(Part 3) Top products from r/vagabond

r/vandwellers.

The problem with carrying a firearm is that if you don't have the mentally tough attitude to use it, it's a greater danger to you than to an adversary.

I'm a life member of every gun rights organization I could find--NRA, GOA, JPFO, SAF, etc. I love firearms. But I don't think they are any security panacea. The person who wants to use a firearm as a deterrent against bad guys is far better off with a well-trained dog. I'm not saying you shouldn't own a firearm, but if you do buy one, you want to obtain very thorough training in how and when to use it.

Bad guys, speaking generally, are huge risk takers. Unless he perceives that you intend to kill him, he is going to be calculating his chances of getting close enough to you to try to disarm you. But he's not going to disarm a German Shepherd or some other breed commonly used as a guard dog. Dogs can sense your fear and the evil intentions of others, through body language, or body odor or something. I had a German Shepherd who was the sweetest dog. He loved everybody. But if he "alerted" on somebody, I was immediately convinced that whomever he alerted upon was up to no good.

You can't just assume a dog will protect you. They must be trained to do so. And once they're trained, you are responsible to control them, to care for them and to protect them. It's almost like having a child.

For a woman, having a trained personal protection dog is a huge defense asset. Most bad guys will avoid any place or any vehicle that contains a dog. (Nobody wants to get bit. Or shot. Or stabbed.)

The book in the link below was written by a former Air Force Security dog handler. It's an excellent book, and it tells step-by-step how to train a personal protection dog, up to every level, except to where the handler can order a dog to attack independently. He doesn't teach that, because once a dog has been trained to attack upon command it must spend the rest of its life in a secure kennel, and cannot be allowed to run free in a yard. The danger, to innocent passers-by, and to the dog, and to the owner, is too great to allow an attack dog to run free. But short of an "attack dog," a personal protection dog can live a normal dog's life.

Order the paperback. It's a lot cheaper.

https://www.amazon.com/How-Train-Watchdog-Bruce-Sessions/dp/0830657533

What you want in a canine companion is a well-behaved, well-trained, affectionate dog who can also protect you from adversaries. But keep in mind, you cannot leave a dog alone in a vehicle very long, and never with the windows rolled up completely. Training a dog is largely a matter of behaving in an unemotional, controlled way yourself. If the dog isn't performing correctly, it's not his or her fault. It's YOUR fault. Dogs want to please you. So you must be endlessly patient and well-disciplined yourself in order to get the desired behavior from your dog. You must be absolutely consistent with your dog. You can't scold him for getting on the couch one time and allow it another time. If he can't get on the couch, it must be absolute. Commands must be given exactly the same way every time. "Sit" always means sit. "Stay" always means stay. And "Guard" always means "Scare the holy fuck out of this rapey bastard."

But the absolutely best defense tactic is to not be there in the first place. Don't go into situations where you might be attacked to start with.

That's a tough call OP. I think personally, if it was me, I'd find a used Honda or Toyota SUV for around 1,200, and then spend 800 dollars on gear for living out of that vehicle, including gear to live in case that vehicle breaks down within the next year.

800 dollars on gear is actually plenty of money...I'll give you a rough list just as example:

1. Tent w/Rainfly - $76.00 - https://www.amazon.com/Mountainsmith-Lichen-Peak-Tent-1-Person/dp/B072J9LDFK/ref=sr_1_20?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1549583739&sr=1-20&keywords=solo+tent&refinements=p_n_size_browse-bin%3A2204488011
   
2. Backpack - $170.00 - https://www.amazon.com/Marines-ILBE-Main-Rucksack-Back/dp/B00AFOQIR0/ref=sr_1_7?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1549584289&sr=1-7&keywords=ilbe+backpack
   
3. Zero Degree 4-season Sleeping Bag - $175.00 - https://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Cosmic-Degree-Sleeping-Regular/dp/B014JQA5DC/ref=sr_1_18?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1549584063&sr=1-18&keywords=zero%2Bdegree%2Bsleeping%2Bbag&th=1
   
4. Camoflauge Tarp - $10.00 - https://www.amazon.com/Stansport-T-810-C-Reinforced-Multi-Purpose-Woodland/dp/B000SKKHVY/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1549583840&sr=1-2&keywords=camoflauge%2Btarp&th=1&psc=1
   
5. LED Healight - $12.00 - https://www.amazon.com/Energizer-6-LED-Industrial-Headlight/dp/B000MGGT66/ref=sr_1_9?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1549583963&sr=1-9&keywords=energizer+LED+headlight
   
6. Leatherman Multi-Knife - $70.00 - https://www.amazon.com/LEATHERMAN-Knifeless-Multitool-Standard-Sheath/dp/B01EVJSN2W/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1549584401&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=leatherman&psc=1&smid=A1XBRK5C7K9FB8
   
7. First Aid Kit - $12.00 - https://www.amazon.com/GO-Compact-First-Aid-Kit/dp/B015PJIVJM/ref=sr_1_7?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1549584552&sr=1-7&keywords=camping+first+aid+kit
   
8. Paracord - $10.00 - https://www.amazon.com/BENGKU-Survival-Mil-SPEC-Parachute-MIl-C-5040-H/dp/B07226B3FJ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1549584610&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=paracord&psc=19)
   
9. Water Bottle - $11.00 - https://www.amazon.com/Nalgene-Wide-Mouth-Bottle-Clear/dp/B002WAPQSC/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1549584733&sr=1-5&keywords=nalgene+water+bottle
   
   _____________________________________
   
   I mean all of that is less than $550.00 in gear that you can use while being a trainhopper/hitchhiker, or living in a van or SUV. In fact, you'd probably be twice as prepared as most other tramps and vagabonds you meet on the road, in gear alone. Plus if you can still afford 1,450 for a used van or SUV in good condition?
   
   Also, keep in mind those prices are retail prices. Shop around at thrift stores, pawn shops, military surplus stores, ebay, and you'll easily cut those prices nearly in half. For example, that leatherman knife can be found at pretty much any pawn shop in America for around 30-35, bucks, easy.
   
   ​

Check out the Martin Backpacker it's got a beautiful sound. i love mine, take it traveling all the time. i know a dude who walked across america with his.

Here are some Reddits that may provide you with additional information.

/r/bicycletouring

/r/Bushcraft

/r/CampFireCooking

/r/DumpsterDiving

/r/entomophagy

/r/foraging

/r/mycology

/r/survival

/r/Whatisthisplant

/r/whatisthismushroom

Equip yourself with items that will keep you dry and warm in all kinds of weather.

You need water and a means to carry it, sterilize it and acquire it.

Be able to cook food and make hot drinks. You need to be able to acquire food using multiple options.

Free first aid training.

Free map and compass course.

Get in good physical condition.

Those are great things. Im dropping out of a masters program and im returning to me foraging hobbies.

You might like this book.

There's a book about the Hippie Trail called "Magic Bus" that is a good read if you are interested in the subject. The author follows parts of the old trail, but even he skips the most dangerous parts. Reading the book is definitely safer than trying to travel through Afghanistan.

Could be a long post but here it goes:

My dad has been voluntarily homeless for more than 10 years (His words: My wife told me to fuck off and I've been doing that ever since.) He has been this way since he was 57 years old. He learned it from his father...who retired and then traveled until he died when he was 72.

My father started with a fifth wheel camper...my grandfather's camper and truck he inherited upon my grandfather's death. He used this book: https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Free-Campgrounds-Don-Wrights/dp/0937877522

This was pre smart phones ... but he had a GPS.

Then he got tired of the fifth wheel and got a pop up slide in camper. He maintained a seasonal route where he made friends. Some really good friends...friends who have since settled down and now have a door yard for him to sleep in and an outlet for him to plug into.

He collected social security disability and now he collects social security and a pension.

His route is (was...he's now on dialysis and in one place) Slab City Salton Sea/Holtville CA from November until March. Then he'd move east to South Carolina to stay at Don's for a month. Then he'd move up to Virginia to stay on Bob's sister's farm. Then May he'd come to Connecticut then up to NY or Maine until September. Then he'd move back down to VA then to SC and then across to Cali. Some times he'd go to Yellowstone. He has the golden pass. Staying at National Parks was easy for him.

Now, I'm 43 and I've traveled over 70k miles these last 7 summers. I bought a copy of that book and got a homeless guy to come with me the first time. I paid his way for the security. I'm female and needed someone to keep an eye on things. We traveled by car and we tented, slept in ditches, in squats, etc.

Second year my now ex wife and I did the car and tent thing.

Third year my dad and I traveled in the dolphin. Some walmart parking, some boondogging. Some parks.

Fourth through seventh I've traveled with my new wife. We used www.freecampsites.net but the first two summers we traveled mainly to places I've already been. It took time to learn things and ways and how much time it took to get to places.

Check out the book “The Anarchists Guide to Travel,” it has a ton of useful advice for preparing and what you should bring.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/099912028X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BiSbBbDJM3NW6

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F34ZKS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

This one, I have to leave by saturday so I ordered it and hope it'll hold up for atleast a few months.

"You Can't Win" has been reprinted in 2013. I gather the original 1926 content is intact, just with some added essays, a Forward, and some illustrations. And it's a lot more affordable than the 1st edition: http://www.amazon.com/You-Cant-Win-Jack-Black/dp/1936239612

Heat reflective blanket. Mid priced example: https://www.amazon.com/Heat-Reflective-Blanket-Military-Grade-1-5/dp/B01CR414P6
2 of those and a very very light sleeping bag means you will be very warm without carrying a bulky bed roll.
This works too for underneath you: https://www.amazon.com/Max-Reflector-Standard-Accordion-Shade/dp/B000CAINDE/ref=sr_1_5?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1509572055&sr=1-5&keywords=windshield+reflector

https://www.amazon.com/1000-Mile-Walk-Beach-Perimeter-Michigan/dp/1933987154

I've had an MSR Pocket Rocket for about 5 years.

http://www.amazon.com/MSR-11792-PocketRocket-Stove/dp/B000A8C5QE

The fuel canisters cost about $5, last quite a while if used conservatively and are able to be found everywhere.

Check out these books if you haven't seen them yet.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0762737344/ref=tmm_pap_used_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&condition=used&qid=&sr=

https://www.amazon.com/Ultralight-Backpackin-Tips-Inexpensive-Lightweight/dp/0762763841/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0762763841&pd_rd_r=KECR7BQ2FKBK8YEB8R5E&pd_rd_w=oEMgW&pd_rd_wg=jbk23&psc=1&refRID=KECR7BQ2FKBK8YEB8R5E

https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Mikes-Really-Cool-Backpackin/dp/1560449128/ref=pd_sim_14_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1560449128&pd_rd_r=XKZNM6QW1FAMRP4Z1FPM&pd_rd_w=qJgYG&pd_rd_wg=AQN7T&psc=1&refRID=XKZNM6QW1FAMRP4Z1FPM

All very cheap used.

I travel alone sometimes and I always carry this
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007VM8UC?keywords=mace&qid=1452006282&ref_=sr_1_4&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-4
and this
http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Stainless-Military-4-1-Inch/dp/B004ZAIXSC/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1452006409&sr=1-1&keywords=mora+knife
on my belt. Skeevy people give me a weird feeling and I break camp and move on as SOON as someone gives me that feeling.

P-38 can opener (they make a bigger one called a "P-51.")

A sillcock key, to turn on water sillcocks. https://www.amazon.com/Cobra-Products-PST154-4-Way-Sillcock/dp/B0002YVMEM

Magnesium fire starter. https://www.harborfreight.com/magnesium-fire-starter-66560.html

Backpacker headlamps https://www.greenbelly.co/pages/best-ultralight-backpacking-headlamps

Pocket knife with clip
https://www.knifeworks.com/folding-knives/brk-avispa-folder-black-nylon-handles-black-aus-8-blade-plain-edge-design-by-esee-knives.html

Smith & Wesson HRT carry knife with clip sheath.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/SWHRT9B/smith-wesson-hrt-boot-knife-fixed-double-edge-blade-rubberized-handle