When a nation’s economy collapses, the repercussions can be far-reaching, affecting not only the country itself but also creating ripples across the globe. A collapse of the U.S. economy, for instance, would trigger worldwide panic. The demand for the dollar and U.S. Treasurys would nosedive, causing interest rates to soar. Investors would scramble to shift their assets to other currencies like the yuan, euro, or even gold.

Hyperinflation is a likely consequence when a currency loses value compared to others. In such scenarios, inflation rates can exceed 50% per month, drastically impacting the daily lives of citizens. Securing food becomes the primary concern, overshadowing all other needs. However, selling food under these conditions is fraught with challenges. Strict price controls can lead to bankruptcy for those in the food business, or even imprisonment if they attempt to sell at a profit.

Preparation is key to surviving such dire circumstances. Stockpiling essentials like rice and beans, or investing in meals with a long shelf life, can provide a buffer against food shortages. The security of pets also becomes uncertain, as domesticated animals may become targets for desperate individuals unable to hunt wild game. The situation in Venezuela, where people have resorted to hunting dogs, cats, and pigeons, serves as a stark reminder of these harsh realities.

Government services are not immune to the strain of economic collapse. State and local governments may struggle to fulfill their basic responsibilities, including maintaining access to clean drinking water. Those dependent on municipal water sources should consider investing in a reliable water filtration system to ensure continued access to safe water.

In times of desperation, social unrest can escalate quickly. Riots may erupt as people, driven by hunger and frustration, take to the streets. Such events can become dangerous, with crimes ranging from robbery to murder occurring amidst the chaos. If caught in a riot, it’s crucial to find a safe, less crowded area or seek shelter indoors.

The availability of gasoline becomes another significant issue during an economic downturn. Memories of gasoline rationing in the 1970s highlight the potential challenges. In the aftermath of a collapse, gas stations may be unable to meet demand, making travel and escape from dangerous situations difficult. For those relying on generators, the lack of fuel could pose a significant problem. In such cases, a solar generator might be a prudent investment, especially for those needing to power medical equipment discreetly.

Hyperinflation can also render basic utilities like electricity, phone, and internet unaffordable. Even if one can afford these services, companies may lack the workforce to maintain them, leading to unreliable service. The disruption of supply chains further exacerbates the situation. Rising gas prices and increased crime can halt the flow of goods into stores, affecting consumers and businesses alike. This disruption leads to store closures and rising unemployment.

As crime rates soar, with an increase in kidnappings, armed robberies, and other violent acts, law enforcement agencies may become overwhelmed. Gasoline rationing affects police operations, potentially necessitating military intervention to restore order. In efforts to curb violence and chaos, governments might impose martial law, granting police and military forces greater control. While this can enhance safety during desperate times, it also risks infringing on fundamental rights and may lead to a power shift that is difficult to reverse.

These scenarios illustrate the potential fallout of an economic collapse. How individuals prepare now can significantly impact their ability to navigate and endure such challenging times.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source

The concept of the “gray man” is centered on the ability to remain unnoticed in any environment. This involves blending seamlessly into the background, allowing one to navigate through crowds without drawing attention. The key is to avoid standing out in any way, ensuring that you do not become the focus of others’ attention.

Most individuals tend to focus only on what is directly in front of them, often missing the details around them. This is due to the brain’s Reticular Activating System (RAS), which acts as a filter for sensory input. It decides what to ignore and what to notice, prioritizing stimuli like bright colors, sudden movements, or loud noises. This system has evolved to help us conserve energy by filtering out non-essential data, enabling us to quickly identify potential threats.

“The brain looks for bright colors and lights, human and animal shapes, movement and other things that stimulate it.” This innate ability allows us to disregard familiar sounds, like a ceiling fan, but react instantly to unusual noises, such as breaking glass. This is the RAS at work, ensuring our safety by keeping us aware of our surroundings.

To become a gray man, one must avoid triggering others’ RAS. This means not standing out as a “purple zebra in a black and white herd.” By not presenting any noticeable stimuli—be it through color, sound, or movement—you essentially become invisible to those around you.

The ideal gray man is ordinary in appearance, avoiding any physical traits that might be memorable. Whether it’s an unusual hat, distinctive clothing, or a striking beard, such features can make you stand out. The goal is to be completely forgettable, and achieving this requires careful preparation and practice.

Being a gray man offers several advantages. For instance, it allows you to escape dangerous situations unnoticed, whether you need to leave or find refuge. Additionally, it reduces the likelihood of being targeted for crime or inconvenience, as you remain under the radar. This is particularly beneficial for survivalists who wish to avoid “survivalist hate” and prepare in peace without attracting unwanted attention.

Moreover, by maintaining a low profile, your supplies and gear remain secure. When others are unaware of your preparedness, they are less likely to seek your help, allowing you to keep your resources safe.

The primary principle of being a gray man is to avoid creating any stimuli that might make you stand out. From your clothing to your everyday carry items, it’s essential to maintain a low-key presence. This skill, while requiring effort to master, is invaluable for those who wish to navigate the world without drawing attention.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source

For those who enjoy the great outdoors, whether bushcrafters or backpackers, the tarp is often a preferred alternative to the traditional tent. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for creating a makeshift shelter that can keep you dry, help conserve body heat, and provide a sense of security. Moreover, tarps are often easier to carry and pack than tents.

When selecting a tarp, prioritize features like lightweight durability, waterproofing, and draft-proofing. These come in various sizes, colors, and price ranges, from budget-friendly options under $20 to high-end custom tarps exceeding $500. For practical purposes, a 10’x10’ square tarp is a good starting point. While basic polypropylene tarps are available at places like Harbor Freight, they tend to be noisy and stiff, with fewer tie-out points. A more versatile option like the DD Hammocks tarp, which includes center tie-out points, can be a worthwhile investment at under $100.

Constructing a tarp shelter is straightforward, with numerous configurations possible using just one tarp. However, before you start, consider several factors:

– Choose your location wisely; assess the wind direction to ensure stability.
– Ensure the ground is comfortable and slightly sloped for water runoff.
– If the ground is flat, you may need to dig trenches for drainage.
– Tailor the size of your shelter to its intended use and consider weather conditions to ensure stability.

Here are three basic tarp shelters that are quick and easy to set up:

The A-frame shelter is a classic and simple design understood even by children. To build it, string paracord between two trees, drape the tarp over the ridgeline, and stake it down. This creates a living area measuring ten feet long, 8.6 feet wide, and 2.5 feet tall. While it offers good rain and snow runoff and wind deflection, it lacks a floor and may sag if the paracord isn’t taut enough.

This shelter is advantageous for its quick setup and airflow, crucial in warm weather. However, it doesn’t provide as much protection from wind and rain as other designs.

The Plough Point or Diamond Fly shelter is another option, suitable for two people. Secure the paracord to a tree and the ground, then drape the tarp diagonally. The angle and length of the paracord will affect the headroom and width. Its steep walls effectively shed rain and deflect wind when staked well.

You want that center ridgeline to be as taut as possible without damaging the tarp and for it to be facing into the wind. The pros of this design include its simplicity and efficiency in shedding rain and deflecting wind. However, it lacks a floor and flaps, which can be problematic if the wind direction changes frequently.

The Adirondack shelter, like the Plough Point, uses a square tarp in a diamond shape and requires a ridgeline between two trees or poles. A 10’x10’ tarp forms 45° walls, standing 5 feet high, with a floor space of 5 feet by 7.071 feet.

While constructing an Adirondack shelter isn’t overly complex, describing the process in writing can be challenging. For visual learners, a video demonstration by lone_woodsman can be helpful.

Once you’ve mastered these three basic shelters, you can explore more complex designs or modify them to suit your environment and needs. And when it’s time to pack up, there’s a quick and neat folding method to store your tarp efficiently.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source