I've really enjoyed reading all the information in this forum, but thinking about the whole "stay calm" and "will to survive" philosophy, I wondered if anyone packs any kind of entertainment in with survival gear (where space and weight aren't an issue). A small paperback book seems perfect (for reading or tinder). I know this comes after water, food, shelter, fire, and medical care, etc., but it might be good when help is a long way off (or just to keep your mind occupied).

Heck, the survival pack is the entertainment!

Unless I am immobilized, in which case any activity could be a challenge, I will look to keeping myself busy enough that my focus is on doing something rather than the situation I am in.

I don't think entertainment in a kit is off topic at all. We prepare a kit to give us every advantage possible in a survival situation. That's why Doug suggests photos of family and friends. It lends to the psychological aspect of survival...just like entertainment does. Though it defies logic, sometimes the psychological edge that you keep in a survival situation could be the one thing that makes the difference between life and death. The show "I shouldn't be alive" is an example of the psychological edge making a difference.

Learn some Solitaire games, which I personally don't care for <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
But, a mini deck of cards, not much bigger than a small box of matches will take up very little room in a variety of different sized kits.

I would be more inclined to pack a book myself.

I think Monopoly is out of the question though... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I keep a deck of cards and a paperback book in my BOB. My lady has a small magnetic chess and checkers set and a paperback book in her car kit. True, you might be busy surviving, or you might just be sitting around waiting for the all clear so that you can return home. I find this especially true for "small" emergencies, like a gas leak or police action that causes an evacuation of a neighborhood. Grab your BOB, bug-out to a coffee shop outside the danger zone, and relax.

Good thinking!

( I'm going to add moe mini decks and books to kits now...)

Teacher ro

Mini playing cards at EMS
http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_detai...D=1138811045405

Hmm, that reminds me of when we did a bunker call during mortar attacks, if it wasn't a true "run for your life" kinda event (which many were unfortunately), I would have the sense to grab the Nintendo DS pack on the way out the door. It hung on a nail by the shoulder strap right by the doorway, right next to the body armor and the BOB. I'd say about 1 in three events I took the DS to the bunker with me. The battery pack in that thing lasted a good 40 hours between charges. It is too bulky, though, for packing along into the wilderness. Besides, it kinda defeats the point of being out there.

I agree that it's not off-topic at all. If you have kids, you know that entertainment is priceless. In a PSK, I would think a family photo (maybe on waterproof paper?), mini-religious books/artifacts, and some mental puzzles/riddles would be good. In a BOB, a paperback, magnetic travel-sized games (not near the compass!), small puzzles, and anything else you and the kids might like that takes up little space or weight. I recommend against battery operated items. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I was dropped off with my .375 H&H to secure a crash site until more resources ( read bigger aircraft) could arrive to remove the victims. I always had a book in my parka. In this case it was Beowulf. I was so engrossed I never heard the helicopter arrive until it was landing. Old Grendle could have walked up and do me in. Later at my Lifeboat station I went to see JAWS on a friday afternoon. I returned to base in time for a capsizing and got underway as a rescue swimmer. I'm holding onto a kid, treading water until the boat or helo came back around.The salmon were running, and every now and then I'd feel a sharp bump on my feet <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Point 1- stay aware. Point 2- choose your entertainment carefully <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

Keeping your cool in a stressful situation is the absolute Number One issue, more important than anything else.

A paperback and chocolate... Defense Against the Dark... even when the sun is shining.

Sue