Tempered car windows can be quite tough. I've seen guys wail on them with steel ASP batons (which is essentially a collapsible steel pipe with a weighted tip) and have it take multiple strikes to shatter.

A small center punch (or actual spring loader glass breaker) works great though. For their weight, size, and price (or really, lack thereof) there is no reason not to have them handy. it's like the automobile equivalent to carrying a whistle outdoors.

Speaking of which, Benchmade's Houdini is an excellent version. You get a spring loaded glass breaker, a seatbelt cutter, whistle, and a flashlight all in one little keyring tool for $20 or less.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/30100

I remember reports of punks/druggies carrying around an old knob-and-tube ceramic insulator to tap and shatter car windows. The goal of course is theft to support their habits/addictions. Does this still apply or has auto glass moved on? Should I toss one in my glove box?

-Doug, who has noticed abandoned knob-and-tube insulators in his garage and barn

try a spring loaded center punch from the ChiCom tool store near you... usually around $4, buy a couple and use them at the corner of the window for your test... let us know

I'd recommend adding Cody Lundin's "When All Hell Breaks Loose" to your bedside reading list. He isn't all about having the latest and greatest gear and gadgets, but rather being practical, resourceful and proactive. He is deadly serious about preparation, and this book focuses on urban survival and average people and families.

His presentation style took me a little while to get used to, but now I find him almost easier to read than other authors. (i also appreciate his "don't do anything stupid" approach.) I've added his first book "98* The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive" to my reading list.

i met a grizzled Scout leader this weekend that wears a hard hat everytime he goes off-roading. he says it's too versatile to leave at home - protection from sun, protection from BANGs (said he started using it after banging his head on his portaging trip), collecting water, gathering edibles, campfire chair...

Old-school oil riggers used to wear metal hard hats with a full wrap-around brim. I think they were made of aluminum. Potentially a highly useful item and maid-of-all-work.

Looks like some companies are aiming for a comeback of the metal hard hat. No affiliation. http://www.tasco-safety.com/hhats/aluminum-metal-hard-hats.html

I used to wear an aluminum hard hat but they were replaced by nonconductive plastics because of electrical considerations. In an urban environment that would be an important consideration.

I am a strong believer in protecting the head, having treated way too many cases of cranial trauma, a fair percentage of which were instantly fatal, and several where head protection saved a life.

There are now various models of climbing and kayaking helmets that are protective and comfortable.

Yeah, but show me one that keeps your thoughts private AND boils water!

To me the best preparedness book I've ever read. I've given about a dozen of these away as gifts and every person thanks me later.

It's accessible, direct, entertaining, and still has a lot of good information in it. It's the only preparedness book I've ever been able to get my wife to read.