I'm following a survivalism channel on the web and last video revolved around people's unpreparedness. Have you ever analyzed queues of refugees to see what they carry? It's worrisome and devastating.
Research with refugees from various countries and under different circumstances (some fled without warning) shows that people tend to carry sentimental objects (photos, teddy bears, bibles, worthless jewelry, etc); or electronics without chargers; not enough water and food for the first days; worthless local paper money; house and car keys that they are leaving behind; inappropriate clothes and et cetera.
Leaving everything behind isn't easy — quite obvious to point that out —, so our best hope is to be prepared. For that reason, I propose a challenge.
Surviving in Argentina
The situation: We need to flee our homes for whatever reason (natural disaster, war, government, etc) and we have five minutes to grab items for the journey. We don't know exactly where we are going; the idea is to run away. There's nobody to help us on the way. We can't use any motor vehicle to load stuff.
The idea is not to post about those super awesome ideal equipment. Look around your surroundings and take five minutes to find items that you already have near you. Explain your decisions. Good luck.
Shit got serious and time is ticking. I first run to my bedroom and open the wardrobe. First item on my hand is a 50L hiking backpack. I open it wide and start shoving a winter sleeping bag inside without much organization. Inside the wardrobe there's a plastic container with all my camping gear (sleeping mat, tent, dry bags, medical kit and stove) that also go into the backpack.
Backpack
Camping gear
On the top part of the same wardrobe I pick a rain jacket and another down jacket and stuff into the backpack. On the first drawer I pick a handful of socks and underwear. From the second drawer comes a pair of two-in-one trousers, a bunch of second layer shirts, and two second skin pants.
Moving to the left part of the wardrobe. I pick two fleece blouses (and I hope they aren't in the washer) and whatever t-shirts are there.
I'm right now laying in bed, so I have to put on my shoes (untied because there's no time). I pull a notebook from the bedside table (you'll understand why later). Cell phone is in my pocket.
The kitchen is near. I open the counter drawer and grab both the Swiss Army knife and Sawyer water filter. Also, from the counter comes my camping pan (I store it as a kit with fork, spoon, a cloth, fire kit, etc). It all goes inside the backpack.
Minor items
Cooking gear
Lastly, I open our food storage and stuff every piece of junk food and canned food on the way. Before leaving I put two water bottles on each side of the backpack and grab my wallet from the table.
Might be missing a lot of useful stuff, nor my organization at home helps, but that's what came across my mind as the chronometer ran. It's far from perfect, although better than fleeing bare-handed. Here's my thoughts.
I'd like to divide food and clothes, as they are the hardest items. The main reason: some clothes might not be in the wardrobe (other than jackets, etc) and there's no time to find them.
We don't generally have junk food (canned stuff, snacks, etc) at home, so that might be a problem in terms of preparedness.
That's controversial. Most people nowadays don't carry paper money; it's mostly debit/credit cards. Depending on the situation we might not have access to our bank accounts. Paper money is also worthless depending on the country.
I'd rather cross borders carrying Bitcoin, but that's a whole new survivalism post.
Set a chronometer for five minutes and try your best! Share your post in the comments so I can read, comment and upvote.
Peace.
Access Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/6500272773?
Disclaimer: The author of this post is a convict broke backpacker, who has travelled more than 10.000 km hitchhiking and more than 5.000 km cycling. Following him may cause severe problems of wanderlust and inquietud. You've been warned.
