This blog is about the broader aspects of insuring against risks--of many different kinds. In the spirit of the myriad topics written about over the past number of months, here's are a few things to add to your holiday list:
1. Multi-Tools: These are not only for the great outdoors, but also the office and the urban jungle. These often come with pliers, a good sharp blade, screw driver heads, tweezers, and other necessities that you don't think you need, but do. Here are a few to look into:
- Leatherman: These tools come highly rated, and are somewhat affordable, depending on what you're looking for. The Micro retails for about $30 and the larger Skeletool is closer to $60.
- Swiss Army: The Swiss Tool Spirit Plus has 38 functions, including a bit-wrench with 6 bits--awesome for the urban jungle. Or, if you're not interested in a multi-tool, for under $30 you can buy a Swiss Army Tinker Pocket Knife that comes with 11 stainless steel tools, and a classic finish. I've had mine for over 20 years, and it still works well.
- Bear Grylls: If you haven't heard of him, he's got a popular survival show, and a well-branded yet highly-respected array of survival tools. Check out the Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Multi-Tool with Nylon Sheath.
2. Vehicle Safety Kit: So many people drive around under the false assumption that they will be safe at all times and without need of back plans and adequate survival gear. This list isn't exhaustive, but will get you started.
- Energy Bars: Powerbar, Cliff, Lara--choose your favourite and stock up. Could make for great stocking stuffer.
- Water: Yup--a case of bottled water will be important to have in your car, in the event
- Blanket: Doesn't need to be the classic Hudson Bay blanket--any blanket will do, as long as it keeps you warm.
- First Aid Kit: Good to have a seatbelt cutter with this, unless you have a multi-tool with a good serrated blade--I'd go for the multi-tool.
- Small shovel, scraper, and snow brush
- Candles, matches, and coffee can: This will be good for generate heat, and melting snow around your car. Or you can use a Blazer Self-Igniting Butane Micro-torch that will help you get a fire started if you've broken down under cold conditions
- Wind Up Flashlight: This is good in that you don't have to worry about batteries running out. You could also use Kelty Lumatech Lantern.
- Road Maps: Whether from CAA or other sources, it's recommended to have maps you can access in the event your mobile phone is out of battery and you can't Google Map your destination.
- Whistle and/or Air Horn: Just important for getting people's attention
- Jumper Cables
- Sand/Kitty Litter
- Warning Light, Pylons, and/or Road Flares
3. Books: If you're not a big reader, it doesn't mean you shouldn't stay informed. These are only a few books on different themes, but will be a good addition to any holiday list:
- Pandemics: What Everyone Needs to Know. There are a few posts on the Ebola outbreak. What we know is that the threat of a pandemic is not going away, and that it is more complicated than we can comprehend. This book will help you understand the various causes of pandemics, and how to prepare for them.
- SAS Survival Handbook: The Ultimate Guide To Surviving Anywhere. I've given this book as a gift before, and it went over well with an outdoorsman. It's a good general manual, but you'll want to add a few others to the list, like "How to Survive The End of the World As We Know It: Techniques, Tactics, and Technologies for Uncertain Times," and "When Technology Fails: A Manual for Self-Reliance, Sustainability, and Surviving the Long Emergency."
- Cool Tools: A Catalogue of Possibilities: Edited by the editor of Wired Magazine, and hit author, Kevin Kelly, this book is a large catalogue of innumerable tools. A brilliant book for living in the 21st Century.
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