Showing posts with label Bugging Out. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bugging Out. Show all posts

Friday, September 14, 2012

Self Defense Preparations

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I keep reading about all of the preparations being undertaken by some preppers, in terms of fighting off the ravages of society.

 

 

They say a picture is worth a thousand words; so allow the one below to speak my language:

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Are you really going to allow your own humanity to take a serious hit; by turning away some child that’s hungry. Even more, are you going to shoot some desperate father or mother

that’s begging for your help?

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Told Ya’ It Would Happen

The Dragon Finally Emerges:

A Chinese man holds up a piece of paper with the words " Diaoyu island belongs to China, Japanese get out" as he protests with others outside the Japanese embassy in Beijing, China Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. Chinese government ships are patrolling near contested East China Sea islands in a show of anger after Tokyo moved to assert its control in the area. Beijing warned Monday that Japan would suffer unspecified consequences if Tokyo purchased the islands from private owners, as it formally did Tuesday.(AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

China sends Patrol Boats into Japanese waters in order to maintain alleged territorial rights.

In an article earlier this year I explained the ramifications of how China is slowly reclaiming its ancient territories. Among the disputed islands, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines; Island countries that

China claims as its own.

The questions is; will China use military force to reclaim these territories? 

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Swine Flu Making A Killer Comeback:

New Swine Flu Virus Shows Lethal Signs

 

“Pigs can be infected by swine flu, human flu and avian flu, making them a perfect mixing pot for different versions of the virus to swap genes and potentially become transmissible across species. In 2009, an outbreak of swine flu caused by the H1N1 virus led to a pandemic, killing between 151,700 and 575,400 people across the globe in a year”

Earlier Article Can be Found HERE

 

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Global Volcano Activity Increases:

Volcanic activity has increased in the last few months to the point that its becoming scary, to say the least. But just when it seems like things are cooling down, another volcano makes an appearance. But not just any volcano, this time its one of the monsters that wiped out an entire race of people in 1620.

 

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Over the years I have been warning that anyone of these events could spiral out of control, and perhaps lead to a global crisis. Each of the situations described above came from todays news headlines. I have watched the Chinese military apparatus begin to rearm and refit its forces. I’ve posted articles explaining that the Chinese were not just “playing catch up” with the rest of the world, but rather; they are getting ready to increase their territorial rights for ONE SIMPLE REASON----OIL!

China uses more oil than any other country in the world; and their slowly running out….

Monday, September 10, 2012

Kill The Television

 

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The BEST-WORST thing that was ever invented is the television set. It came to us purely as a means to communicate news and important information. But over the years it has become a hardcore method that is being used to both sway our opinion, sell soap, and coerce political viewpoints.

BUT what is this fancy expensive piece of energy hogging junk NOT telling us…?

 

Its NOT telling us about the miserable human suffering occurring right this moment in North Korea.

Its NOT explaining away the plight of the real unemployed people that have run out of benefits.

It’s NOT telling us how miserable the senior citizens are being treated by the Social Security Administration.

It’s NOT explaining why the administration donated $680,000,000.00 (Million) to Pakistan, and then demand that American farmers pay for the water to irrigate crops that we eat.

It’s NOT explaining why the administration allows illegals to get a driver license by hiring an interpreter, yet Americans have to show umpteen documents to prove residency.

 

I haven't watched television in several months, and it feels like my brain is coming back to normal again.  I get all of my news, entertainment, and political commentary from the internet and some of my friends. The good thing is that I get to choose what I am interested in, and NOT have to be subjected to umpteen dozen commercials trying to sell me cars, insurance, erection pills, and other useless crap that costs to much, does nothing, and I never heard about before. Ahhh—Feels like a cool drop of water against my cheek to be rid of the television…

Now that the mind control device is no longer part of my daily routine; I can see with a modicum of clarity the things that were a little fuzzy before:

 

REALITY IN YER’ FACE!

 

Everything IS NOT alight out there in America! There are 45-Million families on food stamps,

90% of the seniors on Social Security are half starved, cant pay their bills, and are living way below the poverty level.

Children in the schools supported by OUR tax dollars are being spoon-fed the AMERICAN LIE that has them growing into better trained consumers with no political views, no public opinion, and no sense of morality or religion.

Parents that don’t know how to discipline their kids, are allowing the kids to discipline them. The kids are taught this in the schools.

Police departments view citizens in their jurisdiction as crooks that haven't been caught yet.

Public servants haven't been doing their jobs, yet their lazy sorry ass is still occupying the seat in their public office.

Preachers are preaching a liquefied version of the Holy Bible because their afraid to preach the gospel.

Radical Muslims are allowed to enter the USA.

Radicals from Mexico piss on the US Flag while standing on the streets of AMERICA!

Supreme Court Justices cant EVER make up their mind about ANYTHING because they haven't walked a mile in our shoes.

Oil prices are slowly dropping, but the price of gasoline is still climbing.

Food prices are shooting through the roof, yet farmers are going bankrupt.

There’s no such thing as free water anymore. The gov’ment wants to control all of it—everywhere.

Credit ratings are going down, yet the cost of credit is going up.

Banks are doubling their fees for less service than what was offered five years ago.

Gun control efforts are climbing, yet crime is at an all time high.

America locks up more people that the combined population of Sweden and Denmark.

 

NOW FOR THE REALLY BAD NEWS

The Crap Is Going To Hit The Fan Soon…!

 

There have been more tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, droughts, floods, and other sundry natural disasters than EVER before recorded in America’s history. But, very few people are getting their collective asses ready to weather these storms. Many go about their lives from day to day, just existing from one reality show to the next, one paycheck to the next. Its almost like they are being brainwashed to be good American consumers…

 

WHAT IS ALL OF THIS LEADING TO…?

The BAD TIMES are just around the corner, and at our present rate of forward momentum, it won’t be long before the crap arrives on ALL of our doorsteps without much warning…!

 

Stockpile food, water, medical supplies, weapons, ammunition, fuels, radios, and barter materials like your life depends on it—because it does! Find some friends to help you out, watch your back, and get to know them like their blood related to you. Keep your eyes on the horizon, because whatever is coming, will be here real freaking soon, and it’s going to be a bitch from hell when it arrives.

 

THE ANSWERS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR

 

First you have to understand the threats that we are facing today. Every person on this planet will be affected to some degree, in one way or another. I have tried to warn of these threats for several years. Luckily many are listening to my ideas, thoughts, and suggestions. Small groups are popping-up everywhere, and lone wolf survivalists are coming out of the woodwork to get their families ready. But we still have some time to get ready for whatever the hell is bouncing around out there…

 

All this talk of war with the military is scary crap, and while many groups are forming to circumvent this possibility; I must once again state the OBVIOUS that is most evident:

The United States Government does NOT have the capacity, resources, manpower, or audacity to imprison millions of people.(Should I Say That Again?)

They haven't the bed space, or enough guards to lock everyone of us inside CAMP FEMA.

The first moment that Camp FEMA goes into full swing, will lead to an instant CIVIL WAR, and much blood shed on both sides.

Lets NOT forget that American sons and daughters are serving in the U.S. Military, and many of them have been raised by people JUST LIKE US! Its highly unlikely that these soldiers will follow unconstitutional orders that would have them fighting their neighbors and kinfolk.

 

 

My Own Rendition Of Get Righteous 

If I were the Head Mother Trucker In Charge, here’s my rendition of CHANGE:

Lock down the southern borders with military troops that have permission to use deadly force. Put every illegal on notice that they have 72-Hours to vacate the country, or face being part of the chain-gangs that cleans up the highways. This would also halt the flow of drugs into America.

 

Prohibit consumer commodity imports from China for a period of 90-days. China allows a small percentage of American imports, yet our administration has killed American manufacturing capacity, or willingness, due to cheap Asian imports. Put Americans back to work making American products.

 

Put every elected official on notice that they better get off their sorry ass and do the job that they were hired to do, or face expulsion from office. Enough of these greedy fame sucking snobs squeezing every dime out of their office that they can, yet failing their constituents in every instance.

 

Free National Health care for everyone in the country, including dental and vision. Make America healthy again.

 

Flat Rate 15% tax rate for everyone, instead of the mess called the IRS we see today.

 

Get the U.S. budget under control by hiring one thousand small business owners that know how to budget and forecast revenues. Get a handle on that mess muy pronto…

 

Bring American troops back home, and only send them to foreign countries when needed. Enough with all the damned wars and conflicts.

 

Stop giving away trillions in subsidies to foreign governments that hate America. let em’ grown corn, or starve. America is the ONLY nation that feeds its enemies. Time to put that crap to rest!

 

Come down HARD on Neo-Nazis’, Klan, Skin Heads, Black Panthers, La Razza, and any other racist group that threatens women, children and old folks. They gotta be stomped out of existence!

 

Institute an educational panel that oversees what these rat-fink socialist school teachers and college professors are teaching out children. We pay OUR money to support these schools, and its time OUR kids learn the THREE R’s, and not be indoctrinated by these charlatans standing at the head of the classroom.

 

AND FINALLY

Coerce every citizen, of every state in the country, to conduct a mass protest against their own state government whenever unjust or unconstitutional legislation is introduced; such as gun control, abortion, health care, taxation, education, civil rights, and other controlling laws that inhibit or restricts free speech, free thought, free movement, or clarity of life.

 

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Tuesday, August 21, 2012

What’s In Your Kit

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The Bug Out Bag is constantly evolving.

I try to keep mine lightweight and easy to hump, yet carry enough food and gear to make it through a 3-week tactical evasion.

 

What’s in your kit…?

Friday, March 16, 2012

Current Trends:

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Volcano Eruption in Japan on Tuesday, 13 March, 2012 at 15:15 (03:15 PM) UTC.

Description

Sakurajima continued its second day of violent eruptions on Tuesday, spewing hot rocks and ash, but there was no major damage in the vicinity, the Japanese Meteorological Agency said. The agency said Monday's powerful eruption was the most forceful since 2009. The volcano is located in the southern prefecture of Kagoshima. The Meteorological Agency added that the volcano has been erupting steadily for the last two years, but the eruption on Monday turned violent, throwing 50-centimetre (1 foot 6 inches) rocks nearly 1.2 miles away, the furthest since 2009. In response, the Meteorological agency extended the eruption warning to residents living further away from the mouth of the volcano. The volcano has already had over 300 eruptions this year. Sakurajima volcano, one of Japan's more active volcanoes, resumed activity in 1955 and has been active ever since. Sakurajima volcano in Japan's southern Kagoshima prefecture erupts violently in what officials say is the most powerful since 2009, though there has been no damage so far.

 

Volcano Activity in Colombia on Saturday, 10 March, 2012 at 03:56 (03:56 AM) UTC.

Description

The Nevado del Ruiz volcano, whose eruption 26 years ago killed around 25,000 people, is showing signs of activity after nearly 20 years laying dormant, said Colombian geological group Ingeominas Thursday. Early Friday morning, geologists completed an observational fly-over with the assistance of the Colombian Air Force, during which they photographed the Nevado del Ruiz volcano and noted "ash on the glacier, near the crater rim and on the eastern flank," as well as a 4,500 foot gas column at the mouth of the volcano. During the same day a seismic tremor was reported along with an increase in sulfur dioxide emissions. All of these factors signal that the volcano is heating up. Located about 80 miles west of Bogota, Nevado del Ruiz is an active volcano that produces pyroclastic flows, or swift currents of hot gas and rock that lead to destructive mudslides. There have been numerous eruptions over the centuries, with the most recent was on November 13, 1985.

 

Volcano Eruption in Russia [Asia] on Friday, 09 March, 2012 at 08:22 (08:22 AM) UTC.

Description

Friday saw a new eruption of the Bezymianny volcano on the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East. Earlier in the day, the volcano spewed ash up to 8 kilometers high, seismologists said, adding that the eruption does not pose a threat to population centers in the area. One of the most active volcanoes in the world, Bezymianny is located 350 kilometers northeast of the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. During its most powerful eruption in 1956, the 2,800-meter volcano ejected about three cubic kilometers of volcanic debris in a very short time.

Volcano Eruption in USA on Friday, 09 March, 2012 at 04:02 (04:02 AM) UTC.

Description

Monitors have detected what is described as a small explosion at the Cleveland Volcano in Alaska. The volcano is located in Alaska's remote Aleutian Islands, southwest of Anchorage. According to the Alaska Volcano Observatory, the eruption happened just after 7 p.m. Wednesday. The incident was similar to eruptions in December which sent small ash clouds into the atmosphere. But they were small enough to dissipate quickly, and did not interfere with air traffic. Photos of the latest explosion was masked by cloud cover so satellite imagery is unavailable.

 

Volcano Eruption in Ecuador on Monday, 05 March, 2012 at 03:33 (03:33 AM) UTC.

Description

Ecuador's Instituto Geofísico (IG) reports an increase of Tunguarahua volcano's activity: Since last night (3 March), 4 explosions have been reported of moderate to large size. An explosion at 07:31 local time today produced an ash columnreaching about 4 km in height and drifting to the west - northwest. A second explosion took place at 09:11 (local time) and produced a strong shock wave that rattled the ground and windows in nearby areas. CLoud cover has prevented detailed observations, but with the help of thermal sensors, hot fresh deposits were detected on the flanks, suggesting they were the result of a pyroclastic flow. In the morning, the observatory post at Cusúa reported the presence of hot deposits on the upper flank typical for fresh pyroclastic flow deposits. Ash fall was reported from Choglontús, Manzano and Motilones areas before, and this morning ashfall reached the Yuibug area. The monitoring system has been recording variable seismicity and powerful tremor episodes lasting minutes to hours (which probably indicate rising magma), interrupted by short moderate to large explosion signals corresponding to the ash eruptions from the growing lava dome.

 

Preliminary Earthquake Report

Magnitude: 5.2

Mercalli scale: 5

Date-Time [UTC]:
17 March, 2012 at 01:49:28 UTC

Local Date/Time: Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 01:49 at night at epicenter

Location:
7° 4.800, 123° 23.400

Depth:
634 km (393.95 miles)

Region:
Indonesian Archipelago

Country:
Indonesia

Distances:
124.0 km (77.05 miles) of Pangalia,

Generated Tsunami:
Not or no data!

Damage:
Not or not data!

Monday, March 5, 2012

Be thankful that you are in America

 

 

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Graphic videos from presents day Iraq. This is what happens when Iranian Special Forces pose as Iraqi citizens. Imagine what would happen if these bastards are turned loose on the streets of America.

 

 

China executes more of its citizen that any other country on the face of the earth. The costs of the executioners bullet is sent to the family of the deceased prisoner.

Be thankful that you live in America that operates under the presumption of innocence allowing due process.

 

Get My Latest Survival Manual

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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Urban Survival Strategies

Urban Tactical Survival Strategies

SURVIVAL SCENARIO:

  • A major crisis event has just erupted within your city.
  • News stations are reporting a radiological release has occurred thirty miles away.
  • Wind driven highly radioactive particulates are sweeping towards your city.
  • The fallout is expected to arrive in less than one hour.
  • All roads and highways leading out of the area have quickly become impassible due to traffic-gridlock.
  • Bridges leading across major rivers are totally blocked.
  • Small localized crime incidents begin to appear sporadically among the fleeing citizens.
  • Police are unable to control the flow of traffic, or the escalating crime wave.
  • Gasoline prices take a sharp upwards hike—many gas stations are already closed.

 

 

Your Personal Situation Is As Follows:

  1. Your car’s gas tank is registering 1/4-Tank full.
  2. Cell-Phone service is down due to massive overuse.
  3. Your child is in school near your home.
  4. Your spouse is at home.
  5. You are 25-Miles away at work.

WHAT IS YOUR SURVIVAL PLAN?

 

The Bug Out Bag Book By Franke Schein

 

 

Alaska Watchmen Survival Group

Friday, February 10, 2012

Dooms Day Events From Around The World

2012 Prophecies By Franke Schein

2012 came in like a hungry lion looking for its next meal. Here are some of the latest data-streams from around the globe—some of which have not happened in my lifetime…

An unusually rare winter storm has taken countless lives all across Europe:

  • The Balkans – 37 Dead
  • Serbia – 16 Dead
  • Bosnia – 11 Dead
  • Slovakia – 5 Dead
  • Montenegro – 4 Dead
  • Croatia – 3 Dead
  • Macedonia – 2 Dead
  • Albania – 1 Dead
  • Ukraine – 135 Dead
  • Poland – 82 Dead
  • Russia – 46 Dead
  • Czech Republic – 25 Dead
  • Lithuania – 24 Dead
  • Romania – 57 Dead
  • Bulgaria – 32 Dead
  • France – 12 Dead

 

Earthquakes:

 

Volcanic Eruptions:

 

Near Earth Objects Data Table:

  • Name: 2008QY 
  • Approach Date: 14th February 2012
  • Estimated Diameter: 540 Meters – 1.2 Kilometers (591 Yards)
  • Relative Velocity: 22.9 Meters Per Second – 80,244 Kilometers Per Hour (49862 MPH)

The above NEO (Near Earth Object) is one of approximately 3000 that are being tracked by NASA. It has been estimated that there are an additional 30,000 objects streaming through our galaxy that aren’t being tracked or monitored. Should one object impact another, the collision could send a stadium size object screaming towards our planet.

The Question: Would the US Government alert the civilian population that a chunk of rock the size of the super dome was screaming towards us at 50,000 miles per hour; or would they remain quiet about this event in order to forestall any mass panic…?

Doomsday-2012

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Survival Fact Check: Why Belong To A Survival Group

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It’s important to remember that even the best laid plans will go south when the world goes south. During a SHTF scenario, it’s a good idea to keep this in mind, and to also remember that having a few other people to “Watch Your Back” is probably the most important survival decision that you will ever make.

The Advantageous of A Small Group:

  • Personal Security
  • Family Security
  • Camp Security
  • Diversity of Ideas
  • Diversity of Planning
  • Foraging Teams
  • Manpower For Camp Chores
  • Communications Among Team Members
  • Increased Alert-Notification of SHTF Events
  • Companionship
  • Friendship
  • Cohesion of Mindset
  • Cohesive Training Opportunities
  • Increased Inter-Family Relationships

The Alaska Watchmen Group is a tight knot family of survivalist that have understood what we will be facing in the future. Each of us has come to trust each other based on the simple mantra; “We Got Your Back!”—and we mean it. That is something that many other groups wish that they had, but can’t seem to find.

For the lonewolf survivalist out there trying to live and survive in a post-apocalyptic world all by themselves, the danger factor is exponentially increased as each day goes by.

Imagine yourself trying to live in a world that just experienced the worst natural or man-made disaster in recorded history. All of the societal rules just went out the window, and it’s a “Dog-Eat-Dog” world out there. There is no law enforcement, fire department, or emergency service to come to your aid. The only thing that you have going for you, is that you are away from the big cities, and hopefully won’t be touched by whatever situation has forced you to Bug Out.

the problem arises then; that you will not be alone out there. There will be other people trying to survive along side of you; and they might not be to keen on the idea of sharing the area and its resources with you. This is definitely a situation that must be addressed with due haste; for to do otherwise—is to invite death.

The hardest part about fining likeminded people is knowing where to look, and what to look out for. The second most difficult job is actually getting off the couch and making it happen.

 

NORTH AMERICAN SURVIVAL ALLIANCE

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Starting a group is made easy with the tools that I have put together over the last year. Click onto the link above, and start networking with other people. If there are no people in your area; then be the first to start your own group. Don't be afraid to take the plunge, your life may depend on it—and the lives of your family members.

 

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IF THERE ARE ANY DOUBTS ABOUT THIS; WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW AND SEE WHY A GROUP IS BETTER

 

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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Cold Weather Survival


Mt McKinley Alaska Franke Schein
[ Mount McKinley Alaska January 14th 2012 Photo: Franke Schein ]

Being afraid of extreme cold weather is a natural thing. Most people have the tendency to stay indoors next to the wood burning stove when the temperatures dip into the sub-zero ranges. But, some of us enjoy the challenges of facing the extremes—a Man against Nature challenge. Most people think that I’m nuts when they hear that I’m heading 150 miles into the Northern interior of Alaska. Sometimes I believe them too…
Nonetheless; being out there in the thick of winter is both a way to test my gear, and myself. It allows me the quiet time that I need to recharge myself, and the opportunity to get my survival mind-set used to the frigid weather.

But it starts at home through meticulous selection of the gear that I will be trusting to keep me safe…

Clothing:
Base Layer:
  • Fleece (Stretch) Union Suit
  • Polypropylene Socks
  • Thermax Sock Liner
  • Polypropylene T-Shirt
 
Mid Layer:
  • Wool Pants
  • Wool Pull-Over Sweater
  • Polar-Tec Insulated Jacket
 
Outer Layer:
  • Gortex Parka
  • Gortex Gaiters
  • Gortex Gloves
  • Fleece Face Mask
  • Fleece Watch Cap
  • Snow Goggles
  • Cold Weather (Bunny) Boots
The list above includes everything that I wear. It looks like a lot of clothing, but in reality, it is three layers that help to trap body heat, and keep the cold wind, as well as the wet snow from the “creeping chill” that signals the start of hypothermia.

Choosing my gear is very important. If my life will depend on a piece of equipment, or clothing, you can be assured that a lot of thought has went into it, before I lay down my money. The Parka is one such piece of gear that is essential. I don’t play around when choosing what Cold Weather Parka.
  • Snag proof Zippers
  • Multiple Inner-Pockets
  • Multiple Outer Pocket
  • Draw String Waist
  • Snow Skirt
  • Adjustable Collar That Reaches To The Nose
  • Fur Trimmed Hood
  • Nylon Sleeve Skirt: (Keeps the snow and wind off the wrists)
  • Waterproof (Not Water Resistant)
  • Armpit Venting Zippers
The multiple inner-pocket hold the survival gear that I consider essential out in the cold weather.
Extra Insulated Socks are layered in both (large) lower pockets. Having them rolled-up creates unwanted bulk, so I keep one sock in each pocket. It reduced the bulk; most times it’s easy to forget about them until they are needed.

Extra Cell-Phone Battery is stored in one of the upper zippered pockets. The battery is wrapped in wool, and then placed inside of a small zip-lock bag. The wool helps to protect the connections from snapping, and in a pinch, the wool can also be used as an emergency fire starter. The zip-lock bag can be used to melt snow for water.

A Mini-Flashlight is kept in another chest pocket. During the Alaska winter months there isn’t much daylight. The sun rises about 10:30 AM, and stats setting around 3:30 PM. By 4:30 it is already dark. Having a flashlight handy is a blessing.

Disposable Lighter & Waterproof Matches are likewise stored in a zip-lock bag inside of the Parka.

In one of the upper-pockets an Emergency Blanket rides along in case I am forced to hunker-down and get warm. I carry both the standard blanket, and the Emergency Space Bag. Both are essential survival gear that I don’t want to get separated from.

Zipper-Pull Mini-Compass and Temperature Gauge complete the ensemble. Sometimes it’s beneficial to know what the temperature is, and during darkness or white-out conditions, the little compass might help to determine travel direction. But, during a blizzard, hunkering-down is the only way to survive. It’s easy to get lost out there, or walk right off the edge of a cliff, or stumble into an ice filled stream.

A small Water Bottle that is kept half-filled rides near my chest. Keeping it half-filled insures that in the event that I fall down, the water bottle isn’t crushed, and end’s up exploding inside of the parka. Keeping it next to my chest insures that it doesn’t freeze.

A pair of Extra Gloves are not only an essential item, but a part of the survival gear. Gloves get wet, or ripped open on sharp ice. Having a spare set of gloves insures that my time out in the woods is uneventful.
Oftentimes a few granola bars, and chocolate bars are stashed away in the pockets for added energy during the arduous trek across the frozen landscape.

Peppermint candies gives a little energy boost. A few soft tissues will help to defray the “runny nose” problems that are associated with cold weather. Soft Berber Fleece works really good, as does pieces of Marino Wool from worn out clothing.

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Having quality Cold Weather Boots is paramount to survival out there in the snow country. I prefer the military “Bunny” boots. They are rated to –60 below zero. Topped-off with a set of gortex gaiters to keep the snow out from the top of the boots—keeps my feet in good condition.

Tinted Snow Goggles are also a must out there. The sun reflecting off of the snow can quickly create conditions called “snow blindness”. Blowing snow, or ice-fog are likewise deflected by the goggles.

Basic Survival Equipment:
  • Rucksack/Backpack
  • Cold Weather Sleeping Bag
  • Gortex Bivy Cover
  • Sleeping (Ground) Pad
  • Folding Stove w/ Heat Tabs
  • Canteen Cup
  • Arctic Canteen, w/ Carrier
  • Eating Utensils
  • Ka-Bar Knife
  • Sharpening Steel
  • Leatherman Multi-Tool
  • Toilet Paper
  • Fire Making Kit
  • Parachute Cord
  • 8' x 8' Canvas Tarp
  • Chemical Lights
  • Chemical Heat Packs
  • 3-Piece Mess Kit
  • Individual First Aid Kit
  • Lensatic Compass
  • Waterproof Map Case
  • Lip Balm
  • Complete Change of Clothing
  • Small Thermos Bottle
  • Water Purification Tablets
  • Poncho

The one thing that I always try to keep in mind when I am out there, is that weight can be the enemy. Humping around a heavy backpack means that walking in the snow requires more effort. Minimal gear which fulfills the requirements for cold weather survival is the only way to go. The added space in the backpack is filled with extra food.

Food Supplies:
  • Instant Oatmeal
  • Instant Coffee
  • Instant Soup
  • Hot Chocolate
  • Tea Bags
  • Raisins
  • Dried Pineapples
  • M&M (Crushed) Candies and mixed with Brown Sugar
  • Emergen-C Vitamin Drink
  • Sugar Packs
  • Non-Dairy Creamer Packs
  • Salt Packs
  • Pepper Packs
  • Mountain House Freeze Dried Scrambled Eggs & Peppers
  • Mountain House Freeze Dried Chili Mac
  • Mountain House Freeze Dried Beef Stroganoff
  • MRE Wheat Bread
  • MRE Crackers
  • MRE Peanut Butter
  • MRE Jelly

Emergency Gear:
  • SPOT-Satellite “Messenger”
  • Arial Signaling Flares
  • Signaling Whistle
  • Orange Signaling Smoke Markers
  • Fluorescent Orange Marker Panel
When I am “just playing” out in the woods; there’s always a chance that I could get myself into serious trouble. Being alone out there when the temperatures are 30-50 degrees below zero, can mean death if a broken ankle, or deep laceration occurs. Having and extra cell-phone battery is alright as long as there is a signal, but most times there isn’t a tower nearby. The SPOT Satellite device works wonders. It’s easy to summon assistance. But once the search and rescue airplanes are overhead, you have to help them find you. Orange panels, smoke bombs, and signal flares will make it easier for SAR to get to you. All of these items can be wrapped inside of an old Blaze Orange hunting vest, and then secured with rubber bands.

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Here in Alaska, a dirt road doesn’t mean civilization. It means that there’s a very long walk in your immediate future. It could be a twenty mile hike to the nearest paved road, or it could be well over a hundred miles—depending on what part of Alaska one is located in.

Whenever I go out into the woods, I always keep in mind that a freak storm can blow in—stranding me out there for several days. That is one reason that I always take more food than what I will actually need. A few dozen home-made fuel tabs are spread out in various pockets in my Parka, and backpack. These fuel tabs can be used for light, heat, starting fires, and cooking my food.

My cell-phone is kept in the small chest pocket of my fleece Long-John suit. The warmth of my body will keep the batteries from loosing its charge in the cold weather. Having the phone on “vibrate” means that I instantly know whenever there is a call coming in. The one flashlight that I carry is also stored inside of my parka. Cold weather is hard on electronics.

Every time that I boil water, I take the time to replace what I have used, and also take the time to refill my thermos bottle. The Thermos makes it easier to grab a hot cup of tea or coffee, without having to dig out the stove and fuel tabs. At night the thermos is tucked in the bottom of my sleeping bag. The water stays warmer inside the bag, as opposed to subjecting it to the frigid night air.

Weapons:
No matter what the season is, I always carry at least two firearms out there. One is a large caliber heavy-hitting magnum rifle such as either the .338 Winchester Magnum, or the .375 Holland & Holland Magnum. Both of these calibers will stop a bear, wolf, or take down a large game animal. Scopes are useless out there; they tend to get fogged-up, knocked around, and actually reduce the sight picture as well as my peripheral vision. Thick trees make the scope useless unless one is hunting out beyond 100-yards, or shooting across open tundra. Forty rounds of ammunition is the usual load-out for either rifle.

For a back-up weapon I carry the Taurus “Raging Bull” .454-Casull Magnum. This hard-hitting revolver is my last ditch weapon, and one that is easier to reach in the event I am awakened in the middle of the night. The handgun is strapped into a chest holster that also carries an additional twelve rounds of ammunition. Eight extra rounds are stored in the backpack.
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Shelter:
Tents are heavy, and once exposed to snow and ice, quickly become unmanageable. I have found that the best way to get out from under the weather, is to use a eight foot canvas tarp. It’s relatively easy to find a couple of saplings, and bend two of them across each other in order to build a field expedient shelter-frame.

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The saplings should be bent close to the ground; providing enough headroom to get into elbow position while laying down. The taller the shelter is, the harder it will be to keep it warm. Keep the shelter small, and close to the ground. The opposite end of the saplings can be driven into the snow, or heavy logs and rocks can be used to keep the frame solid. Scoop out the snow from underneath the saplings. get out of the wind as much as possible.

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An Emergency space blanket is spread out across the frame. This allows heat from the stove to warm the air. Body heat will also bring the temperature up a few degrees as well. The space blanket is them covered with the canvas tarp. Combining both of these pieces of gear, will make for a comfortable night in the snow.
Pack the exposed edges of the tarp with snow. This will keep the wind out, and prevent blowing snow from entering the shelter. But leave a small doorway on one end. Snow Shoes placed up against the opening will keep the blowing snow out; but you will need to have cross-venting to keep from being suffocated by fumes from the stove.

If this shelter is properly constructed, it will maintain a moderate snow weight. The wind is the one thing that will take this shelter down. High winds will definitely turn the tarp and emergency blanket into a parachute. Build this shelter among the trees, or behind some wind-fall. Packing the edges with snow will also help to keep the shelter tied to the bent saplings. Both my canvas tarp, and the emergency space blanket has their respective para-cords already tied to the corners. I use a small stone in the corners of the emergency blanket; this allows me to have a place to knot my para-cord.

Sleeping Gear:
the one thing that cannot be minimized is the cold weather sleeping gear. head out into the bush cold weather with a cheaply made sleeping bag, and it will quickly turn into a very miserable night. Get used to the idea of running back and forth gathering firewood to stay warm—that will be the result of an inferior sleeping bag.
I like to keep an extra space blanket inside of my sleeping bag for those really cold nights. The emergency blanket helps to retain the warmth inside of the bag.

One important thing to remember about sleeping in cold weather: Unless you keep your boots and socks in the bottom of your sleeping bag at night; they will be frozen in the morning. Those heavy and wet boots will ruin the sleeping bag, and the transfer of moisture will reduce the efficiency of the bag itself. For that reason, I change my socks before calling it a night, and then slip into my sleeping bag, with the boots hanging out from the bottom. Another reason for the emergency blanket. It also makes things easier in case I have to exit the shelter to relieve myself in the middle of the night; and in case I am awakened by a predator, I’m not trapped inside of a zippered sleeping bag.

It is also necessary to have adequate insulation from the cold ground. A sleeping pad helps to eliminate the cold earth from sucking the warmth out of your body. There are several varieties available on the market. It’s simply a matter of choosing one that suits your own particular needs. I use my backpack as a headrest, and this also helps to keep my gear close to me.

Before going to sleep, I make sure that every piece of gear is repacked into my backpack. In case the wind knocks down my shelter, or I am forced to leave in a hurry; I won’t have to stop and look for my things. They are already packed.

I’ve used this shelter many times, and in all of the different seasons. This type of shelter has protected me from rain, snow, sleet, and early morning dew. It has never let me down. I've built this shelter with canvas and ponchos alike. It works in any situation, as long as the shelter is kept close to the ground, and protected from sudden wind gusts.

A single home-made fuel tab will keep the inside of this shelter toasty, even in sub-zero temperatures. The stove’s small flame quickly heats-up the shelter by reflecting from the emergency blanket. It only takes a few minutes to make it comfortable inside—even while a nasty blizzard is blowing outside of the shelter.

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