I have been a “lurker” for many years. I know why I am here but really want to know why you are here. Ok maybe not and that is why I am asking. What makes us different? In your opinion? What makes us seek out the best of the best in gear? Why do we “carry”? Why do we want to be prepared for the probably unlikely? Is it just a pastime? Is it inborn?

Really why am I or for that matter you compelled to share your latest compass find with me? Don’t get me wrong. I have been saved from numerous days meandering in the woods from your advice. However why?

I think you know what I am asking. It isn’t about the general answer of be equipped to survive. It is more of what is the basis of our want and need to be prepared.

Please why in your opinion…….Thanks

Cameron

Three reasons I do what I do:
1. I'm an Eagle Scout and was always taught to be prepared.
2. I like being able to fend for myself, because I know when it comes down to it no one else will do it for me.
3. Because it seems like very few people are prepared, so I like being able to help.

a couple of answeres:

1. Some people do and some people dont.
2. You are born to do what we or you do.

The passion spreads to other things as well. When i sell gear i have a passion to do it.

enough said

for me:

1) It is fun. ie, it is a hobby.
2) I feel a sense of security knowing that i have prepared and am aware of my surroundings.

Why do I find it fun and why do i get a sense of security from "being prepared"? I have no clue. I don't know why some people are more intelligent than others, or amazing sportsmen, or pessimistic. that is just a little too deep into the phillosophical realm for my in-educated mind <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> . I am interested to see how this thread develops...

I find my life goes better when I try to hold myself ready to be of service. Service to the highest thing I can conceive, or service to my fellows, or service to anything.

I don't try to figure out HOW to be of service. My job is to be READY to be of service in whatever form presents itself.

Making myself ready makes my life go better. I think it makes me a better person, but that's beside the point.

For me, this site and the fellowship of this site is about how to make myself a better, more prepared servant. Some of it is knowledge, some of it is equipment.

That's as close as I can come to saying why.

I also know there's some strange thing in me that makes me a "gear-head". To that end, I think survival kits are the ultimate gear-head hobby.

First, you get to embark on an endless search for the best gear possible. Money is no object, since it is, after all, gear that can save your life or the life of your loved ones. How could you settle for less than the best?

Also, if our luck and preparations are good, most of the gear will never have to be used. So we have the excuse to collect the best gear available, and keep it in perfect condition.

What more could a gear-head want?

Bear

Because not doing it is stupider than doing it.

Sue

Since I was a kid I have enjoyed the outdoors and particularly off the beaten path! I like to be able to cope with whatever arises I guess. As for equipment I like to test it myself and see if it really adds any capability or works better than another item. Always been that way with gear, survival or otherwise. I actually carry minimum gear, I do want it to be something I can count on.
I love this forum because it gives us an opportunity to share opinions and experiences. While I certainly don't agree with everything everyone says. I am sure others don't agree with a few things I say either. It is just good to be able to share our thoughts.
Cheers!

Preparedness I do a few reasons. I had noticed that you get used to each state of being such that it seems like it has gone on forever and will continue for ever; but no state does. I got more serious about this notion back in 1999, when I took the prospective millenium bug seriously and tried to be at least a little bit prepared for the collapse of society.

The second reason is that it's fun. It's an excuse to play with knifes, fire, lights and other cool things. As a hobby it is relatively cheap. Sites like this one add a social dimension. It is often interesting and educational, something to think about. For me it is much more about the fun then otherwise. I don't lie awake at night having anxiety attacks about the collapse of society.

Another reason is that much of this stuff is useful in my day to day life. I wouldn't want to be without a (small) knife or torch, even if I knew I wouldn't need them for survival. I have found the bigger stuff is useful too. For example, I make my own bread, and this was useful when a fuel strike meant the local shops ran out.

"Seeking out the best in gear" is probably a whole other thing. Lots of people do that even if they are not into preparedness. It's partly taking a long-term view of the value, partly being rich enough to afford the best, partly just preferring to handle high quality things than low quality things. Some of it is a natural consequence of minimalism. If you only carry a little, it needs to be the best.

I don't think the preparedness attitude is inborn. It is more like a hobby. People can come to it late in life.

My grandfather had a Colt New Service in .44 russian in the glovebox of his old Stubabaker truck. I was told it went in there when John Dillinger was terrorising the midwest. He was building chicken coops for Clark Gable in Encino when a drunk hit a horse. The story is Gable punched out the drunk and grandpa Jack shot the horribly maimed horse. He, and my parents were from the generations that lived through the great depression. You didn't throw things away, waste food or ignore ( I think it's called 'discrespecting' in our ever changing english tongue) somebody physically shabby. They often as not were very well mannered and educated people down on their luck. Later I enlisted in the Coast Guard, to the tearing of hair and gnashing of teeth ( mine) by my grandmother. I come from a Navy family <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />. The survival schools and my adventures just polished and refined my mindset. I don't let it consume me though. Life is supposed to be fun. On a recent hike I horrified my companions by producing bread, sausage, brie cheese a nice Merlot and CD player with Ravel from my supposedly survival gear packed rucksack. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Hey, there's surviving, and then there's living.

At young age I picked up a book from my older brother's shelf. It was titled "The Survival Handbook". Read about cooking ants and since then got hooked on it (survival reading that is <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ). I find it an important part of my lifestyle to be able to help others and not live in ignorance or to be helpless. It also breeds independence.

Sometimes when I visit the forums here I panic. I discover how little I actually know.

If you love humanity in general, you will always try to help and share as much as you can.

If you love yourself, staying alive as comfortably as possible, and staying healthy, you prepare the best you can.

Bountyhunter

Susan:

You sound like "Micheal" played by Aston Kutcher on "The 70's Show". <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Bountyhunter

Most of the time the questions on this forum don't get so philosophical - What do you think of my new knife? But this time . . . you just had to ask, didn't you?
Why, indeed, do we want to be prepared or feel we need to be prepared? I mean, statistically speaking, what are the chances of the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it? I dare say, rather slim. But, nonetheless . . .
Well, I can't speak for anyone else, but why do I "do it"? Hmmm. The easy answer for me, it's just plain fun. Fun to tinker, fun to plan, fun to play, fun to collect, fun to experiment, fun to learn. First you learn about knives, then you learn about band aids. You see how it works?
My philosophical answer, however, requires more thought. I guess because there are certain things I REALLY like to do and, now this is just me, I find I can't enjoy them nearly as much unless there's fairly great certainty I will "succeed" in the experience. That's why I work out very hard before every ski season. I want to be prepared. Less chance of injury, much more fun. To tell you the truth, though, I don't know if I have an overwhelming desire to succeed or a greater fear of failure. I know that if I do everything right I will have a great time and live to tell about it. But I also know that if I am not prepared for a self-imposed week-long wilderness experience I may die. (Idaho can deal out some pretty nasty cards October through March.) I get a great deal of satisfaction of having (almost) complete say-so over my own destiny in these matters. Usually, I'm the only one there and, if I make it, no one else gets the credit but me. How many things can you do in your life for which YOU are the ONLY one who gets ALL the credit for your success? If I don't make it? Well, I got comfortable years ago with taking responsibility for my own actions and decisions. Is that selfish? Perhaps. But since 99% of my life is for others (and that's ok, too), I feel I'm going to be forgiven for the 1% for me.
On an even deeper level - my mother used to ask me why I don't like mayonnaise. Cuz I just don't. I am who I am and some things just have no other explanation. So, Cameron, why do you need to be prepared?

A few years ago, a Belgian chocolate manufacturer proposed chocolate bars, the chocolate including grilled ants.
I don't know if he got any success... even it seems grilled ants are full of good things ...

Bounty: Maybe. But I don't have TV, so I wouldn't know.

Sue

Frenchy:

I ate chocalate covered ants in high school over 40 years ago.

Nothing special and very little crunch compared to nuts.

Bountyhunter

----------Because not doing it is stupider than doing it.----------

Tell that to a friend who has seen "The 70's Show" and ask them what "Micheal" meant.

Bountyhunter

In one word? GEAR !!

<img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I'm here to learn and to share. Mostly, I'm a coward with a sense of adventure... a difficult combination. I take time off to go to remote outdoor places and have often enough been on that adrenaline line between "concerned" and "scared". Survival and first aid skills, and a competent kit (some of which I have learned here), have increased my comfort level.

To me it's just a matter of knowing that in a disaster/emergency, I can fend for myself at least for a period of time until rescue. Having been in the EMS field, I learned quickly that in a disaster, many people just can't function and give up and wait for someone else to help them. I look at it this way, in those situations you are either part of the solution or part of the problem, each of us, by maintaning emergency stuff at home, cars, and on us, relieve emergency personel from having to "deal" with us, so that they can go on to people more in need.

I have read a little about myself in nearly every posted reply to this question... <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

There are enough things in this world in which we have no control. Why not take a little measure for those which we do?

I control HOW prepared I am to meet those situations that befall me.

....*boing boing bling boing* (incense burning....trying to catch that elusive fly with chopsticks)

<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Harley

You know I took some time to try and figure this one out for myself, YMMV. Here are the answers I came up with:


--What makes us seek out the best of the best in gear?

When I make a purchase, whether it is a knife, a television, a car or whatever, I will:
* Research the purchase to discover the range of products out there
* Figure out what I need versus what I want
* Weigh what I can afford versus what I can?t afford to be without
* Make the purchase based on that criteria

I do this because I don?t like to ?shop? and I especially don?t like to ?buy? something more than once. I try to buy things that are of good quality that will last and remain useful for a long time. I find myself saying things like, ?if I take care of it, it?ll last me the rest of my life? a lot.


-- Why do we ?carry??

This one is a little tougher. We all have our reasons. The qualifiers, ?to what degree? and ?with how much zeal? can easily separate the extremes of, ?why we carry.? Some people like the gadgets. Some prepare for the sake of being prepared. Some prepare because they know that things can go wrong. Some prepare for emergencies or disasters and some prepare for TEOTWAWKI. My general rule of thumb is - I?d rather have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. But I keep my gear secreted away and don?t talk about it much since some people have raised an eyebrow for me producing a Band Aid or using my SwissTool in public. Though I can usually quiet the inquisitive by telling them, ?I use the stuff for camping.?


--Why do we want to be prepared for the probably unlikely?

This is another one of those ?to what degree? and ?with how much zeal? questions. Am I prepared for car trouble ? sure. Am I prepared for home defense ? you bet. Am I prepared for power outages or natural disasters ? absolutely. Am I prepared for nuclear war ? hmmm, probably not.

I think that being aware, we prepare for what we think could genuinely happen to us and for that which we can actually prepare. I know lots of people who ?prepare? by carrying a cell phone. ?And that?s great because for the most part, if you have someone to call for help, you?ll be okay. But wonder if the battery dies or what if you can?t get a signal or suppose you drop it and it breaks. Or imagine you can?t wait for someone to get there. To some, these are ?unlikely? scenarios - to others, they are very real. Now compare those statements to this one: ?Wouldn?t it be great to take an elevator to a secret underground NORAD-like facility if the SHTF.? --Well, sure I guess so.

The important thing to note here is that we as individuals decide for ourselves where the varying line is between prepared and paranoid.


--What makes us different?

I don?t think that ?we? are that much different than ?them.? I think the biggest difference is that ?we? realize (to whatever degree) that ?it? could happen to us and we want to be as ready as we can be. Whereas ?they? assume that ?it? could never happen to them. -- And we all know what happens when you assume.

For some it is a pastime, for others it may be ?inborn.? For most it?s something we like or enjoy and do because we feel better off doing it as opposed to not.

Normally I would end with ?just my 2 cents? or something like that, but this one is probably closer to a dollar. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />


My thoughts, FWIW.
Hutch4545

<< brie cheese, a nice Merlot >>

Brie.... with a Merlot???

Now you see, THAT is why this site is so necessary. If Chris had but posted his planned rucksack contents prior to his hike, he would have learned that brie is best served with a good bordeaux - or at least a stable burgundy. But a merlot? Perish the thought. I hope there was no permanent damage, Chris. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Yes I know. But the Merlot was only $3 a bottle when I bought 2 cases and the top wine retailer in Lost Angeles has it for a modest $45 a bottle. I have to pace my very modest wine collection. AND I got to flourish my Sommalier's combination tool on it's chain in front of our grim faced, anti knife See air ee club leader gulping down his lime gaterade and a veggie burger. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

<< anti knife See air ee club leader gulping down his lime gaterade and a veggie burge >>

That's when you whip out your M-9 bayonet, use it to spread some goose liver pate on melba toast, and tell the story about the time you used it (the bayonet, not the pate) to cut down the largest tree in the forest. Me, I'd throw in some "Knights Who Say Ni!" stuff just to make it interesting. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I'm such a stinker. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

if by "goose liver pate" you mean "Foie gras d'oie", then please don't "spread" it on your toast !! <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />
Except if it's some inferior quality "bloc de foie gras" or "mousse de foie gras". Then O.K. : spread ahead....
If it's a good true "foie gras", you delicately cut a piece of the slice you have been served, and, always delicately, put it down on your toast (on which you will have spread a bit of wine "confit", if you like mixing salt & sugar)
As for wine, it's up to you and your preferences... mellow or dry, white or red ... choose the wine you like, as far it is not too strong and risks masking the flavor of your "foie gras".

<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Alain:

1. My point exactly. Only a right heathen would spread pate.... and it is all the more heathenly when done with a big, Rambo-like bayonet. And speaking as a right heathen myself...... <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

2. Lordy, can I drive a thread off topic, or what?? <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

All the best from Louisiana, mon ami!

.....CLIFF

How about that for being off topic :

Concerning Louisiana, I want to start a political party, to ask France to buy it back.
I think Napoleon (IIRC he is the one who sold Louisiana) made a mistake then.

<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Yep, 'Ol Nappe was the one who pimped his major North American holding (the Louisiana Terratory) to cover his military ambitions.

And as for buying it back, we've grown rather attached to most of it. But, where the actual State of Louisiana is concerned, send me $1,236.14 (certified check only, please), and it's yours. I do, however..... get to keep the mineral rights. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Well now that that's settled, any Russians out there interested in buying back Alaska? I'm in a dealin' mood!! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Glad to see I?m not the only one with a twisted since of humor! One of my fondest memories is the incredulous looks my brother and I got from our fellow hikers when on a day hike we pulled out of our fanny pack a full meal and stove to cook it on. Somehow I guess their granola bars and yellow water did not look as good with the smell of fresh steamed vegetables, quick bread cooking and what ever other mouth watering smells were coming from our cook pots. Thought we were going to have to hold them off with the old walking stick for a minute. Almost as much fun as cooking frozen pizza over the fire 10-12 miles in while the others are deciding between gorp and Moose Goo. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Are the rights to Tabasco included in the mineral rights? Cause if Alain buys it, Tabasco would be sold in a fancy bottle with a cork in it.

I swear!, if one more of you picks up their coffee cup with their pinkie sticking up in the air I'm going to barf (Don't you dare give me protocol for barfing.). <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

Cliff:

You better be careful about offering to sell Alaska.

If it cuts into the sales of .44 Remington magnum ammunition, Remington might look to put someones butt up their flagpole. <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Honestly I like toys. I like equipment and having confidence that I can go an extra mile because of the quality of the stuff I'm using. Everything I own I had to test out and is part of my everyday carry. I'm sick if something is sitting in my drawer collecting dust and most of the time it ends up on ebay because redundancy is not part of my preparedness unless it is necessary. Now I use my stuff either on the street working or during everyday chores. I was lucky during WTC and no equipment I carry would have saved me short of BASE parachute. But my luck maybe not present during another disaster. I rather have basics covered and by that decrease the number of uncontrollable factors.

I’m prepared for most of the things that come my way better than average person. It doesn’t mean that I’m superior to them in any way but I just took time to go over some stuff before heading out (kinda like doing life homework). I do not carry a fishing kit in the city, neither rations of food or shelter since that stuff is saved for my outdoors trip. I will share with others, lead if necessary and not shove my equipment in their face trying to show them that they are wrong.

Also I opt for the best when $20 Buck folded on me and almost took of my finger. When dropped Maglight didn’t want to work anymore and I was 5 miles night hike away from the camp. I want the best that I can afford. Yes I draw a line somewhere but what is fun of making money without ability to spend it? I want my Surfire, Inovas, Sebenzas and Microtechs… I want the best steel with the best light… I want reliability and convenience and if I have to pay for it I will. I’ve already described my experiences during blackout but to repeat my self.: being prepared increases your chances of going back home. And home may not mean much but try spending 100 hrs a week on the street far away from your bed, try being out a lot and you start value your home. Like good old Hank said... House is just a home without love. And all this equipment and stuff I learned here thanks to the guys increases my chances of going back home after hard 16 hour double.

Do you mean there really is something worth under bayou's swamps ???!!?? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
I thought the only valuables were above water level, and I mean cajun cooking & zarico music... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

My reasons for coming here and being "Equipped to Survive:"

1) I love to learn and this forum is a great place for information. Learning these new skills has reawakened my wonder in nature and the world around me.

2) I want to be able to help myself and my loved ones if disaster (or just plain inconvenience) strikes.

3) Being prepared feels really good. So of course, I keep coming back here to pick up something new.

Scout,

Wow! Thanks for asking. I wasn’t expecting it.

First I must state that I am likely answering this first because you asked and second because I am a native Idahoian. Born in Moscow lived in Potlatch and Lewiston. N. Idaho essentially. (seriously we are probably related….You know Idaho?!?)

Really I can bottom line it for you. I live in Chicago and work in the financial world. The only thing that puts me to sleep at night is the fact that I know ….baring another 9-11. I can walk out of my apartment in 90 seconds flat and make my way back to the farm in Idaho without any help.

I am sure I don’t need to go into detail about the benefits of the farm in Idaho with you.

I sleep well knowing I can always make it “home”.

Cameron

I am sure we can all agree that we learned more from our grandparents than any other people on earth. HAIL GRANDMA!!!!

I can actually cook because of her.

Cameron

Hey come to chicago if you have time and i will take you to Chez Paul. We will try your pinkey holding abiltys.

Cameron

How ridiculous !!!
bounty, you have such strange ideas .... <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

let's start your education again, from the beginning ..... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />