Modern Survivor

I’m sure I don’t need to explain much here… but seriously check out these two important details: folding handles, and it fits perfectly around the base of a Nalgene bottle. Stainless steel isn’t the lightest of metals (there’s plenty of more expensive lightweight cups available) but it’s relatively cheap and strong.

Useful for tasks including (but not limited to) drinking, cooking, purifying water, moving liquids, making a snow cave, etc. Never find yourself without a cup. Available for about $12.

I’ve always been a big fan of the multi… multi-tasking, multi-beveraging, multi-tools etc. So I was totally excited when I found these Coleman 12-in-1 Scissors. Let’s compare them against other “normal” scissors.

Coleman 12-in-1 Scissors:

• Scissors
• Flat Head Screwdriver
• Magnet
• Can Opener
• Wrench
• Fish Scaler
• Nut Cracker
• Jar Wrench
• Wire Stripper
• Wire Cutter
• Bottle Opener
• Knife

Normal Scissors:

• Scissors

Overall I’d recommend these awesome scissors for any emergency or camping kit. They’re small, lightweight and cheap ($4). Sweet.

I just took a free CPR/First Aid class here at work and I’d highly recommend everybody take one, especially since I can’t CPR myself…

I learned that CPR is a fun way to get to know coworkers, neighbors and random strangers in the mall. In the crucial few minutes before emergency personnel are available you’ll have the opportunity to breathe for them, rip off their clothes, pump their chest, roll them over to vomit and maybe even electrocute them. Also you’ll get to practice these amazing skills every few years on a fairly hot mannequin.

Please note that before attempting the heimlich on a child you should tell his mommy what you’re doing, and before you try to help that guy in the bar you should make sure everyone knows whats going on (we don’t take kindly to your type in these here parts, boy).

To Summarize:

1. Tell an innocent bystander to call 911.
2. Open the victims airway by tilting head back.
3. Check for breathing.
4. Give two short breaths, watch chest to make sure it moves.
5. Rip open shirt, place the top of your palm about on a nipple, the bottom of your palm on the sternum.
6. For every two breaths give thirty chest pumps.
7. Rinse and repeat. Be prepared to quickly roll victim over to dodge the vomit.

Other Notes:

• If you plan on helping random people you should get vaccines like Hep A and B.
• The rescuer is more important than the victim.
• Old peoples chests will make nasty crackle-pop sounds when you do CPR on them, this is normal.
• Choking alone? Call 911, leave phone, open front door, stand against wall, try to Heimlich yourself.
• Have local 911 emergency numbers in your cell phone.

(Available on Amazon for about $13) If you’re thinking that perhaps you need to disappear for a while, lay low until the heat dies down or wait out the latest zombie virus, this book is for you… it definitely falls under the category of I don’t want to be found with chapters on caches, leaving town, traveling undetected, evading pursuit, covert signals and creating privative weapons.

An attempt at a basic civilian SERE training manual, Wilderness Evasion seems to largely be a regurgitation of various military training manuals. If you’re looking for a quick read and general overview then give it a go, but if you don’t have any outdoor skills or are looking for in-depth information I wouldn’t recommend it.

Don’t get me wrong, I picked up a few new skills from this book… I do recommend it, but most of us aren’t fugitives or planning on disappearing into the wilderness. I’d say there is no all-encompasing survival book, you’ll need to buy several and do your own personal research.

When disaster strikes, will you want to be found…

Modern Survivorist is dedicated to discussing various aspects of modern survival gear and disaster preparedness. We research the gadgets, techniques and plans that could mean the difference between life or death.

Many times in this process you’ll need to make a decision: When disaster strikes, will you want to be found or will you be better off fending for yourself?

It probably depends quite a bit on where you live, who you are, the political climate and what exactly happened… it can come down to as simple a question as “Bright Orange or Camo?” but something we should have learned from recent events is that we need to be capable of being self-sufficient when the need arises.