Something More Necessary Than 'Kit'

[Oody]

Maybe it's been said before, but it's worth saying again if this is the case: While a certain amount of kit is essential, it's ll to easy to get carried away with it. The more we 'have' the more there'll be that can be taken from us.

However, by far your best survival 'tool' is your brain! If you develop and hone your life-skills, that's worth a whole lot more than kit alone. The mental stamina; the knowledge; and the confidence that you can survive, keeps your morale higher than it otherwise would be, which is also a good thing, as one's health stays stronger when we aren't feeling down or stressed and worried.

Maybe I've stated the obvious, but not maybe to some; but we do need to focus on what really matters, though giving thought to equipment too - but just don't be consumed by it! Talk to Chris Caine, who lived life on the road for 20yrs, with very little by way of equipment. It was mainly a mental exercise! A lovely guy, and very down to earth. I have his first rate 'Companion' knife with 'Survival' sheath. It's really about the best combination of practical application, carry size and weight, as well as a 'real' multi-use tool. It's nothing like the cost of some hand-made 'designer' knives, but does make them look like over-priced toys by comparison. This would be my main knife WTSHTF, plus a few other items which I won't go into now. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my tools and equipment, it's just that the adult in me knows that it's pandering to childhood dreams, by and large (go on, admit it!).

Oh, and I don't have any business connection with Chris Caine or his knife, or Staniforth, the Sheffield company that make them for him (actually 'Lofty's design, according to Chris - you know, John Wiseman, the 26-year service in the SAS. They know each orther well, and Lofty asked Chris to get the knife made, handing him the design).

Ta ta for now folks!

[izzy_mack]

I couldn't agree more, I think of the people who lived in my house ( it's a 200year old croft house), their lives and how they managed to live, work the land and raise a family with nothing. The pioneers who travelled vast distances with a cookpot, axe, knife, blanket,flint and maybe a gun.

We are so used to our home comforts that doing without seems impossible, the biggest prep I think I can make is to change my mind set. Not so much, how can I get these things, as how can I do without them. I have been changing things and trying new skills a little at a time admittedly, the biggest and hardest leap as you point out is the mental one, wish me luck!

[Oody]

Hi Izzy,

I do indeed wish you luck! Seems I'm not alone in my thoughts after all

It is indeed almost staggering how our forbears did manage on meagre diets, in some cases, and as you say, with precious few tools. Modern man really has lost touch with reality, and how it really is to live of the land - especially the nomadic lifestyle. I'll readily admit I also need to really train my brain. It's further than the masses, that's for sure; but it's not anywhere near ready. I'm not anywhere near tough enough - yet. But I have a 'will'; and where there is a will, there is a way, as they say. I'm sure if the apocalypse was to hit tomorrow, I'd survive, but it'd be a hell of a battle, even though I'm mentally prepared, and not mentally 'ready' so it'd be very stressful; very hard; and very tiring. But one learns incredibly quickly when faced with live or die situations.

Your croft cottage sounds lovely, by the way. You have also increased your odds of survival, being located where you are, away from cities etc. Also being far north will also ensure that fewer people will venture and bother the likes of you. Whether by accident or design, what you've done is certainly increasing your chances of not just surviving, but thriving. Good on you.

Pleased to make your acquaintance!

[jansman]

I have to agree totally. I have actually been getting rid of kit lately. You need a certain amount/ type of emergency gear-but with knowledge and good 'ol fashioned human ingenuity, you can adapt what you have handy. For instance if you had to boil water on a fire outside, you do not have to own the latest titanium cookpot, every kitchen had a saucepan. You get the idea. Good thread, thanks.

[Oody]

jansman, you getting rid of kit? Well, umm, what kind of kit? You looking to sell to me? This would be a good thinking if I had an ulterior motive and actually wanted to get some kit eh? Talk it down a tad, then offer to relive folks of theirs But seriously, it's difficult to actually 'let go' of stuff; stuff you've spent years aiming for, saved up and bought; only to then have a rethink and bite the bitter-sweet tablet and have the courage to 'resist' all the lovely merchandise out there, designed to pull on your 'consumer' instincts. After all, our whole economy was built on this, sad to admit.

So, I think like with clothes (and in complete contrast to how I once was, buying cheaper clothing, being a guy in recent times I buy few; but buy the best I can when I do. Otherwise you end up with a wardrobe full of stuff you never wear, as it's either a little too small, too fashionable (so making me a cloned high street copy, and hence like everyone else) or simply just not as comfortable and functional as something that is good quality, looks good, feels good to wear, has good function and longevity.

I'm like this with tools generally now, and do buy a lot of 'old' stuff too, as it was simple, easy to use, reliable, user-serviceable and above all just goes on and on - a bit like me in my posts, eh?

I know just what you mean though, jansman, about the titanium. I'm a bit fan of it, as it's not too shiny, very tough and very light - but also expensive (though not as much now, as it once was) and one is forever worrying about whether anyone's going to nick it! A bit like a new car I suppose: the owner is forever worrying about keeping it clean and shiny, and worried about people scratching it etc. Not to mention the massive depreciation! Well, it seems crazy to spend a small fortune to 'worry' and waste so much time washing, cleaning and polishing it - and then worry like crazy whenever you take it out, as it attracts attention. I was like that once; but I was at least a typical youngster then, and we all have phases I suppose. Sad to say some blokes never grown out of them!

Best buy old, but decent stuff, that's not much in demand (not now/yet at any rate) which you won't therefore pay much for, and achieve your goal/purpose in use, attract less attention, less worry as a result, and to enable you to focus on the here and now. Enjoying and/or getting on with life with less aggro and expense into the bargain.

Thanks jansman.

Ciao for now.