Author's right side platform: Knife, gun, spare magazine

The focus of this article is what goes on the left sideplatform, but let me give you the quick overview of the right side platform. I’m a right-handed person and defense/hunting is one of the survival items you must always be prepared for, so my right-side platform holds my handgun (Springfield Armory 1911 .45ACP), a fixed blade knife (Cold Steel Recon Tanto) and a spare magazine for my handgun. Just on that one platform I have 16 rounds of ammunition (total) and a good knife – which I consider to be the single most important survival tool anyone can have (aside from a good mind).

(To learn more about the author’s experiences with .45ACP pistols check out this article)

(More information about the knife as your single most important survival tool in this article)

With the right-side platform addressing defense/hunting, the left-side platform needed to address the other four priorities of survival as much as could be managed in a small space, plus provide more ammo for the handgun (if possible). The challenge is building that left-side platform to maximize the utility of the available space so that you can use it to address (as much as possible) the remaining four survival priorities of water, shelter, food and first-aid. Given the limited space, even being creative, compromises have to be made. Creativity comes into play. For the sake of building that left-side platform into a stand-alone survival kit, I had to think from the perspective of having nothing else on the belt except the right-side platform and its contents, which were all defense/hunting oriented.

The Condor Tactical Gear Side Kick shown open and closed.

I started out with a blank BLACKHAWK SERPA Tactical panel. These flexible carbon-fiber panels provide MOLLE attachment points four wide and four tall, as well as two adjustable elastic thigh straps and their proprietary Y-hanging quick-release system. Onto the face of this platform I attached a Condor Tactical Gear Side Kick pouch. That used three of the four-wide MOLLE mounting points on the platform. The Side Kick measures 7″ tall by 5.5″ wide by 1.5″ deep. It has two zippered compartments: the larger inside compartment, which zips open clam-shell style but it held at level when open by a cord on both sides, and a smaller compartment on the face of it. On the front face is a velcro patch section overlaid onto MOLLE webbing. More MOLLE webbing is available on each side (single width). Inside the Side Kick pouch there are elastic bands sewed into the front and back to allow for organizing whatever items you put into it.

Water: While I actually do carry two 1-quart nalgene canteens, each in a nylon pouch with an aluminum canteen cup, on my gunbelt, remember I was proceeding as if I had no other water. Obviously, in such a small pouch as the Condor Side kick, there’s no room to carry water; however, I found something interesting at the local sporting goods store: a collapsible plastic reservoir that holds 1/2 a liter of water. Even if I filled it with only that 1/2 liter it would be too big to put into the pouch (unless I didn’t intend to put in anything else), but folded up and accompanied by a bottle of water purification tablets (50 tablets which treats 25 liters of water, so 1 tablet treats 1/2 liter), if I could find a water source then I could have drinkable water. Not a perfect solution, but as I said: given the space, compromises had to be made.

Many of the items in the author's survival pouch came from an AMK SOL Survival Medic kit.

Shelter: I thought about this and considered “shelter” in two stages. First, simple protection from the elements, i.e. a tent, poncho, tarp, etc. Second, the ability to make fire for the purpose of creating warmth (but also having the added happy side-effect of being able to cook anything I could hunt/catch). The first aspect of shelter I addressed with two emergency blankets from AMK SOL. I got two because they are different sizes. One is a single person blanket while the other is large enough for two. My intent/thought process was that I could use the two-person-size blanket as a shelter and use the single-person-size blanket as a warm wrap. For the second shelter aspect of making fire, I cannibalized a Survival Medic Kit (another AMK SOL product) to get the striker and fire tinder package. The two items, together, allow the ability to start four fires. The single-person emergency blanket cited also came from that Survival Medic Kit.

Food: At best, I may be able to put a couple granola bars into this pouch; however, my intent is to grab/have prepackaged food items (granola bars, jerky, etc) and put them in the cargo pockets of my pants. FOOD, in this ultra-light gun/equipment belt set up is addressed by the gun and the knife: hunt, trap and forage.

First-Aid: While my first-aid supplies are not as complete as I’d like them to be, there are a few pieces. Again, all of the first-aid items came out of that previously mentioned Survival Medic Kit. There are a couple band-aids, a couple knuckle bandages, some pain killers (tablets), antibiotic ointment, anti-septic wipe and a few other odds and ends. I will likely add to this first-aid supply as space permits.

Other: Although the above list addresses – as completely as possible in such a small space – the five survival priorities, some other items are simply nice to have, and/or good to have if you’re anticipating rescue. The first is my travel package of kleenex tissue. No matter how light my survival kit may be, if I can avoid using leaves to wipe, I like to. The second is a handy tool, made by Coleman, that I found in the camping section of that local sports supply store: it’s a whistle, thermometer, signal mirror, magnifying glass and compass all in a single unit. With this one tool you can signal a search party, start a fire, perform rough navigation and stay informed about temperatures as they have a direct impact on your survival chances.

And I nearly forgot: I also have the roll of duct tape out of the Survival Medic Kit tucked into one of the elastic straps inside the Side Kick, plus I have four lengths of cordage. Now I use the term “cordage” but they are really boot laces. When I’ve worn out a pair of boots (or traded out the laces because I prefer something different), I never throw away the laces unless they are obviously frayed beyond usable condition. Each of those laces (remember, I have four) is over two feet long and can serve well to help build or set up shelter as well as other utility uses.

The Streamlight ProTac 1AA is a handy, convenient sized tool that could prove invaluable in a survival situation.

On the front face of the pouch, hooked onto the MOLLE webbing, I put three magazine pouches to hold extra mags/ammo for my handgun. That adds 21 more rounds (minimum) to my ammo load, increasing my total (combined with what’s on the other platform) to 37 rounds. That may not be a lot, but it’s better than none and adding 21 rounds on the left-side platform more than doubles my total round count, increasing my chance of survival when bullets matter (hunting and defense).

All together, gunbelt, right-side platform and left-side platform (not including 1-quart canteens on belt) this “ultra-light” survival system weighs less than 12 pounds. Any backpacker will tell you that is extremely light when compared to a typical pack load. I still have a single-width MOLLE mount available on the platform, so I have to consider how to get the greatest survival value out of that space. I am considering adding in a small fishing kit (line, hooks, sinkers) to increase the food value, but overall this is a pretty complete kit given its total size and weight. Think about it as a redundant layer in your preparedness system.

What do you think of when you think about Buck Knives?  You should be thinking of exceptionally sharp and durable knives that are made in the USA and come with Buck’s forever warranty.  In 2010, Buck Knives teamed up with renowned survival instructor and expert Ron Hood to produce the Hoodlum Survival Knife.  Out of that collaboration came the Hoodlum’s little brother, the Punk.

When being called "a Punk" isn't a bad thing.

Not too small; not too big. Good sized standard field knife.

The Punk is a survival knife through and through.  This is a very straight forward knife.  It has a straight edge, 5-5/8^th inches blade with a non glare finish.  The Micarta  Scale Grips can be removed to create a spear by lashing the one piece, 5160 carbon steel  blade/tang to a pole.  While the Micarta grips look like wood, they are a laminated composite material.  There is a vibration dampener between the tang and grips that Buck refers to as their Shock Mitigating System (SMS).  The SMS helps with reducing vibration while chopping.  The butt of the knife has lanyard hole if you so chose to attach one.

The sheath for the Punk is made of nylon and can be worn in a high or low position on the belt or it can be secured to a vest or pack using MOLLE.  When carried on the belt, a four foot piece of paracord is provided so that the bottom of the sheath can be tied to the leg to prevent it from bouncing.  That paracord as we know can be used for other purposes as well.  I recommend carrying the knife with the handle up when carried on MOLLE gear.  The sheath has a polymer insert to prevent cutting of the nylon but, the knife sits loosely in the insert so it should be carried handle up.  The knife is secured in the sheath by a strap with a snap.  For extra security, a cord also goes around the handle and has a quick adjust slider.  The cord can be removed or wrapped around the back to keep it out of your way if you choose.  A pouch on the outside of the sheath has a quick release buckle.  The pouch will hold a sharpening stone, smaller knife, or multi-tool nicely.  It would also serve nicely as a place to carry a small tube with fishing line, small sinkers, hooks, snare wire, matches, etc.

Author used the Punk to whittle these tent pegs. He reports that it was not difficult work.

This is a substantial knife that can hold up to pretty much anything you’ll be able to throw at it.  Although this is a beautiful knife and I didn’t want to do this, I thought it was only fair to you to give it a good toss.  I threw it across my yard and on to my gravel driveway.  I cringed when it landed but, there were no issues.  I then used it to easily cut down a previously cut, still green, sapling.  I placed the knife against the sapling and used a broken tree branch to hammer on the spine of the blade.  This method made short work of the tree.  To check its ability to do detailed work, I fashioned four makeshift tent pegs.  They turned out nicely and only took about ten minutes.  While making the tent pegs, I noticed that the handle was not so comfortable in my hand.  The webbing of my hand between the thumb and index finger was getting a bit sore.  I also tried chopping at a tree branch but, I found that the light weight and overall short length does not lend itself very well to chopping.

Unfortunately, I understand that Buck has stopped producing this knife but, I was not able to get confirmation.  I unsuccessfully tried getting through to their customer service three times by phone.  Even though Buck isn’t producing this knife any longer, you’ll still find it at some retailers for about $120.

If you’re in the market for a high quality knife, check out Buck Knives at: http://www.buckknives.com/

Editor’s Note: Although this article was written specifically for a law enforcement audience several years back, the thoughts voiced by the author have great applicability to concealed carry in general.  It will make you think – which is why I chose to include it.  Read on.

- – -

Hopefully you carry a firearm off-duty.  You can now legally do so nationwide, thanks to President Bush signing the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act a couple years ago.  (Yes, the politicians—including, unfortunately, some of the police brass—in a few cites such as New York and Chicago may still give you a hassle for so doing, but think about it.  Why should anyone know that you are carrying a concealed handgun at all?  The only good reason is that you had to challenge someone with it or use it, at which point the extra hassle is a small thing, in context.)  But just because you carry a gun off duty doesn’t mean that you can use it effectively, should you need to.  To paraphrase the late Colonel Jeff Cooper: “Just owning a guitar doesn’t make someone a musician.”

“What do you mean,” I can hear some of you saying, “I’m on the department SWAT team, I shoot every week, I’m a tactical stud!”  I’m sure you are.  And if you ever have to—of duty—draw your service pistol from your duty holster to defend yourself, then my bets are on you.  But if you have to draw a less used, less shot gun from somewhere where you don’t carry a pistol during most of your armed hours, then…well, I’ll need more information to know on whom to place my bets.  Because if—under extreme stress—you have to draw on off-duty gun from a place that you don’t have thousands of draw stroke repetitions from, then I can probably safely give you even odds of the draw being flubbed to a significant degree.

Don’t get me wrong—it’s not like I’m perfect here.  In fact, this lesson was driven home to me just this last Summer.  I was filming a DVD series on armed self defense (www.armedresponsetraining.com, click the “videos” button) and as part of the section on different carry methods, I was demonstrating a full-speed draw from each one.  Well, it took me several takes to demonstrate a good draw from a couple of these carry methods (such as from the shoulder holster) because I simply never use them.  Not because there’s anything wrong with, for example a shoulder holster, but because I just don’t happen to use one.  I could draw just fine from them at ¾ speed and even at 7/8 speed, but when I had to go full throttle for the camera, I flubbed it.  Lesson learned: don’t assume that you can carry your gun somewhere that you have little practice drawing from—including the use of your ordinary concealing garments—and get to the gun in a hurry.  Practice counts; in fact it’s necessary!

This lesson applies to something as simple as slipping a small gun into your pocket—either a pants pocket or a coat pocket.  If you haven’t practiced drawing from there—full speed, and preferably also under some stress—then it’s virtually a sure thing that you won’t have a reliable draw when you need it.  Again, I learned this myself this last Summer when performing back-up gun transitions for the camera.  I simply hadn’t practiced enough getting to my BUG in a hurry in some of the places I carry a BUG, or even sometimes my primary gun while off-duty.  Yes, we all probably shoot our BUGs or off-duty gun(s) (if they are different from our usual service gun) at the range.  But we usually do it wrong.  During a session, we probably train with our primary gun the majority of the time, and then if we think of it we put the primary gun down, pick up and load the smaller gun, and shoot that some.  With BUGs, what we should do is to run our primary gun dry or to a malfunction (that we’ll probably have to induce or simulate), and at that point practice finding cover or moving while drawing our BUG and continuing to fire with it as soon as possible.  Similarly with off-duty guns: practice drawing and shooting them with actual concealment clothing and under stress.  You will be surprised just how fumble-prone these seemingly simple little exercises can be.  Yes, anyone can draw a gun from anywhere easily without stress.  But even under as little stress as the clock adds, it ain’t so easy if we don’t practice it often!  Don’t ‘diss it until you’ve tried it.

Of course, most of us (me included) don’t practice as much as we should with our BUGs (or off-duty guns), just in terms of pure shooting.  These guns are invariably smaller and/or lighter than our duty gun (otherwise we’d just be carrying our duty pistol) and are thus more difficult to shoot.  Therefore they need at least as much trigger time to get or stay good with them.  Many of us probably carry a snub-nose revolver as our small gun, and they are time-proven good choices.  But they are the devil to shoot well.  As much inherent mechanical accuracy as they have, their human accuracy is held in check by their light weight, short sight radius, and usually useless stock sights.  The good news is that we’ll probably need them only at very short distances, at which hitting our assailant shouldn’t be a problem, but…well, you know.

A really neat resource that I’ve come across to help in this regard is Claude Werner’s Dry Fire Practice for the Snub Nose Revolver.  Claude is a retired Army Captain, a master-class shooter, and an instructor at the Rogers Shooting School.  In Claude’s words: Unfortunately, most people don’t know how to practice. They go to the range, waste ammunition, and only practice at the range. Really good shooters practice often, both at the range and at home, and they use their practice sessions effectively. These CDs can make you a much better shooter in a short period of time by guiding you through the process of practicing successfully. And because much of your practice is done without ammunition it is quite inexpensive.

As we all know and believe, you have to train like you’ll fight.  That applies to off-duty guns, too!

I was looking for a good multi purpose gear bag for work that would be big enough to carry all my gear and be durable enough for daily use.  I found exactly what I was looking for in the Maxpedition Aggressor Tactical Attaché bag.  It’s the big brother to their Operator Tactical Attaché bag.  This bag will carry so much kit that it will easily become too heavy to even want to carry it around.  It’s tough as nails and I would recommend it to any of my friends.

Pockets are plentiful for you to organize your gear.

The bag itself is made from DuPont Teflon treated, 1000 Denier nylon fabric that is triple polyurethane coated for water resistance.  With that said, there are no storm flaps on the zippers and the flap pockets on the outside are far from watertight.  While the bag will repel some rain, I don’t recommend prolonged exposure to the elements.  The 1000 Denier nylon makes this a very durable bag.  I throw it from the front seat to the back seat and sometimes carry the bag in the back of my truck.  The abrasive spray in bed liner hasn’t even thought about wearing on the fabric.

You’ll notice as soon as you get your hands on the bag just how tough the fabric is.  The YKK zippers come with paracord zipper pulls which I think is weak point in the bag.  The paracord zipper pulls are simply knotted at the end and eventually will need to be retied.  I did replace two of the zipper pulls with braided paracord pulls.  Each one uses 8 feet of cord and you never know when that might come in handy.  The internal seams are taped and points of high stress are Bartacked, double stitched, or box/cross stitched.  Over the two years I have been using the Aggressor, I have not had a single seam separation which says something about the craftsmanship because my bag must weigh 30 pounds.  Fortunately for those of us that do load these bags up, the dual carry straps can be bound together with a padded leather flap.  A nicely padded shoulder strap is also provided but, I found that it just got in the way and took it off shortly after I started using the bag.  Each side of the Aggressor has a field of loop for your favorite morale patches, blood type patches or name tag.

The same pockets, shown open, reveal what looked so "innocent" before.

My Aggressor gets a good work out every day carrying my ruggedized laptop, power cord, back up gun, batteries, case files, writing implements, flash drive, business cards, folding knife, and anything else I might need for work. I found that the bottle and radio holders on the sides are convenient places to carry my four hand held radios, two in each pocket.  The radio and bottle holders have shock cord retention straps the secure with hook and loop to prevent loss.

Be careful about the items you place in the flap pockets on the outside of the bag, smaller items may fall out.  My keys fell out one day and I had to search the back seat to locate them.  Even though I knew the keys could not have walked very far, there is always that moment of doubt.  Two loops on top secure a baton of longer flashlight.  For those of you that will be carting around a laptop, the main compartment will accommodate up to a 17” screen.  There is a semi hidden, hook and loop secured pocket with loop inside for attaching a holster or other equipment pouches.  I use that particular pocket to carry a few tools like a screw driver, mini pry bar, etc.  I’ve never been a fan of off body concealed carry but, the option is available to you.  Attempting to draw a firearm from this pocket is cumbersome at best; it’s not the place to carry your primary defensive handgun.

You’ll like this bag, it’s tough as nails, carries a lot of gear, keeps it organized, and simply looks good.  Maxpedition offers the Aggressor in five colors: Black, OD Green, Khaki, Foliage Green, and ACU Digital.  If you shop around, you’ll be able to find the Aggressor for about $170.  You can check out the Aggressor on the Maxpedition web site by visiting:  www.maxpedition.com

This military leader sets out the basic knowledge that must be absorbed, understood and applied until achieved in the life of a soldier. The battle must be won in the mind, in the emotions and in the physical body before the soldier is ready to win on the battlefield. To not have prior victory in these areas means no victory in the battle with an enemy… That also includes daily life. We must be well prepared in order to compete and succeed!

And He said to all, “If any person wills to come after me, Let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Jesus Christ) Luke 9:23

This is Jesus Christ adding the spiritual dimension to the ones meant by the military trainer and leader, Sun tzu. Jesus spent thirty years being educated, trained and disciplined before He was called by His Father into the battle for men’s soul/spiritual lives… Then His education, experience, mind, body and Spirit were empowered by the Holy Spirit for service in the effort to demonstrate to and inform the human race of all the things needful… And call them back to the intents and purposes of the Creator… “Follow me” means learn from me and do as I instruct you to do… The very same principle, learn and do, as put forth by Sun tzu except that Jesus went one step further and made it possible for us to receive the added spiritual life and knowledge that He purchased for us.

Deny himself means give up the controlling strengths of what you think you know in relation to all things to do with God and interpersonal human life and be fully re-trained in how to live to the fullest in this world and the world to come… This is the spiritual dimension added by Jesus to the statements made by Sun tzu.

I know from fifty years of experience that Sun tzu was right.

I also know from forty four years of spiritual experience that the instructions of both teachers quoted work best when they are integrated and the individual applicant/recruit learns and applies all that can be absorbed and applied to all the aspects of the individual applicant’s/recruit’s personal life and the intended profession.

Peace Keepers must be fully prepared in all aspects of their being as they deal with the things in their world that no one else wants to or will deal with. I served the first five years with no spiritual training, no spiritual guidance and no spiritual aspect… I was good but I could have been better… There was a lot that I did not know and Basic School did not cover. Then I had opportunity to gain the spiritual aspect, spiritual training and other advanced training. Because of this experience, learning and application of it I was much more effective during my career here.

Think on these things!!! I know how good it can be for you if you have the full life that these teachers meant to convey to their hearers and all that would subsequently learn from them… I know!!!… And I most deeply desire the good that it could give to all of the Peace Keepers who find this combination and put them to use. John the Baptist touched upon it with the soldiers/police of his day and Jesus blessed soldiers but never told them to stop being soldiers. The Peace Keepers were and are appointed by God, along with the idea of government by human societies, to be a blessing to those who would live in peace and to execute His wrath upon those who would not live in peace that cause disruptions in the world around them.

Military soldiers usually work in groups of a few or more. Law enforcement personnel are soldiers that usually work in pairs or alone.

Peace Keepers, I write this message today because I love all of you so very much that I must keep setting these precepts before you for as long as I am in this world!!! I must do this because I know how well they work and they can work for you just as well!!!

Training and practice are everything!
Without them, the best results are not obtained!

“BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!” ALWAYS be alert, watchful, suspicious and wary. Take the very best care of you as you care for and about others. See to the strength and well being of your spirit as well as all the rest of yourself. Your spirit must be strong for you to be successful. All of this is by your own choice… He has made provision for you but it is up to you to learn it, take it and put it to use for the best results possible.

Call or write if I may be of any service… Or if you just want to encourage me… Feedback encourages all who write… It helps to know we are reaching someone who reads the message.

Donna is still in the hospital. They found that the blood thinning treatment and tests given to her at home did no good and they had to give more medication more often and lab test it every day to get it corrected. She is improved as far as the infection is concerned and the blood is improving. The swelling is still there on her right side and the pain is still bad.

My son is still working. He also worked on both of my broken cars this past week.

I am still doing well but working through a gout attack in my left foot which has seldom been the location of previous attacks.

Thanks for the responses, the care, concern and prayer.

As it has always been… So it still is!!!

ONLY LIVE PEACE KEEPERS SEE THE VICTORY!!!
THEY SEE IT ONLY BECAUSE OTHERS HAVE MADE THEIR ETERNAL PAYMENTS OF SWEAT, BLOOD, TEARS AND LIFE FOR THAT VICTORY!

WITH THE DEEPEST OF APPRECIATION AND RESPECT…
BE BLESSED (A CONDITION TO BE ENVIED)…
BE SUCCESSFUL… BE SAFE…
[My injunction to be safe means doing all you know to do as you do your job... it means doing the best you can with what you have where you are using all your faculties to get the job done well and with good results conquering evil and keeping or restoring peace... it does not mean to avoid duty and honor... it does not mean to cower or allow anything
to hinder you in the process of duty according to rules, law and ethics... it means that if the demand takes your earthly life you destroy as much evil as possible in the process.
That is my definition of being safe... doing the best you can and leaving the rest to God or whomever else is responsible... being best employed for the sake and protection of all the things and people that we hold dear.]

I represent, write for… and give the credit to:
God the Father (my Commander-in-Chief),
Jesus Christ the Son (the Eternal Captain of my life) and
the Holy Spirit of God (my Eternal Teacher, Keeper and Guide).
In Christ I live… with Him and for you I serve…
And I rejoice that you are there whether you are Christian or not…
For God, Country and the Peace Keeper…
D. R. (Don) Staton, Chaplain to Peace Keepers,
Surviving Peace Keeper,
Virginia State Police Alumni,
RETIRED Police Officer,
RETIRED Police Instructor,
RETIRED Chaplain Administrator,
Chaplain Emeritus,
Community Service Officer (Traffic Safety),
Virginia Beach Police Dept.
Blackwater Alumni
757-486-3881, chpln1@verizon.net
3709 Beacon Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
===============================================================
All rights reserved. This Message:
Is for Peace Keepers and their loved ones and it may be forwarded with the complete message intact to individuals and web sites…
May not be duplicated in print nor publications without permission….
May not be used in any manner for personal financial gain nor profit
without permission.

Except for quoted material attributed to a specific source, all material in CHAPLAIN CORNER is my personal opinion gained from 49 years of working with people in peace keeping and is not to be construed to represent the policies and opinions of any department with whom I have served or am serving.

To subscribe to this free, weekly e-mail message for Peace Keepers,
write to Chaplain D. R. Staton at chpln1@verizon.net or at
3709 Beacon Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.

There are certainly some outlets for information that are better than others. Survivalblog.com has been around for quite some time and has (literally) hundreds of thousands of users / contributors. A search of that site can deliver you information that has been vetted by other ‘experts’ in the field. The owner of that site, James Wesley, Rawles, has also written a book called “How To Survive The End of The World As We Know It” which I reviewed previously. As good as that book is, it is not the end-all be-all only reference you need.

I myself published my own “Personal Disaster Planning Handbook” specifically NOT directed at an “end of the world scenario,” but to assist those with little to no preparation experience or knowledge to begin bringing into focus how and what they prepare. Versatility, flexibility and redundancy or the key themes in my handbook.

Recently I’ve found myself more active in social media (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.) because of requirements for my job, and to help build traffic / spread the word about this site (NewAmericanTruth.com). As a result, I’ve come across several hundred people who run survival-oriented / preparation-dedicated Facebook pages accompanied by matching Twitter feeds. Again, there is no single one that is best. What I’ve seen is that each seems to have a strength and they leverage that (always smart not to try to leverage your weaknesses). In other words, each provides a different tool to have in your tool box of survival information.

Some have websites (check our Links page) offer you free downloads of reference material. I think that’s fantastic and at the same time I offer a word of caution: PDFs are great; the internet is fantastic; but both are only of any value as long as you have power and a means to access them. My recommendation is that, once you’ve downloaded the PDFs, you print them and bind them. Your local office supply store will usually do this for about ten cents per sheet of paper (200 page book is 100 sheets of paper, so about $10) plus $2 (give or take) for binding.

Additionally, it’s good to have an idea of what you are preparing for. Some “preppers” are planning and preparing for a total societal collapse that is both prolonged and wide spread (coast to coast in America and possibly also in other parts of the world). Some preppers just plan to survive the next hurricane season. Some preppers are concerned about a possible Civil War if our country’s “leadership” doesn’t change course. No matter what disaster you are envisioning as you make your preparations all vetted knowledge is good knowledge. The tool box can never have too many tools.

That said, organizing what you know and all your reference material is up to you. It is possible to have so much that you lose track of what is available, thereby robbing yourself of potentially life-saving information. I recommend one of two ways to sort information:

First, the “topic” method: sort it by topic. Shelter, power, food, water, weapons, etc.

Second, the “location” method: sort by environment. Home, retreat, vehicle, backpack, etc.

When I wrote my Disaster Planning handbook, I used the second method for organization, and at/in each location I specified my survival priorities:

• shelter
• food & water
• first-aid
• defense

No matter which way you choose to organize your info, plan it and stick to it. A survival library is always a good thing; just don’t let it exist solely on your computer or your electronic reading device.

Stay safe!

In the past I’ve had some interesting experiences during a drive that I would not have had on a plane.  One of my favorite examples was the lunch I ended up having at a rest stop on Interstate 95 with one of the New York Firemen who was on the scene at the World Trade Centers on September 11, 2001.  It was an honor to meet him; a pleasure to buy him lunch; an interesting conversation had and a new friend made.  That wouldn’t have happened if I’d been on a plane 35,000 feet up flying over that rest stop.  I’ve often thought that we are so eager to get where we’re going so fast that we have lost appreciation for the experience of the trip itself.  What used to take days, weeks or months can now be done in a few hours, but we lose the experience of the trip itself for the sake of saving time.  Is the time saved worth the experience lost?  Who knows… but I digress.

As I enjoy driving so much I think about it sometime in my spare time – or when I’m driving (go figure).  Just recently I took a road trip to visit a location about 3.5 hours away from home (drive time).  There were two separate routes I could take: one quite scenic on four lane divided state roads, the other on eight lane divided interstate highways.  Since the difference in travel time (see? There’s that time consideration again) is insignificant on this particular trip I almost always select the scenic route.  When I make that selection though I recognize and accept that there are a few considerations I need to address.  As I thought about that during my last trip on that route I realized that there are multiple considerations that should be addressed on any road trip – and that was the motivation for this particular article.

The author's (at the time) 2008 Dodge Charger V6.

So, the first question I have is: what vehicle am I driving?  For the past nine years my family has been an SUV or truck family.  The vehicles we’ve owned have included a 2001 DodgeDurango(4×2), a 2001 Dodge Dakota four door pickup (4×4), a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab (4×4) and a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo (4×2).  Prior to buying the ’01Durango we had enjoyed having a ’94 Jeep Wrangler soft top, 5-speed manual, 4×4.  In the passing years my wife has often talked about how much she missed the Wrangler and wished we could have another one.  Recently we purchased a 2010 Jeep Wrangler Sport soft top, 6-speed manual, 4×4.  Very shortly after making that purchase we sold the Jeep Cherokee leaving us with the Wrangler and the Ram pickup – both 4×4 vehicles.  Then, not long thereafter, the Ram’s computer system took a dive and it was smarter to trade it than repair it.  Did we really need another pickup truck?  I ended up buying a gently used 2008 Dodge Charger with the 2.7L V6 motor.

I share all that to get to this: what vehicle I select to take on a given trip is obviously dependent on the terrain and what I might face in the course of the trip.  If I’m taking my son camping in Smoke Hole,West Virginia, I’m taking the Jeep Wrangler simply because I may NEED its four-wheel drive capability.  If I’m taking a road trip toVirginia Beach,Virginia– a trip that doesn’t take me onto ANY unpaved roads, I can take the Charger comfortably.  However, that trip toVirginia Beachoffers the two options I mentioned earlier: interstate highways or scenic state roads?  If I choose the scenic route I need to be aware of the distance in between some of the gas stations and how isolated certain parts are.  Prior planning becomes of great import.  It’s not so much that prior planning will prevent anything bad from happening.  It’s more that prior planning will allow you to successfully overcome any challenges you face along the way.

The author's other option: a 2010 Jeep Wrangler 2-door, better suited if off-road travel might occur.

Pick a vehicle.  Planning your route is the second consideration.  Of course we all do this, right?  You may be surprised.  With the growing dominance of GPS units I know plenty of people who articulate their belief that maps, compasses and trip planners are a thing of the past.  They just punch in where they want to go and let their GPS unit tell them how to get there.  Maybe it’s just me; maybe it’s the fact that I’m on my second wife; maybe it’s being a retired cop.  Whatever the reason, I just can’t get used to the idea of ASKING a MACHINE to “tell me where to go”.  Enough people in my life have done that.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE.  Plan two back up routes.  Why two?  Because Mr. Murphy LOVES to sit in your backseat or hide in your trunk and prove that if anything can go wrong it will go wrong.  To make sure that doesn’t cancel your plans, you have routes A, B and C planned, mapped and printed.

Once you’ve planned your route spend the time examining it online (such a handy resource) or using AAA as a resource to find out what services and amenities are available along the travel plan you’ve laid out.  How far is the biggest stretch between gas stations?  How remote is the most isolated section of travel?  Check with your cellular carrier and see if there are reported dead zones along your planned path of travel.  If you KNOW your cell phone won’t work for a particular stretch, what other options exist for communications (if any) in that area?

The point I’m getting to is this: you should plan and prepare for everything that can go wrong to go wrong in the absolutely worst place that it can go wrong along your path of travel – all three of them: A, B and C.

Along the route of my most recent road trip there is a 37 mile stretch that has no gas stations or service stations; no convenience stores.  Nothing but farms and water on either side for 37 miles.  Now, given that I was driving a vehicle which averages about 25 miles per gallon, running out of gas in that particular stretch isn’t likely.  It’s a simple matter, since I know it’s there, to make sure that I have a quarter to a half tank of gas or more.  If I hadn’t checked though and wasn’t aware of that lack of stations in that stretch might I pass up the last gas station, perhaps low on fuel, but expecting another one soon and hoping for a better per gallon price?  I know folks it has happened to.

In that particular county the sheriff’s office reports intermittent problems with some motorcycle gangs and the occasional traveling collection of ruffian teenagers.  Hmmm… so if I DID run out of gas in that stretch it’s not only a long walk to the nearest gas station but I may find myself accosted by some folks who, let’s say, don’t restrict their behavior in accordance with society’s laws.  Sure, I could hope for the hospitality and assistance from some of the farm folks, but that’s a HOPE – not an assurance.  Ultimately, as I think the whole country is coming to realize again, the only person finally responsible for my safety and security is ME.

So, for that particular over-the-road trip, not expecting any off-road issues and aware of the only stretch that I definitely would prefer not to break down or run out of gas in, I planned properly.  I planned as if I would break down in that worst spot.  Now I’m not about to tell you that I took a gas can along just in case.  I didn’t.  Could I have put a one, two or five gallon can in the trunk?  Sure I could have.  I don’t like doing such though.  My back seats fold down to allow for putting long items in the trunk and through to the back seat.  That means any fumes building my trunk will ultimately end up in the interior compartment of my car.  So no gas cans back there.

If I were to break down what were my options or considerations?

The author's defensive tools for the trip specified: Kahr CW4543 .45ACP, spare magazine, Buck Pro Vantage knife, Insight Technologies HX-120 flashlight.

First, defense.  As I said, thankfully I can still travel armed.  In this case my sidearm of choice was my Kahr CW4543 .45ACP with a spare magazine for reload.  That gave me a total of seven rounds in the gun and six more in a magazine on my hip.  If I had to face more than 13 assailants I’d better be on my game.  Quite honestly I felt that my biggest threat would be a carload of four screaming stupid teenagers and I feel pretty confident that 13 rounds of .45ACP are sufficient to convince them I’m not the target they want that day.  In addition I nearly always have two or more knives on my person and a small but decently powerful LED flashlight.  I used to carry a can of OC Spray (pepper mace) in my car but stopped due to my concerns that intensive heat inside the car in summer could cause the can to explode and contaminate the entire interior compartment.  I HAVE a TASER X26C that I could carry but, especially during the summer, hiding a gun can be difficult enough, much less a less-lethal tool that is shaped like a gun.

Second, communications.  I double checked that in that stretch of road my cellular carrier has adequate coverage.  Should my cell phone fail for whatever reason, the state provides solar powered roadside emergency assistance phones every five miles in that section.  My longest walk to call for help would be 2.5 miles (if I was exactly between two of them).  I always have a charging cord for my cell phone in my car’s center console so as to prevent loss of comms due to dead batteries.

Third, hydration.  Yes, even in such a small space of concern.  Is it much?  No.  I had a bottle of water in the car with me.  It was a one liter bottle which was more than enough to sustain me through a day of need be.  Certainly it was enough to sustain me for a 2.5 mile walk on a hot day.  What if the walk isn’t 2.5 miles?  What if the closest ph0one I reach doesn’t work?  Remember Mr. Murphy and how he likes to strike when it can be the worst?  Yeah.  As I planned my hydration I planned it for worst case location.

Fourth, food.  Again, we’re not talking about much.  In this case two chewy chocolate chip granola bars.  Think carbohydrates and sugar.  Short term and long term energy sources for my body.  Again, more than enough to walk 2.5 miles – but what if I walk 2.5 miles to the phone, call for help and then have to walk 2.5 miles back?  And then there’s the indeterminate length of time waiting for the help to arrive.  I could SURVIVE on two of these granola bars for a day without issue.  Given a maximum limit of 37 miles to a station, assuming I’m close to one and too stupid to go that direction and instead walking to the other one, I’m going to walk a lot longer than eight hours.

Fifth, basic assistance supplies.  Such as?  Jumper cables, a quart of oil, a spare tire or a can of fix-a-flat, etc.  “Basic Assistance Supplies” should also include basic first aid supplies.  I’ve yet to work on an engine or change a tire without ending up with a skinned knuckle.  Yes, I know I’m just clumsy but if I know that then why wouldn’t I be prepared for it?  Oh, and having a spare tire is useless if you don’t also have a jack and a lug wrench.  Do you know where they are in your vehicle?  Have you ever even taken them out, set them up and then put them back?  When things go to hell in a hand basket is NOT the time to figure out IF you can use your emergency tools and supplies.

Now, all of that is for a simple over-the-paved-road trip with a given section of 37 miles where I might be out of touch and broken down.  What if I WAS going to Smoke Hole, WV?  Then the Jeep Wrangler would be equipped much differently.  Obviously everything listed above is a consideration but some changes are made:

Third (water) and fourth (food) items are expanded appreciably.  I have six collapsible 5-gallon water jugs with turn on/off valves.  ONE of them would be filled with fresh drinking water and stowed in the back.  At a rate of one gallon per day of usage, that’s five days of water and I simply can’t foresee being stranded someplace – even someplace remote – for that length of time.  The food supplies get expanded to include one MRE per day (total of five MREs) and FOUR granola bars per day.  That’s more than enough food to keep me from starving – or even being nutritionally depleted really – for that five day span.  Given the opportunity, those food supplies can be supplemented with game that is snared or caught and any fish I can catch.

Which brings me to additional supplies / tools that go into the Jeep.  I have a “go to hell” kit that stays packed.  In it are shelter supplies, an emergency space blanket, fire starter materials, trauma first aid supplies (pressure bandage, tourniquet and QuikClot) and a set of clean, dry underwear and socks.  There is also a pair of gloves, a Bic lighter, another flashlight, spare batteries for the flashlights and several high-sugar-content flavor packets for the water (eventually plane warm water just tastes yucky.  Fruit punch, orange drink, cherry kool-aid, etc all taste better – even warm).  The Go-To-Hell bag / kit won’t carry the MREs and granola bars, but it does have an incorporated 100oz hydration bladder / system.  So, if I stay within an easy walk of the Jeep – no matter where it’s broken down or I’m stranded – I can easily survive five days without risking dehydration or malnutrition.

Now, since it’s a Jeep I also have – always in it – two tow straps, a D-cell MagLight (that we’ve had near forever), a folding knife, a box of strike-anywhere matches and a folding spade (can you say “surplus entrenching tool”?).  An extra long (20’) set of jumper cables stays in the Jeep along with an assortment of bungee cords and a 50’ length of paracord (550 cord).  When you think about it, none of this stuff takes up much room and can be invaluable if you find yourself stranded somewhere.  I think the final note I’d make about different preparations on-the-road versus off-road is that I change my gun.  Instead of carrying the 6+1 Kahr .45ACP with one spare 6-round magazine I step up to my Springfield Armory 1911 with an 8+1 capacity and AT LEAST two spare 7-round magazines.  That changes my armament from 13 rounds of .45ACP out of a 3” barrel to 23 rounds (minimum) of .45ACP out of a 5” barrel.  Yeah, it’s a bit much for hunting squirrel, etc but it’s one heck of a defense gun and the longer barrel would permit for better reach in hunting game bigger than squirrels but smaller than deer (ground hogs, wood chucks, beavers, etc).

Having read through all of that (and I appreciate your time and attention) I have to ask you this question:  have you even taken the first step of planning your road trips?  Do you adequately plan and prepare for Mr. Murphy’s visit that will most likely come during the least opportune moment?  If so, GREAT!! Then I’m preaching to the choir.  If not, then why not? After all, it’s only your survival we’re talking about…

Happy Trails!

When it comes to Handgun Stopping Power I have always taught my students that a Handgun is tool; a tool to fight your way back to the shotgun or long-gun you should have had if you knew you were going to be in a fight. The FBI has put together an article about Handgun Wounding Factors and Effectiveness that is the basis for the vast majority of this article.

Does the caliber really make much difference? L to R: .45ACP, .40S&W, 9mm

When I teach on the subject of stopping power I teach about the “Anatomical Theory of Stopping Power” The theory that states there are only two places on the human body that you can shoot a subject and get immediate incapacitation:

1. The cranio-ocular cavity (about the size of a business card). This is the area on the head between the eyebrow line and the mustache line (Right between the eyes).

2. The Cervical Spine. From the base of the brain to the top of the collar bone (In the area of the Throat.)

For an IMMEDIATE stop, there's your target. How many of us are that good while moving to avoid incoming rounds?

This may often happen because most police academies and shooting schools teach to shoot to center mass (It’s a larger target area to place shots). When the day comes and you are in a gunfight and place your shots center mass and the attacker does not go down then panic can set in and the good guy keeps shooting center mass. More hits mean more blood loss, but it’s still a time consuming and time dependent process.

As a corollary tactical principle, no law enforcement officer should ever plan to meet an expected attack armed only with a handgun. Physiologically, no caliber of bullet is certain to incapacitate any individual unless the brain is hit. Kinetic energy does not wound. Temporary cavity does not wound. The much discussed “shock” of bullet impact is a fable and “knock down” power is a myth.

With the exceptions of hits to the brain or upper spinal cord, the concept of reliable and reproducible immediate incapacitation of the human target by gunshot wounds to the torso is a myth. (27)  The human target is a complex and durable one. A wide variety of psychological, physical, and physiological factors exist, all of them pertinent to the probability of incapacitation. However, except for the location of the wound and the amount of tissue destroyed, none of the factors are within the control of the law enforcement officer.

Physiologically, a determined adversary can be stopped reliably and immediately only by a shot that disrupts the brain or upper spinal cord. Failing a hit to the central nervous system, massive bleeding from holes in the heart or major blood vessels of the torso causing circulatory collapse is the only other way to force incapacitation upon an adversary, and this takes time. For example, there is sufficient oxygen within the brain to support frill, voluntary action for 10-15 seconds after the heart has been destroyed. (28)

In fact, physiological factors may actually play a relatively minor role in achieving rapid incapacitation. Barring central nervous system hits, there is no physiological reason for an individual to be incapacitated by even a fatal wound, until blood loss is sufficient to drop blood pressure and/or the brain is deprived of oxygen. The effects of pain, which could contribute greatly to incapacitation, are commonly delayed in the aftermath of serious injury such as a gunshot wound.

The body engages survival patterns, the well known “fight or flight” syndrome. Pain is irrelevant to survival and is commonly suppressed until some time later. In order to be a factor, pain must first be perceived, and second must cause an emotional response. In many individuals, pain is ignored even when perceived, or the response is anger and increased resistance, not surrender.

Psychological factors are probably the most important relative to achieving rapid incapacitation from a gunshot wound to the torso. Awareness of the injury (often delayed by the suppression of pain); fear of injury, death, blood, or pain; intimidation by the weapon or the act of being shot; preconceived notions of what people do when they are shot; or the simple desire to quit can all lead to rapid incapacitation even from minor wounds. However, psychological factors are also the primary cause of incapacitation failures.

The individual may be unaware of the wound and thus has no stimuli to force a reaction. Strong will, survival instinct, or sheer emotion such as rage or hate can keep a grievously injured individual fighting, as is common on the battlefield and in the street. The effects of chemicals can be powerful stimuli preventing incapacitation. Adrenaline alone can be sufficient to keep a mortally wounded adversary functioning. Stimulants, anesthetics, pain killers, or tranquilizers can all prevent incapacitation by suppressing pain, awareness of the injury, or eliminating any concerns over the injury. Drugs such as cocaine, PCP, and heroin are disassociating in nature. One of their effects is that the individual “exists” outside of his body. He sees and experiences what happens to his body, but as an outside observer who can be unaffected by it yet continue to use the body as a tool for fighting or resisting.

When discussing Handgun caliber with my father, a Marine combat veteran and former police officer, he said this “A hit with a .25 caliber beats a miss with a .45 caliber every day of the week.” I often wondered why my father carried a .25 caliber semi auto for a Back Up Gun (BUG). His explanation was so simple it made perfect sense… at least to me. “If I am in a fight for my gun with a Bad Guy at this point by the way I am in a fight for my life – and for what ever reason I can’t use my primary handgun i.e.; out of ammunition, malfunction, or I am laying on top of it for weapons retention in a fight, I can pull that .25 caliber out of my pocket or vest carrier. And when I point it at the eye socket, nostril, opening of the ear canal, open mouth and pull the trigger the bullet will go in and not come out. End of fight.

So when we are in a gunfight it is not the size of the handgun or the size of the bullet. “It is knowing where to place hits that will stop the threat.”

And when I asked about why a 9mm he said it’s all about magazine capacity. A Glock 17 9mm can hold 20 rounds – 19 in the magazine (with a +2 floor plate) and one in the pipe. We all know the average number of rounds fired in a gunfight is 10 and that Law Enforcement has an 80% MISS rate meaning 2 in 10rounds hit the subject so, as my dad put it, I just doubled my odds in a gunfight if I can shoot to stop the threat at the Head & Spine. 20 rounds = 4 hits instead of 2.

However let’s not forget in order to prevail in a real world “Gun Fight” we need:

1. Combat Mindset

2. Tactics (use of cover & concealment & handgun presentation & Reloading)

3. Training ( Combat Marksmanship & Learn to Shoot, Move & Communicate)

“In a real world environment or at QCB distances of 3 feet or contact distance”

27 Wound Ballistic Workshop: “9mm vs. .45 Auto”,FBIAcademy,Quantico,VA,

September 1987. Conclusion of the Workshop.

28 Wound Ballistic Workshop: “9mm vs. .45 Auto”,FBIAcademy,Quantico,VA,

September 1987. Conclusion of the Workshop.

The information for this article came from: Special Agent UREY W. PATRICK

FirearmsTrainingUMT

FBIACADEMYQUANTICO,VirginiaJuly 14, 1989

Handgun Wounding Factors and Effectiveness

Thomas A. Perroni Sr. & Frank Borelli also contributed to this article.

My old vest, the one my son inherited, had both a zippered AND buckled front opening. You put it on like a jacket rather than pulling it over your head like most body armor. I always felt that the zipper and buckles were a bit redundant but redundancy is often good so I dismissed any questions or concerns from my mind. Then I saw folks who either cut off the buckles and only used the zipper, or folks who only buckled it and acted like the zipper didn’t exist. For them, convenience took place over redundant security where it came to holding the vest closed/on. The Condor Mesh Hydration Vest (MHV) has only buckles; three of them, and they work just fine in holding the vest on. To reduce stress on the buckles and help them last even longer (although they’ll probably work just fine long after I’m dead and gone), it’s important you adjust your vest to fit properly.

The Condor MHV has plenty of MOLLE webbing for mounting pouches, six belt loops, a drag handle, adjustable shoulders, padded back, and an external pocket for a hydration system.

The vest has padded and adjustable shoulder straps as well as a padded back with an emergency drag handle (which I most often use as a carry handle if I have to move the vest but aren’t wearing it) attached securely at the top center of the back. The padded shoulders help the vest be more comfortable to wear even when it’s loaded with gear and that weight is pulling into your shoulders. The fact that the shoulder straps are adjustable means you have some leeway in adjusting the bottom of the vest to sit where you’d like it to. The padded back provides a little stiffness, generally allowing some air flow between your back and the vest, helping to keep you cool and allowing sweat to evaporate. There is also a hydration pocket on the back but that’s OUTSIDE the padding. Not only does this help keep the water cooler (because ambient temperature is usually cooler than body temperature), but it also let’s the padding be directly against your back if you lean on anything to rest or get a stable position.

Around the waistline of the vest are six snapping belt loops that allow you to attach a gunbelt to the vest. In doing so, you create a single system that allows you to pull on and buckle the vest, buckle the belt, buckle leg straps and be on the move. That said, I’m not a fan of that arrangement so I consider the belt straps inconvenient and cut them off of my vest.

The vest is covered with MOLLE webbing, both front and rear, including on the outside of the hydration pocket (hydration bladder/tube not included) and farther up on both sides than most other vests I’ve seen. On the top four rows of MOLLE webbing in the front, there is velcro face so you can affix patches. For instance, I have a blood type patch affixed on the right side of mine, or you could put a name tape on there if you needed/wanted to. On the back, on the flap closure for the hydration pocket and the top row of MOLLE, there is more velcro face for patch attachment.

The owner of WTG Tactical helped me configure the vest before I even left the shop, so it was fully equipped and filled with my load-out before I ever left the store. The vest is adjustable from Medium to Extra-Large in fit, and is available in four colors: Olive Drab (the one I have), Black, Coyote Tan and ACU (Army Digital Camo).

On the WTG Tactical website this vest has a price of only $42.99. Any of you who have previously shopped equipment vests know what a good price that is. I have been more than satisfied with the function and performance of this vest so far. Check out more info about it either on the WTG Tactical website or on the Condor Tactical Gear website.

Happy Trails!

A decent quality equipment vest will hold more than you need.

Handgun: Let’s see – what do we need to say about the survival value of a handgun. Um, DUH! A decent quality and caliber handgun can be used both to procure food (game meat) as well as defend against predators (two- or four-legged variety). While some handguns have pretty high capacity magazines (20+ rounds), at least one spare magazine should still be carried on the vest. My preference is to have at least 40 rounds of ammo (total) for the handgun on the vest. That’s a total round count including what’s loaded into the weapon and what’s carried in spare magazines.

Knife: This doesn’t have to be a BIG knife, but a knife is one of the most valuableand versatile survival tools you can have. The Air Force has long used a down-sized version of the KA-BAR Combat knife equipped with serrations on the spine. The pommel can be hammered with. My recommendation is that you have a knife with at least a 4.5″ blade but no longer than 6.5″. A serrated spine or section of serrated edge is valuable and that pommel you an hammer with is something I consider mandatory. Given the climate extremes you can never foresee, I’d recommend a synthetic sheath rather than a leather one, and if it incorporates – or has a place for – a sharpening stone/stick, all the better.

The famous KA-BAR combat knife has been updated with contemporary design features and would serve well as a survival knife.

Hydration: The large majority (if not all) of today’s equipment vests are designed to accept and support hydration bladders. Usually this means a 3 liter soft reservoir with drinking tube attached that loops over the shoulder of your choice so you can hang the bite/mouth piece somewhere convenient on your front. If your vest doesn’t have a hydration pouch/pocket built in, there are hydration pouches you can attach via MOLLE loops. Additionally, you always have the option of attached pouches to hold 1-quart canteens. I recommend nalgene canteens rathe than the older plastic kind as nalgene is more environment resilient and doesn’t hold flavors. Also, be aware of how much water you have and ration it accordingly. The average adult needs one gallon of water per day but 1/2 gallon of that is for hygiene and cooking. For consumption you need 1/2 gallon per day. If you are exerting yourself heavily (like hiking rough terrain) that amount goes up.

Hooah Bars are now called Soldier Fuel.

Light: Humans don’t see very well at night, but that might well be when you find yourself needing to move or travel on foot. Get a decent LED-driven flashlight that runs on AA batteries. Many “tactical” lights use CR123 3V Lithium batteries that are both harder to find and about four times as expensive as AA batteries. Carry the light and at least one spare set of batteries.

Having some type of fire starter fuel can make things easier when heat/cooking flame is required.

Signaling: Fire (above) is one type of location signal. An emergency whistle and a mirror are two others that work well, are compact to carry, and are cheap to buy. The mirror should be polished metal; not glass.

Any shelter is better than no shelter. An emergency space blanket can be formed into several types if you have a few extra items.

First-Aid: Given that the survival vest will primarily be used when you’re in a wilderness setting with little to no help available in otherwise emergency circumstances, you need to be prepared to treat your own first-aid needs. Some can be life-threatening but even the “common” cuts and bruises can cause issues if left untreated. Make sure you have a compact but sufficient first-aid kit, supplied to suit your skill level of treatment. Obviously, anticseptic and band-aids should be included. Don’t forget such things as fever-reducer, pain reliever, PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS, at least one tourniquet and a pressure bandage (or two).

A radio or cell phone might be a good addition but only if you anticipate service or having someone on the other end to communicate with. Otherwise you’re just carrying the weight for a fictional sense of self-reassurance.

What else would you add?