View Full Version : Your Ideal Doomsday Survival Situation/Prepper Thread
em2nought
08-10-23, 03:26 AM
What, the US? :k_confused:
We're heading toward me not wanting to be here under good ol' Brandon's reign. :03:
Otto Harkaman
08-10-23, 04:27 AM
Medical kit suggestions?
Lots of cheap ones advertised on Amazon, but which ones are good?
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/612v2BWjs3L._SL1500_.jpg
Skybird
08-12-23, 05:26 AM
Medical kit suggestions?
Lots of cheap ones advertised on Amazon, but which ones are good?
Those that you fill yourself. :03:
Get information on the Internet about recommended items for the region you are in, get a set and then complete it, replace the contents as needed. Included set-items often also have low quality. Dont depend on default sets.
The regional fpcus is important. For exmaple in the US I see many kits including stuff you use for treating wounds from shots. In Germany, certain such specific items are often not included.
Always never mentioned: a small mirror. You cannot treat yourself in the face if you cant see.
Otto Harkaman
08-12-23, 06:25 AM
Well I agree the best would be to build yourself, good idea about the mirror and it could also be used for signalling. Do you have one put together now?
I am interested into looking at what is available.
Amazon Best Sellers
https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-First-Aid-Kits/zgbs/hpc/3762881
CNN, The best first aid kits in 2023, tried and tested
https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/reviews/best-first-aid-kits
Verywellheath The 8 Best First Aid Kits of 2023
https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-first-aid-kits-4169572
* I agree most seem to be crap, but is there a good purchase out there?
em2nought
08-12-23, 12:12 PM
I'm paying attention because I need to carry a first aid kit soon, but I have no useful input.
I'm paying attention because I need to carry a first aid kit soon, but I have no useful input.
I have seen a few of these first aid kit, what baffle me is that none of them had first aid kit for teeth in the kit.
Markus
Jeff-Groves
08-12-23, 12:40 PM
Having been in the demolition trade for years, I built my own 1st Aid Kit.
It's packed into 2 metal Ammo cans.
Skybird
08-12-23, 01:50 PM
I have seen a few of these first aid kit, what baffle me is that none of them had first aid kit for teeth in the kit.
Markus
I have pliers on my pocket knife, so for me that wouldnt be a problem. :88)
Jimbuna
08-13-23, 08:38 AM
I have pliers on my pocket knife, so for me that wouldnt be a problem. :88)
https://i.postimg.cc/VNptWHBs/falseteeth-1.gif (https://postimages.org/)
Rockstar
08-13-23, 09:20 AM
Those that you fill yourself. :03:.
Couldn’t agree more.
I usually pack a roll of gauze some large gauze pads, an elastic bandage roll, tape, maybe some popsicles sticks and a wire splint, tourniquet, some bandaids. Antiseptics are a must just remember many have expiration dates.
Skybird
08-13-23, 09:29 AM
Russian first aid kit:
https://wijnhandel-slijterij.nl/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/3139650_digital-image.png
Otto Harkaman
08-13-23, 09:35 AM
OK well if everyone wants to just posture instead of providing information, I will add my two cents that as long as I don't bleed to death in 10min I am sure I will be quickly transported to one of at least five top notch hospitals within throwing distance of my apartment.
I was just hoping someone might know a reputable company that makes good medical kits. Could be for in a car, at home, just in case on a camping trip. I wasn't looking for something that would carry me through a firefight in Africa against the Wagner group.
:k_confused:
OK well if everyone wants to just posture instead of providing information, I will add my two cents that as long as I don't bleed to death in 10min I am sure I will be quickly transported to one of at least five top notch hospitals within throwing distance of my apartment.
I was just hoping someone might know a reputable company that makes good medical kits. Could be for in a car, at home, just in case on a camping trip. I wasn't looking for something that would carry me through a firefight in Africa against the Wagner group.
:k_confused:
Because there's a huge variety of these first aid kits.
I made a search for both first aid kit and tooth aid kits and I found a lot of different pack of first aid kits and some tooth aid kits. So I did not know what to post.
We have a private ambulance service here in Denmark called Falk. I use to have their first aid kit.
I post this homepage 'cause here you have a decent mount of first aid kits and other important things to stay alert.
https://www.redcross.org/store/first-aid-supplies
Markus
Otto Harkaman
08-13-23, 10:02 AM
^ Great idea! I didn't think to look there :up:
Rockstar
08-13-23, 01:09 PM
OK well if everyone wants to just posture instead of providing information, I will add my two cents that as long as I don't bleed to death in 10min I am sure I will be quickly transported to one of at least five top notch hospitals within throwing distance of my apartment.
I was just hoping someone might know a reputable company that makes good medical kits. Could be for in a car, at home, just in case on a camping trip. I wasn't looking for something that would carry me through a firefight in Africa against the Wagner group.
:k_confused:
You mentioned camping, that’s why as a backcountry camper I recommended bandaids for the little boo boos. The elastic bandage roll for ankle injury. tape for finger splints and maybe a wire splint, a triangle bandage for use as a sling or a tourniquet, gauze pads or roll for deep cuts from a hatchet or knife cutting wood. Antiseptics are a must just remember many have an expiration date. Oh, one more thing maybe a packet of bleed stop if your really gushing
IMO only, Much of the stuff in those prepackaged kits anyone can live and survive without. If there is something useful in them you have to sift through all the zippers filled with dozens of crap lotions, creams, anti diarrheal, catheters, aspirins, antacids, motion sickness, baby wipes, cough and cold meds, rubber gloves, masks, iodine tablets, just to find what you really need.
Unless you’re camping next to a hospital. My recommendation is prepare for the bad things that could happen which would prevent me from just getting in the car and go see a doctor. Also everything can fit neatly in a ziplock bag and stored in an easy access fanny pack or outside pocket of a backpack.
Otto Harkaman
08-13-23, 01:22 PM
^:up:
I was just hoping there might be something legit to buy outright.
Jeff-Groves
08-13-23, 01:25 PM
IMO only, Much of the stuff in those prepackaged kits anyone can live and survive without.
Exactly the reason I built my own 1st Aid kits.
50 packs of Aspirin is pretty worthless. Not to mention every swinging Richard on the Site would raid those instead of buying them for their hangovers!
On job sites it's illegal to have your kit locked. So I stopped stocking Aspirin and minor stuff. Just the important stuff to handle bad injuries. Aspirin don't help when a Guy cuts an arm needing 37 stitches!
The most important first aid kit consist of two small tin/copper cup and a bottle of ones favorite bottle of alcohol. :D
Markus
Jeff-Groves
08-13-23, 03:57 PM
For band-aides I'd suggest the fabric ones over the plastic style.
Then learn how to x-cut them for fingers and such. They hold better and last longer. Toss in a roll of electrical tape also. A million+ construction workers swear by electrical tape for 1st aid!
:har:
I kept yellow, red, and green rolls of electrical tape.
Red for Gonna need stiches.
Yellow for keep an eye on it.
Green for just stopping blood drips from getting all over.
Skybird
08-13-23, 04:05 PM
^:up:
I was just hoping there might be something legit to buy outright.
You must learn the components anyway, because even sealed packages do not last forever and the sterility is guaranteed only for 2-4 years or so. You should and must check the kit at least once a year, check the dates, and replace individual components. Quality Medikits in mostly orange coloured hardcase boxes often have (in Germany at least) a date marked on the case that indicates until when the content is guaranteed to be sterile.
Check youtube for "medkit, medikit". A few outdoor and prepper videos there focussing on them.
Otto Harkaman
08-13-23, 06:30 PM
^:up:
Thanks for everyone's advice, I will go through every post of suggested items and make a list. :salute:
This looks like an interesting article
https://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-ifak-pouches-kits/
The thing about first aid is that if you aren’t trained in how to apply it, does a bunch of gear help you?
First aid is a lot like shooting a gun. All the gear in the world isn’t going to make you better at it.
The distinction is more or less just semantics. A first aid kit is best for the small things. An IFAK is just more complete for curing the nastier wounds.
You can buy a pre-made kit, or you can build your own. We’ll cover a little bit of both in this article, but before that happens, let’s talk about what an IFAK should be and what it should do.
https://www.pewpewtactical.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/3.-DIY-First-Aid-Kit-Car-1024x768.jpg
^ Great idea! I didn't think to look there :up:
Having a first aid kit only makes you dangerous.
You HAVE to know how (and when) to use it. :yep:
:smug:
Edit- Nevermind, you posted that last one while I was posting this. :O:
em2nought
08-30-23, 12:56 AM
Kind of fancy!
French RCIR 24-Hour Ration Menu #13
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZtcFL8-qCc
em2nought
09-15-23, 09:13 AM
Variation on the watermill. :hmmm:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l9xAFzlyhg
Rockstar
09-15-23, 01:03 PM
Variation on the watermill. :hmmm:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l9xAFzlyhg
Perpetual motion is impossible.
We embrace and accept the laws of Thermodynamics at Subsim. :subsim:
em2nought
09-15-23, 03:02 PM
We embrace and accept the laws of Thermodynamics at Subsim. :subsim:
It's been so long that I forget those. :D
I have several different first aid kits adapted for different applications.
All of the kits have the basic set of first aid supplies such as band-aids, salves, aspirin, antacid tablets and whatnot, but depending on what i'm using it for I'll add some extra items to cover the specific ailments I am likely to encounter.
For example the first aid kit that goes in my shooting range bag also has gunshot trauma items like Army field dressings, vented chest seals and a tourniquet in case anyone gets accidentally ventilated.
The kit that lives in the rack box of my ATV on the other hand has different trauma items like an inflatable splint for broken bones, ace bandages for sprains, bottled water for dehydration, a snake bite kit, some Benedryl, a space blanket and even a silly looking folding wide brimmed sun hat for shade from the hot burning sun.
The kit I keep in the truck is a bit larger with more of the basics as well as similar trauma items to what is found in the other kits. In the winter it also includes stuff like a sleeping bag, mittens and hat, flashlight, candle heater and some hard candy in case I get stranded out in East Jesus somewhere in a repeat of the Blizzard of '78.
The first aid kits for the house and cabin, being stationary have even larger quantities of the basics.
From Avalanche to Artillery Barrage I try to stay prepared for it. :03:
em2nought
11-13-23, 03:58 AM
Have secured about a pound of pre 1933 goodness in my prepper kit. :up:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t6DhAkhpq8
Somebody should really introduce ammo with silver bullets instead of lead. You could then sell all your silver, and just keep ammo cutting your storage weight significantly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXF4ds_6ZiM
Steve1989-a-palooza. :Kaleun_Smile::p2:
I'm only adding this because its Steve Recommended. :yep:
https://www.mre-empire.com/
I've never ordered from them and have no experience with the LLC.
That said, they're based in the (post-BREXIT) UK and you should anticipate some random hassles with Customs, due to what's being shipped.
Also understand, modern MREs tend to stay shelf stable for only a couple of years even if stored in a cool, dry environment.
Stuff that's on sale at 90% off, there's a good reason that's easy to figure out. :yep:
Bon Appetit and BOMBS AWAY! :arrgh!:
Rockstar
11-19-23, 01:40 PM
…
Somebody should really introduce ammo with silver bullets instead of lead. You could then sell all your silver, and just keep ammo cutting your storage weight significantly.
Melt down granny’s silver set then cast your own silver boolits and load the ammo yourself. It’s easy to do, no rocket science required. You can pick-up a press, reloading dies, and boolit mold for under 250 dollars. If you shoot a lot it pays for itself fairly quick using Starline brass you could reuse their straight case brass easily 3-5 times before worrying about the case cracking (depends on powder charge and annealing process). Expendables like powder, cartridge cases, primers the price will go up a little more.
On a more serious note unless you’re hunting werewolves silver may not be the best metal to shoot through the barrel anyway. Best brinell hardness of the boolit depends on the powder charge and muzzle velocities achieved with the gun you’re shooting. Too soft or hard and the barrel might lead up.
Red October1984
11-19-23, 02:38 PM
I'm only adding this because its Steve Recommended. :yep:
https://www.mre-empire.com/
I've never ordered from them and have no experience with the LLC.
That said, they're based in the (post-BREXIT) UK and you should anticipate some random hassles with Customs, due to what's being shipped.
Also understand, modern MREs tend to stay shelf stable for only a couple of years even if stored in a cool, dry environment.
Stuff that's on sale at 90% off, there's a good reason that's easy to figure out. :yep:
Bon Appetit and BOMBS AWAY! :arrgh!:
Price pretty good for US MREs if you're in the UK. Though, if you're in the US try to find a different supplier. With shipping for me it's about a $110 markup from what they cost.
If you have US military base access you can find them at the commissary on base. Usually 120$ a case.
Civ side, you can find them 130-150 a case.
I pick up a case before long camping trips. Theyre good camp food.
Or, show up at an Open House on a base and see what they're giving away. :up:
I had a serious Jones for Corn Flake Bars from the mid-70's and early 80's until they were replaced.
:Kaleun_Salivating:
em2nought
02-11-24, 10:22 PM
On a more serious note unless you’re hunting werewolves silver may not be the best metal to shoot through the barrel anyway. Best brinell hardness of the boolit depends on the powder charge and muzzle velocities achieved with the gun you’re shooting. Too soft or hard and the barrel might lead up.
I'd probably only use silver in the SHTF ammo, not the practice ammo. :03:
On a different note, I wonder what everyone thinks of this indoor/outdoor heater & cook stove? Might be living in a van during some nasty weather while following those blades around. https://www.mypatriotsupply.com/products/vesta-self-powered-indoor-space-heater-and-stove-by-instafire-canned-heat-cooking-fuel
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61pX8MFlmsL._AC_SL1000_.jpg
Skybird
02-12-24, 02:52 AM
Would prefer my rocket stove, no dependency on those burning paste cartridges. A rocket stove burns just any dry biomass without setting the place ablaze. Not for indoor use though.
em2nought
02-21-24, 12:51 AM
Would prefer my rocket stove, no dependency on those burning paste cartridges. A rocket stove burns just any dry biomass without setting the place ablaze. Not for indoor use though.
I intend to make a rocket stove when I'm living near my buddy who has some welding skills. :03:
For people in the USA with Ollie's Outlets in their state, I just picked up a large 50 ounce can of Campbell's Chili con Carne for $2.49 that has a March 2025 date. It has a huge number of 1/2 inch x 1/2 inch chunks of meat in it. Probably half the can is meat, and it's listed as the first ingredient on the can. I'm going to stock up on a few of these as they'd be good for on the road in remote locations, and to add to the short duration prepper pantry.
If they can smell you in the next county, just how "Prepper" is it? :hmm2:
Skybird
02-21-24, 03:32 AM
I intend to make a rocket stove when I'm living near my buddy who has some welding skills. :03:
For people in the USA with Ollie's Outlets in their state, I just picked up a large 50 ounce can of Campbell's Chili con Carne for $2.49 that has a March 2025 date. It has a huge number of 1/2 inch x 1/2 inch chunks of meat in it. Probably half the can is meat, and it's listed as the first ingredient on the can. I'm going to stock up on a few of these as they'd be good for on the road in remote locations, and to add to the short duration prepper pantry.
If tthey make the tin of good quality, it should last many years longer than the printed date. If it does not, then better avoid eating it even within the printed date.
Something I've been working with:
https://healthyheartmarket.com/cdn/shop/products/bens-original-ready-rice-long-grain-white-original-no-sodium-8.8-oz-healthy-heart-market_1400x.jpg?v=1648142839
:yeah:
These packs are pretty cheap and are room temperature shelf stable for at least a year.
The package says "for the microwave" but you can also pan fry it after adding 2 TBSPs of water. You can find this stuff in most North American grocery stores. There are many different flavors (wild, oriental, Spanish, etc.) so no worries about getting bored. Also, a neat "filler" for stuff like canned or dehydrated meals or soups.
The package is a thick, strong plastic with a gusseted bottom, so you can take it outdoors.
I'd like to report on how they hold up over the long term, but they don't stay on my shelf too long. :yep:
So, what's the difference between this and good old dry rice? Water and time. :yeah: You just need to heat it up and, at most, add a little water.
Skybird
02-21-24, 05:35 AM
Now being carnivore, prepping in a meat-eaters way is difficult - and not the focus of emergency prepping anyway. Therefore I still stockpile plenty of millet, my secret tip for prepping. Plus plenty of bagged chicken-based meals in outdoor capable plastic bags like that Uncle Bens rice - which actually taste delicously good. And have a printed shelf life of ten years. From the Czech Republic.
I could slam the hatch and go on a dive and not surface again for 2-3 months, without early warning or preparation. Water, food, energy, warmth, hygiene - its all there. Would need to stretch myself a bit, but in case of emergency I could last that long.
Interesting it becomes after that. But I own no land, no farming ground or anything like that, so self-farming and such is illusory.
Also, violence will take over after already a couple of days, if the briown stuff hits the fan. Lets be realistic, I live not in isolated wilderness but an urban, densely populated area full of hungry, big apes and I am very limited in my long distance mobility (practically non-existent), so its absolutely uncertain I would survive my self-defence long enough to eat through all those reserves myself. Because, no doubt on that, the biggest issue in such a scenario would be my loving contemporaries.
Well, it was something I hinted at in my last post. Dried (hard) rice keeps forever BUT turning it into something edible can be a challenge.
Boiling a gallon of water in the great outdoors is a pain in the ###. :yep:
Try this experiment: Go to your kitchen and grab a pan. Fill it with water from the tap. Set it on the stove and turn on the burner. Stay there and watch what happens.
Are you getting bored or impatient yet? :O: It takes a while, doesn't it?
Now, we're dealing with an ideal situation. Let's move it outdoors..
First, you'll need to build a fire unless you have a cricket stove. Gather some stuff to burn. You'll need enough fuel to build a fire that will last long enough to boil that same pot of water. Now, clear out a fire pit and start looking for rocks to build the walls. Has the lightbulb switched on yet? This is a VERY in-efficient process. :yep: We haven't even added in the time it will take to cook your food.
Speaking of water, how did you bring enough of it? A five gallon Jerry Can strapped to your back? Maybe you carried it with your arms? Ever pick up a five gallon can of water? Its freaking HEAVY. A canteen isn't going to cut it, that's just for sipping during the day. Maybe you set up your camp site near a spring of flowing water? Maybe that explains why your fire keeps going out. :doh: Oh, did you bring chlorine tablets to sanitize that spring water? :O: Boiling it may not be enough.
OK, what about if you brought along some of those flameless (chemical) ration heaters? Make sure you bring some extra table salt. :yep: Flameless heaters are notorious for being duds. This is very true once they get old (anything after two years after they were produced). Sometimes you can add some extra salt to the water that's going to power the heater.
One other thing to consider if we're talking about a "prepper" situation and cooking on an open fire, did you bring enough food for everyone? Cooking on that fire is going to call in EVERY survivor within two to three acres of your location. :O:
Skybird
02-21-24, 11:03 AM
Both rice and millet swell on their own, even if the water has not been heated to cooking temperature.
Millet is much healthier than white or whole grain rice, is more versatile (for my taste) and contains more micronutrients. As the grains are smaller, it swells more quickly. Even before I turned carnivore, millet had completely (!) replaced rice in my kitchen.
One other thing to consider if we're talking about a "prepper" situation and cooking on an open fire, did you bring enough food for everyone? Cooking on that fire is going to call in EVERY survivor within two to three acres of your location. :O:You dont make an open fore in these kind of scenarios while being unsheltered, but outdoors. Cold cans only. It snot about taste, its not about healthy nutrients - its about pure calory intake: fast, efficient, and inconspicuous. Not getting seen, not getting heard - not getting smelled. No open fires. No tobacco stuff.
Heck, no eau de toilette! :D
Armistead
02-21-24, 11:37 AM
I keep a large supply of those lil cans of Vienna Weenies
This is why I keep thumping on Hormel Compleats. :yeah:
https://i5.walmartimages.com/seo/HORMEL-COMPLEATS-Protein-Variety-Pack-Microwave-Meals-Pack-of-5_a17d4a25-b36b-4aba-985c-a01499ceedec.a8d382306c9dc81fad824acd4526c80a.jpeg ?odnHeight=640&odnWidth=640&odnBg=FFFFFF
I'm not sure if you have anything like this in the UK or Europe, but these things stay room temp. shelf stable for 3-5 years, should be microwaved but are already pre-cooked so they can be choked down with nothing more than a plastic spork, the containers are VERY tough and portable, and you can pack out a dozen of them without too much of a hassle. There's a wide variety of different meals and one of them is enough to keep you going for 12-18 hours.
Definitely not what you would eat at Grandma's house (unless Grandma spent a lot of time in prison) and also not very healthy due to high levels of sodium, but they will keep you going, even if you're stuck eating them at room temperature. :)
Skybird
02-21-24, 12:30 PM
I'm not sure if you have anything like this in the UK or Europe,
Well, its a couple of years now that we have risen above the level of third world countries, you know! :03: :O: :D
Anyway, a dedicated shop with dependencies in Switzerland and Germany:
https://sichersatt.de/en/
And years ago I orderd a few dozens of these, have tested each variation since then, and some of it was restaurant quality, no comparison to canned food):
https://www.expresmenu.uk/jednoporcova-jidla/
Its a Czech company.
https://www.expresmenu.uk/beef-meat/
Now we talk!
Skybird
02-21-24, 12:46 PM
And of course the world-famous canned Tomato cream soup by Heinz, one of the two pillars the company founded its fame on. Very very unhealthy. :D Very very lecker. :haha: Ideal with noodles, rice, millet, anything. Best tomato soup I ever tasted. I never eat it, but I would kill for it.
Well, its a couple of years now that we have risen above the level of third world countries, you know! :03: :O: :D
Anyway, a dedicated shop with dependencies in Switzerland and Germany:
https://sichersatt.de/en/
And years ago I orderd a few dozens of these, have tested each variation since then, and some of it was restaurant quality, no comparison to canned food):
https://www.expresmenu.uk/jednoporcova-jidla/
Its a Czech company.
https://www.expresmenu.uk/beef-meat/
Now we talk!
Oh good lord! :o
Expressmenu is PEOPLE! :Kaleun_Sick::k_confused:
Those are bags of "long pork".
:Kaleun_Goofy:
em2nought
02-23-24, 01:19 AM
This is why I keep thumping on Hormel Compleats. :yeah:
They're BOGO at Winn Dixie this week, might try one or two. :hmmm:
After being to Asia, I might argue that the entire West is now composed of third world countries. ;) We just don't know it. ;)
They're BOGO at Winn Dixie this week, might try one or two. :hmmm:
After being to Asia, I might argue that the entire West is now composed of third world countries. ;) We just don't know it. ;)
Going into a 7-11 in Hong Kong was one the worst decisions I ever made. :O:
Remember, I'm thumping the Compleats as a "stay alive" ration. The chili is GOOD, the Beefy Mac is also good hangover food as long as you can heat it. The rest tend to be an "adventure" but they'll keep you alive. :doh: Avoid the mashed taters at all costs, something REALLY un-natural is going on. :03:
:Kaleun_Thumbs_Up:
Skybird
02-27-24, 10:37 AM
As I've been snacking on my supplies over the last few years and testing what it tastes like, it was time to fill the gaps left by the stolen bags. I have enough of these for 5 weeks, so just over 3 dozen. Plus several kilos of millet, then lots of tinned fish, other tinned food with rations of less flavorful quality than these bagged meals. A few kilos of rice and oats are probably also lying around canned somewhere. Normally rationed, I can last a quarter of a year with one warm main meal a day, and something secondary per day. Stretched out, even longer.
The bags that were delivered today contain 600 grams, or 300 grams as pure meat only. Shelf life until summer and fall 2033! Can be eaten cold or heated, in the microwave, in a pot, in a water bath. No water is added, these are meals ready to eat. Also good for trekking, hiking, day trips, camping.
As for the price, that's just the way it is these days, and certain ideologues want to use the price as a means of conditioning people to not eat meat or eggs or butter at all. But by way of comparison, if I buy a 300-330g Entrecote steak pre-packed in the supermarket, I currently pay around ten euros for it. A ribeye steak of Argentinian beef from the Maredo brand also costs 10 euros - per 200 grams - in the local supermarket - and there is only one source for both in the whole city, I must launch an expedition once a week to get there, its on the other side of the town. I do it, to keep costs "affordable". At the butcher's counter in the supermarket, the fillet steak and rump steak, which are more common in this country, both cost far too much. When I ask for RibEye or Entrecote, they just stare at me. We only have meat counters in supermarkets left, as well as meat from the fridge (more and more supermarkets over here sort out frozen meats, too) all butchers we once had have shut down years ago.
At the meat counter in the supermarket, the more common fillet steak and rump steak in this country, both much too lean for my taste, cost considerably more, and I would even pay up to three times as much for organic quality (I don't do that, the costs are insane). I used to buy locally here (from a farmer who raises lifestock and butchers himself) when I didn't eat it regularly every day - but that meat was even more expensive.
However, Expresmenü offers, among other things, 300g beef, pre-cooked and only sautéed, with a pure meat weight of 300g, also for 10 euros, which corresponds to the entrecote. It's just not quite the same fatty meat quality (for those who don't know, entrecote is the same as ribeye, only cut according to French instead of American cutting pattern. The meat contains no tendons or gristle, but a juicy fat content, which is desirable. I avoid fillet steak, it's far too lean - and then it's also more expensive). Many think its best meat. To me, its quite inferior meat.
For Gulasch - simply take the cheapest beef meat you can get! :03: No peppers - onions only.
From this point of view, since we are talking about stockpiling for emergencies, these pure canned meats are highly recommended for carnivores' needs :) and are no more expensive than meat consumption is anyway. Note that the proportion of meat in the complete menus of 600 g is one third to one half, the remainder being vegetables, side dishes and sauces. The pure canned meat is only beef, pork or chicken, unflavored, only salted, pre-cooked. Put them in the Dutch oven or cast iron pan on the rocket stove, add some ketjap manis and sherry and roasted sesame oil, some pre-cooked millet - et voila. But you can also use a pot.
https://i.postimg.cc/dVRCmkdD/20240227-153633.jpg (https://postimg.cc/cvH6dJFN)image host (https://postimages.org/de/)
My golden recipe: a perennial favorite: cut meat of any kind into thin slices and sear. Mix separately in a small bowl or cup: a few shot glasses of ketjap manis, a few tablespoons of sherry, a little extra sweetness, chili powder to taste, a tablespoon of caraway seeds (yes you read that right: Kümmel, Caraway seeds, no mistake from my side), a few dashes of roasted sesame oil, mix with sauce thickener, then add to the pan, let it thicken and enjoy! Every child can do it, and it's quick. Also works with minced meat, very well in fact. If you like, add a few mushroom halves, some Chinese cabbage and a chopped pepper to the meat.
BTW, I am serious about the caraway seeds. Its that "secret ingredient".
It's a shame that ketjap manis has so much sugar, I always have to hold back on it.
Sesame oil only from Yeoh's (Singapore), because it's the best.Quality of Ketjap Manis can vary dramatically, only accept Conimex (Dutch) or Wan Kwai (German)
For Gulasch - simply take the cheapest beef meat you can get! :03:
Is that a euphemism for human flesh? :o
:O:
Skybird
02-27-24, 12:31 PM
Some people think they must buy only the best ingredients for a good Gulasch, since it is so delicous, and they spend a lot of money on it. Superb meat, only peppers, some five star high class sauce fond... I only giggle, its all nonsense. In fact it was a poor-people's meat dish. Its simple, its easy, and - for a dish with meat - ridiculously cheap. Cheapest meat, and onions only - no peppers.
Okay, with prices of today it is not reall cheap anymore... Damn vegan sectarians in politics.
I gave my full recipe for it in this forum in some cooking thread. Nobody needs to tells me how to make Gulasch! :salute: Again, a good dose of caraway seeds.
The irony here is: usually I do not like caraway seeds. Except in that sauce. This Gulasch. And maybe certain kinds of bread they do in Bavaria (best bread in the world they have down there).
em2nought
02-27-24, 11:33 PM
Remember, I'm thumping the Compleats as a "stay alive" ration. :03:
:Kaleun_Thumbs_Up:
Understood, but I want to know how they taste because part of staying alive is the desire to stay alive. Don't want to stock anything that would make me want to die when I ate it. :D
My prepping runs less end of days, more snow storm, stuck in the middle of nowhere waiting for a windmill to get assembled. :03:
Understood, but I want to know how they taste because part of staying alive is the desire to stay alive. Don't want to stock anything that would make me want to die when I ate it. :D
My prepping runs less end of days, more snow storm, stuck in the middle of nowhere waiting for a windmill to get assembled. :03:
I know. My Prepping follows the same guide lines. I'm out on "the prairie", so all of my stuff assumes a long-term loss of electricity due to a storm or a tornado.
Short answer, they all* taste nasty if you have to eat them cold. :yeah: The key is that they won't kill you, they'll just taste nasty. All you need beside the meal itself is some kind of Spork or silver ware. The fat and sodium content also tends to be a bit high, which is good in a survival situation.
My other "go to's" for cheap survival food are canned. Sardines and kippers are designed to be eaten cold. You also get the benefit of some healthy fish oils. Likewise, good old canned baked beans. :yeah: I try to find the smaller (8 oz) cans with the pull top. Pretty cheap so they don't make a dent in your wallet when you're stocking up. The pull top just makes life easier and the small can works great for a single meal so you don't have to worry about storing left-overs. Small (8 oz) cans of veggies with a pull top are also good.
*- This winds up being about taste and what appeals to you. For me, the tomato-sauce-based Compleats (pasta, chili, beefy mac, etc.) have a good taste, hot or cold. Their beef stew is also really good cold. The rest fall into the "luck of the draw" category and some of them are down-right vile, hot or cold. The key is that they will fill you up without wiping you out, they are small packages and are easy to store or transport.
Geez, we're this far into the thread and we haven't really talked about what to avoid. :timeout:
Modern military MRE's- They are expensive. That flameless heater you add water to probably doesn't work. They are designed to do more than keep you fed, they will also keep you awake for more than a day. :doh: For all of that money you spent, the modern MRE's have short shelf lives.
Military MRE's are more of a head trip. You feel good because they're supposed to be ideal. IF you're a grunt in the Infantry and the Sgt. hands them out every couple of days, that is. :yep:
Survival Zippos (lighters)- I learned this the hard way. Yeah, its neat to get a steam punk looking insert for your Zippo. There are several problems, however. The neat-o gaskets that are supposed to keep the fuel from leaking don't do ####. In fact, I stuck a normal, stock Zippo next to a Zippo with an insert kit on a shelf after I fueled both of them to the top. I came back one month later and the regular Zippo was fine. The "survival Zippo" was dry as a bone. :doh: Aside from throwing this lighter at the head of your enemies, save your money and don't bother. Want to know what works GREAT for storing lighter fuel? That plastic "squeeze bottle" it came in. :yep: For the most part, they don't leak and the fluid will stay stable for YEARS.
Modern SUV's and "go anywhere" vehicles- Most of them feature limited four wheel drive and an automatic transmission. THAT is enough of a handicap in a long term survival situation. Ask yourself, WHY the :k_confused: are you going off road in the first place?? Civilization made a big deal about building roads and highways, but all of sudden you know better. :yeah:
I promise, there are a LOT more sink holes and mud bogs in open fields and the forest than there are on the interstate. :yeah:
In second place is diesel vs. pump gas. Diesels are great, until they aren't. :up: Drive into your local "gas-an'-go". The odds are that they don't have a diesel pump. Modern diesel engines just make things worse. You'll want either a deep stock of fuel injectors, filters, and motor oil or you'll want to have a buddy who is a diesel mechanic. :doh: The last problem with diesel fuel is that the local authorities will WANT as much of it as they can get. It will become "off limits" as long as there are earth moving/construction equipment and emergency vehicles out there that NEED it.
Hunting and gathering- So, you got that fancy sniper scope for your AR-15 and more ammo than the Colombian Army. NOW what? Being able to drop a deer at 100 yards don't mean #### if you don't know how to butcher it. What, you're going to carve out a T-Bone steak and then walk away? :hmmm:
Carrion calls in the predators. You may NEED all that ammo sooner than you thought. Besides, instead of dropping that deer- maybe its better if you just FOLLOW its tracks. Trust me, the deer knows a LOT more about surviving in the wild than you do. :yep:
Next up is "I have all the food I could ever want, its growing all around me!". That salad you made is great, as long as it doesn't contain Sumac or Poison Ivy leaves or quills. :yep: Know what you are eating. A botanical guide book is just as important as a First Aid book. Speaking of..
First Aid- First Aid isn't charts and graphs or a 50 pound kit. Its about as hands-on as things can get. In order to KNOW what you're doing, it takes practice, patience, and a cast iron stomach. You aren't doing much good for the patient if you're barfing in the grass. :up: If YOU'RE the patient, you really are facing a tall hill. Doing First Aid on yourself is a losing proposition. More than likely, you're already in a lot of pain or you're going into shock. Not the best time to be breaking out a book and finding the right chapter. :O:
Now, discuss amongst yourselves. :)
Modern SUV's and "go anywhere" vehicles- Most of them feature limited four wheel drive and an automatic transmission. THAT is enough of a handicap in a long term survival situation. Ask yourself, WHY are you going off road in the first place?? Civilization made a big deal about building roads and highways, but all of sudden you know better.
I promise, there are a LOT more sink holes and mud bogs in open fields and the forest than there are on the interstate.
I agree with most of your post except this.
I can easily imagine several scenarios where traversing an open field would be less dangerous than the traveling on the interstate. It could be a parking lot of abandoned vehicles for one thing. For another bandits could be lurking at every choke point and highway cut, and I don't think many open fields will have military roadblocks set up in them.
Then there is the issue of snow. Not sure if you get that stuff where you live but 4WD comes in real handy on both icy snow covered highways and icy snow covered open fields alike.
In any SHTF scenario travel of all kinds will become much more dangerous and will be severely restricted. Best to do any necessary moving around/getting the heck out of Dodge before it gets to that point.
I survived just fine in northern Maine with a two wheel drive pick-up. That includes some heavy winters, nasty mud seasons, and some semi-serious back-roads stuff. :yep:
My point being, if you don't know what's in the mud bog- don't find out the hard way. :O:
I think most people have an incredible will to survive. Some don't. Which of these two you happen to be will likely become apparent only when you are faced with a real life or death decision.
Do not watch the following video if you have a weak stomach.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VesjSJ5QNio
em2nought
03-01-24, 03:05 AM
Wouldn't mind that Diesel Hilux from Top Gear, that thing is incredibly tough. :up: :D:D:D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnWKz7Cthkk
Skybird
03-01-24, 05:08 AM
Maybe I should learn how to shortcut a modern car, I have no real idea, just think it does not work as simple as in the movies. When brown stuff hits the fan and the zombies are flogging into town for lunch, sooner or later probably enough of these since latest owner-free cars will stand around, accepting a new driver who just wants to get out of Dodge... I mean an ebike with small trailer will not get me that far, eh? :D
em2nought
04-06-24, 03:19 AM
Maybe I should learn how to shortcut a modern car
There's always this way. :D
https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/C5612AQGlDR5E-xEV3g/article-cover_image-shrink_720_1280/0/1550808206685?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=pT8_6y0l4o6nnpiRicWE_z8pU5ONgbQTh1x17L5k2xk
In other news it turns out it wasn't a bad idea at all to use zero interest credit card periods to buy pre 1933 gold. :up:
You can't eat gold. :yep:
Reason this out, in a true survival situation NO ONE will be willing to sell you their potatoes, first aid kit, ammo, or gun. What, exactly, are you planning to buy? :doh:
em2nought
04-06-24, 08:19 AM
You can't eat gold. :yep:
Reason this out, in a true survival situation NO ONE will be willing to sell you their potatoes, first aid kit, ammo, or gun. What, exactly, are you planning to buy? :doh:
Gold is more about survival in Asia, not this messed up place. :03: If Asians get a surplus they buy gold. If they need money they sell gold. At the moment my real problem is that me and my gold aren't in Asia. :D
Onkel Neal
04-06-24, 09:57 AM
I agree with most of your post except this.
I can easily imagine several scenarios where traversing an open field would be less dangerous than the traveling on the interstate. It could be a parking lot of abandoned vehicles for one thing. For another bandits could be lurking at every choke point and highway cut, and I don't think many open fields will have military roadblocks set up in them.
....
In any SHTF scenario travel of all kinds will become much more dangerous and will be severely restricted. Best to do any necessary moving around/getting the heck out of Dodge before it gets to that point.
Yeah, buddy, that's for sure.
The problem most of us have with traveling during a meltdown, one that gets reinforced by movies, is that we think we can make our way across fields, shelter in "abandoned" barns and houses, collect resources as we find them: most fields and land is owned by someone. Down here, anything over 10 acres it is always farmers and ranchers. And believe me, if the SHTF, you do NOT want to be walking through a fellow's pasture. You sure don't want to be caught breaking into his farmhouse or shed, looking for cans of beans (even if it's "to feed your child").
In the movies, some city dweller/group makes his way out of his natural habitat (urban center) and leisurely makes his way into the country. Big mistake.
Gold is more about survival in Asia, not this messed up place. :03: If Asians get a surplus they buy gold. If they need money they sell gold. At the moment my real problem is that me and my gold aren't in Asia. :D
What you'll need are "Rubes". :03:
Even in Asia, it would go down something like this:
Let's say I have a lean-to and some canned beans.
If you offer me one or two gold bars in trade, I'll counter with an offer for you to pack sand..
..so you can safely store your heavy treasure. :yeah:
See? You're asking me to trade away the stuff that will keep me alive for some metal bars or coins.
BTW, if its bad enough, Asia will have their own problems and they may not have any room for a rich Gringo with deep pockets. :yep:
Aktungbby
04-06-24, 11:01 AM
My point being, if you don't know what's in the mud bog- don't find out the hard way. :O:....you've obviously never made whiskey with peat!??:Kaleun_Cheers:
Rockstar
04-06-24, 11:30 AM
… BTW, if its bad enough, Asia will have their own problems and they may not have any room for a rich Gringo Gwailou with deep pockets. :yep:
Fixed it for ya, no charge.:03::D
Gringo is pretty universal, I is one. :up:
I'm also a proud member of the Baka Gaijin. :)
Remember when the US was bestest buddies with the Philippines, then we weren't, then we were again? :doh:
I post it here in our Daily News thread, since I'm unable to find our Preppers thread.
The Minister of Defense and the National Emergency Management Agency have called on the Danes to be prepared, in case the worst should happen and that the Danes must be able to fend for themselves for 3 days.
I say three days is to little-In Sweden it is 10 days and in Norway it is 7 days in where citizens can't rely on help from the authorities.
(To moderator-Move this to our Preppers thread, think you have better chance to find it)
Markus
Jimbuna
06-16-24, 12:14 PM
Sorted
Steve1989, Fallout edition. :D :rock:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyaoJHu7R6c
Nice hiss.. :o
Rockstar
09-25-24, 07:19 AM
https://youtu.be/3rx7VjhfoFU
em2nought
10-12-24, 07:48 AM
Most useful piece of kit MVP for Hurricane Milton goes again this year, after winning for Irma previously, to the D cell powered $10 camping fan from Aldi. Thinking to add a small $20 Ryobi usb inverter to the supplies this year so I don't have to keep going to Wendy's to charge my phone. Maybe a Ryobi personal fan too. If one fan is good two should be even better. Might as well capitalize on the cordless tool batteries already on hand. Electricity according to Duke Energy coming back afternoon this Sunday.
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