Yeah, I know. Max Brooks already covered it. Got a survival manual you can check out, etc, etc, etc.
I think I prefer to come up with my own gear. Based upon my own research into the genre, which consists mainly of reading World War Z and watching The Walking Dead coupled with my time in the Army, time as a Civil War Reenactor and my experience as an historian, I’ve got some ideas.
Armor. Dude, you gotta have armor. Even the folks in the third season of TWD have figured that out. But modern armor is meant to stop bullets, leaving many delicate, fleshy bits available for the chomping upon. So, what would work best?
Duh, gotta have some chainmail. That’ll protect most of the vitals from biter attack. Be even better if one got the hooded version, which would protect the neck. Yeah, sure, your face is open but I’d cover that up with a good old riot gear quality face plate.
Yes, it is heavy. Stop your whining and put it on.
Weapons? Myself? I think I’d go with an M-16 A2 fitted with a bayonet. Or better yet maybe an M-14 with a bayonet on the end. Heavy, solid, useful as a stabbing, clubbing and shooting weapon for those moments when you have Close Encounters of the Unkindly Human variety. I’d augment that with a pair of M-1911 .45s to provide some close in support. Finally, I think I might add to that kit something distinctive, like a Roman Gladius, which would be a reproduction, of course but handy to have.
A few frags wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
As for vehicles?
Why, I’d want a van fitted out with a bed in the back. Something rigged with mesh over the windows to keep the bastards out. Electrify the outside of it to keep the humans out and maybe line it with body armor on the inside. It’d need a winch in case I got stuck and some solar panels on top to recharge my iPad, because even at the End of the World, you got to have an entertainment system.
So there you go.
What say you?
Respects,
Steven Francis Murphy
Author of The Limb Knitter and Tearing Down Tuesday
Kansas City, Missouri
9 comments
March 5, 2013 at 3:32 am
mc105
It is always interesting to hear about different ways of making a survival kit, thanks for posting this.
http://undead105.wordpress.com/
March 5, 2013 at 10:51 am
Michael Jude Peter Barnes
Well armor certainly but chainmail, sorry to whine but HEAVY. Surly just something that stops getting bit, like cricket whites, or football padding.,
Everything else looks good. Though I think Mr Brooks for the same reasons you articulated suggested an M1 Garand.
March 5, 2013 at 2:37 pm
sfmurphy1971
I wanted a higher ammo capacity and longer reach, which I can get with the M-14.
And so chainmail is heavy. It is also the most reliable.
Respects,
Murph
On the Outer Marches
March 5, 2013 at 6:09 pm
Clint
Good idea about the gear, but seriously, how come none of these zombie/post apocalypse scenarios even consider the half-track? I’d have to have mine equipped with multi-fuel capability, so I could drive on crisco, Old Spice, gas, or diesel. The M-14 would be great, but don’t forget about a .22 rifle. With zombies, it would work great on lower noise, and the ability to just bounce around in that noggin without an exit wound for maximum zombie killin’. You can also carry shit load of it.
On knives/swords I have one of these that I use as a camp hatchet. http://coldsteelforums.com/m96467-print.aspx
That’s not my pic, but it’s the same kind of machete.
March 5, 2013 at 6:39 pm
sfmurphy1971
Well, the problem with any tracked vehicle is that they tend to consume a fair bit of fuel. Another more perplexing problem is that when you throw a track, the vehicle is pretty much disabled. Much quicker to change a tire.
A .22 is not a bad choice but I was looking for an all around weapon which might fit most scenarios ranging from close quarters zombie action to run ins with the less than trustworthy fellow survivors. As a backup/stealth weapon, the .22 might be handy to have in the vehicle.
And the camp hatchet is an excellent choice.
Respects,
Murph
On the Outer Marches
March 10, 2013 at 2:33 am
Bangar
I’ve got mail, unfortunately it’s a singlet (about 3kg), does mean it goes on quick though. Blade wise I’ll have my broad sword, the two hander is too big for tight work and side swords a little light for the work leaving you thrusting which leads to your back up weapon. Rifle wise hand me the .22 light, plenty of ammo and you can shoot all day.
March 10, 2013 at 2:56 am
sfmurphy1971
Nice kit, Bangar.
I’m still not sold on the .22 though. Good for zombies or as a backup, sure. But dealing with humans I think I’d want something heavier.
Respects,
Murph
On the Outer Marches
March 10, 2013 at 4:31 am
Bangar
Agreed it lacks hitting power, but Zs make a difference dead quiet (you here the firing pin hit, you can pepper you’re target from 100m and if (well you should be!) you’re concealed and they take wounds. Which will kill them without modern healthcare. Then again I’ve seen pictures of 7.62/.303 wounds … they stay down.
March 10, 2013 at 5:00 am
sfmurphy1971
Sound seems to attract them so I suppose a smaller caliber, one that wasn’t as noisy, might not be a bad idea.
Concealed and in a fortified position would be best if you ask me. I just don’t think it would be a prison in my case.
Respects,
Murph
On the Outer Marches