Monthly Archives: May 2013

The Zombie Prepper’s Practical Bug-Out Bag

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bug-out-bagIn light of the recent destruction in Moore, Oklahoma this week, I think we can all appreciate being a little more prepared. When some people hear the term “bug out bag” they often think of prepper shows they may have seen on TV, but with all of the natural disasters recently I think it’s time BOBs became more of a household name. There may come a time when you’re displaced from your home and cannot return for a while to a natural disaster, economic collapse, and yes even a zombie apocalypse.

There are three main types of load outs that are involved in the SHTF (That’s Shit Hits The Fan for all you non-preppers) system. The first is your EDC, this is often what you carry in your pockets and on your person every day. The second is a get home bag (GHB) which is a small bag that stays in your car and has enough supplies for you to make it home, wherever that may be. The third is the Bug out bag, which is the bag we’re discussing in this post.

Each family member should have a pack that contains enough clothing, food, medicine and hygiene products to last approximately 72 hours. The clothing in these bags should be seasonally appropriate, so the clothing should be changed out at least 4 times a year. Two other important things that your BOBs should include are cash ($200 is a good start) and copies of your important documents (SSN cards, Birth Certificates, ID, etc.)

Now some of you may have huge 90 liter bug out bags with shelters, stoves, guns/ammo, machetes and that’s great but it’s important that we have practical bags for our family members that they can actually carry. There’s a good chance that those who are bugging out will make their way to a safe area set up by authorities and walking in with an armory strapped to your pack will probably just end up with confiscation. I personally have 2 types of BOBs; one for a natural disaster in which I will be making my way TO the authorities, and the second pack for when the SHTF and I will be making way FROM the authorities (and civilization in general).

Situational awareness is paramount when deciding what type of bug out we’re facing. So in closing, get your family involved in the process and make sure they know why they have a bug out bag. There’s nothing extreme about being prepared for being displaced from our homes.

The Zombie Apocalypse Every Day Carry

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EDCYou’ve probably been seeing the #EDC memes flying around Instagram for a while now, so we thought we might weigh in on what common sense dictates that you might want to have in your “Every day carry” should a zombie infestation take root.  An EDC, as the name suggests, is that kit which you carry on your person at all times when you are not at the house.  Remember kids, gear at home does you no good if you’re at the mall when the zombie horde hits the wire.

1) Concealed weapon (pistol)–There’s so many arguments for make and caliber that we’re not going to go there.  However, we do suggest that you have one if the laws in your state allow it (or consider moving to a state where they do). Never hurts to have a spare magazine as well, particularly in sub-compacts where your load capacity is going to be smaller.

2) Sharp knife–Not all knives are created equally either.  I’m a big fan of Bram Frank’s blades, because they are designed for killing, pressure point manipulation in the closed position, and kinetic opening for escalating force options.

3) Multi-tool–Because nothing will piss you off quite as much as having the sharpest knife in the world when all you need is a Phillips head screw driver.  Or a can opener.  I can’t tell you the horror stories I’ve seen from dudes trying to open a can of soup with a knife and a rock.

4) Tactical pen–Smith and Wesson makes a good one.  If you must have a writing instrument on your person (trust me, you must), you might as well have one that doubles as the bludgeon of destiny.  The Smith and Wesson tactical pen is essentially a Filipino Dulo with a writing instrument inside.

5) Flashlight–Because zombies don’t need daylight to eat brains, and you’re often away from home at night, you need a flashlight.  Extra cool points if it connects to your gun.

6) 550 chord bracelet–I like the ones from Survival Straps.  They’re made in America, in my very own city of Jacksonville, and they look awesome.  Never know when you might need to secure a hostage or spelunk down a cliff.

Everybody seems to have their own super-clever variation on the EDC.  Maybe you get off on having some bubble gum in your pocket, or a fancy something-or-other for that special situation of your dreams.  Whatever the case may be, you need to get an EDC and start carrying it right now, before the zombies arrive.

Camouflage Tips for the Zombie Apocalypse

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SF-sniper-student-stalkingThere are a few principles about camouflage which are regularly accepted as “the core.”  They might even save your salty ass from becoming zombie jerky, assuming zombies can’t smell your still-functioning brain and munch down on you by smell alone.  Here’s what I would do if I had to camouflage myself in a hurry:

1) Break up your shape.  Most camo patterns are intended to do exactly that, break up the outline of a human being.  Doing anything to this effect will make you  harder to spot.  You can tape a shrub to your groin and achieve the same effect…eh, sans mobility I guess.  Also, add dark color to any high areas of your face (nose, forehead, cheek bones) and add light colors to any low areas.

2) Lose the bling. Anything shiny is bad ju ju and will get you eaten like a plate of fried chicken in Mississippi.  Take off your watch, lose the necklace, cover your optics, take off your glasses, and rub some mud on that big-ass forehead.

3) Don’t silhouette yourself.  Hide on the top of a hill with the white cloudy sky at your back and it won’t matter how good your camouflage is.  You’re as good as zombie chow.  Always avoid situations where there is a backdrop, whether it be a light or a solid color, to highlight your silhouette.

4) Be still and quiet. I’ve seen many a soldier spend hours upon hours applying that perfect coat of face paint only to give themselves away with a sneeze.  (Hint: if you have to sneeze, try saying “grapefruit” under your breath at the top of your inhale.  Seriously, works every time).  Freaking be still already and stop fidgeting like a little girl before a potty break.

5) Use the correct colors.  Seriously, you wouldn’t believe the stories about people using desert colors in the woods if I told you.  I can’t make this stuff up.  Use colors that exist in the environment in which you are trying to hide.  Please.  And take the wheat stalks off of your hat when you move into the forest.  Nothing is more conspicuous than a patch of wheat walking through the pine trees.

That’s enough for now.  I’m not trying to turn you into the Predator here, just help you survive long enough to learn something.  If you’ve got to move, it’s always easier to do it by night (assuming there is enough moonlight to navigate by) where camo doesn’t matter so much.  Still, avoid silhouetting yourself in the dark also.  They can still see you.