It's probably not the Zombie Apocalypse! (Realistic SHTF scenarios for regular people)

"Khaos is waiting for the zombie apocalypse! LOLOLOLOL!"

"We'll all just come to your house when the world ends! Harharhar!"

"Don't you mean BUNKER? Trololololol"

"She runs a Costco on the side! Hahaha!" 

Yup. Hilarity! I routinely hear these, and all sorts of other knee-slapping, solid bronze comedic content from friends and family.

The sad fact is, most "ordinary" people, it seems, still view stocking up beyond next week, having emergency supplies on hand, knowing how to do things without modern conveniences (and having the tools and materials to do so!), are silly, pessimistic, foolish, "asking for trouble" (WHAT!?), or downright crazy. Somehow, they equate being prepared for any eventuality with hoping for or hastening some looming, doomsday scenario.

Reality check, folks:
Being unprepared for an emergency won't keep one from happening! All it does is make you and those who depend on you more likely to suffer the consequences.

Being prepared frequently means the  difference between an emergency or survival situation and an inconvenience. In true disaster conditions, it can mean the difference between surviving and not.

If your car dies on the side of the road and you've gotta wait a couple hours for assistance, it could mean you have a "bathroom", plenty of water (and coffee!), something to snack on, protection from the weather, and maybe something to keep the kids (and grownups) entertained while you wait.

If the power goes out right before supper, it could mean you can still have a good meal, instead of scrounging for something that doesn't need electricity to prepare or having to go out to get something.

If the roads, power, and water are out in a good sized area for a few days or a week and you have taken the trouble to even stock up on a few days worth of food, water, extra medications, an outdoor cooking method, candles and/or battery powered lighting, and a few other supplies, things may be a little uncomfortable, but you're going to be just fine. Conversely, those people who refuse to plan ahead even in the slightest will have a true emergency on their hands. Not only are their own lives and well being, and that of their dependents, in danger. No - their (in)actions have endangered countless others as well. They've placed additional burden on their neighbours, communities, and emergency services. Now, rather than just having to worry about getting needed services and care to those who legitimately rely on electricity, special equipment, and such for medical reasons, first responders and rescue personnel have to spend precious moments and supplies bailing out some asshole who had the means to look after themselves, and chose not to. If it were up to me, I'd probably let them hang! Oh.. I'd take in their young kids and pets if I could, since they didn't have a say in the matter. The idiots though - those same folks who laugh the loudest about how stupid "preppers" are? They'd be on their own! Cause guess what? Nope. You're NOT coming to my house (or bunker, or BOL, or...) when the SHTF! And if you decide to try anyway, just remember your "Rambo" wisecracks regarding my gear, training, "paranoia", and defences, and think again.

Those few who happen to have been in my company when things have gone wrong... who enjoyed hot food and coffee, clean water, warmth, a safe and comfortable place to sleep, and that sort of thing when they would have otherwise been cold, hungry, afraid, and otherwise ill prepared when power or water has gone out, a vehicle has broken down in the middle of nowhere, roads have become impassable and the city (transit, emergency services, power, stores and other businesses closed) basically shut down, and the like, no longer join in the heckling. Of course, they don't risk being lumped in with the "loony" by standing up and saying anything either, but that's ok for now. Ya can't win 'em all!

The absolute, MOST vital survival tool! You and those depending on you WILL DIE if you don't use it!

Make sure this is part of your every day carry!!

Sure, there are lots and lots of articles, advertisements, blog posts, and such out there claiming that this or that piece of gear is the number one, most important thing to have in your kit, but this one is the only one that pretty much guarantees failure if you don't use it. 

Everyone already has on at their disposal, and it's free to use. In fact, the more you use it, the more useful it becomes, and, unlike most gear, the longer it takes to wear out!

I'm referring, of course, to BRAINS - Not just the zombie apocalypse delicacy of choice, but a fully integrated, versatile, and irreplaceable item!

A quick Google search for "most important survival tool" yields many hits, and differing opinions, with a few enduring trends.

Among the claims of what ONE thing will save you if you have nothing else, the most common were (in order of popularity):

• knife
• multi-tool 
• water filter
• water
• food
• water container
• machete  
• axe
• warm clothing
• ammo
• can opener
• tarp (WTF??)
• prayer
• first aid kit

The third hit got close, with, "knowledge", and the third hit on the second page of results added to that with, "Practice and Common Sense", but it was halfway down the third page of results before I finally found, "the three-pound object that rests between your ears. Your brain!". 

In the articles, blogs, how-tos, etc on the first five pages of results, including comments on the various articles, "brain" or "mind" only popped up three times! The ones listed above all were mentioned a great many times, and there were lots of other one-offs, but it seems the idea of being smart is just not all that popular.

I admit, talking about how to prepare SMART doesn't make for nearly as cool articles and videos as all the latest, ultralight gear, knives and firearms to make Rambo green with envy, and video tutorials on how to make a fire bow & drill, build a debris shelter, collect water, and the like, and all those skills and a lot of the gear are absolutely great to have, but seriously, none of that is going to be worth a thing if you can't think on your feet and make smart decisions on the fly and in short order!

SO... If you have nothing else at all when the shit hits the fan, be sure that you've been keeping your most important and useful survival tool in your EDC honed to a razor-sharp edge and using it daily, so it will serve you well when life depends on it.

EDC & BOB updates

I've made several changes over the last few days to cut down more on weight and bulk in both my EDC and in my BOB, allowing for more useful items and less misused space.

The EDC updates were pretty minor, but make a really big difference!

I added the Smith's Pocket Pal X2 and a duct tape fob to my keys. The button compass was attached to the Smith's tool, but I prefer it on its own. Also added a waterproof notebook to my pockets.

Then, in my meds bag,  I switched out the tubes of foot cream and antibiotic ointment for several generous single use packs.

I've been carrying both those tubes in my bag for several years, using them regularly and they're both still about half full, so not going to run out any time soon! 

Each pack could be used for more than one application, unless the affected area is pretty huge, but they're small enough that it's ok if I have to throw out the remainder of one. 

Also in my meds bag, I switched out the entire tube of (generic) Airborne for a baggie with 4 tabs in it. 

I know the pic shows 3 tabs. That's cause I cheated and used the photo for the one in my BOB bag first aid kit, which brings me right to the next bit! 

In addition to that change in the BOBFAK, I also switched out the antibiotic ointment and athletic tape there for single use packs and a separate little roll of the tape. There is more tape there and plenty of ointment to last way more than 3 days, with less bulk & weight.

Next step was to save space on the meds. I just assumed that the pill minder with different meds in each compartment would take up less space, but that turns out not to be the case after all! Not to mention the fact that everything is now well marked and individually packed, so even someone who wouldn't recognise each pill will know what they are for and how to use them in case I'm incapacitated. 

More changes to my go bag included eliminating several items altogether...

• both sarongs 
• swimsuit top
• scarf 
• robe 
• sleeveless shirt 
• long sleep shirt 
• mini dictionary/thesaurus 
• 1 Extension cord (down to 1) 
• 2 Toothbrushes (down to 1)
• Shoe brush
• shampoo
• conditioner
• hair serum
• mouth rinse
• pit stick

Honestly - we're talking about survival here! I don't need all that extra crap!

I also switched several things out for more practical gear...

• A pair of TDU shorts replaced the Swim Trunks - more versatile, heavier duty, more pockets, and if I'm going into the water, it's because I HAVE to for some reason, not for a swim. I can go nude or wear the TDUs, depending on reason.

•  A backpacker's tarp replaced the shower curtain I was using for a tarp - far more compact, more attach points, specifically made for the purpose. Tarp + 4 mylar blankets & two 50' hanks of twine weighs about the same as the curtain.

• A System Tee replaced the cotton t-shirt - It takes up far less space and is cooler alone, warmer as a layer, dries quickly, and wicks moisture away from the body.

• TDU trousers replaced the jeans - again, more compact, cooler alone, warmer as a layer, dries quickly, and doesn't freeze you when wet like cotton (what jeans are made of).

• Smith's Pocket Pal replaced the sharpening stones - more compact and lightweight for the same tasks, done faster and with less energy expended.

• Tactical webbing belts replaced my old ALICE cartridge belt, which hasn't fit my waist since I was like 18 and is heavier and bulkier than the newer, Molle compatible, nylon ones. The nylon ones are also nearly waterproof, dry very quickly, and don't get noticeably heavier when wet unlike the old kind, which are made largely of cotton. 

•  Two metal water bottles replaced my old, green, issue canteen. The old kind is heavier, bulkier, and adds a horrible, plastic taste within moments of filling it. Metal bottles are lighter, smaller, have no BPA or ick taste, and you can boil in them! I hung on to the old stuff for nostalgia reasons, which is fine for cool stuff in my house, but BAD for a bug out bag!

• Multiple duct tape fobs replaced the entire roll of duct tape with all the cardboard. There's still close to a whole roll in there, but much less weight and space used, and redundancy, in case one or more get lost.

• 550 paracord replaced all the rope and then some - Almost as high load rating at a fraction of the space, and cord can be doubled over if higher load is really needed (not bloody likely!)

• Sawyer Filtering System replaced the Lifestraw - About the same space and weight for much more versatile and longer lasting filter. 

• The little bottle of lotion got switched out for a small tub of coconut oil. - The Coconut oil is far more versatile. It can be used for fire starter, lubricant, solvent, cooking, or quick calories, in addition to hair and skin moisture and protection. 

• The new, bath-sized bar of soap got nixed in favour of an old one that is down to the size of a little hotel bar, and is in Ziplock, rather than a soap container - About 1/9th the previous space used!

• My 0° sleeping bag that was "ready to be clipped on" is still in my vehicle, but now the go bag has it's own, backpacking 30° mummy bag attached - much lighter & more compact! It's not as roomy, comfy, or warm, but an added mylar blanket will make it a ton warmer, and in my area, it very rarely even gets below 30° anyway! Also, even my 40° sleeping bag usually keeps me too warm. I've had to unzip it some in 17° temps once initially warmed up, so I think I'm good!

Here's a picture of the difference between the 6'x6' shower curtain and the 5x7' tarp with 4 emergency blankets and two 50' hanks of mason line added to the pouch.