HYDRAE - Member - The Prepared

Reply to: The best bulletproof body armor when SHTF Posted August 7, 2022

No – not helmet up-armor plates. Rifle rated helmet with nod attachment. https://shop.gentexcorp.com/ops-core-fast-xr-high-cut-helmet-system Helmet technology has come a long way in a short period of time. It appears you have a dated understanding. Ask if you want more resources. We can agree to disagree on how important it is in a prep. Hell, I don’t even own one. But my point is it appears to be a huge logical fallacy for the dude who runs a prepping website to do a deep dive on armor plates and then completely write off helmet protection for “99.9%” of people. The head and neck are about 12% of the body, but injuries to them account for 50% of combat fatalities. “police shoot for center of mass” and “they are only pistol rated” – ok? I don’t plan on the police shooting at me and pistols are the vast majority of threats in civilian unrest scenarios. Hell, I’d wager catching a brick to the head is a higher threat than being shot. Brick to the head = game over, so why not at least do a feature on bump helmets?

Reply to: The best bulletproof body armor when SHTF Posted August 6, 2022

There are several manufacturers rated to stop a 7.62mm @ 10 feet. I don’t disagree they are expensive, heavy, and uncomfortable. Kinda like body armor. I mean it’s at least $1k for a good carrier and plates and about the same for a good ballistic helmet. I can understand prioritizing body armor, but to write off a balisstic helmet completely as useless seems….odd.

Reply to: The best bulletproof body armor when SHTF Posted August 6, 2022

Wait, what? What logic concludes it is reasonable and practical to buy armor to protect the heart and lungs if the shooting starts, but the ole brain is just fine without a helmet? genuinely curious…

Reply to: What three firearms would you have for prepping? Posted July 17, 2022

9mm pistol – have a full-size beretta px4 with stream light tr2. Just got my conceal carry license and will trade out for a Sig P365XL with light and optic for ccw ability and bedside duty. SHTF 5.56 – Daniel Defense ddm4v7 with eotech and iron sights. only needs more ammo and possibly a silencer so I don’t go def if SHTF. I don’t envision needing to shoot more than 100 yards in pretty much any scenario. I also live in a major city, so it’s not like I’m going to be deer hunting like I am Legend. Home defense/auxiliary/versatility: 12 gauge – have a Mossberg 500 tactical persuader. I’m considering changing this out for a 20 gauge that my wife can shoot easily or a benelli because Gucci is how I roll.

Reply to: Best survival tent Posted August 5, 2020

Thats a negative on the tents for my family BOB’s. I have in my bag a 10×10′ aqua quest tarp, 6 MSR stakes, & paracord. Each person has a SOL escape bivy, and a snugpack patrol poncho and poncho liner (wearable sleeping bag!) which will keep everyone warm and dry….enough. I keep a packed duffle bag of luxuries that I can grab easily grab if we are driving to get the heck out of dodge, but anything on foot and it gets ditched along with the five gallon containers of water and pet cats. Bugging out isn’t backpacking, and to me the comfort a tent affords isn’t worth the weight and space that could be used on more useful survial gear. But I also live in NC – the rainy Pacific NW or buggy MN would probably make me reconsider.

Reply to: Best survival & EDC multitool Posted August 5, 2020

I’ve had a wave for years and like it okay. I had an old one handed open gerber about 20 years ago, and have always wanted a similar feature on the better constructed leatherman – thats why I really want to try the Leatherman Free.

Reply to: Thoughts on mens’ “Dress shoes” that are also practical? Posted June 21, 2020

Florsheim, Wolverine, Red Wing all make steel toe dress shoes – Although I haven’t used them personally. I totally understand wanting dress shoes that don’t suck and I can walk home in or run if needed. The best I’ve had that pass as dress shoes and I can still run at full speed are the zero grand line from Cole Haan – these are what I wear most days now. Construction is closer to a sneaker, so don’t expect 20 years of sole replacements, but very comfortable and I could ruck home with no blisters. Bomb proof boots I’ve used in the office are wolverine 1000 miles, Allen Edmonds Long Branch, and Red Wing Iron Rangers. I think the ultimate in the form/function do everything boot would be something like an Alden Indy’s, or Viberg Service Boot with a cap toe – but they are very expensive and more like a BIFL item.

Reply to: Best survival knife Posted June 19, 2020

It’s a beast for sure. I’m considering moving it to my get home back as the all in one tool and going with a smaller (Becker harpoon) knife and kukri for the main bag.

Reply to: Best survival knife Posted June 19, 2020

1. If you don’t anticipate processing much wood then, yeah, it could be seen that way. But you also state you think a knife is too heavy but you’d rather carry a hatchet/multi tool which is clearly heavier? Also, a leather man wave is just as expensive as a solid survival knife. I think a survival knife might make the MOST sense in a level one bag where you might not have a saw/axe/hatchet/Kukri in a more complete bag. 2. Concealed carry you are most certainly right. Most states have exceptions for open carry or outdoor activities. In a scenario where you are bugging out – normal laws will probably be out the window. It can always be discarded before entering a checkpoint or shelter if needed. I don’t think anyone will try and convince you you are wrong – a lot of being prepared is what works for you and your situation. A multi-tool hatchet combo is fine – hell I think the winner of Alone season 6 had that and butchered a moose with his leather man. Was it the best tool for the job? No, but it worked… I have a Becker in my bag as it would be useful in my urban environment as a knife for basic fire/shelter tasks, self defense, digging and as a pry bar (it’s a quarter inch thick) with a folding saw mostly to clear a road if needed, and a leather man. Between those I’m confident I can handle 90% what would be needed to get to safety, but clearly I don’t intend to live in the woods for years on end.

Reply to: [Official discussion thread] Emergency kit / bug out bag list Posted June 18, 2020

Curious about the authors thoughts on alcohol stoves like Trangia? They need a stand anyway and can be coupled with a hobo stove like Bush box or emberlit would give ultimate flexibility for not much weight. Could burn tabs, alcohol, heet, organic matter etc. I also really like the multiple uses for things in my bag and everclear could be used as disinfectant, for trade, or fuel….plus it doesn’t expire like other stove fuels so it can sit forever and hopefully never get used.

Reply to: Best survival knife Posted April 26, 2020

This post is what has convinced me this website is one of the best resources on the interwebz. The information is complete and recommendations well thought out and fact based. Well done! I oscillated between a bark river bravo, falknaven f1, Lt Wright GNS, ESEE 4, and Bradford Guardian 4.5. I ultimately purchased a Becker BK2 for the BOB which is basically a sharpened crowbar and would be more useful in my urban location. I will still probably pick up a proper bushcraft knife and have options depending on the scenario and because Bark River makes some gorgeous knives even if Mike Stewart is a pompous @$$hole.

Reply to: Best survival hand saw Posted April 26, 2020

I went with a Silky Big Boy over the Gomboy. I like the larger blade for clearing larger diameter trees and debris post emergency or storm, and am not so concerned with the size/weight increase as it’s primarily for home preparation. I may pick up a Laplander for the BOB though.

Urban Prep Level 1 - Charlotte NC