In the opening moments of disaster, calculation often goes out the window. This may drive us to recognize the necessities of our plans but lose sight of critical details, such as what we have, what we need, and most importantly, where to go next. While planning is a critical component of urban preparedness - allowing us to rehearse and default - there's no better plan than the one we've mapped out. When in doubt, 'X' marks the spot.
Read MoreWe've all encountered a locked barrier at some point in our lives. Locked keys in the car? Call roadside assistance. Late night as a teen? There's a basement window for that. At the end of the day, these are all easy fixes with ample opportunity. But in an urban survival scenario where self-rescue is required - and a locked door may hold you or your loved ones firmly in harm's way - a heavy-handed solution may be the only way to safety. If a lockpick or hard kick won't clear a path, perhaps it's time to knock a little louder. Enter the shotgun.
Read MoreThere's no denying the importance of first aid in urban survival. Whether a small cut or something worth a call, having the tools to contend with a medical emergency cannot not be understated. But when we push into the dark corners of prolonged disaster, the realities of first aid can become a hard pill to swallow. Tourniquets and bandages be damned, the truth is rather grim.
Read MoreWhen met with a high-stress situation, we tend to get a little reptilian in thinking. Stress inoculation and training can take the edge off the action, but trying to recall a world of information is a whole other animal. Detailed plans, instructions, and lists can account for thousands of datapoints - information that is easily be forgotten and lost in the grey. When the details of urban survival are absolute, an educated guess can become a gamble. For pilots and other high performers, there's an easy way to hedge those bets. Make sure it's written down.
Read MoreDuring a period of civil unrest, you're either a number or a target. No matter how well equipped you or your small group may be for conflict, full battle rattle is going to draw a world of unwanted attention from the hoods and have-nots. That overt plate carrier and camo you're wearing? The city will eventually swallow you whole, thinking you're another cop, criminal, or loot drop. But at what point does our affinity for load bearing equipment or camo become a liability in urban preparedness? With big city problems, I figure it's sooner rather than later.
Read MoreNo matter the medium, the pundits will all tell you the same thing about urban survival - you get out or get dead. While I think there's some truth in the statement, the rebar retreat has never been given a fair shake against its rural kin. The city is quick to erupt, so safety is a handsome target. But when we start to peel back the layers of security, it's easy to see that the common condo deserves far more credit than it gets.
Read MoreThere's nothing quite like an afternoon hike - sunshine, fresh air, and the promise of warm shower. While proper footwear can make or break a stroll, wear and tear can become a real bear as the hours stretch to days. For those thinking about bugging out or fighting on, perhaps it's time to consider this small detail of your footcare plan.
Read MoreWhen the aim of the game is visual observation, a little added detail can go a long way. But unless you're a hunter - two legs or four - standalone optics may not yet have a home. As much as we'd all like to claim perfect vision, the truth is that we could all use a touch of help. So, perhaps it's time to give yourself the added edge and start seeing things a little more clearly.
Read MoreForegoing fast designs in favor of bomb-proof construction, Cold Steel's long-time commitment to reliability has created a collection of blades to go the distance. While their product lineup is now dominated by oddballs, their legacy designs remain in place for those looking to carry a user instead of a statement. After a couple of years in the pocket, I can attest that the American Lawman from Cold Steel is no exception to the idea.
Read MoreWhile there are countless systems providing full spectrum filtration at home, they leave much to be desired for the road. Whether a trip out of town or a prolonged outage at the municipal treatment plant, we're often pulled to a solution that covers the spread. As a pillar of preparedness, I would imagine you have something tucked away - but is it as simple as throwing a filter in your kit for urban survival?
Read MoreRicochets are seldom spoken of in a positive light, and there's plenty of reason for the sentiment. Hard-earned wisdom tells us to stay close to the walls but never against them, as physics will carry most round projectiles and float them 6 to 10 inches above a flat surface. While this can be a serious problem at random, it becomes an interesting opportunity when intentional.
Read MoreWhen looking for a long-term food option dried beans often come up as the leading response. Rich in protein and other nutrients, the humble legume provides a near perfect balance when combined with a carb like rice. While an idyllic choice in the best of times, there is one major drawback to the bean - cook time.
Read MoreWhile the romance with pump guns has long since moved on, the power and versatility of the shotgun still holds a place in my heart and my hands.
Read MoreWhether a suit, shorts or skirt, you'd be hard pressed to find a more supportive place to carry a knife when wearing lightweight fabrics. Not only will this reduce the visable wear and tear on your apparel, but the reduction of travel will keep most knives from skipping around in unstructured pockets. To those of you who concealed carry, this isn't going to be a foreign concept. To the rest, however, I hope you'll come at this with an open mind.
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