New Prepper

[Wailing]

Hi

I've just joined so hopefully I've posted this in the right place.

So I've been signed off of work for a while now and I've been browsing various random things online and today came cross prepping. I knew of it but not in great detail.

Anyway, after watching some videos on YouTube I've decided to start up a bug out bag (I think that's what they're called). I've spent about £250 already and have another £50 worth of stuff in my Amazon basket waiting till pay day on Thursday. I tend to do this sort of thing. I get an idea in my head and go full throttle.

Below is a list of what I've ordered so far and what's on hold:

Two fleeces (thick and basic)
Two plain long sleeve t shirts
Two camp coloured t shirts
Two pairs of combat trousers
One rain coat
Balaclava
Raptor Gloves
Hood/Snood

Just some basic clothes that are suitable for the likely surroundings.

One pocket knife
One medium size hunting knife
Mummy style sleeping bag
Inflatable pillow.
LED torch
Binoculars
First Aid Kit
Antibacterial hand gel and wipes
Camping mirror
Small toiletry bag
Pop up tent
Surgical face mask and surgical gloves
Defence spray (a legal pepper spray type thing)
Rape alarm (It was cheap and highly rated so I thought why not)
Wind proof lighters, candle lighter and big boxes of matches

And of course a big ruck sack to store it all in.

Pretty decent start I think.

Let me know your thoughts. Feedback and suggestions welcome.

Thanks,

Wailing.

[Yorkshire Andy]

Welcome to the forum...

Would you please pop to the new members bit and introduce yourself please

viewforum.php?f=9





Just remember BEFORE you spend any more money on stuff you might never need / use (yes most of us have been there and done the same) is work out what your bag is for... There is a very slim chance your going to need to be camped out in a local desaster situation....... but you might end up in a sports hall or hotel.....

on that note in your bag have you got a list of those important phone number and copies of insurance certificates?


as

scenario your awoken at 3am by the police theres been flood warnings and the river is about to breach the flood defences your told to grab some things and will be bussed to the sports hall 5 miles away.... at dawn your house is now 5ft deep in water....


bino's , hunting knives wont be much good / use... but your insurance will be able to sort you accommodation ... but your mobile is flat...... and no internet access.. but theirs a pay phone in the leisure centre

[Jamesey1981]

Just a heads up with that defense spray, I'm guessing that it's an offender marking spray type thing.
No matter what the seller said on their packaging or advertising, they haven't been ruled legal yet, the law regarding them is a bit of a grey area and they could be deemed illegal, until a test case is brought before the courts then no one really knows how it will go, if it's one of the ones that smell really bad then it's likely to be ruled a noxious chemical and be prohibited, if it's one of the ones that just contain the paint that doesn't wash off, foam or UV goo then it could go either way depending on the judge the case is brought in front of.

http://hertfordshire.ukcrimeprevention. ... sprays.htm
http://m.askthe.police.uk/content/Q589. ... ntid=37636

If it's an end of the world kind of situation then you'd obviously be fine, but until it is ruled one way or the other then you risk being the test case if you're carrying it, and I can't imagine it'll be fun even if it is ruled to be legal, some of the stuff you will see says they're legal, others don't, statements from police forces etc, but I personally wouldn't risk carrying it until there is a firm legal precedent that you can rely on.

Oh, hi and welcome by the way, forgot that part, was rather rude of me!

[Deeps]

Welcome Wailing, hope you find plenty of good advice here, I have but before you spend any more money on a bug out bag have a think about what you're actually prepping for. How likely is it that you'll have to run to the hills as opposed to flood defences for your house or losing your job. Prepping is a broad subject and while the bushcraft/camping bit is the fun side if you're serious about it then securing the basics for life as you know it to continue is the mundane and probably more practical side of it. A lot of us have spunked cash on stuff that we didn't need because we've seen some boy on Youtube telling us that it was the mutts nuts but you need to think about what will work for you and what it is you see as your main prepping priorities.

Whether you're running to the hills or staying put there are some basics, shelter and water being the big two and if you're staying put, at least as your first option then shelter will be a given. You'll also need something to eat, and something to cook it on even if the gas and lecky are off. They're you're absolute basics and there are plenty threads on here discussing the merits of well, all of it. First aid and lighting etc will also play a part, entertainment etc even being sat in your own house without lecky can be an eye opener, especially when it gets dark.

The best advice I can give you though is don't rush it, have a think about what YOUR priorities are, not mine or some earnest guy on Youtube. It took me a while to get to a level that I was relatively comfortable with and even now I'm adding stuff and my starting mission was to have provisions for me and the missus for a month (I already had the outdoor gear) but I've got probably 3 months now although if we have family joining us less obviously which opens up another debate about who you'd be prepping for in reality.

Enjoy it though, if it was something we hated we probably wouldn't do it so figure out what works for you and good luck.

[tigs]

Welcome to the forum

[sniper 55]

Just a heads up with that defense spray, I'm guessing that it's an offender marking spray type thing.
No matter what the seller said on their packaging or advertising, they haven't been ruled legal yet, the law regarding them is a bit of a grey area and they could be deemed illegal, until a test case is brought before the courts then no one really knows how it will go, if it's one of the ones that smell really bad then it's likely to be ruled a noxious chemical and be prohibited, if it's one of the ones that just contain the paint that doesn't wash off, foam or UV goo then it could go either way depending on the judge the case is brought in front of.

http://hertfordshire.ukcrimeprevention. ... sprays.htm
http://m.askthe.police.uk/content/Q589. ... ntid=37636

If it's an end of the world kind of situation then you'd obviously be fine, but until it is ruled one way or the other then you risk being the test case if you're carrying it, and I can't imagine it'll be fun even if it is ruled to be legal, some of the stuff you will see says they're legal, others don't, statements from police forces etc, but I personally wouldn't risk carrying it until there is a firm legal precedent that you can rely on.

Oh, hi and welcome by the way, forgot that part, was rather rude of me!

While what you say is correct, you'd have a very good case if it's used for self defence, and of course you can provide evidence that the company concerned is selling it as UK legal, it's their product they should ensure their advertising complies with the law.
We used to have a saying it's better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.

[izzy_mack]

have a think about what YOUR priorities are,

not mine or some earnest guy on Youtube

Couldn't agree more with that statement. If there's a possibility of you having to move house, have you thought about where you would store stuff, especially if you've built up a biggish pile, in the event of having to stay somewhere temporarily?

Make a list of what YOU would like to prep for, all of them, then prioritise them. Lots of advice here on what various members deem necessary for THEM, but if you read them if gives you an idea, then think it through as to what will suit you. I've saved money over time (wasted a lot too) by listening to the others and realising that some things are nice to have but not necessary for me.

[Jamesey1981]

Just a heads up with that defense spray, I'm guessing that it's an offender marking spray type thing.
No matter what the seller said on their packaging or advertising, they haven't been ruled legal yet, the law regarding them is a bit of a grey area and they could be deemed illegal, until a test case is brought before the courts then no one really knows how it will go, if it's one of the ones that smell really bad then it's likely to be ruled a noxious chemical and be prohibited, if it's one of the ones that just contain the paint that doesn't wash off, foam or UV goo then it could go either way depending on the judge the case is brought in front of.

http://hertfordshire.ukcrimeprevention. ... sprays.htm
http://m.askthe.police.uk/content/Q589. ... ntid=37636

If it's an end of the world kind of situation then you'd obviously be fine, but until it is ruled one way or the other then you risk being the test case if you're carrying it, and I can't imagine it'll be fun even if it is ruled to be legal, some of the stuff you will see says they're legal, others don't, statements from police forces etc, but I personally wouldn't risk carrying it until there is a firm legal precedent that you can rely on.

Oh, hi and welcome by the way, forgot that part, was rather rude of me!

While what you say is correct, you'd have a very good case if it's used for self defence, and of course you can provide evidence that the company concerned is selling it as UK legal, it's their product they should ensure their advertising complies with the law.
We used to have a saying it's better to be judged by twelve than carried by six.

This is true, and I'm personally never going to fault anyone for carrying pretty much anything (within reason, an RPG would be pushing it) to defend themselves, (and only to defend themselves) but I wouldn't like to see anyone get prosecuted for carrying something that they had been told was legal without knowing there's a risk that it might get them in trouble in court.
Saying that though, in theory you could be prosecuted for using a Bic biro as an offensive weapon if you use it to defend yourself.
Some of our laws just defy all reason in my opinion, pepper spray is classed as a section 5 firearm, the same as a bren gun, full auto AK-47 or MAC-10, I suspect it's because no one could be bothered to legislate for it.
That's enough of me derailing this thread though.

[nickdutch]

One thing to remember is that we are all very different people and we approach this idea from dramatically different points of view and our life situations are all dramatically different. I am sure it would be great fun if we were all bodybuilding ex army soldiers in camo with our faces done in camo warpaint and we are were all hiding in the woods waiting for the next end times situation.... but that's a extremist fantasy and has no real baring on looking after yourself like a grown up.

Some basic "preps" can include....

Giving up tobacco and alcohol
eating healthily
taking vitamins and minerals
getting some basic exercise
taking responsibility over your personal and social development
having a good relationship with friends, family and neighbours
Building a local social network so you are a known nice person.
Cooking.
Financial responsibility (I know, the hard ones first!)
Having back up earning plans in case the main ones die on you.
Knowing where the fire exit signs are at work or in any public building.

[Wailing]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I posted this is my 'new member' thread when asked what I was preparing for.

'Homelessness at the moment.

My current situation is secure but I don't own my own property. I'm saving for a deposit but that is going to take a few years. My rented property could be taken away at short notice at any time so it makes sense to me to be prepared for that possibility as I don't have a lot of family to fall back on for help.'

My town has never flooded in all my years. I live on a hill as well so it is unlikely to ever happen. Whereas the chances of me needing to camp out whilst also unlikely is more of a realistic possibility.

Here is a link to the spray I mentioned. It seems completely legit from what I can see.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00DSP ... ct_image_8