Articles by NJMike

Figuring out how to store and carry an excess of PMs would be a great problem to have.

I don’t have that problem.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Fri Jul 21, 2017 10:41 am

Figuring out how to store and carry an excess of PMs would be a great problem to have.

I don’t have that problem.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Fri Jul 21, 2017 10:41 am

We do all seem to write from our personal frames of reference. lol.

I think you’re both right, depending on if you’re standing in the Alaskan wilderness or somewhere in the lower 48.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sun Jul 16, 2017 9:26 am

If it’s a storm coming, in NJ it’s called French Toast Fixins- Bread, Milk, Eggs, and buying up all the Water in a store to make coffee to wash that down. Just a little local humor.

Different situations warrant different needs. Yes; water and food, shelter and security are important. So is hygiene, sanitation, and access to medical treatment. Just to be different, I’m going to throw out Situational Awareness, Resourcefulness, Social Acumen, and Health as personal needs to get through a crisis.

I’d also throw in Luck for good measure. One could find themselves in a BOL surrounded by food, water, supplies, and a group of like-minded friends, but if you’re unlucky and find yourself in ground zero of a nuke, meteor, or a plane falling out of the sky during an HEMP attack, then that’s the breaks.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sat Jul 15, 2017 9:02 pm

If it’s a storm coming, in NJ it’s called French Toast Fixins- Bread, Milk, Eggs, and buying up all the Water in a store to make coffee to wash that down. Just a little local humor.

Different situations warrant different needs. Yes; water and food, shelter and security are important. So is hygiene, sanitation, and access to medical treatment. Just to be different, I’m going to throw out Situational Awareness, Resourcefulness, Social Acumen, and Health as personal needs to get through a crisis.

I’d also throw in Luck for good measure. One could find themselves in a BOL surrounded by food, water, supplies, and a group of like-minded friends, but if you’re unlucky and find yourself in ground zero of a nuke, meteor, or a plane falling out of the sky during an HEMP attack, then that’s the breaks.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sat Jul 15, 2017 9:02 pm

Cadit wrote:
I see a lot of truth stated here, but some Bull S**t too. First off, there will be so many die right off the bat. Then you have those that will be killing and looting the cities and towns. After a short time of those type of activities; diseases will start up. So in a very short time, our population will dwindle considerably. People are not given to change that well, so most will stay where they are, resisting that urge to run. We are creatures of habit and most times that will lead to ones death in a SHTF event.

While I don’t want to disagree with your described scenario, I do want to suggest that there are many flavors and degrees of SHTF scenarios, and perhaps scenarios that are more likely do not have the die off, WROL, environment that you are contemplating.

I do believe that local order will be established locally, resources permitting, so WROL is perhaps something to consider in more rural areas where there is more real estate to cover. I don’t see cities melting down unless in the most desperate of situations. It may of course depend on the city and its strategic significance. What’s more likely is strict martial law, rationing, and confiscations. Nomads = Looters in many scenarios where there is any semblance of rule of law, given any established local authority (military, local law, militia, individuals). Armed groups of nomads will be disarmed or shot in dire scenarios. Campers = Squatters = resting Nomads/potential Looters in rule of law scenarios, and thus I’d expect wandering masses herded into formal camps, maybe even those FEMA camps some are paranoid about.

All the above is conjecture. It’s all conjecture until it happens.

To bring this more back on topic, I’d suggest in most nation wide scenarios that bug in, or a formal BOL, may be better as a first recourse. You know your ground, you know your neighbors, you know resources, you know your situation. However, one has be able to discern their area of operations being seriously compromised and then move on from there. I then think camping would be a needed short term strategy to utilize in a bug out from an established location. One should consider in camping whether a large group is a benefit or a liability for them. There are pros and cons to both large and small groups.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sat Jul 15, 2017 8:24 pm

Cadit wrote:
I see a lot of truth stated here, but some Bull S**t too. First off, there will be so many die right off the bat. Then you have those that will be killing and looting the cities and towns. After a short time of those type of activities; diseases will start up. So in a very short time, our population will dwindle considerably. People are not given to change that well, so most will stay where they are, resisting that urge to run. We are creatures of habit and most times that will lead to ones death in a SHTF event.

While I don’t want to disagree with your described scenario, I do want to suggest that there are many flavors and degrees of SHTF scenarios, and perhaps scenarios that are more likely do not have the die off, WROL, environment that you are contemplating.

I do believe that local order will be established locally, resources permitting, so WROL is perhaps something to consider in more rural areas where there is more real estate to cover. I don’t see cities melting down unless in the most desperate of situations. It may of course depend on the city and its strategic significance. What’s more likely is strict martial law, rationing, and confiscations. Nomads = Looters in many scenarios where there is any semblance of rule of law, given any established local authority (military, local law, militia, individuals). Armed groups of nomads will be disarmed or shot in dire scenarios. Campers = Squatters = resting Nomads/potential Looters in rule of law scenarios, and thus I’d expect wandering masses herded into formal camps, maybe even those FEMA camps some are paranoid about.

All the above is conjecture. It’s all conjecture until it happens.

To bring this more back on topic, I’d suggest in most nation wide scenarios that bug in, or a formal BOL, may be better as a first recourse. You know your ground, you know your neighbors, you know resources, you know your situation. However, one has be able to discern their area of operations being seriously compromised and then move on from there. I then think camping would be a needed short term strategy to utilize in a bug out from an established location. One should consider in camping whether a large group is a benefit or a liability for them. There are pros and cons to both large and small groups.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sat Jul 15, 2017 8:24 pm

Just a thought, but if someone is camping and not at their own ground either BOL or Buggin In, then they are on someone else’s property, right? That would be a negative to consider.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Fri Jul 14, 2017 7:30 pm

How does one’s perimeter defenses distinguish between potential friend or foe? What if another group’s people are out collecting firewood or foraging for wild edibles and run into a perimeter defense?

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Mon Jun 26, 2017 5:09 pm

Think I’d be happy with, or be able to hone the skills I have for a short term GDS. Here’s my off the top of the head wishlist of what I would want to know for long term GDS: blacksmithing/metallurgy, practical chemistry, circuit board level electronics repair, bio-fuel generation, forensic science (e.g.-being able to identify pathogens under a microscope).

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sat Jun 24, 2017 6:58 am

Think I’d be happy with, or be able to hone the skills I have for a short term GDS. Here’s my off the top of the head wishlist of what I would want to know for long term GDS: blacksmithing/metallurgy, practical chemistry, circuit board level electronics repair, bio-fuel generation, forensic science (e.g.-being able to identify pathogens under a microscope).

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sat Jun 24, 2017 6:58 am

Think I’d be happy with, or be able to hone the skills I have for a short term GDS. Here’s my off the top of the head wishlist of what I would want to know for long term GDS: blacksmithing/metallurgy, practical chemistry, circuit board level electronics repair, bio-fuel generation, forensic science (e.g.-being able to identify pathogens under a microscope).

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sat Jun 24, 2017 6:58 am

I’ve got several camping solar shower bags for solar heating of shower water, but also a number of black plastic totes that can be re-purposed for the same need. That said, since I’ve temporarily relocated I don’t have as much access to water. For the short term living situation, I’d prioritize stored water for drinking, and defer to use of wipes or wet towel methods for personal cleanliness.

I do also have a fine collection of hotel soaps and shampoos to offer any smelly neighbors.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed Jun 21, 2017 8:13 am

Congrats. Glad the meeting was successful.

$3 per day range and a campground, wow I’m jealous.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sun Jun 18, 2017 4:00 pm

Congrats. Glad the meeting was successful.

$3 per day range and a campground, wow I’m jealous.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Sun Jun 18, 2017 4:00 pm

3ADScout wrote:
NJMike,

Re: gear specs- Mike know what your saying but even then you have to be very cautious with “advertised” specs. How many FRS radios say 2 miles?!?!? That is why I still think it best when looking for gear to look at reviews from people who have actually used the gear. Case in point I bought a NOAA weather radio made by a well known radio company, the darn thing was so complicated to use/program I never used it and went and bought one that is very simple to use for the whole family (by the same company). Buts great points!

Yes, I agree. Coincidentally I recently replaced rechargeable batteries in a pair of FRS radios. My AA and 9volts lasted longer.

You bring up a good point on difference between advertised specs (what is said) and true specs (what it does). I believe this crowd here is pretty savvy and would look up product reviews and by product type be able to separate out the sales pitch material. I’d hope that others learn along the way as it’s a valuable life experience skill.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed Jun 14, 2017 3:17 pm

I would echo the above. There are lots of opinions, and in many areas there is no one true way. Skills are skills, but how people go about applying them will differ depending. Canning is pretty cut and dry from long established practices. Same for first aid. There are only so many right ways to field dress an animal. There are acceptable well known methods to successful gardening and farming. Fire starting can be done many ways and it’s obvious soon enough when there’s a fire made or not.

There are facts though. When it comes to gear, there are specifications. One can’t debate the superiority of water filtration systems or methods based on gut feelings, unless that gut feeling is a negative one brought on by cryptosporidium…

Other topics are subjective to the type of SHTF, and none of us are able to predict which scenario would happen first. A generally accepted notion is that living on the East Coast near the cities is bad. Yet what if Yellowstone goes up, or the Northwest is hit by a major quake/tsunami before economic meltdown or a pandemic?

Personally, I think there are many authorities on aspects of prepping. I use my own filter in determining whose life story and information is most applicable and when. I’ll take medical advice from a medical professional with greater seriousness for example. But the rest of that person’s advice may not be as valid as someone else given a different topic like outdoor survival or farming.

And I’m happy to say I’m an authority on nothing at all. Always learning instead.

Statistics: Posted by NJMike — Wed Jun 14, 2017 7:34 am