Act Your Age

Yes, I’ve finally come to realize, the hard way, that as I am getting older my mind still wants to do things that my body isn’t willing to follow.  Case in point was while doing some weight training I tore a muscle pretty badly in my right arm causing pain to radiate up and down my right arm. The pain extends from the thumb on my right hand all the way up to my neck.  Yes I know in a few weeks I’ll be fine; but it made me realize that carrying a bug out bag or handling a firearm have now been made increasingly more difficult, and painful, at least for a few weeks.  Lesson learned here is when it comes to survival and preparedness, it is essential to not push your body beyond what it is realistically capable of doing, regardless of how young you feel inside.

You can see all 5 of my post apocalyptic fiction books, 2 of my zombie fiction books and 1 of my horror fiction books on the left side of my blog page.  Go ahead; take a chance and purchase one or more over at Amazon.com. They are really quite interesting to read if I do say so myself and they also make excellent gifts 🙂

Survival And Preparedness Monthly Inspection Tips

Please make sure you do the following each and every month to make sure you are properly prepared should a disaster scenario occur.

• Review the items in your home bug out bag to make sure you know where each piece of gear is stored, how to use each piece of gear, and to rotate food items if needed.
• Review the items in your vehicles bug out bag for the same reasons as stated above.
• Review the items in your vehicles emergency roadside assistance kit and replenish whatever auto repair, maintenance items are required to keep your vehicle ready to roll.
• Review your main and ancillary first aid kits to make sure all essentials are there.

Remember in an emergency you don’t want to be fumbling around wondering where a piece of gear is or wondering how to go about using a particular piece of gear.  Know where each and every item is in each of your bags/kits and how to use them before disaster strikes.  It just might tip the odds in your favor and help save your life.

You can see all 5 of my post apocalyptic fiction books, 2 of my zombie fiction books and 1 of my horror fiction books on the left side of my blog page.  Go ahead; take a chance and purchase one or more over at Amazon.com.  They are really quite interesting to read if I do say so myself and they also make excellent gifts 🙂

Bug Out Bag Tips

Here are a few bug out bag tips I’d like to share with you based on my personal experiences.  I will take the position that you already know what a bug out bag is and what items to place in and on your bag. The following are some tips above and beyond that; which hopefully will help you further refine your bug out bag.

• Go through your bag on a monthly basis.  This will allow you to further memorize what gear is located in which sections of the bag.  It will also give you an opportunity to continually check your food, in your bag, and to rotate it out at its expiration point.
• Everything in your bag and in your pouches that is not weather proof needs to be contained inside zip loc bags.  The reasons should be obvious but in case they are not; damp and wet gear is not good period.  The zip loc bags help keep everything dry.  Quart and gallon sizes should work for pretty much everything.
• Make sure like items are stored together and conveniently placed.  Clothing should all be together, fire making gear should have its own compartment, communications gear should have its own pouch, there should be a dedicated location for weapons and ammo, a seperate area for toilitries, a pouch for flashlights and batteries, cooking supplies and cutlery should be grouped together, you get the idea.
• Don’t overpack.  Each month when you go through your pack focus on what you don’t need and remove it.  You must maintain a pack weight that is not too heavy.  If you can’t carry it then you are doing a dis-service to yourself and anyone else who relies on you.

You can see all 5 of my post apocalyptic fiction books, 2 of my zombie fiction books and 1 of my horror fiction books on the left side of my blog page.  Go ahead; take a chance and purchase one or more over at Amazon.com.  They are really quite interesting to read if I do say so myself and they also make excellent gifts 🙂

Yes It Is One Of The Things On My Christmas List

In my never ending quest for a better backpack; and yes I have a closet full of them as my backpack needs change, the below 511 Covrt 18 pack is now on my list.  The description of the pack is below from Amazon followed by its photo.  Upon eventual receipt I’ll do a review after I’ve had a chance to customize it to my specifications and break it in.  Most of my packs are very tactical looking so I decided I’d like to have one with a less tactical appearance but full of features that I know I might need.

The new 511 COVRT 18 is a bag built to blend in, yet go operational at a moment’s notice. And because blending in means not having the same color as everyone else on your team, the COVRT 18 is offered in five color combos: Asphalt/Black, Deep Moss Green/Black, Mantis Green/Dark Oak, Code Red/Steel Grey and True Navy/Asphalt.  When you need to be ready for anything, choose the COVRT 18. You’ll find everything you need in this lightweight pack including a hidden ambidextrous Weapons pocket, removable hidden agenda identification panel, concealed R.A.C. (Roll-down Assault Compartment) with web platform and Back-up Belt System compatibility, side mesh water bottle pockets and compression straps, admin pocket, internal and external organizer pouches, padded computer compartment sleeve with hook and loop retaining strap, external attachment points, sternum strap, a carry handle integrated into a yoke shoulder system, hydration compartment, internal, easy-access flex cuff channel and shoulder straps designed to work with future QuickTact accessories.

My Bug Out Bag

For most disaster scenarios I anticipate bugging in rather than bugging out.  However it is still essential to have a bug out bag packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice.  So with that said; what gear do I keep in my bug out bag? The following; in no particular order is a list of my bug out bag gear.

• 3 pairs of socks
• 3 pairs of underwear
• 3 Tee shirts
• 3 long sleeve shirts
• 1 sweatshirt
• 1 Jacket
• 2 Pairs of Pants with Belt
• 5 pairs of lightweight work gloves
• 1 pair of shooting gloves
• 1 pair of winter gloves
• 1 Raincoat
• 1 Boonie Hat
• 1 Winter hat
• 1 Complete First Aid Kit including Medicines
• 2 Bottles of Hand Sanitizer
• 2 Small compressed rolls of Toilet Paper
• 9 Eyeglass Wipes
• 1 Eyeglass Case
• 1 Compass
• 1 Set of area maps
• 1 Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath
• 1 Spare Pistol Holster
• 1 Spare Pistol
• 1 Spare Mag Pouch with 3 slots
• 3 Spare Mags
• Spare Ammo
• 1 Riggers Belt
• 1 Flashlight 100 Lumens
• 6 replacement flashlight batteries
• 3 packs of waterproof matches
• 1 Firestarter
• 2 Removable Canteen Straps
• 2 Canteens in Canteen pouches with water
• 2 Metal Water Bottle with Molle bottle holder
• 120 Peanut Butter Crackers
• Water
• Flavored Drink Mix
• 1 Bottle of Vitamins
• 2 Bottles of Water Purification Tablets
• 1 Water purification filter with straw
• 1 Water Bladder
• 4 Packages of Iodine Tablets to protect against radiation
• 1 Adhesive Radiation Detector
• 1 Pair of Binoculars
• 1 Portable Radio
• 4 replacement radio batteries
• 1 Bandana
• Assorted Petty Cash
• 550 Paracord
• Climbing Rope
• 1 Roll of Cloth Tape
• 5 Snap Straps
• 4 Compression Straps
• 1 Sleeping Bag with Stuff Sack 
• 5 Mylar Emergency Blankets
• 1 Fork and Spoon Set
• 1 Can Opener
• 1 Bottle Opener
• 1 Signal Mirror
• 1 Pocket Knife
• 1 Multi-tool
• Various Important Documents

You can see 5 of my post apocalyptic fiction books, 2 of my zombie fiction books and 1 of my horror fiction books on the left side of my blog page.  Go ahead; take a chance and purchase one or more over at Amazon.com.  They are really quite interesting if I do say so myself 🙂

 

How To Prepare Your Bug Out Bag

Whether you are looking to survive natural disasters, manmade disasters, apocalyptic events, or even zombie attacks; a bug out bag is an essential component to your overall survival and preparedness needs.  Preparing your bag starts with actually having a bag.  Your bug out bag should be durable, comfortable, have adjustable shoulder straps, as well as lumbar and sternum straps, and have the ability to add additional smaller pouches via molle attachment points.

When deciding what to keep in and on your bug out bag make sure you have the necessary items to address all of these major specific areas.

• Water
• Food
• Shelter
• Fire
• Medical Supplies
• Proper Clothing
• Communications
• Signaling
• Weapons
• Ammunition
• Navigation
• Personal Items
• Cutting
• Climbing
• Lighting

If a disaster occurs; having all of your essential supplies in a conveniently placed bug out bag, ready to go at a moment’s notice can make all the difference between life and death.  If you already have a bug out bag review the contents on a monthly basis.  If you don’t already have a bug out bag the time is now to put one together.

You can see 5 of my post apocalyptic fiction books, 2 of my zombie fiction books and 1 of my horror fiction books on the left side of my blog page.  Go ahead; take a chance and purchase one or more over at Amazon.com.  They are really quite interesting if I do say so myself 🙂

Test Your Survival Gear Before Disaster Strikes

Just a quick reminder to check out your survival gear before a disaster strikes, not afterwards.  Make sure your Bug Out Bag is well built, properly packed and will withstand harsh environments.  Make sure your rifles are properly zeroed for defensive purposes and you are equally proficient with your shotguns and handguns.  Remember an improperly zeroed weapon will basically mean your point of aim will not equal your point of impact.  Go to any range and watch people consistently miss their targets due to improper zeroing; and you will see exactly what I mean.

Make sure you have a sufficient quantity of food, water, ammo, first aid gear, fuel, clothes, etc.  Make sure your survival location is secure, and that your primary and secondary vehicles are fully fueled and in good working order.  Can you build an emergency shelter or start an emergency fire to keep warm?  Check now and make sure that you can, don’t wait for an impending disaster. 

Know your abilities; learn all the survival related things that you can.  Know your strengths and weaknesses and make sure you have a good survival plan and a good alternate survival plan.  You must be adaptable to ever changing situations.  Now get out there and test that field gear.

Exercises To Do With Your Bug Out Bag

So you have your bug out bag pre-packed and ready to go………but will you be able to carry it if you need to use it?  We all know as we get older it becomes harder and harder to carry weight any significant distance; just think about the differences in what you can do physically when you were 20 or 30 years old as compared to 50 years old!

With that said here’s an everyday exercise you can consider doing right before bedtime.  Put on your bug out bag and walk up and down the stairs in your home 1 time, then do 1 deep knee bend.  The next night go up and down the stairs 2 times and do 2 deep knee bends.  The next night go up and down the stairs 3 times and do 3 deep knee bends and continue the pattern increasing by 1 each night.

Regardless of your body type if you can’t carry your bug out bag strapped to your back for a significant distance; you are going to be at a disadvantage, if you need to set out on foot with your supplies to avoid a disaster.  So have a well stocked bug out bag and the ability to carry it and use it.

The following is a list of fiction books I have written.  You can get a free preview of my first zombie fiction book or my first five post apocalyptic fiction survival books by clicking on the book cover images to the left of this blog post, on my blog page, which will take you to the Amazon.com website. Then you can click on the look inside option which will give you a free preview.  If my zombie or survival fiction books interest you; then go ahead and make a purchase.  Book titles include Biohazard Redacted Book 1 of the Zombie Apocalypse, American Rebellion Book 1 of the Revolution, American Rebellion Book 2 of the Revolution, American Rebellion Book 3 of the Revolution, American Rebellion Book 4 of the Revolution and American Rebellion Book 5 of the Revolution.  

What Do I keep In My Bug Out Bag You Ask

What do I keep in my latest iteration of my bug out bag?  Inquiring minds want to know and I’ll be happy to oblige.  My newest bug out bag is a Condor 3 day assault pack in O.D. Green with 7 main compartments and molle attachment points all over the bag.  To this bug out bag I have added 2 molle water bottle holders, 1 molle first aid pouch and 1 molle gear pouch.  The following are the contents which are on or in the entire bag.

• Non Perishable Food
• Water in 2 M84 plastic canteens with 2 metal cups and water in a 2.5L Hydration Bladder
• Complete First Aid Kit including ibuprofin, bandaids, sterile pads, variety of over the counter medicines, pill crusher, nail clipper, cloth tape, various cremes and salves, disinfecting wipes, etc.
• Multi Vitamins
• 4 pairs of pants, 4 shirts, 3 pairs of underwear, 3 pairs of socks, 1 bathing suit, 1 windbreaker jacket
• 3 pairs of glove liners
• 1 pair of workgloves
• 1 reversible belt with removable belt buckle
• 100 feet of 550 paracord
• Can opener
• Bottle opener
• Knife, Fork and Spoon
• Complete Toilitries Kit including toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, soap box, shaving cream, razor, etc.
• Water Purification Tablets
• Water Purification Straw
• Eye Dropper
• Portable Tool Kit
• Steel Wool
• AA, AAA and 9V Batteries
• Ammo/portable ammo cases
• Molle Mag Pouch
• Holster
• Firearm of choice
• Ellite Forces Fixed Blade Knife with Kydex Sheath
• Knife Sharpener
• 2 Bandanas
• 2 High Power Mini Flashlights
• Toilet Paper and Hand Sanitizeer
• Mini Shovel
• 2 Compression Straps
• Portable Radio
• Binoculars
• Spare Wallet
• Cash in Small Denominations
• 3 boxes of Waterproof Matches
• Firesteel
• Survival Manual
• 5 Space Blankets
• 2 Sets of Earplugs
• Compass and Maps
• Whistle
• Signal Mirror

This is an ongoing list and I will be continually adding things as the need arises while trying to maintain a good weight to carry ratio.

You can get a free preview of my first zombie fiction book or my first five post apocalyptic fiction survival books by clicking on the book cover images to the left of this blog post, on my blog page, which will take you to the Amazon.com website. Then you can click on the look inside option which will give you a free preview.  If my zombie or survival fiction books interest you; then consider purchasing them.  Book titles include Biohazard Redacted Book 1 of the Zombie Apocalypse, American Rebellion Book 1 of the Revolution, American Rebellion Book 2 of the Revolution, American Rebellion Book 3 of the Revolution, American Rebellion Book 4 of the Revolution and American Rebellion Book 5 of the Revolution.

Look What I found At The Military Surplus Store

While visiting a local military surplus store in my area I came across a great find.  I was so impressed with it that I bought two of them for my bug out bag.  They are the Swiss M84 plastic canteens with metal cups that securely attach to the bottom of the canteen.  The plastic canteen easily fits in an average sized hand and the removable cup with fold out metal cup handles can be used to boil water for purification or to cook a can of hot food when suspended over a fire.  I’ll be replacing my plastic Camelback water bottles with the two Swiss M84’s I found today.