Civil unrest hits! What's in your survival kit? (1 Viewer)

[Jackstraw]

" post="17170918" timestamp="1409681223"]

I head for my uncle's land about 100 miles from here. It would take a couple of weeks on foot,

If it takes you that long to walk 100 miles you should just off yourself when #### goes down to save you an inevitable painful death

Yeah 3-4 days would be a fairly casual pace.... that's about 25-30 hours of walking for a normal adult.

Anyways... neither here nor there...

Depends on how much you need to avoid being seen. Night travel, off rode travel, detours etc.

 

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" post="17170918" timestamp="1409681223"]

I head for my uncle's land about 100 miles from here. It would take a couple of weeks on foot,

If it takes you that long to walk 100 miles you should just off yourself when #### goes down to save you an inevitable painful death

Yeah 3-4 days would be a fairly casual pace.... that's about 25-30 hours of walking for a normal adult.

Anyways... neither here nor there...

Depends on how much you need to avoid being seen. Night travel, off rode travel, detours etc.

Very true. Didn't factor in wife (has to stop to pee every 30 mins) and kids factor too.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Moving into our new home this weekend, and seriously contemplating a little disaster storage in the basement, just in case...

Not you too...

How could this be a bad thing? I've wasted money on a lot of other crap in my life.

Yeah. I mean, Single Otis, who cares. Otis, provider for a family and father of two? I'm ok with putting some modest precautions in place in case we're hit with another Sandy or worse. I'm not talking about a HamBunker here, but really just things like a supply of drinking water, some canned food/meals, batteries and flashlights, radio, first aid kid, some blankets. Really just the basics. I've sure as hell spent way more money on way dumber things, and if this stuff is ever needed I suspect I'll be damn glad to have it.

Sure sign of a good investment: "it's not the dumbest money I've ever spent"

Not sure how having some essentials stored away is such a bad thing?

It's not necessarily bad, there is just a 99.9999999999999999999999% chance it's a waste, and it speaks volumes about your worldview.

 

[Politician Spock]

Moving into our new home this weekend, and seriously contemplating a little disaster storage in the basement, just in case...

Not you too...

How could this be a bad thing? I've wasted money on a lot of other crap in my life.

Yeah. I mean, Single Otis, who cares. Otis, provider for a family and father of two? I'm ok with putting some modest precautions in place in case we're hit with another Sandy or worse. I'm not talking about a HamBunker here, but really just things like a supply of drinking water, some canned food/meals, batteries and flashlights, radio, first aid kid, some blankets. Really just the basics. I've sure as hell spent way more money on way dumber things, and if this stuff is ever needed I suspect I'll be damn glad to have it.

Sure sign of a good investment: "it's not the dumbest money I've ever spent"

Not sure how having some essentials stored away is such a bad thing?

It's not necessarily bad, there is just a 99.9999999999999999999999% chance it's a waste, and it speaks volumes about your worldview.

If there is a 0.0000000000000000000001% chance of a major terrorist attack, why does the government spend billions in tax dollars to prevent one?

 

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there is just a 99.9999999999999999999999% chance it's a waste

 

[Apple Jack]

Moving into our new home this weekend, and seriously contemplating a little disaster storage in the basement, just in case...

Not you too...

How could this be a bad thing? I've wasted money on a lot of other crap in my life.

Yeah. I mean, Single Otis, who cares. Otis, provider for a family and father of two? I'm ok with putting some modest precautions in place in case we're hit with another Sandy or worse. I'm not talking about a HamBunker here, but really just things like a supply of drinking water, some canned food/meals, batteries and flashlights, radio, first aid kid, some blankets. Really just the basics. I've sure as hell spent way more money on way dumber things, and if this stuff is ever needed I suspect I'll be damn glad to have it.

Sure sign of a good investment: "it's not the dumbest money I've ever spent"

Not sure how having some essentials stored away is such a bad thing?

It's not necessarily bad, there is just a 99.9999999999999999999999% chance it's a waste, and it speaks volumes about your worldview.

If there is a 0.0000000000000000000001% chance of a major terrorist attack, why does the government spend billions in tax dollars to prevent one?

Wut? Are you suggesting that preparing reduces the risk of zombie apocalypse?

If not sarcasm, which I hope it is, the chance of a terrorist attack without preventative measures is 100%. HTH.

 

[TheIronSheik]

I have a sick war tomahawk.

That's kind of racist. Also, if you need a Tomahawk missile, I know a guy who can get you some cheap.

 

[the moops]

I head for my uncle's land about 100 miles from here. It would take a couple of weeks on foot,

If it takes you that long to walk 100 miles you should just off yourself when #### goes down to save you an inevitable painful death

I'm talking about travelling with my wife, a 4 yr old and an 8 yr old while trying to stay out of sight.

ETA: Looked it up, it is actually 130 miles, and from what you guys are saying, I probably overshot it. Could take up to a week, but maybe less.

You could also just drive your car over there in a couple hours

 

[Politician Spock]

Moving into our new home this weekend, and seriously contemplating a little disaster storage in the basement, just in case...

Not you too...

How could this be a bad thing? I've wasted money on a lot of other crap in my life.

Yeah. I mean, Single Otis, who cares. Otis, provider for a family and father of two? I'm ok with putting some modest precautions in place in case we're hit with another Sandy or worse. I'm not talking about a HamBunker here, but really just things like a supply of drinking water, some canned food/meals, batteries and flashlights, radio, first aid kid, some blankets. Really just the basics. I've sure as hell spent way more money on way dumber things, and if this stuff is ever needed I suspect I'll be damn glad to have it.

Sure sign of a good investment: "it's not the dumbest money I've ever spent"

Not sure how having some essentials stored away is such a bad thing?

It's not necessarily bad, there is just a 99.9999999999999999999999% chance it's a waste, and it speaks volumes about your worldview.

If there is a 0.0000000000000000000001% chance of a major terrorist attack, why does the government spend billions in tax dollars to prevent one?

Wut? Are you suggesting that preparing reduces the risk of zombie apocalypse?

If not sarcasm, which I hope it is, the chance of a terrorist attack without preventative measures is 100%. HTH.

I have no idea where you went in that thought process.

 

[Varmint]

He's not worried....I'm not worried...

http://floppingaces.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/obama-what-me-worry.jpg

Our President would NEVER let this happen!!

 

[jonessed]

So being prepared for a catastrophe is a bad conservative thing now? When did that happen?

 

[fatness]

Cliven Bundy is prepared.

 

[quickhands]

Guns and more importantly ammo. Plus every every time I do the grocery shopping I buy a 4 extra cans of food. Got a little stash spot in the garage. Nobody not even my wife knows it's there

 

[AAABatteries]

How long does gasoline stay good when stored in just regular containers? Store enough gas to go at least a state or two in any direction. I don't get the walking or is the assumption that roads will be dangerous or impassable?

 

[[icon]]

So being prepared for a catastrophe is a bad conservative thing now? When did that happen?

Some weird folks on this forum.

 

[Otis]

So being prepared for a catastrophe is a bad conservative thing now? When did that happen?

Some weird folks on this forum.

Seriously.

 

[[icon]]

How long does gasoline stay good when stored in just regular containers? Store enough gas to go at least a state or two in any direction. I don't get the walking or is the assumption that roads will be dangerous or impassable?

With fuel stabilizer, gas will hold for a year. Not a big deal to keep a couple jerry cans set aside (10gal), and refresh them 2x a year by pouring into vehicle and refilling them with fresh fuel.

 

[John Bender]

"What are your provisions in case a disaster happens?"

"Oh you know, just a few items that might help protect my family"

"OH MY GOD, YOU ARE A KOOKY REPUBLICAN LUNATIC!!!!!"

*lol*

Lots of dumb in here.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

Moving into our new home this weekend, and seriously contemplating a little disaster storage in the basement, just in case...

Not you too...

How could this be a bad thing? I've wasted money on a lot of other crap in my life.

Yeah. I mean, Single Otis, who cares. Otis, provider for a family and father of two? I'm ok with putting some modest precautions in place in case we're hit with another Sandy or worse. I'm not talking about a HamBunker here, but really just things like a supply of drinking water, some canned food/meals, batteries and flashlights, radio, first aid kid, some blankets. Really just the basics. I've sure as hell spent way more money on way dumber things, and if this stuff is ever needed I suspect I'll be damn glad to have it.

Sure sign of a good investment: "it's not the dumbest money I've ever spent"

Not sure how having some essentials stored away is such a bad thing?

It's not necessarily bad, there is just a 99.9999999999999999999999% chance it's a waste, and it speaks volumes about your worldview.

It is not a waste if done properly. You figure a list of staples you already eat, say, a couple of boxes of the kids favorite cereal, peanut butter, jelly, water, a few soups you like, some crackers, nuts and candies, some rice, beans, canned stuff you will actually eat, not canned crap for the sake of having it, dried fruit, evaporated milk, sugar, flour, oil. Basically whatever dried goods you have in your pantry you have two extra downstairs. Whenever you finish a package you put the item on the grocery list and when you buy it you put the new one downstairs and replenish the pantry with the oldest item from downstairs. You just rotate stock. You consider yourself empty at +2 instead of zero. Everything you buy you will consume before it goes bad.

Oh, Otis, you can't have too much water and other liquid, soda, juice, beer, and single malt. You can't have too much t.p., a few candles and sterno is great along with a few bic lighters. Also, if you are a propane guy on your grill you may want to look into a propane generator. Since you have the propane around anyhow a small propane generator will run fairly silent, will not take up much space, and can let you fire up a few lights, a t.v. or computer, and a space heater or two during a snow storm or hurricane. Cost, about $400. You might also have around a flashlight or two and a solar charging pad for your electronics. Finally, a few extra blue tarps from home depot, a roll or two of duct tape, and you are set.

For $500 and a slight change in your shopping habits you can be warm and dry through scenarios that can actually happen. True, you will not be ready for zombies, but weather should not catch you unprepared

 

[the moops]

If I have candy and peanut butter and dried fruit and cereal in my basement, I am most definitely getting high and eating that #### before the apocalypse.

 

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If I have candy and peanut butter and dried fruit and cereal in my basement, I am most definitely getting high and eating that #### before the apocalypse.

Valid challenge raised here.

 

[[icon]]

BADASS Little LED Flashlights for Under $4ea delivered

I've got about a dozen of these in various places (vehicles, camping gear, around house, mounted to barrel of shotgun, etc). They use a single AA battery and are BRIGHT AS HELL given the size. Made out of aluminum they're very durable. Adjustable beam focus. Absolutely can't beat them.

Some notes about features, and which sellers are selling 1 mode vs 3 mode lights (i prefer 1 mode)

Spoiler

Seller names with a * next to them are ones I got a conclusive e-mail response from.

2014/Apr/29

1-MODE:

Tosell888*
Bellink*
AIBOCN*
TTT-Mall*
AutoWT*
Exciting Co*
711onlinestore
Eforcity
Lucky Electronics
Eternal Tech
Igoz
HappyMart
MECO

3-MODE:

Dealextreme4u* - (Ultrafire)
Suyuca* - (can't tail stand)
Blue Top* - (Ultrafire)
new goldengulf* - (no voltage regulator)
Uhope* - (clones)
Eforyou Inc 8888*
Sunwise LLC*
altitude*
Electronic*
lovers2009
BestDeal777
Silver fox
Jacobsparts.com
Mini-Mart
DIGISEARCHS
EggDeal
ebuyedget
digisales

REPORTEDLY Unreliable (product switching):

Coco Fed
BBQBuy
Coutlet

----------------

SELLERS:
You might prefer a US based seller (may only cost 50¢ more), so that you get the product in a week instead of a month, and fast returns if there are problems. Be sure to take a good look at seller ratings before buying, and post negative seller feedback if you are treated badly... Some of the cheapest sellers have only 50-60% positive rating, while it is normal to see 90% positive.

1-MODE VS. 3-MODE:
The cheapest sellers are typically offering the 1-mode light, so expect to pay a bit more for a 3-mode. You should also realize that 3-mode isn't always a good thing... Several reviewers have complained that they don't like the extra complexity and confusing (memory) behavior, so consider your needs carefully. As bright as this is, I insist on 3-mode so I can dim the light (about 40 lumens), and get several times longer battery life. The combination of high/low and flood/spot very effectively covers the full range of flashlight usage scenarios. I do wish LOW was the first mode in the cycle... you can't un-blind yourself after the fact. And I'd like an even-lower brightness mode, ~5 lumens.

BATTERY/RUN-TIME:
It is a waste to buy 14500 Li-Ion batteries... Most of them cost ~$4/each, and have just 10% more power (Volt*Amp/Hours) than a $2/each LSD NiMH rechargeable, which withstands much more use and abuse (and Li-Ions are notorious for vastly exaggerated specs). Contrary to some other reviews here, I've seen absolutely NO difference in light output whether my lights are driven by 1.5V or 3.6V, so the regulator is doing a superb job. Although a hot-off-the-charger Li-Ion battery, briefly at ~4.2 volts might over-drive the LED for a small increase. If weight was critical, I would prefer disposable Lithium AAs to Li-Ions. Also, a single AA is much cheaper, smaller, and more convenient than 3xAAAs, yet both provide nearly the same amount of power. In a pinch, this flashlight even runs reliably on a single AAA battery without modification. So this unit is superior to most other (18650) small flashlights.

On a single Tenergy Centura LSD AA NiMH Battery, I get 1.5 hours of run-time on HIGH before the light dims. I expect "strobe" mode to get double that. LOW mode lasts about 4.5 hours before the voltage presumably drops too low and the regulator suddenly shuts-off the light entirely. I measured a current of approx 1.7A@1.3V on HIGH, and 0.5A@1.3V on LOW. With a 13¢ "Super Heavy Duty" AA battery, I got about half the run-time, which is decent and useful in emergencies (but starts to dim sooner than NiMH). With a battery extension tube converting this to 2xAAs, on HIGH I get 4 hours of run-time, a 33% improvement.

CLONES:
Most 3-mode sellers are offering cheap clones of the 150 lumen Ultrafire SK68, which is itself a very similar clone of the 120 lumen Sipik SK68 which a few people have also received. You may be interested to know that the Sipik was itself originally a MUCH cheaper clone (using a different battery) of the old 220 lumen Nitecore Extreme

The wide array of blank/unbranded SK68 clones sold here can be different than their Ultrafire cousins... A few have a different thread diameter and the button protruding from the tail-cap so they *can't tail-stand*. Meanwhile it seems most lack proper voltage regulation ("buck"), so they're 2.5X as bright with a Li-Ion battery, or 2X as bright with 2xAAs using an extension tube, and may burn out the LED quickly on the higher voltage. The design and build quality of the clones is never quite as good as the Ultrafires, but they're decent lights, and typically still well-worth the price. I'd stick with Ultrafire branded lights for any critically important usage, like camping/hiking, myself.

SUMMARY:
This is nearly the PERFECT small flashlight. I always carry one in my back pocket, next to my wallet... I rarely notice it and I've always got a great flashlight with me when I need it. With an extension tube, it can fill the role of a MEDIUM sized flashlight as well. With the belt-clip turned backwards, it can clip on a hat for a hands-free headlamp. The high/low modes and flood/spot zoom lens means you get the exact lighting you want for nearly any purpose. And it makes a great lantern/whole-room light if you unscrew and remove the lens entirely (equivalent to a 15W bulb). Ultrafire rates this "SK68" light as 150 lumens, not 300lm as listed here, and it's pretty evenly matched with my 190 lumen Dorcy CyberLight. I just wish I could find a large 2xD flashlight with all these same features, other than the discontinued Small Sun ZY-A601.

 

[John Bender]

BADASS Little LED Flashlights for Under $4ea delivered

I've got about a dozen of these in various places (vehicles, camping gear, around house, mounted to barrel of shotgun, etc). They use a single AA battery and are BRIGHT AS HELL given the size. Made out of aluminum they're very durable. Adjustable beam focus. Absolutely can't beat them.

You own 4 flashlights??!?!?! ####### CONSERVATIVE!!!!

 

[Guest]

I went back to the OP. Civil unrest would be a for me.

I'm 99999999.9x more likely to get trapped in my basement for a couple of days because a tornado leveled my house.

 

[[icon]]

BADASS Little LED Flashlights for Under $4ea delivered

I've got about a dozen of these in various places (vehicles, camping gear, around house, mounted to barrel of shotgun, etc). They use a single AA battery and are BRIGHT AS HELL given the size. Made out of aluminum they're very durable. Adjustable beam focus. Absolutely can't beat them.

You own 4 flashlights??!?!?! ####### CONSERVATIVE!!!!

Actually I own about a dozen.

Prob a few less since folks marvel at these things when I hand them out to use when camping or whatever, and I tell them to keep it, and where to get more.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

BADASS Little LED Flashlights for Under $4ea delivered

I've got about a dozen of these in various places (vehicles, camping gear, around house, mounted to barrel of shotgun, etc). They use a single AA battery and are BRIGHT AS HELL given the size. Made out of aluminum they're very durable. Adjustable beam focus. Absolutely can't beat them.

You own 4 flashlights??!?!?! ####### CONSERVATIVE!!!!

Actually I own about a dozen.

Prob a few less since folks marvel at these things when I hand them out to use when camping or whatever, and I tell them to keep it, and where to get more.

I bet those people use a flashlight to see through your bull####. Amiright?