So-called survivalists may have gotten a bad rap. The word conveys up images of burned-out 'Nam vets stockpiling vast quantities of MREs, crates of ammunition, Playboys, and hexamine tabs in the basement. While some people may indeed just store up for the zombie apocalypse- seeing as how the nuclear holocaust has been postponed, and all- I take a a different tack.
I think the practical way to prepare for bad times is to keep yourself in good shape all of the time. ( I know, call me crazy. It's been said.) With this in mind, I like keeping food, clothing, defensive items, and especially water available as much of the time as possible. A couple of months before I left on my last deployment, I bought a Camelback Better Bottle from the Clothing and Sales store on Fort Mead. I think it was about $13.
There is a lot to be said for keeping a small bottle of water with you at all times. A 16 ounce bottle of liquid makes a terrific improvised defensive tool if you're jumped while on the way to the library. Unfortunately, buying bottled water is expensive. I keep a large Pur pitcher filled so I'll have tasty, lead-free water available. Refilling a disposable bottle unfortunately has some health risks, so a dedicated water bottle is the way to go.
The Better Bottle version I have carries .75 liter (25 oz) of water. The Better Bottle is a sturdy plastic bottle with a built-in plastic hook that a carabiner can be snapped onto. The bottom part of the hook protects a rubber nozzle when it's in the closed position. With the lid on, the Better Bottle has proven spill-proof. The Better Bottle has been unbreakable under practical conditions, fits into most car cup holders, and is easy to clean.
I took the Better Bottle to Afghanistan. I used it at CRC and on the trip out, but rarely used it in theater due to the bottled water that's everywhere for US troops. It suffered no damage being shuffled around the country with me during the better part of a year. I keep the Better Bottle with me virtually everywhere. Having it close by reminds me to drink water, even when I'm not thirsty. Staying hydrated is just one of the ways to be ready for that next big emergency we don't really want to happen- and be more comfortable, in the meantime.
I think the practical way to prepare for bad times is to keep yourself in good shape all of the time. ( I know, call me crazy. It's been said.) With this in mind, I like keeping food, clothing, defensive items, and especially water available as much of the time as possible. A couple of months before I left on my last deployment, I bought a Camelback Better Bottle from the Clothing and Sales store on Fort Mead. I think it was about $13.
There is a lot to be said for keeping a small bottle of water with you at all times. A 16 ounce bottle of liquid makes a terrific improvised defensive tool if you're jumped while on the way to the library. Unfortunately, buying bottled water is expensive. I keep a large Pur pitcher filled so I'll have tasty, lead-free water available. Refilling a disposable bottle unfortunately has some health risks, so a dedicated water bottle is the way to go.
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| CamelBak Better Bottle |
The Better Bottle version I have carries .75 liter (25 oz) of water. The Better Bottle is a sturdy plastic bottle with a built-in plastic hook that a carabiner can be snapped onto. The bottom part of the hook protects a rubber nozzle when it's in the closed position. With the lid on, the Better Bottle has proven spill-proof. The Better Bottle has been unbreakable under practical conditions, fits into most car cup holders, and is easy to clean.
I took the Better Bottle to Afghanistan. I used it at CRC and on the trip out, but rarely used it in theater due to the bottled water that's everywhere for US troops. It suffered no damage being shuffled around the country with me during the better part of a year. I keep the Better Bottle with me virtually everywhere. Having it close by reminds me to drink water, even when I'm not thirsty. Staying hydrated is just one of the ways to be ready for that next big emergency we don't really want to happen- and be more comfortable, in the meantime.
