 cooking knife.
- Heat. Chaffing fuel is all kinds of awesome if not a bit heavy. Propane is pretty good and widely available. Kerosene is probably the most utilitarian fuel but again heavy.
- Cordage. Rope, twine and of course 550 in abundance.
- Rations. MRE's will do the trick
- That one thing you can't live without. Be it a family photo album or some such, something to keep you sane is very important for moral.
question; what is '550' ?
thanks,
question; what is '550' ?
thanks,
It is what they call paracord. It can be used for a huge variety of things as well as separated into fine strings from the core. Google it or check a few sites like instructables for more possible uses for the stuff than you ever imagined.
I have written a little about gear ideas at my blog http://mtnmanblog.blogspot.ca/ , I hope it is not against the rules to flog my blog. I haven't written much recently but maybe I will start again.
If you can't afford to buy it, the next best option is to make it.