Preparedness, Page
2
One set (top and bottom)
Snivel gear
It is said that snivel gear is only used by those that snivel. This is
true, however, I have yet to see anyone who does not snivel if it gets
cold enough, especially at night. This is a top and bottom undergarment
to keep you warm in cold weather. Something made with a polypropelene
blend is recommended. If you are going to do strenuous labor, i.e. chopping
wood, digging a slit trench, carrying your ruck, do NOT wear your snivel
gear! Seeing someone pass out from heat stroke in below zero temperatures
is not a pretty sight. Take off the snivel gear when working and keep
moving to stay warm.
Wool knit cap
That says wool, not acrylic or polyester. This should be preferably of
a darker color. To be worn at night or during cold weather.
Map - the topographical
kind
If you don't know how to read one, then don't bother. If you can't tell
the difference between a spur and a ridge, if you have never heard of
intersection or resection, then leave the map at home. A map will also
be useless if you have no planned place to go. If you are going to just
pick up your stuff and "head west", then don't bother with the map, just
follow the setting sun. Many local adult education centers offer courses
in map reading and are an excellent way to "get back to nature", even
if you never need the skills. You may also want to contact your local
orientering club. See contact list below for more information.
Compass
Pretty useless without the map. Again, if you don't know how to use it,
then don't bother. This is a navagitional tool and is not necessary for
simple survival. However, if you are going to get one, I suggest a sturdy,
lensatic one. One with a good lens site that can stand to be banged around
a bit. If you don't know how to use one, but want to learn, contact your
local orientering club. See contact list below for more information.
GPS Unit
Don't bother. Even if you know how to use one. They are too heavy and
require batteries, which you will never have enough of. Also, many early
GPS units are susceptible to their own Y2K bug which occurs in October
1999, I think. These are great for weekend camping trips but don't rely
on them for emergency survival situations.
Cigarette lighter
Don't depend on matches that will get damp from perspiration or rain,
or get blown out by a stiff breeze. Those so called "windproof" or "waterproof"
matches are bogus and way too expensive.
Needle and thread
A sewing kit can have many other uses than just fixing holes in clothing.
Small knife
Something with about a three inch blade should suffice. There is no need
for a three foot machete or some rare japanese sword you bought off late
night television. This is useful for cutting rope, wire or small trees.
Personally, I prefer a small Swiss Army knife. Just make sure you get
a real one and not some cheap knock off. Look for the Victorinox label.
100 yards Type 5
Nylon Cord aka Five-Fifty cord
This is some of the best stuff ever made. You can use it for everything.
It can be especially useful when building a hooch (if there is enough
interest, I'll cover hooch building in a separate essay). If you can't
find exactly this item, you can substitute another type of skinny nylon
rope - anything that is small and easy to manipulate that has a lot of
strength.
1 Roll 100 MPH Tape
aka Duct Tape
Rumor has it this stuff will still stay together when travelling at hundred
miles an hour. While I seriously doubt that claim, it does come in handy
and has several uses. There are a lot of various brands on the market
and expensive does not always mean better. If it is good enough for MacGyver
to carry around, it is good enough for me.
Two Snaplinks
In case the first one breaks. These are used when repelling, crossing
rope bridges, rock climbing or other times when a safety line is needed.
6 feet Nylon rope
with at least a one inch diameter.
To be used to create a repel seat or as a safety line.
Work gloves
Preferably leather. Useful when digging, repelling or for other tasks.
Cold weather gloves
To keep your hands warm, duh. Do not get one pair of gloves and expect
them to work equally well for both purposes.
Pussy pad
No, this is not what you think. An air mattress or similar item should
be used to protect you from wet and cold ground. There is nothing like
waking up in the middle of the night soaking wet from absorbing water
from the ground. Sleeping directly on the ground is also a great way to
get sick. An air mattress that you blow up with air is not recommended,
as these can develop holes that can be hard to repair. A thin sheet of
foam rubber or stiffer material that can be rolled up and attached to
the outside of your rucksack is better suited to this task. It has been
said that only pussies need pussy pads - by that definition, everyone
is a pussy.
Rain gear
Something of the poncho variety is recommended. This is a large plastic/rubber/nylon
sheet with a hole in the middle for your head. The advantage of this type
of rain gear over more conventional types is that it can have many more
uses and weighs a hell of a lot less. A poncho of this sort can be used
to build your hooch (tent), as a litter, as a ground mat or to protect
equipment or other gear from the rain.
Five pair of wool
socks (minimum)
Again, that says wool, not cotton or nylon. Wool is the only material
proven to keep you warm after it gets wet. If it itches, too bad. If you
are allergic to wool, check with your outdoor supply store for a suitable
replacement. It is important to change socks on a daily basis. It is important
to keep your feet warm, as they are usually the first to suffer from frostbite.
Try to keep your feet dry, as well. A nasty case of trench foot or even
athlete's foot is not what you want in this situation.
Foot Powder
Some Dr. Scholls anti-fungal powder can go a long way towards keeping
your feet healthy. Remember, your feet are probably going to be your primary
means of transportation at this stage, so it is important to take care
of them.
Three sets of underwear
(minimum)
The same reasons that apply to the socks apply to underwear. Females should
also pack an extra bra.
Five T-shirts
Why two more T-shirts than pairs of underwear? T-shirts have a lot more
uses than just clothing. They make excellent bandages, for one.
Basic medical kit
Basic means just that. Aspirin or Ibuprofin, Band-aids, some 4-inch gauze,
gauze tape, disinfectant. No need to pack surgical kits, as most people
don't know how to use them, anyway. Snake bite kits are a good idea if
you are in an area that has a lot of snakes. If you are allergic to bees,
be sure to pack a bee sting kit, as well.
Chapstick
Especially if you are in a very sunny area (i.e. Desert) or very snowy
or cold area.
Sunscreen
No, you are not trying to get a tan but, instead to prevent a burn. Being
immobilized by a third degree sunburn is a not a fun idea.
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