Organizing Your Prepper Gear

In a disaster scenario; if you can’t find the survival items you are looking for, it means you are unable to utilize whatever it is that you need at that moment to increase your survival chances.  The solution is simple; make sure your gear is organized so that you know where each and every piece of survival gear is, and that you know how to use each and every piece of survival gear that you have.

This means your bug out bags need to be organized, your weapons bags, your food and water storage, your first aid kits, etc., everything needs to be neat and logically set up so it is user friendly.  Remember you might be trying to find and use gear in less than ideal situations.  There might be stress, hostile forces nearby, or you may be operating at night.  All things considered having everything where you can find it saves, time, energy, and frustration.

So take the time to go through your gear and make sure it is set up in a manner that is functional for your survival needs.  Experiment and come up with the best ways to organize your gear and survival supplies; and then memorize where everything is stored.  Going through your gear on a weekly basis is a good way to familiarize yourself with what you actually have, and where it is actually stored in your various survival bags.

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 and purchase one or more over at Amazon.com. They are really quite interesting and entertaining to read.

 

 

Darkness and Disasters

Remember that any survival or disaster scenario you might have to face such as tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, civil unrest, war, destruction, fire, storms, zombie attacks, etc., are always compounded once daylight turns to night.  With that said it is imperative that you are proficient with all of your survival gear in both the daylight hours and the night time hours.  Survival will be hard enough when you can see, and when it is dark, it only adds to the misery and the stress.  Know your gear and know how it operates, train regularly, and maintain your survival equipment.  Most of all should a disaster situation occur; you must be mentally prepared to deal with the particular scenarios which you may have to face.

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 🙂

 

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 Zero The Sights On An AR-15

Here’s the method I use to zero the iron sights on an AR-15 rifle.  The purpose of zeroing your sights is so that your point of aim equals your point of impact.  So here’s the method I use on the AR-15.  Feel free to ask any questions if any of this needs clarification 🙂

1. Set your elevation knob to 8/3 low or if you are using the carry handle which is what I do, to 6/3 low.  The elevation knob will be located just below the peep sight.
2. Flip the aperture to the long range sight (small peephole) although as you get older you may find the short range aperture (large peephole marked 0-2) easier to use and if that is the case then use the short range sight.
3. From a steady position aim at the center bulls eye of your paper target, which should be set out at 25 meters which is equal to approximately 27.34 yards and fire a 6 round grouping.
4. If your grouping has hit the bulls eye then there is no further adjustments needed.
5. If the grouping has not hit the bulls eye then calculate how far away you are from the bulls eye both vertically and horizontally and adjust as follows.
6. Calculate your clicks of windage (left to right) required to move the impact point towards the center of the bulls eye.  On an AR-15 using .223 ammunition at 27.34 yards, each click equals 3/8 of an inch.  Then adjust by rotating the windage knob located on the right side of the carry handle.
7. Calculate clicks of front sight elevation (up and down) required to move the impact point towards the center of the bulls eye.  On an AR-15 at the previous referenced distance; elevation equals 3/8 of an inch for each click.
8. Using a $7.00 or so front sight adjustment tool (much easier to use then a nail) depress the front sight plunger and turn the required number of clicks to move your point of impact towards the bulls eye.  Clockwise lowers the sight but raises the point of impact.  Counter clock wise raises the sight but lowers the point of impact.
9. Fire another 6 rounds at the bulls eye.  If your grouping hits the bulls eye your adjustments are done.  If not, repeat steps 5 through 9 until your point of aim finally equals your point of impact.

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.  

Preparing for Potential Disasters

Many times  disasters occur without warning.  It could be anything from hurricanes, to extended power outages, to violent crime, to societal breakdown, etc.  It is always best to prepare in advance for potential situations which could occur, rather than be caught unprepared if and when they do occur.

Here are some things I consider important enough to prepare right now. 

• Stock up on non perishable food and water now.  At least 3 months worth per person.  This also includes a 3 months supply of food and water for each of your pets.  A cool, dry basement is a great place to set up shelving units to hold these supplies.
• Batteries; yes you will absolutely need them for everything from flashlights to radios.  Stock up on as many as you can.  I keep mine in ziploc bags which are then placed in lots of empty coffee cans by battery size.  Keep your rechargeable and disposable batteries in seperate areas.
• Maintain your perimeter security by keeping doors, windows and garages locked, walk your property daily to make sure it is secure and use wireless motion detector alert systems.  Big dogs work well also.  Mine is an Alaskan Malamute.
• Keep your communications gear fully charged including cell phones and 2 way radios.
• Obtain proper training and get your pistol permit.  Also obtain proper training in the use of shotguns and rifles as well.  Have your firearms and sufficient ammunition and related gear available; and train on a regular basis at the range with each of your firearms.  
• Have a sharp knife, as well as reliable hand tools available.  Also have a sufficient quantity of spare plywood and nails and screws.
• An 8,000 to 10,000 watt generator is a must, along with a power cord to attach it to your previously installed whole house power outlet and a sufficient supply of safely stored, stabilized gasoline to run the generator. About 20, red 5 gallon each gasoline cans should do it.  20×5 = 100 gallons.
• Keep well supplied first aid kits available and know how to use them.
• Have a written survival plan and familiarize your family with it.

The following is a list of 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.  If you enjoy the books feel free to leave a comment over at Amazon.

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.

July Question of the Month

Yes I know it’s not July yet; but I wanted to post this question of the month early.  And aren’t you lucky as it’s a multi part question.   This question stems from my never ending search for the perfect range bag. What range bag are you currently using, do you recommend it, and what gear do you keep inside?  Looking forward to your responses.   Below is a picture of my current range bag.  

Defensive Survival

There are three kinds of people in the world today.  Those who are predators, those who are prey and those who refuse to be either.  In order to survive in today’s world or any type of post apocalyptic world of the future; you must inwardly develop a warrior spirit, a mindset that says I refuse to be a victim.  Everyone must fight for something at some point in their lives and it is imperative that when these encounters take place; that you emerge victorious.

Nobody can tell you what your threat will look like; but when a threat attacks, you must be prepared physically, mentally and emotionally to defend yourself.  If something looks wrong or feels wrong then it is wrong.  Don’t ignore that inner sixth sense that warns you of impending danger.  Remember the rule of three M’s. 1 – Maximize your distance to the threat.  2 – Minimize yourself as a target.  3 – Muzzle always between you and the threat.

Survival is a combination of skills, mindset and gear.  Make sure you train regularly to keep your survival skills sharp.  Keep the proper positive, confident mindset and keep any gear which will keep you alive nearby.  Also make sure you are fully competent with each piece of gear. 

In a survival situation there are no re-do’s.  You only get one chance to do it right and survive the first time.  Take the time to train and plan accordingly.  After all it’s your life; make sure you keep it by doing what is necessary to stay alive.

You can get a free preview of my first four 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 survival fiction books interest you; then consider purchasing them.  Book titles include American Rebellion Book 1 of the Revolution, American Rebellion Book 2 of the Revolution, American Rebellion Book 3 of the Revolution and American Rebellion Book 4 of the Revolution.