Overt vs Covert Gear in a SHTF Situation

[Hemi45]

When it's your time ... you can run but you can't hide - eventually the music stops for us all. I live in the suburbs of a major city, a downright awful place to be if the balloon goes up. Our home is hardened, we have a well and a pool, we have food for humans and dogs, weapons (of course) and we're not lazy, ignorant sheep so we do have certain advantages. My approach to prepping is Hurricane ++ meaning we can weather many life interruptions better than most of our neighbors but in a fast, all-out collapse we're screwed. I'm not superman and I try to maintain a healthy and realistic perspective on life. Odds are everything will be just fine in our lifetimes and we'll die of old age (or Obamacare) and my wife look back and laugh. Of course, I've yet to see Colt firearms lose value over the years so I guess, I might have the last laugh!

[Moose-Knuckle]

Not to piss in anyone's cereal , but I believe if you don't live or dont have a job in a remote/mountain/sticks location then why live a survivalist lifestyle or hobby?

Just what careers are available in remote, mountain, sticks locations? Income is the proverbial catch-22 for most folks of the survivalist/prepper mindset. As for living in the hills, unless you are on a private island in the middle of an ocean or have the skill set to live in the middle of the Mojave then remnants of the Golden Hoard can and will reach you eventually. Human migration patterns have shown this to be an historic absolute.

To me this is your best chance of survival.
Guess the idea of living that way is too hard for some?

I don't think it's a question of too hard for some more a question of practicality as most folks don't want to live the Randy Weaver lifestyle on the old homestead, isolate their family, and all that entails.

If this isn't possible for you then why bother?
That's if we are talking worst case disaster/survival.
I guess I'm too far gone in the prep/survival life

Why wear a seat belt if you can still get killed in a wreck, why pay for insurance knowing you will never get the full value of your material possession should some calamity befall you? It's whatever gives a man peace-of-mind.

The big con with this is, I'm a hermit yes... An I'm single an no kids.
I do have a dog though

If I was not married and had no children I would be living a completely different lifestyle in a different geographical location. But since I like be married and I love being a father my life choices evolve around them.

[Outlander Systems]

Prepping for zOMG!! TEOTWAWKI is absurd.

Real SHTF is more down to earth, and more likely to be localized: Katrina, Tornados, Winter Storms, Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Mudslides, Rioting, etc.

While I am all for some country living, when the lights go out in the country, you've gotta wait a LOT longer for the switch to get flipped back to the on position.

You also have to go without the convenience of a decent job, local amenities, etc.

Unless you are 100% off the grid, with windmills, livestock, crops, wells/water storage, photovoltaics, etc. you're kidding yourself.

To paraphrase Ferfal, SHTF is the same as your normal life, only suckier.

The idea of running around, kitted up, and living in some private Alamo is a Rawlesian fantasy.

YMMV

[sevenhelmet]

ZOMG = Zombies, oh my God? I don't get it... Too many acronyms for various disasters.

The rest of your post made sense.

[Outlander Systems]

ZOMG = Zombies, oh my God? I don't get it... Too many acronyms for various disasters.

The rest of your post made sense.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=zomg

[RamadiDoorkicker]

I sacrifice security and a completely self reliant lifestyle for the happiness of my family. IMO, life is to be lived to the fullest while being as prepared as can reasonably be. I have no to desire to live as a hermit for 30 years just in case SHTF. I will live the same lifestyle as if there would never be a threat. Only difference is that I do all in my power to be prepared for the worst.

[Outlander Systems]

I sacrifice security and a completely self reliant lifestyle for the happiness of my family. IMO, life is to be lived to the fullest while being as prepared as can reasonably be. I have no to desire to live as a hermit for 30 years just in case SHTF. I will live the same lifestyle as if there would never be a threat. Only difference is that I do all in my power to be prepared for the worst.

Well stated.

[Pi3]

http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/2114...-totally-fake/

[JusticeM4]

There are many different ideas about weather o person should use Overt or Covert gear in a SHTF situation. I figure that I would get a discussion started on it.

Here are the guidelines:

- Describe your situation (real or hypothetical)

- Group or individual

- General use or bug out/ traveling

- Weapon systems carried and why?

- Amount of Ammo carried on you and why?

- If you plan to use both Overt and Covert then when and why for each?


I hope that everyone can share info and some rational as why you go whit that. I will be post my response later.

On the original topic, I would be covert as possible with my gear. No need to attract attention or have someone try to steal my gear that screams 'weapons'.

Hypothetically I'd be solo, but realistically I would try to take care of my immediate family as long as possible before I have to travel on my own. Currently Live in the suburbs outside a major city. I can easily drive out to more remote areas if needed, but in reality I will probably have to go into the city to try help my family (parents and siblings only).

Weapons are Carbine, pistol, and knives. Ammo is what I can physically carry (a couple hundred rounds at best since other items/gear/food/water must be taken into account).

I sacrifice security and a completely self reliant lifestyle for the happiness of my family. IMO, life is to be lived to the fullest while being as prepared as can reasonably be. I have no to desire to live as a hermit for 30 years just in case SHTF. I will live the same lifestyle as if there would never be a threat. Only difference is that I do all in my power to be prepared for the worst.

+2. I would happily choose to die while defending my loved ones, vs surviving in the wild on my own.

[blade_68]

I would probably be stuck at work even if I was able to leave. (Location) No family anywhere close, stuck fending for self anyway. Oh Crap bags in vehicle. G19 and LC9 few magazine's. I'd grab my patrol bag with my plate carrier and plates. If totally SHF I'll still have GOV duty rifle and ammo I would then swap out upper so I could use suppressor too. If could get to "home" hook up RV try to go link up with few like minded people I know. That's out of general area. If on foot stash plates just keep carrier and one plate.