Preparedness test

We posted on our Facebook page:

Vince Dunn posted this suggestion below, what do you think? “Grab your coat/jacket, a knife, your fire starter and an empty veggie can or small sauce pan. Go out “camping” for a week with nothing else. Two more things you’ll need … a pen or pencil and a piece of paper. To take notes with and go over when you get back home on what you really need and what is just a “luxury” item that isn’t that important to lug around and add unnecessary weight to your pack.”

Some comments we received:

Comment #1: I’d say he is right on!! That is the way to do it… Less is actually more… However, we’ve got snow and cold temps so I would add just a couple of things…. I would add something wool, gloves, hat, paracord, a space blanket, slingshot, an ax or small hatchet, small first aid kit and sorry I don’t leave home without my Colt .357 or our Taurus .44 As a bonus and pleasure item I would bring the camera…

Comment #2: I am in total agreement that test scenarios and trial runs are a crucial part of learning, but at the same time it doesn’t test the will to live. Just because a person doesn’t want to survive for a week in the woods with a knife and flint/steel, doesn’t mean they’re not able. The will to survive can overcome almost any adversity.

Comment #3: The only way to learn is truly just do it. I would suggest some food and water your first few times because just getting used to be out there gathering water to filter/purify , building shelter,gathering wood, cooking outdoors in the elements is a huge challenge your first time out doing this. I don’t want anyone dying while learning important skills.. I have a bigger challenge shut the power off to the house turn off all cell phones and do not leave home for a week. Start small and see if you can even handle that.

Comment #4: I think a week is drastic for a lot of people, try going out in the morning with a checklist of the main things you need to learn, find and purify water, build a fire with a bow drill or other device ( no lighters or matches) find shelter, learn how to set snare traps or other ways to “catch” your dinner. Just getting all these things accomplished will make you feel better about doing it for a longer period of time.

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