The Prepping Thread - A Newer Beginning ;)

southantrim3

ancientofdays wrote: »

I seem to have overdone it with the tea light store but NOT on the scale of the OH'S bogmageddon stash, we still have over 100 loo rolls.

This made me laugh out loud!! :rotfl:

uk_american

GreyQueen wrote: »

Can I ask if anyone has added a small towel to their in-work emergency bags, as well as toiletries, so one could shower/ wash properly? Mebbe a thought.

That a good idea GQ! Might I mention what in the States we call a 'shammy' but I see over here it's a 'Chamois Cloth' which is widely available on the 'bay of E' and the like, often for car or boat purposes.

In my younger years I spent time backpacking to campsites where every bit of weight was carried on the back, including the tent.

These little cloths are just perfect, even having long hair, as you dry something you can wring out the little cloth and dry some more. They are tiny in size but very effective.

I'm probably not explaining that very well but if you've never tried one, it's nothing like wringing out a cotton or fleece cloth.

It's well worth the fiver and I still keep one in my pool bag and take it camping too. Even though I could carry a heavier cloth because we drive these days as you wring the water out after use you're less likely to pick up the 'wet cloth mold' smell on your way home.

It's MSE too, mine is over 15 years old and good as new.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

uk_american wrote: »

That a good idea GQ! Might I mention what in the States we call a 'shammy' but I see over here it's a 'Chamois Cloth' which is widely available on the 'bay of E' and the like, often for car or boat purposes.

In my younger years I spent time backpacking to campsites where every bit of weight was carried on the back, including the tent.

These little cloths are just perfect, even having long hair, as you dry something you can wring out the little cloth and dry some more. They are tiny in size but very effective.

I'm probably not explaining that very well but if you've never tried one, it's nothing like wringing out a cotton or fleece cloth.

It's well worth the fiver and I still keep one in my pool bag and take it camping too. Even though I could carry a heavier cloth because we drive these days as you wring the water out after use you're less likely to pick up the 'wet cloth mold' smell on your way home.

It's MSE too, mine is over 15 years old and good as new.

For anybody who doesn't know, they're a piece of goat/sheepskin (usually the latter now), normally found in places where car washing supplies are sold. They don't absorb when they're brand new/bone dry - you have to get them wet in clean water, scrunch them up and then, once they've dried and get slightly damp, they absorb a huge amount of water and feel soft and slightly spongy. Always hang them up in an airy place after wringing them out, though, as they pong when left damp.

Obviously unsuitable for vegans (or cupboards that are visited by larger rodents), but for those who aren't adverse to leather, they're very effective.

jk0

uk_american wrote: »

That a good idea GQ! Might I mention what in the States we call a 'shammy' but I see over here it's a 'Chamois Cloth' which is widely available on the 'bay of E' and the like, often for car or boat purposes.

In my younger years I spent time backpacking to campsites where every bit of weight was carried on the back, including the tent.

These little cloths are just perfect, even having long hair, as you dry something you can wring out the little cloth and dry some more. They are tiny in size but very effective.

I'm probably not explaining that very well but if you've never tried one, it's nothing like wringing out a cotton or fleece cloth.

It's well worth the fiver and I still keep one in my pool bag and take it camping too. Even though I could carry a heavier cloth because we drive these days as you wring the water out after use you're less likely to pick up the 'wet cloth mold' smell on your way home.

It's MSE too, mine is over 15 years old and good as new.

Arrgh. Just been drying my car this morning with a chammy leather. Not sure I'd want to use it on my body.

GreyQueen

A website I've visited from time to time (snarky nomad) mentions ultralight towels for travelling with and one of the surprising things which are useful for this are 100% linen tea towels.


They're very absorbant and don't get pongy like microfibre and terrycloth towels do. I've also known backpackers use those small towels you get off bars.

machasraven

I have the oh b*****ks bag in the car(OK its a 4x4 tons of space) it has all the useful stuff for a stranding but I have also got a 12v travel kettle, 5ltr water container, 2 tarps, 2 windbreaks a nearly full toolset, tow-rope, inverter, pull along and foldable shovel. I will also put the coolbox and the Cobb in when doing a long run ie NI to Lincoln or Whitby etc. Now thats more going in the back :rotfl:

uk_american

Jojo_the_Tightfisted wrote: »

For anybody who doesn't know, they're a piece of goat/sheepskin (usually the latter now), normally found in places where car washing supplies are sold. They don't absorb when they're brand new/bone dry - you have to get them wet in clean water, scrunch them up and then, once they've dried and get slightly damp, they absorb a huge amount of water and feel soft and slightly spongy. Always hang them up in an airy place after wringing them out, though, as they pong when left damp.

Obviously unsuitable for vegans (or cupboards that are visited by larger rodents), but for those who aren't adverse to leather, they're very effective.

Good point Jojo. From overseas I have a manufactured one, not an animal product, mine is made from PVC (which is a disagreement in itself, if the world needs more plastic). For anyone who wants to avoid animal products search for 'Simulate' or 'Synthetic' Chamois.

singlestep

GreyQueen wrote: »

Can I ask if anyone has added a small towel to their in-work emergency bags, as well as toiletries, so one could shower/ wash properly? Mebbe a thought.

I have an ultralight one in the bag I left at work. I have newly-laundered leisure clothes I could sleep in, underwear and warm socks, toiletries, cold remedies, hot drinks, soups in a cup and tinned tuna salad-type dishes that could be eaten cold.

I've also saved up bonus points/stamps in case of unexpectedly being stranded or held up somewhere. It has come in handy, particularly on windy days where disruption has been caused to public transport.

machasraven

I have been lazy this morning and perusing some house !!!!!! but had the sudden thought that when looking I dont just think how nice the house is but also if we have a total societal breakdown (be that zombies or any other situation my active imagination can come up with) will I be able to survive. Does anyone else do this? and if so what things are you looking for in a end of the world house senario?

[Deleted User]

Tesco petrol stations have a nice handy torch, which would be great for the pocket or purse, for £2-99.

Stats are:-

Length 3-3/8"/86mm.
Diameter 1"/25mm
Weight (including batteries) 2.1oz/59g
Light Output (claimed) 1watt