Just In Case... Saturday Sipping

Not the biggest “doomsday” guy but I’d be lying if I didn’t say this whole COVID-19 Coronavirus wasn’t freaking me out a little. I mean it’s spreading like wild fire and has the potential affect us all. I’m sure you already listened to the Daily last week where Michael Barbaro breaks down the facts. If not here’s the link: The best current event podcast ever.  You’re welcome! 

I don’t believe in trying to spread mass hysteria and not trying to be over opportunistic. I mean its crazy out there folks, people are making bank selling “coronavirus masks and suits” that effectively don’t do anything for you. counterfeits 

But I’m sad to say we’re all buying into it because who wants to get sick! I haven’t gone out and bought a mask and suit but I did just cancel a trip to Expo West in California and moments after I canceled my flight the whole event was canceled. Expo West Postponed

The whole scenario really has me thinking. A lot of people are simply choosing to stay at home and hunker down to prepare for the end of days. Allegedly Costco’s are getting flooded with people buying everything they need to fill their personal disaster survival doomsday kits. 
 
It made me realize I kinda have a lot of experience with survival kits. I mean I’ve never really had to use one or even made one, but I have spent a lot of time in the backcountry camping. There’s a lot of similarities, you basically are preparing to survive on the basics which I’d like to think I’ve gotten pretty good at. 
 
But “the basics” are different for everyone. I mean 2 Chains said it best “I think having a fashionable bag gives you a higher level of survival instinct.” When referring to the $10,000 “Prepster Black” survival bag by LA company Preppi. 
 
I’ve decided to come up with a non-essential, essential list of things everyone should add to their disaster kits. You cant put a price on morale and when things get tough you’ll be extra psyched on these items to get you through tough times.  

My top 4 things I couldn’t live with out... 
 
Alpine Start (obviously)
BUT in all seriousness how many people do you know out there that aren’t really human until they’ve had at least 3 cups of coffee. That’s me, and what’s breakfast without a cup of coffee, hot or cold.  
 
Monopoly Deal (card game) 
I mean, you gotta pass the time some how! This ones a personal favorite from rainy days in a tent, to nights on a portal ledge hundreds of feet off the ground I’m sad to say I’ve played hundreds of games over the last few years. 
 
Bluetooth Speaker 
If you’re anything like me music is one of the best most efficient ways to change or set the mood. Whether you’re blasting Barry White with your significant other or singing along to epic 90’s tunes like Will Smith or Maria Carry. Music is a must. 

Canned Wine 
If you’ve done any research into emergency kits you’ll have realized the food is most likely gonna suck! Whether you’re eating MRE Meals like the US army rangers or the standard dehydrated backpacking meals.  Some definetly taste better than others! There’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy some nice wine. I’d personally recommend West & Wilder. They make great wines that just so happen to be in a can. 
 
So even though I think I’m more qualified than 2 Chains to come up with one of these kits I’m going to send you to ReadyGov and they’ll fully get you sorted with everything 2-Chains and I forgot. 
 
Thanks for tuning in and remember friends, wash your hands.

Matt Segal
Alpine Start Founder