Timbuk2 Bag
Just after the New Year’s Day 2013, moviegoers in a small town on Staten Island were allegedly robbed at knifepoint while walking to their cars.
According to court papers, three men approached the moviegoers, displayed a knife, and ordered them to hand over their cash and phones. The muggers then entered a nearby car and drove off with an alleged accomplice behind the wheel. According to records, this all happened in broad daylight at around 3:30 in the afternoon.
No one wants to be in this scenario. Imagine walking out of the movies or the mall and being accosted by a group of assailants, one of them armed.
What could the victims of this mugging have done? Were they focusing inward when they were walking to their vehicles or were they focused on their surroundings and trying to identify any threats or an area where a threat could occur? Did they try to defend themselves? Were they carrying anything that could be used to defend themselves? Did they have anything in their cars to defend themselves?
This scenario could happen anywhere. In this specific case it happened in Staten Island, New York, where it is illegal to carry a concealed handgun. If this happened in another state where there are licensed concealed weapons holders, would this still have happened? There are still muggings, robberies, and murders in every state, regardless of concealed weapons laws.
When you’re out in public, remain vigilant, focus on your surroundings and environment, and maintain situational awareness. Make sure you know what’s happening around you. Carry yourself in this manner and be able to react to changes that may occur around you. Simply maintaining this mind-set and showing your awareness by your demeanor makes you less likely to be assaulted. The military calls this making yourself a “hard target.”
In addition to being a hard target, it’s important to carry gear for personal protection. The everyday carry kit list in this chapter provides numerous options that can help if you find yourself in a bad situation Of course, you must practice using any gear you choose to carry and master using it for the gear to be effective.
An everyday carry kit is just what it sounds like—a survival kit that you carry with you at all times. When considering your everyday carry kit gear list, think about the environment you’re in and the things you’ll need in a survival situation–water, fire, shelter, food, and protection/security.
Timbuk2 Bag
Multitool
Compass, Lighter, Energy Bar, and Water Bottle
The items in this kit are a good starting point, but if there is something important to you that you have with you at all times, add it to your everyday kit. Also, give some consideration as to how you are going to carry the items in this kit. You may feel comfortable carrying these items on your person or in a coat with zippered pockets during the winter months. However, a backpack, messenger bag, or purse is a good year-round option.
You want to make sure you have a phone and charger with you at all times, a water bottle, a lighter or matches, and some food in the form of energy bars or snack bars. Remember, this is your everyday carry kit, so it does not need to be packed with tons of gear, but it still needs to have the basics. Make sure you have a light jacket or blanket in the kit, as well as a small compass, should you need to navigate through unfamiliar territory. A space blanket is a compact, lightweight sheet that will radiate most of your body’s heat back to you.
Your everyday kit should have a multitool or Swiss Army knife in it. Remember, your knife is a tool and a weapon. Know how to use all of the attachments and accessories on the knife you choose to carry. Some have files, scissors, pliers, different screwdriver heads, and even small saws. Choose one you are comfortable with and you know how to use.
Personal protection is a must. If you have the necessary permits and training, a pistol can be a great way to protect yourself. If you would prefer not to carry a gun, consider adding a walking stick or tactical baton to your everyday carry kit. See chapter one for more on using a tactical baton or walking stick for protection.
In this chapter’s survival scenario, a concealed weapon was not an option. Consider what you will do when you plan to go into an establishment that doesn’t allow a concealed weapon or knife. While having your weapon with you at all times is ideal, keep it as close by as possible, such as in your vehicle. It’s better to have your weapon with you or very close to you and not need it than to not have it and need it. Mace, pepper spray, or even a Taser can subdue a potential threat and allow you enough time to get away.
Springfield Armory XD Sub-Compact .40cal, Monkey Fist, and Walking Stick
Basic First Aid Kit
In addition to the items listed above, you need to have a small, basic first aid kit. This should include adhesive bandages of various sizes, antibacterial ointment, gauze, and tape. This kit should also have some basic medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Benadryl, and motion-sickness medicine (Dramamine). If you or someone traveling with you has a severe allergy to bee stings or if you have any other severe allergies, you should include an EpiPen in the kit. Most of these items can be purchased without a prescription at any drugstore.
This method is simply a series of 90-degree turns to avoid the water. Use this if you come upon a lake, pond, or swamp. Effective use of this method also depends on the size of the water. If you encounter an enormous body of water, this method might take a very long time.
Use smaller containers to keep your everyday carry kit organized. Group like things together in a container to make a minikit within your kit. For example, use a separate container such as a resealable plastic bag, repurposed candy tin, or other small container for the items in your first aid kit. These minikits will help you stay organized while keeping these items easy to find.
Minikit
To execute the detour bypass method:
If there are two or more of you in your party and you have a rope, you can use it to assist you in crossing the water. This method is especially useful for crossing a river, creek, or ravine and can help transport people and gear.
To execute the rope assist crossing method:
If you are comfortable in the water and a strong swimmer, you can swim across a body of water. If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t attempt it. Hopefully your gear or survival kit is waterproofed. Storing your gear in a simple plastic storage bag (or two or three of them) can make a pack fairly waterproof. If you have a survival kit, put it in a construction-grade trash bag to make it waterproof. Now you have a big flotation device to help you make the swim across the water. You can push it, lay on it, etc. If there are two or more of you, you can make a poncho raft with your packs and use the raft to help you get across. You can push the poncho raft, lay on it, and paddle across the water; both of you could push and kick across.
If you are not water confident, avoid the water at all costs. Take a swimming class and get confident in and around the water. Regardless of your age, you should learn how to swim and be comfortable in the water and learn basic drown-proofing techniques that are taught in many classes.Basic drown-proofing techniques include:
Remember to relax and stay calm and still. Try not to exert a great deal of energy.
Your everyday carry kit is the kit that is going to get you through everyday life. What can life throw at you each day going to and from work, from a kid’s practice, to the store, or the movies? The items in the everyday kit can help protect you, get you through a bad situation, and make things more comfortable. Water, fire, shelter, food, and security should always be considered and included in your kit. Pack for and expect the worst and make sure you practice and are proficient with all of your gear. When and if the going gets tough, your everyday carry kit can help you get home or to a safer location.