5.07.2011

Water water everywhere, and not a drop to drink

When the SHTF, you suddenly start worrying about things that you've never had to think about before. Out of nowhere, you have to think about where to sleep, how you're going to get your next meal, and where you're going to get your next drink of water.

If you're on the move at all, you can't lug gallons of water around with you. Water is heavy, and when there are zombies around every turn you need to keep your system light. The average person needs at minimum 2 liters of water a day, and more is recommended. Where is that water going to come from?

There are 3 basic types of portable water purification systems: tablets, pumps, and filtered bottles.

Tablets:Water purification tablets are an easy and light way to bring portable water with you. Simply drop the tablet into a bottle of water, wait a few minutes, and it's ready to drink. The tablets are small, so they're easy to store in a backpack or something.

Pros:
  • Light
  • Easy
  • Effective
Cons:
  • Limited amount
  • Taste bad

Pumps:


Water pumps, like the one pictured, are a very convenient way to make sure you always have clean drinking water. Most pumps are pretty compact and light, making an an easy-to-carry alternative to tablets. They do use filters, so they're not unlimited, but they will last longer than a bottle of tablets.

Pros:
  • More uses than tablets
  • Still easy to carry
  • Easy to use
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • Uses filters

Bottles:
A bottle system like the Lifesaver bottle pictured above is also a good method of obtaining clean water. It is ultra portable, doesn't need any hoses, and is cheaper than a pump. While it's small size makes it easy to carry, it also limits the amount of water you can purify. Still, it may be a cheaper alternative to pumps for those that don't have the deepest pockets.

Pros:
  • Still portable
  • Cheap(ish)
  • Long lifespan
Cons:
  • Uses filters
  • Limited amount of water at a time

In conclusion, while any of these water purification systems will provide you with clean drinking water, I would recommend a pump or bottle. Unless you have a backpack full of purification tablets, they are going to run out sooner than you realize. A pump or bottle is the best way to obtain clean water when you don't time or aren't able to boil it. They both cost over $100, but you get what you pay for.

If you have any other suggestions, be sure to leave them in the comments.

4.26.2011

AR-10: My New Favorite Rifle

Today I present you with this beast:
It looks like your typical AR-15/M16, what's so special about it? What's special is that this is an AR-10, a battle rifle which was the basis for the AR-15 platform. That's right, I said battle rifle. This is not an "assault rifle". This beauty is so powerful, it literally isn't in the same class as an M16 or AK47. This is a battle rifle. This is the rifle you grab when you realize you're the only one left and you STILL need to win.

The major difference between this rifle and an AR-15 is the caliber. The AR-15 fires the 5.56 NATO cartridge, and the AR-10 fires the 7.62 x 51 (.308). To picture below shows the difference in the size of these rounds:
On the right you have a AA battery, the middle is the 5.56, and the left is the 7.62 x 51. You often hear complaints that the 5.56 is an underpowered round, but the AR-15 platform has proven to be reliable and accurate. The AR-10 solves both of these problems. It has the best features of an AR-15 with the stopping power of a small tank, while at the same time maintaining a high degree of accuracy.

To sum up: the AR-10 is a powerful, accurate beast of a gun. If you can't take down your target with one of these bad boys, you probably shouldn't be taking on tanks with a rifle. Need a rifle that can pop that zombie 400+ yards away? Grab this. Need to make sure your target goes down and stays down? Grab this. Just love cool rifles? Grab this. I'm in love.

4.25.2011

Welcome to the Outpost!

Looking for some survival gear? Need to pick up a new firearm? Looking for a place to hide from the zombie horde outside your house? You've come to the right place.

Welcome to The Outpost, where you can find information on all the above topics and more! I currently plan to feature weapon and gear reviews, survival videos, and plenty of zombie humor.

If that sounds like your kind of place, welcome! If not, get the hell off my doorstep before I sic the zombies on you.

Since this is my first post, instead of writing a lengthy review or posting pictures of my zombie kills, I'll link you to a video I found amusing. Enjoy!