Quick Pick: Super Siphon

     Keeping a few siphon's around is a very important, and useful prep.  To make a siphon all one really needs is a tube of some sort, a container placed lower then the actual liquid, and suction (typically your breath.)  This is useful in many situations to move, or remove liquid from hard to reach locations. 

     For the survivalist, realizing that a disaster can be 'long-term' is an all to real possibility.  A siphon can be paramount in helping to obtain very necessary liquids like; water, and fuel.  These two liquids will be like gold in any disaster, and difficult to obtain.

     I suggest the following siphon, not because siphon's will be hard to come by, but because anyone who has siphoned a liquid by creating a vacuum with their breath can tell you; you end up with the liquid in your mouth.  Not only is this a big problem with things like gasoline, but it can also be a problem if you try and siphon 'dirty' water.  The following siphon alleviates this problem instantly by providing the tube with an easy to use pump attached to the tube.  It sill allows the tube to be lightweight, and cheap which is an important trait in any prep.  In times like these, where the only certain thing left is uncertainty, do your best to make sure your prep's cover a wide range of possibilities.

Quick Pick: Wool Blanket

     A good quality wool blanket can have a ton of useful applications in the home and bush.  Wool blankets have earned a place in history for keeping troops and pioneers warm for generations.  It was, and still is, a staple for cowboys and ranchers the world over as well.  Its main purpose was as a lightweight, compact sleeping system, but it could also have many other functions if you check out some the videos from YouTube I link below. 

     

     Wool itself has amazing properties that I explain in a past post linked here.  If you read this blog often, it is apparent that I am a big fan of wool as it is a “wonder fabric”.  I use, and suggest it for most of my cold weather gear, and especially for things like socks, hats, and as the fabric of your mid-layer in the three-layer system.

     If you’re a minimalist, camping with a wool blanket as your sleep system is the way to go.  Though not comfortable, it is warm and has been proven reliable time and time again.  You can also use it as an alternative sleeping system in your B.O.B.  It would lessen the overall weight and size of the bag considerably as you could ditch your sleeping bag, tent, or both.

     At home, having an extra warm blanket will really come in handy, especially during a winter like the current one we are having in New York.  I suggest leaving one folded up on your couch to be pulled over yourself to keep you warm and cozy while watching TV.

     New York apartments, especially the older pre-war buildings, don't have thermostats in the apartment.  So we are reliant upon our landlords to keep our humble abodes a reasonable temperature.  Most apartments in the city that I have lived in or visited are either way to hot during the winter, or way to drafty and cold.  Having a way keep warm can be extremely important for those of us that have the latter problem.   

     The following is a few videos that explain even more uses for wool blankets.  As well as a few blankets that Amazon offers;

Wool Tarp Video

Wool Blanket Shirt 

Wool Shirt

Wool Blanket Cape 

Wool Blanket Winter Camp 

I grew up with a similar blanket to the "Army issue" olive drab wool blanket above as my father served in the Marines in Vietnam.  As uncomfortable the blanket is, it is very warm and holds a special place in my heart.

Quick Pick: Volcano II Collapsible Stove

     I found this gem recently on a great website for preppers/survivalists called Emergency Essentials.  It can be a great addition to your apartment preps as it is relatively small and can be fueled by three different fuel sources; charcoal, wood, and propane.  If you read the previous post I did on portable stoves (link), you would understand why having a stove that can burn propane or wood would be so handy in a disaster.  Having a way to heat up food, and maybe a nice hot drink for you or your loved ones during a power outage can really boost the moral of the family.  A quick note about using propane to fuel this bad boy is that it only works with 20lb. tanks.  As I've mentioned before, 20lb. propane tanks are illegal to keep in your apartment here in the apple.  *Authors Edit: watching the YouTube video below shows the stove attached to a 16 oz. propane canister.  I have to do a bit more research, or buy the product to give you a definitive answer on what sized propane tank it can be used with.* This stove could have useful applications for mid- to long-term disaster though, and can also make a great portable camping, and bug-out location stove. 

     I have not been able to purchase it yet to give it a full review, but after reading some of the comments it seems like it is very well received.  I am currently in the process of making Emergency Essentials a sponsor of NYC Survival as they are a great company, and offer very useful survival gear.  Here again is the link to the stove, if you did not see it above.  The first Amazon link below for less money is the stove without the propane attachment.

Here is a YouTube review from Emergency Essentials:

Here is a review I just found on TheSurvivalistBlog.net.  He got his hands on one and did a review in November.  I just found his article, I guess great minds think alike.

Quick Pick: Atsko Sno-Seal

     With winter’s low temperatures upon us already, it’s just a matter of time before our first major winter storm here in the city.  The “Quick Pick” item I suggest today; Atsko Sno-Seal is an item that helps you winterize your leather gear by protecting, and waterproofing them.  It does so with a natural bees-wax formula that is simple to use.

     I suggest using it every year right before winter on items like leather boots, shoes, and gloves.  You can use this stuff on your dress shoes, as it makes them much more resistant to water as well.  Just be careful, because it can make brown leather darker.  I am also a fan of using Sno-Seal on all my leather gloves, especially the gloves I keep in my kits to use as work gloves while out in the bush.

     To use Sno-Seal, place a generous amount all over the leather of the (clean) item.  Put an especially ample amount on the seams, as these let in the most water.  Next use a hair dryer (you can also use an oven at a low temp if you don’t have a significant other with a hair dryer) on a high setting and blow hot air all over the item melting the wax into the leather and seams.  Let the item cool, for a half hour and that’s it!  You now have a leather item protected from snow, rain, salt, and ready for anything the elements can throw at it.

Quick Pick: Wool Pants

     Since the temperature gauge has been dropping significantly around these parts as we approach winter, I am going to suggest something to you today that might make your morning commute a bit easier to deal with; wool pants.  Wool pants are standard military issue to troops in many of the colder countries of the world for good reason.  Places like Sweden and Switzerland commonly see temperatures far below the freezing point, and can make even our coldest days in the city seem mild.

     Wool makes an excellent mid-layer for use in the three-layer system as it is one of the best insulating materials available.  It is also wonderful at allowing the body’s natural moisture (sweat) to escape, helping you stay dry and much warmer.  You can combine a good polyester base layer with your wool mid-layer to help the wool 'wick' your bodies sweat even more efficiently.

     Because the three-layer system is not always convenient for our city lifestyle, you can invest in either wool dress slacks or even a wool suit.  These items could be useful for some of the colder days in the winter and can even be proper dress attire for your job.  If there's snow in the forecast, a nylon or Gore-Tex outer shell would leave you feeling warm, and dry no matter what conditions were thrown at you.

     If you are a backpacker or hiker, and don’t mind going into the bush during the colder winter months, like myself, then I would suggest a good pair of military surplus wool pants.  These can be a bit difficult to find, but a search like this one can get you going in the right direction.  A pair like these Swedish wool pants is ideal for outdoor use.  I personally find that I prefer to wear a pair of comfy wool pants while lounging around the apartment and for running local errands in the winter as they’re durable and warm.

     
     I really am a big proponent of wool products as they are, and have been, one of the best fabrics available to us for generations.  Do yourself a favor this winter and get a few articles of clothing that are made of wool as it's cheap, and very functional.  The littlest bit of effort, and proper planning can keep you much warmer and comfortable this winter.  

     The first pair of pants below is from Cabela's, look up their website here, as they have great deals on products like these pants.  I'm putting the suit link from Amazon below as a frame of reference.  If you are to buy a wool suit, I would suggest going to one of the cities many department stores like Syms to get a better deal, and a more tailored look.   

Quick Pick: Portable Stove

     A portable propane camping stove can make a great addition to your New York City dwelling for use during or after an emergency.  It can be very helpful if we lose electric and or gas for anywhere from a day to a month, and can take up virtually no room at all.  It allows you to be self-reliant if necessary and do many useful things if stuck with no utilities, especially during the colder months.  Some helpful applications for your stove would be: 

• Heat up your supply of canned foods (though you should stock many canned goods that can be safely eaten cold).
• Make water potable. 
• Sanitizes dirty rags and or clothes by boiling them. 
• Allows you to make hot 'moral boosting' drinks like coffee and tea. 
• Spot bathe with a warm pot of potable water.  You do that by dipping a clean rag in the water and wiping down your body with water and soap.  The key is to not soak yourself, but just use enough water to help the soap lather, and then enough water to help wash off the soap. 
• Heat up your apartment if the temperature is extremely cold outside, though this should be a last resort use.  There are better products for this, and definitely better/safer methods to conserve heat in apartments to keep you warm.

     You will find your stove most useful in short- to mid- length disasters as you can only store so much propane.  Laws in New York only allow you to store two 16 oz. canisters (I’m not 100% on this one, but I’m pretty sure I read that somewhere.)  The small portable camp canister can last you for a few months at a time if you properly ration the fuel.  If you decide to store more than 2 canisters, keep in mind fire safety issues.  If there is a fire in your apartment building, propane canisters could go off like a bomb adding a much bigger risk to you and your family’s safety.  You should also keep in mind where you store the tanks.  Away form where you sleep is suggested.

     If you wanted to break the law (tsk. tsk.) and have a long-term supply of propane, you can store a 20 lbs. propane cylinder, though I really don’t suggest that at all as it could be dangerous and unnecessary.  If you have a porch or balcony you could store the large tank out there, but if you do have that luxury I would suggest keeping a cheap charcoal grill out there instead.  Make sure to have a bag or two of charcoal as well.  The pros to charcoal grills are that you can burn more than just charcoal (i.e. furniture, books, etc.)

     Safety will obviously be a major concern while using and storing an outdoor stove while indoors.  Like most things dangerous you will have to be extra careful, and make sure to always follow a set of protocol.  Most propane stoves will not have instructions for indoor use so there will be a few key things to remember; 

1. Make sure to properly ventilate the room. - You can do so by using the stove near an open window, or even possibly on your fire escape.  The one concern with being near open windows will be security.  If the disaster lasts more than a few days, crime will run rampant in Manhattan.  You will have to be much more covert while cooking, and showing others you have food.  One option, if available to you, could be cooking near a window with no entry from the outside (i.e. seventh floor window opening out into an ally.)
2. Keep all flammable objects away from stove. – Make sure you cook somewhere where the stove will not catch things on fire.  One of the best places should be near or on your existing stove in the apartment. 
3. Make sure the stove is stable and secure. – Pretty obvious, just try and make sure you keep the stove on a stable platform and make sure no one can bump into it.  Once again, the best place will probably be on your stove as the family will already have the body awareness of that area being for cooking. 
4. Only cook items in a pot. – Don’t heat your marshmallows over the fire please, you’re not camping… 
5. Use a lid on the pots you cook with. – This will heat things up much faster, and help you conserve precious fuel.

     One last thing I wanted to mention was what I mentioned above about using the stove to heat your apartment.  Though you could do this, and should if you’re about to freeze to death, I don’t suggest it.  There are many alternatives to keeping you and your family warm without having to resort to using an unsafe product intended for outdoor use.  I will do a post on a few methods to keeping you warm in your apartment without the use of unsafe fuels or traditional utilities either tomorrow or the next day.  

     Below is a great two burner stove sold by Coleman that would be perfect for most small families.  You can also look into some of the very compact, efficient 'pocket stoves' that are meant for camping if space is an issue.  The "MSR pocket stove" I link below is a great one person portable camping stove, and can save you a bunch of room if you just use it store it and a case of small fuel canisters.  If you have been prepping for a while, then your B.O.B. should have a small stove in it that you could use.  I suggest the propane stoves, for ease of use and convenience for two or more people.  If stuck bugging-in for a long period of time, having one of these will make a bad situation, much easier to handle. 

Quick Pick: Ponch Liner

     I have mentioned in a previous post that I grew up with a former Marine father who had bought many of his military items home after serving in Vietnam.  His poncho liner (at the time, I knew it as the comfy camouflage blanket) ended up being one of my favorite blankets, and for good reason.

     Poncho liners (also lovingly known as Wubbie's in the military) are military issue multi-purpose blankets that are typically made of a nylon shell with a polyester insulating filling.  They are durable, warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and dry extremely fast.  Originally they were intended to be added to your poncho as a liner/blanket to help keep you a bit warmer during cold, wet weather.  It has strings on all corners to help you tie the blanket to the poncho or to use in conjunction with your poncho as a waterproof shelter or makeshift sleeping bag (the strings also helped me build many an indoor fort as a child.) 

     Due to their light-weight, and how small the poncho liner can be folded up, they are great to have on hand especially while camping or hiking in the bush.  They make perfect sleeping bag liners, as the polyester helps 'wick' moisture from your body.  They're also ideal as a ground mat for sitting on the ground as the nylon shell is naturally resistant to dirt and moisture.  

     There really are a million and one uses for these blankets, and after trying it you will be amazed at how comfortable, and useful this little gem is.  The one problem you might find will be matching your apartments furniture to the camo color.  Luckily camo is in style right now in fashion, so you might be starting a new furniture trend...

Quick Pick: Cooler

     No, this is not a "Quick Pick" of an item that allows you to keep a few beer's cold while lounging in the park, though you could!  Keeping a cooler in your apartment is actually a great tool to have on hand.  The first, and very useful, thing you can use your cooler for is; in the event of a black-out you can place all the perishable food you keep in your refrigerator and freezer in your cooler.  This will give you more time to either consume the food before it goes bad, or it allows enough time for the electricity to come back on.  Sickness will start to run rampant if the electric goes out for more then 24 hours, especially during the warm months.  People will be eating things that are bad or are on the way to bad, due to the fact that they won't be able to cook it.  Also because bacteria thrives at room temperature.

     The second use of a cooler, or any large portable container for that matter, is as a rain catch.  Water will be a hot commodity in NYC if we lose electric for more then a few days.  The treatment plants that make our tap water potable (or consumable) will go down after a few days.  These plants only have a few days worth of back-up fuel to run generators in the event of a grid failure.  The water company, just like all other utility companies, need electricity to function.  Not to mention that the water system in NYC is antiquated and a bit fragile.  Our water comes from the mountains in Upstate New York through a very long piping system.  The first of which; Water Tunnel No.1 was completed in 1917 and has not been turned off since, not to mentioned cleaned or maintained internally.  The second, Water Tunnel No.2 was completed in 1935 and goes to Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.  The new tunnel; Water Tunnel No.3 (very original names, I know) has been under construction since the 70's and is expected to be completed by 2020, at which point they will attempt to clean and repair No.1, if it makes it that long...

     To use your cooler as a rain catch, just line the inside of it with your trusty contractor bag and allow the water to fall freely into the container or place it under a gutter.  Rain water is completely safe to drink on its own, but once it touches anything, like a gutter or roof, it is contaminated.  To treat it use a disinfecting method (i.e. boil, halogen, filter, etc.) to clean it.  You should also treat water that has sat around for more then 24 hours.  I will be doing a comprehensive post on all things water soon.  Don't forget that water weighs a lot (a gallon of water weighs 8lbs. the world around!  It's actually a little bit more, but it's a good way to remember.)  So either get something with wheel's or don't fill it all the way.

     So there you have it, grab yourself a multipurpose and very functional medium size cooler today, and I'll see you in Sheep's Meadow this spring...

Quick Pick: Rain Coat

Evgeni Dinev-freedigitalphotos.net

     On this very rainy Monday in New York City I figured I would do a 'Quick Pick' on a rain coat.  I often use a poncho*, because it can cover me, my backpack, and can be easily transported.  Unfortunately a poncho may not be an option sometimes and a rain coat might be needed when you want to look a little more fashionable/normal on the city streets, and in places of business.   

     *I will say this to those of you that would never wear a poncho; you often get looked at while wearing it around on rainy days, but it's a two phase look.  At first people think "that guy looks weird",  but as soon as the thought goes through their head, you see the voice of reason kick in and instantly remind the person that I am dry, and they are not.  They stop staring after that.

     For the days when I have to wear a rain jacket, instead of a poncho, I like to have a jacket made of a 'breathable fabric' like Gore-Tex or something similar.  Gore-Tex can be expensive, but is in my opinion the best waterproof breathable fabric on the market right now.  Gore-Tex is a must in good hiking boots, and I will get into that in another post.  There are a few different forms, and functions of Gore-Tex, but when it comes to rain during the warmer months in the city, Paclite is the way to go.  As the name suggests, it's light in fabric, and weight.  Many of the mainstream companies (i.e. The North Face, Marmot, L.L.Bean, etc.) make Paclite jackets, and though they use the Gore-Tex Paclite fabric, they do differ in size, weight, and price.  For the most part they are similar, and I suggest going with a company you know and trust.  Some things to look for when shopping are; pit-zippers (to keep you cool), a good hood, extra vents, and zippers that are taped and waterproof.  The following jackets are what I either own or suggest.  Shop around to see what you can find.

     Marmot makes a great product, and this jacket is no exception.  It has pit-zips, is lightweight, and packable.  I have not seen it for less than $200, which makes it a very expensive rain coat.  *Edit: I recently saw this jacket for $145, so shop around and wait for the price to drop if you can.*  Gore-Tex makes a great outer-shell. (Three-Layer System post)  Mainly an 'outer-shell' is used as a wind and precipitation block for the colder months.  So it's not only useful as a rain coat, but it can be the outer-shell of your layer-system.  Still expensive though.

     This jacket is one that I have owned for a few months.  It's what I use when I'm in the bush most of the time, as it's cheap, has a ton of pockets, and is durable.  The Condor Soft Shell Jacket does not use Gore-Tex, but instead uses a 'breathable technology' from Condor.  It stands up to rain for the most part, but if it get's too wet, for too long, it will start to get heavy and seep.  It's not given me problems in the city at all though, because I'm not outside long enough for it to be a problem.  The jacket itself, is more of a fall jacket, because it does have a fleece lining making it not so ideal for hot temperatures.  It also has a bit of a military/tactical feel to it, so if you don't like that look, stay away.  What really sold me on this jacket is that I purchased it with a Condor Micro Fleece Jacket that fits underneath the Soft Shell Jacket, giving you a much warmer option for colder days, and is ideal for layering when outdoors.  I would purchase the jacket, or jackets, here at U.S. Calvary.com, as they have great prices, good customer service, and often offer deals and discounts.  Both jackets together cost about $120, which is an amazing deal for two great products.  Here is an online review for the soft shell, and here is one for the micro fleece if you want to see some of the functions these jackets have.

     This is another expensive, but good Paclite for women by a company called Arc'teryx .  This company makes great outdoor gear, but tends to be the most expensive.  Arc'teryx makes their Paclite jackets some of the lightest on the market if that's what you are looking for.

     This is mentioned in my ECB, but figured I would throw it in here again, in case I sold you on using a poncho....

Quick Pick: Watch

     Trying to figure out a proper survival watch can be a bit confusing.  The market is flooded with watches that have more features then you could possibly ever need.  Watches can be cheap or cost as much as a car.  One could get lost in Tourneau for days trying to choose your next time piece. 

     Like many of the items listed on this blog, I like my watch to have multiple functions.  I suggest staying away from a watch that looks expensive, because that kind of attention is unwarranted and topically should be avoided.  Some of the following functions are not necessary, but can have their benefits.  

      I opted for the Casio Pathfinder PAW1500T-7V for a few reasons that I'll get into.  As there are many different choices in the Casio Pathfinder Collection do your homework to see which one is right for you.  I choose the 1500T mainly because of the titanium case, making it durable and light.  Pathfinders have the added benefit of being reasonably priced, as a watch from a big named company like Rolex would not have nearly as many functions and could be as much as three times the cost.  Here are the main features of the 1500T that sold me on it:

• Power supply - A watch should have a renewable power supply i.e. solar, crank.
• Waterproof - I can’t understand owning a watch that isn’t.
• Durable material - We wear watches on a daily basis and so they get beaten and battered, I prefer something that will put up with some abuse, but also something light.
• Light material - There are many watches out there, and many materials.  The better the material, the more expensive.  A watch can’t be heavy, but needs to be durable.  My favorite material is titanium, which is light as hell, and strong.  It can be a bit pricey though.
• Stop watch and timer - Great for timing runs, or if you put a load of laundry in and want to go get a coffee.
• Compass - Always good to have a back up.  Not overly necessary for the New Yorker, because we almost always know where we are by building and landmarks, but it’s nice to know what direction you’re walking when you get out of the subway.  Much more useful in the bush, and when reading maps.
• Barometer - I like knowing if a storm is coming.
• Altimeter - This is more for when you’re in the bush, very helpful in figuring out where you are on a map.  Also cool to go to the top of The Empire States building and see just how high you are.
• Alarm - Good if your phone is dead, or not around.
• Price point - I really can’t justify spending more than $300 on a watch, and you really shouldn’t have to.  Shop around to get a good price.

     I have owned the Casio Pathfinder 1500T for about six months, and I'm very happy with my purchase.  It normally has a stainless steel band that makes it look more sophisticated.  You can buy the rubber band for when you are in and out of water, or active.

     Here is the rubber replacement band, and tool needed to replace it.

Quick Pick: Sunglasses Neck Cord

     This is just a "Quick Pick" on sunglasses neck cords, or 'retainers'.  As an active person in, and out of the city, I am constantly taking my sunglasses on and off.  I ride my bike, and walk, to and from different locations all throughout the city (on our wonderful and ever expanding bike paths) daily.  I go in and out of buildings, and underground to the subways often, being able to just let my glasses hang at my neck is ideal.  Having them at my neck helps me, A. not lose them and B. not break them.  Two important things in my book.

      When hiking or backpacking in the bush, I am also constantly taking them on and off.  Knowing that I won't lose them while on trails with heavy brush, and not having to search through my pack for my case is a plus as well.  Check them out if your interested, their just a few bucks.

Quick Pick: Underwear

     Clothing is considered gear and is one of the most important things to have on you, (Even though I doubt you ever leave the house without it!) second only to knowledge.  During the summer months it gives you protection from the sun and insects.   In winter, it helps keep you protected from snow, and the biting cold.  Clothing is also essential to personal comfort.  The human body of modern “clothed” man is conditioned to handle tropical temperatures of around seventy to one hundred degrees.  Any variation can lead to hypothermia or heat exhaustion.  Knowing how to dress properly for the right climate can make a bad situation a bit easier to deal with.   Using the proper fabric in layers is the key to controlling a micro-climate around your body. 

     Today's Quick Pick is underwear designed for warm weather, or activities.  (I will get into long-underwear base layers when we are closer to the cold seasons.)  The idea of this base layer is to wick (Here is a great article on base layers, and explains wicking very well) the sweat away from your skin.  This allows your skin to breath and stay dry by dispersing your sweat into the air.  Wicking materials also dry extremely quick, making them much more comfortable to be in.  Wicking fabrics like polyester and nylon are found in many performance clothing these days, and have definitely put materials like cotton to shame.  Socks and underwear are perfect candidates for wicking fabrics during the warmer months of the year here in the city.

     

     These are ideal for those of you that are used to wearing boxer briefs, or when you need a bit more coverage.  ExOfficio makes well made, reasonably priced clothing.  I own a few pairs of their underwear, and though they show a little bit of wear from use, they still hold up, and are durable.

     The next pair that I suggest are briefs with a sport cut.  They are low rise, making them much more fashionable for all the low cut jeans and pants that are in style right now.  They also have excellent support.

     Next is from my favorite clothing company right now Patagonia.  They make great clothing, and are a very ecologically responsible company.  I don't own a pair of these yet, but plan on trying them out in the near future.

     Here we have a pair I suggest for active women.

     I hand-wash my underwear for the most part, finding that I can own fewer pairs.  This way I can go longer between laundry loads, saving money and causing less of an environmental impact.  Here is the soap I use to wash my wicking base layers, and the hand washer with bucket I prefer to use. 

Quick Pick: Garbage Bags

     That's your Quick Pick, garbage bags?!  This guy off his rocker?  I am not, or at least the people around me tell me I'm not... Any who, garbage bags, or I should say, the right kind of garbage bags are extremely useful to keep in your apartment, and in your B.O.B.   In fact, they are so important, that I have this post labeled as a "Bare Minimum" and "Quick Pick".  They have a ton of applications, too many to mention here, and are cheap, easy to find, and compact. 

     There are many garbage bags on the market, though these are not the bags I mean.  The ones I'm suggesting are called Contractor Bags and are not typically meant for everyday use.  They have different capacity options (anywhere from 30-55 gallons), and are made of different thickness (1.0 mil up to 3 mil).  I personally suggest the bigger, thicker versions of these; the 55 gallon, 3 mil versions.  I can't link the exact ones I use on Amazon here, but you can most likely find them at the local hardware store.  A few survival themed uses for these awesome bags would be;

• Use as a Tarp for a make shift shelter.
• You can use it as a poncho if caught in the rain.
• It's a strong, light bag to carry things, like clothes in.
• You can use them as a rain catch.
• Very useful as a lining when you fill something like a dirty bucket or bathtub with water. *This is a very important survival strategy.  If you know a disaster is about to happen (e.g.hurricane), you can fill your bathtub, sinks, and anything else large enough with water in case you lose utilities.  These things tend to be unsanitary, so by putting a clean bag liner in them before filling with water, you can make sure the water does not get contaminated.  If the utilities don't come back in a few days, I suggest filtering, or chemically cleaning the water before you drink it.*

     Here is a link to some bags they sell, on Amazon.  They are not the largest, but they are thick.  Like I mentioned, I bought mine at the local hardware store in a box, I'm sure you can do the same.  While there, pick up some WD-40.  Stuff is priceless.

Quick Pick: Recon Wrap

     Today's Quick Pick is an item called a "Recon Wrap".  Similar in design to a neck gaiter, these are lightweight, multi-climate, multi-mode pieces of fabric that are used by the military and hunters.  Typically worn on the head, it is comparable to a bandana with a bit more function and use.  They are made of a lightweight, stretching fabric that is durable and doesn't shrink when washed.  Perfect for all seasons, I use one in the summer as they are perfect for keeping the sun off my head, and help with wicking sweat.  During the colder months in the city, I use them in the hat, or beanie, configuration to keep my head and ears warm or as a neck gaiter to keep my neck warm. 

     If you buy them in neutral colors, you will find that they look no different from what most people on the streets wear these days, and you will "blend in" perfectly.  Remember, the N.Y.C. Survivalist wants to blend into the crowd, and never draw attention.  We don't walk the streets of Manhattan in full battle fatigues, all camo'd up.  Attention is unwanted in the city, and in most situations in life for that matter.  Items like this are perfect as multi-functional pieces of gear that you can have on you at all times, without "announcing" to the world that your a survivalist.

     Here is the official site for the Recon Wraps, it explains the multiple configurations they can be used in.

     Here is a version that can be a little more fashionable for the ladies.  It still has just as many functions, and is great to have on hand.

Quick Pick: Ranger Bands

     This post is the first in a new series of posts I'm calling "Quick Pick".  It is a mix of a quick gear review, and link.  

     Today I'm going to introduce you to something called a "Ranger Band".  They are thicker, stronger rubber bands that have millions of applications.  You can use them to secure items to an "ALICE System" (All-purpose Lightweight Individual Carrying Equipment;  a system the military uses to carry heavy loads).  They can also be used just like rubber bands to help keep items organized and secure.  If you watch some of the YouTube videos I suggest from people like Dave Canterbury, you will see that they are used often.  I keep a few spare ones around the apartment and find they have a ton of uses.  You can also make a strong ranger band out of bicycle inner tire tubes.  These can be cut as thick or thin as you like, and are great at keeping useful items on knife sheaths.  Inner tube makes great emergency tinder and will burn for about a minute as well.  I suggest keeping a few in your B.O.B. (Bug Out Bag,) and or camping backpack as they are light and cheap.