New: NYC Survival Storefront

     In order to speed the load times of this blog up a bit, I got rid of the Favorite Window's formally in the right navbar.  I put all the gear I own, researched, and suggest (that Amazon stocks) in the new NYC Survival Storefront.  It is now linked in the navbar to the right of this post.  I offer you some information on the item, it's intended use, and what I think.  If you are a 'gear-head' like myself, check it out. 

Kits: NYC Survivalist Bug-Out-Bag (Into.)

      You are sitting in your well prepped apartment enjoying a good T.V. show eating popcorn, and relaxing.  Suddenly the Emergency Broadcast System issues a bulletin (not a test!) stating that all hell is about to break lose in Manhattan and you have to leave, NOW!   What do you do?  Possibly someone is after you and you need to leave your apartment in a hurry.  Better yet, there is a fire in your building and you need to get out.  Sometimes we have to leave our dwelling in a big time hurry, and there is just not enough time to grab the important things and go. 

     That is the role of this next kit, often referred to as a bug-out-bag.  The B.O.B. lets you leave your humble abode in a hurry, with all the essentials for survival in it.  The bag is stocked with items that are necessary for survival in a short to medium term indoor/outdoor survival scenario.  Built with the main fundamentals of survival in mind; shelter, medical, water, fire, and food.   It would be very similar to a backpack that you brought with you if you were to go on an extended hiking or backcountry trip.  In fact, the bug out bag I suggest for the urban apartment is meant for more than just a “SHTF and you got to go now” bag, it also has a dual purpose as your camping bag for your weekend get always.  A lot of the items in this bag should be practiced with anyway, so what better excuse for a nice weekend trip then to practice camping with your new survival gear.

      You need to find an easily accessible place for the bag, like a closet near the front door of your apartment or similar.  Everyone in the family needs to have one as well.  The healthy and strong should have the heavy stuff, like tent if you decide to use one, in their bag.  Children’s should be a simplified, lighter version for obvious reasons.  You can also make a separate B.O.B. for your office or car if you have one.  Some of these items you have in your ECB, and hopefully you remember to grab that as well, but if not it's O.K. and not required as this kit is meant to be fully functional.   For smaller budgets, or to keep things minimal, don’t double up the items you already have in your ECB, just remember to store it with your B.O.B. while your home. 

     As this post on B.O.B. is an important one, I will be breaking it up a bit.  This first part is the introduction, explaining the what, and why of the bug out bag.  The next part is found here.

Bare Minimum: Batteries

     Ahhh batteries...  How can something so small and seemingly simple, be so complicated?  These days there are just so many choices; rechargeable, old school alkaline, lithium, etc.  What happen to the days of going to the store, buying some simple Duracell's and calling it a day?  Those days are gone.  It is not a bad thing though, as it's all in the name of progress.  Plus it's a good thing for us as survivalists!  I will attempt to make it simple for you in this 'Bare Minimum' post, explaining what kind of batteries, and how many you should keep in your apartment for short- and long-term use.

     In recent years we have seen a real big progression in battery technology, especially when it comes to rechargeable batteries.  Rechargeable, or NiMH, batteries make an excellent option for day to day use, and though they take more care and attention then some of the other types, they have many features that the modern survivalist can appreciate.  There are a few reasons why I suggest mainly using these batteries day to day, over the other types:

• They can last for years, allowing you to recharge them upwards of 500+ times!
• NiMH batteries do better in devices such as cameras because they discharge energy slower then alkaline batteries.  Alkaline (the most sold batteries by far, mainly because of their low price) batteries fade quick in high power devices.
• Because alkaline batteries are one-time use, when they are dead, that's it.  They end up in landfills most of the time, polluting our groundwater.  NiMH last years longer if used properly.
• Rechargeable batteries can be charged by sustainable power sources (i.e. solar charges.)

     Rechargeable batteries can last years after a disaster, if taken care of.  They must be charged every few months, due to the fact that they lose power slowly over time.  So when you need batteries, if you have not maintained them, you need to charge them before use.  Here is a sight that has portable solar chargers.  Solar chargers, and rechargeable batteries give you a great option for long term battery use in a disaster situation where we lose power for an extended period of time.  With NiMH's you are getting an excellent long-term rechargeable battery option, and helping the environment all in one fell swoop.

     As much as I love NiMH batteries, there are some reasons to look into having at least a few packages of the longer lasting, lighter, stronger lithium batteries.  First of all, lithium batteries last long periods of time.  If you are the type of prepper that wants to have a few packages of batteries put aside and forgotten for a few years, these are the batteries for you.  Lithium batteries can last upwards of 15 years without losing much of their charge if stored properly.  Second, lithium batteries perform much better in colder temperatures then all other types of batteries.  Now I'm not saying put them in your fridge, or freezer like we used to do back in the day, cause that has been proven to actually kill batteries.  I'm saying they are the best batteries to have on hand if you often deal with cold temperatures.  These batteries are best for people who want to have a few packages of AA, and AAA batteries stored for emergency use only in my opinion.

     My personal preference, and what I suggest for someone starting out in prepping (or someone who wants to know the bare minimum, hence the name of the post) for the amount of batteries to have on hand and stored, is the following:

• I suggest using Rechargeable NiMH batteries for your daily use items like remote control, cameras, flashlights, and whatever else uses AA and AAA batteries around the house.  You should have a back-up of about four (or one package) of each AA and AAA batteries left somewhere cool and dry.  Leave them in the original package labeled with tape telling you the date you bought them.

• Next you need a way of recharging them.  You should recharge the batteries that are package together, or used together with each other.  So if you have a package of four, recharge the batteries in that package all together.  Try not to recharge batteries of different brand names, levels, or types at the same time.

• For lithium batteries it's the same deal; leave them in the package, and label with the date you bought them.  It's up to you how many packages you decide to buy.  I suggest one AA package and one AAA package (x4 batteries) to start with.

     Some things to remember when dealing with batteries is; 

     A. Don't store them in the fridge (I already mentioned this, but it's worth mentioning again.)  
     B. Keep them in the original package.  Loose batteries run the risk of shorting each other out if the come in contact with each other, or metal objects.  
     C.  Remove batteries from devises that you do not use often, as the batteries can be drained slowly by the device over time.

     While we are dealing with batteries, I want to briefly mention that you should check, and change the batteries on your smoke detector, and carbon monoxide detector monthly (or now, if you haven't in a while.)  What's the point of prepping for a disaster, if you and your family die due to something easily preventable.  You can replace them with the cheap alkaline if you want, though rechargeable batteries will force you to check and maintain your detectors more often.  Your choice.

     If I missed anything on this topic, or if you are curious to know more, here is a great article put out by REI.

Coming Soon...

     Thanks to the amazing James Rawles over at SurvivalBlog, I am happy to say "welcome" to many of his sites readers.  I too have been a fan of SurvivalBlog for years, and have read and enjoyed his books.  As you can guess, I'm honored to be mentioned on his website.  This blog has also been linked by my favorite blogger; Code Name Insight, who I have learned more things from, and who's posts I can read over and over, marveling at how much info this gentlemen possesses.

     For my new, and old, readers I would like to say; thanks for reading.  I want to clue you in on some of the stuff I have in the works, and what you can expect to be reading on this blog over the next few months. 

• First of all, I have about five 'Quick Picks' in the works right now.
• Next thing I'm working on is a 'Survival Library' post on the minimalist-survivor "Cody Lundin's" books.
• A post I'm sure a lot of people are waiting for, and will enjoy is my suggested "NYC Survival Bug-Out Bag" recommendations.  I will be adding that to my 'Kits' series very soon, so watch out for that.
• I'm also working on a post of my suggested apartment emergency kit that will get into the things that you can have in your apartment for a 'bugging-in" scenario.
• A new 'Bare Minimum' post on the most important item you can have a supply of in your apartment: water, is going to be posted as soon as I finish it as well.
• And last, but I'm sure not least; as I have mentioned before I am writing a book about survival in NYC that I am looking to finish within the next year.

     As you can see, there is a lot of good stuff still to come.  Remember to check back for these and other posts often.  Doing so can help you live, prepare, and survive in this amazing city!

Fabrics: Wool

Nicholas Tarling-freedigitalphotos.net

      When people think of wool, they think of big, bulky, scratchy sweaters, too hot and uncomfortable to be worn.  This misconception has confused many a consumer when buying warm clothes.  Wool is one of the original wonder fabrics, and with modern science involved, some super-light Merino Wools can make a wonderful fabric for most layers, in any climate.  Even when wet, it can retain the body’s heat by trapping the air in its fibers because of its 'hydrophilic' interior, and a protective 'hydrophobic' exterior.  I recommend wearing it in cold, wet climates because it does not lose any of its warming properties when the wool fibers get wet.  Wool does however get heavy as it absorbs the water, and should be rung out whenever the item gets too heavy (i.e. socks).  It can also be worn in hot climates, but some of the synthetic fabrics (like polyester) wick and dry a bit faster than wool, if you don’t mind the chemicals used in the production of synthetics.  Two things you should consider about wool; are expense, and care.  Read the care instructions on the garment, but as a rule of thumb I air dry it because wool has a tendency to shrink if machine dried.  Here is a quick list of just some of the benefits of wool:

· Keeps its insulating properties even when wet.

· Water-resistant with a lanolin film, similar to wax

· Odor resistant, because it is naturally antibacterial, which means less washing

· Stain-resistant.

· Durable, so it will last much longer than other articles of clothing.

· Wool does not melt like some synthetics do.

· It is a natural fabric since it comes from the Bovidae family which includes sheep, and there are typically no chemicals used in its production.

     I can’t say enough about this excellent fabric, and I’m sure you get the gist.  I suggest wool base layers (such as underwear, long-underwear, and socks) in the very cold climates, or if you prefer natural materials as opposed to synthetic.   I highly recommend it as a mid-layer jacket, sweater or fourth layer for added warmth.  Hats and gloves made of wool can also be an excellent addition to your wardrobe as well.  Wool's tend to be a bit expensive as I mentioned, especially some of the finer Merino Wools, but I find that they are worth the price due to function, and the years of use they provide.

     From a survivalist stand point, I would rather be caught in a disaster wearing wool layers, than cotton.  Cotton in a cold climate can be a death sentence, and some outdoor survivalists call it “death fabric”.  Cotton can be useful in the summer due to the same reasons it sucks in the winter, but I find I prefer synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon over it because of their excellent wicking abilities.  Try out some different fabrics, each person is different when deciding which they prefer.

     Here are some links that either have some great wool products, or explain the "wonders of wool":

• SmartWool's Website
• Icebreaker's Website
• Article on Wool Clothing from REI
• Article on Wool from MEC

     A few links to Amazon of wool items that are very useful:

Essential Clothing: Wool Hat

     Turns out, our mothers were right!  You should never leave the house on a cold day without a hat.  This single, often overlooked, item can be a literal life saver.  Carrying a head cover around with you year-round can make a world of difference.  Cheap, and light, they can easily be stuffed in a pocket and forgotten until needed.  It is one of the best piece of outdoor clothing to have on hand.  By keeping the head warm during cold weather, you are saving upwards of thirty percent of your body’s heat.  The human body holds about fifteen percent of its blood's volume in the head at any given time, by keeping the head warm and covered, you can reduce the amount of heat lost through your head.  If stuck outside for an unforeseen long period of time (i.e. bus taking forever), or worst yet, if you have to sleep outside due to a disaster, having this one item can save your life.  During the hot months, you can keep sun exposure on your head to a minimum, which can shoot up your core body temperature and lead to sunburn.

     In New York City, the common city dweller can be outside for more than ten minutes just about everyday of the year.  New Yorkers are a part of the elements.  We don't go from home, to car, to office.  We go outside and walk to where we've got to go.  It's one of the things that I personally love about this city; we get to live an active lifestyle if we so choose, by walking to and from places (time permitting...)  It is something that a lot of New Yorkers don't seem to realize though: dressing properly, and functionally for all the changing temperatures we have in The Apple should be a top priority when choosing what to wear when leaving the apartment.

     My first post explaining essential clothing for New Yorkers, is about one of the easiest, lightest, functional pieces of clothing you can carry around.  The hat is such a basic addition to your wardrobe, and its size/weight makes it so easy to have on you.  As I mentioned earlier, this one piece of clothing can keep you much warmer, and is by far the best piece, pound for pound, of clothing to own.  I suggest the fabric wool for its amazing warming abilities, and added benefits.  I recommend looking for a wool hat that has a liner like fleece, or polyester to help 'wick' away moisture from your scalp.  You can also try a hat liner or beanie made of a wicking material such as polyester, as a base layer, similar to the three-layer system.  The head, like the feet often sweat, and get wet easily, so you definitely want to remove the hat if you start getting too hot.  Always remember to stay dry!   

     A hat is vital to being comfortable in any climate whether hot, or cold.  You should always have on you at least one form of head protection.  Here are some hats that I suggest:

     This hat by Patagonia is 100% wool on the outside, with a fleece lining on the inside.  I own one and suggest it.  It is by far one of the warmest hats I have ever owned, and has stood up to some very cold temperatures like a champ.  The fact that it is all wool, and that the whole inside is lined with fleece was the biggest selling point to me.  *Unfortunately they are sold out right now, but I'm going to leave the link hoping it comes back next season.*


      
     This is the military version of the wool cap, that has been used for years.  It is cheap, well made, and makes a great all around beat on hat.  The one problem is that they are uncomfortable against the skin, but that can be easily fixed by wearing a hat liner below the hat.


     I have done a post on these before, and can't say enough about their usefulness.  They can be used in many configurations, but one of the more useful ones is as a head liner.  I carry these year-round, as they make great liners or neck warmers in the winter, and they are amazing at sopping up sweat in the summer.  The post gives a bit more detail if your interested.