JavaScript is disabled
Our website requires JavaScript to function properly. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser settings before proceeding.
Messages
61
Reactions
93
Many people here tout their equipment as their key for survival. Many also tout their quality of equipment, and I understand that one can gain confidence from quality equipment that one lacks in their personal skill set. The skills required for survival are more than just not get killed and have something safe to eat and drink.

At the end of the day it's not just the quality of your equipment but your personal knowledge base that will make the difference.

What do you do for mental prep?

I have a library with a section dedicated to various publications from home canning/preserving techniques, the boy scout handbook, to the Foxfire series and many others. I also occasionally practice techniques that interest me. Like I once made a smoker out of a 16" clay pot and a hot plate. Worked great, could do 4 lbs of chicken easily. I've tried very poorly to make basket weave style fish traps, snares etc. I've dug holes in the backyard and cooked with a Dutch oven and even tried it in the house fireplace. (Mine is too shallow for a Dutch oven.) And power out "drills" where I basically camp in my own house for a few days. Drives the fam nuts but you can't wait for nature to put you in the situation to train.

How do you train? What did you read that you found particularly helpful? While this thread is more the dug in and wait, do you also train on how to return to castle if the need arises?
 
Unfortunately some prioritize equipment, thats backwards.

As the photo shows, the importance is top heavy and won't function well.

Flip the triangle over, and prioritize the mindset and work your way up.

Start with Mental Awareness and Preparedness

IMG_20241125_141252.jpg
 
It is wise to practice with your gear while at home.
I like to start the fire pit or wood stove with my flint and steel.
Good to know what works or does not in comfort of your home or yard rather than when you actually need to use those skills or items.

Something to consider.....
Survival means just that...not comfort.
It is better to be good with what skills and gear that you do have ...and not waste time on wishing if you only had this or that....
The world does not care for any preparations you have made...nor does the world play by any rules but its own.
It is wise to have gear...along with the skill and knowledge to use it...
As well as being flexible and not stuck in a if ____happens..I must do___ kind of mind set.

"Remember though , your best weapon is between your ears and under your scalp - provided it's loaded."
Or in this case of the OP instead of weapon , insert piece of gear.
Andy
 
Last Edited:
Many people here tout their equipment as their key for survival. Many also tout their quality of equipment, and I understand that one can gain confidence from quality equipment that one lacks in their personal skill set. The skills required for survival are more than just not get killed and have something safe to eat and drink.

At the end of the day it's not just the quality of your equipment but your personal knowledge base that will make the difference.

What do you do for mental prep?

I have a library with a section dedicated to various publications from home canning/preserving techniques, the boy scout handbook, to the Foxfire series and many others. I also occasionally practice techniques that interest me. Like I once made a smoker out of a 16" clay pot and a hot plate. Worked great, could do 4 lbs of chicken easily. I've tried very poorly to make basket weave style fish traps, snares etc. I've dug holes in the backyard and cooked with a Dutch oven and even tried it in the house fireplace. (Mine is too shallow for a Dutch oven.) And power out "drills" where I basically camp in my own house for a few days. Drives the fam nuts but you can't wait for nature to put you in the situation to train.

How do you train? What did you read that you found particularly helpful? While this thread is more the dug in and wait, do you also train on how to return to castle if the need arises?
Join a gang. Practice in the streets of Portland.

Just kidding, don't!
 
I have a couple laminated 3x5 cards with important reminders mostly on mapping, compass use, navigation, etc. that I keep with my stuff.

While I've read all the books, used it occasionally, I still don't use it often enough to where in a stressful situation I'll remember everything 100%.

I keep a lot of PDFs on my cellulite phone with user manuals, books, etc. that could be handy.
 
If we're taking about lone survival, that's completely different, but end of days every-man-for-himself scenario, only people are the threat. Dog eat dog.
 
I practice with my "equipment" as much as possible.:rolleyes:

Other then that I watch Rambo and movies like it while sitting on the couch, eating as many calories as possible so when the grid goes down I will have a lot of extra fat my body can convert into energy so I can make it much longer then others before I have to start using my food preps.
 
If we're taking about lone survival, that's completely different, but end of days every-man-for-himself scenario, only people are the threat. Dog eat dog.
and that is the thing, right? If survival prep is just waiting for the lights to come on then follow CDC guidelines, but once we're past that (will we ever again be that free?); what is the length of time and depth of knowledge that is necessary for continued existence or is it even worth it?

To those who mentioned medical conditions as a factor for longevity, I can understand and appreciate your situations. I have family like that too.

What, if any, knowledge of alternative medicines or even conventional medicines do people practice?

my prep runs short term, but my thoughts are long term. But is that wishful thinking?
 

Upcoming Events

Roseburg Rod and Gun Club Gun Show
  • Roseburg, OR
Redmond Gun Show
  • Redmond, OR

New Classified Ads

Back Top