... and if there is a place for a buttler/sommelier..... I will apply for the job.... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Better add some TP to that list, LOTS of TP.

Thanks... sounds like a worthwhile project. From what you describe, I'd immagine that's got to give you another 20-25 degrees on the low end of the comfort range. I also liked the idea of errecting a lean-to around the Hennessy. It's basic, but I never thought past the three minute set-up. Thanks again.

Troy

Recall my past posts suggsting a sunday paper under the seat for insulation, fuel and even splint and bandage material. Sometimes what I read does inspire your potential field expediant use <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I wouldn't bug out without a reason, and the reason would inform my priorities. For example, England is a wet country so I'd normally expect to be able to find water unless there was a reason to think I couldn't. My "normal day wear" includes a lot of basic survival stuff, so I'd mostly be wanting extra gear that was too heavy or bulky for every day carry.

1 Tent. Shelter is my highest priority. We are getting subzero temperatures now. I have a small but expensive tent that weighs under 6lb.
2. Tin mug. I can improvise fire with my EDC, but I need something to cook in.
3. Sleeping bag.
4. Cooking kit. I have several; for this I'd take the one in the trianga mess tin, ideally stocked appropriately.
5. Bottled water. Several half-litre ones by choice, but a single 2l bottle if needed for it to count as a single item.
6. Food. Probably noodles, and some packaged fish-salad things I like.
7. Thermarest.
8. "Baily's" survival kit. I have a kit in the presentation tin from a miniture liquor bottle - a bit too big for everyday carry. It contains a mini-RSK knife and other goodies.
9. Garmin GPSMap 60.
10. Surefire U2 torch.

Those are all things I have handy in the house. The GPS might be higher priority if I knew where I was going to and was likely to be moving out of my local area.

> Frankly, I am with the "I'd rather have it and hope to God I never need it as opposed to needing it
> and not having it" crowd.

Yes, but that applies to just about everything, It doesn't explain why weaponry is such a high priority. I guess some people fear each other more than they fear the elements.

With a firearm (and ammunition) you have the ability to procure food, skins, and bone, start a fire, protect yourself against both man and beast, and if necessary take something from another man or beast. If you have optics on that firearm you have a monocular and a firestarting lens taken care of. A metal magazine could be turned into a blade, some magazine springs could be used like bailing wire, a sling could be turned into cord/rope, ect.

All in all, a firearm is a multi-use tool that if you need it and don't have there is really nothing you could make that would replace it. Even the basics of a knife and fire are easier to create in the wild then something as effective as a firearm. Also, If the survival situation in question, that requires bugging out, is something that effects a lot of people it is best to have some sort of protection as those that are less prepared often turn on those who are.

In the end whatever these lists generate inspires people to assemble their own kits. If a firearm proves needed or becomes dead wieght is to be seen and experienced by the bearer. You may find yourself in the humorous ( though semi fictional) situation of Farley Mowat in Never Cry Wolf with multiple Hudson Bay axes in the tundra and no TP. Being prepared for a specific survival scenario is like outfitting our own military. We are always preparing for the last war and usually fall short with the reallities of the next.Sometimes I want a firearm. Usually I need a wiggy bag for me and Teddy to curl up in.

That's the list of what I take to Burning Man. :->

I live in earthquake country. I'll likely need it to get myself or someone else out. It's also a master key for some supplies that are, uh, locked up. :->