Zombie Squad

First of all, I've not posted here much, so if this is in any poorly-researched, mis-filed, etc., please feel free to correct me and move it as you all see fit! That aside, this article on CNN.com (connects to Times) really caught my eye. Basically playing on the real-life scenario of a Sheriff's de...

What kind (brand and style) of Khukuri did you use for this test?

I know that manufacturers build khukuris very differently, and I'd be interested to see which you used so I can compare that against other, similar cutlery. Maybe get some answers...

Thanks,

Chris

Not a smoker, but I have buddies who do. Plus, it would likely make a great trade item that would be easily lost for me and be very valuable to somebody else. Additionally, I am open to the occasional de-stress cigarette. I imagine stress would be the word of the day when TSHTF.

Chris

It would depend entirely on the situation, but most of this stuff seems good. I'd consider the emergency first. Then, if it's an infectious disease, I'd isolate myself and those whom I love. If it were something else, I'd avoid what I would consider prudent.

Here's to vague answers!

Chris

I love Arc'Teryx packs. They are unbelievably comfortable, state-of-the-art, and make big loads feel much lighter and much more secure. You certainly have to pay for what you get, but you get by far the best packs I've ever used. Backpacker Magazine recently declared that they made the toughest pack...

Wow. That looks like a pretty awesome deal.

Chris

Thanks, Ben and Jeriah. Ok, I see what you're saying. I'm sure there's some element of truth to that. That said, I doubt that any single theory can completely account for our actions. I might have to pick up a copy; that does sound interesting.

Chris

I suppose it depends on the individual and the importance that they see in their position. Is it as important that my local recycling guy show up after a major disaster as the first responders? Maybe not. And if there's just you, then that adds another degree of importance to your position. Jeriah, ...

I agree. I don't think we'd go to war with China over Taiwan. And nobody's going to ruin anybody's economy. China and America are both dependent on each other economically. To cripple the other would be to cripple one's self. That said, this does give them an important strategic bargaining chip. You...

I'm more a fan of prevention. If I know it's going to be an, um, eventful night, I will leave a quart of gatorade and a quart of water by my bed. When I get home, drink the gatorade before I sleep and drink the water whenever I wake up in the night. Tends to keep the hangovers at bay. Beyond that, w...

I suppose, in reply to the initial question, that the best way to test a BOB (once you're pretty confident in the loadout and have left your position with friends!) would be to "bug out," if that would be possible. I mean, leave your home according to your bug out plans and camp overnight where you ...

Like the choice of firearms!

Chris

Not necessarily forgotten, but forgotten to maintain: if you have water packed in bottles or a bladder that you filled yourself, it will go bad. Remember to drain and clean those babies regularly unless you want to be drinking from a bacteria snow-globe.

Chris

Point is, it works, it's safe (aside from the whole it being really hot thing--wrap it in fleece), and physics-wise, it works. Nalgenes rock. Actually, I was just reading the new winter edition of Backpacker (midwest), and they talked about how to keep your sleeping bag warm in friggin' cold conditi...

What, no bipod?

Anybody here have a Golite Hut? I'm getting a Golite Hut 2 for Christmas. Same material as the Hex, but a little different setup. Looks very well-made, is lightweight, and should pack down well. I'm just starting to get into ultralight, so this should be a good start. I even made an alcohol stove to...

I see what you're saying. Fair enough.

Chris

Yeah, Gana, I do see your point. You're right--there are more than plenty dumbasses in the world. Don't worry, though, about me being one of them. I'd never overstep my training. I know plenty who would, though, so point well-taken. Just curious, though: would you thus discount hypo's as useful item...

Man, this is the argument for survival knowledge in a nutshell. People wonder why I spend my free time learning how to build fires, debris huts, and all the other stuff we pursue. This is why. You never know when you'll be in trouble, and when you need this kind of preparation and knowledge, you'll ...

Yeah, that was my purpose for the needles. Not for injecting stuff--I wouldn't know how to use IV meds even if I had them. They're great at picking splinters and are downright handy for treating a number of other outdoor-related injuries that my first aid kit should cover. She never did get me the s...

I think this is primarily an issue of that guy who fired 31 shots. I mean that goes a long way towards explaining the number of shots fired. But I also have to note that only 21 rounds even found the car and a couple officers were injured by broken glass after a stray police bullet found a window. T...

If you're either undergoing medical care or you know a nurse or a Doc, I've discovered that it's really not a problem most of the time for them to get you some free medical supplies. You name it, gauze, prep pads, whatever. Yesterday, I scored 4 18-ga. needles and 2 22-ga. hypodermic needles from my...

Are you asking how to fortify an apartment in a bug-in, or are you asking how to conduct preparations in the meantime?

Chris

I guide outdoor trips - canoeing mostly - with my college, and we own the MSR Miniworks EX. Good stuff. Pretty reliable, IMO. It's a good idea to have extra o-rings and stuff in the field, but they clean pretty easy and don't break down too much. I've seen failures, but everything like that breaks s...