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.

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.

One of the primary tools for the Survivalist is the Folding Knife. This is used for food preparation, as pry bar, screw driver, box opener and self-defense weapon. In most cases, the Urban Survivalist will use it to open mail, packages, and to cut twine. The country counterpart will use it to whittle, cut rope, prepare food, or even dress game. In a full on survival situation, a person could find themselves prying a screen off a window, or forcing a lock, cutting clothing from an injured person, or finishing off injured game. Possibly digging a hidden item out of the ground, using as a tool to make other tools or weapons, or using it as a last ditch defensive weapon. Definition of the “full on survival situation” would be any situation where the tool needed is critical; meaning that its failure would be devastating or catastrophic. To prevent this and to educate folks new to survival preparations as well as self-defense I would like to go over selection, materials, types, and carry of the survival folding knife.

Image courtesy of [image creator name] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

First, the knife must be of a legal to carry length. For instance in Colorado, the statewide legal length from guard to tip is 3.5 inches with a single edge. Ballisong, switchblades, gravity knives, double edged and ballistic knives are illegal weapons in Colorado. You do not want to get caught carrying an illegal knife period. You could end up in court with an illegal weapon charge, and if you have to actually use the knife in self-defense the first thing to be used against you would be that it is a illegal size or type. Also, if you have a job or are walking through a metal detector and accidentally forget it is there you won”t be arrested, fired, or at the least lose your survival tool to the authorities. Some states have laws regarding when, how, and where you carry and also rules regarding concealment. Keep this in mind as it is very important, especially in extreme circumstances as mentioned above or in cases of martial law, evacuation, or even during routine police stops.

Secondly, we need to consider type after we have established the legal guide lines. The most versatile types must be considered. It needs to be quick to access, easy to find in darkness, easy to identify by feel, and safe to carry. It also must not fall off, drop out of the pocket, or be too obvious or cumbersome. You want it to blend in, but not so much that you cannot get to it in an urgent moment of need. Most modern folding knives have some sort of clip that is mounted to the handle of the knife. They should be steel, and riveted or screwed to the knife. Glue will not do! Folding knives stored in a sheath are much slower to get to although you may want to carry a second one as back-up this way. The knife should be designed with your “handed-ness” in mind. Meaning if you are right hand dominant, it needs to be worn on the right and so on. Also most modern folding knives have legal thumb studs or other apparatus to thumb or finger the blade open. Go to a dealer and try as many as you can, do not just order the latest and greatest without trying it first. Narrow it down to 2-3 types you are comfortable and consistent with.

When you have established what types are easiest for you to access and open, then you need to consider the materials it is made from. If you are purchasing the knife from an established manufacturer, you should be able to go on-line or in a catalog and find the brand, model, and specifications. You will see specs for length, weight, blade material, handle material, lock type, and possibly Rockwell hardness and grind. If you are indeed buying from a well known manufacturer, basically you want to narrow the blade material down, as well as warranty. All the other details, while important, are lower priorities. Most blades are more or less rust resistant depending on grade, and are harder or softer so will be harder or easier to sharpen and hold an edge. The harder steel is not necessarily the better grade however! If you are really hung up on this, educate yourself on knife steel grades at the library with books written in 2005 and up. Ideally you will want to know if it is rust resistant, rust proof, or if you will need to oil it regularly. This is important for those who will use it hunting, preparing food, boating, in wet climates, and such on a regular day-to-day basis. This may also affect the handle material choices.

Once you have analyzed your needs based on use, climate and personal preferences you want to consider your budget. This is where people really blow it. I managed two knife stores for a total of 11 years, and also collect and work gun shows time to time. I have seen so many people get fixated on price, then go for a “cheap” knife. A really good dependable knife will cost you between $80 and $350 dollars with most being about $150 USD (2008). If you plan, and only purchase one good folder this cost will be mitigated. For the Survivalist this budget is important as you have many other needs and equipment to purchase. The wise minded survivalist will get the best he can afford. You will want to consider the warranty again, and the history of reliability from this manufacturer. Go on-line to various knife forums and see what people say. Also, talk to local vendors and emergency personnel including police, military and fire rescue. They usually get the good gear and have experience using it.

Lastly, when looking at knives for your personal survival tool, consider how it will be used. It must be thick, strong, sturdy, have a safe locking mechanism, sharp, easy to sharpen, easy to safely grip, and designed with function in mind. Do not get side-tracked about how it looks or how cool it is. Also, it must be able to perform many tasks. Do not forget that this may be the last ditch defensive weapon or the ONLY weapon you have to defend yourself from attack. It may be multiple two-legged assailants or a dog, or possibly it will be used to fight your way to your firearm or other defensive tool. It may be used to skin and dress game, dispatch wounded animals, make a temporary wilderness shelter, used to make other tools and weapons, and so on. This is really the crux of a survival knife, let alone a folding pocket knife. Ideally you will have a bigger fixed bladed knife, but on a day-to-day basis will you really carry a 6 inch fixed blade to work in your briefcase or purse? Most of us will say no. Also, in step with preparedness in general it is important to have equipment on you while you do your daily travels, work, and leisure activities. We really cannot predict when something bad will happen so we must always be ready.

After you have purchased your knife, make sure the screws on the clip are tight but don”t over tighten. Also you will want to practice drawing and opening your knife. Do not rely on “flicking” or using gravity or centrifugal force to open your blade. You want to use the factory apparatus or thumb stud to open the blade. It is easy to drop or toss your knife while flicking it open, and this also creates wasted movement. It may also telegraph your intent, your weapon, and make more sound. You want to practice the art of subtlety, more like a samurai or medieval duelist than a barbarian or movie hero. After you have mastered the draw, work on speed and economy of motion. Less is better! Once your draw is fluid, then practice opening in the dark. You will find that with enough practice you can keep your eyes on the task or threat without having to look down at your knife. Finally, when you can draw in the dark by feel go to practicing in a lighted room but practice drawing while tying your shoe, bending, getting a wallet with the other hand, while stepping forward, back or sideways, and while issuing verbal commands like “Stop!” You may also want to transition to a defensive stance and be aware that you usually want the knife in a forward dominant hand.

This brings us to grip. How you hold and use the knife is just as important as the knife. You want to cut away from yourself when opening packages, or mail. Same when you are dressing game, whittling a arrow, or prying something. You always want the point and sharp edge to point away from you so that if you slip it will not cut or stab you.

Also, just as important you want the actual grip to be strong and secure so that the knife does not slip away or slip out of your hand completely. When a person is in an emergency, their focus can be easily distracted. Also, adrenaline, sweat, blood, water, oil or physical obstructions could impair or destabilize the grip. Make sure you practice using your knife safely and if you practice using it defensively make sure your grip is secure. One fun thing to do is to gently stab a card board box, then shave the box, then cut the box into pieces. You will see how different jobs and forces will affect grip. Be careful as you can easily get cut during this process.

Grip is also very important during a defensive counter attack. As mentioned above, you want the knife in your dominant hand, lead leg forward. This gives you maximum reach or range to stab or slash at a attacker. Keep the knife in a point forward grip like you would a razor knife to cut drywall for instance. Not like a hammer, or reverse like a ice pick. People with professional knife fighting training will sometimes use a reverse grip, but that requires training and is beyond the scope of this article. Basically you want as much room as you can get between you and the attacker, and you want to be able to cut without exposing your vital areas to the attacker. The most basic way to do this is as mentioned dominant hand forward, lead leg forward. You can also lunge forward this way or spring backward and still be able to counter attack.

Some tips in general for the folding knife and the survivalist:

• Carry the longest blade you can legally carry in your state. Be reasonable on this! There are unusual 6 inch folders, but why not get a fixed blade at that point?

• The knife should blend or be concealable, and should be easily accessed.

• Get brand name knives including custom folders from well known makers.

• Key chain or other gimmick knives do not fit the bill of the robust folding survival knife. These might work as a secondary or tertiary knife however.

• Consider your secondary knife to work weak handed as a back-up.

• Also consider a multi-tool as back up. They usually have locking blades with a variety of designs.

• Make sure the handle is not too slippery or too shiny. You want a secure grip and something that blends in with your wardrobe.

• Learn to disassemble, clean, sharpen, and oil your knife. Look at a small sharpener for your key chain, pocket or survival kit.

• Although double edged folders are out there remember to be reasonable and to keep it legal. Also, single edged knives are more utilitarian in nature.

• Make sure the knife stays on your belt or in your pocket.

• Carry it every day everywhere you go, including in your robe, underwear or sleep garments, exercise clothes, or business suit. Take it off when you are actually sleeping or bathing.

• Be careful carrying other gear in the same area. Sometimes the knife may open in your pocket and you could get a nasty cut. Make sure the knife blade is not too loose, and this is also another good reason to buy a quality knife design.

• Use your knife! Don”t be afraid to dull it or scratch it. It is a tool for one, and also it is a survival item that must be tested and proven.

• Practice the draw regularly as mentioned above.

• Consider this a “Every Day Carry” item. Do not get into the habit of taking it off, or throwing it on the table or in the car. Would a samurai throw his sword away to go to the bathroom, read, or train? No way and neither should you.

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.

It is interesting to me that as Hurricane Gustav neared, people watching TV just casually said “Well, they better evacuate.” Which brings to my mind a nagging question:

“Have YOU ever been forced to evacuate?” Rapidly followed by “How easy is it?”

I mean really, how easy is it to get the kids, family, pets, and all the gear necessary to leave for an unexpected event together and leave. I have never been forced to evacuate, but damn the headache involved is pretty stressful in itself for me. I also don”t live in Louisiana, but I do live in a state where there has been forced evacuations due to chemical spills, shootouts, tornadoes and floods.

First, how do you afford it? It can”t be cheap to just miss work, use extra gas, stay in a hotel, eat on the road, and pay for any tolls, medical emergencies, and whatever else you encounter during the hopefully motorized vehicular evac. That is if you have a vehicle road-worthy enough to make a trip somewhere out of state. How many of us have the sick days at work? What if you have a job where you simply cannot leave, and the rest of the family must leave without you, what then?

That”s a short look at the financial end. If it is life or death, and you must do it with what you have on hand I guess there is no choice. What about logistical concerns such as vehicle, gas, food, where to stay, where to go, who to leave, take, and whom to contact etc. If I were to pack up now tonight, I simply wouldn”t have enough clean underwear to begin with. Sounds humorous but its true. What would I do with my pets, plants, collectibles, valuables, trash, dirty dishes and so forth?

At the least I”d have a smelly place to come back to. With a hurricane or other disaster. you might NOT have a place to come back to. So with this reality plainly for folks to contend with, how do you not prepare?

The question is not easy to answer.

Image courtesy of Witthaya / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Back to financial concerns. Who has the money when life is hectic enough and filled with mini-disasters. My kid got sick, the car broke down, I”m late on the mortgage, I had to wire my parents some money, birthdays, it just never stops!

How many of us have life insurance? Health insurance? Car insurance? Investments or investment properties? We need to change our perspective on disaster preparation and begin to consider it a long term and low-risk investment. It”s really as easy as that. And it is just like car insurance; when you need it you REALLY need it and right now!

Example: A high quality tent is about $400.00 and I”m talking a four-season tent designed for three people. Basically the kind that houses people on Everest and on the Appalachian Trail. These tents can be lived in rough, hard conditions for fairly long amounts of time. A tent like this CAN be used to camp, hunt, fish, or use for the kids in the backyard. You can definitely use the tent, and still have it for emergencies. A long-term low-risk investment with the added benefit of “you can use it now.”

Let”s look at another example: Bottled water. Same thing as the tent. Durable design, safe, lasts a long time, can use it now or save it for an emergency. Need I go on?

It really is as easy as buying a few things when you have the cash. You can use a credit card if you want, but most gear is under $500 and this includes firearms. Why not save a little cash in the savings account, earn some interest and then get the money one day and buy some gear. No interest to pay this way. Some survival gear makes good presents too. Who hasn”t given someone a flashlight, Swiss army knife, or a pair of gloves as a gift sometime in their life?

Cash on hand is good too. You really need to have a little cash to grab for an emergency. Believe me, there will be a line at the ATM when you are evacuating the city in an emergency. Everyone will be doing the same stuff, so don”t be surprised when bottled water, flashlight batteries, and fuel is gone or tripled in price. There is always someone out there ready to capitalize on your misfortune, emergency or not.

For those of us without any extra funds: You can do allot by simply using what you have. If you have a suitcase, gym bag, or even a trash bag that you can use. pack it now. Put in extra clothes, blanket, shoes, kitchen knife, tools, canned food, jar of pennies etc. Just because you are broke doesn’t mean you don”t have the gear needed, you might have to search or be creative but what matters is that you pack it now.

In closing, although survival and disaster preparations are somewhat expensive it really pays to have the gear when you really need it. Ever have your car run out of gas in the middle of nowhere? Or gone to change your flat tire and realized you had no lug wrench? No car jack? No spare tire? It is easy to sit in an armchair and watch television and carelessly judge people and their choices. But when the person is you or your loved one, judgment could be very harsh. It could come in the form of needless suffering, hassle, or even cost one their life.

Basic Evacuation Kit:

• Backpack or duffel bag
• Bottled water, water purification pills or pump, container to carry water, and to boil water
• Lighter, matches, magnesium starter, cotton & Vaseline
• Map of state
• Identification, vehicle papers, phone numbers
• Cellular phone
• Set of good rugged travel clothes and shoes/boots
• Hat, jacket, gloves, sunglasses
• medications, medical kit
• Travel foods such as jerky, dried fruits, fresh fruits, chocolate, snacks for kids
• Camp Axe and folding shovel
• Tent
• sleeping bags or blankets
• camp mattress
• Flashlight, extra batteries, lantern, candles
• Toilet paper, paper towels, wash soap, towel, mirror
• Cash
• Radio and batteries
• Knife, can opener, eating utensils
• Camping or backpack stove, pots and pans for cooking, cooking oil, wash cloth
• Some form of personal protection: Mace spray, legal firearm, baseball bat. something!
• Automotive parts, spare tire, gas can, jumper cables, fix-a-flat, jack, basic tools

Disaster kits must be portable, water resistant, and ready to go. Place it in the trunk, by your door, in the garage, or in a closet by your entry/exit. Remember to keep it light, quiet, and pack essentials. Should not weigh so much that it cannot be carried for long distances on foot. Avoid military bags if possible, and make it something less obvious. Do not pack illegal items.

Copyright 2008 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.

Recently because of the “Doomsday Preppers” series, the Walking Dead and other reasons I have been re-vamping my BOB”s and other kits. I decided I wanted to update my pack to a 5.11 Rush 72.and lo and behold! I find a video with a guy that used the same pack but really did an excellent amazing job not only equipping it but making a 3 part series and PDF explaining the kit in minute details!

5.11 Rush 72 Backpack, Bug Out Bag by Urban Prepper:

Its funny how the are coincidences like this when you are on the right track. You start to run into things that make your project easier, fall in line with your thinking, and help you on the way.  Hope you enjoy the series as much as I did! My hat is off to The Urban Prepper who not only did an outstanding job with this video, but has many video reviews, and product suggestions.