Prepping for Vacation

I’ve been thinking about all the people going on vacation and what some of us might do to prep to go on our own vacation. If you’re headed to the beach, what should you prepare for? The biggest concern is severe weather. With Severe weather you suddenly have thousands trying to evacuate or seeking shelter. You’re going to see a clean water shortage, food shortage, stealing, looting, confusion, and overall panic.
From where I am it takes about 3 ∏ hours to drive to the beach. So where do we start if we’re going to drive to the beach? Frankly, I don’t even know if this is right and I’m sure it will change as we go on.
 
1.       Assess the vehicle.
a.       When was the oil changed last?
b.      How are the tires?
c.       Everything legal?
d.      All lights work?
e.      How is the spare?
f.        Do you have an atlas? GPS?

2.       What kind of prep gear should we take?
a.       How many people will be in the vehicle?
b.      Are they like minded? Will they have their own gear?
c.       What kind of kit should be on hand?

3.       Any special information?
a.       If you have a concealed permit, is it respected where you’re going?
           i.      If not, do you have an alternative defense?
b.      How well do you know the area? Can you navigate easily?

Writing that list made me panic a little over a couple things. Thinking about my vehicle, everything is good except for one thing. My car doesn’t have a spare. I have a plug in car compressor/fix-a-flat. There is one thing that good about that, without a spare there I have an extra space under the trunk floor for storing stuff.
There would probably be two people in the vehicle. My wife is starting to come around to the prepper side. She’s big into gardening and she’s learning how to shoot. We’ll work on her gear once she’s ready. She’ll be way easier to shop for because she is a normal person size. I can go anywhere and get her gear, while I have to search and special order for my stuff.  So she has some gear with her. I’m not sure what kind of kit I would keep on hand but I want It to be hidden if possible.
 
So now, what all is in my vehicle?
1.       (2) Emergency bags
2.       (1) First Aid Kit
3.       Emergency water supply
4.       Vehicle Tool Bag
5.       Power Inverter
6.       GPS Unit

I think that is a pretty good start. Its all concealable and completely legal. 

With that being said, remember as a prepper to always obey the law. If you don’t, and you get caught, Its going to make it so much harder to prep properly.

Last couple things to do are check on the forum to see if my concealed permit is valid in my out of state destination. I know as someone who has a permit for Pennsylvania: Maryland, Delaware, New York, and New Jersey do NOT honor Pennsylvania permits. IF you pass through one of those states, make sure you weapon is taken apart properly and the ammo is separated.

Phase 3: Conditioning Day 1

Well well well, what an awful way to start. I'm gonna be brutally honest about myself.
Here is a spot-on physical description of me:

Weight: 344 lbs (according to the PF scale that seems to be calibrated correctly)

Height: 5'11"
Shirt: XXL
Neck: 19
Pants: 44-46
Boot: 13

Mile Time Average: 10 Minutes
Average Miles/Night: 2 Mile
Leg Press: 290 lbs
Calf Extension: 200 lbs
 
I am built like a hunk of shit. My goals will remain the same for now except for number 3. 
I would like to eventually change number 1, if I can start to lose weight, I'd like to up it to 20 lbs. However, I feel like 20 pounds in a month is too ambitious and may not be healthy.

1. By August 1, 2012 lose 15 lbs. 
2. Run an average 8 minute mile
3. Run 2 Miles 3 times/week will now be Run 3 miles 3 times/week

I will continue my regiment of Hydroxycut and Vitamins, I have alarms set so that I take it at proper times.

Tomorrow will be the first Range Day for Phase 3 with CD and a friend. I'll be focusing on pistol shooting at 8-10 paces as defensive shooting. I may add another night of the gym tomorrow.

But over all, I am very unhappy with my current physical description. Ultimately, I would like 100 lbs and maybe more. I think for my built 240 wouldn't be so bad as long as I was muscle and not fat. But that is a very long term goal.

In conclusion, I'm a flabby hunk of putty that would easily get run down by a fresh zombie. I'd make for a good meal, but I'm not looking to be a Z's dinner. I'm going to make some serious physical changes. 

Phase 3: Conditioning

 I'm starting my conditioning tomorrow. I've thought long and hard about how I want to approach my conditioning. Since I am not military I don't constantly have to stay in shape for drill and whatnot. So this is all on my own.

I started my research with affective supplements. I'm sticking with what I'm taking now until I run out then we'll switch over. Right now, I'm taking a daily dose of GNC Men's Sport: Energy and Metabolism. I also take 2 doses of Hydroxycut: Hardcore. It seems to work. I'm going to stick with it.

Along with the supplements, I'll start my gym regiment again. However, I'm going to make a few minor tweaks. I'm looking to lose some of my gut, so a few pre-run exercises to help burn up some fat.


Here are my goals: 
1. Work on a 8-9 minute mile to start. 
2. Do a 2 mile run 3 nights a week. Maybe more. 
3. Lose 10-15 lbs by the end of July.

Also, I'm going to start shooting at least once a week. It may only be 50 rounds of so, but I'm going to start focusing on close quarters pistol shooting.

I don't really have goals for shooting at the moment, but I'm sure they'll be coming when I start seeing where I am falling short.

That's it for now. Once I do a week of this, I'm going to revise my goals depending on my feelings. Its either stay the same OR make tougher goals.

Bug-Out-Bag v1.0 List

Taking some time this afternoon, I've completed my Bug-Out-Bag v1.0 (72-hour, general purpose). I'm sure after rigorous testing, it will change, of that I'm sure.


This is actually going to be broken up into three parts: Drop Holster, Pack, and Personal Gear (clothing)

For your consideration, I present to you BOB v1.0

Personal Gear:
1. Pant
2. T-Shirt
3. Socks
4. Underwear
5. Over-shirt (Polo, probably)
6. Shemagh
7. Belt
8. Suspenders
9. Operator's Cap
10. Boots
11. Gloves
12. Knee pads

Drop Holster:
1. Pistol
2. Multi-tool
3. (2) spare magazines
4. Flashlight
5. (2) Pair latex gloves

Pack: 
1. 350 .22 caliber rounds
2. (2) Knives
3. Head Lamp
4. (8) AAA Batteries
5. First Aid Kit
6. (4) Light Sticks
7. (4) Fire Starters
8. Matches/Lighter
9. Toiletries w/ waterproof box
10. Sheet
11. Hand Towel
12. Two-Way Radio
13. Dynamo Radio w/ USB charger
14. 50 ft. Rope
15. 100 ft. Paracord
16. Fishing Kit
17. (2) 2-quart Canteens
18. Full Set of Clothes w/ extra pair of socks
19. Food Preparations (5 Meals) w/ Essentials
20. Literature (SAS Survival Handbook, Prepper's Pocket Guide)
21. Hatchet
22. Tech

When the new bag arrives I'm going to put it all together and post the total weight of the pack.

Review: SAS Survival Handbook

S.A.S. Survival Handbook
Written by John "Lofty" Wiseman

So this took me way longer to read over (I'm still not done...) than the Prepper's Guide. And every minute was worth it.

Start with the contents. I'm just going to list a few of the majors, literally, just a few. There is SO much information in this book and its presented so well. This book covers every notable terrain and tips on how to survival and traverse on all of it. There is a full chapter on health and field first aid. It covers a lot of things that most others don't cover. There are color illustrations of poisonous snakes, dangerous sea life, edible plants, and poisonous plants. It always has illustrations of knot tying and repelling techniques. It has a full chapter on water collection methods including illustrations so its easier to understand. Not only water collection, but a full chapter of animal hunting, tracking, and identifying. Also, tips for avoiding animal attacks. On top of all the best information I've found in here, he's even included sample survival kits, not full on bug out bags, but survival kits for in your vehicle.

This is presented in a manor that everyone can understand, HOWEVER, it is a handbook, a manual. It is dry, it is pure information. And, literally, that is only thing I can say is a con to this book. I really tried to find something bad about it, but it may be one of the best books you can own. And you should. I cannot praise this book enough. Spend $12.00, it doesn't defeat all books but you really cut down on the literature you should have with all of the knowledge crammed into this.

No, really, you should/need to own this book if you don't. Here are the links to get it:
Amazon.com
Barnesandnoble.com
Apple.com - iPhone app (...Because I think tech is important.)

6 out of 5 - This is essential for every prepper, survivalist, and homesteader.



I can't praise "Lofty" enough for his work here.

Just a mid-week update

I ran into a guy outside of a local Giant wearing a pack that I've been searching for. I politely asked him wear he got it, and thus I have discovered Ranger Joes. I'll be placing an order soon with my new pack, operator's cap, and maybe a name tape (I always wanted one.).
This is the pack.
This is the cap.

So from the Wishlist v1.0 I can cross off suspenders. As odd as it sounds they are incredibly comfortable and I spend WAY less time yanking my pants up. I think it's been a well spend 8 dollars.

While I've had some free time this week, I've taken the time to make a list of goals for myself. It sounds fairly childish, but I've set a pile of reachable short term goals and a pile of tougher long term goals. I'll post them later this week, my notepad is still in my car.

Finally, I've taken great notice in my physical aches. I'm not sure what is actually going on. Recently, my ankle has been popping and really is just not comfortable in the least. I've also taken notice my knees feeling tight. I've decided that it is time to head back to the gym and take care of myself. I'm 25 yet I'm feeling 50.

That really is all for now. I feel a post tomorrow coming, maybe two.


Also, if you've never looked:
Check out: www.RangerJoes.com

What's To Come...

Recently, I've been doing a lot of thinking about where I'm headed and how fast I want to get there. I've determined that I'm am not moving fast enough in an organized manner. I've been working on a regiment for weeks to get myself into shape, get organized, and maximize my time. Frankly, I need take better care of myself. I'd like to get down to a reasonable weight so I can get the clothes I've been looking at. I'm also going to start working on my shooting. I'm excited to get a little militaristic about my time. Set times, schedules, and keep myself on track.

On top of that, I'm going to schedule time to work on this. Field trips and especially training exercises. However, I do need some ideas. I want to get more active. At the end of the summer/fall, I'm going back to Flat Rock and I will be proud of myself.

That is a goal for me. I disappointed myself with my inabilities on that trip. I will redeem myself.

Phase 2: Stage 3

Phase 2 is going well. The germination process (Stage 2) worked wonderfully. Quite a few got real big real fast so we bumped the timeline. On top of that the materials I wanted were not available.

However, even with all the bumps and stops, we managed to put this together and made it look pretty nice. From the ground you can't really see it so its fairly hidden.

Finally, we had 72 plants to germinate. Of the 72, 5 did not make it. Its gotten hot the past couple days and I guess I didn't water them enough. I have decided to plant a secondary garden at one of the fall back bug-out locations. I'll be transporting the remainder of the plants Wednesday and hopefully get them planted Saturday afternoon.

Field Trip: Atlantic Tactical

This is going to be short. GPS is not correct on the building so, if you're using a TomTom you will end up in a gentleman's driveway that is not fond of strangers. A quick look at Google Earth/iPhone Maps shows a clear way there.

Holy crap. This place is cool. It doesn't have the same shock and awe that Bass Pro has, but it is cool. Atlantic Tactical is directed towards police, soldiers, and I would have to expect private military types.

They deal in clothes, uniforms, flashlights, body armor, bags, handguns, rifles, shotguns, and so much other stuff. They are big in 5.11 Tactical. If there is some tact gear you want, its probably in there, or they can get a hold of it for you.

So here is the story, we (CD and I) left home about 2:00pm with an expected drive time of 30 minutes. However, after the first paragraph you'll see that it took longer than "expected". We didn't arrive until 2:45pm. Not so bad right? Wrong. This where I'll talk about the bad things. Atlantic Tactical's hours of operation are awful. I can take a pretty good guess and say that most of their business is done via internet or phone orders. Turns out on a beautiful Saturday afternoon, AT closes at 3:00pm. We had 15 minutes to look over the whole store, so there was no time to shock and awe.

Let's touch on a few other downsides to AT. Initially the prices seemed okay, however after really looking through it all its not great. Its all a little expensive. The service was nice. Both clerks were happy to talk to us and explain everything, however, trying to call them was impossible..."press 1 to blah, press 2 to blah blah" and never got a live person.


All in all, Atlantic Tactical was a great experience. It was great because I only spent 15 minutes there and am way too broke to be spending a bunch of money. If true tact gear is what you're after, then this place is where you want to go.

The plan is, as of right now, going Saturday morning to check it out all over again. I'll probably make another post after that. There are a few things I want to price and compare.

Wish List - v1.0

I decided that this weekend I'm going to finally make a my 72-Hour bag v1.0. This evening I sat down and wrote out all the things I'd like to have in it. Obviously, I kicked over a few things I don't have and should probably get a hold of. Here is Wish List v1.0:

1. 2 Walther P22 Magazines
2. Additional Ammo
3. Operator's Cap
4. 1 pair of suspenders
5. Military-style Belt
6. Assorted pouches
7. 50 ft. Rope
8. Knee Pads
9. Survival Style knife
10. Plastic spork

We'll focus on that list first.  If anyone has any thoughts or know where I can get this stuff at a good price, please let me know!

Initial Gear v1.0

While burning off the last of my energy I figured I would pull it all together so I actually see it. It looks like a lot but its not really much.

This is first time I've shown my gear publicly. It makes me feel good because after you see it, you have a degree of accomplishment.

Now what is not seen in this picture is my duffel bag, my standard tool kit with its own bag, all of my ammo, my gun cleaning kit, and my stockpiled food. I'm sure there are other things as well. None of my tech is shown in here either.

I guess once i really get to lay it all out and look at it, I can clearly see what needs replaced and what doesn't.

Oh down in the lower right hand corner there is an assortment of county maps so if we can't use tech we can still navigate. My wife also bought a full roll of Caution: Biohazard tape. That is dead center at the top.

Final thought, this is going to be ever changing. But I think I have most of important things covered.

Field Trip: Bass Pro Shop

This is going to be super quick, it probably won't even be worth reading but I have to express my feelings about this.

I decided early in the afternoon yesterday that I was going to go on an adventure. I ended up at Bass Pro with a couple friends. I was told it was big. I underestimated what that meant. The place was huge and packed with stuff. It had a turnstile like you were about to get on a roller coaster or something at the front door.

I found everything I could ever want in there, unfortunately in comparison to Gander Mountain almost everything was more expensive by a few dollars. When your on a tight budget and trying to prep a few dollars is a lot.

The camping/hiking section is incredible. They have just about everything you could want. However, the pack selection wasn't as good as I was hoping for. On the same note, there is a huge gun selection, but nothing of actual interest. It seemed to be all run of the mill guns. The archery and fishing sections were also amazing with very knowledgeable staff. The last part was very important, we had just come from Gander Mountain. The staff there was not knowledgeable at all except for the guys in the back with the guns. They knew tons, and were incredible patient. I waited about 5 to 7 minutes before someone noticed me in the fishing section looking puzzled. It took almost 10 minutes for that guy to find someone who knew anything about fishing. That was frustrating to say the least.

Just a quick aside, when we were standing at the gun counter checking some stuff out, there was a gentleman looking for a new gun. The way he explained it made him sound like he had at least 1 already. That was incorrect. He's never owned one, never fired one, knows SOME terminology, and has the money to throw at it. It turns out he is looking for a home defense weapon. He immediately points out a Mossberg 500 standard. it has a 22 or 24 inch barrel on it. We all had to kindly explain why a shotgun that long would not do well in a close quarters situation. He then turned to a Sig 380. He thought it was too small and didn't seem intimidating enough for home defense. Finally settling on a very nice .38 special, the guy behind the counter explains that that particular model can come with a laser. I can't make the next part up, he asked this: "What does the laser do? Burn their skin?" I assumed he was being funny, he wasn't. He was dead serious.

Anyway, enough with Gander. Bass Pro is giant, its a trip to walk around in and definitely something everyone who enjoys outdoors stuff should experience. However, everything is overpriced, they don't seem to carry any kind of tactical gear, and if you're headed in there, make sure you have a couple hours to burn.

Bug Out Research and Development

Currently, like I have said in the past couple posts, I have concluded that I am under prepared. I'm compiling a list of link to information. Maybe someone else will find these things helpful. I know I'm going to take it all into consideration.

http://survivalcache.com/bug-out-bag/


http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?121221-Here-s-a-good-bug-out-bag-list


http://www.modernbushman.com/2012/04/03/vehicle-bug-out-bag-aka-b-o-b-packing-list-to-get-you-home/


http://www.bugoutsurvival.com/2008/08/sample-bug-out-bag-checklist.html

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CKIBEBYwAw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fzombiehunters.org%2Fflyer%2FZS-bob-trifold.pdf&ei=blTVT6KGJuOJ6gGe5OybAw&usg=AFQjCNHZ0Pd1pxRn3_5N9X-K32775I7f6g&sig2=lqB5MNieH7_PlU5gY29idQ


http://www.preparedsociety.com/forum/f32/bug-out-guide-checklist-5637/

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=9&ved=0CLUBEBYwCA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.prepperforums.net%2FFull-Size-Bug-Out-Bag-Checklist.pdf&ei=blTVT6KGJuOJ6gGe5OybAw&usg=AFQjCNFG7-FRMytbqTMVR00ux4tfdnauXQ&sig2=d8o5Y-6DUHXZPbxUM4_1rA


http://www.survivaltipsandtricks.com/the-bug-out-bag-resource-list-covering-the-best-sources-online/

Tons of great stuff out there is poke around. However, there are a lot of people out there that go a little overboard. You can agree with that or not, that's up to you. You can never be too prepared... I believe you can be. Some people that write some of this stuff are people that are so afraid of the future that they've forgotten to enjoy today. We need to remember that.

After all the research is done, I'm going to put together proper B.O.B. v1.0. I would like to have a pretty good list by the end of the week.

Phase 2: The explaination

I just finished writing my final thoughts on today and I mentioned Phase 2. I never explained that and I certainly don't want it to sound shady. So let me explain.

Phase 2:
Phase 2 is my "Urban Gardening" experiment. I would like to make sure I know how to grow fruits and veggies. Phase 2's space is about 2 feet wide by 6 feet long and 3 feet tall. It is a third story porch that gets decent natural light. I am continuing to study and gain as much knowledge about gardening as possible. I still have many questions about the whole process. Did you know that the ground has a pH? Furthermore, did you know that pH is incredibly important for some plants? Yeah, Neither did I.

Phase 2 - Stage 1 - Research and development
To maximize my area I'll start with 2 2-foot troughs, 2 large pots, and 6 hanging coffee cans on the banister.
I decided I would start with the standard plants:
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Green beans
Strawberries
Squash

 Phase 2 - Stage 2 - Germination. (Current stage)
We kicked over a 2-pack greenhouse kit for $20 at BJ's Wholesale. As of 06/08/2012 72 plants are in the process of germination. I really only expect half to survive. After germination I'll transplant them into troughs, hanging cans, and pots for the heavy plants. Its only been a day so there is no progress. After typing that I have not planned on having a higher survival rate. I may have to do some extra R&D once I see progress.

Phase 2 - Stage 3 - Transplant
Once we get to this point it starts all over. I need to go back to the books and figure out where to go from there.

06/09/2012 - Training Exercise Final Thoughts

Assessing my current situation is something I feel I should have done a while ago. It wasn't until the first exercise that I realized how unorganized and under prepared I am. After today's experience I can be sure that this will be an on going Training Exercise and may turn into testing pieces to see how they hold up.

I would like to revisit this exercise in a month to see where I stand. I would like to have a solid 72 hour bag completed by then.

After Bug-Out-Bag V.1 is complete, I will disappear for a weekend to see how it holds up. I'm sure corrections will be made as it is all tested.

But for now, I am terribly under prepared. However, I have focused my attention to my three major things: 72-Hour bag, Phase 2, and food storage. All are progressing at a decent rate.

06/09/2012 - Training Exercise Debrief

Date: 06/09/2012
Exercise: Assess current bug-out situation
After the past few days of reflection on where I really am with all this, I am embarrassed to say that I am in fact UNDER prepared, if I can even say I am prepared at all.
Specifics: Assess, research, find, and price all the items for your 72-hour pack without firearms.  Weather: Predicted: Sunny, Hot
                 Actual: Sunny, Hot
 Involved: Myself (Civilian)


Report:
Assessment of equipment:
1. Civilian urban-style backpack - Insufficient. Needs replaced.
2. LED flashlight - Sufficient. Will need to carry extra batteries
3. 550 Cord - Sufficient.
4. Knives - Sufficient, HOWEVER, a larger survival knife is needed.
5. Headlamp - Sufficient.
6. First Aid Kit - Sufficient.


Research and Findings:
http://uncrate.com/stuff/equipment-bug-out-bag/ - This was sent to me by a friend who is also involved in all this. I think I could model my pack after this. I needs some changes but it's pretty universal.  

My next step was to decide where I could procure all my gear from. Just a quick list:

Dunham's Sporting goods - Could easily be used to get ammo, but that isn't what we set out to do. Wasn't overly helpful.

Dick's Sporting Goods - Lots of luck here. I found a plethora of gear and various prices that could easily be placed into categories like Good, Better, Best. I found a pack that I like that seems a little big, but well made and made for hiking. Its a simple pack with a light frame used for as a "Hiking Day Pack". Its a North Face pack and will run me $119.00. That is a little too high for me at the moment. I will continue to shop around.  Also found standard light sticks at $1.29 a piece. I don't really know if that is a good price or not. I will look into that as well.

Wal-Mart - I do NOT liking shopping here. I find that quantity is more important that quality and this is a quality situation. They have some packs, but I don't know how well they'll hold up. Also they carry camel backs and tons of camping gear. It seems that most of this gear is Coleman or off brand. Last time I checked Coleman was still a decent company.
Internet - Obviously, I can find everything I want on the internet at various prices. But by buying online I can not hold the object to know exactly what I'm getting which is a big con in this whole ordeal.


Pricing:
I originally wanted hard numbers at the end of the day. I have decided that may have been a silly ambition. To decided what my pack will include in just one day would be silly. But I did grab some prices for things I KNOW I want.

The exercise was a success. No one was injured. Total Time was around 4 hours. 
 

06/09/2012 - Training Excercise Briefing

(I wrote this last night but didn't publish it.)
Date: 06/09/2012
Exercise: Assess current bug-out situation
After the past few days of reflection on where I really am with all this, I am embarrassed to say that I am in fact UNDER prepared, if I can even say I am prepared at all.
Specifics: Assess, research, find, and price all the items for your 72-hour pack without firearms.  Weather: Predicted: Sunny, Hot

Review: Food Storage App

Food Storage App for the iPhone and iPad
By Long Term Glass Wares, LLC

I got the hit on this from a friend on Facebook, Bohica Survival. There is no clever naming of the app, there is no flashy crap, and zero advertisements.

This app is used to organize, plan, and prepare your food storage at home. I've played with it a bunch so far. It gives you the default food groups so you can add all of what you have already, set new goals, scan your barcodes, and set alerts when things go too low. It is a warehousing program.

If you are technology driven this is fantastic. If you would rather be pen and paper kind of person, then this isn't for you. This is super easy to use after you get used to it. Best of all, its total free.

The question was asked if it would work if the cell towers were down and the grid is down. The answer to those questions: Yes, this doesn't need to connect to the internet and If the grid is down and simple dynamo USB charger or a power inverter from a car battery will keep your device charged, that is if you choose to spend time making sure that stays running.

So when it comes to this, if you have an iPhone or iPad, this thing is free. You would be silly to not to atleast try it. Don't like it, delete it.

5 out of 5 - Easy to use, free, helpful, and it helps me organize information. 

The actual inventory

Over the past couple weeks I've been putting alot of thought into all of this and I decided that its going to be helpful to create a full inventory. 

Physical Inventory: 
Age: 25
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 330lbs.
Addictions: None - Maybe energy drinks.
Medications: Vitamin
Noted disabilities: Sleep Apnea.

So, lets break the first part down. I'm too fat. I'm enough muscle, but I am too big. A goal will be set for this. I will also add that my mindset is good. I am usually very happy. No noted mental illnesses. However some believe that I have a bit of paranoia. 

Gear Inventory:
1 Urban Backpack - Use as a 24 hour bug out bag.
1 Duffel bag - Use as a full-size long term bug out bag.
Tool Kit - Has most standard tools needed for everyday projects.
1 Crowbar
Assortment of knives - Mainly consists of what could be used as "fighting knives". No "survival style" knives
2 2-quart canteens with bags
1 First Aid kit
1 headlamp with LED white and LED red
1 LED flashlight
Matches
Batteries
6 first starters

With this, I mean, when I  break it all down I have alot of stuff but not a whole lot of it is useful. I will not mention actual weapons, ALL of my weapons are legal and registered. I also have an assortment of melee weapons. 

It is always important to obey the laws. If you do not obey the laws and get caught, it will make prepping much tougher than it already is. Follow the rules, do not buy unregistered or stolen firearms, do not manufacture any kind of explosives, do not possess anything that is illegal. Have all the proper licensing before purchasing a firearm. 

Food and Water Inventory:
2-3 weeks of food
No water containers

I feel that I have REALLY dropped the ball here. I don't think that my food prep is so bad, however, I have zero way of keeping water. This will be one of my next buys.  If you feel the same way about your preparations look into The Prepper's Pocket Guide. It has a section for budgeting for preppering supplies.  

Review: The Prepper's Pocket Guide

The Prepper's Pocket Guide: 101 Easy Things You Can Do To Ready Your Home For A Disaster
Written by Bernie Carr

I had recently kicked this over at Barnes & Noble and in a thirst of knowledge scooped it up. Shelf price is gonna run you $12.95, online you'll save a couple dollars. I almost must point out that it says it's a pocket guide; it fits in a standard cargo pants thigh pocket.

Bernie sets this up by simple subjects with numbered headers. It starts with Getting Started that involves organizing and de-cluttering your home, planning, and easy things to do on a daily basis. The guide goes through that onto financial planning, procuring water, food, budgets, simple kits, and even recipes for home-made solutions such as water filters and disinfectant spray.

Bernie makes quite a few great points that after long nights and group conversations I would have never thought of. One of my favorite headers is under Chapter 3: Water Needs: 19. Learn to Empty Water Heater. Your home water heater could contain up to 30 gallons of clean drinkable water. I know you already know this but I'll reiterate, that's enough water for 3 people for 10 days with no additional space being taken up for preppering supplies.

Also, the writer makes lots of great points that aren't necessarily headers such as: Be selective about announcing your plans. Don't broadcast your activities or plans on social networking sites such as Twitter or Facebook. While you may trust your friends and family, you don't always know who else may be checking you out online. Personally, I found that very simple statement to be incredibly helpful and often overlooked by young preppers.

This was clearly written for natural disasters not terrorist attacks or zombies. The subject of weapons is only grazed and moved over very quickly. Don't look to this book for zombie advice or to solve the question of whether you should buy and AK or AR.

All in all, your $12.95 is going to a great book that really should be read over and kept handy. If will be a great addition to your library.



5 out of 5 - Small, cheap book, tons of knowledge.

Well done, Bernie.