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Beerjerk
07-12-2012, 08:07 PM
Hello all! New member here, so I believe I should introduce myself first:

My name's Al. I live in New Jersey, work in New York City, born and raised in Puerto Rico. Formerly a teacher of 8 years, changed careers last year and now I'm an Environmental Health Worker. I'm also a freelance photographer specializing in journalistic and street photography. My outdoors experience is mostly centered around the tropics/rain forests, and now I'm trying to build up my North American forest skills.

I'm planning on hiking the Devil's Trail in Upstate New York in mid-September and am preparing ahead of time. The Devil's Trail is a 24 mile long hike, considered the most grueling hike in the East Coast (aside from hiking the entire Appalachian Trail). Experts do it in one day, while others complete it in 2-3 days. I'm planning on staying 4 days so I can take some time to practice skills, as to take time to fully enjoy nature and not rush through it.

Anyways, I'm making two lists: what I already have and what I need. If anyone can suggest anything that I could add/delete on my list please feel free to do so, as well as any tips or pointers. I'm buying everything ahead of time, while at the same time comparing quality, prices, etc.

What I have:

Frame backpack
Buck knife
Mora knife
Swiss Army Champion
First aid kit
Lighters
Paracord
Compass x 2
Hatchet
Metal cup
Metal water bottles
Flashlights
Batteries

What I need:

1 person compact tent
sleeping bag
firesteel
water purification tablets
portable water filter
folding shovel
metal pan
metal dish
portable diamond knife sharpener
MRE's (planning to make my own packages)
maps
headlamp

Rick
07-12-2012, 08:27 PM
1.You don't need a shovel. You can get a trowel for cat holes. A whole lot lighter.
2. You don't need a knife sharpener for 4 days. You have three knives and a hatchet.
3. If you are going to cook in those metal pots or boil water then you need a handle if they don't have one.


http://images.outdoorpros.com/images/prod/6/North-American-Gear-P-731760-rw-34477-20952.jpg (http://images.outdoorpros.com/images/prod/6/North-American-Gear-P-731760-rw-34477-20952.jpg)


4. You can do better than MRE's. Look for Mountain House freeze dried foods. You'll need access to more water vs. the MREs but you can tailor your meals to exactly what you want. OR...you can take things like tuna in packets, Remen noodles, etc. You can find a lot of light weight, dehydrated or freeze dried foods in your super market for a lot less than MREs of Mountain House.
5. Toilet paper!!!
6. Alcohol based hand cleaner. It will save your water and you can use it as a fire starter.
7. I like to carry some tootsie rolls. They won't melt if too hot but they will dissolve if they get wet. GORP if you don't like tootsie rolls.
8. Leave a trip plan with someone you can trust. You can set a time when you will be back. That way if something happens you won't wait days for a rescue.

http://www.adventuresmart.ca/downloads/TripPlan.pdf

NightShade
07-12-2012, 08:59 PM
Rick covered it pretty good.....
I might add... 3 compasses is always better than 2!!! If you've only got 2 and 1 of them breaks/no good/whatever... You're getting 2 seperate readings... How do you know which is good??!!?? With 3.. You can go best 2 of 3......
And a trail map ain't a bad idea either... Topographical is best!... Provided you know how to read it!!

NightShade
07-12-2012, 09:03 PM
Oh... And bonus points to you for taking 4 days to practice skills/appreciate nature!!!

Happiness is found along the way, not at the end of the trail!!

Kamel
07-12-2012, 09:10 PM
I made a thread like this, but im more amateur. So i got alot of tips from people in that thread.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?19606-Emergency-survival-Basic-Back-Pack&p=351552#post351552

Like Rick said, i was linked to this instead of MRE's

http://beprepared.com/quickshoplist.asp_Q_c_E_70_A_name_E_Freeze%20Dried %20in%20Mountain%20House%20Pouches

for the folding shovel i was linked to this

http://beprepared.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_CA%20A000_A_name_E_Venture%206% 20Tool

also, if you notice in Ricks sig, Click Safezone LLC, he tests everything and would use everything he sells. So check it out for firestarters and such

intothenew
07-12-2012, 09:12 PM
On the subject of MREs, carry an actual MRE or two. They are heavy, but you don't need water to cook/serve dinner. Use one on the "dry" days. You have inferred that you will make/assemble your own, buy a dehydrator and it will change your culinary life.

Beerjerk
07-12-2012, 09:17 PM
Rick:

Toilet paper is very important, thanks for reminding me! Haha!
Hand sanitizer I can get for free where I work, I'll take a bottle or two before I head out.
You're right about the trowel and skipping the sharpener, gonna go for your suggestions!
I've seen the Mountainhouse packs at Campmor, gonna pick up a few and try them out.

Nightshade: Thanks, I'mma pick up a spare compass and topographical maps and do my homework on how to read them!

Kamel: Thanks for the links! I'm checking them out now!

Beerjerk
07-12-2012, 09:21 PM
On the subject of MREs, carry an actual MRE or two. They are heavy, but you don't need water to cook/serve dinner. Use one on the "dry" days. You have inferred that you will make/assemble your own, buy a dehydrator and it will change your culinary life.

I always wanted to get one to make my own jerky and dried fruits. Hmmmmm, my birthday is coming up and my girlfriend asked me what I wanted, so I might take the opportunity, haha!

NightShade
07-12-2012, 09:28 PM
Beerjerk- dehydrators are AWESOME!!!!

And, be sure to come back and tell us how the trip goes!!! Maybe bring a camera! ;-)
Have fun!

Beerjerk
07-12-2012, 09:41 PM
You better believe I'm bringing a camera to share pics of my adventure!

My girlfriend's mom lives 30-45 minutes from the trail, so she's my backup should I not return. I'mma sit down and make a trip plan with her before I head out.

crashdive123
07-12-2012, 09:43 PM
Hey Beerjerk, glad you found us. I'd also include:

coffee
First aid kit
coffee
whistle
coffee
signal mirror
coffee
cell phone?
coffee
tinder kit
coffee
bug spray
coffee
poncho
coffee
camera
tea

With the food you listed, or if you go the mountain house route you really don't need the pan and dish. You can heat the water in your metal cup and eat right out of the packaging.

Sarge47
07-12-2012, 10:10 PM
Hey Beerjerk, glad you found us. I'd also include:

coffee
First aid kit
coffee
whistle
coffee
signal mirror
coffee
cell phone?
coffee
tinder kit
coffee
bug spray
coffee
poncho
coffee
camera
tea

With the food you listed, or if you go the mountain house route you really don't need the pan and dish. You can heat the water in your metal cup and eat right out of the packaging.

He already listed a 1st aid kit Crash! Beerjerk, Wal-Mart sells Mountain House meals in there camping section. No need to wait on them coming in the mail.
Great knife choices by the way! Sounds like you got your stuff wired dude! :thumbup1:

Beerjerk
07-12-2012, 10:12 PM
Hey Beerjerk, glad you found us. I'd also include:

coffee
First aid kit
coffee
whistle
coffee
signal mirror
coffee
cell phone?
coffee
tinder kit
coffee
bug spray
coffee
poncho
coffee
camera
tea

With the food you listed, or if you go the mountain house route you really don't need the pan and dish. You can heat the water in your metal cup and eat right out of the packaging.

Heya Crashblade! Coffee is definitely on the list! Gonna pack a few packets along with powdered creamer and sugar packets. I'm thinking of making some charcloth with the pipe tobacco tins I have to bring along. Mirror, poncho, whistle, tea, bug spray - check!

Rick
07-12-2012, 10:32 PM
On the maps, don't forget Google Earth. You can print out your hike at various altitudes giving you close up and a much broader view. You can also check GPS coordinates as well as altitude on Google Earth as well. In the Tools section you can click on Ruler and figure out the distance between point A and B in either miles or kilometers, whichever you are comfortable with.

You can make jerky in the oven. No need for a dehydrator unless you just want to purchase one.

Sarge47
07-12-2012, 10:35 PM
On the maps, don't forget Google Earth. You can print out your hike at various altitudes giving you close up and a much broader view. You can also check GPS coordinates as well as altitude on Google Earth as well. In the Tools section you can click on Ruler and figure out the distance between point A and B in either miles or kilometers, whichever you are comfortable with.

You can make jerky in the oven. No need for a dehydrator unless you just want to purchase one.

Better yet, just take Rick along, he knows his stuff. On the serious side Rick DOES know his stuff, he is, after all. a Scoutmaster! :cool2:

Beerjerk
07-12-2012, 10:49 PM
On the maps, don't forget Google Earth. You can print out your hike at various altitudes giving you close up and a much broader view. You can also check GPS coordinates as well as altitude on Google Earth as well. In the Tools section you can click on Ruler and figure out the distance between point A and B in either miles or kilometers, whichever you are comfortable with.

You can make jerky in the oven. No need for a dehydrator unless you just want to purchase one.

Never thought of that, thanks! I should print it out and staple it to my maps for additional reference, as well as any other info about the area I may need.

natertot
07-12-2012, 11:02 PM
Aside from acquiring the gear, be sure to test out the gear before you leave. If you have equipment with a defect or not suitable for your needs, you want to know it before hand. Especially with your tent. Be sure to seal the seams before heading out.

Beerjerk
07-12-2012, 11:09 PM
Getting most of my gear in August (tent, bag, filter, headlamp), I'm going to give it a thorough inspection. Any good seam sealer you might recommend? I know Coleman has some, never used it before.

natertot
07-12-2012, 11:18 PM
I have always used Coleman. It's a few bucks at the local Wally World.

If anyone has a better product, I'd be interested as well!

Winter
07-12-2012, 11:21 PM
All I got from this thread is that you are stealing hand sanitizer from work.

Rick
07-13-2012, 06:29 AM
Yeah, but it comes in bulk so he has to carry it cupped in both hands. So.......

On your maps, just use a gallon size Zip Lock bag. It's the poor man's map case.

pete lynch
07-13-2012, 04:20 PM
I save what MREs I have left for trips where I know I'll stay in a motel.
I have been dehydrating leftovers and vacuum-sealing them instead of buying anymore Mountain House( I have a batch of those but they'll last for another 5 years or so in my BOB.)
I have gotten a lot of good tips and ideas on camping food from a fella called MrBabelfish5. Has a bunch of good videos: http://hungryhammockhanger.com/

Rick
07-13-2012, 04:32 PM
That's a great site, Pete. He has some really good recipes on there. Thanks!!

Beerjerk
07-13-2012, 11:22 PM
I save what MREs I have left for trips where I know I'll stay in a motel.
I have been dehydrating leftovers and vacuum-sealing them instead of buying anymore Mountain House( I have a batch of those but they'll last for another 5 years or so in my BOB.)
I have gotten a lot of good tips and ideas on camping food from a fella called MrBabelfish5. Has a bunch of good videos: http://hungryhammockhanger.com/

Thanks for the link! I'm very interested in making my own mre's and emergency rations. I so want a dehydrator.

Beerjerk
07-14-2012, 12:03 AM
Update: Breaking my shopping list into chunks and ordering a few things at a time (trip is on Sept. 19).

Ordered these today:

Sleeping bag: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TR7QZA/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

Camp mess kit (although I'm just bringing the pan with me, I ordered a full set for future outings): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018EQIGM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01

Kamel
07-14-2012, 12:08 AM
I have a stansport folding saw and it worked well for making my split stick club so hopefully the pan works well.

Sarge47
07-14-2012, 08:39 AM
Update: Breaking my shopping list into chunks and ordering a few things at a time (trip is on Sept. 19).

Ordered these today:

Sleeping bag: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001TR7QZA/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

Camp mess kit (although I'm just bringing the pan with me, I ordered a full set for future outings): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018EQIGM/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i01

Just checked out the sleeping bag and reviews; many complaints so just treat it with TLC and you should be alright. :cool2:

Batch
07-14-2012, 09:18 AM
As far as coffee goes. I have the Jetboil Java which is a stove/pot system with a coffee press. It all fits in compactly and isn't terrible heavy.

But, I stopped using the coffee press because it was another thing to clean up. I went back to using Folgers Singles.

I didn't see a mention of a stove kit. So, I am assuming you are using wood. I would still take a compact stove kit. There are many out there and plans all over the internet to make your own. Some sites to check out are:

http://www.campstovewizard.com/Homemade-Camp-Stoves.html

http://zenstoves.net/LinksGeneral-DIY.htm

You can google or search youtube and you'll find a ton of info. I cook over fire more than anyone I personally know. I usually have my truck near by and so I have a folding grill that I can set over the coals and cook like that. But, when it is hot out the last thing you need is to cook over a big fire or even near a big fire.

Also, if your going to enjoy a cup of coffee. The stoves are a much more efficient way to heat the water than an open fire.

kyratshooter
07-14-2012, 10:10 AM
This is a well used trail so you probably will not have a choice of open fire. All the wilderness areas in my part of the country are on 'burn ban" at this time. Most public areas do not allow cutting wood and deadfall wood is often scarce along these byways.

That means you can probably leave the hatchet at home too. Where you are going is not the wilderness, it is a well established hiking trail.

Beerjerk
07-15-2012, 04:32 PM
This is a well used trail so you probably will not have a choice of open fire. All the wilderness areas in my part of the country are on 'burn ban" at this time. Most public areas do not allow cutting wood and deadfall wood is often scarce along these byways.

That means you can probably leave the hatchet at home too. Where you are going is not the wilderness, it is a well established hiking trail.

True, I crossed off the hatchet and instead bringing along a canister stove to boil water for mre's. Thinking of getting this:

http://www.amazon.com/Ultralight-Backpacking-Canister-Stove-Ignition/dp/B004U8CP88/ref=lh_ni_t

crashdive123
07-15-2012, 04:36 PM
You don't need to boil water for MRE's. If you want to eat them hot, MRE heaters are an easy solution. If you meant freeze dried or dehydrated - gotcha.

No experience with the stove you listed. I absolutely love my Coleman Exponent F1 Ultralight Stove http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Exponent-F1-Ultralight-Stove/dp/B0009VC7UG

Beerjerk
07-15-2012, 04:47 PM
You don't need to boil water for MRE's. If you want to eat them hot, MRE heaters are an easy solution. If you meant freeze dried or dehydrated - gotcha.

No experience with the stove you listed. I absolutely love my Coleman Exponent F1 Ultralight Stove http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Exponent-F1-Ultralight-Stove/dp/B0009VC7UG

That Coleman looks sweet, and it has glowing reviews, might consider that one. I'm bringing along Mountain House freeze dried mre's, so the stove is a must.

My food will consist of Mountain House mre's, crackers, small trail mix packs, and jerky, as well as some tea bags and dehydrated coffee packets.

Celticwarrior
07-15-2012, 05:54 PM
Yeah, I never understand when people want MREs for a planned hike. Ugh. There are tons of shelf stable foods on the shelf in the supermarket that will ride just fine for 4 or 5 days in the pack. Noodles, sauces, stews, soups, 'microwave' meals (can usually be cooked/heated up in a regular pan instead), Burger/Tuna helpers, DH instant potatoes and rices, bisquick mixes, tortillas, margarines, sausages/pepperoni/salami in vacpacks, velveeta 'cheese' (shelf stable at room temp), tea bags and Folgers' coffee bags, jif individual PB cups, tuna/salmon/chicken foil packs and even tuna/chicken salad mix packets for sandwiches, canned meats like vienna sausages, ham, roast beef, chicken or turkey, small 'microwave' cups of Chef Boyardee pasta & meat entrees, Dinty Moore and Marie Callendar shelf-stable meals (add water and heat up), multi-spice containers with onion/garlic/season salt/curry/salt/pepper plus some DH onion, italian spices, red pepper flakes, and powdered parmasian/romano cheese. Flavor powder (koolaid, gatorade, lemonade, MIO) to make water more palatable. Instant jello pudding mix, or cookies/crackers for desserts, or MH FD ice cream. There are just so many decent options that weigh about the same as MH foods and WAY less than MRE's, I would always look at those first. Usually they are cheaper, easier to get, and can be repacked easier. If I am packing my trunk for the winter, then I want something that will still be as edible in March as it was in November, but if I am packing for next weekend on the trail, I don't care if it will last 5 years or not.

Kamel
07-15-2012, 06:10 PM
Yah I was in Dunhams sports today and MH meals run around 8 bucks. In my pack I have 4 Ramen packs and Trail mix. Im adding more of course. And, when in a survival situation, isnt salt bad? cause if so, would ramen even be worth taking if you dont use the flavor packets, considering theyre 98% sodium?

Sarge47
07-15-2012, 06:41 PM
Don't forget the Spam! Add it to the Ramen! :chinese:

Kamel
07-15-2012, 06:44 PM
oooo, maybe some spam would be good in my pack, didnt even think of it, Ive had spam about twice in my life because my mom absolutely HATED the stuff when I was growing up.

Celticwarrior
07-15-2012, 06:47 PM
Yah I was in Dunhams sports today and MH meals run around 8 bucks. In my pack I have 4 Ramen packs and Trail mix. Im adding more of course. And, when in a survival situation, isnt salt bad? cause if so, would ramen even be worth taking if you dont use the flavor packets, considering theyre 98% sodium?

Depends on the weather. Salt when it is hot out is good, as it replenishes sodium lost in sweat. Also it helps to have something with some flavor. However, you can always buy a small bottle of granulated boullion in a low-sodium form and take it to compliment your noodles. http://healthyheartmarket.com/herb-oxchickenbouillon-50packets-sodiumfree.aspx for example.

Kamel
07-15-2012, 06:51 PM
Yah ive heard about that before, very good suggestion, thanks

Rick
07-15-2012, 06:53 PM
I don't know anything about that stove either. I carry an MSR Pocket Rocket.

http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___87758#

Whatever you decide to purchase you'll want to make a few tools to keep them running. If you have a boil over or spill on the burner it can clog the burner holes. I have two tools taped to the outside of my plastic stove case.

The first one is just a piece of automotive wire stripped of insulation about 1/2 inch back. That leaves the wires exposed like a little brush to clean out the holes.

The other is just a solid piece of thin, strong wire to poke the crud out if the brush approach doesn't work. Together, they look like:

http://media.wiley.com/Lux/30/307530.image0.jpg (http://media.wiley.com/Lux/30/307530.image0.jpg)

Sarge47
07-15-2012, 06:55 PM
oooo, maybe some spam would be good in my pack, didnt even think of it, Ive had spam about twice in my life because my mom absolutely HATED the stuff when I was growing up.

http://www.spam.com/ Click on "Recipes" at the top of the page! :detective:

Rick
07-15-2012, 06:58 PM
If you go that route look for single serving cans. They are about 1/3 the size of a regular can and about 1/3 the weight.

Kamel
07-15-2012, 07:01 PM
Dont they make spam in plastic pouches aswell? I think thatd be worth mentioning aswell if there is.

Rick
07-15-2012, 07:05 PM
Yes, they do. It's called the Single Serving Classic. Look for it in a store near you.

Sarge47
07-15-2012, 07:32 PM
As long as it hasn't been opened Spam is "shelf stable" and does not require refrigeration...just like jerky. :detective:

Rick
07-15-2012, 08:33 PM
I thought it might help to actually see the packages.

Smaller 7 ounce can:

http://www.simplygroceries.com/uploads/images/thumbnails/1105.jpg (http://www.simplygroceries.com/uploads/images/thumbnails/1105.jpg)



Pouch:

http://cdn.spam.com/img/Single-CLassic.png (http://cdn.spam.com/img/Single-CLassic.png)

Kamel
07-15-2012, 08:51 PM
Jerky is damn expensive and make it a huge turn off for me. Im guessing the protein and fat in them is really good and doesnt go bad quickly, but the price ugh.

Beerjerk
07-15-2012, 09:23 PM
The mre's I had originally planned on cost $40 for 6 meals (with no snacks). I think I could save half the cost if I just went to Dollar General and picked up some tuna, spam, noodles, crackers, tea, coffee, and jerky. Thanks for the valuable info, I'm already saving money, time, and weight with your advice!

Beerjerk
07-15-2012, 09:24 PM
Also, the Devil's Path is known to have black bears. Should I invest in a bear container to avoid getting my food stolen, or should I hang the food?

intothenew
07-15-2012, 09:40 PM
Remember, beyond the negatives of a REAL MRE, that they don't need water to eat. A couple of ounces of water will cook them. Take one at least, A REAL US GI MRE. The subject is simply availability of potable water. Sometimes you have to work for it, or just drop a tab. How many tabs ya' got?

Jerky takes a lot of water to digest. It's good for a short snack, but has some maintenance issues long term. It's really good to use in soups and stews, you get the hydration when you eat.

I absolutely love it, but spam is loaded with sodium, heads up. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT, use the flavor packets in ramen. Best to carry a bulk noodle.

Kamel
07-15-2012, 09:43 PM
These guys definitely have the advice you need. **** dollar general man, dollar tree bro. everything is a dollar. They got everything, its cheap stuff but its for 3 days, you should be fine with some of there food, BUT if youre fan of the Flamin Hot cheetos, DO NOT BUY THERE HOT CHEESE PUFFS. for the love of god dont do it. there corn chips are good, lil debbies, hot sauce is good, Louisiana kind. even spatulas and tools to I could find there could be useful for 3 days. mini hammer for tent stakes or spitting wood with an axe. Idk, I might just be a cheap *** but some of there stuff for a weekend trip could be useful, NOT in a real survival situation. Im not trying to talk like i know anything, cause i dont. but they got so much ****, something there has to be useful for a dollar for a trip.

Rick
07-15-2012, 09:46 PM
Oh, you big silly. First, there are a lot of civilian MRE's on the market that are just as good as a regular US GI MRE because they are made by the same company on the same line. (I use the term "good" sparingly here, okay?). I've had both the real deal and A-Paks and can't tell the difference. Osmotic raisins suck sand in both. The drink packets are A#1.

I've never used any water in an MRE or an A-Pak. Just heated them with the MRE heater and munched away. That dang heater gets hot, too.

If you get the Light Spam it's low sodium and tastes much better in my opinion.

You really have to get out more. Those soldiers are keeping you tied to closely to the fort.

Rick
07-15-2012, 09:52 PM
Kamel - You need to think outside the box a little more. You don't have to buy a whole lot of stuff. A rock makes a good hammer for driving stakes assuming the area you are in has rocks. You can break fire wood by inserting it between two close trees and snapping it off. I use both methods quite a bit. I don't carry a hammer. I do have a tomahawk most times but my pounding is usually done with a rock. You can trim up a couple of chop sticks to eat with in no time. Clean up a green stick to stir with. Just use what Ma Nature gave ya.
I'm caveman Grog like that.

crashdive123
07-15-2012, 09:57 PM
Kamel - you're drinking again aren't you? I noticed earlier you could type without all of the **** showing up.:innocent:

intothenew
07-15-2012, 10:04 PM
................I've never used any water in an MRE or an A-Pak. Just heated them with the MRE heater and munched away. That dang heater gets hot, too.

You have to use a couple of ounces for that, don't cha?


.....If you get the Light Spam it's low sodium and tastes much better in my opinion.

Never seen it in the foil packs.


............You really have to get out more. Those soldiers are keeping you tied to closely to the fort.


But, I like it here. The fish are bitin' and the veggies are going wild.

Kamel
07-15-2012, 10:08 PM
ummm, yah. haha only after 5 tho :D. and rocks man, how could i forget.

Rick
07-15-2012, 10:09 PM
The heaters have all had the salt water pouch with them. So yeah, Mister going all technical on me, you have to use a couple of ounces of water.

(first he's talking puttin' water in the MRE then he's talkin' in the heater. Some guys, I swear. Oooh. Butterflies.)

crashdive123
07-15-2012, 10:11 PM
Spam Lite Singles are available

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAgjLGmmMEU/TMfHD3Xr4dI/AAAAAAAAAwg/DRJdgtRAnYo/s1600/69329_1638857409826_1188490352_1759530_11255_n.jpg

Rick
07-15-2012, 10:13 PM
Man! I need a T shirt that says that on it. Especially the 50% less fat part.

intothenew
07-15-2012, 10:22 PM
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_uAgjLGmmMEU/TMfHD3Xr4dI/AAAAAAAAAwg/DRJdgtRAnYo/s1600/69329_1638857409826_1188490352_1759530_11255_n.jpg

I'll take a case. That's still 30% RDA SOD, but I love the stuff. I sure hope CW is right.

Rick
07-16-2012, 07:17 AM
We're talkin' asteroids, zombies, EMPs and super volcanoes and you're worried about a little salt? Pfffft.

kyratshooter
07-16-2012, 07:38 AM
Yea, taking diet foods in to a survival setting where you are fighting for every calorie seems counterproductive, does it not?

I want bacon!!!!
http://www.kraftbrands.com/oscarmayer/bacon/fully-cooked.html

After reading all these posts and all these replies all I have left to say is:

GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!!!

intothenew
07-16-2012, 08:23 AM
We're talkin' asteroids, zombies, EMPs and super volcanoes and you're worried about a little salt? Pfffft.


I have consciously grounded myself on preps, hopefully for the benefit of the varmints. Focus is on such things as UV exposure, Lyme disease, hydration, sanitation, first aid, and to some extent nutrition. How to cook good Mule has been a recent addition. I'm trying to wean me, and them, from some of this pre-packaged garbage. Or, at least make smarter choices. The apocalyptic scenarios can wait, at least until they bring the subject up.

But, on a purely personal note, maybe some of that will allow me to be around when the Zombies come. I'll be pretty handy if/when it happens.

Rick
07-16-2012, 10:06 AM
Salt and all the other chemicals preserve food. It should work the same for people...right?......Based on my diet I'll be preserved until 2140 at least.

Sarge47
07-16-2012, 11:28 AM
1st, check out any yard sales in your area! I have a Coleman single burner Mountaineering stove complete with hose, stand, a half a bottle of Propane, the original box, and instructions that I scored at a yard sale several years ago for only 3 bucks! I've also bought Nalgene water bottles anywhere from 50 cents up to 3 bucks, most never used! I paid out $5 for an MSR cook set with carry bag, small spoon and knife, and pot lifter. You can score big at yard/garage sales as well as flea markets if you keep your eyes open!

2nd, plan your food around daily menus...for example a breakfast might be as follows:

1 packet of coffee/sugar/creamer.(you may not use either the sugar or creamer, but you get the idea.)
1 individual size of instant oatmeal and 1 packet of sugar.
dried fruit.

Anyway, that's what I'm talking about. MRI has some grat tips on trail food and cooking! :thumbup1: