What preps are you doing this week? part 2.

[munchh]

I wear shorts all year. At home and work. But there are a few months where I just can't. This weekend it got down to -3 in my garden and it was the earliest in the year I have ever thought "might have to get the long trousers out" so I am putting the winter work van back together, including a sleeping bag. I think we are in for a cold one

[Blackscorpion]

Well, it's been a year since I was last here. But I'm turning my mind back to getting more serious with my prepping.
Two reasons, mainly. Like many others, Paris, on Friday 13th (probably going to get the irritating media label "13/11",or something equally cheesy...), it raised a few red flags with me - not that I expect some cowardly brainwashed radicals with their distorted ideas about Islam coming to shoot & blow up my small rural corner of East Yorkshire - but, rather the general planet-wide level of unrest. I'm aware that 100 people died in Myanmar this week but don't see the BBC going into a week long media frenzy over them?
However, this Russian plane shot down? Hhmm... Now thats got me worried a bit more. Who REALLY did this? Why?
Anyway, back to prepping, as I'm waffling here! I've got the time as I'm currently off work with a broken shoulder. Wandering around with my arm in a sling, followed by a 12 year old needy black Labrador. Bug Out Bag? Well, it's about 3 bags, actually. A Maxpedition Falcon II, a Maxpedition Sitka, and a 5.11 Rush 12 backpack. Three bags? I couldn't decide what should go in what bag! One's a sort of 'overnight' bag, one's a sort of 3-5 day bag (no 'food' in it - means of water purification though. That's ok, isn't it?!).
I need to think a bit more about the next few months. How should I prep ahead now, factoring in cold weather & global events? Should we be thinking of a possible fuel crisis (& consequently, food shortages?). And my current physical condition! I'm a Staff Nurse in a Critical Care Unit & ride a motorcycle (member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists). I do miss my bike at the moment....
I can't even get any shooting in as I can't wield the shotgun (and have missed a few good shoots). Have you ever tried cleaning a shotgun with one hand? It's hard enough getting the damn gunsafe open!
Hell, I have to walk the dog using a carabiner to attach his lead to my (5.11) belt, leaving one hand free to 'pick up' after him. I'm pacing the house THINKING about prepping, plans etc., but end up sat with a clipboard, a blank page and my (Boker) pen. I end up whittling objects (using my good hand & Extrema Ratio knife). I need a direction to aim for in my prepping. Suggestions?...

[Jinny]

My micro stove finally arrived from China (via ebay) it fits with the gas bottle inside the small mess tin, and to be fair it works a treat, turn all the way up and theres shed loads of power for boiling, and it'll turn right down low for a simmer, built in lighter and all for under £8 including the gas,
Edit.
I'm going to make up some ziplock bags of drinking chcolate later and pop them in the space thats left over, that way I have a nice hot drink ready.

do you have a link for where you got this please

Did you manage to find it from the link, Digi? If not, I think this might be it....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Camping- ... 1737761480

[Jinny]

As for me, apart from more tinned food preps, I've had an Amazon-fest and bought lots and lots of candles, foil blankets, water purification tablets and first aid bits, Lofty Wiseman's survival book, various foraging books, paracord bracelets, fire spark/lighter and a wind-up solar radio torch

[sniper 55]

My micro stove finally arrived from China (via ebay) it fits with the gas bottle inside the small mess tin, and to be fair it works a treat, turn all the way up and theres shed loads of power for boiling, and it'll turn right down low for a simmer, built in lighter and all for under £8 including the gas,
Edit.
I'm going to make up some ziplock bags of drinking chcolate later and pop them in the space thats left over, that way I have a nice hot drink ready.

do you have a link for where you got this please

Did you manage to find it from the link, Digi? If not, I think this might be it....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Camping- ... 1737761480

Yes thats the one I got.

[Blackscorpion]

Is a Jetboil worth the money?

[pseudonym]

Is a Jetboil worth the money?

Depends what you want it for:

Boiling water for brews,dehyrated rations or boil in the bag meals it's fantastic.

Anything else....... YMMV

TBH mine's now in the boot of the car as part of my car kit. Been there for 6 years IIRC.

[Blackscorpion]

Is a Jetboil worth the money?

Depends what you want it for:

Boiling water for brews,dehyrated rations or boil in the bag meals it's fantastic.

Anything else....... YMMV

TBH mine's now in the boot of the car as part of my car kit. Been there for 6 years IIRC.

Thanks! (er, what does 'YYMV' & 'IIRC' THE mean?...)

[munchh]

Is a Jetboil worth the money?

Overkill I recon for general use. But if it was going to be a long haul trip and would be your primary cook kit mabie. I have lots of different gas cookers but I always go back to the same one and the same pot.

You should start a thread and ask again.

[munchh]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mini-Camping- ... 1737761480
Yes thats the one I got.

Thanks Sniper. That one seemed to filter past my usual trawling. I just ordered 3. One for me and 2 presents.