Grand backpacking (camping) plans.

[darxus]

I got this urge to practice surviving in the woods with only what I could carry. Seems like a decent hobby.

I ordered a military Modular Sleep System (used, for $150) which includes a bivy sack so I don't need a tent, and the total system is rated down to -40F.

I plan to test it in my back yard as soon as it arrives, and then go backpacking in the White Mountains, in the direction of a designated Wilderness, the following weekend or so. Starting on a Saturday morning, walking away from civilization for a day, curling up in my bivy sack for the night, then walking back. My current plan for food is MREs because they're easy - hot food without the need to build a fire. Easy, right?

Then I hope to make a habit of this. Then start bringing a rifle with me, maybe do some target shooting. Or coyote hunting (always in season). Then get some other people to join me. I'm really out of shape, so this is going to be starting off slow.

If you're wondering how long a drive it would be, look up Conway, NH.

I found a website of people with very overlapping interests: http://www.zombiehunters.org/forum/
The closest group is in NY. They're camping in the Adirondacks in February:
http://www.sheffspace.com/zs/nny09wct.html
http://www.zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=37166
But they're camping a short walking distance from a parking lot, with an outhouse. Wusses. From previous experiences they're recommending sleeping bags rated for -30F.

The still unformatted equipment list I've been working on is here: http://www.chaosreigns.com/shtf.html

It's funny that using a bivy sack now seems like cheating. Apparently camping with just a sleeping bag with a tarp wrapped around it is common.

I got info on MREs from http://www.mreinfo.com/ and based on that ended up buying Menu C civilian MREs. $102.42 per case of 12.

I recently ordered a gun for the first time in 6 years. It's a DSArms STG58STD FAL. They're back-ordered for 6 months due to everybody buying weapons they're afraid Obama will ban. The FAL was supposed to be selected as the standard US issue main battle rifle instead of the M14 (the one before the M16). Bigger bullets and longer range than the M16, with a 20 round detachable magazine.


Does this sound fun to you? (Happy to sell you several MREs for simplicity.)

Comments

[darxus.livejournal.com]

That debris hut is in the Army Survival manual - the most interesting shelter in it. But the pics in the google hits are much better.

That nessmuk camping book sounds cool.

[perspicuity.livejournal.com]

a further oh yeah: http://www.countycomm.com/

i have a rather large survival, bushcraft, etc reading list. a quickie:

some good ones are:
o wilderness skills series by mcpherson
o primitive technology series by wescott
o traditional bowhunters bible series
o nessmuk: http://www.zianet.com/jgray/
o bushcraft - kochanski

and still shopping myself for a 7.62/.308 ... and a place to shoot it :) i take it you didn't like the hunter version of that FAL? i like that one :> steyr makes some fine stuff, but i think i might prefer the ease of care/field-stripping of a semi-standard military carbine style (milled, not stamped).

also: holographic sights :)

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[darxus.livejournal.com]

What I wanted was exactly the basic FAL. I didn't feel like spending more for any of the variations. I have nothing against the hunter version. But I already have a scoped rifle, I got the FAL for its improved shorter range capabilities (higher magazine capacity).

You got a little confusing there. The FAL is a standard military rifle with ease of care/field stripping. And a carbine model is available. And it's milled. This was the rifle the US was supposed to ad... didn't I just go into this? Yes. Nevermind :P
What else would you get?

I was planning to put a EOTech holo site on my FAL, but I currently feel a need to re-evaluate non-battery powered close quarters (1x-~4x) scopes. Maybe I'll get both, and use the EOTech until batteries run out (of existence). Also, EOTech + 4x flip-to-side magnification kit = very sexy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZaeuUha-Lg

[perspicuity.livejournal.com]

ah, yes. see, the Remington is exactly the rifle i was thinking against, with the FAL being the type i was agreeing with you on :> low blood sugar == confusing language on my part. i'm very fond of the SIG 556 in the 5.56/.223 in that regard, and wish they offered *right now* a 7.62/.308 model... but the DSARMS is something to consider (you've considered, i'm still looking - could be what i want).

too bad you have to wait 6 months. have you tried gunbroker.com or a local shop? i had forgotten you now live in the Free state, so evil black guns are okay :) which is another potential plus for a OD gun setup - supposedly harder to see on NV. i'm told the black stands right out.

barring zombies, and a few larger animals, a smaller caliber would be VERY useful for hunting. something like the GSG-5, or 10-22 or mini-14 even.

it also occurs to me that having a rifle that shot the same stuff as a carried pistol would be very useful. limited opportunities there.

an EOTECH with a mount that allows still using the iron sights for 25 yds would be sweet. i've got the bushness holosight clone. if one were to get the models using AAA or cr123 rechargeables, that could be a good thing for extended zombie attacks... solar rechargeable that is. in the end, iron sights and plain optics (waterproof, nitrogen filled, etc, etc). or both.

and yes, the flip to side kit, very sweet.

also: night vision :) again, rechargeables... or some models have the "click" charge (for gen 1)... i'd love an excuse to buy a gen 3-4+ NV system.

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[darxus.livejournal.com]

In regard to checking gunbroker.com and local shops - you haven't actually tried to buy an evil black gun lately have you? They're... out. Or extremely expensive. It was, in fact, a local shop I ordered the FAL through. And yes, I've been through gunbroker.com.

[perspicuity.livejournal.com]

actually, i've bought several :) one was stupid expensive, but i'm considering that an investment for now :) if i find a range, i'll probably shoot it up though.

depends where you look, if you luck out on prices, and ... stuff.

also ammo. .223 is stupid expensive right now, .308 is a bit cheaper, but nothing like 6-9 months ago.

mmm, might be fun to drive around to some of the most northern shops, and see what they have in stock. in particular, Riley's - haven't been there in ages. MFL has a good selection - prices are sometimes better than elsewhere to be sure. Al's in Derry has an interesting selection, and sometimes his prices are good, and sometimes they are silly (esp on accessories). Dick's in Concord supposedly has good prices (to great prices if sales), but has a limited stock, and well, it's in Concord :)

in the meantime, i'm hunting for a new contract, and then i'll consider shopping again.

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