# Ask the guy in a perpetual state of readiness... for almost anything. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 13, 2010, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591 "2010-09-13T11:41:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![bobkitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c67d28/32.png) [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2010, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/21 "2010-09-13T17:13:46Z")
What about a first aid kit? I have an EMS-regulation first aid kit, plus an auto repair kit, plus a bag similar to yours in the back of my car. šŸ˜› ---
**Author:** ![Gedd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gedd/32/4938_2.png) [@Gedd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gedd)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2010, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/22 "2010-09-13T17:14:06Z")
That is all fine and dandy, but are you ready for some football? Being that prepared you know youā€™re going to be taken out by a random piece of rock that come hurtling down from space to hit you square on the head. Unless, do you wear a hard hat 24/7? ---
**Author:** ![Autolycus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@Autolycus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autolycus)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2010, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/23 "2010-09-13T21:57:01Z")
You arenā€™t ready for school. Where are your school supplies? ---
**Author:** ![Walmarticus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Walmarticus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walmarticus)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2010, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/24 "2010-09-13T22:28:11Z")
Drew Carey sticks a gun to your head and forces you to improvise a hoedown. ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2010, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/25 "2010-09-13T23:39:08Z")
> [@Electric\_Warrior](#): > > I went hiking yesterday and the concept of being overprepared came up, so, what do you bring in your backpack on hiking trips? I donā€™t often go hiking, for a number of reasons. Itā€™s been a few years, before I turned 18 I think, and before I started taking an active role in my own well being. > [@lieu](#): > > Have you changed the oil in your portable generator since using it last? You know they can only run for 8 hours before needing to be serviced, right? Shame to lose one, desparately needed, at the onset of an emergency. I donā€™t have a portable generator. Other than the internet, TV and food storage, I donā€™t really use a lot of electricity to be honest. And in an emergency, I wouldnā€™t be so worried about any of those ā€“ especially considering the relative cost of refrigeration versus canning. > [@Sage\_Rat](#): > > Do you have a plan to defeat Batman? (Are you secretly Batman?) I do, and I am not. > [@elbows](#): > > You do recognize itā€™s never the things you prep for and fret over that get you, in the end, itā€™s the things you could never have seen coming, right? I donā€™t ā€˜fretā€™ over anything, actually. And your statement is categorically incorrect, in that most smokers do not worry or fret over cancer, yet often get it. > [@RandMcnally](#): > > How much did everything cost? I donā€™t know. A lot of it, I was able to assemble out of stuff I have in my house. > [@RandMcnally](#): > > I never had a full on survival kit type thing whenever I went on a trip, although I wish I did. All I brought with me is a really good blanket, some food, and some water. Frankly, I find myself using the kit more often than Iā€™d expect. Need to tie something? Grab some rope and cut it. Need to fix something? Check the car, maybe somethingā€™ll be there to help. Need a tissue? Got it. > [@Procrustus](#): > > My kids have stored enough old french fries under the seats of my car to keep me alive for days. Iā€™m child free, at the moment, so my car is fry free. > [@Alice\_The\_Goon](#): > > Iā€™m pregnant and itā€™s yours. Quick- what are you going to do? Deny it. And then get a paternity test to prove it. The odds are nil of me fathering a child, at the moment. > [@pravnik](#): > > How often do you change the batteries on your smoke detectors? Frequently. I also have one in every room, instead of one in the hallways, and one in the kitchen. > [@RealityChuck](#): > > Do you give Batman pointers? Frequently. > [@Rigamarole](#): > > I need to make someoneā€¦ disappear. How do you propose going about it? Do you need to kill someone, and then dispose of the body, or do you need to dispose of a body thatā€™s already dead? Or, would you prefer to keep them alive, and (relatively) unharmed, but under your control and out of public reach? What are your resources? > [@Projammer](#): > > Your bag is notably lacking a Towel. Is there any particular reason for this omission? The towel isnā€™t _in_ the bag, because the towel should be carried, over the bag. In fact, I have three in my car. > [@kasuo](#): > > You mention a Trap Guide but I donā€™t see any tools listed. Also, I think you should have a basic weapon, maybe a rudimentary lathe. I carry a Gerber Multitool in my right front pocket, always. Tools arenā€™t difficult to make. > [@Inner\_Stickler](#): > > What? In case he runs into a wild 2x4? Theyā€™re dangerous, donā€™t underestimate them. > [@StGermain](#): > > Hmmmā€¦in my car right now there are four 24 packs of Coke, a couple kitchen knives, some brownies, a winter coat, a rain poncho and some hardcover bestsellers. If I get lost, Iā€™m sticking with the car and having a vacation day. > > StG You and I have differing opinions on the reliability of others. > [@johnpost](#): > > were you an eagle scout? No. > [@Baracus](#): > > I see nothing in your bag that indicates you are ready to rock. Thereā€™s nothing I could put in my bag that would sufficiently reflect my current, and perpetual, readiness to rock. > [@bobkitty](#): > > What about a first aid kit? I have an EMS-regulation first aid kit, plus an auto repair kit, plus a bag similar to yours in the back of my car. šŸ˜› Is it absolutely necessary for me to include the ridiculously obvious? > [@Gedd](#): > > That is all fine and dandy, but are you ready for some football? American or European? > [@Gedd](#): > > Being that prepared you know youā€™re going to be taken out by a random piece of rock that come hurtling down from space to hit you square on the head. Unless, do you wear a hard hat 24/7? Iā€™m willing to die via meteorite. > [@Autolycus](#): > > You arenā€™t ready for school. Where are your school supplies? Iā€™m not in school, so there is is no need to be ready for this. ETA: > [@Walmarticus](#): > > Drew Carey sticks a gun to your head and forces you to improvise a hoedown. I ask him if he sees that doughnut in the corner. He turns to look for it, I steal his gun. ---
**Author:** ![dzero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f9b8f/32.png) [@dzero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dzero)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2010, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/26 "2010-09-14T00:18:18Z")
So let me review. Youā€™ve wrecked your car and your boat is at the bottom of a lake? Hmmm. I think I might have a heightened awareness of what might go wrong myself. :eek: šŸ™‚ ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2010, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/27 "2010-09-14T00:20:43Z")
> [@dzero](#): > > So let me review. Youā€™ve wrecked your car and your boat is at the bottom of a lake? Hmmm. I think I might have a heightened awareness of what might go wrong myself. :eek: šŸ™‚ Iā€™m the luckiest unlucky person I know. Good preparedness has, repeatedly, made up for most bad situations Ive been in. ---
**Author:** ![Girl\_From\_Mars](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3da27b/32.png) [@Girl\_From\_Mars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Girl_From_Mars)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2010, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/28 "2010-09-14T00:23:00Z")
> [@dzero](#): > > So let me review. Youā€™ve wrecked your car and your boat is at the bottom of a lake? Hmmm. I think I might have a heightened awareness of what might go wrong myself. :eek: šŸ™‚ Indeed. I can think of a couple of things it appears caught you by surprise. ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2010, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/29 "2010-09-14T01:00:05Z")
> [@Girl\_From\_Mars](#): > > > [@dzero](#): > > > > So let me review. Youā€™ve wrecked your car and your boat is at the bottom of a lake? Hmmm. I think I might have a heightened awareness of what might go wrong myself. :eek: šŸ™‚ > > Indeed. I can think of a couple of things it appears caught you by surprise. All you can do is be prepared, you cant predict the future. If you could, you wouldnā€™t need to be prepared. ---
**Author:** ![MOIDALIZE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@MOIDALIZE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MOIDALIZE)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2010, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/30 "2010-09-14T01:02:56Z")
Hey! Look out! ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2010, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/31 "2010-09-14T01:08:21Z")
There! Behind you! ---
**Author:** ![treis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bc79bd/32.png) [@treis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/treis)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2010, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/32 "2010-09-14T01:11:00Z")
> [@Todderbob](#): > > Iā€™m willing to die via meteorite. Awesome! Can you be in Chicago in a week for a.. ahem.. perfectly safe experiment? ---
**Author:** ![waterj2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/858c86/32.png) [@waterj2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/waterj2)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2010, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/33 "2010-09-14T01:12:43Z")
> [@Todderbob](#): > > Thereā€™s also stuff like my regular attire, which people thinks is weird. I wear Jeans and a tshirt, like everyone else, but I also wear two undershirts and thicker-than-average jeans. I can go out without a coat in almost any weather, and any but the hottest weather, I can leave all three shirts on. What do you mean by ā€œalmost any weatherā€? Because here in New England, an extra couple undershirts isnā€™t going to help you avoid wearing a coat in the winter. ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2010, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/34 "2010-09-14T01:37:08Z")
> [@waterj2](#): > > > [@Todderbob](#): > > > > Thereā€™s also stuff like my regular attire, which people thinks is weird. I wear Jeans and a tshirt, like everyone else, but I also wear two undershirts and thicker-than-average jeans. I can go out without a coat in almost any weather, and any but the hottest weather, I can leave all three shirts on. > > What do you mean by ā€œalmost any weatherā€? Because here in New England, an extra couple undershirts isnā€™t going to help you avoid wearing a coat in the winter. I mean only well into winter am I uncomfortable for the amount of time Iā€™d expect to caught outside without a winter coat. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2010, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/35 "2010-09-14T01:44:24Z")
Do you practice snaring critters for dinner? ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2010, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/36 "2010-09-14T01:45:25Z")
How often do you change the condom in your wallet? ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2010, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/37 "2010-09-14T01:52:54Z")
Are you prepared to perform a tracheotomy with your Gerber Multitool and drinkbox straw? ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2010, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/38 "2010-09-14T01:53:39Z")
> [@Todderbob](#): > > I think Iā€™ll also put a 10mm pistol in there, when I recover it and my boat from the bottom of the lake, or get a new one. It seems to be that you are _extremely_ poorly prepared. What if your car goes off the end of a pier into a lake with the all-electric windows up? You will need a spring-loaded nailset to shatter a window to escape. Do you have one of those in your emergency funbag? Your lint & flint wonā€™t be much use in that situation, you know. ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2010, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/39 "2010-09-14T01:54:31Z")
Does you vehicle kit include tire chains, traction mats, shovel, and winch? ---
**Author:** ![Muffin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muffin/32/4341_2.png) [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2010, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591/40 "2010-09-14T01:56:09Z")
Does your winter vehicle kit include a thick closed cell foam pad, -35 sleeping bag, shovel, and wench? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-the-guy-in-a-perpetual-state-of-readiness-for-almost-anything/553591.md?page=3)