Interesting read this one, I initially started thinking about total end of the world stuff a but as I worked my way down the thread started to trigger an interesting thought process. Is there a difference between a survival kit or just being prepared for what you may face?
I think we live in a very safe society and it is interesting to see what happens when a few things change that. Last winter was a good example of this, the snow meant we were house bound for 2 weeks and for 4 of those days we had no power. Now my interests meant that actually this was no an issue, we cooked on the camp stove we were heated by the open fire and we could get to the supermarket due to the kit we had (winter clothing, rucksacks, winter boots and spikes). I always keep extra tins pasta rice long life milk, egg/milk/flower powder and this meant we only needed to walk to the shops on a couple of occasions (mainly as we had run out of wine!). My wife’s micky taking of my gear has changed a bit since then!
What i did find interesting was the utter panic buying that was happening in the super markets and some of the comments that I heard, couples literally rushing down the isles trying to load up on as much as possible!
I also carry a first aid kit with me at most times, i have a little pea lighter torch and syderco bug on my keychain. I have used all of theses frequently, what I carry when I am out and about has allowed me to help fellow walkers, campers and canoeists on numerous occasions. Even the knowledge has helped me, recently coming of Ben Nevis we were able to help a lady with a fractured ankle, we were able to recognize signs of shock and made her a lot more comfortable until Mountain rescue arrived, who were pleasantly surprised by what we had done. What did amaze me was the panic of people around her, and also who they had rung for help (the visitors centre which closes at 5, it was 6:30).
Mountain rescue were great, we bought one of their little pamphlets on the way back. What surprised all of us were the number of serious injuries and even fatalities caused by people being ill prepared for what they may face, one lady was recovered from the summit suffering from sever hypothermia due to summiting in a bikini!
I personally feel a little bit of preparation and a little knowledge can make a big difference to your outcomes, I am by no means an expert in anything but I do feel over protected by society and want to be able to look after myself if this fails. I prefer to refer to what I carry as preparedness kit as apposed to a survival kit, and I will adjust it to where ever I am.