I was thinking: in a hypothetical TEOTWAKI scenario, could having a short-mid term BoB actually prevent one from adapting to the new environment? I mean sure, you have a slightly better chance to survive any immediate collapse, but won't you be like a spoiled baby when your high-end supplies run out?

Yeah, I know knives need no ammo. Look, it's more of a psychological question...

P.S. Note that I am talking here about normal people with a Bug Out plan, not organized militia... Those will do just fine.

Wouldn't the right equipment ease you into the new environment if that were to happen?

Edit: I may have to rethink my response for reasons that, based on my understanding of the rules, don't belong in this forum.

Jeanette Isabelle

Careful with the "TEOTWAWKI" reference. Read the Policies for the use and participation on The Forum.

http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=125282#Post125282

I have read the rules before posting and I do not see how my question violates their letter or spirit. As DR said himself, survivalists and independent security enthusiasts "co-pollinate". The OP is about the practical and psychological aspects of surviving long-term with no help from civilization. Isn't this what ETS is all about?

When you say "psychological," are you asking about the will to survive? I'm confused.

Jeanette Isabelle

I think that the issue here is not TEOTWAWKI but the use of the term "survivalism."

As a point of clarification we do not refer to what we do as "survivalism" because certain categories of ill-informed individuals (think woolly here...) try to stygmatise us by lumping us in with the Rambo Brigade.

Well, it's shorted than anything else I can come up with for you guys.



Nooo. Let's say you and a group of others are stranded on a deserted island with only what you had on your person. You each live in seclusion for a month, then meet up. While sitting around the campfire (started with your keychain firesteel) you start showing off the skills you have learned.

Who is going to have more to show?

In your desert island scenario, you need to survive long enough to become acclimated to your new environment. Whether or not you learn to adapt will not be hindered by good EDC and may be enhanced because you have bought yourself a period of adjustment.

Depends on your point of view once the situation begins. If you think I'll be here a couple of days every fire can use a match, maybe so. If you think, I don't know how long I'll be here, every match is precious, I don't think so. Even in a bad situation, life can get worse. So saving your supplies until you absolutely need them is always important. The best example is the question, do I destroy my knife so I can survive now? No, not if there is any other option available even if its harder and takes longer.

Oh yes, certainly. It's going to be a textbook case of natural selection: The weak, slow and unlucky will die out, leaving behind the strong, fast and resourceful, as well as survivalads. Now, where as the latter will be perfectly content with camping, as their ample supplies allow, the former may well start building a house, herding local animals and merging into boyscout troops with the rest of the island brigade.

Basically, I am talking about the fact that lesser stimulation (in the form of lesser stress, "bought" by prior preparations) might result in a less active response from the survivor and, consequently, a lower level of general achievement than would be possible otherwise.

It doesn't even matter if you've read this and said "okay, now I'll try to rely less on my gear", because the adrenaline is simply not going to be there.