Storage lifetimes of foodstuffs and other goods.

SILVERHARP2 · Post by **SILVERHARP2** » 06 Jan 2008, 20:34

I guess the point is what are you hedging against, it makes sense to have a camping stove & gas light and a few ltrs of fuel for when there are power cuts PO related or not. My view is that for the next 20 years there will still be electricity and gas, there maybe shortages or rationing but there will be enough for basic cooking, I had wondered if it was worth buying a bulk load of coal maybe 30/50 tons as a heating reserve but again maybe just better to get used to simpler living.

Vortex · Post by **Vortex** » 06 Jan 2008, 21:02

NEVER use coleman fuel or petrol in an appliance intended for paraffin.

My parents served in the Korean war.

They told me that HUGE numbers of US troops were badly burned by Primus stoves. They pinched these off the Brits ... and filled them with PETROL.

Trapped inside a tent with an exploding Primus is not to be recommended.

Sometime up to TWO THIRDS of the US troop burn cases being treated in the US military hospitals in Japan were due to this cause, according to my mother.

Post by **adam2** » 07 Jan 2008, 08:08

SILVERHARP2 wrote:I guess the point is what are you hedging against, it makes sense to have a camping stove & gas light and a few ltrs of fuel for when there are power cuts PO related or not. My view is that for the next 20 years there will still be electricity and gas, there maybe shortages or rationing but there will be enough for basic cooking, I had wondered if it was worth buying a bulk load of coal maybe 30/50 tons as a heating reserve but again maybe just better to get used to simpler living.

I would agree that a large store of coal would be an excellent prep, I believe though that very large piles of coal are liable to spontanoeus combustion and thus a fire risk.

I dont know of 30/50 tons would be a risk, or if this only applies to the piles containing many thousands of tons at power stations etc.

Post by **mikepepler** » 07 Jan 2008, 10:09

Why not stock up on thermal clothing rather than coal?

SILVERHARP2 · Post by **SILVERHARP2** » 07 Jan 2008, 10:44

mikepepler wrote:Why not stock up on thermal clothing rather than coal?

I was in germany over xmas and it was cold, -6 during the day, bought a pair of longjohns, and have to say I highly recommend them them. We are experimenting at home with keeping he heating to a mimimum (16C) and I have to say with a good wolly jumper, house shoes and the thermals I feel comfortable. Is that company Demart still going?

RenewableCandy · Post by **RenewableCandy** » 07 Jan 2008, 10:57

SILVERHARP2 wrote:Is that company Demart still going?

Yup here they are

JohnB · Post by **JohnB** » 07 Jan 2008, 12:13

I bought a some from British Thermals, who I think were recommended by someone here. They were a lot cheaper than Damart I think, and they seem to give discounts for repeat business. I also bought some from a stall at Machynlleth market, so assume you can find them in many markets. I think I paid ?10 for 2 tops and bottoms. Haven't worn them much this winter yet, even in my not as well insulated as it should be van.

Vortex · Post by **Vortex** » 07 Jan 2008, 13:19

Maplins are doing a sale on electrically heated gloves, jerkins and shoeliners ...

Kentucky Fried Panda · Post by **Kentucky Fried Panda** » 07 Jan 2008, 15:17

I still have all my thermals from when I worked in the Lesotho mountains ( 97-98 ), good gear lasts years.

eatyourveg · Post by **eatyourveg** » 07 Jan 2008, 18:04

Regarding thermals, have tried Damart, too bulky and shrink in the wash. Gave mine away to a passing dwarf who looked a bit nippy.
I buy from Millets, excellent value, wick, and not bulky. If you are posh Millets is pronounced Mee - ase.

MisterE · Post by **MisterE** » 07 Jan 2008, 18:18

Got to be honest down here in the south, I'm not bothered it never gets cold really. I'm in a tee shirt most of the time (indoors or wooly jumper) Dont bother with thermals, only wore them once for site in winter and I was too hot, that said I do have gear for if it gets real cold. Perhaps I keep warm naturally god knows. I did work with a lad once that wore a tee shirt and shorts all winter! He was never ill, adn some days I'd have on two pairs of socks, thick trousers, two tees, padded shirt, body warmer, hat n good boots - I'd be cold and this nutter (my mate) is going off calling us all sorts - bear in mind its also sleeting!!!!!!!!

I was watching deadliest catch last night and after watching how hard those guys have it in Alaska and still stay happy, then what the hell are we all worried for over a touch of cold in winter? I think buying good quality warm clothes that will be comfortable and last is defo not the way forward! Its the norm! Well it should be, only our generation would have to debate whether or not you should have good winter clothing when it really should be part of the normal way of life imho. I tell you what, due to everyone blasting the central heating and walking around in their pants its so hot, I reckon 99% of these people probably got no winter gear, their wardrobes consist of jean, tees, sock (cheapos) pants and a jumper or two, shoes (no boots) and 1 jacket for all occasions!

PS just bought me these. You dont need to spend out lots to have full on gear. http://www.cheshirefishing.co.uk/shop/mustadclothes.htm

Vortex · Post by **Vortex** » 07 Jan 2008, 19:41

I did work with a lad once that wore a tee shirt and shorts all winter!

When I left Uni I got a room in an old dear's house.

The house was totally unheated ... however I was soon walking around with just T-shirts and jeans.

When friends came by they were wrapped up in coats scarves, the works ... and were STILL moaning.

However now I'm older I don't think I would be keen on repeating the experience...

MisterE · Post by **MisterE** » 07 Jan 2008, 21:26

Vortex wrote:
I did work with a lad once that wore a tee shirt and shorts all winter!
When I left Uni I got a room in an old dear's house.

The house was totally unheated ... however I was soon walking around with just T-shirts and jeans.

When friends came by they were wrapped up in coats scarves, the works ... and were STILL moaning.

However now I'm older I don't think I would be keen on repeating the experience...

Same here best get me one of these for working out in it this feb http://www.tgsindustrial.co.uk/productd ... roupid=421

There is no way I'm using my fishing stuff for site lol, its for when I go fishing

The misses just doesnt get it!

syberberg · Post by **syberberg** » 07 Jan 2008, 22:25

MisterE wrote:Got to be honest down here in the south, I'm not bothered it never gets cold really. I'm in a tee shirt most of the time (indoors or wooly jumper) Dont bother with thermals, only wore them once for site in winter and I was too hot, that said I do have gear for if it gets real cold. Perhaps I keep warm naturally god knows. I did work with a lad once that wore a tee shirt and shorts all winter! He was never ill, adn some days I'd have on two pairs of socks, thick trousers, two tees, padded shirt, body warmer, hat n good boots - I'd be cold and this nutter (my mate) is going off calling us all sorts - bear in mind its also sleeting!!!!!!!!

Was he a Geordie/Makem/Monkey Hanger/Smokie/Pit Yacker/Sandraker by any chance?

Cycloloco · Post by **Cycloloco** » 07 Jan 2008, 23:12

greg wrote:Regarding thermals, have tried Damart, too bulky and shrink in the wash. Gave mine away to a passing dwarf who looked a bit nippy.

Thermals are supposed to be bulky! Damart's stuff is made from some fancy chlorinated hydrocarbon fabric and they warn you it is very heat-sensitive. Avoid that stuff if you can't remember to keep the wash and drying temperature down.