Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 29 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round will include:

First Prize: A.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost between $500 and $600, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A 500 round case of Fiocchi 9mm Parabellum (Luger ) with 124gr. Hornady XTP/HP projectiles, courtesy of Sunflower Ammo (a $249 value), and E.) An M17 medical kit from JRH Enterprises (a $179.95 value).

Second Prize: A.) A “grab bag” of preparedness gear and books from Jim’s Amazing Secret Bunker of Redundant Redundancy (JASBORR) with a retail value of at least $400, and B.) two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Third Prize: A.) A copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, from Arbogast Publishing, and B.) a Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (This filter system is a $275 value.)

Round 29 ends on July 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that articles that relate practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

A Perennial Food Supply, by L.H.

The end of the world may happen tomorrow or who knows when.  Hard times are happening now and may get even harder.  A food storage system and MREs act as a life jacket when times get tough.  But you need to have a plan for when things get even tougher or if your finances or food supplies run out.  Once established, perennials can be a simple, minimal labor answer to a permanent and reliable food source and first aid kit. 

Perennials have the advantage of being planted once and then being around to enjoy for many years without the limitations of weather impacting planting or the yearly time commitment.  They can be planted at a survival retreat and be allowed to fend for themselves or in an urban yard as a part of your landscaping.  One interesting advantage is that as more perennials are planted, less time and resources are needed to mow the lawn.    

After the initial cost in time or money, perennials will more than pay for themselves.  Annuals require yearly dependency on a supplier while perennials offer independence. Other than a few trees, perennials are less likely to be a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO). Perennials also show their value when it comes to trade.  It seems that everyone grows beans or tomatoes, but asparagus or raspberries, now that’s a treat.  See how much more value you can get when you’re trading with a bowl of asparagus or raspberries than a bowl of green beans.

Plan.  Do some investigating before you start to buy your plants.  You need to determine the amount of space you have as well as know your planting zone.  Choose local, heritage varieties over hybrids.  If you buy from an internet or catalogue nursery, be sure that you are buying from a nursery that raises the plants in your zone.  Northern folk need to be concerned about winter hardiness and southerners need to think about summer heat.  Just because a plant, in theory can survive a Montana winter, doesn’t mean that it will if its parent stock has never seen freezing weather for many generations.  There are lots of nurseries and seed companies located in the temperate areas along the coasts.  These are great areas for raising seed, but you want to make sure that your plants can withstand your local climate conditions.  We have been pleased with St. Lawrence Nursery in Potsdam, New York.  It is a nursery that grows trees and shrubs in a zone 3 location. 

The book Perennial Vegetables by Eric Toensmeier offers a great deal of information as you start your search.  Permaculture is a growing movement that uses perennials in landscaping.  Local groups are starting and can be good resources for local information.  More information about Permaculture is available at Permaculture.org.   Another resource that has an interesting selection of plants is EdibleLandscaping.com.

You don’t have to restrict your search to nurseries.  In the spring, gardening clubs often have annual plant sales.  Keep an eye out for the end of the spring rush when the stores start to put their plants on sale.  Just asking a gardening friend to share when they thin out their plants is the least expensive way to find good plants.

Some plants may be perennials in warmer climes, but are only annuals in the north.  Although it requires more work, this can be overcome by over-wintering plants in containers indoors.  We live in a zone 4 area.  If transportation shuts down, we would truly miss coffee and bananas so we are considering having a few plants.  Of course these could live outside all summer, but would have to come indoors by fall.  Chicory could be grown as a possible coffee substitute or for its greens.  In general, seeds take longer than plants to get established, but are considerably less expensive.

Trees.  Start with trees.  They will take the longest to get established, but they will also provide the largest amount of food as well as shelter from sun and wind.  Think of the fruit trees that will flourish in your climate.  Fruit gets expensive to buy and if anything disrupts shipping, there won’t be any available to purchase. Apples are happier in the northern regions and citrus trees need the southern warmth.  Since trees provide so much food, consider what you will do when faced with a sudden rush of bounty.  Many fruits dry very easily.  Just peel, slice and put in a food dryer.  Other preserving options include canning, fermenting and juicing.  Don’t limit your tree selection to fruits.  Nut trees provide protein and fats and nuts are easy to store.  Although labor intensive to produce,   syrup from maple or birch trees is a wonderful substitute for sugar.

Shrubs.  Shrubs or bushes have the added advantage of providing a privacy screen or low wind break as well as providing food.  Berry bushes are an excellent starting point.  They are easy to care for, nutritious and tasty.  Every home should have an elder bush to make elderberry syrup to fight winter colds and flues.  Hawthorn bushes provide an effective treatment for heart issues.  Since hawthorns have impressive thorns they were traditionally used as fences in hedgerows to keep out unwelcome visitors.  Rugosa roses are beautiful, winter hardy, and [their hips] are an excellent source of Vitamin C.

Vines.  The first vine that comes to mind is grapes.  But don’t limit yourself to just the fruit.  Grape leaves are used as a wrap in a number of dishes such as the Greek dolma.  Adding a grape leaf to a jar of homemade pickles will keep them crisp.  Kiwis and groundnuts, also known as the potato bean are two more examples of hardy perennial vines.  Chayote or vegetable pear is a pear shaped squash that is very popular in Central America.

Vegetables and Herbs.  Most people think there are only two perennial vegetables, rhubarb and asparagus.  But there are more. Artichoke is a perennial in warmer climates.  Jerusalem artichoke, also called sunchoke, looks like a sunflower but produces a tuber.  Sea kale of the cabbage family grows in climate zones 6-9.  Green leafy plants that add variety to salads include sorrel, New Zealand spinach and lambs quarters.  I like to include lettuce in with my greens since it so easily self seeds itself.  Lovage is an old plant that can be used in place of celery.  The buds, stalks and roots of the cardoon or artichoke thistle can all be eaten, although it is grown only in warmer areas.  The vegetable source of rennet, which is used to make cheese, is the stem of the cardoon. 

Herbs are more likely to be perennials in the southern states, but even the northern states have chives.  The mint family seems to survive almost anything.  In northern areas herbs are easy to dig up in the fall and winter inside in a container.  This saves the cost of buying seeds or new plants yearly. Walking onions will continue to grow and reproduce while providing for your family. Yarrow should be in every first aid kit to care for bleeding and bruises.  Aloe is another essential plant to have on hand for burns.    

Animals.  Perennials not only provide food for your family, they can also provide for your animals.  Pigs were traditionally fattened on acorns.  We have been hearing interesting things about the Siberian pea shrub and started growing our first batch this year.  This is a perennial shrub that is a legume.  It produces a podded “pea” that is 36% protein and can be used for flour, sprouting and animal feed.  Of course many animals will enjoy the leftovers of all of your fruits and vegetables.  Comfrey, which is very prolific, can be grown as a food supplement for some of your animals.  I also consider it to be essential to have in my first aid kit. 

Wildcrafting.  There are many wild growing perennials and self seeding plants.  Of course, rural homes have a larger area and variety available to them.  Nettles aren’t just weeds, but are a great spring tonic.  Urban homes still have a nice selection of plants available to use as long as no chemicals are used on the lawn.  No home should be without plantain, either fresh or as a salve or tincture.  It is an incredibly useful first aid tool for the skin and things that bite, itch or sting.  Dandelions used to be so valued for food and medicine that people used to save the seeds and bring them when they were pioneering a new area.  Mushrooms are another treat which can be wild crafted or seeded or inoculated in a given area.  Morels are easily identified, but hard to find.  In general it is best to learn how to find mushrooms under the direct guidance of a very experienced person.

Don’t limit yourself to a few traditional fruit trees.  Staghorn sumac, lingonberries, buffalo berries, nanny berries are all unique and wonderful sources of food that require little work on your part that allow you time to deal with other essentials.  Start to explore all of the perennial food options that will grow in your local area, your neighbors will think that you are landscaping, but you will know that you are adding a long term food supply.

Two Letters Re: Transitioning to Seven Day Bug-Out Bags

Firefighter Charles’s statement about FEMA‘s response times shows a lack of understanding of how the process works. In the event of another Hurricane Katrina type natural disaster, the following things have to happen, in the following order:

1. Disaster strikes
2. Local officials setup an incident command
3. Local Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) are activated. The local emergency operations plan (EOP) is put into action.
4. Mutual aid agreements are activated. If the disaster goes beyond this, then…
5. State EOCs are activated. State EOPs are put into action.
6. The state activates it’s mutual aid agreements.
7. If the situation is not contained, the Governor declares a State Emergency. He can then…..
8. Appeal to the President to declare the event a federal disaster – whether it is a Stafford Act event or not.
9. FEMA is then activated and ordered to head the rescue/relief efforts. The FBI is the lead investigative agency for any criminal acts, while the BATFE is the lead law enforcement agency for anything law enforcement related such as security, etc.

The National Incident Management System (NIMS) always puts the onus for response on local governments. FEMA is a last resort and responses to disasters must always be handled at the local level if at all possible.

Therefore FEMA’s “response time” is irrelevant. FEMA will most likely be kept abreast of any situation through the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC), but cannot act unless the locals, Governor, and President have done their parts. FEMA does not just swoop in and take control as this is totally against NIMS and the National Response Framework (NRF).

All of this certainly doesn’t change the author’s 72 hour assertion. I dislike FEMA as much as anyone else, but FEMA shouldn’t take the blame for bureaucratic foot dragging that’s quite out of it’s control. – Adam in California

 

Jim:
I’ve noticed many SurvivalBlog articles, including Firefighter Charles’, advocate the use of the Vehicle Bug Out Bag/Bin or Bail Out Bag. At this point, I wouldn’t store even just a plastic spoon in my car. It is so easy for thieves to break into a regular car. In the present day car break-ins are opportunistic in nature. In a society break-down situation, people who are desperate might not stop at anything to fill their needs.

In the past seven years, my Suburban has been burglarized five times. The first time was when we were moving to this city and had just pulled into a hotel. We went to check out the room and in less than 10 minutes had lost coins and a gun that we felt were “hidden.” Others parked beside us lost electronics. At least our window wasn’t broken. Then we had a couple of break-ins while at work in full daylight with crowds present. Nothing taken as nothing was available. Last, two break-ins in our driveway, probably kids. However, the last thing stolen was the car’s Owner Manual, for goodness sake!

Now we have a loud car alarm which is always left set when parked. My city is one of the largest in the country and we don’t leave any kind of box or crate or bag in a car, even in cars with tinted windows.

One idea: Buy those flat under-the-bed plastic sweater containers. Take out the carpet in the back, place a couple of loaded containers, cover with thin plywood, replace the carpet. This might deter casual thieves pressing their noses against the glass. Clearly, someone who is determined will find anything hidden in a car or a house. – Elizabeth S.

JWR Replies: It is time for you to move to a lightly-populated, low crime area! All those break-ins should have been hints.

Letter Re: Feral Dogs and Coyotes in a Schumeresque World

Dear Jim,
Feral dogs and coyotes aren’t a problem over here [in England], but urban foxes certainly are. Here is a recent news headline: Baby twins savaged by fox treated for ‘life-changing injuries’ in separate hospitals

All the fox-loving ‘experts’ say that this is an isolated incident, but the reader comments suggest otherwise. I’m not sure how these guys get to be called experts, one on the radio insisted that foxes don’t kill chickens for fun, either. I’ve never had it happen to my chickens (I’m more wily than the local foxes) but I’ve seen the result of a fox getting in with chickens and it isn’t pretty. (My biggest problem is badgers, which are a protected species, and the tales of trying to get the badgers moved would fill a book.)

Blessings, – Luddite Jean.

Economics and Investing:

Brett G. sent us this troubling article: Treasury Report: US Debt to Skyrocket to $19.6 Trillion by 2015. Hmmmm… Lets’s do the math: The current “official debt” is around $12 Trillion, which is around 93% of our GDP. And $19.6 Trillion would be a 63% larger debt. If the economy doesn’t grow, then that means that by 2015 the debt will be…uh-oh. And as a data point, Greece is presently in a full-blown crisis that is about to crater the Euro, because their debt got to 130% of GDP.)

Kevin S. sent this: Sovereign Credit-Default Swaps Surge on Hungarian Debt Crisis

Also from Kevin: Banking System Collapse: Wake Up America Your Banks Are Dying

Dave C. suggested this analysis of the current economic situation, comparing it to the Great Depression of the 1930s: Haven’t We Been to This Show Before?

Items from The Economatrix:

Germany Signals End of Love Affair With Europe

If 1 + 1 Still Equals 2 Then Gold Will Explode

Gold $2,500 Still Looks More Likely Than Ever

No Escape (The Mogambo Guru)

More lies from Helicopter Ben: Bernanke: Recovery on Track Despite Despite Headwinds

Wholesale Inventories and Sales Both Up in April

More Employees Jump Ship as Economy Improves

Odds ‘n Sods:

Reader D.T. pointed us to a Coast to Coast AM where William Forstchen discusses EMP Threats. (He is the author of the novel One Second After.)

   o o o

NASA reports: The Sun Has Reawakened. (Robert R. was the first of several readers to send me this link.)

   o o o

I heard that Noah’s Castle, a hyperinflation novel by John Rowe Townsend, just went back into print. It was written for the “young adult” market. The good editors at October Mist books in Seattle noticed that this British book from the 1970s was out of print. So they took the initiative of contacting the author to secure the rights to a new edition. In my opinion the book has some merit, but be advised that it portrays some bad teenage attitudes, and the premise of the novel is depressing and in the end, anti-prepper. (The only serious prepper in the story is described in unflattering terms that make him look mentally imbalanced.)

   o o o

Jeff B. sent me a link to an great new on-line computational engine research tool that is still in its infancy: Wolfram Alpha. You might find it useful, especially as it grows.

   o o o

Kudos to Tamara (editrix of the very entertaining View From The Porch blog). I just read that she’s been tapped to write the back page column, “Ballistic Basics”, for Concealed Carry magazine. (A hard copy magazine.)

Jim’s Quote of the Day:

“The reason mankind has to hope that the world, its leaders, its newspapers, its so-called human rights organizations and the United Nations are right about Israel is quite simple: If Israel is the decent party in its war with the Palestinian Authority and Hamas — and nearly all the world’s countries, nearly all the world’s media and the United Nations are morally wrong — what hope is there for humanity? If the world’s moral compass is that broken, are we not sailing into a dark age?” – Dennis Prager, June, 2010

Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 29 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round will include:

First Prize: A.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost between $500 and $600, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A 500 round case of Fiocchi 9mm Parabellum (Luger ) with 124gr. Hornady XTP/HP projectiles, courtesy of Sunflower Ammo (a $249 value), and E.) An M17 medical kit from JRH Enterprises (a $179.95 value).

Second Prize: A.) A “grab bag” of preparedness gear and books from Jim’s Amazing Secret Bunker of Redundant Redundancy (JASBORR) with a retail value of at least $400, and B.) two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Third Prize: A.) A copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, from Arbogast Publishing, and B.) a Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (This filter system is a $275 value.)

Round 29 ends on July 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that articles that relate practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.

Transitioning to a Seven Day Bug Out Bag, by Firefighter Charles

I was standing in the living room, watching CNN and saw the devastation of Haiti when it struck me how important a bug out bag was..  I listened to how help is coming and arrived almost immediately.  Logistical issues hampered “helps” immediate aiding of the people in Haiti.  Chile got hit  by a massive earthquake as well.  With Chile’s government not wanting any support at first, watched how Chile succumb to riots and looting in just three days after the quake.  Haiti broke down as well after five days of no food, water, or shelter.  Many people in Chile had to sleep in the streets due the unsafe conditions in their homes, uncertain if the structures of their homes were sound.  Many of the Chileans who stayed by their homes, slept outside in makeshift tents that were made out of blankets, sheets and plastic tarps.

In Haiti, hundreds of people made shelters out of wood, clothes, and cardboard boxes.  Needless to say both countries were unprepared.  At least the people in Haiti have an excuse.  Most of the people are poor and or uneducated.  The people in Chile have no excuse.  They live in earthquake country and [since they are more prosperous and better educated] they should have been better prepared.  In the case of Louisiana, people had time to get prepared and chose not to.  I guess most people in Louisiana figured it wasn’t going to get that bad or decided at the last minute to take whatever they needed.  Either way, “help” did not come for them for four long days, in some cases longer.  Many people died from dehydration along with other things such as drowning, infection, and medical complications.

Three Day Kits are Obsolete:

It hit me that the 72-hour Emergency Kit, 72-hour Bug Out Bag, or Bail Out Bag or whatever you call it is obsolete.  I am now convinced that the 5 or 7 day Bug Out Bag is the way to go.  Hurricane Katrina was a huge lesson to the American preparedness community.  We watched while a lot people struggled, died, and became victims.  Our financial situation here in the U.S. is crumbling.  Programs are being cut, resources running low, and politicians don’t ever think a disaster can happen to us or they might not care.  Either way help will be a long way off from three days.

Even if your Bug Out Location is only two days away by car.  Running into unforeseen problems could extend that trip (will discuss later).  For those who have flee on foot, vehicles, and boats having a 5 to 7 day bag might have extended some of these individuals’ lifespan.  Having more is a lot better than having less especially in a disaster situation.  Like many people say: “It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.”

The Scenario:

Now FEMA’s response times as we all know is pitiful.  FEMA’s response time also varies from situation to situation. But for our purposes, let’s give FEMA the benefit of doubt.  The scenario i san unlikely yet devastating a 7.5 earthquake in New York City (Manhattan).  I’ll play with the numbers in their favor.  It might take them 8 to 12 hours to figure out logistics and if the area is safe.  It may take them another 10 to 12 hours to mobilize and get to the disaster area.  Then once there, they set up outside of the disaster area, which might take another 8 to 12 hours.  Also having engineers come in to analyze the tunnels and bridges, will further delay the rescue.

Depending on the bridge or tunnel they decide analyze, that only can take up to another 12 hours.  That would be an estimated FEMA’s response time.  You now exhausted your 72-hour bag.  Keep in mind that each disaster warrants a different approach.  Also understanding that getting to the disaster zone would take time because of the possibility of compromised bridges and tunnels, hence the engineers.  The total estimated time would be 62 to 84 hours.  Not including the process time to get into a FEMA camp.  A 5 or 7-Day Bug Out Bag is starting to look real good at this point.

One on One Assistance

Now once FEMA has established itself in, near, and or around the disaster area.  It could take another 12-24 hours to receive one-on-one assistance.  Considering that thousands to Hundreds of thousands will also be on line waiting for “help”.  Now, picture yourself being on line for your favorite band and waiting 10-24 hours to get their tickets.  Now translate that to a disaster relief line.  You exhausted your 72-hour bag and now have to wait in a line for hours maybe even days to be sheltered and fed.  You will be beyond hungry, thirsty and tired.  Knowing that you are so close yet have to wait for hours more, will really agitate you.  Note: That waiting for FEMA support on a line of hundreds of thousands will bring out the good, the bad, and the worst.

Using an earthquake scenario in New York City is one of the ultimate crises for usage of a 5 or 7-Day Bug Out Bag.  You will be using your tube tent, emergency blanket, emergency sleeping bag and or tarp for shelter and warmth.  Collapsed or compromised building will have you setting up a temporary home in Central Park, Van Cortland Park, Prospect Park, Yankee Stadium (Being the only sports arena in the five boroughs) or a safe clearing near the home.  Compromised water lines, the aqueduct, and sewer lines will have you depended on your hydro bladder and emergency water packets in your bag.  Along with using your purification tablets to purify possibly tainted water.

Other Scenarios

There are many other scenarios like a Nuclear Attack (which is less likely), Hurricanes, Civil Unrest, and other disasters that would make a 5 to 7-Day Bug Out Bag desirable.  Keep in mind that you should be sheltering in place for the previously mentioned disasters and have food storage but if you don’t, that’s where your Bug Out Bag can also come in handy.

Now, on the early mentioning of running into problems while you are Bugging Out to your determine location.  You had already picked out your escape route.  Once on the road, you start running into multiple “road blocks”.  Which now alters your escape a few times.  Now the three-day trip has turned into a 4 to 5 day trip.  Again, your 72 hour Bug Out Bag is now depleted.  Having your 5 to 7 day Bug Out Bag during an evacuation will sever you well in the case of major detours.

Keep in mind if you are a responsible prepper your Vehicle Bug Out Kit’s inventory should sustain you for a few days without having to tap into your Bug Out Bag.  I, myself have enough in my Vehicle Bug Out Kit that I would most likely not break into my Bail Out Bags, Start Up Supplies or Bug Out Bag.  Planning ahead with your supplies in your Bug Out Bag will go a long way if you go past your 72-hour mark.  Having more is better.  Having less is foolish.

Is It Really Too Much?

Some people might think that having a 5 or 7-Day Bug Out Bag is over the top but in the field of preparedness.  When being faced with uncertainties nothing is over the top, as long as you keep level headed and use common sense.  You are only adding a few more items to your already existing bag.  If you don’t have a bag of any kind and don’t have a lot of money to build a 5 or 7 day bag out right.  Start with a 3-day bag and build from there.  Make sure you end up with a 5 or 7-day bag, at the very least a 5-day bag.

This or That?

Some people are going to say “Why not just have a 7 day Bug Out Bag instead of a 5 day Bug Out Bag?”  It comes down to how much you are willing to spend on the items in the Bug Out Bag and how much you are willing to carry.  Trust me adding four more 4.222 oz of water packets add up in weight (you’ll feel a slight difference).  Three more (field stripped) MRE meals or canned goods add in weight.  I’m a weight lifter and a firefighter and am use to carrying heavy weight for long periods of time.  For some this kind of weight is not acceptable or doable.

Somewhat Of A History:  

The Bug Out Bag was designed for evacuation purposes.  The Bug Out Bag is portable equipment full with survival to sustain you for 72 hours.  The typical items such as food, water, emergency blankets, flashlight, shelter, weapons, et cetera could be found in most bags.  The Bug Out Bag goes by a few names such as G.O.O.D. bag (Get Out Of Dodge), SHTF bag, Go Bag, Bail Out Bag and the 72 Hour Emergency Kit.  Nobody is sure where it started but some say that it was derived from those used by military aviators.

The New Idea (Somewhat):

My Bug Out Kit is different from most people.  This Bug Out Bag is actually inside of my Bug Out Kit, which is a military duffle bag (sea bag), which also contains my Bug Out Rigging System.  My Bug Out Rigging System is a tactical vest with a 6×6 tactical pouch (emergency blanket, water proof matches, paracord, emergency poncho, food bars, flexible canteen and disposable lighter), fixed blade knife (mounted on the back), folded knife (on front left chest), a copy of the personal document kit (inside the vest behind the ballistic plate), and some items I don’t discuss.

Inside the sea bag is a change of clothes, boots, tactical vest (Bug Out Rigging System), 6 – 0.5 liter bottles of water (to fill the hydro-bladder in the Bug Out Bag), Personal Medical Kit (thigh rigged, part of the Bug Out Rigging system), Main Personal Document Kit (everyone in your family), and a dump pouch (Folded up on my belt).  The Bug Out Bag is the 5.11Tactical brand 72 Hour Rush Backpack (trust me you can fit way more than 72 hours worth of gear in that bag).  Compartmentalize bags are the best option to go with.  If packed right you can get to anything you need without having to dig through it or dumping the entire bag just get one item.  When bugging out, you want to keep moving and create distant between you and the disaster.  So, knowing where the item is or having accessible is important.

Double But Out Bag System

A Double Bug Out Bag system can be another option if you’re strong enough and packed correctly.  A Double Bug Out Bag can extend your bug out time.  It also allows you to carry more food, water, ammo, medical supply and or clothes.  The double bail out bag system does not have to be two big bags but a small and larger or two medium size bags.  Recommendation:  For the second Bug Out Bag I use Maxpedition’s Jumbo Versipack, which is medium size and pack a lot of extras.  Or Condor Outdoor’s Modular Style Deployment Bag, which is small but can pack a lot of extras.  I use the Condor Modular Deployment Bag for medical gear.  Plus, the Modular Style Deployment Bag can be “married” to one of your Bug Out Bags.

Vehicle Bug Out Bag/Bin

A Vehicle Bug Out Bag/Bin is more like a kit that stays in the vehicle and is kept in the back.  It’s a back up kit to your Bug Out Bag.  While you are traveling in the vehicle, you utilize the bag or bin.  The difference in this Bug Out equipment is that most of the contents in that bag or bin will have vehicle related items like jumper cables, road reflectors, tire patching kit, flashlights, flares, ponchos, [12VDC] electronics charger, et cetera.  Not to mention water, food bars, and a back up weapon of some kind.  I own a small one in the back of my SUV.  It’s a bag not a bin.  I do store water and food bars under the rear seat of the last row.  I own a 2004 Ford Explorer so I use every inch of the vehicle.

Recommendation: If you build a vehicular bin, make sure you also add crucial auto parts like a serpentine belt, water hoses, a good set of tools and things of that nature.  Note: Make sure you check your spare tire every six months.  Also have a realfull-size tire as a spare and not a “mini spare” donut.

Bail Out Bag

A Bail Out Bag is what I have design to be for the extreme case that I have to bail out of my vehicle and can’t grab anything else but that.  I keep my kit on the middle console.  My girlfriend’s bug-out bag is on the back of her seat.  In there I have 3 days of energy bars, 3 days of water (if used sparingly), packets of water soluble vitamins, mini flashlight, folded knife, paracord and a map.

Recommendation: I use Condor Outdoor’s Tactical Messenger Bag.  For those that carry firearms this bag is very compatible to those who carry rifle and side arms.  Since I don’t carry and can’t have a firearm here in New York City (Liberals).  With that in mine I have more room to store other items.

A Bug Out Rigging System

A Bug Out Rigging System is a tactical vest and a thigh rig with items that will help during your bug out phase.  As I mention before my vest is more design to the standard of the state/city I live in.  For those who can own firearms strapping magazines to your vest with other survival items is key and adds more ammo to your firepower.  Having a thigh rigging system is also part of the Bug Out Rigging system.  Keeping a personal medical kit (for yourself), sidearm, fix blade knife, collapsible baton, or a 6×6 pouch full of “stuff” will help when needed.  Plus carrying extra food, water pouches, and or ammo always help.

Recommendation: I keep my thigh rigged Personal Medical Kit opposite my baton.  Using a 4×4 or 6×6 pouch would be the biggest I would go with on a thigh-rigged pouch.  Anything bigger will just get in the way.

[JWR Adds: In my experience, gear that is strapped to one’s thighs tends to be fatiguing, when walking long distances. A small “fanny” pack or MOLLE pouch worn in front is far more convenient. They can be re-positioned if you ever need to low crawl.]

High Speed Kit/Bag

A High Speed Kit/Bag is a bag I built with heavy tools, weapons, and a comprehensive medical kit for the small chance of an earthquake, building collapse, or bad hurricane here in the city.  The bag was built to help others.  In the bag I keep a mini axe, Stanley FatMax Xtreme [Halligan Tool], 200 ft nylon climbing rope, fixed blade knife, folding knife, hydro bladder, food bars, and emergency blankets (for trapped people).  The bag I use is Condor Outdoor’s Level 3 Assault Pack.  I came up with the idea to start my own bag after 9/11.  After experiencing not having my own equipment available, I now keep one on deck.

 Recommendation: If you build your own bag, make sure you know how to use the tools and that the tools have a multi purpose use.  Pack enough according your area and the distance you are willing to travel to help.  Note:  A Good set of “irons” (Halligan bar and a full size [firefighter’s] axe) goes a long way.  Carrying them around will tend to weigh after awhile but they are worth their weight in gold.  Note: There are other companies that make the Level 3 Assault Backpack.  Some are less expensive,  fall apart easily and some are just no good.  You have to choose the right one.

Carrying The Load:

Carrying a Bug Out Bag can be heavy.  Let alone carrying a tactical vest, thigh rigged pouch, Bug Out Bag, and a second Bug Out Bag/Kit.  If you are on foot this stuff starts to weigh after a while.  Keeping in shape like Robert Neville in [the movie] I Am Legend is necessary.  I know working out is not a major “to do” on your list but it has to be done in the interest of family and self. Keeping in shape is key to allowing your body to deal with extra weight you might be carrying.  By working out and lifting weights, that allows me to carry a Double Bug Out Bag system.  You have to keep your core tight.  By strengthening your abs, back, and legs, you can do more without risking injury.

Recommendation:  For workout tips read Muscle & Fitness, Men’s Health, or Flex magazine (keep in mind Flex magazine is more for the body builder but they do have good tips from time to time).  You can also read the recent two-part SurvivalBlog article: Fit To Survive.  It’s not a bad read and has good tips on going about getting strong.

Why Do It To Yourself?:

One Person Bug Out Bags are your best choice.  Buying one of those Multi-person Bug Out Bag is somewhat for novice preppers.  Even so novice preppers should actually know better.  You can also look at it as being irresponsible.  Having all your belongings, food, water, shelter, et cetera in one bag is foolish.  Lets say you buy a 72- hour Bug Out Bag built for four people.  You have everything in one bag.  Now a disaster strikes & you have to bug out of town or the city.  What happens if one of the four family members gets separated?  Or the lead person carrying the 72-hour Bug Out Bag built for four gets separated?  Now, the other three family members are SOL. Or the one family member who got separated is now cold, hungry, and alone.

Recommendation:  Every able body should have their own Bug Out Bag.  With children under five years of age I would split their stuff between the adults’ Bug Out Bag.

The Personal Document Issue:

Keeping personal documents safe is another priority all on it’s own.  Make sure everyone in your family has a Personal Document Kit on them & in their Bug Out Bags.  You (the head of the Family) keep everyone’s Personal Document on your person and in your Bug Out Bag.  Everyone in your family should have two full copies of Personal Documents, one on their persons and the other one in their Bug Out Bag.  If you have an infant then try putting on one on them.  Of course, they won’t have their own Bug Out Bag unless they are Spartan.  In any case, the extra copy of the infant’s Personal Documents will be in the mother’s Bug Out Bag.

The reason for putting one on a small child or an infant is in the small chance that you get separated from one another.  Some may say that keeping so many copies of personal documents is unnecessary but in a time of crisis things as we all know never go according to plan.  Having a main copy in your bag is good but with thieves lurking in every corner.  If your bag gets stolen, then at least you have a copy on yourself.

Recommendation:  For every Bug Out Bag, Bail Out Bag, Vehicle Bug Out Bag, & Bug Out System you should have copies of key personal documents in each bag or system.

Conclusion:

The Preparedness field is forever changing.  There is no “set in stone way” of doing things.  Whatever works for you is what you stick to but never be afraid of new and approved ideas.  The different Bug Out Bag systems might work for you.  It works for me and still keeps my hands free.  It might seem overboard but again in the face of disaster, you’ll need as much help as you can safely carry.

For further information:

Letter Re: Feral Dogs and Coyotes in a Schumeresque World

The problem of feral dogs after TSHTF will be a real one. In my part of the country we have a problem with people dumping unwanted dogs. They were cute when they were pups but outgrew the family. Some people would take them to the pound, but with it’s over population and short ‘stay’ led a lot of people think that they were doing the dogs and cats a favor by letting them loose to fend for themselves. This is animal cruelty any way you look at it.

There have been several cases where a feral dog joined up with a coyote. These two are usually natural enemies. But you throw a female in heat into a coy dog’s territory, he may eat her or he may take her as his mate. Now you have the start of a pack that 1) has no fear of man and 2) the natural instincts to hunt of a coyote. These packs will then grow as other feral dogs join.

Now for some food for thought; my uncle was having trouble with a large mixed pack killing off his livestock. When I mean large, I’m talking close to thirty animals. He tried hunting them. The instincts of the coyote kept him from killing more than one or two at a time before the others learned. He tried trapping them using foot holds. Again he did catch a couple before the others started digging up his traps. Snares were not used, being illegal in this state. The way he did finally take care of the rest will be considered inhumane by the bunny huggers. He took large treble hooks and tied them to stout branches using pieces of barbed wire about four and a half to five feet off the ground. He then baited each hook with a chunk of beef. Within a week he had disposed of over two dozen feral dogs, coyotes and hybrids. I know this sounds cruel but look at the alternative. That chunk of meat could have been one of his prize show calves or one of his daughters or my aunt.

As for these working on wolves, I have no experience with them. But I don’t see why not. Just place them another foot or so higher and make sure to secure them to a larger branch.

So I suggest that along with your regular traps and snares, stock up on the bigger treble hooks. You could hang them using bailing wire, wire hangers, barbed wire like my uncle or even heavier gauge speaker wire or some of your used and twisted up non-reusable snares.

One word of warning though. These will catch any canine that can reach them including yours and your neighbors’.

That’s my pre-1982 penny’s worth. Keep your head down and your powder dry. – “Okie” in Muskogee

JWR Replies: Documented instances of feral dogs “packing up” with coyotes are very rare. So it is not realistic to think that this will be a common threat in TEOTWAWKI. However, feral dogs just by themselves will likely be a significant threat, since millions of pets will surely be turned by their owners in the event of a nationwide disaster. It has also been well-established that wolf packs proliferated and expanded their territory in the aftermath of the Black Death in the 14th Century. At one point there were packs wolves heard howling just outside of Paris. We could witness something similar in the event that there is a population crash–wolves, coyotes, feral dogs and other predators will probably all expand their territories and hence there will be more attacks on humans. And people ask me why I have so many traps and store so much ammo…

Letter Re: Home Packing Five Gallon Food Storage Buckets

James,
Thanks to your blog, I now know where I can get cheap (or free) plastic [food grade] buckets. I’ve been building quite a pile of them, and the time it takes to wash them is minimal. I mainly plain [to pack] Pinto beans, rice, flour, and pasta. How do I make sure that I won’t open them up someday, and find them full of weevils? That would be a disaster, especially if I really need that food when it all hits the fan. Thanks, – Randall W.

JWR Replies: Insects and their larvae can’t survive without oxygen. Two different oxygen-free bucket packing methods are detailed in the “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, which is presently offered at a sale price for a short time. The same information can also be found in my book “How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It”.

Economics and Investing:

R.D.H. sent this: Gold Rises to Record on Demand for Haven From European Crisis.

Reader David S. suggested this piece by mainstream economic journalist Scott Burns that was surprisingly frank about the possibility of an economic collapse: The Future… as a Large, Sullen Stranger

G.G. liked this commentary by Robert Barone: Forget PIIGS, US Debt is Out of Control

Brian B. sent this item by our friend Bill Bonner: US government is killing its own economy

J.D.D. highlighted this: Long-Term Unemployed Now 46 Percent of Unemployed, Highest Percentage on Record

Items from The Economatrix:

Increasingly Hawkish Fed Ponder Raising Rates

Secretive Bilderberg Club Said to Decide Fate of Euro

Greece to Sell Assets to Help Pay Down Deficit

Spain, Italy Sink from Contagion

Eurozone Jobless Rate Hits Record High

ECB Warns of More Bank Loan Losses

GM’s Fast Turnaround Slams into the Euro Crisis

Odds ‘n Sods:

Here is “must read” article: Societal Collapse Due to Peak Oil ‘Inevitable,’ According to Researcher. (Thanks to Chris H. for the link.)

   o o o

Reader RBS recommended a link to some free greenhouse plans, over at Vibration Nation.

   o o o

Kevin S. suggested this from New Scientist: The wisdom of herds: How social mood moves the world

   o o o

I noticed that even more counters have been automated at the U.S. Debt Clock web site.

Note from JWR:

Today we present another entry for Round 29 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. The prizes for this round will include:

First Prize: A.) A course certificate from onPoint Tactical. This certificate will be for the prize winner’s choice of three-day civilian courses. (Excluding those restricted for military or government teams.) Three day onPoint courses normally cost between $500 and $600, and B.) Two cases of Mountain House freeze dried assorted entrees, in #10 cans, courtesy of Ready Made Resources. (A $392 value.) C.) A 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from Safecastle.com (a $275 value), D.) A 500 round case of Fiocchi 9mm Parabellum (Luger ) with 124gr. Hornady XTP/HP projectiles, courtesy of Sunflower Ammo (a $249 value), and E.) An M17 medical kit from JRH Enterprises (a $179.95 value).

Second Prize: A.) A “grab bag” of preparedness gear and books from Jim’s Amazing Secret Bunker of Redundant Redundancy (JASBORR) with a retail value of at least $400, and B.) two cases of Meals, Ready to Eat (MREs), courtesy of CampingSurvival.com (a $180 value).

Third Prize: A.) A copy of my “Rawles Gets You Ready” preparedness course, from Arbogast Publishing, and B.) a Royal Berkey water filter, courtesy of Directive 21. (This filter system is a $275 value.)

Round 29 ends on July 31st, so get busy writing and e-mail us your entry. Remember that articles that relate practical “how to” skills for survival have an advantage in the judging.