Lansky, purveyor of a multitude of blades and sharpeners alike, has decided to release their own take on the ever-popular end-of-the-world survival kit. The T.A.S.K. (Tactical Apocalypse Survival Kit) comes with Lansky’s own Fire Fighter Battle Axe, 20 Function Multitool, Easy Grip Knife, Blademedic sharpener, and ‘The Puck’ dual-grit sharpener. Additionally, the kit also comes with a LifeStraw water purifier, tactical flashlight, firesteel/compass, and paracord bracelet. This all comes housed in a 20L tactical backpack with a padded back panel, large main compartment and front pouch, both with organizational gear pockets, PALS webbing, adjustable hip and sternum straps, water bottle holder, and compression straps.
The Ti2 Sentinel line is a successful Kickstarter project for a series of “titanium cache system[s] to insure safe storage for essential items.” Made from corrosion-resistant grade 2 titanium, the Ti2 Sentinel features a three-piece design with two removable ends each with a water tight o-ring seal, fluted ergonomic grip areas, and a large ring slot to accommodate a wide range of clips, rings, and lanyards. The Sentinel is available for pre-order in 3 diameters and 8 variations with a ceramic media tumbled “stonewashed” soft matte patina finish or PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) hardcoat for additional protection and a darker finish.
http://ti2sentinel.blogspot.com/2013/01/ti2-sentinel-pre-order.html
I stopped by the liquor store today (don’t judge) and noticed these bottles of KRU82 vodka on the shelf. As you can see, they’re metallic, shatterproof bottles with resealable caps and black straps with metal carabiners attached, and they go up to 1.75L in size. If one were so inclined, the container could make a handy emergency survival bottle, provided one had the foresight to bring a bottle of vodka with them while “…hiking, fishing, sailing, skiing or whatever…”
http://www.kru82.com/
It looks like the classic Victorinox Swiss Army Knife got an update with a design closely resembling Woodland-style camouflage. It contains 7 tools: knife, nail file w/ nail cleaner, screwdriver, scissors, toothpick, tweezers, and key ring, although models with an expanded combination of tools and camouflage options, including the huntsman in digital camo, are also available.
The LifeStraw is an inexpensive yet effective water filtration device that’s perfect for outdoor carry. Without the use of chemicals, batteries, or moving parts, it filters a minimum of 99.99999% of waterborne bacteria and a minimum of 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites from at least 1000L or 264 gallons of water. It also features a shelf life of 5 years, so you can feel safe in storing a couple in a bug-out bag or emergency kit.
Along with their U.S. Army licensed paintball markers, Tippmann also has a line of U.S. Army licensed camping equipment. The two models seen above are the:
Basic Training tent
– 68d 600mm polyester construction
– U.S. Army branded zipper pulls
– 300D Carry Bag
– ACU Camo trim
– Glove Dry waterproof system
– internal storage pockets and gear loft
It measures 80″x50″x38″ with 28 sq. ft. of interior space.
Bravo sleeping bag
– 68d 600mm polyester outer shell and liner with a 3lbs solid polyester fiber filler
– Rated up to 40F
– Hood system w/ draw cord
– Hanging tab and elastic straps for two storage options
– Full length wrap around zipper
– ThermAir insulation
– 185T polyester carry bag
We tried to find a picture of a hawt chick signalling for help in a skimpy outfit, but apparently a lot of hawt chicks have either never heard of the Eclipse or they’re just not bright enough to use it (no offense to any hawt chicks that have gotten lost).
Starting last year, there has been a Zombie Safe House Competition every year. (Well, granted it’s only two years old, but it sounds better that way.) Architects Southwest received entries from all over, with a number of homes and fortresses designed to defend against the undead (or at least keep the occupants inside unharmed). Among the awards to be won are the Gold Shovel Award, Silver Shovel Award, Post Apocalyptic Pritzker, Best Bug In Award, and Bloody Bludgeon Award.
Dr. Danger either had brass balls or was just colossally stupid. He also doesn’t know the difference between a Ma Deuce and a submachine gun, though we won’t quibble. Have you seen the Dr. Danger series yet from MOJO? It’s crazy.
“You don’t want to rent a car [at Bali Doogle]. You want to rent an army.”
Blue Forest is a UK-based company that deals in sustainable design and construction. Although they’re best known for their series of amazing tree houses, like the one in the above image, they’ve also done work on a wide variety of educational buildings and hotel projects involving eco lodges and tree house resorts. With such a proven track record of high-quality projects, perhaps it’s not out of the ream of possibility for them to make, say, an Apocalypse-scenario hideaway high in the trees, safe from any marauders, ghouls, or mutated animals that may inhabit. Just in case.
Zombie Squad: Preparing the Populace for Destruction (not TFB's spelling, by the way).
Disclaimer: TFB is concerned with the propagation of zombie rhetoric and the ever increasing frequency of self-proclaimed zombie experts and zombie-fighting pundits. These self-proclaimed experts are publishing zombie defense manuals and video of undead suppression techniques of very dubious technical accuracy. The authors or alleged Subject Matter Experts frequently have no real operational experience. True, boots on the ground, real lessons-learned zombie fighting tactics by guys who’ve been there, done that, are hard to find. There are a few out there (JL Bourne, Robert Kirkman and certain classified elements of the Zombie Squad), but not enough. Fewer still are those who will offer insight on the ‘big picture’ necessities of preparing for the zombiepocalypse. Sure, you can clear the house of the walking dead. Can you plan the campaign that will clear them out of your entire town? What about all of western Missouri? (If nothing else, push them out west and let Kansas deal with them.) Amateurs talk tactics…professionals talk strategy and logistics.
So, if you’re serious about the art and science of warfighting, you should absolutely be familiar with Sun Tzu. (One would hope that name need go unexplained.) You should also have at least a passing knowledge of the substantially less existential Clausewitz and the martial aspects of the frequently self-righteous (and pedantic) Machiavelli. Doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything they say (for instance, you may think a lot of The Prince is bombastic) but it’s worth studying. Just like you should read about Gustavus Adolphus and Von Moltke.
So, anyway, you can get copies of the book in a number of places (including on line). Alternately, if you’re one of those who only read when you’re perched atop a porcelain throne, you can watch the video series Art of War.
Don’t get too worked up about the theatrics and contrived cool-guy serious voice…it’s a tv show, they have to sell advertisements, and remember to keep it all in context and perspective. If you don’t know have a clue what a Condottiere is, you may not grasp everything old Niccolò is trying to say, and if you don’t have at least some appreciation for Taoist spiritualism, you might not appreciate Sun Tzu…then again, that might just be the perfect reason to watch instead of read.
Especially if you can park your laptop in the bathroom.
It’s not too late to go visit the Atomic Café, Thunderdome, Wasteland Casino or Mushroom Cloud Lounge. With any luck you’ll have time to get a free mohawk.
Wasteland Weekend started today, but it goes through Sunday; it’s not to late to dunk your face in a bucket of fishhooks, throw some leather on, grab up your sawed off scattergun or crossbow and get down there. Go have some fun in the sun in the lovely Mojave Desert with the finest in fringe elements of a Mad Max loving subculture.
There are a lot of bands scheduled to be playing in addition to numerous events (an archery contest, Wasteland Games (including boomerang toss and gas can carry) plus, of course, multiple Thunderdome fights. There will also be some sort of sermon delivered around an ‘unexploded nuclear bomb’ on Sunday.
They are working toward an immersive environment. From the official website:
“Wasteland Weekend reserves the right to prohibit any vehicles, structures, or items it deems unfit for the look of the themed area. (Any unfit property can be stored outside the gates of the themed area in the general camping area or hidden from view.) We are trying to create a convincing 360-degree post-apocalyptic environment. We hope you understand.”
In addition to individuals, there are a number of “tribes” who will be in attendance. There are several, including the Petro Pirates and Dukes of the Nuke, but our favorite has got to be the Dystopian Slut Militia.
Wasteland Weekend is a relatively new post-apocalyptic event, but organizers expect it to be much larger than the 400 attendees they had last year.
One long weekend of booze, body piercings, pointy things, makeshift weaponry and metal, punk rock, industrial rock and cleavage. What’s not to like?
L.A.-based Pink Visual, an adult entertainment studio, has started construction on a bunker to ride out the 2012 Apocalypse as predicted by the Mayan calendar. The bunker, which is being built in a secretive location, will feature such amenities as a “refrigeration beverage center”, “standing work kiosks with sliding gun rack compartments”, “world disaster satellite monitor” and “private fertility chambers”. 1200-1500 individuals will be invited to stay in the bunker when construction is completed in September 2012, “…with Pink Visual performers, active site members and Twitter followers getting priority over the general public.” Better safe than sorry, I suppose, but if the end of the world never comes I’m sure they’ll find a good use for the facility…
This is a fun, neat little trick to try if you’re out camping and brought eggs, oranges and tin foil. You start by burning a fire down to the coals. Meanwhile, split an orange in half and hollow out the contents. You then place an egg inside each orange half, wrap them in the foil and place them on the coals. 3-5 minutes later, you have an egg cooked to perfection, with a hint of orange flavor to boot.
The above video shows a slightly different method involving placing the orange directly on the coals, but the principle’s the same. I just prefer foil since it keeps everything more secure.
“Emergency” author Neil Strauss is a journalist who caught the prepper bug a couple of years ago. While he’s more well known for this Pick Up Artist books, “Emergency” is definitely worth a read. It’s more of a why to do it than a how, but he’s such a great writer, it’s the kind of book that will make your friends who are on the fence about preparation looks things in a different light. He has a section of his website that he uses to post survival info. Considering we’ve been hit with an earthquake and hurricane, both in the same week, this topic seems pretty poignant. Check it out.
The Swag is a lightweight backpack that turns into a single-person shelter with a 6’2″ EVA insulated foam mattress and a top cover fabric made from UltTrex Lite™, a material 7 times more waterproof than canvas. Besides this, the Swag is anti-mildew treated, windproof, and features steam-sealed seams, zippered mosquito mesh, four zippered external pockets, an internal waterproof pocket, a lockable internal pocket (brass lock included), Velcro front pocket, Kevlar security loop, 2 wind clips, two carabiners, and three built-in ropes, among other features. Plus, every Swag purchased buys another for a homeless individual.
The Sawyer Squeeze Filter consists of a filter with a push/pull cap that attaches to one of three different sized reusable pouches, 12, 16, or 32oz, or most threaded plastic bottles. The system is lightweight, weighing only 3oz., and is very portable. Despite its small size it removes upwards of 99.99999% of all water-found containments. The filter can even stand up to high-pressure backwashing due to Sawyer’s robust hollow-fiber membranes, although because of the filter’s large surface area this isn’t a frequently required task.
This may prove to be the most entertaining 8:46 of your life, or the most terrifying if you consider the Chinese hoard all armed to the teeth with these shovels. It slices, it dices, it juliennes. Truth be told, a couple of the features such as the “scissor” and nail puller are pretty cool, but music and effects make this one worth the price of admission. Make sure you stay long enough to see the entrenching tool museum.
Looking to trade up from your standard space pen? Then you may want to give one of these these a look. Tuff Writer tactical pens are made from oversized stock 6061-T6 aluminum which is hard anodized to Mil-A-8625 “F” standards. In addition, they are designed to write in the most extreme conditions, specifically in altitudes upward to 12,500 feet, in temperatures ranging from -30 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and underwater. The pens feature both a sharp and rounded end, with uses ranging from a defensive implement to a PDA stylus. Also, each pen uses a standard Fisher Space Pen cartridge, so they’re easy to refill. Simply put, these are some amazing writing implements.
Visit tuffwriter.com to check out the full product line, local retailers, and to order online.
While camping, it helps to be prepared for any variety of situations that could occur. The ‘Backcountry Intimacy Kit’ by Adventure Medical Kits takes this to the extreme. Included in the kit are lubricated condoms, packets of lubrication, wet wipes, compressed towels, and a disposable bag. The carrying pouch itself is zippered and waterproof. Basically everything you need to practice safe “intimacy” in the relative privacy of nature. I mean, what else are you going to use that tent for besides sleeping?
One very observant reader pointed out that the Source USMC Tactical 3L hydration system is featured in this poster for Battle: Los Angeles, the upcoming extraterrestrial invasion flick. Keep ’em coming, readers!
This jerky has the unsettling appearance of zombie flesh. Besides that, it’s totally edible. Teriyaki flavored, even! Not gross at all! …I’m not sounding very convincing, am I?
You can get your own package of Zombie Jerky at thinkgeek.com.
Do you like SOG knives? Do you like The Gunny? Then like SOG Knives on Facebook. The full film, which details the rest of The Gunny’s fishing trip, will be up at 7pm EST. My guess is he yells that rock into non-existence, or shoots it with one of his Glocks. After watching the film, you have the chance to win one of several SOG products by answering two questions about it. So pay attention to the film, and you could end up one SOG knife richer.
This is clip of Russel Crow in the movie ‘Proof of Life’ turned into a faux commercial for Leatherman tools. I guess it’s called a ‘multitool’ for a reason.
