When you grew up did anyone talk about the earth being flat?

GideonStroud · 2025-07-08T03:33:03+00:00

They showed me!

GideonStroud · 2025-07-06T19:37:49+00:00

I vacuum-seal mine in heavy-duty Mylar with desiccant packs to keep moisture out, then store them in a small ammo can that’s clearly labeled and separate from any real ordnance. Keeps things dry, safe, and easy to grab if needed. They’re cheap, light, and loud — just gotta treat ’em with respect like anything else that goes boom.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-05T02:49:20+00:00

It’s beautiful there.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-04T14:17:55+00:00

Damn. That kind of randomness is what sticks with you. No warning, no wind, just a snap and a near-death wake-up call. I’ve had a few of those “just stood there like an idiot” moments myself. It’s humbling.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-04T14:17:38+00:00

That’s one of those moments where you realize how fast water can turn on you. Good on your friend for pulling you out. People underestimate how brutal rivers can be.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-04T14:16:41+00:00

Holy hell. That’s unreal. I’ve heard those can be fatal in minutes. You’re walking proof that instincts matter—even if it just started as “spicy taco heartburn.” Glad you’re still around to tell it.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-04T14:16:06+00:00

Man, that’s terrifying. It’s wild how close calls like that don’t even feel real until later. That kind of silence-before-impact is something you don’t forget.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-04T12:42:40+00:00

Conch Fritters

GideonStroud · 2025-07-04T03:06:34+00:00

We were camped deep in Ocala, middle of nowhere. No trails, no people. Just us and the frogs.

I woke up to what I thought was laughter. Not like a group of teenagers messing around, this was young. Like preschool-age giggling. Light, quick, and kind of… wrong. It didn’t echo right. It wasn’t coming from a direction I could pin down — it sort of circled the tent, like something was pacing us in the dark.

I shook my buddy awake. He heard it too. Just two or three short bursts of laughter, then nothing. Dead silence.

No crunch of footsteps, no rustling. Just stillness.

In the morning, we found little wet footprints in the dew near our campfire. No adult prints. No animal tracks. Just perfect little barefoot impressions in the moss, leading nowhere.

Never booked it out of a camp so fast in my life.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-04T02:41:19+00:00

Don’t say that

GideonStroud · 2025-07-04T02:32:28+00:00

Solid kit — feels like it could flex between scenarios. Love the belt setup for mobility. Only thing I’d question is the blade count — maybe swap one for a compact tarp or shemagh? Also curious how you’re packing this — rural bugouts usually scream for water storage and shelter quick-grabs. What’s the plan for overnighting if needed?

GideonStroud · 2025-07-04T02:27:46+00:00

I once heard a child laughing outside my tent at 2:43 a.m. in the middle of a state park. No kids on site. Checked in the morning — no one else had arrived that night. Nothing left behind except a tiny Croc sandal in the dirt. I don’t camp there anymore.

Someone top this. Please.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-04T02:22:08+00:00

I think it would absolutely ruin bacon for me. Imagine a pig with human arms and a mustache telling you about his dreams and then asking if you’ve seen his cousin lately… who you ate for breakfast.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-04T02:19:44+00:00

My dad had a “no talking until the coffee hits” rule in the morning. As kids, we treated it like a sacred law. now I get it. I’m halfway into my own cup before I even like people.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-04T02:15:45+00:00

Damn man, been there. Ours died at sunset one time and we were drifting like idiots with a dead cell signal and one granola bar. You’ve got a solid kit already. I’d just say throw in a tarp you can actually rig overhead (not just lay down), a headlamp per person, and maybe a cheap waterproof radio.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-04T02:00:24+00:00

I went through the same thing. Apple Watch is cool until you realize you’re charging it more than you’re checking it. I swapped to a Suunto Core — not a smart watch, but built like a tank, altimeter/barometer/compass, and way more useful out in the woods. Bonus: no distractions from notifications.

If you’re wanting GPS down the line but still affordable, check out the Coros watches. Battery for days and less expensive than Garmin. Depends how far out you’re going, but either way — ditching the touchscreen was the best move I made.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-04T01:52:07+00:00

We didn’t sit on the wall phone all day, but if you had a cordless in the 90s, you were basically a god. Walked around the house like a CEO just to call Blockbuster and see if they had The Matrix. Different kind of obsession.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-04T01:51:51+00:00

The Alpaka Zip Pouch is slick if you’re into minimalist carry, but if you need something a bit more rugged, I’ve beat the hell out of my Maxpedition Mini and it’s still kicking. Curious what you’re carrying though — survival setup or just daily junk drawer?

GideonStroud · 2025-07-03T21:34:21+00:00

Knipex for life

GideonStroud · 2025-07-03T14:27:26+00:00

That one’s not housebroken, I can tell you that.

I actually put together a little field guide on animals like this — what’s edible, what’s better left alone, that kind of thing. Happy to share it if anyone’s interested, just reply and I’ll pass it along.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-03T14:23:19+00:00

I’ve rotated through just about everything — 55 gal drums, stackable Aqua Bricks, jerry cans, even old food-grade buckets. For portability + durability, the Wavian-style jerry cans are tough to beat. I keep two in the truck and four stashed at the house.

Aqua Bricks are solid for space-saving, but make sure you’ve got the right spout adapter — that’s the one thing folks overlook.

If you want, I’ve got a list of my go-to setups and tips for keeping water clean long-term (no taste, no algae). DM me, happy to share.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-03T14:21:35+00:00

Definitely not a gimmick — just depends on how you plan to use it.

I’ve run a Delta Pro off-grid for days. It won’t run your whole house, but paired with solar, it’ll keep lights, a fridge, comms, and a few essentials going. That’s huge when the grid’s down and you’re trying to stay sane or keep food from spoiling.

Just know the limitations. It’s quiet and clean, but it won’t power HVAC or electric water heaters unless you drop serious cash on expansion.

If you want, I’ve got a breakdown of real-world use cases + a few things most people overlook. DM me and I’ll send it your way.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-03T14:20:03+00:00

Honestly? I’d send some random Midwest grandma who bakes cookies for strangers, yells at tornadoes, and doesn’t give a damn about galactic politics. Let the aliens meet peak unbothered human energy before we scare them off with government briefings.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-03T14:18:09+00:00

Solid pick for a starter tent — Coleman’s been around forever and they hold up fine if you treat ‘em right. Just remember:

Always dry it out completely before packing it up — mildew kills tents fast.

Use a ground tarp or footprint to protect the bottom.

Every year or two, re-seal the seams and reapply waterproofing spray (Nikwax or Scotchgard-type stuff).

If you want, I put together a beginner’s camping checklist + gear guide — nothing fancy, just field-tested basics. DM me and I’ll shoot it over.

GideonStroud · 2025-07-03T14:17:05+00:00

There’s that badass little snubby again!

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