For the new ones to survival gear,start by going to your local dollar store. duffel bags,metal cups,plastic knives forks spoons. extra gloves hats soxs. mini radios and batteries, flashlightsfishing equipment(DO NOT TRUST A CHEAP COMPASS) lighters, get the idea. you can always add or exchange the really good quality items as you can afford them, but this really gets you started. a good g.p.s compass and local maps should be a must but that does cost a little more cash. things like dollar store heavy white candles,i have found are as good as COLEMAN BRAND emergency ones. the thing is, do something, get started. that instant oatmeal( i hate the stuff) in a plastic baggie becomes a part of your survival gear. N.N.
its reasuring to hear that you got to start somewhere. I'll keep in mind about the compass. How do you know a good one from a cheap one? Just curious..
I'm in the process of going through all my previous years of prep and/or emerg supplies and trying decide what gear is most important to upgrade or replace. Its taking longer than i thought.
cheers
anything Silva and your good...
"I think that I am very reasonable therefore ......." ICRCC
and learn to navigate in gerneral directions without a compass....north star (Polaris), sun, if you have a map use topography, trees, flowers and finally, the moon. (extremely complicated, and if you can see the moon you can almost certainly see Polaris)
"I think that I am very reasonable therefore ......." ICRCC
New prepper in Mexico...wish there was something like a dollar store here...but think I have or can get most items...have a 4-6 month food supply...starting on building up water storage (in 5 gallon bottles)...glad to know this site is here...but things a a little different here in Mexico...at least weather is mild and garden food production is good year around..but good seeds are hard to get here..and cannot be brought in across the border. Don't know of any other preppers in my area...lots of Americans and Canadians here, but no preppers.
Hi chapalagringo:
My wife and I were in Mexico not that long ago and the only things that I found as negatives were, water drinkability and the penalty for owning a firearm.
We got the water situation under control by using our Berky water purification system which we find to be amazing but I never did feel comfortable without having a firearm.
What I would suggest is that you explore getting a Berky so that no matter where you are you can purify your water, it does not work with ocean salt water, but on all other.
I am sure that you can arrange to purchase one and get it sent to you.
Noli Illigitimi Carborundum
(Don’t let the bastards wear you down)
Hi there I`m new to this site (from NW Ontario by Thunder Bay) and I love it, back on topic 5 items I do not leave the house with are my Leatherman ST 300, a spring assist thin profile ZT g10 tactical folding knife, magnesium/flint fire starter/small led flashlight & Iphone yes I said Iphone while its working it is a useful tool - this is my main survive any situation kit, and I use them regularly I have secondary supplies like compass, snare wire,lighter,hatchet,water supply dh food. I have found the first 5 items can help me get the things I need to survive long enough to get me back to the homestead.
It`s better to have a knife and not need one then need a knife and not have one.
I have read that you can get an app that turns your iphone into a compass, now that would be valuable.
I use my ipad for reading books and even though it is a bit large it can be used as a compass also.
Noli Illigitimi Carborundum
(Don’t let the bastards wear you down)
Use your GPS as fishing wieghts. If there is a CME or solar flare, satellites will be junked. You will be lost. GPS units aslo transmit your location. Connect the dots on that one.
Sunoko (sp) a Finnish brand is as good as the Silva. I have one of each but was trained on the Silva. About $70 and make sure it has a mirror. Put the lanyard through one of your buttonholes.
As for dollar stores, I prefer quality but quantity works too if you have the storage space.
New prepper in Mexico...wish there was something like a dollar store here...but think I have or can get most items...have a 4-6 month food supply...starting on building up water storage (in 5 gallon bottles)...glad to know this site is here...but things a a little different here in Mexico...at least weather is mild and garden food production is good year around..but good seeds are hard to get here..and cannot be brought in across the border. Don't know of any other preppers in my area...lots of Americans and Canadians here, but no preppers.
Can you not get seeds and such from Cuba?
Google Cuba Oil Crisis there is a great short film about it, very in-depth and has a lot of resources in that film especially if your in another Spanish Country I think.
I do think that Farmers can have Rifles in Mexico though? Tell the authorities you have lots of Coyotes in the area. (just do not tell them some are two legged ones)
Try looking up Permaculture as well, they have links to seed sources some might be good for you, and it will teach you how to make your own seeds for use next year. As Berkleys are super expensive you can also look up how to make your own Berkly style filter system.
Hi, I noticed some have been using the iphone for a compass. I use an app called theodolite pro. It is good for almost any situatiion . Covers items like range finder, gps, position ect. I have a pilot friend who was very impressed. He thinks if he lost his instruments he could fly using the app alone. 🙂
http://www.thesurvivalpodcast.com
The above is a link to a pod cast that I listen to, but am not a support member of. Mainly because it is American based and many of the things that he talks about is great for his climate and obvious different gun laws. He's very opinionated, But on the other hand, there is a lot of great info on permaculture, hugulculture, and some very informative guest speakers. Check it out, I wish we had something similar here.
His name is Jack Spirko, He looks and sounds like a redneck but he gives good advice.
"We 'Prep.' to live after a downfall, Not just to survive."
I think Jack is the standard by which all should be measured. Short on sensationalism, long on sense.
How about a synopisis of this Jack fellow, with a Rogers/Fido Rocket Stick I can not listen or download any podcasts, it eats too much MB, quickly adding up to Gigs, then extra charges.. grrrrrr
piece o crap Rocket sticks, but my only option right now. I do go to free WiFi, but after a while people look at you funny, and not cause I am so Handsome either.. ;P
I suggest you visit the website and look through the topics of the podcasts. That might give you a better idea than I could.
He mostly talks about being independent of our systems of dependency. Food, energy, security, finance.
A lot of stuff about producing your own food but since we all have to eat every day it's one of the key elements of survival.