Will Money Still Rule the World After the Apocalypse?

Charles Darwin was once quoted as saying: “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” As much as we would like to accurately predict the future, there really is no way of telling when the Apocalypse will occur. There have been countless predictions involving the Apocalypse, none of which have been accurate thus far, obviously. According to the World Bible Society, the world will end on or before the year 2021, but once again, only time will tell.

photo credit: Sam Rupsa

While we all hope that disaster will not strike in our lifetimes, it is best to always be prepared for the worst.  There is a lot to consider when preparing for a possible Apocalypse such as knowing where to go, having basic survival kits on hand as well as whether to stockpile cash in advance or not.  Money plays a tremendously important role in our current lives but will it be of as much, if any value, after disaster strikes? The following are all possibilities to consider in a post-apocalyptic world:

Prepare for the birth of a new currency

Regardless of how we personally envision the Apocalypse to play out, chances are good that new currencies will be established post-apocalypse. Many preppers are of the opinion that cash will remain king if a crisis like a natural disaster occurs, although debit and credit cards will become worthless. We may have to seek entirely new ways to establish and manage our finances. While there is a general consensus amongst some that gold will become the standard currency across the world, others argue that it will not be of much use after all thanks to income influences.

According to a guide published by Forbes, if a disaster is of such magnitude that it renders the currencies of developed nations’ worthless, gold will more than likely become useless as well due to being a luxury, and incomes will be plummeting drastically. In all likelihood, an entirely new currency will be created as it will just be easier than trying to revive a pre-apocalyptic one, making it pointless to try and hoard money for a ‘rainy day’.

Bartering could return with a bang

The return of a very natural bartering economy is very possible after the Apocalypse and one which a lot of preppers are looking forward to.  In its simplest form, bartering entails exchanging your own goods and services for goods and services you would like to acquire from someone else. There are a lot of seemingly basic items that will be extremely popular in terms of bartering in a post-apocalyptic world. Food and water will undoubtedly be in huge demand, especially as it is very possible that all farmlands may be rendered useless for an extended period of time. Medical supplies such as antibiotics, disinfectants, bandages, ointments, painkillers and blood stop powder will also be very valuable as will salt, liquor, pet food, any fire-making equipment and ammunition. Even if you happen to lose all your worldly possessions in the Apocalypse, you can always barter with services such as medical skills, child minding, fishing, pottery and animal husbandry.

If we could foresee the future it would be decisively easier to prepare for the Apocalypse. We would also be able to make an educated decision on whether to stockpile money while we can, or splurge it all at the first sign of disaster, before it is rendered completely worthless. If the world’s currencies lose all value, as it is expected to do by many, it might prove to be of more value to hoard medicinal supplies, canned good and bottled water than actual cold, hard cash.

What’s In Your Bag? Preppers Share How They Pack Their Bug Out Bags

Bill 

The Prepper Journal

What's in your bugout bag? YearZeroSurvival

 

When you travel, what top 3 survival items do you bring besides the common stuff everybody brings?

I am addressing this from the point that there is no commercial airline travel involved. They make it nearly impossible to “carry” on-board anything, even bottled water, though you would be surprised what you can pack in checked baggage. Check the regulations as opposed to the rumors.

I never travel without at least a tactical knife, fire starter and a compact Mylar blanket. If I have a weapon, which I do almost always, then an extra 100 rounds of ammo, always. For the obvious reasons and for barter.

Most useless: cell phone without a solar charger – you can’t always find a working plug. additional electronic devices and, believe it or not, the “wrong” shoes.

How do you bring things with you?

I have a dedicated backpack – compartments. Duffel bags require too much time rummaging around for things. My current backpack is Swiss Army. I organize the compartments by #1 – self defense, #2 – survival, #3 – extras – since normally #3 has a laptop and a tablet and chargers, in a SHTF scenario these would be discarded for more of the basics in #’s 1 and 2.

What are your top tips for other traveling preppers?

Be situation aware. Look at people. Look at the people around you. Engage them in conversations if possible to further understand their current mindset. NEVER risk yourself by doing something stupid – do not try and sneak anything past TSA, ever. Keep your head in emergencies, people will seek out those that do.

Preppers get wrong – they do not take into consideration the Golden Horde. Every new prepper has a plan to head for the mountains, desert, etc. But if you are close to an urban area so will the thousands and millions of others. The best plan is to make preparations to hunker down in place and let events unfold – not with a tornado bearing down on you or a Cat 5 Hurricane when you live in New Orleans below sea level behind levee’s that were build 3 lifetimes ago. But it is usually the best option as a first reaction.

ALSO – more people are injured after weather events than during weather events. It is the aftermath of the situation that you also have to give equal consideration to. Downed power lines, wild animals and desperate people.

 

Thomas Xavier

More Than Just Surviving

What would you pack in your bugout bag? YearZeroSurvival

When you travel, what top 3 survival items do you bring besides the common stuff everybody brings?

I bring:

  • Imodium – Traveller’s diarrhea is a legitimately dangerous thing to have in emergency situations (diarrhea = dehydration) and also consider the fact that you can also have pretty bad bowel problems as a consequence of adrenaline, fear, or stress.
  • Medicated foot powder with piroctone olamine (because if you’re going to be walking for hours and hours in less than ideal situations, you don’t to have issues with bacterial infections – obviously cleaning would be ideal, but when you can’t, foot powder.
  • Chewing gum – The ability to trick your mind into thinking you’re getting a calorie intake and/or distract you when trekking long distances under duress seems like a solid idea relative to its size.

How do you bring things with you?

Honestly, the brand and/or style of bag is irrelevant because people are difference and have different taste. Personally, I’d go for the Hazard 4 stuff, because it’s bombproof and light. I have 3 of them, my favourite being the Grayman Patrol. Super solid and discrete. Plenty of room, but if in doubt, use packing cubes.

What are your top tips for other traveling preppers?

Be mindful of legalities if you ever stray beyond borders or even States. The knife laws in the UK, for example, are bordering insane relative to what you can expect in America. Your mindset should suit your environment with regards to gear.

6 More Preppers Share Their Bugout Bag Items [source]

 

 

A Survivalists Guide To Body Armor

Owning body armor these days makes a lot of sense for civilians as well as professionals in the security industry. With crime statistics through the roof in recent years, frequent terrorist attacks, violent protests and demonstrations – more and more people are viewing the purchase of a tactical vest as a sound investment.

It’s hard to put into words just how important body armor is, but let’s just say – it can be the difference between life and death in a number of scenarios. Still, many survivalists are quick to buy different type of guns and ammo, but overlook protective vests. However, it’s really this simple – if you own a gun or plan on owning a gun, you should also have a bulletproof vest in your house.

It’s a common trait of all survivalist to plan ahead, to be prepared. Equipping yourself with adequate protection helps you stay safe in specific circumstances. You need to understand how body armor works, what it can and cannot do for you against different threats, and how to select the best one for you.

Types and Styles of Body Armor

While there are 6 levels of protection in ballistic armor, there are three forms of armor platforms: covert,overt armor and tactical overt.

Covert armor is worn under the clothing and can be easily concealed. It is lightweight and flexible, making it idea for prolonged use. Recent advancements in the development of body armor have allowed the use of breathable materials that improve heat transfer, making it more comfortable for the wearer.

Overt armor’s main function is to protect the wearer and can also be used to intimidate the opposition. It comes in a variety of colors, styles and levels, although it is usually used when a high threat level exists. Overt armor is typically bulkier and heavier than covert and it conveys a sense of authority. Apart from offering more protection, its other main benefit is that it’s easy and quick to put on and take off.

Tactical armor is worn in a situation that is associated with a high degree of risks that prove too much for soft armor to handle. This means that it is likely for armor-piercing rounds to be used. This type of system relies on a combination of overt armor fitted with additional SAPI (hard ceramic) plates and panels that cover the neck, arms, thighs and groin area for maximum safety.

Levels of protection

Body Armor is rated at different levels based on the NIJ standards. Because the protection of the armor increases with the level, so does its weight and the cost. Ballistic body armor is rated by the Department of Justice against different round calibers. Basic soft body armor does not stop penetration from sharp objects and weapons, but it will stop thick-bladed stabs and offers protection against slashing attacks. These makes them suitable to wear in places, where there are large gatherings of people (protests, marches, during riots, etc.) as in close quarters – people often use concealable but deadly weapons, such as knives, broken bottles, screw drivers or other piercing objects to cause harm.

Survivalists who want to ensure they receive maximum protection can go for a combination of ballistic and stab proof systems that are available for purchase online but they are more expensive. In terms of bullets – pistol bullets are easier to stop than rifle bullets, because they are slower. This type of combined protection gives the best chances of surviving in risky situations, such as riots or a scenario, where you might need to travel from point A to point B while facing attacks and poor weather conditions.

Basic levels, such as Level IIA. (Level I is not in use anymore) through IIIA are considered soft body armor types and don’t always offer sufficient protection in high-tension situations, while Level IV provides the fullest protection against pistol and melee weapons but is bulkier and heavier on the wearer.

Do some research and compare the different options on body armor available online. Make sure you measure correctly and select a vest that fits well, is lightweight and comfortable apart from offering a high level of protection – these are just a few of the ground rules that every survivalist should stick to when shopping for body armor.

Best Survival Tools? Real Life Saving Survival Tools List

Every outdoorsman knows that having a survival kit is mandatory when
out there. There are various survival tools on the market from which a
person can choose from. Though, these will vary from one individual to
another as their needs and practices vary too. A hunter, hiker and
fisherman will all have slightly varying survival tools as a result of
the activities they carry out. In each of these activities, a person
should have essential survival tools that can be the difference
between life and death.

Survival Tools List

Some of the usual survival tools that are hard to miss in any survival
quest include; a knife, flashlight and backpack. When picking the best
survival tools, one should consider some crucial factors that will
enable them to survive while in the wild. Read further to learn more
about these factors and our top 10 list of the best survival tools.

Factors to consider when choosing survival tools

  • Water – water is one of the most crucial
    things that we require to survive. But when in the wild, relying on
    boiled water can be tricky as there may not be time to boil it. So,
    having a tool that distills water is a good option.
  • Food – food perishes very fast. And having a
    tool that prolongs or keeps food for long is a good idea to prevent
    you from going hungry.
  • Fire – whether you need fire to offer warmness
    during a cold or rainy night or just for cooking, you must have a
    reliable tool to set up the fire.
  • Shelter – this is a must have for any
    survivalist who intend to spend the night in the wild. Not only does
    shelter secure the survivalist from the cold, but as well offer
    security from wild animals too.
  • Security –the wild can be a very
    life-threatening place to be. Thus, having a weapon for protecting
    oneself is really vital. Always carry one with you as you don’t know
    what to expect.

Top 10 Survival Tools list

  1. Knife

Whatever survival activity you are engaging in, a knife is a very
essential tool to have in every scenario. Whether it’s fishing,
hunting or hiking, all these practices require one to have a knife.
Most of the tactical knives have a number of uses and are not just for
cutting. For instance, survival knives can be used as a security
weapon and to break glass among other uses. Pick a knife made from
quality materials with extra features.

  1. Flashlight

Another vital tool for any survivalist is a flashlight. Similar to the
knife, a flashlight has various purposes besides lighting. It can at
times be used as a defensive weapon or to break glass. Always look at
the features of the flashlight or quality of the
flashlight to ensure that you acquire one that just doesn’t light
but offers more. Also, pick a rechargeable flashlight with a long
runtime. Another thing to consider when picking a survival flashlight
is its quality and power of the beam.

  1. Backpack

After choosing all the survival tools that you require while out
there, you will need to look for a backpack that will carry if not all
most of the survival tools. There different backpacks on the market
and identifying the best is vital. Look for a durable and well made
backpack with several storage pockets to effectively store your
survival tools. Avoid carrying a very heavy backpack as this might
slow you down.

There is a great variety of backpacks online, and you can save money by using coupons like a Sierra Trading Post discount code.

  1. Hunting rifle

A hunting rifle is a very crucial survival tool for hunters and other
outdoorsmen too. The difference between having an accurate shot at
your game and missing may be determined by the quality of your rifle.
When out hunting, ensure you select hunting rifles from some of the
best brands with excellent features. You don’t want to spend in the
cold at might misfiring at your game.

  1. Portable water filter

We cannot do without water. No matter the activity a survivalist
engages in, they will definitely need water to drink and cook food
with. So, pick the right survival water tools that won’t disappoint
you in the long run. Some people prefer boiling water for drinking but
this usually takes a lot of time. Instead, they can acquire a portable
water filter which can allow the survivalist to drink water from any
source without stressing about it being unsafe for consumption.

  1. Binoculars

It doesn’t matter if its hunting, hiking or mountain climbing, a
binoculars are an important survival tool when out there in the wild.
They will assist you view faraway places and beauties such as the
birds in the sky, top of mountains and many other fascinating
beauties. There are different types of binoculars from which a person
can pick from. Some are good for hunting while others are great for
seeing distant places and images. Choose wisely to select one that
best suits your needs.

  1. Multi-tool

Instead of carrying various small tools separately, a person can
decide to acquire a multi-tool that has several tools in one. Such
tools include; screwdrivers, pliers, a wrench and other tools. The
multi-tool that a person picks should be durably made from materials
such as stainless steel and be long-lasting. A good example of a
multi-tool is the Swiss tool spirit plus. A multi-tool is very
essential and will help you in different scenarios while in the wild.

  1. Lighter

One survival tool that people take for granted is the lighter. There
are different tools that can be used to light fire. And a lighter is
one of them. This tool is small in size and an everyday carry item. It
will help you light the lamp, stove or even firewood depending on the
method you apply for cooking. Lighting fire in a cold environment can
be challenging and that’s why a lighter can be a great option. Choose
a quality lighter and pack it in your pocket or backpack.

  1. Duct tape

Another important survival tool that proves to be essential in
different situations is the duct tape. This tool can be used to repair
waterproofing, as an emergency bandage, to prevent blisters, and as
emergency bandage. These are some of the uses a duct tape can be
applied for while in the wilderness.

  1. Plastic bag

Finally, a good survival tool that one should not forget to carry is a
plastic bag. Some of the roles a plastic bag can play out there
include: keeping food, applying it as a backup water container, dry
bag, and to keep small bits of tools. Therefore, a survival plastic
bag should be of an ideal size and built with some of the best
materials. Choose from some of the best brands as this item will store
various survival gears for you.

Conclusion

It’s clear that for a person to survive in the wild, they need
survival tools to use for security, shelter and for preparing food.
Depending on the activity you undertake, a survival tool that you
think is great for you may not be good for another person. Choose the
best survival tool in-line with your duty. For instance a hunting
rifle is good for a hunter but not that important to a fisherman. Take
your time and pick the best survival tools for a smooth and wonderful
time outdoor.

 

Christopher Joseph is a outdoorsman, survival enthusiast and traveler.
He has good knowledge about every tactical tools that we use in our
survival life. He likes to share his knowledge and write honest review
about tactical tools. You will find his blog here.

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