Are bug out bags a good idea? A respected Wall Street Advisor not only thinks so, but highly recommends that you get one ASAP.

SOURCE: Washington Examiner, Author Paul Bedard

Source: Marotta Wealth Management

A top financial advisor, worried that Obamacare, the NSA spying scandal and spiraling national debt is increasing the chances for a fiscal and social disaster, is recommending that Americans prepare a “bug-out bag” that includes food, a gun and ammo to help them stay alive.

David John Marotta, a Wall Street expert and financial advisor and Forbes contributor, said in a note to investors, “Firearms are the last item on the list, but they are on the list. There are some terrible people in this world. And you are safer when your trusted neighbors have firearms.”

His memo is part of a series addressing the potential for a “financial apocalypse.” His view, however, is that the problems plaguing the country won”t result in armageddon. “There is the possibility of a precipitous decline, although a long and drawn out malaise is much more likely,” said the Charlottesville, Va.-based president of Marotta Wealth Management.

Marotta said that many clients fear an end-of-the-world scenario. He doesn’t agree with that outcome, but does with much of what has people worried.

“I, along with many other economists, agree with many of the concerns expressed in these dire warnings. The growing debt deficit spending is a tax on those holding dollars. The devaluation in the U.S. dollar risks the dollar”s status as the reserve currency of the world. Obamacare was the worst legislation in the past 75 years. Socialism is on the rise and the NSA really is abrogating vast portions of the Constitution. I don”t disagree with their concerns,” he wrote.

In his latest note, he said that Americans should have a survival kit to take in case of a financial or natural disaster. It should be filled with items that will help them stay alive for the first 72-hours of a crisis, including firearms.

“A bug-out bag is a good idea depending on where you live even if the emergency is just power outages, earthquakes and hurricanes. And with your preparedness you will be equipped to help others who might be in need,” he wrote. “Be prepared. Especially because it keeps you from being scared.”

He provided a list of items and even a link to bug-out bags on Amazon.

This video, “Man Beats Woman in Home Invasion,” was released by the victims 4-5 days ago on the news and on YouTube. I have watched the video and wanted to make a few observations and comments. As painful and horrible as videos like this are they can inspire improvements in one”s life and help motivate us to make positive changes.

The video is VERY disturbing. Do not watch if you are easily upset.

Clearly the video was edited, so we don”t know exactly the order of events so they really are not up for debate. Basically a Mother of 2 was beaten ferociously by an intruder intent on robbery. Seemingly, the intruder uses the robbery as an excuse to beat this woman excessively. She is lucky to be alive, and very lucky to have ultimately. unharmed children. In many situations like this since it is a very upsetting circumstance, we (caring people but angry people) have emotional responses; heated and passionate ones. That is not my goal here. This is a situation were the victim wants the criminal caught to stand justice and also to prevent this from happening to further victims.

My careers have led me down the path of “security and self-defense expert”. In an emotionally detached way my mind analyzes situations like this in order to prevent them. Please don”t misinterpret my opinions; I do care and I don”t blame the victims. However I don”t want things like this to happen to anyone.

“Man Beats Woman in Home Invasion” Video – An Analysis

Firstly, the nanny camera. Cameras in general are retroactive.

They are useful after an incident to identify the perpetrator(s). Some cameras are monitored live by security personnel but in this case from what I understand it was not. If it was… then clearly that was not enough to stop the crime. So cameras are not preventative; they are helpful after a crime has been committed.

In the video, ADT alarm monitoring company is mentioned although it is still unclear what role they play in this particular incident. News Reports although researched and edited and made as accurate as possible sometimes lack all the pertinent facts. From what I gather possibly the nanny camera and an alarm were installed in the residence of the victim just prior to the crime.

Alarm systems in situations like this perform two functions; 1. ideally if used correctly they alert the homeowner of an intruder, both at the location and by telephone and 2. the alarm notifies the alarm monitoring company who in turn notifies police and/or other family contacts. The simple fact of having an alarm with a siren in no way guarantees that an incident like this one will be stopped or even prevented. In turn if police are contacted it is up to them to interpret the severity of the call, prioritize it with other active calls and finally dispatch OR do not dispatch. Because police receive an alarm call does not guarantee that police will be dispatched; in addition it does not guarantee that if the police do decide to dispatch that if will be in a “timely” manner.

This is not meant to sound as though the Police do not care; indeed they do! However, these are the logistics of running a police force… there are high priority calls and low priority calls. Police are receiving a call from an alarm monitoring company employee who communicates with a dispatcher. Then, the dispatcher communicates with a police officer who makes decisions based on what they hear from the dispatcher, and also based on what they know of the neighborhood. Has this officer responded to this residence before for a false alarm? On a criminal charge? On baseless complaints against neighbors”? Is it a high crime area? Are calls backed up because of a bank robbery or riot? In many cases police do the right thing and fast! But realize that miscommunications are possible; mix ups, bad info, logistical errors, events beyond their control etc are always possible even in the best of circumstances. If the alarm employee, the dispatcher or the officer makes a “telephone game” type of miscommunication there could at minimum be a delay.

So cameras help after the incident by ideally providing details about the crime and criminal. Alarm systems alert the homeowner or business owner of an intrusion, and if working properly the alarm co. who in turn contact police. Neither of these technologies are guaranteed to prevent, stop or even alert us in an incident like the video shows.

Well then you might ask “what”s the point of having this stuff?” The point is that the camera will help identify details of a crime and ideally the criminal. The alarm will ideally notify us and the monitoring company of an intrusion. That”s it.

Stopping, preventing, deterring crime is up to the home or business owner. Reliance on technology and OTHER people allows us to put the responsibility and sometimes blame… I’m not saying I blame the homeowners in this crime; who’s to know if there was ANY way to stop or prevent this crime. I also don’t blame the alarm company or the Police. My point is that this victim was lucky… and luck is a pretty sketchy thing to rely on. The victims are lucky no one was killed and lucky that the bad guy didn’t just first thing yank the camera off the wall and smash it. They are also very lucky the children were not physically harmed.

In contrast to this crime, another Mother and her children recently were victimized by a home invasion. This mother took her and her children to the attic, called the husband and police… and she ultimately was forced to defend herself with her handgun that she recently had been trained with by her husband:

Comparing two completely different people and situations is unfair; however my point is made clear in the second case. Police couldn”t get there fast enough. The woman in the 2^nd case had to defend herself and her children….other people did not, could not.

My discussion of these two events leads me to my main point “How do we prevent ourselves from being a victim in a horrible crime like this?”

1. Have a security plan that includes Home Invasion. Like the second video demonstrates, the family had a communally known and accessible safe room. The Mom and the kids ran there with a telephone and a handgun and locked all the doors leading there. Note that even their perfect execution of the “go to the safe room” plan did not succeed in stopping the attack… the capable use of a handgun did.
2. Get a firearm or other defensive tool for home defense. There are levels of force and training required for every defensive tool out there. In both cases my opinion is that pepper spray would not have sufficed. Tasers or stun guns also may have only delayed the attack. Handguns seem to be the easiest to implement in a small structure; in addition they can be employed one-handed if necessary.
3. Use a high capacity firearm. Five shots did not incapacitate the attacker in the second video; it did cause him to flee. Worst case scenario the bad guy will run and get a gun or another weapon and arm himself or…get his partner waiting in the car. If you are using some other defensive tool same concept applies, either train so that you can fight prolonged and against multiple attackers or have the defensive capability of reloading and using multiple attacks to stop the attack against you.
4. Train with your Firearm or defensive tool. The second video is unclear in this regard but did she reload her pistol in case he came running back with his gun? Did she even have spare ammunition with her? Learn how to shoot, reload, and keep your handgun in your hands. Gun retention is the art of not allowing your gun to be taken away in an attack. Again same thing applies to other defensive tools.
5. Mental Preparedness. Prepare yourself mentally as best you can so that if an event like this were to happen you would be prepared to defend your family i.e. Prepared to run or evacuate, prepared with a plan B if plan A fails, and be prepared as a good person to be able to hurt a bad person to protect yourself and your family. Mental preparedness takes discipline and training.
6. Get an Alarm System. Layers of security are better than a single layer. One layer may be overrun or bypassed, one layer may be unusable, another layer may be defective etc. Most importantly burglar alarms notify us when we are asleep or distracted that an intrusion has occurred.
7. Get some type of camera system. Cameras assist in the knowledge that a crime was committed in the first place. Sometimes if it were not for the camera, we wouldn”t even know a crime happened. In the first case of the beating victim clearly the camera was being used to watch the kids and babysitter. It did not prevent a crime; but it will assist in capture and prosecution hopefully.
8. Review the physical security of the business or home. Did the door, frame or locks fail in the first incident or did the bad guy just bust casually through like in the second incident. Either way the physical locks and security in both cases was ineffective. (Note that in the 2^nd case the bad guy had a crow bar tool/weapon?)
9. Stay in good shape. Be able to run, punch, kick, shove, duck, jump, and elude. If you are physically unable to do this you must work harder on other suggestions listed here to compensate. Staying in healthy shape helps with mindset as well.
10. Stay alert and aware. You can”t stop an attack you don”t see coming. Also you can”t stop an attack that you are unaware even exists. You do not have to live in fear and paranoia; but also you don”t have to live in denial or live in a house made of hay and sticks. Be aware of who is around you, question their intentions and create effective physical barriers so that they cannot hurt you. You can make efforts to limit access to your home and you can stay alert so that if danger does make it in, you have time to react to it.

Do the best you can in implementing these suggestions. Avoid hazardous attitudes that might insulate you from a truly critical analysis of your security measures. Use situations like the two discussed to educate, motivate and compel you to make changes in your own life so that you and your family are safer and protected as best as is possible.

I feel horrible about the victim of the home invasion. I could not stop thinking about it once I watched it, and could not sleep until I sorted out my thoughts with this article. Hopefully it helps someone out there and they in turn learn from these incidents. I think it is brave and well executed to release the video so the public can learn from it and assist in the capture of the bad guy. The victim is doing the right thing with the release of the video and I hope she makes a full recovery from the injuries.

Please note that I own an alarm company and have years of experience installing both cameras and alarms. In addition, I have worked with clients and police after various incidents in evaluation of the series of events, etc. that occurred. Also, I am able to walk the home/business after a crime to evaluate the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the security measures in place utilized by the home or business owner. Sadly, I am called to install these devices in most cases AFTER some sort of break-in or incident. Lastly, I have taught self-defense firearms classes for nearly 8 years, and martial arts for over twenty years. Many of my students have had incidents that either compelled them to train, or in training they have overcome or prevented incidents like the two discussed above.

Moderator, SAS Forum

Recently and over the years I’ve had a few instances where having survival gear in my car has really helped. Although I’m not always consistent on what gear I actually have due to multiple vehicles in our family, there are a few things that have made a significant difference.

Here are some of my favorite items for every day carry in the car:

In a survival situation their value would dramatically increase.I’ve also included some other odds and ends that seem pretty logical and common sense…. But I’ve noticed not too many folks actually carry or have them in mind for survival/preparedness use.

Jump Starter 12V

I’m sure most of you are sick of hearing about this as I constantly write about it. However, it is one of the best purchases I have made this year! This thing has saved my bacon, and helped a few stranded motorists along the way. I ended up with a dead battery during our first blizzard this winter, and even almost totally discharged, my jump starter STILL started my vehicle. It also has an outlet for other 12v devices, and a built in flashlight. Some come with compressors. You can get a really decent one for $50.

Multi-Tool

There are so many multi-tools out there I won’t try to name them all. Leatherman and Gerber are well known. Personally I have a Victorinox that I really like. I use it all the time, especially the Phillips head screwdriver, and the serrated knife blade. I have found that although most own one, very few people actually carry it WITH them during the day. I lend mine out a bunch.

If you have one strap it to your belt, or throw in it in your glove box or purse. In an emergency it could be your only toolbox for a long time.

Large Flat-Bladed Screwdriver

Beyond opening paint cans, these super tools can pry, dig, wedge, chisel, and lever things loose. Get a good quality one that has the handle made of indestructible materials so you can hit it with a hammer and generally abuse it.

Also make sure it has a thick shaft so you can pry. In a pinch it is also a weapon! Throw one in the trunk, backpack or BOB they are light weight and easy to carry. Sure most multi-tools have a flat driver, but this one you can really beat up without ruining the whole pocket tool kit.

Battery Powered Alarm Clock

Not only great for travel! Power outages suck and you lose your computer time. After the cell phone battery dies you have either your watch or nothing to tell time. My watch has crap for an alarm, so I use a battery powered alarm clock. There are also wind-up alarm clocks for travel but the battery powered ones seem to last longer and tell time more accurately. They are also so light weight and great for many other tasks. If you have a watch you probably don’t need this but some of us don’t wear one. During a power outage you still have to get up in the morning, right? My battery powered clock runs about 8-12 months on one AA battery.

Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Surefire Flashlight or other Tactical Flashlight

No a Maglight will not suffice. I specifically said Surefire. Period. There are other good flashlights out there, but few even compare to a Surefire from my experience. I have owned Pelicans, Maglights, Innova, Streamlights….just about every fancy super flashlight that has come down the pike. Dig deep in the wallet and get one. You will not be disappointed. It works when you drop it, get it wet, etc these lights are rugged and I really like the brightness and long-lasting CR123A lithium batteries. The light bulb is LED and doesn’t crap out when you need it the most. I have a L2, a G2 and a E2 and am really pleased with them even though each can be sort of cumbersome in my pocket. I bought my L2 used on eBay for a good price.

Hammer

It doesn’t matter what brand as long as you can hit things with it. Harbor Freight has hammers on sale all the time for less than $7-$8 so don’t go dropping big money on one. It just needs to hit things like nails, metal, wood, and such. There are some neat survival hammers out there that have some cool features, but really any hammer will be better than none. Hitting tent stakes with a rock works, but hitting a padlock with one sucks beans. Couple the hammer with your large flat bladed screw driver and you can just about get into anything, break anything, or fix anything. Side note: a variety of hammers might be even better.

Laptop/Tablet with 3G or 4G wireless card

This is the ultimate information gathering tool, record keeper, communicator, and entertainment tool all in one package. Refurbished laptops or import tablets can be had for $70- $200 and the WiFi cards are only $40 a month with Cricket. Unless you have a large screen Android or iPhone, there is no other way out there to stay in touch with what is going on. You can email, you can look up useful YouTube videos on any subject, you can go to the FEMA website, check bank accounts, etc etc. Couple this with your Jump Starter and you can get online anywhere and re-charge the laptop battery for extended periods of time in remote places.

Spare House and Car Keys

Seems pretty simple right? I don’t know any starving locksmiths, however. This is a no brainer but easily overlooked. Spare keys to all your locks might take a while to track down in an emergency, so make a ring of spares and throw it in your safe. You might even hide a spare key for your car or home in a locking realtor box or with a very trusted member of nearby family or friends.

Household Battery Tester

Saves time and hassle by showing you which batteries have what charge left. Simple! Newer models can test watch batteries and the Lithium CR123A types as well. Another thought this brings up is using rechargeable batteries instead of throw aways.

Spare Jacket and Knit Cap/Gloves

Spare meaning beyond what you normally wear. You never know when you are going to get wet, sweaty, or the temperature suddenly dramatically drops. Recently here in Colorado we had a cold snap that followed a significant snow storm. Temperatures here were lower than in Alaska! My winter jacket didn’t cut it and I had to buy another. I also had to wear extra socks, thermal underwear, and two knit caps. I work outside both night and day at times, and it was very cold. I found that my normal gloves didn’t cut it either and had to dig up a second pair to wear over my current pair. Wow very cold! We had a few nights wear it was -7 degrees PLUS wind chill, so we are talking cold. Ever touch metal when it’s that cold? It hurts pretty badly. We also used a plug in heater to keep the basement warm as freezing pipes can really ruin your day.

Waterproofing Agents

Wax, Snow seal, aerosol sprays, etc. I had to re-waterproof my “waterproof” boots during the thawing out period after our recent storms. Luckily I had the products to do it and had dry feet the rest of the week. In a survival situation either on the road or hiking out, where are you going to acquire snow seal wax or shoelaces? Plan ahead, it just makes it better.

Power Inverter

This is like going from the stone age to the modern age with the flick of a switch. Power inverters convert 12 Vdc to 120 AC with the use of your car battery. You can use this in addition to having a jump starter. What is it good for? Charging or powering any household device up to a point…. Depends on your car battery and the size inverter you buy. You can get one from $40 up to $600 depending on what you want. These are used on RV’s and in boats. Great for hunting trips, camping and any emergency where household electricity would be useful.

Folding Shovel

Cold Steel and Glock both make entrenching tools or survival shovels that are well made. Even REI sells a little camping trowel that can really be used for many purposes. Digging a snow cave, digging out of mud or snow, making shelter, or even as a weapon! The Cold Steel shovel can be sharpened to a knife edge or thrown much like a tomahawk. The Glock shovel is super lightweight, has a hand wood saw, and is a decent well made tool for snow or digging in the ground. Many soldiers including special forces have used these items to save their own life in many ways. A tomahawk is very similar; just not as versatile as the shovel in that it isn’t a very good digging tool….heck, why not have one of each?

Cell Phone Charger

There are a few types: the type that plugs into the accessory/cigarette lighter, the type that plugs into AC plugs and the type that is a battery with USB port built in. All are nice to have and without them many of your electronics would be useless like: GPS, Tablet, Laptop, Camera, Cell phone, etc. Yet another variety of items where “why not have one of each” might be a good mantra.

Compass and GPS

One of each, ‘nuff said.

Toilet Paper and Paper Towels

The primary use of TP is well known at least around these parts…. But there are other uses; wick for a survival stove, kindling, dressing minor wounds, cleaning firearms, used to pad fragile items etc. Paper towels are even more versatile. This is so overlooked but is handy for maintaining hygiene and personal morale.

Other Odds and Ends

My goal is NOT to make you look like you live in your car! But many items can be packed in a very small container or space if you are creative. Anyway, maybe you already have these items, but maybe not. Either way many are worth honorable mention!

• WD40
• Duct Tape or Electrical Tape
• Bottled Water
• Beef Jerky or snack food
• First Aid Kit
• Saline Solution, Contact lenses or spare glasses
• Emergency roadside kit with flares
• Survival Knife
• Spare work and leisure clothes or shoes
• Deck of Cards
• Blowgun, crossbow, bow, sling, slingshot or firearm for gathering food or protection
• Pepper Spray
• Spare Gas Can and Tire Fix a Flat
• Car Jack and Spare Tire
• Spare belts, fuses and basic tools
• Snow Chains or carpet remnant pieces
• Cash both coins and bills
• Wallet, ID & credit cards (many people go places without them in their pocket!)
• Padlock and chain to secure items overnight

Please be sure to check out our selfdefenseandsurvivalforum on Yahoo! Groups for more articles and interactive discussions.

Copyright 2008 by duracles. Reprint permission granted if article remains completely intact.

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I was thinking about what types of things I keep next to the bed at night, and thought it might make a good subject for the SAS Forum. Hopefully you have thoughts on this too and would like to post them as well. Here goes!

• 3 D cell Maglight with LED conversion
• Handgun, 3 spare mags
• Slip on shoes
• Cell phone
• Car keys
• Dark clothing (Sweats- no zippers)
• Folding knife
• Eyeglasses
• Empty backpack or duffel bag
• Fire extinguisher
• Telephone
• ID (wallet or purse)
• Knit cap or dark hat
• Jacket
• Cyalume sticks, candles, other long term power outage light sources

This is the gear that seems logical and reasonable to keep near your bed. The NRA in the Personal Protection in the Home (PPIH) classes and DVD advise the dark clothing. I thought this was an excellent idea. Sweat shirt and pants are fast to put on. Slip on shoes are quiet and fast as well. Avoid Velcro and zippers to be quick and silent. They also advise keeping a spare house key on a cyalume stick to throw out the window to let police in should they need to search. This assumes the Master Bedroom is the safe room for the house.

Image courtesy of imagerymajestic / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

If you believe your home is being burglarized or invaded, and you are home alone, you should stay in your safe room and lock the door. If you have family in other rooms you may be forced to go assist them by getting a flashlight and handgun. This is up to you. Personally, I will search my home if I hear an intruder and my family is in danger. If I am alone, I may stay in the room depending on the situation. The point is that by having gear next to your bed you have the ability to arm yourself and give yourself options.

The empty backpack would be to fill with the gear in a personal safe or drawer if you need to evacuate in case of an emergency. Of course, if there is a fire you should not waste time grabbing gear, you should just find safe egress for your family and yourself. It will save time in an evacuation or other threat to have an empty bag ready to pack gear. If you have a BOB or other survival kit, it is still good to have a spare bag ready to go. You never know what will happen, or what things you will need depending on the situation at hand.

Slip on shoes are really important. I have been dreaming about buying some Merrill Winter Moc’s for years (I have a knock off pair for now). They are slip on, have great support, and good sturdy soles with traction. Velcro, snaps, laces, zippers all take time. If you have something fast, go with it but the more time you can shave in getting ready to go the better. In a home invasion you may not have time to get dressed at all. Just arm yourself and lock the door to your safe room. Obviously, the safe room is a whole other discussion so we will assume you have one. Make sure your slip on footwear stays on, and can be worn outside if need be. Avoid flip flops, and fluffy slippers!

Some other considerations are Kevlar vest, night vision, radio or HAM communications, surveillance monitor, alarm system keypad, rifle or shotgun, bull horn, speakers for microphone (exterior or interior), video camera (all joking aside), extra blanket, axe or crowbar, prescription medication, riot shield, handcuffs, computer, and climbing ladder. This gear is not the basics as mentioned above, but more specialized. It has its own merit, albeit a specialized one.

Kevlar vests are for people who really need them. If your lifestyle places you into a higher risk category then by all means include this in your bedroom. Depending on the area you live in and the emergencies you are preparing for a Kevlar vest could prove an incredibly valuable investment. Night vision devices have come down in cost over the years, and are very helpful in total darkness. Power outages seem like the best time for night vision devices, as you can find things in the dark. On the other hand, a flashlight will work here also. Kevlar and night vision would be incredibly beneficial if you were defending your home from a home invasion type robbery or other attack. Just realize if you do utilize this in an attack, you would have to explain yourself to a court of your peers who may not understand why you had this stuff to begin with.

If you have a surveillance system, or home alarm system it makes sense to be able to have access to this at night. If you wake up from the alarm going off, you have the keypad next to you to see which zone was violated. Similarly, the surveillance system monitor should be near your bed. Most modern DVR’s have more than one output to monitors. They usually have a BNC out, a loop, and even a VGA out to tie in a computer monitor or TV. Most DVR’s also have a line in for audio, and this is extremely useful to hear what is going on inside and outside the home. Potentially again, you could be explaining why you have microphones placed around your home. You need to also check the laws in your state, as well as Federal laws regarding possible wiretapping. I’m not a lawyer so I simply don’t know what the law is on this Federally.

If you are a HAM or other radio communications user, you may want to keep the communication equipment near your bed. This seems straight forward enough. Some people have an entire room or shack dedicated to this however. You simply may want a speaker ran to the room that is easy to power on and off for use in an emergency so that you can hear what is going on while you make preps. Another idea is to have a whole house intercom system so that you can communicate with every important room and location as an emergency goes down. There are wired and wireless versions of this out there. Wired is better simply as it is more clear, reliable, and harder to listen in on or monitor. Even placing simple walkie talkies in every room is a good idea.

Rifles and shotguns should be included in any home survival preps, and be kept locked but accessible. There are many ways to do this, but the primary concern is of course to keep them out of the hands of young children. Also, you don’t want to come home and open the door only to be looking down the barrel of you own shotgun in the hands of a criminal. There are many types of gun safes and locking devices out there. The best keep the gun hidden from view and allow you to keep the firearm loaded but locked down. Most stand up safes have a digital touch pad that you type in, and they can be quickly opened. They are always bolted to something substantial, and locked otherwise they lose the whole reason for having one. Long guns should equipped so that you can use them in the environment they are intended for. Shotguns also should be loaded with shot that can be used in the home without endangering the rest of the occupants. Slugs for instance can penetrate cover, so you may want to load bird shot. Remembering the minute man story from the Revolution, you want to have things ready to go so that you can be ready to go in a minutes notice!

Image courtesy of bplanet / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The bull horn and video camera could be useful if your home is routinely vandalized, or repeatedly trespassed. Also, if you have a stalker or other wonderful annoying person that is harassing you, you have the ability to let them know loudly to leave and you can record their behavior or actions. A surveillance system is good for this, but a video camera is inexpensive and mobile. You may want both! Video cameras are also good for insurance reasons, like recording damage to your home as it happens so that you have irrefutable proof of what occurs. Floods, hurricanes, twisters, and riots are things that fall into this consideration. Even high wind or hail could be taped to use later.

Axes and crowbars can be useful if a storm or natural disaster occurs. Having them next to your bed can really be a blessing if the roof caves in on your family and you need wrecking tools to get them out. They are useful in many situations. I have a large axe and rechargeable reciprocal saw that I can use to move broken branches. One blizzard our walkway was totally blocked by large branches and I had to use a sword to chop the limbs. It worked well, but an axe and saw would have been better. Most of the time, consider the environment around you and plan accordingly. Not every house will need a chainsaw, etc. But honestly, having the stuff near me at night gives me allot of versatility and options if something were to happen. My wife doesn’t mind as we have actually had situations where my planning has saved us from assaults, emergencies, and other issues. This year alone I have had 3 people attempt to open my front door WHILE I was home!

If your window to your bedroom is two or three stories up, an emergency ladder is a requirement to leave your room if there is a fire or other emergency. Talk to a local fire department representative to learn which are the best, how to use them, and where they need to be stored. They are worth the time and hassle to get because you spend the money and feel the relief knowing you can get out the window in a fire. This is a very practical item to have, but just a little uncommon.

Riot shield? I had one of these for a short time and the uses for these are nearly endless. The type I had was an old East German clear polyplastic type, and had two arm straps and a place for a baton. It was lightweight and easy to don quickly. Unfortunately it wasn’t very well made.

I was training with a friend using practice swords and in one day it was eventually totally destroyed. I really miss having one as they can protect you from assaults with a handheld weapon, thrown objects, liquids, most non-firearm projectiles, and even unarmed attacks. Another one of those things that may be difficult to justify, but still damn useful when you really need it. Handcuffs fall into this area too. If you have security training, and need to make an arrest of a subject in your home, handcuffs are the best. Either you feel you need them or you don’t.

Some medications are incredibly expensive, and difficult to get. You may want to keep them in your bedroom so that in an emergency you definitely have access. Some meds you may need for health considerations like heart trouble, or pain. These drugs could save your life by having them next to your bed, or prevent them from being stolen in a break in. It is not uncommon for thieves to steal prescription medication. Also, some drugs should be locked up so that children do not misuse them, or accidently ingest them. Locking them in your gun safe would be a great idea and make them easy to grab if you need to leave in a hurry.

Other things to keep by your bed may be ordinary but useful. We occasionally have power outages, so extra blankets in the winter are very nice. I wouldn’t mind having one in my family vehicle too. But keeping them near the bed makes them great to have if it gets colder or the heat stops working. Blankets CAN be used to put out a fire, or used to make a makeshift rope. Some blankets even make great improvised weapons or camouflage. Having a computer by the bed is nice, but in an emergency, you may want to grab your laptop and take it with you fast. Some people have incredibly irreplaceable content on their laptop, so leaving it behind could cause heartache and stress. Simply keeping it near the bed at night could save one from tons of hassles later.

Planning for any emergency can save you time and inconvenience, but it can also make the difference between life and death. As a mental exercise it is useful too. You can take stock of your bedroom, gear, and what you have that you need to keep near you. Under extreme stress or panic, a person can make a mistake and leave something behind. Having the gear next to you can make this much simpler. Also, having the gear sort of allows one to plan. Having a plan is vital so that you know what to do, don’t freeze or panic, and it frees up the mind for other considerations. Go to bed and imagine some of the scenarios that can unfold while you sleep, and how you would react to them. This is fun to do, and can allow you to see the holes and gaps that need to be remedied. You can also include your roommates or spouse in the exercise and they may have ideas of their own that help.

Copyright 2008 by duracles. Reprint permission granted if article remains completely intact.

Just thought since EDC has been the focus of the month for us, that I would post a quick blurb about Every Day Carry Cash. Most of us carry our credit cards, and even check books, but cash is still the emergency currency form of choice. Cash is bulky, so most of us just get by using debit or credit cards on daily purchases.

You don’t have to be Papillion to carry a hidden cache of paper money. There are sock wallets, bra wallets, money belts, neck wallets, and travel wallets usually worn under the clothing around the waist like a fanny pack. Depending on the local pick pocket culture, you may want to go with a hidden pouch. A large Pen can even carry a rolled up $100 bill inside the body, but don’t let anyone walk off with it!

As for amounts, I would hazard to say this depends on what you can afford to carry. Tying up $1000 in cash for emergency carry may or may not be too bright depending on your financial situation. You may want to keep large amounts where they can earn interest. If you can afford to carry a large amount, don’t tell anyone!

It may seem so simple that it’s stupid, but just keep it to yourself.

Image courtesy / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

To keep from spending it, pretend its not there. Do not dip into it unless…. Get this…. It’s a bona fide Emergency! A soda and candy bar is not an emergency; stranded on the bad side of town at 2 am alone definitely is an emergency. You may want to carry small denominations so that you aren’t jumped the second you hand someone a $100 bill. You will also want to separate the bundle to many parts of your kit and clothing in case there is a chance of being robbed and searched.

Change is important for things like parking and phone booths, but I haven’t seen too many phone booths in the last couple of years. A pay as you go cell phone is a good thing to have, even if you particularly hate them in general. Or add a lineman’s test set phone to your kit. Either way change can be useful, especially the gold $1 coins. They are very shiny and distracting to most.

If you can swing it, $200-$500 in different denominations is most likely the best bet. This will cover cab rides, bribes, food, clothing, equipment, communications, and hotel/motel fees. Travelers Checks are good for foreign trips, but I would still include actual cash both US dollars and the local equivalent. Kept in a hidden pouch and wrapped in waterproof material, you have a way to get out of most jams.

Each adult in your family should do this, and don’t forget the teenaged kids. They may need to get a cab, ride the bus, call home, or some other emergency, so instruct them the same way you would another responsible adult. The VISA and American Express pre-paid cards would be a good alternative if they just can’t handle the pressure. Keep some cash in the house too, either hidden or locked in a safe.

Copyright 2009 by duracles. Reprint permission granted if article remains completely intact.

Security around the home can be universally overlooked by the average person (including myself) at times. Yes, even Security Experts can get distracted or complacent! Even so, those moving to a new area can have even tougher obstacles. In my case it was distraction and work overload that played havoc with my security. Having just moved my family across the state to a totally new area was difficult and presented many challenges. Not only did my home need to be moved, but also my shop and business. The stress of moving, fatigue, and unfamiliar places can add up to spell disaster.

Some of the things I came up with during this move really assisted me; security disasters were averted, prevented and avoided. I thought it best to share some of the tips used in my move and couple them with some tried and true home security measures. Many of these things I’m sure aren’t new to the average homeowner. Whether you are constantly on the go or are new to an area these tips can be helpful. Are they being implemented? That is the question and my challenge to you.

Image courtesy of healingdream / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Vary your schedule and routes to home and work.

Neighbors notice when you leave and when you come home. If you are as predictable as the palace guard you are increasing your chances of being burglarized by a person near your home. Using different routes and varying times can also educate you on the area around your home. Which routes are most efficient at different times of day? Is there more than one way to get to work during construction or traffic problems? You can even learn what your neighbors and teenagers are doing during your time away by surprising them when showing up unexpectedly.

In my case learning the roads in my new neck of the woods has proven very valuable to me and my wife. My unpredictable schedule also kept potential crooks jumping as I could show up literally at any time of day. Moving vans and boxes are a dead giveaway that someone new is moving in… but counter balancing that with unpredictability helps immensely. Leave to the corner store and come right back, or even go around the block then home. This may seem like paranoia but it isn’t when you are in a new or unfamiliar place. I often did this without even meaning to as I habitually leave my coffee or briefcase wherever I go!

Lights and sound equals ACTION!

Give the impression of activity when you aren’t at home or work. Leave a radio turned on and couple that by leaving a light on as well. Many times people think you are still “there” when they get the impression of activity.

The reverse is of course, inactivity. Piled up phone books on the steps, items left in the same spot for weeks on end, no lights or sound; these things create a safe atmosphere for the crook. Ever walk into a place like a campground and just feel like “man, no one has been here for a LONG TIME.” Your home can also give that impression. You want the people around to believe that you are home or that you could be home at any time.

Light timers can be used on both lights, radios, and even televisions. No need for fancy home integration systems when a $15 timer will suffice. You can also have friends, relatives or trusted co-workers visit your place to create an impression of activity. Be careful handing out keys and alarm system codes however. Keys can be copied, and alarm codes can be mistakenly left for others to see. Lend out keys stamped “Do Not Duplicate” available at your local locksmith shop, or have your locks construction keyed. This makes a key temporary until the owner removes it from the construction key system. Then the temporary key no longer works and the lock does not need to be rekeyed.

If you are moving into a previously occupied place, have it rekeyed.

Image courtesy of Michelle Meiklejolin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

In the last tip it was suggested to have a place construction keyed for friends to create an atmosphere of activity when you are away or on vacation. But when you first buy or move in you must determine if the locks there are new, have been rekeyed, or even if they are already construction keyed or master keyed. You don’t want a stranger to just walk in during the middle of the night, do you? Nope and me either! Have a locksmith service your locks first thing when moving or renting a new place.

This isn’t going to break the bank if you do research and find a good local locksmith. If you are a DIY type of a person you can even replace the locks yourself by ordering them keyed alike from a hardware store or lock shop. Just make sure that when you move in all keys are accounted for and that locks are unique and in good working order. You also don’t want to get locked out by a malfunctioning lock or worn key.

The first thing I did upon getting our new home was have the locks replaced and rekeyed as needed. I was handed a pile of keys when I arrived by the previous occupant. Some of these keys did not work, some did, and a few I think were just pawned off on me. The lock to the shed didn’t work or have a key, the passage locks in the bathroom and basement didn’t work, and the exterior door locks had worn over-copied keys that worked intermittently. I spent some money, replace those that needed it, lubricated locks, rekeyed locks and fixed the ones that were easily repaired or adjusted.

Not only did this help my overall security. It gave my Wife and me peace of mind and lessened sources of possible stress. Yes it costs money to do it but it would have been more stressful if we were locked out and more expensive to have a locksmith come after hours to let us in. Also, no one has let themselves in with an unaccounted key as the locks are brand new! Seems like a no brainer to me!

Make eye contact and introduce yourself.

Another idea that can really help you and its obvious but overlooked. Be friendly to your new neighbors and introduce yourself! Make eye contact, smile, and stand up straight.

Yes I am a Dad, but that isn’t the reason I’m lecturing you. Crimes happen less frequently to confident people who create boundaries and to those who don’t act like a victim.

By making eye contact you are displaying confidence. When you smile and introduce yourself you are asserting yourself, and setting a social boundary. You are saying “I’m here and I’m not afraid to talk to you and let you know I’m here.” If you are a nice person your new neighbors might even look out for you and help you out with local problem people or situations. Most people are good and want to help you out. The people who aren’t nice will show their colors in this situation and ignore you or display behavior that tells you “go away”. This is good to know and is actual a good way to gather intelligence on your new neighbors. If they frown, avert their eyes, ignore you or refuse to shake hands you can bet that they might be someone to watch or avoid.

Two sets of eyes are better than one.

When you are busy it is difficult to notice the little things. If you are stressed out, tired, or overwhelmed it can be worse. Is that a snake or a garden hose? Try to buddy up with someone during your move or travels to make it safer.

My sixteen year old daughter is often texting away obliviously, but she noticed that I left my front door unlocked. My wife can’t move heavy things, but she was good at pointing out strategies and missed items during the move. Even my cat helped by finding things dropped under the appliances! Another set of eyes is vital when you are on the go or are moving. At one point I had a moving truck hit my work van… but it was under the watchful eye of my friend helping me move and we spotted the moving truck before it could leave the scene unnoticed by me. Another disaster averted!

Final Thoughts

Be sure to vary your schedule and routes. Create an atmosphere of action by using lights and sound to give the impression you are home or nearby. Replace or rekey locks and make sure you can secure your property and loved ones at night. Make eye contact, smile and introduce yourself to learn about the new people that surround you and to display confidence. Being friendly with new people can help you and your family. Lastly, travel with a buddy. Get a second set of eyes to increase your awareness and point out the things you miss.

True security is not simply knowing about security tips, it is in the implementation. Security measures must be part of your daily routine, so much so that when you are stressed out or tired, they practically implement themselves. Added stress like moving or hectic schedules should not derail your security program.

To my amazement and to my families’ amusement, I made many errors during this strenuous move. I left my work truck unlocked overnight with tools and products inside. I simply forgot to lock the deadbolt on the old place with our belongings still inside. I even lost important paperwork and misplaced many vital business documents! But in the end nothing was stolen, we weren’t burglarized, and we were always safe. By implementing these security tips regularly I was able to have a safe move, and in the end my family’s safety is more important than financial or business concerns. Make sure to implement these security tips when you travel, are on the go or are in the middle of a project or move. They made my difficult move safe, and hopefully they help you, too.

Copyright 2009 by duracles. Reprint permission granted if article remains completely intact.

This is a sort of re-write of an older post on specialized items and ideas for your Bug Out Bag (BOB) or other survival kits. Sometimes we need to think outside the box, or plan for real life disasters that could happen during an evacuation. Obvious things like a flat tire could slow you down or not so apparent things like spare house keys for someone arriving after an event. Do you really want to leave your doors unlocked or have to break in to get a forgotten item? Other things are for counter-surveillance, repairs, or often overlooked items. Planning for the unknown is as important as planning for known hazards. Weather, chemical hazards, earthquakes and the like are more common scenarios….but what else can happen? Terrorist attacks, riots, psychotic gunmen, looters, even roving groups of refugees; many things happen that people do not plan for.

Please post your unconventional or specialized survival kit items as well. No illegal gear please.

• Spare Keys to Home, Car, & Work- It is really expensive to call a locksmith in the middle of the night, let alone a huge disaster or evacuation. Spare keys to home, cars, and businesses will save hassle, and possibly help someone arriving late or bugging out in a separate vehicle. Keep keys on person, hide them, or lock them in a special outdoor box.
• Fix a Flat- This stuff works pretty well. It isn’t the same as a spare tire, but it usually takes less time and gets you pretty far. It may just get you to a safer place to repair the tire or put on a spare.
• Camouflage Netting- Need to hide a car fast? Netting is much faster than using cut bushes and branches. Also works well to hide a tent, or other make-shift shelter. Why hide? Looters, beggars, bad-guys, the unprepared, etc may be out to take your stuff. This item isn’t for everyone, but those by wooded areas, or remote areas could benefit from this item.
• Digital Voice Recorder– Note ideas or routes during emergency, record message to loved ones (on route, important items, where things are, where you will go, etc), and keep a sort of journal of events. Usually they are somewhat cheap $30-$100 and fit in a pocket. They are about the size of a pack of gum. Stash it in a place only you and family members know about at home, work or cache site.
• Rechargeable Spotlight- Many of these recharge with a 12v lighter adapter, and use bright bulbs. Many are waterproof, and some come with the built in tripod. Have used these hunting, searching for addresses, and for signaling. Most are $20-$80.
• Night Vision- This can be anything from a hand held scope to a pair of military goggles. Night vision is cheap these days; you can find decent scopes online @ Cabela”s, Harbour Freight, and Wal-mart. Most run on regular batteries. Prices around $80-$1000 depending. Most inexpensive digital video recorders have built in night vision or low-light of some kind.

• Set of basic hand tools- Just get a selection of pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, and other hand tools. Most of us include a multi-tool of some type, but real construction grade tools can make a big difference. Hard to replace a drill, socket set, or crowbar with a multi-tool. Many times just getting a bunch of spare tools from the garage will suffice. Usually due to weight, this type of addition to a kit is for vehicular use, but not always.
• Binoculars, monocular, spotting scopes, etc- Self-explanatory but the ability to see far away is pretty advantageous. You can get cheap binoculars starting around $12 and go up from there. Rugged rubberized or armored sets are better, especially those that come weatherproof.
• Directional Listening Device- These are illegal in some area’s so check laws. Basically this is a sensitive listening device to hear things far away like animals, bad guys, etc. There are also heat sensing devices, blood tracking lights, etc that are more specialized for counter-surveillance preparedness. These types of items vary greatly in price and can be easily found online.
• Car Battery Jumper Kit- This is usually available at Sears and other hardware or automotive stores. Basically it is a 12v battery that comes with built in cables to jump  a dead car battery. Very handy! Also some models come with hazard signal, radio, spotlight, and power inverter. The power inverter is very hand to power communications equipment, recharge batteries, run power tools, and the like. Usually these run $60 and up.
• Insulated Coveralls- Carhartt makes this type of clothing, so do many manufacturers. What I really like about these is that they quickly go on OVER the clothes you are wearing, including boots. Fast to put on, warm, and usually somewhat weather-proof; this is a great addition to your kits. The only downfall is the bulky nature of the clothing when stored. Being able to don your coveralls with out getting undressed will save time. Usually they sell these in camo, brown, and black. Some are reversible as well. Many brands are out there and start at $20 and go up.
• Laptop Computer- These are very important for communication, news, and storing personal info. Spare batteries are nice, but expensive. Strangely, many accounts during Katrina show people ONLY able to contact family by email instead of cellular or land lines. Great for watching movies, and other entertainments especially when children are there. You can get used or refurbished laptops for anywhere from $150-$400.

• Pets & Pet Food- Don’t leave your little buddies behind! It may take a while to get back to rescue them. Bring food, water, etc. Dogs will be handy for carrying gear and some are good for an early warning system. Dog backpacks are available so Rover can carry his own food and treats. There are also rubberized dog boots for paw protection. For smaller pets you may need pet carriers…especially to board any type of transportation other than the family car.
• Misc. Personal Necessities- Can’t live without your special neck-pain pillow? Orthopedic devices for daily function? Can you only use certain soaps, lotions, or other hygienic agents? Seriously, many folks need specific items to be able to function on a daily basis. Personally, I have a few that would make my time a mess if I were bugging out without them. This also includes things like spare contact lenses, spare eyeglasses, prescription medications and the like. I have a buddy that gets migraines and if he doesn’t pack his meds, the stress of an evacuation could render him helpless and/or useless to his family.
• Map books, GPS, State Maps, Recreational Maps- Get these things now before you need them. If you intend to bug out to another city or state, get maps to these areas. Plan out an escape route, then plan a 2^nd and 3^rd. Map these on Google Maps or the like, and give copies to family. You can also keep them in your car, in your safe or safety deposit box at the bank for others to claim later. GPS is very convenient, fast, and cheap but keep paper maps as a back up. I like to coat maps with waterproofing, or have them laminated. Some companies sell pre-laminated map books as well.

Keep this gear with other emergency gear to grab fast. Keep near the door, in a car, or cached for emergency access. Other survival kit basics such as food, water, shelter, signal, fire, and defensive gear should be kept there as well.

The Wild fires in CA are a good example of needing to go in a moments notice. Some things cannot be taken, or are too bulky….Home fire safes are good for family pictures, jewelry, and important documents such as ID, wills, deeds, and other banking information. If you live in a fire danger area get the highest fire rating possible. Most quality safes are rated for a 1 hour burn time. Cheap safes are only rated for ½ hour. All safes should be screwed down, or bolted to the floor to prevent easy removal by a thief. Keep safes hidden or low-profile in the home.

Copyright 2009 by duracles. Reprint permission granted if article remains completely intact.

First off, what is Every Day Carry? Everyday carry (EDC) is the lifestyle of being prepared. Having a survival kit or first aid kit at home or in the car is preparedness. But having a kit on you during your entire day is in reality, the lifestyle of being prepared. Lifestyle is the “way you live”. Not a hobby or a form of brief entertainment. For instance, you may know someone who dabbles with the guitar. But then there are folks like Jimi Hendrix who became one with the guitar, and really embodied the term “guitarist”. Hendrix played the guitar everyday. When he didn’t have one, he pretended. He was known to sleep next to his guitar. In the Army, he kept one close by. He spent the short life he lived playing more and accomplishing a level unattainable by most. Those who carry an EDC kit are the real life true practitioners of the Art of Survival and embody the term “preparedness”.

What is an EDC kit? The term “kit” is deceptive. The EDC includes the clothes you wear, the shoes, the jacket and even your accoutrements. The philosophy of EDC is to have everything on you that ensures your protection from the elements, hazards, and other people. This includes disasters, severe weather, extreme terrain, physical conflict and also providing basic needs like shelter, food, water and the ability to communicate. You don’t have to look like a Bedouin or a SWAT team member. Part of the concept is that you blend in, not giving away the treasure trove of useful tools and equipment on your person for others to steal, envy or attempt to rely on. You want to appear, as you really are, an average person who is prepared to meet the challenges of any given day. You do not want to look like Rambo, Indiana Jones or the Terminator. But think of yourself more like a MacGyver or a Batman while in perfect disguise. You can use the hidden tools at hand to ensure your survival, and the people that you love or care about too by keeping yourself in safe condition.

What about when I’m jogging, or out on a date, or even at work? The lifestyle of being prepared is about ALWAYS being prepared.

You can compromise intelligently based on your activity. Wear a suit or skirt and heels to work? You can still have a small lighter, key chain flashlight, and pocketknife in your purse or pocket. Not to mention the bounty of space offered in a briefcase, laptop bag, or business tote. An executive without a cell phone is almost unheard of these days. A cell phone allows you to communicate with co-workers, friends, and loved ones. It carries personal information, some have cameras to record events, and in emergencies you can call in the police or the EMT. It allows you to get up to date information, co-ordinate, and in some cases they have a built-in tracking device to use to find a persons location. In this sense, a Laptop or pad is also an excellent investment for the ability to store information, provide detailed news or research, and communicate with allies. Nowadays, a laptop case is the ultimate urban camouflage. They can carry a jacket, water bottle, extra shoes, flashlight, handgun, first aid kit, and lunch to boot. What about while exercising? You can carry a lot without looking like it. When training you can carry a folding knife with a clip and carry it in your waistband. You can strap a tiny MP3 player to your arm. A bandana around your head or in your pocket can be used as a bandage, dust mask, or weapon.

Your clothing can be functional as well. Windbreaker, trail running shoes, loose fitting top and pants are excellent to fight, evade, and blend into the crowd with. Appearing to be non-threatening is important during a crisis like a robbery, assault, or dispute. Blending in is very important so that you are not assumed to be the antagonist, hero, scumbag, or excellent choice for a kidnapping or hostage situation. The quality of your clothing is more important than the brand name. Too expensive a style of clothing pinpoints you as being wealthy and too poor as a homeless person desperate for valuables or drugs. Try to appear as an average, working person who belongs in the city or locale that you are in. Be it Calcutta or Houston. Most of all, buy clothing that performs its function. A jacket that actually insulates, stops water, and protects from the wind is vital. Shoes that breathe, keep your feet warm and dry, provide traction and protect you from blisters are probably the most vital part of your kit. The simplest form of travel is walking. It is free, quiet, and during major disasters most likely will be your main source of travel. You should be able to run, jump, kick, and walk long distances with your shoes. There are even ways to lace your shoes that will assist you. Using para cord as shoelaces gives you another tool for survival. Paracord is a nylon high test-strength rope used for parachutes.

It is known to be very tough for its thickness, and handy like duct tape. You can find many colors, and can even lace in a hidden compass, razor blade, or P-38 can opener. You can also lace your shoes or boots in such a manner that they are quick to cut off in case you need to swim or ditch your footwear. Does this seem too extreme or too expensive? Remember, survival is your lifestyle, not your hobby.

As you begin to consider the clothing, and items that you carry every day, you become informed of the possibilities and functions of them. This is a natural byproduct of the lifestyle, and a happy one at that. You can be more fully aware of the things that you purchase, use items to their fullest potential and see things as having many uses. You become more of a recycler of goods. Not that you would horde trash, but actually that you need less as you learn that most things have more than one use. A belt can be used as a tourniquet, rope, weapon, strap, equipment carrier, tree climbing device, and if it is strong enough, as a belay or seat for rappelling or as a towrope. An excellent example of this is the character in the movie “Castaway”. He is the only survivor of a plane ditched in the ocean. The character manages to arrive on a small island after being adrift on a lifeboat. He only has what is on his person, and what he can recover from a few packages from the plane, and later from a dead pilot that he finds half submerged in the water on the beach. He uses an ice skate, plastic door, boat oar, and even local plant life to affect his eventual rescue. In most situations, scavenging from stuff lying in the street or the dead will be at the least a social stigma and at most considered looting and can cause your death. Therefore, having the basic essentials on your person is a huge advantage. Putting care and thought into your EDC is something that can save your money, family, and life in the long run.

Your kit should not be limited to items that only appear to be everyday. Some items are very specialized and cannot be made to appear innocuous. Firearms, compasses, water filters, and tools aren’t considered everyday items to the average person. However carrying items inside bags, pockets, in ordinary looking belongings, or hidden will prevent embarrassing or life threatening situations. Carrying a firearm concealed should only follow the laws in your area. Carrying a firearm illegally does you and your family no good if it is discovered at a roadblock, after a dispute, while talking with law enforcement or rescue personnel, in a verbal disagreement, during disaster evacuation, or if it is used to defend yourself then later it is used against you in a lawsuit. Also, knowing how to safely carry, fire, unload, load and holster a firearm is essential. Negligent discharges are deadly. So carry your firearm legally, and get training. There is an incredible amount of ways to carry firearms concealed. Do some research, and spend some money. Comfort, retention, accessibility, actual concealment, reliability and wear are the things to consider. Also, carry a reload for your weapon. Redundancy is not bad in survival situations. Having items that do overlapping jobs or having a spare item is great practice as you can equip an ally or stash it for later retrieval. Spare items can be sold or traded. In emergencies, items can be overlooked, left behind, broken, fail or even be stolen. Having multiple methods as back up in the military is called a fail safe. Basically, there is say one computer that does a job. Then there is also a back up that kicks in. Finally, if the back up fails there is a tertiary measure such as a third computer that will kick in. You don’t have to carry 3 firearms, or 3 knives, but 3 lighters or forms of currency, or three forms of identification won’t weigh you down. Also having three friends to contact in an emergency isn’t bad. Remember, having too much gear will mark you as a target or slow you down during travel or evacuation. Sometimes you must carry a loved one, extra gear or just move quickly so keeping your kit light is high on your priority list.

This brings us to how you carry your items. As mentioned earlier, a tote or purse is great. However, if you have 2 seconds to jump out a door or over a fence, these can be left behind. Part of the EDC system is that you carry everything on your person, without extra backpacks, or bags. One retailer specifically makes non-military looking vests and jackets that appear completely unremarkable. Amazingly, they have up to thirty pockets including pockets for electronics, water bottles, and identification. Another method is to carry ultra light and miniaturized equipment so that the impact of carrying a kit is minimized. Micro LED key chain flashlights, micro multi-tools, mini Bic lighters, small flip cell phones, and “baby” or “micro” handguns such as snub-nosed revolvers and automatics in the smaller calibers. Yet another method is to purchase items that do more than one task. Flashlight/pens, belt w/hidden cash compartment, belt buckle knives, key chains with built in devices, cell phones with camera, day planner, audio recorder and flashlight, and combo signaling devices such as whistles with built in match holder, flint, and compass. These items are commonly available at stores such as Sharper Image, Wal-Mart, army surplus stores, camping stores, and knife shops or gun shops. Don’t forget to look at do-it-yourself solutions. Fanny packs, passport pouches, bra wallets, and other travel pouches make excellent everyday carriers for your gear. Even ace-type bandages, baggy clothes, and medical tape can be used if necessary. The more you can fit is not as important as it appearing that you are not carrying extra or out of the ordinary equipment. Try to maintain your personal style, work dress code requirements, and what is appropriate for different occasions. A relative seeing a bowie knife under your shirt, or a boss seeing a gun strapped to your ankle is more than just embarrassing. Be creative, and enjoy this aspect of EDC. It is challenging and fun, as you compete with others awareness. Children are very good at spotting out of the ordinary things, and are not usually afraid to mention it so use them as a tool but also, be wary.

Lastly, on carrying your kit, be sure to carry items in a fashion that allows you to function. You want the items to maintain their integrity, and stay on your person as well. Make sure items are secure. Can you crawl, run, jump, lay prone, roll, climb, and walk quickly without sounding like a toolbox and without losing all your gear? Test your carry method for concealment, retention, and integrity. Also make sure items do not rub you raw or cause reactions or even injure you. When you test your carry first do everyday tasks around the house. See if it changes your walking pattern or noticeably shifts your clothes independently of your movement. This is a sign your kit is too heavy or bulky. As you sit, lie down, and lean make sure items aren’t becoming exposed, slipping, or even falling out. All of these issues must be addressed before you go to the next level. Next, go to the store and do some shopping or go to the park. Do things that require bending, taking long steps, and dealing with the public. Make sure that your kit is secure and undetectable. Even if your kit is somewhat detectable under close scrutiny, this is better than an obvious kit exposed to all. Wear different types of clothing, and jackets. Wear summer clothing, and go for a walk or jog. Lastly, you want to do an extreme test. Go play paintball with your kit. Go play some touch football, or a game of basketball. Make a sort of obstacle course in your yard or at the park. You want to make sure your kit is intact. If you are trying to crawl under a fence, or sneak down a staircase you do not want objects falling out and clattering or hanging up and snagging you to other objects.

In an extreme situation you could be climbing trees, taking cover under objects, jumping fences, running, wading through water, swimming, hiking steep hills, or picking your way through broken glass. You could be dealing with flood, fire, explosion, riot, tornado, rainstorm, blizzard or total darkness. You may be carrying extra gear, injured personnel, pets, or you may be boarding up widows, or digging trenches or stacking heavy equipment. You may be pulling yourself out of a car wreck, or building collapse. These scenarios are not intended to frighten you, only to give you a way to plan your kit for carry and item selection. It is a mandatory aspect of EDC that you test the way you carry your kit. It shows you what is important, reveals weaknesses in your system, and keeps you constantly aware of your EDC kit. Keep in mind that your kit will be exposed to many extreme elements, so you should plan for that accordingly. Purchase or use items that are robust, water resistant, and consider spare batteries for your electronics. Batteries should not be exposed to water or heat. One resource to keep electronics and batteries dry is the cheap zip-lock bag method. You can also use condoms, or waterproof tape. Pelican makes high quality waterproof boxes that are small and break resistant plastic. Prepare your clothing as well. Be aware that some clothing tears easily, and some materials do not dry quickly or melt fast when applied to heat. Some natural materials are excellent for your EDC. Wool is recommended, as it is resistant to most elements, and even when wet provides some insulation. Leather is tough, and can be waterproofed quite easily. Both are somewhat fire resistant. Man-made materials like Gore-Tex dry quickly, stops wind and water, and are fairly resistant to wear. Whatever your clothing choices, be sure to keep clothes in good repair and mend then regularly. Boots and shoes should be polished or waterproofed as needed.

EDC kits become smaller over time, and you begin to adapt to having the extra gear on your person. It is nice having a small flashlight and pocketknife as many know, but having a needle and thread in your wallet is a lifesaver if you rip your pants on the way to work or a button falls off your blouse. Also, as you learn about items doing multiple jobs you discover that fishing line, for instance, makes great floss, thread, and tripwires. Or that having a small magnet can hide a key, retrieve dropped keys, or just keep notes paperwork from falling as you work under the hood of your car. You will enjoy the self-confidence and feelings of self-reliance as you go, and possibly those around you will appreciate your handy presence, and take note. Offered in closing are some words of advice, and also a list of suggested items that have worked well for your peers who also live the EDC lifestyle.

Pocket knife– Make sure the knife is lightweight but strong, and easy to get to fast. Brands that offer written warranty are the best. Save your money, and buy one good quality knife. Then buy more inexpensive back-ups. One good knife can last a lifetime. Clean, oil, and sharpen your knife to maintain its usefulness. Ceramic and titanium both have benefits, but more common steel blades are easy to bend back into shape or expediently sharpen in the field.

Flashlight-With LED type flashlights available, why get anything else? The bulbs burn brighter, last longer, and save battery life. Also, you can use rechargeable batteries and carry spares, as well as use solar, vehicle (12 Volt) or regular wall outlets to charge them. Many of the LED flashlights are shockproof inherently, and water resistant.

Wrist Watch-Most watches of good quality already have all the features one would hope for. The watchband is fairly important, as you want a material that will be strong, and not wear quickly. There are some watches out there that offer panic buttons that tie in with your alarms system, heart rate monitors, radios, TV, and other goodies. Usually, you can buy a wrist compass that attaches to the watchband, but check these for quality.

Multi-Tools-This is definitely a category where you get more bang for your buck. Most choose to carry a full size multi-tool as they are more reliable, and capable of doing the jobs one would use them for. However, they can get quite heavy. Some tools come with a nice black finish that is non-reflective. If you decide to carry one in a pocket, consider a dummy cord or leash lanyard. Real Swiss army knives are great multi-tools as well.

Dust Mask-Paper dust masks come in many varieties. Most will fold up, and can be carried in a back pocket. Bandanas, handkerchiefs, and balaclavas are good too. Most dust masks use an elastic band, so be careful if you have an allergy to this material.

Cash-Try to carry many denominations of cash and coins. If you live near a border to another country, carry their cash too, as well as your passport. Coin purses are great to silence coins, and prevent their loss and they are great to stash other gear too. Hide your cash on your person, using a secret place, such as a money belt or ankle pouch.

Laser Pointer-Amazingly useful for signaling, testing for smoke, and for pointing or “painting” far away objects. Do not point them directly into the eyes of anyone.

Condom-Useful to waterproof gear, carry water, or “hide” valuables. Package has to remain intact however, and this is difficult. Be aware of expiration date. Non-lubed is better for multiple uses.

Tiny Can Opener-If you opt to not carry a multi-tool or Swiss army type knife; you really need one of these. Military P-38 can opener can fit on your key chain and really works. A regular knife can open a can, but it dulls on a steel can quickly.

Large Needle-A heavy gauge sewing needle is great in ones wallet or belt pouch. It is easy to find makeshift thread, but really difficult to find a makeshift needle. Great for taking out splinters, sewing, lancing blisters, scrapping tools, or as a weapon.

Bic Lighter-So cheap, reliable, lightweight, and small that there is no excuse not to carry two. Zippo type lighters or butane lighters are great but require a lot of maintenance. They are also heavy and expensive. Another item that is very useful is the pocket torch. Pocket torches are available at hardware stores, hobby stores and at stores such as Radio Shack. However, these could be considered drug paraphernalia in some states.

D Carabiner-Another great overlooked item for your kit. These are so incredibly useful and strong that they are almost mandatory. They can be used to secure gear, carry keys, stash items, and of course as connective devices. Go to a climbing supply store and purchase a real carabiner, with weight ratings. Don’t go for the dime store copies.

Permanent Marker-Some of these markers write on almost any surface, and don’t wash off. Many types and colors are available. Great for marking property, leaving messages, writing notes (even on skin!), and marking a trail. Most will write on metal and glass.

Belt-Usually the workhorse of carrying all your gear. Also can be purchased as a money belt with hidden compartment. Buy real leather or strong nylon. Cheap is very bad. Some belts will take buckles of different types, and many buckles are made that conceal useful gear and weapons. Be careful of your local laws when considering a weapon.

Slim Signaling Mirror-Can be obtained at sporting goods, and backpacking stores. All metal is better for strength. Mirrors offer a multitude of uses, but are often a pain to carry.

Magnifying Glass-Do some research on this item. Some fit in your wallet and are actually shaped as to focus light to start emergency fires. There are many types, however. Some fit on key chains, or are used to examine jewelry, and some are made of plastic rather than glass.

Pocket Radio– MP3 players and smart phones fall into this area. Some offer TV, short wave, AM/FM, emergency band, and the like. Some can be solar charged, hand pumped (to charge battery), or work on small batteries. Headphones are nice to listen to the radio in quiet, and constantly monitor news stations live. There are many phone Apps that offer many preparedness options: compass, police scanner, weather forecasts, etc.

Sunglasses/Safety Glasses-Protective eyewear is a must. Only purchase quality, proven brands. Find glasses that protect from UV/UB rays, impact, and still allow good peripheral vision. Find glasses that fit your head snug, and consider carrying prescription glasses as well. Oakley is a very good brand for EDC.

Medications-Carry your medications in a waterproof container at all times. Carry at least, a three-day supply. Keep cycling the pills around so fresh pills are inserted periodically. Carry a card in your wallet describing your medical condition. Consider writing directions on dosage, in case you are unable to dose your medication yourself.

Copyright 2006 by duracles. Reprint permission granted provided the article stays intact.

Survival fitness: this is by far the most overlooked and undervalued area in survival training and preparedness… not to mention plain self-defense. Basically, we need to be in relatively good shape to be better able to handle situations life may throw at us.

• Can you roll a jack under your car and put the spare tire on?
• Can you climb a fence to avoid an attacking vicious dog?
• Can you run a half block to catch a wayward toddler about to cross the street?
• Can you carry a 40 lb. backpack all day, walking across town?

These are a few examples of everyday occurrences that can happen to anyone at anytime. Notice that none of these examples are extreme unlikely instances. Every one of these things has happened to me, and I don”t live in an action movie type of lifestyle!

Therefore the question remains…… what if? What if I have to chase a man abducting my child? Can I do it? What if I have to run ten blocks to avoid a dangerous chemical spill? What if I have to live out of my backpack for 3 days? These things are more extreme; but as a person interested in survival we should be prepared physically to meet the challenge. Training, attitude, and survival gear aren”t the only things keeping us alive out there. It is also the ability to run, jump, crawl, swim, and get back up that could determine the outcome of an extreme situation.

Fitness Basics

There are some basics we all learned in gym class that still apply today. Here they are in random order:

• Strength
• Flexibility
• Endurance
• Speed

Remember we are talking basics! I am not saying you have to out lunge an Olympic Fencer, or outrun a Grizzly Bear. Fitness basics are designed to be easy to improve, attainable by your average person, and show results quickly.

Strength training may include push-ups, weight lifting, resistance training or even dynamic tension. Flexibility is obviously stretching, toning and full normal range of motion. Pilates or Yoga can greatly improve your flexibility, but also may improve your strength and balance.

Endurance is a general term but refers here to the ability to perform sustained exercise like running, swimming, jogging and fast walking. This can be improved in a number of ways from stationary bicycling, walking, and jogging to rollerblading and dancing. Exercise can and should be fun otherwise you will not do it. Speed can also be improved by the above exercises; but also by playing tennis, racquetball, and other sports. Speed is the most difficult attribute to measure, but is the easiest to see improvements in.

Please consult your family physician before attempting ANY exercise program. Start gradually, and be sure to note the details in a training notebook or journal. The simplest exercise program is walking. You can do it in a large indoor mall, in the park, or just in your neighborhood. It is free and you don”t need any fancy equipment besides comfortable shoes. Swimming is considered by many to be the best single exercise program to improve all of your basic fitness attributes. Swimming is easy to do, inexpensive, and can be learned quickly.

http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/pdf/fs_prof.pdf Basic fitness guidelines from health.gov website.

http://www.fitness.gov/resources/organizations/index.html Fitness resources, websites, and organizations.

Advanced Physical Fitness and Training

Once you have started a fitness program, you may want to focus on more specific areas of improvement. This can be the most rewarding and fun area in your fitness program. You may want to join a competitive shooting organization, or go on an extended hike in the wilderness. You might decide to join a martial arts program, join a weekly fitness class, or advance your current regimen to the next level.

Whatever you decide it will be an expression of you and your interests. You might be surprised at how beneficial and empowering this can actually be! Your survival fitness program could spill over into other areas of your life and improve the overall quality of living in general. It is worth the risk…. You can feel better and be prepared for what life throws your way.

Motivation

At the end of the day, we all need to monitor our health and get some exercise. To stay motivated we need to think beyond “what is best for us”. Personally my family is a reason for me to stay in shape. I want to be able to protect my family, and also be able to work hard to support them.

Friends are good motivators. They may give an encouraging work, chide or shame us when needed, or even present a friendly competitive aspect to working out. If they want to jump in and start an exercise program with you go for it!

An exercise journal can also motivate. Once you see the results on paper, it can really encourage one to continue the program. Also, you may feel the need to fill up the volume with achievements and measurements. Usually it can take up to 3 months to see dramatic changes, but you will notice results after your first week!

Lastly, avoid being derailed completely. Don”t allow set backs to make you feel like giving up. Some of these could be minor illnesses, busy work schedules, holidays, or even short breaks. Allow yourself room to be flexible with set backs, and realize they are common for all people. Friends not showing up to work out? Flu symptoms playing havoc with you? Sleep poorly or too much work? Make note of the break in your diary and begin anew without self-recriminations.

Staying motivated can be difficult, but in time you will figure out what works best for you. Compliments from friends and family (or jealousy!) can be very motivating. Fitting into old clothes or having to buy new ones is also motivating. Even just feeling better can be a huge boost in your motivational battery.

Conclusion

Your level of survival fitness is not determined by outside factors or environment. Your level of fitness is determined by you. If you allow yourself to watch television or eat candy all day; who is to blame? Get off the couch and go for a walk or park far away from the grocery store and carry the groceries rather than use a cart. Ride a bike or walk to events close by. Make exercise dates for yourself where you do something fun, unusual or exciting.

Things like river rafting, rock climbing, or horseback riding aren’t out of the realm of possibilities for most and these types of things can be fun! Reward yourself for exercising by buying a nice gift for yourself, or going to a favorite restaurant or event. In the end, the ability to run, jump, swim and climb will be a reward unto itself. You will feel more confident, and definitely be able to meet life”s challenges whether they are mundane or extraordinary.

Fitness is definitely an important part of survival, preparedness and self-defense training. Like a survival kit, or a concealed carry permit it can mean the difference in walking away from an emergency…. Or being carried away.

Copyright 2010 by duracles. Reprint permission granted if article remains completely intact.

I wanted to write a pretty in-depth article on this but just have not had the time. This is the short to the point version!

Over the years I have spent what I consider a substantial amount of my preparedness budget on clothing for EDC. “Every Day Carry” is what you have actually on you every day…. not a kit you can grab but actually what you are wearing and what is in your pockets.

This is the most basic but also very important gear and very overlooked. Most say “I can grab my kit and go” but many times it is what you have on you that counts. EDC Clothing is the clothes you wear every day for preparedness that doubles as preparedness gear/ what you wear to work, play, etc.

One thing to mention is that since I own my own business and travel a lot, this gives me the freedom to wear whatever I want but also makes what I have on me pretty important. I travel all over the state at all times of the year and at all times of the day/night. I work outside a good portion of the time so the clothing needs to be tough and protective. I prefer cargo pants to jeans for the pockets, but have to wear a nice shirt so that I am presentable to my clients.

3 to 5 years ago

I started wearing Propper Tactical Polos, 5.11 Original pants and Merrell Hiking boots.

This is all season basically unless it snows really heavily in which case I add waterproof insulated boots (off brand), and expedition weight thermal undergarments. (Normally I wear 100% cotton everything as I have very sensitive skin which hates pretty much any synthetic material.)

At first I really liked the Propper Tactical Polo shirts but found them to fade quickly and be too warm for summer here in Colorado. Also, the no wrinkle collar inserts actually cut through the collar and stick out making them look funny. I ended up removing the inserts. The shirts are good for winter however, and besides the fading and collar issue have not torn. They do however stain. In the end for these reasons and also the $35 to $50 per shirt; I gave up on them overall.

Same deal with the 5.11 100% cotton tactical pants. Costly! Not only that, but the 5.11″s also seem to rip in the knees about 2 years out and they are very restrictive in the hips. The seem to aggravate my back condition which I found strange. They are too warm same as above, and stain easily. Another thing I disliked about the 5.11″s is the cargo pocket size and irregularity. I would buy a pair same size, and the pockets were dramatically different sizes or irregularly stitched. Even buying them online on clearance from $20 to $50 a pair they just didn”t work.

I love the Merrell hiking boots however! They are comfortable, long lasting and well made. I wear the Ventillator version for summer, spring and fall; they work great unless there is a very cold day or snow/water. I need shoes that breathe due to my skin, and I easily get foot fungus from shoes that do not breathe. I also had good experiences with Wolverine steel toe leather work boots but they stopped making the version I liked; also the quality seemed to take a dive. The only problem with the Merrells is the cost really. About $120 a pair… but again they last about 2.5 to 3 years.

Other shoes I have tried with moderate success is the Survivor Brand of boots for work. They are very affordable (Wal-Mart or online), and middle of the road overall, and are pretty comfortable. However without fail they do NOT breathe and can allow my feet to overheat or sweat too much. Sweaty feet means fungus and blisters for me; therefore I would wear them only on occasions where I need steel toe protection during work. I also have tried a few of the “tactical” boots out there like Bates. Same deal, decently made but not breathable. I wanted to try the Converse brand but no one carries them in my area so I could never try them on. I did try the 5.11 boots, Danners, and the store brand for Outdoor World but they all felt horrible on my feet.

Currently

Since my preparedness budget is limited I decided to give less expensive EDC clothing a try. First I tried LA Gear Tactical Polos. They are nice! They do not wrinkle or stain; nor do they fade! They are inexpensive at about $15-20 per shirt, they are cut for concealed carry, and although they are not 100% cotton, they are close enough for my skin and they are fairly cool in the summer. Better than the Propper Tactical Polos for sure hands down. They have a pen pocket on the sleeve which is really nice, and they have a treatment that sheds water and stains. They are great and I hope they keep making them. 2 years wearing the same 3 shirts and they show zero wear and tear.

For pants I tried to upgrade to Vertx pants which are not 100% cotton; they have some spandex in them. Big mistake! I had a allergic reaction to the spandex (latex is my kryptonite)…. and also to the price. They run about $45-$60 a pair. They have lots of neat features, are comfortable in general but I can only wear them in my dreams sadly. Then at Wal-mart I saw some rip-stop 100% cotton cargo pants by Wrangler. They are amazing! $18 a pair but better made than the 5.11″s or the Vertx! They have large cargo pockets with velcro closures, rip-stop design, and they breathe nice. They accommodate my CCW belt and holsters just fine. Also, they have not ripped or stained. They also seem to wrinkle less than the 5.11 pants. They do not mess up my back or hips either as they are cut roomy. They also have a neat pocket for a cell phone between the legs and the cargo pocket. Great for spare mags, flashlight, etc. Another winner!

For shoes this fall I decided to try another pair of Survivor boots from Wal-Mart; the “Commander”. They are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned! They were on clearance for $32 which is a crazy low price for tactical boots. They are black leather and nylon with side zip. They are made of waterproof materials, and have anti-foot odor treatment that prevents foot fungus, and they have nice inserts that breathe and wick sweat. The soles are the best feature as they have a tread design that does not collect tiny rocks like the Merrells do. Also, the soles are comfortable…. they feel like you are wearing tennis shoes they are so soft. They are also light-weight! They do not have steel toe protection which is good for the winter here. The side zipper makes them fast to put on and take off. They also polish up very nice!

Summer and Winter variations

In summer I generally wear the Wrangler cargo shorts or pants, LA Gear Polo, and the Merrell Ventillators. I always have a baseball cap on for work, and a bandanna to protect my neck from sunburn. This last summer I got bites on my legs so much that next summer I will just wear pants the whole time. I am outdoors so mosquitoes, biting flies, and who knows what else gets my ankles and legs. One time I even got an infection and had to go on anti-biotics! Also this summer, I had a reaction to a mosquito bite that seemed to match the symptoms of West Nile Fever, a milder form of the West Nile Virus.

For winter I have experimented a lot. I bought a few jackets including the military type and ultimately decided on Carhartt. I have a hooded insulated winter jacket, and an insulated vest. I did buy some insulated bib type pants from Wal-mart but decided that I will upgrade to Carhartt due to the quality difference. A side note is that it is much easier to add outer layers than it is to add insulated under-layers. Therefore when I”m on the road I carry outer layers in my truck unless I put insulated undergarments on at the beginning of the day.

Also for Winter I use layers of clothing. I have a Scottevest hoodie, a Carhartt insulated vest, and a wind breaker Mossino wind breaker (Target brand). The Scottevest is really neat; it has pockets galore! iPad pocket, cell phone pocket, ear bud pocket, magnetic pocket closures etc. It was expensive at $50 but is cotton and is generally well made. When it wears out I will replace is with a Carhartt insulated hoodie. You can”t beat Carhartt for cost and ruggedness period. In the pockets of my vest I carry a synthetic insulated cap, and wool fingerless gloves. Then in the wind breaker I carry a second set of wool fingerless gloves. With all this on me I can add or remove layers for almost any temperature in the winter. I have worn this on 15 degree nights and been good for 1 hour outside. The hoodie and wind breakers both have hoods so with the cap I have 3 layers for my head! This system works by trapping warm air in the different layers.

Again, since I own my own business and work outside I need ruggedness and yet can get away with looking mostly “blue collar”. This system for winter layering has worked really well. If it does get colder I do have the bib pants in my van, a insulated polar Carhartt hooded jacket, and an extra set of winter gloves, hat, scarf, and wool socks. I also have waterproof gaitors but want to upgrade them to actual Gore-tex black colored ones from REI. Like I said earlier, if it is snowing and cold when I get ready for work I will wear Polartec insulated underwear, wool socks, and a thermal shirt.

Strategy for EDC Clothing

My strategy is to have clothing that allows me to work outside/inside, carry EDC gear, have my CCW handgun, and still look non-tactical. I don”t want to look like a “doomsday prepper” just walking around! I want to be invisible and fit in; yet have my gear at the ready. I want the clothing to hide my gear, be comfortable, protect me from the weather, and allow me to do many activities. I also want the clothing to be easy to mend, stay wrinkle free as possible, and look presentable for my clients when I need to meet with them. The system I am using looks blue collar and fits my activities nicely…. it also keeps the survivalist side of me happy.

I don”t wear any camouflage clothing, shirts with political or gun slogans, and I don”t wear anything with NRA or the like to draw attention. If there was a emergency or disaster of some type I just want to look like a blue collar guy NOT Rambo or Mr. Survival Man. In Colorado they say “if you don”t like the weather wait 15 minutes”. Our weather can be extreme in any direction you can think of. So I always wear layers even in summer. I wear cotton socks 2 pair, and a cotton t-shirt under anything I am wearing regardless of the season. This wicks sweat but also gives me extra clothing I can use to make tools, head coverings, bandages, or make-shift bags for gear or food. I always have a bandanna in my back pocket as well as Oakley sunglasses to protect my eyes. Oakley sunglasses are known for their ballistic protective properties as well as their “thermal nuclear” protective lenses for UV/UB rays. I can wear them on the shooting range, working with power tools or just for driving.

Lastly, I have a “Wilderness Belt” or riggers belt I use for my CCW handgun. It is very stiff so carries gear nicely, but it also has a second use as a makeshift rappelling belt. It has a strength rating and caribiner attaching loop in the integral design of the buckle. It is 1.5″ wide and will accommodate a IWB holster or OWB holster, plus my other EDC gear.

Hopefully this article motivates other members here to share their EDC gear and clothing, and reviews of brands. Also maybe some folks that are not using EDC as part of their survival/preparedness planning will be inspired to do so. I have kits also for survival which I have written about in the past here: BOB”s, vehicle kits, Hunker down kits, etc including my EDC. If you do a search in the posts you can find them. If anyone is curious I can write an article on my actual EDC gear but since that is what most people write about I thought I”d touch on something less discussed and maybe just as helpful.

Copyright 2012 by duracles. Reprint permission granted if article remains completely intact.