Urban survival. What do you guys think?

[Medic82]

I have been catching up on some videos from nutnfancy on youtube and I like his videos, but there is something that strikes me with some of his videos and that is he is talking very much about survival, not survival like Ray Mears and Les Stroud, but urban survival and what to do in a terrorist attacks or riots, videos of him running and gunning and he is doing this with his family. Why? So they can all be prepared for almost every scenario that is out there.

The scenarios and situation he is talking about is something that is pretty far fetched for me, might be because I live in one of the most peaceful part of the world. We have no huge natural disasters like earth quakes and tornados. Or because the terrorist threat is pretty low.

I just finished watching the 3 parter of his urban survival kit, a great video I might ad, where he speaks of the need for a kit to be used in an urban emergency situation. If you started to speak with random men and woman on the street here in Norway about the need for a kit like that they would laugh at you, I do believe in being prepared but not in the way that nutnfancy is talking about. I carry a MT since it’s a small toolbox, a flashlight in case that the power goes out in the city and the subway stops in a tunnel and we need to be evacuated or that we are stuck in an elevator, a few candy bars in case I get hungry in the elevator, some emergency cash and a trauma dressing to stop major bleeding and that’s it.

What do you guys think? To you have the need / can you se the need for a urban survival kit stashed away at your workplace?

[Freudian Frog]

I think he's an idjit.

That being said I think it benefits you to have food, water, and other stuff in the car, maybe... but not the workplace (depending on what you do).

[Benner]

It's all a bit OTT for me.  I am all up for preparing for emergencies (FAK, tools for example) but some of these kits are just too much for my tastes.

[Viking]

I think he's an idjit.

That being said I think it benefits you to have food, water, and other stuff in the car, maybe... but not the workplace (depending on what you do).

I would say if you work in an office type environment, it would be nice to have a kit stowed away. 

An outbreak could occur and they may need to quarantine the building and you could be stuck in the office for a few hours.  (Hey, I just watched last night's episode of Fringe, that's why I said it.)

[Sazabi]

I think he's an idjit.

That being said I think it benefits you to have food, water, and other stuff in the car, maybe... but not the workplace (depending on what you do).

Yeah, I think he can go a bit overboard at times, but he has decent reviews, not that I ever remember to watch them.  Beyond a good light, multitool, FAK, water bottle, and some munchies, not much else would really be needed for a workplace urban survival kit.  Granted, that also depends on your profession:  the items I mentioned above take up minimal space, and all have common, daily uses, but beyond maybe a bandanna and some pens (I've heard plenty of complaints of them being nabbed by coworkers and customers), I can't think of many additional practical items.

Besides, shouldn't your office kit be backup to your typical EDC? o.O

[jzmtl]

Yeah overboard. Yes it could happen, but probably as likely as winning the lottery, do you lay out detailed plan of what to do when you hit the jackpot?

[Freudian Frog]

Yeah overboard. Yes it could happen, but probably as likely as winning the lottery, do you lay out detailed plan of what to do when you hit the jackpot?

Some people I know do.

[Mr. Whippy]

Yeah overboard. Yes it could happen, but probably as likely as winning the lottery, do you lay out detailed plan of what to do when you hit the jackpot?

1. Quit job
2. Buy tools
3. Take pictures
4.  Post up reports

...was that a rhetorical question? 

[jzmtl]

Forget I asked. 

[Gadget Guy]

Forget I asked. 

Huh?   

[Freudian Frog]

Forget I asked. 

Huh?   

'Cause of Mr. Whippy's response.

[Gadget Guy]

Forget I asked. 

Huh?   

'Cause of Mr. Whippy's response.

I understand that, but I guess I just didn't see anything wrong with what he said. What do I know? 

[Freudian Frog]

Forget I asked.  

Huh?  

'Cause of Mr. Whippy's response.

I understand that, but I guess I just didn't see anything wrong with what he said. What do I know?  

He decided the question framed on this particular forum was pointless, as we are all likely to do the same thing with the money? I guess?

I'd have to add the step of buying a good camera though.

[Mr. Whippy]

Forget I asked. 

Huh?   

'Cause of Mr. Whippy's response.

Hey! That was just the first day...  
I didn't want to give the whole agenda.  


 

[Benner]

Yeah overboard. Yes it could happen, but probably as likely as winning the lottery, do you lay out detailed plan of what to do when you hit the jackpot?

1. Quit job
2. Buy tools
3. Take pictures
4.  Post up reports

...was that a rhetorical question? 

You forgot "do the happy dance"

[donvito]

Common edc items are a must, call them urban survival items if you want, but most of my gear gets used daily.

A dedicated folder (a sak can fulfill that role, depending on local laws), multitool, keys, flashlight/torch (AA or AAA), bandana, a lighter (even for non smokers) and or a book of matches, pen, note pad, cell phone, a usb cable (most phones can be charged with one, and in case of a power outage you can charge of a laptop if it still has juice left), a usb drive (for file sharing, transfer, documents, etc...), a small fak even if its a couple of plasters and swabs in a wallet, a small roll of duct tape can be added, and a good read for a long commute. All can fit in a small bag or can even be carried on person. 

[John]

Murphy's law, whatever the disaster it would most likely take out the very kit I planted before I had chance to get to it  

[Gadget Guy]

Common edc items are a must, call them urban survival items if you want, but most of my gear gets used daily.

A dedicated folder (a sak can fulfill that role, depending on local laws), multitool, keys, flashlight/torch (AA or AAA), bandana, a lighter (even for non smokers) and or a book of matches, pen, note pad, cell phone, a usb cable (most phones can be charged with one, and in case of a power outage you can charge of a laptop if it still has juice left), a usb drive (for file sharing, transfer, documents, etc...), a small fak even if its a couple of plasters and swabs in a wallet, a small roll of duct tape can be added, and a good read for a long commute. All can fit in a small bag or can even be carried on person. 

That is how I handle it too. I carry some basic items that I may need at any given time. I don't worry to much about it being an actual survival bag, but a well stocked edc bag will usually do the trick. I do believe in keeping a dedicated B-O-B for the end of the world. 

[donvito]

Common edc items are a must, call them urban survival items if you want, but most of my gear gets used daily.

A dedicated folder (a sak can fulfill that role, depending on local laws), multitool, keys, flashlight/torch (AA or AAA), bandana, a lighter (even for non smokers) and or a book of matches, pen, note pad, cell phone, a usb cable (most phones can be charged with one, and in case of a power outage you can charge of a laptop if it still has juice left), a usb drive (for file sharing, transfer, documents, etc...), a small fak even if its a couple of plasters and swabs in a wallet, a small roll of duct tape can be added, and a good read for a long commute. All can fit in a small bag or can even be carried on person. 

That is how I handle it too. I carry some basic items that I may need at any given time. I don't worry to much about it being an actual survival bag, but a well stocked edc bag will usually do the trick. I do believe in keeping a dedicated B-O-B for the end of the world. 

BOBs are good, I'm yet to build mine, I have a perfect bag for it (Kifaru Express) and most items, but my hiking/camping gear is used fairly often (can't afford to have two of everything) it never gets done.

Forgot to add water and snack to the above list. 

[John]

Common edc items are a must, call them urban survival items if you want, but most of my gear gets used daily.

A dedicated folder (a sak can fulfill that role, depending on local laws), multitool, keys, flashlight/torch (AA or AAA), bandana, a lighter (even for non smokers) and or a book of matches, pen, note pad, cell phone, a usb cable (most phones can be charged with one, and in case of a power outage you can charge of a laptop if it still has juice left), a usb drive (for file sharing, transfer, documents, etc...), a small fak even if its a couple of plasters and swabs in a wallet, a small roll of duct tape can be added, and a good read for a long commute. All can fit in a small bag or can even be carried on person. 

 I do believe in keeping a dedicated B-O-B for the end of the world. 

In that scenario being able to kiss your own ar** goodbye would be of more help  

[Gadget Guy]

Common edc items are a must, call them urban survival items if you want, but most of my gear gets used daily.

A dedicated folder (a sak can fulfill that role, depending on local laws), multitool, keys, flashlight/torch (AA or AAA), bandana, a lighter (even for non smokers) and or a book of matches, pen, note pad, cell phone, a usb cable (most phones can be charged with one, and in case of a power outage you can charge of a laptop if it still has juice left), a usb drive (for file sharing, transfer, documents, etc...), a small fak even if its a couple of plasters and swabs in a wallet, a small roll of duct tape can be added, and a good read for a long commute. All can fit in a small bag or can even be carried on person.  

 I do believe in keeping a dedicated B-O-B for the end of the world.  

In that scenario being able to kiss your own ar** goodbye would be of more help  

Yep, my B-O-B contains a loaded .357 and that's it!  

[donvito]

Common edc items are a must, call them urban survival items if you want, but most of my gear gets used daily.

A dedicated folder (a sak can fulfill that role, depending on local laws), multitool, keys, flashlight/torch (AA or AAA), bandana, a lighter (even for non smokers) and or a book of matches, pen, note pad, cell phone, a usb cable (most phones can be charged with one, and in case of a power outage you can charge of a laptop if it still has juice left), a usb drive (for file sharing, transfer, documents, etc...), a small fak even if its a couple of plasters and swabs in a wallet, a small roll of duct tape can be added, and a good read for a long commute. All can fit in a small bag or can even be carried on person. 

 I do believe in keeping a dedicated B-O-B for the end of the world. 

In that scenario being able to kiss your own ar** goodbye would be of more help  

Yep, my B-O-B contails a loaded .357 and that's it! 

[DaveK]

I think there's a fine line between sensible preparedness and rampant paranoia tbh.

I think it's perfectly sensible to carry a few things that will help you deal with things that are likely to happen, like the car breaking down in a snowstorm, injuring yourself whilst hiking, or simply simply dealing with everyday mundane things where you might need ot turn a screw or something.

Preparing for a terrorist attack / apocalypse / night of the living dead, is a bit OTT IMO. What kind of life can you lead if you think there's a realistic chance that these things could happen?

[John]

What kind of life can you lead if you think there's a realistic chance that these things could happen?

A well prepared one 

[donvito]

What kind of life can you lead if you think there's a realistic chance that these things could happen?

A well prepared one 

I live in New York, anything can happen

[nuphoria]

Bonkers!

I like having some useful kit with me but not much of it would be of use in a genuine catastrophic event. Being able to eat, drink and stay warm seems like a good plan but other that that kind of stuff in the car and a small FAK, I'm not likely to get any more prepared!

[donvito]

Bonkers!

I like having some useful kit with me but not much of it would be of use in a genuine catastrophic event. Being able to eat, drink and stay warm seems like a good plan but other that that kind of stuff in the car and a small FAK, I'm not likely to get any more prepared!

You're more prepared than most and your small kit can look like a survival bag to someone who's unprepared.

[nuphoria]

I suppose, but it's pretty basic stuff really. If I happen to get stuck in the car, I can at least be comfy for a night

I am an EDC junky, so these things occur to me more than the average person on the street I guess.

I suppose by some peoples standards, that in itself in nuts! 

[donvito]

Not on our forum, we're all normal here, I think 

[Medic82]

I think there's a fine line between sensible preparedness and rampant paranoia tbh.

I think it's perfectly sensible to carry a few things that will help you deal with things that are likely to happen, like the car breaking down in a snowstorm, injuring yourself whilst hiking, or simply simply dealing with everyday mundane things where you might need ot turn a screw or something.

Preparing for a terrorist attack / apocalypse / night of the living dead, is a bit OTT IMO. What kind of life can you lead if you think there's a realistic chance that these things could happen?

My thoughts exactly. If I’m going for a weekend in the woods I take a long with me a well stocked first aid kit that would never find it’s way in my EDC bag, when people go diving they bring a long a bottle of medical oxygen and I don’t think that a sane person will EDC a bottle of oxygen.

It’s like I said in the beginning that it’s all a bit far fetched for me, the all hell breaks lose end of the world being eaten by zombies scenarios is nothing that I give any thought about preparing for. I prepare for the day when we lose electricity in the middle of the winter, when the car brakes down, if I get injured in the woods when I’m hiking.