Lessons Learned From the Homeless

Article by: Kevin Reeve

I’ve discovered that the people who happen to be homeless have some knowledge and experience that’s useful to learning to survive the “mean streets.” After many conversations with those living on the streets and quite a bit of observation time, I’ve come up with a list of lessons that are useful when evading danger and surviving in a Darwinian world. Here are 10 of my favorites.


Resources

Cities have abundant offerings if you know where to find them. There are places to get a free meal and opportunities to acquire resources for manufacturing gear and tools. Finding a soup kitchen or service that provides meals to the homeless is an educational experience. In America, anyone on the street who is asking for money for food is not necessarily in need of the money for food. “Ted,” a resident of the streets who became one resource for information, told me that there are free meals available at several private and government run soup kitchens in his area. One place in Santa Monica gives out bag lunches to anyone who comes by. Another shelter has indoor sit-down meals.

In a crunch, these can be useful for getting caloric needs met under normal conditions. If surviving on the streets, constructing a tool kit and gathering resources to make gear should be a high and ongoing priority. Being able to manufacture needed gear will require raw materials. “Dave,” another homeless mentor showed me an awesome shelter location in a field of tall grass. He had made a rocket stove out of discarded tin cans. His shelter was made from heavy waxed cardboard. He made a hammock from a piece of a tarp; it was ingenious and creative. It was very well hidden, rainproof and had a great stove and a decent bed. Alleys and dumpsters are sources for things of value to someone on the street. Most people would be surprised at how resource rich the city is for the “MacGyver-minded.”


Lock Picks

One of the most essential skills/tools for urban survival is a good lock pick set and the skills to use it. This gives you access to many places that may not otherwise be available. Students of mine once found refuge in an abandoned factory. The door was locked with a chain and padlock, which was picked and then reversed with the lock on the inside for security sake. Dumpsters in the city are often locked, making dumpster diving a challenge.

Being able to open the locks and access the contents of a dumpster is very helpful. “Ted” said he used lock picks routinely, but did not carry the picks with him because he was afraid of how that would look if he were to be stopped by police. He had them cached near his shelter, so he could used them to open a lock on a fence that allowed him access to his hidden shelter.


Police Interaction

Police spend a great deal of time dealing with homeless people who may be addicted to drugs and alcohol, or are mentally ill. Most of those interactions are not positive from the police officer’s perspective. Therefore, you can count on them eyeing anyone who does not appear to have a place to live with suspicion. Dave’s recommendation is to avoid placing yourself in a situation where interaction is possible.

Students have been rousted from sleep locations that were known to the police on more than one occasion. Not enough care was taken in hide selection. Once you are in this situation, you are at the mercy of their discretion in deciding what actions to take. Avoidance is the best policy. Not doing things that raise suspicion is the best strategy. Make a habit of mentally noting observers, cameras and good observation points without drawing attention to yourself and the movements of your head.


Food Is Tricky

Any homeless person going hungry is not taking advantage of the available resources. “Michael” gave one student a tour around Santa Monica, CA. He took him past a convenience store that places food in the dumpster that’s past the freshness standards for the store, but not food that is dangerously old. Michael showed him a dumpster behind a grocery store where less-than-fresh produce was discarded. Again, not spoiled, but not up to the store standard. He also found cans of food where the “Best if used by” date had passed. None of the cans were spoiled, they just could no longer be sold.

My teenage son once said that every time you open the fridge to look for something to eat, your standards for acceptable food drops. The same thing is true with missing meals. I would caution against lowering your standards unnecessarily. Under normal circumstances in America and other developed nations, there is abundant food available without having to resort to eating scraps from the garbage can. One student, who was a vegan, ate vegan food by raiding the dumpster behind a health food store. The dumpster was locked, but he gained access and found many healthy opportunities to eat.


Hygiene Is Essential

One of the things observed in interaction with homeless people is that taking care of one’s body is often a low priority. Poor hygiene leads to complications later, like fungal infections, rashes and sores. I witnessed paramedics removing the socks of a homeless man and the top layer of his skin came off both feet. Another individual told me he refuses to go to shelters for fear of acquiring a drug resistant strain of Tuberculosis. Good hygiene is critical to good health and “crotch rot” is definitely something you want to avoid in any environment.

“Bob” was on the street simply because he had lost a job, gotten evicted and had nowhere else to go. A shelter wasn’t an option because he had a dog. Bob slept on the street every night, but other than that, you wouldn’t know he was homeless. He had a part time job and that allowed him to take better care of himself. He got up, groomed himself, went to work, came back to the street, where he foraged for food and then eventually went to sleep in a very original hide location. He washed in restrooms using a washcloth to take a sponge bath. He used deodorant, brushed his teeth and generally took care of his hygiene. He washed his clothes in a sink and line dried them. It was very hard to peg him as homeless.


Water

Finding sources for water is straightforward. Finding water that is safe to drink may be a bit harder. I watched a homeless person lower his face into a fountain on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica and drink deeply. His system might handle that, but most of us wouldn’t fare well. Bob showed me a water faucet Sillcock Key he carried that allowed him to turn on faucets with the handles removed. This very small and inexpensive piece of gear became a part of my everyday carry.

Discarded water bottles make good canteens. After I drink a 32oz Gatorade, I save the bottle. Otherwise, I would have to sterilize any bottle I found.


Safety In Numbers

I require students of some classes to sleep in a group of three and have a watch during the night. In LA, it’s sufficiently dangerous to sleep on the street at night that many choose to wander the city at night and sleep during the day. There is a large amount of predation among the homeless population. Individuals outside the norms of society are often seen as easier targets and more isolated from assistance. We encountered a group of five guys who had formed a team. Every night, they met up and went together to an improvised shelter area. They did not keep watch, as they found it less necessary with the size of their group.

In the book Defiance, author Nachama Tec describes a Jewish refugee camp hidden in the forests of the Ukraine during WWII. To avoid being sent to German death or slave camps, three Bielsky brothers hid 1,200 Jews. They discovered in the process that their larger camp fared better than the other smaller ones, which tended to be overrun and struggled to provide necessities. The Bielsky camps benefited from economy of scale that succeeded in making survival and protection easier in their time and place. Anywhere in the world, the appearance of vulnerability invites aggression. Consider forming a small team to increase the odds of personal safety.


Cache Locations

Unless you want to be one of the homeless guys who pushes a shopping cart loaded with treasures, you’ll need to become an expert at caching your belongings. One team in a class spent the day gathering resources for their night in the city. They had cardboard, cans and food. They placed their supplies in a cache while they continued to gather. When they returned, all of their stuff, including the shopping cart was gone. They saw the cart later, with their collection, being pushed by another homeless guy. Their cache location was so obvious that every homeless person knew where to look.

“If it seems like a good cache location, someone else probably knows about it,” Ted explained. Ted showed the class members a perfect cache location, but it required them to pick a lock. He showed them several other locations, but explained that he had seen other people’s stuff in every one of them. Losing your gear because you were too lazy to secure it is a royal pain. Take the time.


Shelter

One of the most important concepts is creating a secure shelter. I have seen some truly outstanding shelters. One class found a park with some great trees, lush with foliage for concealment and high branches. They made hammocks out of tarps and slung them 30 feet up in a tree. Of course, we had safety lines attached to the students so they couldn’t fall out of the trees, but these trees were a perfect clandestine location. The tarps were brown and blended in well and people infrequently look up.

One student found a great shelter on top of a utility shed next to a high rise. He was protected from view by trees and a parapet around the shed. Once in place, he was literally invisible. He had to climb a nearby tree to drop onto the rooftop, so no one else bothered him. It was the exception to the team of three rule because the location was so secure. Finding a secluded place to rest is not only essential to your security, it’s important for your health.


Panhandling Sucks

One of the hardest things most homeless people report to us is the difficulty and futility of panhandling. It’s the only means of support for many of them, so they do it, but they don’t like it. To complete the experience and overcome a wide range of challenges and inhibitions, advanced class students are required to ask for money. One student described how this brought about a fundamental paradigm shift for him. Up until then, all of the activities in class seemed more or less just practical exercises.

However, getting to the point where he had to ask others for money was transformational for him. He learned empathy and understanding of the level of humiliation required to stand like a homeless person and ask strangers for money. That, he said, made everything very real. He struggled with the exercise, but he understood why it was important. It helps students appreciate that taking action and building survival skills is better than panhandling. The bottom line is, if you’re at the point where you have to panhandle, you’ve failed as a survivalist. You should be able to make it without money or do something in exchange for money (i.e. work.) Panhandling and being dependent on the charity of others is its own stressor.

The homeless who live on the street are survivors. They have acquired skills and strategies to stay alive in hostile environments. They can be a very valuable resource and we can learn from their successes and their failures. You’ll probably learn that you do not want to put yourself in a position to have to beg. Keep the initiative. Keep moving.

p/s: Kevin Reeve is the founder of onPoint Tactical, training professionals and select civilians in urban escape & evasion, urban survival, wilderness survival, tracking and scout skills. I’ve personally taken onPoint Tactical’s Urban Escape & Evasion class and highly recommend it as a resource!

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The right to make a copy for personal use is part of most existing publishing agreements. This right is recognised as an important right for the author. Because the right is attached to the author and in most cases well defined, personal use won’t harm the publisher.

Prepare for Economic Crash

Once a severe financial crisis is evident, governments can close banks, restrict the amount of money that can be withdrawn and enact specific periods for withdrawal of money from banks and other institutions.

If you have money in a bank, you may be unable to withdraw that money for long periods. This happened in the United States in 1933 under the Emergency Banking Act. The above described would not be the only problem the average citizen could encounter once the government enacts certain rules, laws and regulations already on the books once the economy collapses.

Definition

Total breakdown of a national, regional or territorial economy and can be characterized as a severe version of an economic depression, which is where an economy is in complete distress for months, years or possibly even decades. The causes are numerous, and typically, many factors are at work that would cause an economic crash.

It does not happen overnight as one would assume because the word crash is bandied about, which would indicate a sudden occurrence. It is more a slow motion decline however.

The why, and when varies depending on whom you ask. The first inclination of many politicians and some so-called experts is to blame someone else for something that may or may not be happening, so getting a straight answer is impossible.

How Do You Prepare

Some are convinced that paper money will be worthless once a collapse occurs. If this is the case then material items will be the new currency, items such as tools, clothing, food products, clean water and skills that can be traded.

Unless the world is destroyed in one fail swoop, each individual as well as communities as a whole will still need things, all the things that paper money had previously allowed people to obtain and this includes paying for the services of others.

Whether you have cash or gold hoarded, for most there probably will not be anywhere to spend it during a collapse. The local grocery store will be shuttered and gas stations will be boarded up and other retails stores will be closed as well.

If things get better, then hoards of cash and gold would be a benefit, but who can afford to hoard cash or buy up gold or silver in any appreciable amounts “just in case” the economy collapses. The problem is the economy may collapse and no one notices it. It is a slow process, which may be upon us and no one is paying attention.

We have become used to high unemployment, the rising prices of consumer goods the rise of food and gas and people have been talking about inflation for years and civil unrest is becoming more common, and so the list of indicators has been with us for literally years and people just shrug.

Everyone has a solution, sell your car, pay off your mortgage, go off grid, pull your money out of the banks, build a bunker and hoard precious metals. Buy more guns and ammo and build a Faraday cage so your toaster and cell phone will work, even though after showing you how to build one they predict the grid will go down, there will not be any electricity.

Most of us live on grid versus living off the grid, and some advocate getting off the grid now. Leave the system, fortify your cabins and then in the same paragraph tell you to take on a second job to fund your off grid living and to get out of debt now as if going off grid would not cost a fortune now. If the entire financial system collapses as some predict who is worried about paying off a loan, and who is left that could collect from you anyway if it gets that bad.

Other say move out of the cities now, but mass migrations do not accomplish anything, because people will always migrate toward others, and toward areas where they can be fed and housed. Soon all you have are metropolitan areas that simply have relocated.

One question is why suffer now when you do not have to. Being prepared is not the same as living now as if things have collapsed around you already. It is merely being ready for when it does collapse.

Prepare but Do Not Panic

A poor economy causes widespread problems and each one can be a crisis in and of itself. Civil unrest, loss of electricity or energy that costs so much the average person cannot afford it. These are the problems caused by a slowing or collapsing economy.

Gasoline/energy may become so expensive you either have to walk to work or simply do not work anymore and heating your home will be financially impossible. Unemployment will rise, causing crimes to go up, because criminals will always be looking to take advantage.

Food will be in short supply, so your stockpiles will have to be replenished by growing your own food and raising livestock. All easier said than done, it all looks good on paper.

Articles by the thousands, tell you what you should do, and some do offer sound advice. Advice such as if your house is on fire put it out, like you would not know this already, but knowing and doing something about it, well you know the rest. You know what you have to do, but can the average person do it.

Who can sell their house or leave their apartment in the city and just take up country life, because cities will be death traps when the economy collapses. Who can pull all their money from the bank and stuff it in a mattress, and who has enough to make it worthwhile to hide cash around the home. A few hundred or even a few thousands will not help you much when the SHTF. Who can buy up gold and silver and hide it in a bunker in the backyard.

Advice is cheap, but actions speak louder than words. You know you need at least a 90-day supply of food and water in the home, but today many can barely afford to have a week’s worth for daily existence let alone any for an emergency. Pay off debt, get a second job, this is good advice, but can you and will you do this to help support what you know you need to do.

Now you know what you need to do, so in the coming segments let us talk about how to get there. How the average person can get there. No broad exclamations on selling your house, paying off your mortgage, or ditching the credit cards and head for the hills with your bug-out-bag. There will not be any doomsday predictions any fear mongering just the facts. Just common sense advice that can be followed or not. Some will be able to while others cannot or simply will not.

Prepping the right way is always hard work, it is slow work and often times if feels as nothing is being done at all, but every wall starts with one stone. That one stone does not make a wall, so you need to continue to lay stones, lay the foundation, because really what choice do you have.

Anyone can give advice, it is easy sometimes to see what needs to be done, but doing it is something all together different.

credit: prepareforshtf

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Tips to Prepare for Hard Times

1.  Practice using less electricity – a lot less electricity

I just finished the audio book version of One Second After.  An EMP, coupled the the potential of a cyber attack, tell me that it is only prudent to get by with less reliance on the electrical grid.

For many, the problem of limited or non-existent electrical power can be mitigated by generators or solar power.  Generators are great as long as you have fuel and solar power will work if you have the money to set up a solar system plus, of course, an abundance of sun.

To me, the optimal solution is to try to get by with less electrical power.  That means less reliance on my two freezers full of food and more reliance on bulk foods and freeze-dried meals.  It also means lots of batteries and some wind-up devices.

2.  Maintain a survival library and a survival notebook

The time may come when your online resources may no longer be available.  Perhaps, as mentioned above, the grid may be down.  Or perhaps the internet will be censored with survival and preparedness sites blocked.  It could happen, you know.

Accumulate some preparedness books in print form and maintain your own survival notebook in a three ring binder.  Don’t overlook free resources that may be available from your local county or state emergency management department.

3.  Make learning a habit

Set aside a brief period each week to either learn a new skill or practice becoming more proficient at a skill you already possess.  Better yet, take some time – even a few minutes – each day to find a new trick or tip to add to your survival notebook.

Amazon frequently offers free e-books on a variety of topics.  These books are typically only available for one to five days and are a great way to learn something new.  Sure, they may not be available if the power is out but if the goal is to learn from them, take notes and put what you learn into action now rather than later.

One of the most important things you can do now to prepare for a crisis or disaster is to always be learning. Side note: On most days I post a link of two to relevant free e-book over on my Facebook page.

Vertical Garden in Shoe Pockets

Try vertical gardening – you do not need a lot of space for herbs & greens

4.  Grow food

Growing your own food can be so rewarding that I just can not fathom even the smallest apartment dweller not growing at least a pot full of herbs on their window sill.

There is something magical about popping a few seeds in a pot and watching them sprout and grow into something that is actually edible. Beyond the window sill garden, there is the container garden, bucket garden, square foot garden, vertical garden, raised bed garden and the mini-farm.

No matter how difficult it may seem, check out some videos on YouTube or books from your local library and start growing some food this spring.

5.  Acknowledge that there will be fear and panic

Those of you that have experienced a disaster, poor health, job loss, or civil disobedience and war will understand that fear and panic are inevitable.  Realize that in the case of a disaster, there is not a darn thing you can do other than recover.

Plan for the worst and hope for the best.  A cliché, I know. But that is the truth. Other woes such as poor health, los of a job or a financial meltdown are a bit more difficult to deal with.  Questions such as how will you cope and how will you live will cross your mind as you stay up nights wondering what you could have done to mitigate the situation in the first place.

Acknowledge now that there will be fear and panic and realize this is WHY you prep.  Prepping is the insurance policy that will help see you through hard times.

6.  Embrace companionship and love

Not to get dopey, but life is more robust when you have someone to hug.  I like to say “hug the ones you love, and love the ones you hug.”

I would also like to suggest that you share a modest portion of your bounty with your less fortunate or elderly neighbors.  Life is precious and at the end of our time, it won’t be the fancy cars, the elaborate home, or the diamond rings that count. It is will the feeling of peace knowing that you have lived well with love in your soul and compassion in your heart.

7.  Maintain your faith

If you are a religious person, find comfort in your faith.  And if not, embrace your inner strength and have faith in yourself and in the miracle of your life.  Hold this faith near to your heart – when hard times come, it may be all that you have left.

As Conclusion

Coping skills when the SHTF will be easier said than done. Being realistic, it is difficult to predict what will happen and how we will react as individuals if and when we are faced with extremely hard times.  For whatever reason – a disaster or personal crisis – we will each have to deal with situations that are foreign and unpleasant.  Having the food, water, gear and the other tools of the prepping trade will help, but I can’t help but think that there are many other things that can be done now to prepare for the worst.

I encourage you to embrace the less tangible aspects of preparedness and consider events of the day a wake up call advising you to get on with life in the best and most human way possible.

Credit: backdoorsurvival

The right to make a copy for personal use is part of most existing publishing agreements. This right is recognised as an important right for the author. Because the right is attached to the author and in most cases well defined, personal use won’t harm the publisher.

Think as Beginner Prepper

Individuals and families new to prepping can easily become overwhelmed with the information out there, particularly information found on the Internet. You may have come across information on how to prepare for a doomsday scenario, government takeover, and how to hide yourself from black helicopters.

Prepping for most people is about self-reliance, being able to survive on your own, and not having to rely on local, state or federal officials in the short term during a disaster. Most people realize that government is not the solution to all problems, and will prepare with that in mind. Prepping is about surviving, protecting and feeding your family and not waiting in line for emergency rations and blankets to be handed out by others during a crisis.

You obviously cannot live as well during a crisis as you do during the course of a normal day. You have to realize however, that many of the tasks you perform during a normal day will still have to be accomplished during a crisis.

Focus on Reality

What exactly are you preparing for?

If you think, all you need is a massive cache of weapons and ammunition then you may very well go hungry during a crisis. You cannot get into a siege or bunker mentality. Meals need to be made, baths given, clothes will have to be laundered and you may have to begin work on alternative food and water sources.

Home defense is part of preparing for a crisis, so it must be incorporated into your planning 

Prepping is about surviving by having emergency supplies on hand and having the tools, materials and above all the knowledge to obtain food and water if the crisis is for an extended period. You are prepping to survive without electricity, gas for heating and cooking and without water, all of which is usually supplied by your local municipalities.

Start Today

Focus on the basics of life, which are shelter, water and food. Do a little bit each day or week as you do your normal shopping. Your goal is to gather enough to survive a full seven days without, electricity, gas or water supply. Once you know, you have enough for one week, build up to 14 days and so on.

It is recommended that you use food grade plastic water barrels for long-term water storage. A family of four will need 28 gallons at a minimum for one week and this is just enough water for hydration and oral hygiene. That is 28 one-gallon containers on the shelves just for one week, so you can see storage will be a problem. Water barrels can be placed in the garage, basement and even in outbuildings. Past a week, you will need water for meal preparation, laundry and proper bathing for children and adults.

A family of four will need 12 cans of food daily. The recommended amount is one can of protein, one of fruits and one can of vegetables per person daily. Storage will become a problem once you start preparing for longer than a week. Look into dehydrate/freeze dried foods that take up less space and can be stored for long periods. Meals Ready to Eat is another option. Incorporate various types of foods and only stockpile foods you and your family will eat. There is no point in buying 1,200 pounds of freeze-dried spinach because it was on sale if no one will eat it.

Think Long Term

To survive any crisis you will need a shelter and a food and water source. You will of course have to be able to administer first aid, make repairs to your shelter and protect yourself and family as well. Once you have the basics secured, begin building your medical supplies and alternative heat sources such as bottled propane and wood if you have a fireplace/wood burning stove. Prepping is not just something you do for a few weeks and call it done.

Work on home defense in a rational manner. Large caches of weapons are not the answer because you can only fire one at a time anyways. Remember you are protecting your family and supplies against desperate people and looters for the most part. You are not preparing to repel an invading army. You as an individual or family cannot defend against a well-trained armed force so do not gather weapons and ammunition as if you need to. Be sensible and assess the threats realistically.

You should look into alternative water sources that you control, such as a dug or drilled well. Large bodies of water in the area can be utilized but you have to remember everyone else will have the same idea. Lakes, ponds and streams in your area will soon be public gathering places, and the water can become contaminated or even blocked off by local or federal officials for rationing. You must think in terms of “what if” so you can develop a backup plan.

Learn How to Keep Secrets

Bring your family and close friends in with you but do not announce to everyone else that you have a bunker buried full of gold, silver and ammunition. Letting everyone know that you are prepared for anything only makes you a target during a crisis.

Some people do stock up on gold and silver that can be used as currency, but remember if the financial market does collapse where will you go in the short term to trade your gold and silver and what will you trade it for, useless paper currency?

You would have to assume for it to have value that the market would recover at some point, which could be years. In the meantime, you will need food and water. Stockpile items that can be traded such as alcohol and tobacco products even if you do not use the products yourself.

The point is once again use common sense. What can you buy with gold and silver coins in the short term? Not many people will give up their food supply for a few coins, so if you are stockpiling metals to purchase food and water you may need to think it through some more. It makes sense to have gold and silver on hand to use when society does get back on its feet, but it may take years if there is a worldwide calamity.

Do not go into debt preparing, but gather a little at a time. There is much you can do that will cost you little and that is gaining knowledge. Investing in preparations today is an investment in your family’s survival in the future.

Credit: prepforshtf

The right to make a copy for personal use is part of most existing publishing agreements. This right is recognised as an important right for the author. Because the right is attached to the author and in most cases well defined, personal use won’t harm the publisher.

Tips for the Beginner Prepper

1.  Take Baby Steps

Take a deep breath and get started.  Do not let your fear or lack of experience overwhelm you.  Step in to the mindset and just start.  There are lots of encouraging articles and blogs online (see Recommended Sites) in addition to this one to set you on your way.  And please, don’t let naysayers who are too lazy or too stupid tell you that it is not worth it.  Just zip you lips and carry on.


2.  Keep to the Basics

Don’t worry about the long term.  When you are getting started plan for a 3 day emergency supply.  When you have more experience – and more confidence – you can expand to a 7 day, 30 day or even an annual emergency supply.  But for now?  Go easy on yourself and give yourself permission to start modestly.

This means water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food items, some first aid supplies, packets of prescription medications, and, if you have pets, some pet food.


3.  Gather Important Documents

Obtain copies of your drivers license, passport, marriage license, emergency contacts and medical history and keep them somewhere handy so you can grab and go if you have to.  These documents will assist rescue workers and first responders in identification and in providing you with adequate medical care, if needed. It also would not hurt to include some pictures of yourself with family members.  I like to store this information on a flash drive along with other information such as survival manuals, home inventories and such.


4.  Develop a Communications and Transportation Plan

If the SHTF and you are not at home, what then?  This is where a plan becomes important.  Make a plan that identifies how loved ones will connect with each other in the event there is a natural disaster or other crisis.  Come up with a meeting place, and if possible, run a drill or two so you become familiar with the process.


5.  Learn Basic Skills

This is my personal favorite because it involves having fun.  Learn to garden and grow some food.  Heck, anyone can learn to grow lettuce and potatoes!

Take up fishing or hunting.  Go camping and learn to build a fire and sleep outdoors.  Fire up the barbie and learn to bake bread, steam vegetables, and make pancakes on on open grill or fire.  The possibilities are endless plus, you can involve all members of your family while turning basic skill building in to a hobby.


6.  Determine the Most Likely Natural Event in Your Area

Every geographical area a pre-disposed to some type of emergency.  Do live in a hurricane zone?  Then that should be your focus.  The same thing applies to tornado, earthquake, flood, and wildfire areas.  Live in the city?  Perhaps you should prepare for gang violence and civil disobedience.  It is possible, you know.

If you think you are immune, go back and read Disasters 101: A list for those that think it will never happen to them.  This might change your mind.


7.  Plan for a Power Outage

Pick up some extra flashlights, batteries, candles and waterproof matches.  For starters, that is just dandy.  Later on, when you have the budget, you can purchase the more esoteric items such as an inverter or generator.


8.  Learn how to Shelter In Place

Who says you have to get out of dodge?  That alone may be one of the reasons you are putting off the prepping effort.  Except in extreme circumstances – which you still need to prepare for – you will want to hunker down in the comfort of your own home or apartment.  Make sure you have some plastic sheeting and duct tape available to seal out dust and toxic chemicals.


9.  Plan for Comfort Foods and Amusements

I have taken flak before on this and I will probably continue to be dissed forever on this subject.  But, when panic and fear set in, there is nothing like a bag of cookies, some mac and cheese from a box, a juicy paperback and, for kids of all ages, a snuggly teddy bear.  Add some playing cards, popcorn (which can be popped over an over fire), and a book of Sudoku and you are all set.  Well maybe a bottle of whiskey or vodka would be good too.

The moral of the story is to pack away a few things in the survival pantry that will make you feel better in spite of the chaos around you.


10.  Get to Know your Neighbors

Get to know your neighbors, or, if you live in a remote area, the folks in the surrounding community.  These are the folks that will watch your back and help you out if the SHTF and you are really in trouble.  And likewise, you should be inclined to help them out if they are worse off than you following a disaster.

I am not talking about giving assistance or handouts to free loaders.  No, I mean offering a hand to your friendly clerk at the post office, or a teacher at your children’s school, or the neighbor down the road who offers you fresh eggs when his chickens are over-producing.


Friendly and familiar faces will be a good thing when and if the destructive zombies start roaming around.  Just remember, life is a two way street.  The moral and right thing to do is help your neighbor in need.  You will be a better person for it.


credit: backdoorsurvival.com

The right to make a copy for personal use is part of most existing publishing agreements. This right is recognised as an important right for the author. Because the right is attached to the author and in most cases well defined, personal use won’t harm the publisher.

Prepare for Slow Economy

I’ve covered the stagnant economy and money saving ideas a number of times in many different posts.   People are still worried about jobs, high food prices, and the ever increasing deficit.  I think the most important thing people can do is be prepared for anything.

As the new year begins, make a firm decision to become prepared and do everything you can towards this goal.

Buy food and other necessities now while the prices are still manageable.  Buy items on sale and combine with coupons.  Even if nothing happens, you know prices are only going to increase so you really can’t lose by setting aside a good stockpile.
Even if you are employed and are comfortable with your finances, save some money and avoid getting into new debt.


Have a “worse case scenario” plan on what you would do if there were an economy collapse and the main wage earner of the family were to lose his or her job.  What if you can no longer pay your rent or mortgage?  Would you combine forces with your family and move in with them?  These are not pleasant thoughts, but if you deal with them now, you avoid going into shock later.  You will also be able to make a plan and take action now to ensure a better outcome.
Value your job.  Make yourself as valuable as possible by volunteering to learn new skills, exceeding your boss’s expectations and being a team player.
Pick up a “side gig” or two to supplement your income.  It can be as simple as selling books and items you no longer need, or making crafts and selling them online.
Take care of your health – use all your workplace benefits toward getting new glasses, getting checkups, maintaining your dental work etc.
Eliminate spending on services you no longer use:  ditch cable if you are no longer on contract, get rid of the gym membership if you never go, stop those magazine subscriptions that you never read.
Maintain your car and make it last as long as possible.
Instead of buying, find a way to make things yourself.  All you have to do is try. Try making your own bread, cereal, yogurt, muffins, laundry detergent – even dog treats.  You can even make your own skincare products. These are easy projects that can be done in a few minutes.
Don’t use shopping as entertainment – having fun does not have to cost a lot.
Don’t neglect your emergency supplies.  Build your emergency food, water and necessities, buying a small amount as you can afford.  Continue to stockpile but make sure you rotate your supplies to avoid waste.




The right to make a copy for personal use is part of most existing publishing agreements. This right is recognised as an important right for the author. Because the right is attached to the author and in most cases well defined, personal use won’t harm the publisher.

10 Reasons to Prepare for an Economic Collapse

1.  Food Shortages Can Actually Happen

Most people assume that they will always be able to run out to their local supermarket or warehouse club.  Those of us that prepare, know better. It is those folks that do not prepare that we need to worry about.


2. Medicine Is One Of The First Things That Becomes Scarce During An Economic Collapse

When credit systems and distribution channels are compromised, medical supplies will not make their way to the local pharmacy.  Any medicines and supplies that are available will likely be diverted for use by the power elite.  Sorry to be such a cynic but we all know that there are privileged classes that have the power and the means to get whatever they want, even if it means denying the rest of the population with their fair share.


3.  When An Economy Collapses, So Might The Power Grid

No money to pay workers and no fuel to fire the grid translates into no grid at all.  Going without power for a week or two is one thing but going off grid for months or even years?  We are a soft society accustomed to our comforts.  Without the grid, our lives will be quite different than the life we live today.


4.  During An Economic Collapse You Cannot Even Take Water For Granted

When the grid goes down, so goes the water treatment facilities that ensure that clean water flows from our faucets.  I survived 12 days without running water.  Do-able yes.  Fun? Hardly, but I knew the water would come back on eventually. What if the water never came back on?


5. During An Economic Crisis Your Credit Cards And Debit Cards May Stop Working

Same thing.  If the grid is down, our banking system will basically be down too.  This means that credit cards and debit cards will be useless to transact business and make purchases.


6.  Crime, Rioting And Looting Become Commonplace During An Economic Collapse

This is not a maybe.  The haves will need to defend their property from the have-not’s.  I also suspect that the “haves” (aka preppers) may have to defend themselves from government looters.  It will be every man or woman on their own; defending what is theirs.

The young and healthy might be able to handle this but what about the elderly, the sick, and the disabled?  Even if they prep, how will they defend themselves?


7. During A Financial Meltdown Many Average Citizens Will Start Bartering

Without credit cards, debit cards, and quite possibly currency, a barter economy will emerge.  By the way, the best description I have read relative to how such an economy will work was is James Wesley Rawles book, Patriots.

Things will definitely fall apart during an economic collapse. Having supplies and especially skills to barter with not be an option.


8. Suicides Spike During An Economic Collapse

This happened in the 30s and it will happen again. When people no longer have hope, they feel that life is not worth living.  My guess is people will start jumping out of buildings and may take family members with them in a suicide pact.


9.  Your Currency May Rapidly Lose Value During An Economic Crisis

Let me take this one step further.  Your currency WILL lose value during an economic collapse.  It happened in Germany during the Weimar Republic and it has happened more recently elsewhere around the globe.  We are not immune to runaway inflation coupled with devaluation of our currency.


10. When Things Hit The Fan The Government Will Not Save You

If you think that the government will come to the rescue of those that are suffering think again.  Remember the aftermath of Katrina?  Remember Super Storm Sandy?

It is foolhardy to believe that government assistance of any type will become available following a collapse. History has demonstrated over and over again that governments cannot be counted on when things hit the fan. You will be on your own so you better be ready mentally to accept that reality and the tough times that will ensue.


As Conclusion

So where do we go from here?  What solutions are there to get you through to that mental place you know you will need to go to?

Three things you need to remember are:

1.  Only you can be counted on to take care of yourself and your family.
2.  Leaning coping skills during times of calm will give you a heads up on coping during times of crisis.
3.  Give yourself permission to worry, to be concerned, and to be a bit afraid.  This will keep you alert and on your toes at all time.

At the end of the day, those that prepare will be in it for the ride.  The real question is whether we have the mental fortitude to get there without losing are path along the way.

The right to make a copy for personal use is part of most existing publishing agreements. This right is recognised as an important right for the author. Because the right is attached to the author and in most cases well defined, personal use won’t harm the publisher.

Essentials Preparation for Outdoor Programme

Everybody loves outdoor activity, but not everybody able to organize a memorable outdoor programme. 

“In order to know where you’re going, you’re going to need to know where you want to end up.”

Who is going on the trip? What adventure activity will we choose? Where will the trip take

place? When will the trip be held? Why are we going on this trip? How do we do everything that

needs to be done in order to plan a FUN, safe and challenging backcountry trip that both

leaders and participants enjoy? These questions form the basis for trip planning. The following

is a series of more specific questions that, when answered, will help establish trip details.

Leadership Team

● Who’s interested? Who’s available?

● Relevant and recent backcountry experience?

● Recent and relevant experience working with the age group of the participants?

● Current qualifications?

● Who has worked (tripped) together before as leaders?

● What are their leadership styles? Communication styles?

● Night Owls vs. Early Birds; Grazers vs. Meal-timers

● Health status (allergies, medical conditions that might be problematic in the backcountry)

● DIY (Do it yourself) vs. TPSP (Third Party Service Provider)

Can we do this? Should we do this? What’s my comfort level?

Participants

● Who’s interested? Who’s available?

● Relevant and recent backcountry experience? Current qualifications?

● Are there prerequisites in order to be considered for the trip?

● Do they know each other?

● Have they camped or tripped with each other?

● What are their learning styles? Communication styles?

● Health status (allergies, medical conditions that could be problematic in the backcountry)

● How much training and orientation will they require to be successful on the trip?

Support (Home Contact Person) Team

● Who’s interested?

● Who’s available?

● Are they always available and what’s Plan B?

● Have they been oriented as Support Personnel?

● How well do I know them?

● How well do they know me and my competencies and experience?

● Communication styles?

The What

● What’s the primary means of transport?

● What do we need (gear, knowledge, skills, etc.)

● What is the activity? What are we doing while on the trip?

● What’s plan B?

● What documentation is necessary pre-trip (authorization and approval), during the trip

and debriefing/report post-trip? 

The Where

● Where will the trip start? Where will it finish?

● Where are you going to stay and camp on a day-by-day basis (trip/float plan)?

● Where are they ‘emergency exits’ along the way?

● Is where we’re going a controlled area or Crown Land (Cdn waters vs. intl waters)?

● What kind of climate is it? (marine, tundra, Canadian Shield, alpine)

● Are permits required? If so, what are the permit restrictions (size of group, numbers of

tents, cooking methods, etc.)?

● Are there fire restrictions or bans?

The When

● When are we going? For how long?

● What time of year is it?

● When do we need to leave home to be at the trailhead/put in on-time?

● Large group/small group (high vs. low and shoulder seasons by activity type)

● When do we need to acquire our permits?

● When do we need to communicate with our leadership team? With our home support

team? With our participants? With GGC? With the relevant parks/police authorities?

The Why

● Why do we want to do this trip (WIIFM – What’s In it for Me?)?

● Why does each of the participants want to do this trip?

● What are everyone’s trip expectations? (Are they only interested in how many kms. they

can log, or do they want to be able and stop and smell the roses along the way?)

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Basic Nutrition Planning Tips

The following are basic tips for planning and organizing food for an adventure camp:
● Bring electrolyte powder or other juice crystals to add to the water
● Pre-measure portions by meal or per participant
● Bring extra stuff sacks or dry bags for food storage/food caching
● Pack food in multiple stuff sacks/dry bags rather than in one large bag and have each
group member carry a portion of the food
● Pack foods by meals or by days, whatever way of organizing works. Be organized and
make a list of who in the group is carrying which meals or which day of food
● Ensure snacks can be easily accessed (and not buried) while
hiking/biking/canoeing/kayaking, etc.
● Remove food from original packaging when possible to cut down on bulkiness, but keep
any necessary cooking instructions. Pack snacks in Ziploc bags for each day
● Choose meals that are easiest and take the least amount of time to prepare
● Always bring an extra meal or two on trips in case of an unexpected delay
● Don’t forget to drink lots of water – at the minimum 2 litres per day, and more when
exercising and in hot weather. If you are feeling thirsty, you are already dehydrated
● Bring small packages of condiments, peanut butter, honey and jam instead of large jars
● Packaging food in a food saver helps keep it fresher longer.


The right to make a copy for personal use is part of most existing publishing agreements. This right is recognised as an important right for the author. Because the right is attached to the author and in most cases well defined, personal use won’t harm the publisher.

Navigation Tips for Beginners

Put all your navigation skills together to create a route for a group activity/adventure. Using variables such as the group’s goals, needs and abilities, you can research and explore options for your activity. Acquire relevant maps (recreational/topographic), read about the route in a guidebook, and find some recent route descriptions from an online source. Select the best path to achieve your objective. Mind map: think about the route to take, the conditions that may affect your day (temperature, winds, second day of a trip) and how far you want to travel. Look at options; are there other routes or campsites available to use as a contingency plan? If you plan for the unexpected, and find yourself having to adapt during your day, you will have another

route to follow and succeed.

Your home contact person (HCP) is your lifeline and back-up plan. The HCP should have a good understanding of what you are planning to do and how you plan to do it, including alternative plans. If you are using a locator beacon to check in, the HCP should have an understanding of what the SPOT can tell them – your position, and a SPOT’s limitations – it is only a one-way communication device. If you have UTM co-ordinates listed as part of you route plan, your home contact must know what the coordinates are. Ensure your HCP has the information and training she needs to assist you.

Landmarks

Landmarks are distinctive features that you can find in your area as well as on the map. Examples include peaks, lakes while on land, the end of a small island or the mouth of a stream. Matching your map with landmarks is one of the foundations to all map reading.

Handrails

Handrails are linear features leading you in the direction you wish to go. Identify a handrail on the map and in the field and then follow it towards your objective. Trails and roads are the most obvious handrails but you can follow fences, streams, edges of fields and other long narrow features just as easily as long as they are both on the map and in the field.

A good example would be a stream: a good way to get to your destination is to first get to the stream then follow the stream to your to help you find your destination. Following a handrail takes much less concentration then following a compass bearing. Also since a handrail is illustrated on a map and a compass bearing isn’t following a handrail makes it much easier to keep track of where you are. Using the water’s edge as a handrail while navigating on water can be more difficult as every bay can look similar, and some portages can be hard to locate.

Aiming Off

Aiming off is a technique to ensure you find your final destination, once you have hit your handrail. If you walk out onto a road, which way do you turn to find the parking lot on this road? When you cross a lake, is your campsite to the left or right along the shoreline? When trying to hit a handrail, plan to intentionally veer a few degrees to one side of your objective, so that when you hit the handrail (the road or opposite shoreline), you will be confident in which direction you need to turn. If you aim off to the right slightly, when you hit your handrail, you would turn left to reach your destination.

Estimating Distance

Estimating the distance between two points can be done using the following methods:

● Measure the straight-line distance with the ruler on your compass, and compare with the scale chart on the bottom of the map.

● Use the string on your compass to measure the direct line, or curve it along a known trail: Start fingers at one spot, lay the string on the map/trail, mark the end point by pinching with your fingers. Pull the string straight and measure against the scale chart.

● A quick way to estimate distance is to count the UTM 1 km gridlines, although this will only be approximate. Always count both the gridline across and the gridline up as one each; never count a gridline diagonally as one. This can work very well for cross-country travel without trails (alpine or grassland), and when on the water. Meandering trails with numerous switchbacks will be more difficult to estimate distance for using this method. Although it may be easy to estimate distance over water, factors such as tides, currents, waves and wind will greatly affect your travel time.

The right to make a copy for personal use is part of most existing publishing agreements. This right is recognised as an important right for the author. Because the right is attached to the author and in most cases well defined, personal use won’t harm the publisher.

Orienteering Tips for Beginners

If you are planning to race in orienteering one day, here I share some of the tips for you. 

Get tips from the experts

There are many comprehensive guide books for starting out in orienteering which include training tips, how to prepare mentally as well as physically and race nutrition advice. As well as books, orienteering events are enjoying increasing exposure in magazines and on television and useful race tips can be gleaned from interviews with race experts.

Attend a training courses

Many orienteering course offered (by Ministry of Youth & Sports, by Magnet Edge Orienteering) to help people who are just starting out in orienteering. These events will focus on all basic aspects of orienteering from reading the maps, using the compass, and orienteering simulation. Perhaps near the future there will some courses such as orienteering training plan, nutrition, race preparation and race strategies.

Practice your navigation

Take some time to practice map reading and navigating before entering a race. Most orienteering events use either 1:15000 or 1:10000 scale maps. These maps are very highly detailed but you should practice navigating with them prior to entering your first event. This will help you not only get used to the different scale but also the different map symbols that orienteering maps use!

Ignore other competitors

When you first start orienteering it can be very tempting to follow other competitors but this completely defeats the whole object of competing in the first place and you might end up following someone who is either lost or is in a completely different event to you. Learn to use self-confidence and follow your own route.

Relocation training

Relocation (finding out exactly where you are after getting lost) is an art in itself, and there are several methods available depending on the type of terrain you are in. The more you practice your relocation skills then the quicker they will become, increasing your chances of preventing a minor mishap from developing into a total disaster!

Train properly

Training is the key to success when you're starting out in orienteering and the more time you dedicate to training, the higher your chances of success will be. In particular pay attention to your navigation skills as these will ultimately determine your success or failure.

Plan your race

In any orienteering event, time is given to every competitor to plan the race after all the checkpoint details have been given out. A big mistake made by many novice competitors is to rush off into the race, but it is worth spending a little extra time at this vital planning phase as it will make the race go far more smoothly for you. Listen carefully to the pre-race briefing so you don’t miss vital information on race rules, out of bounds areas (private land or farmland), water supply points and checkpoint locations then plan your race accordingly.

Nutrition aspect

Just as important as training for an event is eating properly. Prior to your race eat the right balance of proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins in a low fat diet. During orienteering events high-energy bars and gels are ideal.

Drink enough water

Drink plenty of water prior to a race and ensure you know the locations of water supply points. Depending on the duration of an event you can also carry a Camelbak-type hydration system allowing you to keep hydrated without having to stop.

First aid

One of the most important aspects of first aid training for orienteering events is being able to recognize various symptoms in a fellow competitor and treat them before they become a serious concern. Prevention is always much better than cure! Basic first aid training has obvious useful benefits not just for orienteering events but for everyday occurrences whether at work or at home, so take the time and a little money to invest in a course.

The right to make a copy for personal use is part of most existing publishing agreements. This right is recognised as an important right for the author. Because the right is attached to the author and in most cases well defined, personal use won’t harm the publisher.

Introduction to Orienteering

Orienteering is a great sport for getting your body fit and healthy through enjoyable and social exercise. As well as stretching your map reading mental powers, orienteering offers a great workout for the legs, encompassing a fair amount of running.

Orienteering is a race competed by individuals over rugged terrain to find a number of checkpoints, in a given order, using a map and compass. In orienteering there is no set route that competitors must follow, instead, it is up to each individual competitor to choose their own route between checkpoints.

What is orienteering?

Orienteering equally combines both physical and mental abilities and competitors will have to make many decisions about which route to take to the next checkpoint based on the terrain, their own fitness and navigational ability. Orienteering events range from entry-level ‘sprint’ events to mountain marathons taking place over long distances and mountainous terrain during which competitors must carry sufficient food, water and camping equipment.

Orienteering began as a series of military exercises by the Swedish army during the 1890s and due to the efforts of a Major Ernst Killander to make the sport more ‘mainstream’ the modern sport of orienteering was born.

Throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s the sport increased in popularity until today over 60 countries actively participate in the sport overseen by the International Orienteering Federation.

What’s the buzz about orienteering?

There are many buzzes to orienteering but one of them is the sheer enjoyment in putting your physical and mental abilities to the test, as well as watching them improve as you compete more regularly. Unlike cross-country or road running races, orienteering events are set within a defined area but there is no set route that a competitor must follow. This adds to the kick of orienteering as the route planning and decision making is down to you. No two competitors will follow the same route to complete a race.

Race organisers are cunning in their placement of checkpoints, putting you to the test! Sometimes the shortest route to the next checkpoint will be over hilly ground, meaning slow progress will be made, so will you decide to take the longer, flatter but maybe faster alternative route … it’s up to you! Each new race introduces the racer to new terrain and new challenges making orienteering a dynamic and highly enjoyable sport.

Finally, competitors unable to succeed in a purely physical event such as cross-country running, can equal or even beat physically stronger athletes though the use of their navigation skills, race planning and decision making. This is also the case in adventure racing.

Who can do orienteering?

Orienteering is a sport open to people of all ages and abilities. Events will often incorporate different courses for competitors based on their age, physical ability and experience. Events are held all over the country but generally located in more hilly or rugged areas of the country, as well as events all over the world.

Just like adventure racing, urban orienteering events have now evolved to make the sport accessible to more people.

What is orienteering like?

Ever been lost in your car, trying to keep one eye on the map and the other on the road? Now imagine that you are navigating on foot over unfamiliar, hilly and wooded terrain, maybe at night, against the clock and other competitors … welcome to orienteering!

Orienteering races will be filled with ‘highs and lows.’ At times you will be cruising along and realize how much your physical, mental and navigational abilities have improved since you took up the sport … at other times you come to a screeching halt in a swamp leaving you lost and frustrated, but you must learn to deal with these situations and get quickly back on track.

You will always walk away from a race learning from any mistakes and being better prepared for your next event but the feeling of satisfaction in achieving what seemed almost impossible to you a few months ago is extremely rewarding!

Who can participate?

Orienteering is one of the very few sports truly open to competitors of all ages and abilities. Events are organised for entrants as young as 8 whilst the International Orienteering Federation’s youngest championship category is for 10-year-old, and they have had competitors over 85 years-old!

Some events are open to disabled competitors through trail orienteering accessible to wheelchairs.

Do you have to do a course or train before getting out there and orienteering?

One of the great things about orienteering is that it is a sport that welcomes people of all ages and abilities so you don’t have to do a course or train in order to give it a go … just turn up and get out there!

Often the best way to learn is by simply having a go, learning by trial and error and taking away what you learn from an event to improve on your next performance.

Of course like anything else in life ‘the more you put into it the more you will get out’ so a little prior fitness and navigation training will go a long way to helping you enjoy your first orienteering experiences.

The right to make a copy for personal use is part of most existing publishing agreements. This right is recognised as an important right for the author. Because the right is attached to the author and in most cases well defined, personal use won’t harm the publisher.

Green Living Resolution

Towards greener living lifestyle, I share this article for an early awareness. As with any resolution, the key is to choose something feasible. A change you can make without major stress or strife is most likely to become permanent. If you don’t have one in mind yet, here are some great “green” resolution ideas to make your living more eco-friendly than now.

Convert to cloth tissues

Single-use, disposable facial tissues create a lot of unnecessary waste. Reusable tissues are easy to make out of old shirts or other soft fabrics. Wash them with your regular laundry and you have created no waste, and used no extra water (because your laundry has to be washed anyway!). Check out our post on cloth tissues for some extra insight.

Ban paper towels 

Make your house a paper towel-free zone by converting to reusable rags for cleaning and cloth napkins for dining. It’s an easy habit to pick up, and you’ll cut down enormously on non-recyclable paper waste!

“Meatless Mondays”

By choosing not to eat meat one day per week, you’ll reduce your average meat consumption by about 14 percent. Doing so will lower your carbon footprint and may even improve your health!

Start a compost pile

Another incredible way to cut down on household waste that your garden (if you have one) will thank you for! See our posts on urban composting and composting in Austin for some helpful tips to get you started.

Bike to work or school one day a week 

Or take public transportation, or walk, or build a boat from old limbs and float down your local creek. Whatever you choose, it’s always good to set a specific goal that’s manageable for you. Weekly goals are good because they are easy to keep track of, and not overwhelming.

Start a garden

Spend less money at the store *and* eat healthy, fresh food. Wuhuu! If you live in a village or rural area, you got an advantages!

Share something

The simple act of sharing can save money and resources while fostering kindness in communities. You could share something you own, for example: a set of power tools or perhaps a skill you have like, for example, bicycle repair. Sharing’s contagious too, so you’re likely to start a trend with your friends and neighbors that’ll be beneficial to you as well!

The right to make a copy for personal use is part of most existing publishing agreements. This right is recognised as an important right for the author. Because the right is attached to the author and in most cases well defined, personal use won’t harm the publisher.

Outdoor Recreation Course Level 1 2013

Another series of Outdoor Recreation Course to be participate. Open to all outdoor recreation enthusiast who are looking for the next level in understanding the knowledge of outdoor recreation. Conducted by experienced certified coaches and their assistants, this course can be an introductory as you wish to upgrade your certification until Level 3.

Let's check it out as details below:

Course: Outdoor Recreation Course Level 1
Date: 3-5 May 2013
Venue: UTM Johor Bahru Campus
Fee: RM188 per person
Organizer: UTM in collaboration with Jabatan Belia & Sukan Johor

This course including:

• camp craft
• night jungle exploration
• basic navigation
• rope & knots 
• wilderness first aid
• search & rescue simulation
• kayak
• lecture: Outdoor Program Management

May the course will benefits all.

For more details & registration:
email me: miha5123@gmail.com
facebook: Blackopoulos Johor

The right to make a copy for personal use is part of most existing publishing agreements. This right is recognised as an important right for the author. Because the right is attached to the author and in most cases well defined, personal use won’t harm the publisher.

Why Travel Light?

I often travel either as solo traveler or in group, either with the bicycle, motorcycle, bus, train and even a flight. As a traveler, I love to carry the essentials gear and equipment together. There is no 'biawak' in my backpack or haversack or my army sack.

Of all the travel skills you might acquire, travelling light is the one most likely to result in enjoyable, productive, stress-free travel experiences. For two thousand years, seasoned travelers have written of its many important benefits, including 

Security

With a much reduced need to hand your belongings over to the care of others, you are less likely to lose them to theft, damage, or misrouting. Similarly, you foil those who would enlist your unsuspecting aid as a conveyor of contraband goods. Attaining peace of mind is rarely this easy!

Economy

You can laugh at checked baggage fees. You don't have to pay porters and others to carry and store stuff for you. You are more able to take public transportation (even from airports, like flight crews and airport personnel do), rather than limos, shuttles, and (often scam-prone) taxis. You can even walk. All of which also bring you into more intimate (hence rewarding) contact with the people and places that you have come to visit.

Navigability

Less stuff means greater mobility, thus more navigational choices. With no checked or awkward-to-manage luggage to limit your travel options, you can better cope with delayed transportation, missed connections, and unexpected opportunities. You can switch to earlier flights when space is available. You needn't arrive at airports as early, and will be among the first to leave (despite the head start given those in first class), while the mobs wait at baggage carousels and long inspection queues. You can board trains, trams, and coaches with alacrity. You won't feel compelled to take the first hotel room offered: you can comfortably walk down the street should the ambience be unsuitable or the price unreasonable. You can sell your airplane seat (by volunteering to be "bumped") on full flights. You can travel as an air courier. You can be more spontaneous. Ultimately, you can enjoy an unfettered freedom that is forever denied to those who remain chained to their luggage. 

Serenity

If there is a bottom line, it's that travelling light is simply a more stress-and-hassle-free way to go. You have more time, because packing takes little. You waste less energy hauling stuff. You know what you have, where everything is, and that it's sufficient. We've all seen those hapless folks at the airport, with too much baggage and anxious expressions, concerned that they have lost track of something, or left it behind. Foreign travel in particular can be challenging because it is unfamiliar and unpredictable, but the one-bag traveller copes by operating from a solid, familiar, well-considered foundation, with fewer unnecessary things to worry about.

Ecology

All of the above are concerned with short-term benefits to you. But travelling light also yields long-term benefits to the planet. Less stuff to manufacture. Less use of vehicles and other equipment to move you and your things about. Less fuel for the vehicles that do move you. Less greenhouse gas production. Less damage to our celestial home. Greater likelihood of upcoming generations being around and able to do some travelling of their own. (It's not often that the most convenient option is also the most environmentally responsible.) 

As a bottom line, learning to travel light simply makes a good SENSE (Security, Economy, Navigability, Serenity, Ecology).

The right to make a copy for personal use is part of most existing publishing agreements. This right is recognised as an important right for the author. Because the right is attached to the author and in most cases well defined, personal use won’t harm the publisher.

Who Are You as Backpacker?

Whether you’re a 'otai' backpacker or preparing for your first timer, the world awaits. Backpacking provides incredible experiences and opportunities for travelers of many varieties. Check out these types tour backpackers you might encounter on your next trip and ponder about which group you fit into.

Spiritual Travelers

Looking to find themselves and serve others, these travelers often flock to Asia. After purchasing missionary insurance in case of any needed medical treatment, spiritual pilgrims set off in search of inner peace. Many spiritual backpackers visit religious sites or work for charitable causes during their travels. As Muslim, I can say going to Mecca & Madinah are considered in this category. 

Hippie Trippers

Developing countries attract hippie travelers who eat local and use local transportation. They often sport dreadlocks and avoid average tourist destinations.

Gap Year Adventurers

The year between high school and college finds gap year travelers exploring the world and seeing the sights without the responsibility of educational or work pursuits. Particularly in Asia and Australia, they often stick to the beaten path.

Party Packers

A drink in hand identifies this group. Primarily congregating in party destinations like Barcelona, Prague, Thailand and Amsterdam, these backpackers are loud and fun.

The Couple

Worldwide, couples seek to escape the routine and spend time reconnecting with each other. Older travelers tend to avoid the party scene while younger couples actively seek out the party crowds.

Flashpacker

Identify these travelers by their attachment to electronic devices. Found worldwide wherever they can find Internet access, flashpackers usually don’t pinch pennies or sleep under the stars.

Nostalgic Travelers

Long-time travelers fall into this category. They’ve been everywhere and often return to their favorite locations. Filled with stories of the good old days, they may spend time reminiscing on how the best sites were better back in the day.

Tour Types

As you backpack, you will encounter travelers from one or more of the above categories. Perhaps they are journeying solo or in a guided tour. Find out more about the tour types that attract backpackers from around the world.

With the variety of tours available, you can find the trip that meets your needs. Whether you spend a few months exploring the beaten path or tour local sights for a day, find a backpacking experience that meets your style. You’ll be glad you took time to discover the adventures that await.

• Guided group Tours – Backpackers on a guided tour simply show up and follow the qualified guide on pre-arranged sightseeing tours. The cost typically includes housing, transportation and activities.

• Independent Tours – Individual backpackers arrange the details on this personalized tour option. You decide everything from what to see to how long you stay.

• Active or Adventure Tours – Exercise your need for adventure as you participate in mountain climbing, hiking or biking.

• Hop On/Hop Off Tours – Travelers on a budget appreciate this tour type. Reserve a seat on the bus for the tour then hop off the bus to explore a location or relax. Jump on the next bus when you’re ready to continue the tour.

• Day Tours – Some travelers can’t escape reality for weeks or months at a time. Often designed for sightseeing rather than adventure, day tours provide travelers with a taste of the backpacking experience.

• Trekking – Multi-day hikes allow travelers to enjoy the great outdoors while exploring rugged locations.

Deciding where to begin your backpacking adventure isn’t the first or hardest decision you’ll ever have to make. Deciding what type of backpacker you are will help make the rest of the choices part of the fun!

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