It's all fine and well being prepared, making sure you have 'covered all the bases' but besides being able to make a nice fire and settling in for the night in your warm sleeping bag with your trusty steel of choice by your side what else would you guys consider taking along that could possibly boost morale. Of course keeping in mind there's not always space for the Monopoly... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I was thinking along the lines of a deck of cards, it doesn't take up a lot of space and can provide hours of fun for everyone.

Is there anything else you guys would suggest? It doesn't necessarily have to be a game. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I found this... Touches on some very valid, real points.

"Once your water, food, shelter and security needs are met, implementing activities that increase and maintain morale are an important part of a sustainable and effective group. In today's society, staying busy is not hard. You have many choices of entertainment, amusement, and places you can go at the spur of the moment. However, morale can quickly breakdown during a crisis if people are afraid, bored, jealous, or overbearing. The key is to create a system that includes:

1. Respect for others and leadership authority

2. Well defined responsibilities

3. Sense of increasing control of events and improving conditions

4.Enough work for everyone without overburdening just a few group members

5.A daily schedule that includes a balance of work, meals, sleep and personal grooming

6.Time to relax and reflect

In a high-stress survival situation, even small disagreements can turn into major group conflicts. Decide well before a crisis, what type of decision making process will be implemented. Will you conduct votes? Have a highly structured lines of authority? Everyone must be able to sanely live in the social environment you create."

Have you checked out the BOB bag? Here it is
http://www.scrapyardknives.com/ubbthread...e=0&fpart=1

check out this one as well
http://www.scrapyardknives.com/ubbthread...e=0&fpart=1

ZX, I am not sure LONG TERM survival has really been discussed that much. Of course THAT scenario brings up a whole new and different set of concerns. Most of the talk here so far I THINK has been just getting away from or surviving the first few days (maybe a week up to a month) before help of some kind actually arrives. Yes, even this relatively short time period brings forth the "what do I do to in my spare time or to relax" and I believe is and should be subjective for each individual. Some will choose cards, some books and some.... (insert your choice here).

Thanks SkunkHunter... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" /> I missed this... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

No problem. Architect has started and there has been A LOT of good information in those threads. Actually ANY thread with BOB/Survival?FAK in it would be good reading.

I don't know your AO of course, but just based upon some pics I would say get yourself a good 4-5 inch blade and a GOOD Machete, OR AT LEAST a good 9 inch or so knife and you should have all your cutting chores covered, oh and a Ferro rod and striker. Those things are unbelievable!

I've taken it to the point in my mind where if I need to get moving I know where I'll go, it's far but there's food, water and enough resources to sustain me.

You know it's also got a lot to do with who ends up coming with. Fair enough there will be those individuals that are automatically in the mix, be it your wife, children, family or friends. But the thing is, as well as you know somebody, they could be completely different in a survival situation.

I have on many occasions taken folks out for a few days just to see how they would handle 'roughing it' and to be honest very few performed as well as they claimed they would. Now obviously it's a wake-up call for a lot people especially the men, when after day 2 it's 'not funny' anymore... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Also I think there's that, that you think of yourself and there's that, that you know of yourself... The trick is finding the middle ground and being able to live with it... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

Also you eventually will get to the point where as in any survival situation you will have the hunters, those that care and medicate, those that sit and do nothing and so forth. Having to deal with that and not let it affect the group... Seeing past the guy/girl who sleeps while others work, all these things become possible reasons to explode and 'loose it'... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

Your post is very true, specially the last paragraph. I FIRMLY believe everyone "Bugging Out" should have a firearm. But I just as strongly believe the use of that firearm FOR DEFENSE/OFFENSE, should be ONLY a last ditch, I'm gonna die If I don't shoot situation. It is Far better to remain unseen and bypass "Their friends" to come a running!

BE the RABBIT (or Gazelle) NOT the lion.

I'm with you 100%... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Your goal is to SURVIVE. Survival for most all creatures is to NOT draw attention to themselves lest they DO become pray for something/someone bigger, faster,stronger and with NO morals.

Now don't get me wrong, IF NECESSARY I will do ANYTHING to save guard the lives of my loved ones and myself, but only when a conflict can not be avoided.

This reminds me of what I have heard on TV about the Cheetah. They avoid conflict with other creatures that have the power to steal their kill. They instinctively know that an injury can mean death.

ZX, I am sorry I kinda sidetracked this thread of yours from the Moral issue.