The Sentinel

LEARN TO BE FLEXIBLE NOW FOR LONG-TERM SURVIVAL

2010-09-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

After a disaster or social upheaval, life will be much-changed from what we are used to. The best way to ensure long-term survival is to not only be prepared with supplies and food on hand, but to also be mentally and physically flexible in order to adapt to the changed living situation.

One of the biggest areas that we will have to adapt to is our diet. Most--if not all--of our survival foods are prepacked, processed foods; either canned, retort-paced, boxed, or bagged. If you are not eating such foods even minimally already, you--and your body--are in from some rude awakenings in a survival situation.

I can only imagine that in my own situation that I would tire quickly of canned, processed foods. However, I DO eat them occasionally or have at least tried samples of everything I have stored so there will be no surprises later.

Folks that have rigid diets or very strict eating regimens are going to have a very hard time of it. Survival situations require your to be flexible in all things, as things can change rapidly and unexpected events unfold. Those that can adapt quickly and easily will be more likely to survive a long-term survival situation.

SURVIVING DISASTER

2009-10-29T11:53:00.001-07:00

Spike TV has a great new series called "Surviving Disaster." It is hosted by a former Navy SEAL, and is set in hypothetical scenarios where you might find yourself confronted by such disasters or emergency situations as a plane hijacking, home invasion, mall shooting, or high rise fire.

It is very well done and highly recommended to all who want to surivive the various things that potentially threaten us every day.

Here's a link to the Spike TV website, which has some full episodes available for viewing:

http://www.spike.com/show/33200

Ka-Bar Heavy Bowie

2009-10-29T11:19:00.001-07:00

Haven't posted in a while, but that doesn't mean I've gone to sleep. I continue to keep up on my preparedness, as well as survival and outdoor skills. Lately I've been wanting a large cutting tool for around camp, but didn't really want to go the axe route (nor was one really going to fill my needs).

When I am going to plunk down my hard-earned wages for product, I do a LOT of research beforehand. I watch YouTube video reviews and also read online reviews if I can find them (which I usually can). This way I can decide if something I am thinking about buying is really right for me and will do what I need it to.

Once I make up my mind, I then spend quite a bit of time finding the best price for it online. I rarely buy anything anymore in a regular store. Sure, I've probably spent a lot of money over the years on shipping, but I haven't had to drive my car or mingle with human beings that annoy me (such as the average teenager or screaming infant). Or cranky salespeople for that matter. Anyway, I buy almost exclusively online.

In the case of my new Ka-Bar Heavy Bowie, I did all of the above. I first saw it in this YouTube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m10-6mvXn4k

These guys also have a couple videos of themselves using the Ka-Bar Heavy Bowie to hack up a small tree for firewood. This all looked good to me.

My hard work paid off, and I found the knife for $41.10 at trophyhuntinggear.com (they are currently backordered now, as I apprently got the last one of their recent shipment. Theyse knives are getting very popular, and getting harder to find cheap. Some websites are charging way more for them, and of course have plenty in stock (the old motto, "price it low, watch it go" seems to have eluded most vendors).

I am now awaiting its arrival in the post (got the shipping notification today), so once I have the blade in hand, I will put it through its paces and write up a review. However, I don't expect to be disappointed in this knife--Ka-Bar makes excellent knives at a good price-point.

Sentinel, out.

UH-OH--HERE WE GO AGAIN...

2009-09-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

"The Supreme Court agreed Wednesday to decide whether strict local and state gun control laws violate the Second Amendment..."

It comes on the heels of McDonald v. Chicago, which was ultimately granted a writ of certiorari (that basically means the high court deems it worthy enough to examine more closely).

And it is sure to spark heated debate on both sides of the argument.

I am reminded of the old adage, "Guns don't kill people, people kill people." Seems a good time to really take that into consideration. Whenever gun control rears its ugly head, you can be sure some bleeding heart has been reading stories of violent crime involving a firearm, usually a handgun. They seem to lose all common sense and instantly want to shoot all the dogs because one of them has fleas.

Do some people use guns in the perpetration of a crime? Hell yes, they do. The operative word is 'some.' But the small fraction of gun crimes outweighs the reality, and they look through a glass darkly.

Now, I'm a firm Constitutionalist and I believe strongly in the right of the people to keep and bear arms as guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment. Knowing full well that I will likely enter into some lively debate with friends on this issue, I proceeded this morning to 'arm' myself with the facts of the case.

For a layman, looking at court documents can be quite daunting, but I am determined to understand them as well as I can, 'armed' also with a Black's Law Dictionary.

Of course I foresee the usual watered-down, weak-kneed, liberal Supreme Court response to this dilemma; yet this matter has only one true outcome that should be handed down: that the people's right to keep and bear arms should not be infringed upon. The only ruling that should be handed down is that henceforth, the federal and state's governments shall forever keep their minds and their mitts off this Constitutional right.

Stay tuned...

EDC PART 3 - MESH POCKET FOR ACCESSORIES

2009-09-23T07:52:00.001-07:00

I had this mesh pocket laying around and thought I would use it for a little additional stuff. It's about 8" x 6" and holds quite a bit, with the advantage of being able to see what's inside to reduce searching time.

Inside I have (3) floppy disk cases filled with more water purification tabs; some extra first aid cleansing pads (antibaterial, iodine); salt, pepper, coffee creamer. Some spare Esbit tabs, a Fallkniven DC4 2-sided sharpening stone (with four small nails inside the pouch for securing to a log or piece of wood when sharpening), 25' of paracord, extra cleasning wipes, knot tying cards, TP from MREs, a carabiner, two pens, and a folding cup with my Black Diamond Gizmo headlamp tucked inside (which I have since shifted to my daypack outside pocket.).

One item I plan to add is a few plain Alka Seltzer tablets, recommended by Cody Lundin. He claims that carbonated water is more easily absorbed, and in a real crises where hydration is critical, I think this is a smart thing to have, especially if you happen to be ill.

That said, it's also worth noting that keeping yourself healthy and in even reasonably good physical shape will be of great benefit in an emergency or crises. The body will be pumping adreniline like crazy and the stress level will probably be off the charts, so you will need to have the added advantage of general good health in the first place. The last thing you need when the SHTF is to go down due to minor injuries or illness.

There's a bit more to this kit that I will post tomorrow. Again, it may seem excessive to some, but believe me, when it's packed up it's not much. The weight is negligible and just serves as a constant reminder that I have the stuff I need to survive.

THE EDC SURVIVAL KIT - PART 2

2009-09-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

Continuing with my survival items that are always with me, here are three items I keep in my pocket on a length of paracord: a Rescue Howler Whistle, a Maglite 'Solitaire' flashlight (1 AAA), a Spyderco 'Delica' Mini (this thing is from the mid-80s).

Gerber Compact Sport 400 MultiTool. It has the usual basic items, including a nice sharp blade. All tools lock in position. The pliers slide in and out, making a nice compact carry.

These items are in my daypack: Kershaw folding saw (light as a feather), glow stick (12-hr. yellow), emergency blanket, 50' of paracord, bandana, leather gloves, Mora 'Clipper' carbon steel knife.

These are items I feel might be needed if I had to either hunker down somewhere for a while or perhaps find some bush somewhere and use evasion tactics.

I also have a fleece cap and a small emergency radio that picks up AM/FM/SW. Runs on 2 AA. I put in lithium batteries and carry spares. The radio stays in the small cardboard box it came in, folded inside the fleece hat in the bottom of my daypack.

There's a bit more to this EDC, which I will cover in the next two posts. It may seem like a lot, but when you see it packed up, it's nothing, and weighs in at only a little under 10 lbs. Carrying it everyday has built up my strength, too--and added survival bonus.

BUG OUT / GET HOME BAG

2009-09-21T16:27:00.000-07:00

I spent a lot of time thinking about and then researching what I thought I would want to have in an emergency situation if I had to leave my house quick or get home from work after a disaster. I don't work far from home (about 8 miles), but if things were really messed up, it could take me hours to get there. I might even have to hunker down for 24 hours or more.

So I started with the basics and piled it into this little bag I picked up at a surplus store for $7.95. It's about 7" x 4" x 2", but crammed it looks a bit bigger. It has belt loops on the back, but i probably would never carry it like that. I added a piece of climbing accessory rope to one zipper so I could locate the zipper quickly and get it open easier.

I lined the inside with a gallon Ziploc bag with the zipper par cut off.

Inside I put various items inside smaller zip bags:

Tea bags & instant coffee sachets

Sugar and beverage whitener

Electrolyte drink mix

Basic First Add (plasters, various OTC meds, ointments, etc.)

Individual eyedrops

Firesteel & striker

Box of waterproof matches and TP packet from MRE (for tinder)

Esbit Pocket Stove w/ 4 fuel tabs

Water purification tablets

Small roll of duct tape wound around index card. Inside is stashed 2 large needles, thread, and about 4' of small guage brass wire.

Pocket saw

Pocket Magnifyer

Extra Ziploc bags

2 Gu energy gels

Here's a little closer shot of some of the items.

I have to say that just having this made me feel very empowered. Once I put all the other items together (described in new posts to come), I find I am less fearful in general during my everyday life. It is very comforting to know I have everything I need to survive a few days outside my normal comfort zone if need be.

There are two other bags that make up the total kit, but this bag is the one that goes literally everywhere with me these days.

If you haven't put one of these small kits together for yourself, don't put it off. Do it now while it is easy to do and you can find and buy everything you need. Don't wait until it's already a disaster and then try to gather it while millions of other people are doing it and freaking out.

GREAT EDC KNIFE - SOG FLASH 1

2009-09-14T16:28:00.000-07:00

I've been looking for the 'perfect' EDC knife and finally found what I was looking for: The SOG Flash 1 with SOG Assisted technology--like a switchblade, but not. It allows one to open the knife very fast if needed in an emergency situation.

It took a bit of practice to get it to open smoothly (and I think the spring might have been a bit stiff as well), and the tumb stud really digs in (on my thumb anyway), but I have the hang of it now--so watch out! It weights nearly nothing, clips securely and hangs low in the pocket. And it is razor sharp out of the box.

Here's the description & specs for those interested:

"The new Sog Flash has the new SAT opening (SOG Assisted Technology). This mechanism helps propel the blade open once the operator has initiated the one-handed opening action. They're fast as lightning, safe, and provide an extremely strong blade lock. The bolt action lock is easily released with a sliding button. SOG also had the foresight to incorporate an additional safety lock that gives added security when the blade is closed. The handles of the Flash are molded from glass reinforced Zytel and are contoured with a new ergonomic sensibility that makes the knife a pleasure to use. SOG has also incorporated a new ambidextrous clip device that is easily interchanged. This bayonet-mounted clip extends from the end of the hand for the lowest discreet carry possible. Specifications: Blade length 2 1/2", Overall length 6", AUS 6 Stainless Steel with a RC of 56-57."

The coolest little knife I've ever owned!

QUOTE WORTH CONSIDERING

2009-09-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

"No people will tamely surrender their Liberties, nor can any be easily subdued, when knowledge is diffusd and Virtue is preservd. On the Contrary, when People are universally ignorant, and debauchd in their Manners, they will sink under their own weight without the Aid of foreign Invaders." --Samuel Adams, letter to James Warren, 1775

Highly relevant to today's society I'd say. We are driving ourselves into the ground morally, spiritually, and financially. Once we have thoroughly f'ed things up, all that remains is for some other country to step right in and take over. Sadly, I think old Sam had it dead on.

Why is it...

2009-09-08T09:11:00.000-07:00

IF YOU CROSS THE NORTH KOREAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET 12 YEARS HARD LABOR, BUT IF YOU CROSS THE USA BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET A DRIVERS LICENSE, SOCIAL SECURITY CARD, AND FREE HEALTH CARE?

"THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE LESS YOU NEED"

2009-08-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

Cody Lundin, founder of Aboriginal Living Skills School in Arizona, is the best example I can find of a self-sufficient realist. He knows how to live off the land and survive with minimal gear, using skills that native peoples have utilized for centuries to survive. His motto is "The more you know, the less you need." And that is good advice for all of us.

Urban dwellers especially need to downsize and learn to live with less if they want to survive any crisis that may lie ahead. Whether they happen tomorrow or twenty years from now, the time to plan and prepare is NOW, not, as Cody says, when it's already a crisis.

Here's a video from his YouTube site--he acts a little wacky, but I tell you, the man has sound ideas to live by!

(The guy at the end of the vid is pretty much a dork, but you can always turn him off!)

THE ESBIT POCKET STOVE

2009-08-27T09:21:00.000-07:00

This stove is, hands down, the best little item you can put in your kit. I have three of them, and extra fuel tabs, stashed in various BOBs. The don't weigh much and allow you to have a ready source of heat that is simple, non-toxic, and reliable. I highly recommend this little gem to add to your emergency supplies. In my EDC (which is basically my daypack) I also carry a Snow Peak 700 titanium cup that fits under my 32-oz. Nalgene bottle. This serves as a dandy pot to heat water in. Along with a folding cup and a few tea bags, I have the makings for a quick brew in any emergency.

Here's the details and specs for the stove:

Esbit tablets are a solid-fuel heat source that make for one of the most weight-efficient cooking systems around. Each tablet (.5 ounces) is enough to boil a pint of water. If that is all you are doing, this is one of the best systems. Esbit tablets are individually sealed inside a package, so they have a long shelf life.

Pocket stove includes 6 tablets. Four tablets can be stored inside the stove.

Weights: Esbit Pocket Stove: 3.2 ounces (91 grams)
Tablets (each): 0.5 ounces (15 grams)

Price: average is $10. Any more and you are getting ripped off.

WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE

2009-08-26T12:28:00.001-07:00

Here's a great interview with Cody Lundin with a Seattle radio station about his book "When All Hell Breaks Loose"; The intro section is almost a minute, so hang in there. It's well worth the time:

The book is terrific, so pick up a copy today!

THE AMERICAN DREAM?

2009-08-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

It's called The American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it.
-- George Carlin

America is going down fast. What you see now, like the talk of hope for a turnaround in the economy, is all smoke and mirrors. It's created by the corporate elite, who have their hand up the ass of the big White House puppet, and are putting on a show for the American people.

Don't buy into it folks. Prepare. Trouble is coming and there may not be much warning.

PREPARE!

GETTING READY - ARE YOU PREPARED?

2009-08-17T11:57:00.000-07:00

Anyone that hasn't put together their emergency and survival supplies are going to be sorry. It's only a matter of time before we will be faced with either a natural disaster (earthquake, flood, hurricane, tornado) or a manmade socio-polical lockdown (martial law due to worsening economy, flu pandemic, terrorism, or hostility from foreign sources). If you haven't even started, you better do it NOW. When disaster strikes, and you're not ready, it's way too late. And why wait until an emergency is announced and fight the herd at the local stores for supplies? Get yours NOW and then all you need to do is sit tight when trouble comes.

There are tons of websites online and videos on YouTube showing how to put together basic survival kits. But always remember to think soundly and logically--and realistically--about your personal needs for an emergency situation. Don't go buying every little gizmo you see or you will run out of money quick. At a minimum, you would need the following:

WATER. I cannot stress this enough. WATER. And lots of it. Red Cross states 1 gallon per person per day. More if you have pets. And more if you live in a hot climate. Plan on having a month's worth on hand. WSHTF (when the shit hits the fan), there isn't going to be time to do it. Help won't be coming (at least not for a while) and you will need to take care of yourself. And for sure don't count of FEMA to bail you out.

SHELTER. If you must evacuate your home, either know where your local shelter is or have a tent (or tarp and means to pitch it) for you and your family. Have a plan about where you would go should you be away from home. Keep your shelter in the car when you are at work, running errands, etc. After you get in the habit of loading your gear up, it will be like grabbing your lunch bag in the morning. It should be that automatic. Sleeping bags are nice, but a surplus wool blanket and ground tarp (both available cheap at any Army/Navy store) will do in a pinch. I got the blanket (85% wool & poly), 8' x 10' camo tarp, 100' of paracord, and ground tarp for $49.95). I also bought a small tent by Wentzel for $29.00 that I keep in my BOB at home. I have two--a large one in a 'summit pack' that stays at home at all times with a lot of duplicate items, and my daypack version that pretty goes everywhere with me now.

FOOD. You should have a month's worth of food stashed in your house and at least 72-hours worth in a kit to keep in your car. Have at least 24-hours rations close at hand at all times. Try to avoid foods that need a lot of water to digest like protein bars, or are thirst provoking like salty foods. The Mainstay food bars are great for a BOB--nine portions in a foil pouch. I've tried them--they have a light lemony flavor and are very tasty.

COOKING. You're going to want a hot drink at some point or perhaps boil some water to purify it. I highly recommend the Esbit Stove (Google it) and buy extra fuel tabs. It's compact and super easy to use. Make sure you have something to boil water in (even a mini loaf pan folded for storage) and a folding camp cup (Google it). Your food, stove, fuel, and cup can all go in a small stuff sack.

LIGHT. Keep a flash light (Maglite makes a great little mini AAA model that will fit on a keychain) or headlamp close at hand at all times. When the lights go out you will thank yourself. Keep lightsticks in your home for emergencies, too.

WHISTLE. This should go on your keychain along with your mini flashlight--that way it's always with you. If you get trapped somewhere don't waste your energy yelling. One of the Coast Guard 'howler' whistles will do the trick! They are lightweight and work even when wet (unlike the old style with the cork ball inside them).

FIRE. Have the means to start a fire to keep warm should you find yourself stranded. Have multiple means of accomplising this, too. Go on YouTube and search "Firemaking"--and don't get overwhelmed.

EMERGENCY BLANKET. These mylar temporary heat retention blankets are cheap and lightweight. There's no excuse not to have them stashed all over the place.

KNIFE. The value of a knife cannot be estimated. It is the best defense/tool you can own. Since earliest times, the edged tool has been invaluable to humans, used for cutting, scraping, chopping, and protection. Even cultures that only had stone tools had knives fashioned from stone. Buy a heavy duty one for cutting and chopping (such as a Ka-Bar Heavy Bowie) and a small clip-on folding pocket model (too many to mention here--and it is really affordability and preference) for everyday carrying.

WATER PURIFICATION. Again, a Google or YouTube search will bring up an overwhelming amount of information. Chose the simplest and easiest to use for your level of expertise and comfort. This should be part of everyone's BOB kit.

PARACORD. Again, a multitude of uses, from lashing things together to rigging a tarp shelter. Buy the military style with the 7-strand cord, and buy at least 50' (100' is better) and don't cut it unless you absolutely need to. The inner strands of this cord can be used for snares, fishing line, etc. Only limited by your imagination.

You may have heard the term BOB (bug out bag) or some such term. Make one. Buy an inexpensive but good quality day pack and put your emergency kit in it. Keep it in your car during the day and by your bed at night.

Depending on where you live, your kit may vary. Mine is geared toward a mostly urban environment, because that where I dwell. But I've got loads of camping and backpacking experience since early childhood, so I'm ready for most anything.

And here's the final and most important tip: PRACTICE. Play with your stuff. Get to know how it works and how to use it. Then when you are all stressed out in an emergency situation, it will be second nature. You can always replace consumables. You can also write down instructions and notes on how to use items like water purification tablets and how many drops of chlorine bleach to add to water to keep in your kit. Then you won't waste precious time trying to remember or figure things out in a crises situation.

BE PREPARED. BE PREPARED. BE PREPARED!

The Time Is Near

2009-08-11T09:38:00.000-07:00

The grim economic news and increasing global instability has led me to ramp up my perparedness efforts. If you haven't been paying attention and reading the handwriting on the wall, let me tell you brothers and sisters--you need to WAKE UP!

According to Sir Richard Burton (the explorer, not the actor), every tribal village had a "Sentinel," a tribal watchmen selected by virtue of a genetic advantage - dramatically heightened sensory awareness. This awareness was honed by long periods in isolation.

I stay aware and vigilant for danger no matter where I find myself. I have learned to always check for an exit no matter where I am and am always on the lookout for good hiding spots should the nead to conceal myself become neccessary. And my own senses have been heightened due to the increase in earthquakes, global instability, and looming economic collapse.

Now I don't consider myself a knee-jerker or alarmist, but as I said, the handwriting is on the wall. We may have gotten rid of a president who totally crapped our economy, but we got another one that is still pushing the NWO agenda. If Americans think "O" is the great savior, think again. He, like all presidents since Kennedy, has made a deal with the global elite. He will try any trick in the book, continue exerting his charisma over people, and propel us into even more hardship and enslavement.

So here we are, nine months after the election of a new president, and what is he trying to do? Ram a faulty healthcare bill down our throats. It was bad enough that Congress was beaten with the "they'll be rioting in the streets" threat on the bank bail-out boondoggle. And we are already pretty much owned by China, Russia, and Japan--who now hold the mortgage on America. So we don't need no stinking healthcare reform that will just compound our financial woes. It creates more big government and makes another black hole for our money to disappear into. More on this topic in a later post.

I plan to thoroughly exercise my First Amendment rights on this blog, as well as bring reviews and survival tips from my own experience of staying prepared and vigilant.

Stay tuned, stay informed, stay safe!