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Survival Training Vs. Survivalism
One is useful, one is entertaining
In the photo above, you’ll see what a “survivalist” thinks you should have in your Bug Out Bag.
Now, mind you, this is a nice kit. But in the event of the SHTF, it’s a lot to carry. For somebody role-playing or having a nice weekend outing, I’d love this kit, mostly.
It’s missing some important things, though, and has a whole lot of extraneous nonsense. This is a Survivalist’s kit.
I learned the art of survival in Wyoming. As a poor kid, living through the frozen hell that is a Wyoming winter.
Later, as a homeless person, I learned even more.
The kit in the picture will wear you out and reduce your chances of survival.
A proper bug out bag is mostly empty.
Given the times we live in, this is a rather important subject. War, particularly civil war, is the failure of politics. Have you seen the news lately?
What it should be
Caveat first. I have very strong opinions on this matter. I have lived in the wilderness, both by choice and by lack of choice. I know what I’m talking about.
That being said, a proper survival kit consists of very few items. First and foremost, a good quality knife. It don’t need to be big, but it needs to be larger than a pocket knife. I like big knives, frankly, and my current choice is actually a short machete.
You don’t actually need anything this large, but it is helpful. For many years, I carried a 7" hunting knife with no accessories. But one like this is readily available and not very expensive. Note the small knife that is in the outside of the sheath. It’s designed to be tied to a stick to make a fishing spear. It also has several wrench holes, which can be useful for tightening or loosening small bolts in a pinch.
