I’ve mentioned before that I was writing a book called, “The No BS Survival Plan“. Why that title? With so many nonfiction preparedness books that have pages are filled with fluff I wanted to produce something different. This “fluff” is used to increase word count for publishers and make the content look more valuable within an Amazon description. The book I’m working on is to the point with my own recommendations taking logical, commonsense steps to be prepared for the challenges that await just around the corner.
In this overly opinionated world where everyone HAS to be right and make themselves feel better by putting others down, The No BS Survival Plan offers a simple step-by-step systematic approach with an emphasis not only on effectiveness but also budget. Most of us cannot just spend our way into readiness, right?
As this project is still under development I’d like to hear from each of you. What would you look for in a book such as this? Please comment below.
Take care folks. Things continue to look crazier and crazier!
Rourke
WOW! What an endeavor to take on. Here are my thoughts:
Knowing where every possible River, creek, spring, and lake is to gather water from. Well drilling.
Sanitation to prevent disease. Outhouses and piss barrels for encampments.
Importance of pre-caches if you have to exit quickly with no time to load up.
Importance of having medical/dental supplies and field surgical manuals on hand.
Poor man’s bugout vehicle. What’s the best and cheapest to buy and what do you need to add.
Storing, cooking, and preserving foods without electricity or utilities.
How to generate interest in creating/joining a MAG group.
Thanks for the suggestions Methane. While I’ll be focusing on the basics you’ve offered some great ideas.
Well, it probably wouldn’t work in this type of book, but I’d like to see something that focuses on common items that we all have around the house but maybe haven’t considered all their uses. Like keeping that ugly orange & lime green afghan that Great-Aunt Mildred made you, because there might come a time when you actually need it as a blanket or to turn into a cape or even to unravel and braid into lightweight rope. Plastic grocery bags as water-resistant boot liners. Mismatched socks as mittens.
I don’t really know how to explain myself well, but I think too many people are either caught up in the high-tech gadgets and ignoring what’s right in front of them, or they’re too discouraged to do anything because they think they really need top-of-the-line products that they can’t afford. There are so many useful items around all of us, but you need to be able to see them with the eyes and imagination of a child.
Excellent SingleMom. I completely agree with ou and your suggestions fit well with what I am planning for the book.
Hi I am a prepped but balanced. Been doing for a long time All preps and plans out to always be on your normal used stuff what u like n operate with. There is some exceptions w long term preps but still same. I would help u if u wish to know more handygreg@ Hotmail .com
Appreciate that Greg.
I would like to see information about home defense…for people who don’t own guns.
Thanks Leslie. Are you referring to getting educated about guns or literally the best ways to defend your home if guns are not an option?
Watch the movie “HOME ALONE” ! LOL !!
Actually, I am reading the book “SURVIVE” by Les Stroud.
He points out so many things that we all take for granted. He makes a lot of sense making and using items that we would never think of in all kinds of different ways. He points out dangers wherever he leads your thoughts so that you have an idea what to watch out for.
I (we) have have been prepping since they voted out Trump. (Trump screwed himself and the USA with his big ego – SAD for all of the USA).
Read SURVIVE and see how you would remove a lot of that “fluff”. The book is long at 373 pages. I do not care for the ORANGE TIPS with white lettering – made hard to read even in good light. If you have the book out with you in the woods – you need helping lights to read it.
i WILL BE WATCHING FOR YOUR BOOK !!
Appreciate it Manzer.
Man JR,where to start? In my opinion and it’s not worth much lol, if you are talking no BS, then get to the basics. Example, common caliber for handguns and rifle. Focus on repurposing items, skills and skill sets, exercise and physical fitness, learning your area and tye common hazards, I actually wrote an article that I entered in your guest column at the old website. Stripping everything down to the basic necessities and reinforcing your abilities with the skills and skill sets you have practiced on.
I tend to get very heavy in my pack with all of the crap I want to put in it. Then I try and carry it 5 miles and I’m aching. I try to think about a life without fuel, batteries, electricity, and focus on how to survive without the tech, without transportation, without modern conveniences. Then I start planning my pack load out, I’m not saying that the tech and all that isn’t good, but I figure sooner or later, I won’t have any batteries left, and can’t get any more, that fuel is so scarce there is no point.
This is all just my opinion but I also tend to look at things from a total worst case scenario and have a plan for that, as well as a plan for a natural disaster and there is no power for a few weeks.
I do look forward to this book. I love this idea getting input from many sources and opinions, just like you did with the building a survival pack Series. Excellent idea and I’ll be here waiting for the results.
Thanks for the words Ernie. I agree completely about focusing on the basics. I’m a medium to lightweight pack guy. I know many who have packs upwards of 90 pounds. Good lucks carrying that any distance. The theory for some is they’ll remove the items they don’t need when the time comes.
Thanks again!
Rourke
Leslie: There is only one name for people that don’t have a gun.VICTIM!!!
Sure there are ways to defend your home without a gun,but if you
bet your life on it you will likely loose.Your life that is.
Our society is on the verge of collapse and when that collapse is
complete you will immediately see the worst that humanity has to
offer.They will come to take everything you have including your life.
Believe it or not this is the new reality.Please pull up your big girl
pants and get ready for what is coming.BUY SEVERAL GUNS NOW!!
Learn how to use them and become proficient with them.You owe it
to yourself and to the rest of us to stay alive to help with the work
of rebuilding our country.
RIGHT ON!
Ernie, have you thought about using a Travois or game carrier? I purchased one at Academy Sports and did a few modifications to carry both our packs and other essentials. We tie a tarp over everything to keep prying eyes off our stuff. It is easily pulled by me and my wife taking turns. Even a large wheelbarrow is better than carrying a heavy pack. To be able to carry everything you may need makes the packs pretty heavy. I’ve read about the wagon trains that left Westward and along the route they ditched the pianos, dressers, and large cook stoves…….
I’ve contemplated that idea and will likely incorporate a lightweight aluminum game cart in the future stored in the back of my truck. Numerous stories have been told in the prepper fiction genre where people use grocery store carts as a means to transport their supplies.
I actually had at one point, many years ago and just forgot all about it.
This is why I love JR and his posts. Idea sharing, and thought provoking conversation.
Thanks James I appreciate the input and let’s keep up the back and forth with everyone.
Lists
Brevity
personal recommendations based upon actual use
I appreciate these efforts so much.
When completed, I would like to review and announce on my podcast.
Mike in MI
Thanks Mike and once I announce the project being completed shoot me a message and we will work together on a review.
Survival from what? There are many scenarios ranging from the likely (tornado, hurricane, flooding, etc,) to the less likely but still possible (widespread civil disorder, nuclear attack, emp, etc.) What would be the target audience? Those with the resources to evacuate (bug out), including physical, financial, geographic, family situation, etc., or those (like myself) who are elderly, live in urban or suburban areas, have family, pets and other responsibilities, are surrounded by hundreds of thousands (or millions) of others in similar circumstances, and no access or ability to live “off the grid”. I would suggest that the latter circumstances are the most prevalent. A good, comprehensive, no BS survival plan, of extended duration (months, not weeks), for those of us in such a situation would be welcome but difficult to achieve (in my opinion). So which would it be, a plan for those with off-road vehicles living on the edge of the forest, or for condo dwellers living in the big city with no place to go? Or both? I’m sure both groups are represented here.
I’ve been reading and benefiting from your column for a long time, I will await more with interest and I appreciate what you do. I’ve attempted to develop a survival plan for my family but the urban environment is not conducive. Food, water, fuel are critical and will be gone in seconds.
Ken
Appreciate the comments Ken and it appears we very much are thinking along the same path. In my mind – a no BS survival plan covers the “basics” for the average person. Part of this survival plan would be contingencies revolving around a variety of possible scenarios and conditions. In today’s world of preparedness, I see so many who rank their level of preparedness on STUFF – rather than capabilities, planning, and knowledge. Spending money provides a sense of satisfaction that they have taken steps towards preparing. While stuff is good, it’s only part of the puzzle.
Thanks Ken.
SingleMom,
yes, reuse, repurpose and repair is my mantra.
you know you are a prepper when you take a load of junk to the dump and come back with more than you left with.
Looking forward to reading your new book Rourke- like the title.Arlene
Thanks Arlene.