Catholic Info
Traditional Catholic Faith => The Catholic Bunker => Topic started by: Neil Obstat on August 07, 2012, 02:05:14 PM
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I got a promotional e-mail from Lee Ballanger (sp?) with this message, with a 40-min.
video of his sales pitch. Bottom line: $197 plus shipping (18 lbs.) or 2 or more
"e-packs" for free shipping -- watch video. He says this shopping list will cost you
more than $197 to buy, and it takes all day from store to store to get it all, if
you can find it all. If you wait for an emergency, you won't be able to fill your
list because everyone else will be doing the same shopping. I would add that
you'd need to get a few more items that are not in this kit, see below...
The video (http://www.independentlivingnews.com/video/epack-video.html)
http://www.independentlivingnews.com/video/epack-video.html
A Flashlight/Emergency Beacon/Radio & Universal DC Adapter
Family-Size Field Hygiene Kit
One Family-Size Solar Powered Outdoor Shower
Two Emergency Ponchos
Two Body Heat Retaining Emergency Reflective Sleeping Bags/Blankets
One Roll of All-Purpose Duct Tape
Five-in-One Maximum Duty Survival Whistle
Emergency Tube/Tent Shelter
One Stainless Steel Combination Camper's Multi-Function Tool
Four Hand Body Warmers
One Emergency First Aid Kit
US Coast Guard approved; High-Quality Emergency Rations
50 High-Quality Water Purification Tablets
Several packages of pocket tissue
A roll or two of toilet paper
One emergency candle
A Sturdy garden trowel, made by Fiskars
Two disposal bags
One note pad
Two standard No. 2 pencils
Two filter masks, wrapped, type N95
Three packages waterproof matches
One pair of all-purpose work gloves
Two twelve-hour yellow light-sticks
A pair of collapsible drinking tumblers, 4 oz.
One 5-gallon collapsible water carrier with handle and pouring spout
50 foot rope made of super sturdy material
One deck standard playing casino-used cards
Also included with your first E-Pack is a substantial library of emergency preparedness and response reports, including:
Social Chaos Survival Guide: Smart, Savvy Precautions to Make Yourself Self-Reliant in These Dangerous Times (189-page manual)
How You and Your Loved Ones Can Survive A Nuclear Attack or Accident (288 pages)
Secrets for Surviving the Coming Terrorist Germ Warfare Attacks Against U.S. Population Centers (162-page manual)
20 Inexpensive Items to Buy Right Now to Build a Germ Warfare "Clean Room" In Your House
The Emerging Dollar Collapse Barter Kit: 14 Essential Items You Should Have Now
Smart Hoarding 101: Do It Right and Save Big Money By Stocking Up on Food, Water, and Yes, Fuel
Life Saving Basics: Make Your Own Antibiotics at Home
The official U.S. Army Survival Manual
A 12-month subscription to Independent Living, our 20-page monthly advisory for savvy, self-sufficient individuals (for new subscribers only).
And in the event that any
of these items should become unavailable, we guarantee to substitute items of equal or greater overall value, quality and utility.
It seems that "your first E-Pack" has things the subsequent ones don't have,
maybe that's why you can ship the second, etc., for free.
Even if you're not interested in ordering this, maybe the list will be of use to some
members who want to put together a kit of some kind. The first thing that hits me
is there are a few things missing that I would put on the top of my list:
~ I'd recommend a Swiss Army knife pretty high on the list
~ I would verify his "sleeping bag" is going to be sufficient!
~ portable camp stove with at least 3 extra butane fuel canisters
~ lightweight cooking pot, pan
~ small mirror, for personal use and for sending signals
~ dried food, just add water
~ disinfectant, first aid tape, scissors, gauze, band-aids (first aid kit)
~ needles and thread (one needle breaks, so you need several)
~ moleskin (has to be no more than a year old, perhaps shelf life problem)
~ water (his kit includes a water CARRIER but no water -- don't forget to fill it!)
~ slippers (your size - personal item - or else you'll wear the same shoes)
~ Don't forget socks and underwear, two changes of clothes
~ soap and two towels, shampoo, HAND LOTION, sunscreen, insect repellent
~ laundry soap
~ bottle of vodka or at least whiskey -- don't drink it all up!
(and don't tell your alcoholic friend about it because then it will disappear!)
For your car:
~ spare tire, inflated to operating pressure and TESTED by driving on it
~ lug wrench (a man died in the desert because he had the wrong size wrench)
~ two gallons of radiator water -- could be more important than drinking water
~ jack, preferably hydraulic, and several wood blocks to support the car
(if you have a scissors jack, be sure it's not too old or too used because they
can suddenly fail by shearing threads: I had this happen to me and it's no fun)
~ 3/8" drive socket set to fit your car (English/Metric) and perhaps a few 1/2"
drive items as well, depending on your vehicle
~ road reflector triangle or road flares in case of breakdown to warn traffic
~ snow chains (if you wait till you need them, they'll cost twice as much)
~ tow cable, snatch strap, heavy chain for pulling your car out of a ditch
~ glass hammer isn't necessary if you have your socket set inside the car: use
any ratchet or extension as a hammer to break car window if you become
submerged or otherwise trapped inside the car
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I'm working on one myself and trying to get my family to comply. The most difficult thing is getting people to understand why being prepped is important. So much denial, as in, "this will never happen" or "if we run out of food I'll just go to the grocery store"....stuff like that. How much can you prep for other people who refuse to help themselves but will definitely come calling when they are in need?
One of my main questions I ask myself is "If I had five minutes or less to leave, what would I grab?" Only time for the bug out bag I'm afraid. One hour or more? That leaves time for grabbing irreplaceables in the house, space permitting.
Back to this later..........
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Neil, any recommendations on the bag itself? I'm overwhelmed by the choices. I know it has to be something I can carry which means those big backpacking contraptions are out. It has to be reasonable for a woman and an individual's strength. I'm at a loss on this one.
Inside the bag, IMO the foods need to be things a person will actually eat. For me I'd go for dried jerkys, dried fruit, nuts, etc. Did I see a water purifier on the list? I bought a portable Katadyn and I'm going to get a second one for the car. The car version needs seasonal items relevant to the geographical climate.
I keep multiple copies of important docuŠ¼ents I'd need in case I had to start life all over (birth certificate, sacraments, financials, insurance, etc). I bought a solar recharger for a cell phone and small electronics. I should get an extra flash drive.
I like small bottles of booze, chocolate and personal items (especially for women) as tradeables. Travel size shampoos and such are great depending how long a person expects to be away.
The survivalist who can survive with a knife and a heat source isn't going to be feasible for a lot of women, particularly this woman :laugh1:
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I just started keeping an infant life vest in my car for my daughter.
Five years ago this past week I was 18 and about to head to college. Some friends and I took a road trip to the Mall of America and Ikea to do some shopping and celebrate our last days together. We drove over the I-35 bridge in Minneapolis less than an hour before it collapsed into the Mississippi river.
(http://www.greatdreams.com/bridges/-i-w-35-Minnesota_Bridge_Collapse_sff_MNMIT141_20070801230759.jpg)
I think about emergency situations like that where you managed to survive the initial trauma, but were in danger of water, being able to quickly put on a life vest could mean life or death.
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I remember that collapse. It was horrifying to see. I can't imagine being close to it.
Do you have an emergency life hammer or auto punch for the windows in your car? I've read the car doors won't open in the water due to the pressure so you have to be ready to break a window. I used to have the life hammer which has a cutting mechanism for seat belts on the opposite end. There are auto punches that fit on your keychain or could be taped somewhere within reach of the driver's seat.
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I remember that collapse. It was horrifying to see. I can't imagine being close to it.
It was one if those times where you realize how close to death we always are. Looking back I wonder what God was trying to tell me. Probably something more profound than "Never dwell too long at Abercrombie & Fitch."
Do you have an emergency life hammer or auto punch for the windows in your car? I've read the car doors won't open in the water due to the pressure so you have to be ready to break a window. I used to have the life hammer which has a cutting mechanism for seat belts on the opposite end. There are auto punches that fit on your keychain or could be taped somewhere within reach of the driver's seat.
I do not have one (or many survival items at all, really) but that makes sense. I think I've watched a movie where someone was unable to kick out a car window.
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I remember getting an email about a fellow that died there. This was at a time I was still involved in and a leader with the CP. Guy died was a counter part there in CP.....
Prepping is essential and crucial, so too knowing it could end at any moment regardless. Supplies, guns and rosaries....
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What is CP?
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What is CP?
It all depends on what your "thing" is ........
railroads ......................... Canadian Pacific
basketball ....................... Chris Paul
pathology ........................ Cerebral Palsy
software .......................... cp = UNIX command for copy
industrial tooling .............. Chicago Pneumatic
contraband ...................... child porn
global conglomerate ........ www.cpthailand.com
paintball ........................... Custom Products
children's computer .......... Club Penguin
Portuguese transport ...... www.cp.pt/
pistons ............................ www.cp-camarillo.com
aviation ........................... www.cpaviation.com
and last, but not least (this is the most interesting regarding this thread!)
Endurance Wear Fashions .... http://www.cpcompany.com/#/collezione/ (http://www.cpcompany.com/#/collezione/)
(select "CATALOGUE")
That's a clickable link, and if you want a neat slideshow of ideas for being
fashion-conscious in an emergency evacuation, this is great -- I have known
people who may have been worried about "looking good" in an emergency!
Can you imagine?
Earthquake!! -- Oh, no! I haven't a thing to wear!
Tsunami!! -- What am I going to do - my parka is at the cleaners!
Tornado!! -- But my C.P. Company windbreaker hasn't arrived by FedEx!
Chastisement!! -- I can't go to Confession and stand in line without my fleece jacket on!
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Neil, you either have a fabulous sense of humor, or a little Bailey's in your coffee, lol. I still don't think the CP that Belloc spoke of has been defined.
Interesting fashion items. I struggle with vanity when it comes to attire. I can't say I wouldn't worry at least a little bit about cuteness/appearance even during a natural disaster. I have a fear of frumpy, even though frumpy is probably more saintly.
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As far as firearms are concerned, for those on a budget (like me), a Lee-Enfield, or Mauser rifle are excellent choices, make sure to get plenty of stripper clips for rapid loading. Most criminals aren't very good shots, if society breaks down, & gangs of looters begin to ravage the countryside, they would be disconcerted to find that their intended victims could reach out & touch them from 1,000 yards. A group of men firing in volleys can easily saturate a given area at such ranges with the aforementioned rifles, this was a common military tactic during the late 19th & early 20th centuries, before machine-guns were widely issued.
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I remember getting an email about a fellow that died there. This was at a time I was still involved in and a leader with the CP. Guy died was a counter part there in CP.....
Prepping is essential and crucial, so too knowing it could end at any moment regardless. Supplies, guns and rosaries....
Guns.
I can't believe I didn't even think of guns. And what good are guns without ammo?
Guns and ammo should be high on the list.
Slingshot and ammo? Not much use, except for entertainment, like playing cards.
But if your slingshot uses surgical tubing and a leather pouch, you should have
several replacement slings, because they break.
Bow and arrows -- could be better than a gun, because the ammo is something
you can actually make with available materials. Bring spare bowstrings!
Also, even if you have ammo that doesn't fit your gun, it might be a very useful
barter item. A case of .22 cal Long Rifle cartridges could be good for a week's
worth of food to someone who needs them and has lots of food.
Precious metals: small gold and silver coins would be quite useful for barter.
One St. Gauden's $20 gold piece (not a "small" coin) can trade today for $1700
at a coin shop -- don't go to a pawn shop, you'll lose about $300 minimum!
I would expect simple things like hand lotion and shampoo and bug repellent
would be things that are not only great to have but good for trading.
Binoculars, telescope, magnifying glass, reading glasses...
You can get "dime store readers" for 99c at the 99 Cent Store, but someone in
a refugee situation might be willing to trade a $5 bag of oranges for them.
Bible!
I prefer the Douay-Rheims version, and I suppose it would get rather hard to
find one in a tent city. So a compact NT would be a high priority.
You can't be carrying a lot of books, but a compact missal would be good. I've
got a "Soldiers and Sailors Manual" by Rev. Lelen, PhD., "A Companion and
Spiritual Guide for U.S. Armed Forces" that fits this need very well, c. 1941. It's
about 2-3/4" x 4-3/8" x 3/8" thick, fits in a shirt pocket.
Rosaries: the best kind to have many of are the plastic bead type with nylon
cord. They are practically indestructible, which counts for a lot on the road.
Prayer cards -- a stack of prayer cards could end up being a thing of great
consolation in extreme situations. Holding a prayer card and looking at it can
be quite comforting, even if you're in physical pain.
Crucifix! Maybe this should be the first item on the list? And here it is last?
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A commercial BOB is better than not having one but I think it's better to customize to your risks in your area and personal needs.
Floridians would need mosquito spray and suncreen. People in ND would need wool blend blankets.
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Belloc means the Constitution Party, not the Communist Party.
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Condor 3-Day Assault Pack is a good cheap pack that has a bagillion uses. I have mine in MARPAT, but any color would be fine.
The collapse is rapidly approaching, but it is also good to be safe for any disaster. I keep a case of water and a few tools in my car in case I ever get stranded. I need to add a case of cliff bars :ready-to-eat:
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I made this list when I was researching camping gear, and the items below would be useful in an emergency situation:
Cottonballs and Vaseline (among other uses, for use as tinder)
Blastmatch, which is good for about 4,000 strikes - they were developed for the Air Force, for downed pilots (Ultimate Survivor technologies, $25)
Bic Lighter (no good for windy or wet situations, and sometimes butane will evaporate)
Magnesium Fire Starter
Waterproof Matches
Pyropac Instant Heat Gel
candle lantern with long burning candles
eGear 10-DAY Lantern
LED Flashlight (a couple)
LED bulbs and extra batteries
KA-BAR knife
Paracord (at least 100 ft.)
Coghlan's Sierra Saw
Starflash mirror
Jetscream whistle
compasses (3 of them so you know if one is faulty)
Stainless-Trekker-Small Kelly Kettle
French Vintage Canvas Water Bucket
HYDRATION BACKPACK
Chlor-Floc US Military Water Purification Tablets
Hungarian Military Folding Shovel With Cover
20oz Rock Pick Hammer
USA SURVIVAL/ SPACE BLANKET GI
Emergency Survival Bag (a few)
OLIVE DRAB U.S. 70% VIRGIN WOOL BLANKET
French Army Canteen with Cover and Cup
US Pup Tent
Swedish Knife Fork And Spoon Set
solar panel charger battery chrager
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What's a BOB without an EDC?
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I disagree with a few of the things on that BOB list, but to each his own. It's good to have some quick-clot in case you get shot or have a very bad cut. I would not use an old army canteen, there are much better alternatives out there like a Kleen Kanteen in 40oz or 64oz, they can double as something to boil water in. Wrap it in Camo duct tape if you're feeling super mall ninja trying to avoid the FEMA storm troopers.
If you have everything on that list you're in pretty good shape though. I don't have a job, so my BOB is pretty weak at the moment.
I would add some type of camoflauge tarp to that list, in MARPAT, Digital Woodland or Multicam, depending on your geographical location.
A BOB should always be a last resort thing.
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It's not meant to be a comprehensive list, just some stuff I found that looks like it would be useful in a camping or emergency situation.
Ascetik, you're right about the canteen. The hydration backpack would probably be better.
I'll skip the camouflage; not going camping to be Rambo. :wink:
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Neil, you either have a fabulous sense of humor, or a little Bailey's in your coffee, lol. I still don't think the CP that Belloc spoke of has been defined.
Interesting fashion items. I struggle with vanity when it comes to attire. I can't say I wouldn't worry at least a little bit about cuteness/appearance even during a natural disaster. I have a fear of frumpy, even though frumpy is probably more saintly.
PW - How did you know I like a little coffee in my Bailey's, lol????
Fear of Frumpy ........... I like it......almost as much as the tornado windbreaker. *
P.S. Sorry it took so long but your post didn't show up somehow before. I
had to go back and re-read this thread. All very interesting stuff. These are
things I don't know much about and it's most edifying for me to read what
others who knuckle down and DO IT have to say. Daunting thought for most
city dwellers, to be sure. Our culture is one of familiarity and comfort. Pain is
evil. Eschew the unfamiliar. Guns = OMG! TERRORIST! Think I'm kidding???
Think again.
*An Updated Irish Blessing:
May the road rise to meet you,
May a designer windbreaker be always on your back,
May the sun shine warmly upon your face,
The rains fall softly upon your fields, and,
Until we meet again, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
(http://paddysday.net63.net/webset/ico-shamrock.gif)
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I disagree with a few of the things on that BOB list, but to each his own. It's good to have some quick-clot in case you get shot or have a very bad cut. I would not use an old army canteen, there are much better alternatives out there like a Kleen Kanteen in 40oz or 64oz, they can double as something to boil water in. Wrap it in Camo duct tape if you're feeling super mall ninja trying to avoid the FEMA storm troopers.
If you have everything on that list you're in pretty good shape though. I don't have a job, so my BOB is pretty weak at the moment.
I would add some type of camoflauge tarp to that list, in MARPAT, Digital Woodland or Multicam, depending on your geographical location.
A BOB should always be a last resort thing.
Last Resort Thing ~ two ways of Last Resort Thing-king:
A) most common way = "The last resort I was at was great. Bahamas...."
B) You might have a chance if ~ The day you need a bugout bag
is the day when a resort will be the last thing on your mind.
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Reading these lists takes me back to Boy Scouts. Nothing like having a son in the Boy Scouts to make you stock up on camping gear. We have a lot of this stuff just from the years of camping in the mountains.
The 1911 Boy Scout manual is still for sale and offers many tips on how to actually survive without all the modern stuff. See: 1911 Boy Scout Manual (http://www.amazon.com/Boy-Scouts-America-Official-Handbook/dp/1557094411)
I would say it would be well worth while to invest in a high quality light weight (as in, backbacking weight) sleeping bag and pad. You can hang stuff off belts if you have a belt made for such things. You can get these belts at Army Surplus stores. They are wide and have special metal loops that you slide onto the belt to hang stuff off. Also, you can pick up used Alice packs and other types of equipment for very little money.
There are also packable camp stoves that fold up very small and burn almost any kind of fuel that would be more portable than a camp stove Mini-fuel stove (https://www.lehmans.com/p-1032-multi-fuel-survival-stove.aspx). One of my favorite water kettles, if you can afford it, is the Kelly Kettle -- a quick easy way to boil water and heat a meal. See: Kelly Kettle (https://kellykettle.com/) and for other "survival" type gear see: Camping Survival (http://www.campingsurvival.com/alscmekeke.html)
The problems is whittling it all down to be something you can carry. . . that's when having a donkey would be nice. :laugh1:
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My "bug-out" pack is as follows - (you might gather I live in the desert so my surplus gear is all desert colored) -
In 3color desert Molle large pack: lower bag is sleep system with 3 layer sleeping bag, water barrier tarp, and small brown tent w/rainfly; upper pack 3color desert M65 Field Parka w/ liner, 3color desert mechanic's cold weather coveralls, 3color hat, cold weather hat and gloves, 3color desert shirt and pants, one set night desert fishtail Parka and over pants, reversible day/night gortex rain pants, second clothing set is 6color desert shirt, pants, and hat, 6 cotton socks, 1 wool pair, gortex cold weather boots, 2 long sleeve undershirt, 2 short sleeve t-shirts, 3 underwear, 1 tan sweater, belt, cotton sweatpants and sweatshirt; inside pack cover are maps (my bug-out map with water sources for Pacific Crest trail from my location to 40 miles into Southern Sierra Wilderness), compass, waterproof matches, sand scarf, and sunglasses; two side pouches are empty for food to go, back pocket has medical kit, backup waterproof matches, pocket knife, sewing kit, and tent repair kit. I utilize a Remington 700 SPS Varmint rifle in .308 on H-S stock for my primary weapon with 250x 168grain rounds (I keep the rifle, optics, ammo, and a cleaning kit in a portable gun case stored with the packs).