Survival in a Jacket

For the first time, an entry without images. Maybe I add one later... I got my hands on a nifty replica of a TAD Gear softshell, and since I plan to wear it at least through 3 1/2 Seasons, I tried to transform it into a "urban survival mail". Without much diversion, heres my kitlist:

• Keychain: Keys, Leatherman Micra, livesaver tube with vital Informations, carbine hook, P38 can opener, LED
• Wristwatch: Clock(who might have quessed) and Silva compass
  
• Left chest pocket: Headset for phone, LED torch, Smartphone with GPS (Google Maps, RSSReader, Forecast, etc)
  
• Right Chest pouch: Swiss Army Knife (German Army Modell), Keychain, rugged second cell phone with independet card
• Back Pouch with 100ml Water (I have a 2yr old son), Lansky Fiber Knife, Paracord
• Right Arm Pouch: Small medic kit (Plasters, tweezer, etc...), 10 mini cyalume sticks 30mm, Waterproof sealed matches (german army ration)
  
• Left arm pouch: Beverage powder, salt, pepper, candy, inflatable baloon (to cheer up kids), toilet paper from a MRE, herbal candy, chewing gum from an MRE
• Lower arm pouch: One tampoon, small pill box with my important meds (Headache, allergies, stomach, etc...) some vitamin c, something against sore throat, slipped into a rubber inflatable baloon, to keep it dry AND stopp it moving around.

All together thats all I need in an urban environment, for any situation, exceppt when TSHTF!

Urban survival - Part two

As I had announced before, I will continue the "Urban survival series" time by time with new bits of content. This is one of these bits :)

The survival keyring
Its a very personal, individual piece of kit, so this wont be a real "guide" but more an introduction to "my" keyring.
So whats on it? First, of course, my keys (quite obvious). Than I added a small key chain (more on its use later on) and some useful tools:
- A Leatherman Micra Tool
- A P38 can opener (original with NSN)
- A button compass
- A signal whistle
- Lock and keys for my arms case
- Maglite Micra torch
- A lightweight carbine hook

This pretty basic setup served me very well the last years, but of course each demands may vary, though.
Why a keyring? Well, the best tools wont serve you, when you don't have them with you. Although it IS possible that you forget you keyring, it will be with you most of the time you´re out.
And why a key chain? Well, it transforms the keyring into a decent flail, if you have a need for self defense.
So far so well, we´ll meet again soon!

Urban survival - Part one

Introduction
There are many guides and books out there about bushcraft and survival in the field, jungle and even arctic. But what is mostly forgotten: Shit happens – everywhere! This guide deals with the „survival“ in every-days-situations. Mostly these are not as life-threatening as an airplane crash in the Arnhemland, but can be annoying enough to be gladly avoided.

Preparations
„Survival is a state of mind“ is an often used phrase by instructors. Although its a wise word, in the first survival is a matter of preparation and planning. The german „survival guru“, globetrotter and human rights activist Ruediger Nehberg (aka „Sir Vival“) once stated in one of his books „Survival begins with choosing the middle position in a public bus, to have as much buffer zone during an accident as possible“. That attitude clearly shows what urban survival is about: Have an open eye on your surroundings, calculate risks and avoid them. No one would cross a highway directly if theres a bridge half-a-mile downstreet, but nevertheless dozens of humans die each day in car accidents due blind street crossings. But this is by far the worst case. In urban environments you have to face rather „simple“ threats like delayed public trains and subways, rain showers half-way to your new-job-appointment, small bicycle accidents or getting lost in a foreign town.
So the first thing you should grow accustom to is: Don't leave home head over heals! Things you should check:

• Check batteries: Is your cell phone / smartphone / PDA loaded?
• Whats the forecast? Will it rain?
• Check if there are there any big events between travelling from „A“ to „B“, a marathon through the city? A demonstration? Veterans day?
• Check your connection! Have you a fall-back transport if your ride fails you?
• Be sure to have your Kit ready

These steps will prevent you from stumbling upon some nasty buggers! Next part, the "Kitguide" comes soon, so stay tuned