Marsh -- Finding survival gear challenges outdoorsmen (But not everyone gets it)

newsargus.com ^ | June 26, 2009 | Rudy Coggins

[appleseed]

Pat McHugh invented the Space Blanket, an amazing piece of survival gear that has changed the face of emergency care for decades. McHugh said millions of Space Blankets were sent to help victims of the Indonesian tsunami a couple of years ago.

But such large-scale disasters form only part of the basis of survival and outdoors gear McHugh has designed and represented. One of my favorites is an MPI outdoors backpack with a single shoulder strap that allows shooting a rifle while wearing the pack. But, while he said hunters and fishermen usually possess all the gear they need to survive, having a plan and getting that gear into a single location for a fast getaway is even more important.

"The devastation to one's home and psychological well being that can be caused by the wrath of Mother Nature, brought forth by an earthquake, tornado or hurricane, has forced many people to become unwilling urban campers," he said. "Barring serious physical injuries, the main problems will be matters of comfort and personal protection until the situation can begin to return to some semblance of normalcy.

"Natural disasters can occur at any time, in any place, and even though we can do little to prevent them from happening, we can prepare for them. The biggest part of preparation is assembling survival supplies. You should also know the location of your local emergency shelter.

"One big advantage you can have in addition to the physical preparation of supplies is to ensure you and your family are mentally prepared for an emergency situation

[appleseed]

Don't know anything about this McHugh. As far as the backpack thing goes, an ALICE pack from an Army surplus store on the cheap will work just as good. No matter single or double shoulder strap. Fishing can be done on no money at all. A willow branch some string and a bent paperclip or coathanger will do just fine with a worm found anywhere in the dirt. Assuming most folks have at least a .22 rifle or handgun is a good thing. A slingshot, crossbow or any other way of delivering a lethal blow to food is a good thing.

Good to have a bug-out place in mind for when shtf. Depending on your situation, could be the back yard or another place off your property. Had a flood situation last year that we bugged out to our church a few miles away. Grabbed the bug-outbag and hit the road. Mentally prepared because we live in the country and are prepared all the time. Just our way of life.

[appleseed]

Self Reliant/Survivalist ping list

[Star Traveler]

Sounds like a “growth business”... :-)

[randomhero97]

The gf is kinda of starting to think I’m a little paranoid because I’m getting rid of everything I think is irrelevent to have. To me, though, I enjoy living below my means. You don’t miss the crap when the time comes when it’s worthless.

[appleseed]

I reckon it is. Spent 2.5 hours watering the gardens this afternoon. Most boring thing you could imagine. Just waiting for the returns. Wife is a master canner and will be having corn, squash, pumpkin, green and red tomato’s, sunflower seeds and her beloved rhubarb this winter.

[JoeProBono]

[Star Traveler]

Cool..., sounds like you’ll be doing fine...

[appleseed]

Put a tin foil hat on and add about 20 pounds and 2 inches - minus mustach and that is me.

[appleseed]

Self Reliant/Survivalist ping list

[JoeProBono]

"Put a tin foil hat on and add about 20 pounds and 2 inches - minus mustach and that is me."

Nah!

[appleseed]

Dude, that’s me only about 20 years younger though.

[bgill]

You should also know the location of your local emergency shelter.

Better to know the location of at least two emergency shelters. You wouldn't want to go to the one in a basement during a flood and you wouldn't want ot go to the one above ground in a tornado.