I figured this is the most generalized area in your forums, so I thought I would introduce myself. I am new to a lot of these topics, but I can come to learn. I recently purchased my first family tent a Eureka Assault 4 season, and 4 ECWS sleeping bags for the family. I've some decent milspec outer wear, MRES. I have been researching water filtration systems for a little while and have narrowed it down to a Katadyn Pocket Water Filter.

My goal like the boyscout motto is to "be prepared", and enjoy some of the outdoors while I am at it. I am looking foward to learning at the feet of the experts in here. Also, I just wanted to say, "Howdy"

Welcome aboard!

Camping is a good excuse to acquire gear that serves both purposes -- camping and preparedness.

Bonus for those of us who first fell in love with camping!

Welcome to the forums. Sounds like you're already off to a pretty good start.

Welcome King.

Yes, camping is a good place to start.

I have been using a MSR miniworks filter and an MSR water works filter for a while now.
I prefer the miniworks .
Their advantages over Katadyn filters are that the parts are easier to get here and they are about half the price of Katadyn.

hello, hello. if you have a question on something, check the search function first. Some things get hit by several angles.

Welcome!

Camping is a fine way to build practical survival-related skills. You may find that your "camping" gets more extreme as you go.

Bad weather is a great opportunity to test gear and technique. (But have an "out" just in case.) Impromptu camping with only the stuff you always have in your car is a good test. Backpacking is excellent for paring your needs to the essentials. And later, when your skills advance, try a night with only the clothes on your back and the gear in your pockets. Overall, it's a highly educational and totally addictive hobby. Be aware that gear lists always get revised after hands-on field trips.

As for "learning at the feet of the experts," I suspect most people around here would call themselves "advancing students." That's because the more you learn, the more you become aware of how much more there is to know.

Can you tell us what objectives you have in mind?

Welcome to the fire.

Sure, I would be happy to. And to the gentlemen's comment about the MSR Miniworks, I was almost sold on that one the (EX) checking the reviews until I ran into the reviews from the other company. But, I am still pretty open minded on the water purification topic. I want something ruged, light, fairly uncomplicated that will last me for an extended period of time.

My end goal is to eventually acquire enough skills to go into the wilderness should the SHTF, as it is commonly spoke of, and not return. If the world turns upside down, I want to learn to make it out there and stay out there.

To that end I have a lot of learn about edible and medicinal plants. I think that will be the hardest part of this educational journey. I just want to have the confidence to know that I can survive and thrive out there should the need/time arise.I guess I would equate it to martial arts or firearms ability. Once you have gained mastery, it gives you a quiet confidence. I am looking to test myself, learn as much as I can, and gain that quiet confidence with survival as well.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome to the forum, just pull up another log.