I had a thought driving in to work today about a piece of gear that I have used and abused over and over and over again.
Something that is in my BoB and in all my vehicles and wondered how many others have either thought of this or carries one.
A Camera.
I have two actually, a 40 Dollar Digital Camera that takes pictures and videos with a 1 gig memory card, and a disposable 35 mm Camera with film. I've always carried one or both of these since my time in the Corps and as a Patrol Cop. Never knew when I'd need to document something or just take a good picture.
That's actually a good point. In an extended event or one where communication still exists, the ability to document and share information might be helpful. Though I wouldn't say it is necessary for "survival," I could see how keeping a cheap digital camera in the glove box could just be handy in general.
Lithium batteries, 10yr. shelf life. But then once you use them, they do still go, although a tad slower then regular alkaline batteries but they still do go once put in an electronic item. And you can also take them out of an item to help save them. But again, can't beat the shelf life of lithium.
__________________ "My next door neighbors two dogs have created more shovel ready jobs then Obama has." - Gary Johnson
Lithium batteries, 10yr. shelf life. But then once you use them, they do still go, although a tad slower then regular alkaline batteries but they still do go once put in an electronic item. And you can also take them out of an item to help save them. But again, can't beat the shelf life of lithium.
OK but the computer will take much more power and if you use the camera to view all your pics for the lack of a computer then your batteries won't last. At least my camera wouldn't it kind of eats through batteries if I use it decently, and once they are in use they will in fact drain over time.
Interesting SHTF item though, and I don't think it would be on my list of essential items. I'd much rather have a GPS and a bunch of batteries since those satellites will run for a long time off of solar power.
Perhaps, while bugging out, you see something wierd and want to take a picture to show others. Maybe you see what looks like a walkig corpse with an axe in its back, and take a picture to either show your family (those who could handle it) or share online. Or maybe you see a convoy of Marines, with mounted guns actually in place on top of the Humvees, speeding down the side of the road). You take a picture so you can show others later (perhaps your uncle is in the military and might understand the seriousness better, etc). Maybe you get bit by a spider or snake, and take a picture of it to take to the hospital (if the situation isn't THAT bad) so they can identify it to give you the correct antivenom.
Just a few things off the top of my head.
Though, I do still say there would be quite a bit I'd be worried about over taking pictures. However, I guess if the situation is still calm enough that there is power, communication, and time to take and analyze pictures, then it might not be so bad afterall? The above-mentioned examples kindof go in line with either a personal emergency or even an interesting scene, or even the beginnings of a SHTF event.
Hmm that just gave me an idea. Say something major did happen and you did have to bug out and you documented say, the Government setting up something that looked fishy. Take a pic, give it to the media or distribute it some how and it acts as evidence.
OK, OK, I think I can better understand application of said tool in a bug out kit.
Hmm that just gave me an idea. Say something major did happen and you did have to bug out and you documented say, the Government setting up something that looked fishy. Take a pic, give it to the media or distribute it some how and it acts as evidence.
OK, OK, I think I can better understand application of said tool in a bug out kit.
Sort of my thoughts, and if you get yourself one of the old Pre WWII 35mm Black and White Camera's or even a good 35mm camera from the 80's that doesnt use batteries just wind and shoot the film you can learn to develop film. And as I learned in Law Enforcement Hard film trumps digital any day.
I can kind of see that, could you give me an application where it could be handy?
Lots of digital cameras (pretty much all of them) you can play back the images you take without a computer, if you need to recon something or whatever you can take pics and bring it back with you.
If its a local SHTF (Katrina or something) and you still have access to a computer/internet though a safe place or an aid station and you need to transmit pictures to someone else, a doctor, or someone else you can.
You can record your survival legacy for later survivors to find and make a documentary of your last desperate moments of life surving the zombie/alien/monster/nuclear apocalypse.
Lots of digital cameras (pretty much all of them) you can play back the images you take without a computer, if you need to recon something or whatever you can take pics and bring it back with you.
If its a local SHTF (Katrina or something) and you still have access to a computer/internet though a safe place or an aid station and you need to transmit pictures to someone else, a doctor, or someone else you can.
You can record your survival legacy for later survivors to find and make a documentary of your last desperate moments of life surving the zombie/alien/monster/nuclear apocalypse.
Well the second you mentions aliens and zombies you sold me
