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Can a Guitar Case Double as a Zombie Apocalypse Survival Kit?
If you’re a musician who also likes to prepare for emergencies, you may have wondered if your guitar case could serve as more than a container for your precious instrument. After all, a guitar case is usually sturdy, portable, and inconspicuous, which are useful qualities in a survival situation. And since the so-called zombie apocalypse scenarios involve some of the same challenges as other disasters, such as natural or man-made ones, it’s not a totally absurd idea to repurpose your guitar case as a survival kit. In this blog post, we’ll explore whether and how a guitar case could be a viable option for survival gear, and offer some tips on what to include and exclude in it. By the end of this post, you’ll know whether you can ditch your bulky backpack and rely on your music gear instead.
Introduction: The Idea and the Skepticism
Many guitarists, especially those who travel frequently, are fond of their cases, which may be customized, padded, or even double as seats or stands. Some cases have additional compartments for accessories or laptops, which could be handy in a survival kit. However, many survival experts and preppers may scoff at the notion of using a guitar case as a means of survival, arguing that it’s too small, fragile, or impractical for a long-term crisis. Some may also point out that the appearance of a guitar case may attract thieves or enemies, or that its weight may limit mobility or agility. Therefore, before we get too enthusiastic about the idea of a musical arsenal, let’s evaluate some of the pros and cons of a guitar case as a survival kit.
Section 1: The Advantages of a Guitar Case Survival Kit
As a prologue to our case for the defense, let’s list some of the potential advantages of choosing a guitar case as your survival kit container.
1. Portability: A guitar case is designed to be carried around with ease, either by hand or on your back, depending on the model. This means that you can be more mobile and agile than if you had to drag a heavy backpack or a rolling suitcase. You can also switch hands or shoulders more easily to avoid strains or injuries.
2. Discretion: A guitar case can blend in with other luggage or carry-ons, especially if it doesn’t bear any distinctive logos or labels. This can be useful if you don’t want to draw attention to yourself or your supplies, as in a crowded or chaotic environment. Moreover, if you happen to encounter zombies or other threats, they may not recognize your guitar case as a potential source of survival gear, or they may underestimate you as a musician.
3. Protection: A guitar case is often made of tough materials like wood, plastic, or aluminum, and is foam-padded to absorb shocks and vibrations. This means that you can store fragile or delicate items in it without risking damage, such as electronics, medical supplies, or heirlooms. Moreover, a guitar case can also shield you from blunt or sharp objects and projectiles, as you can use it as a shield or a barricade if needed.
4. Customizability: A guitar case can be modified in various ways to suit your needs, interests, or skills. For example, you can add more foam or padding to make it more weather-resistant or impact-resistant. You can also attach hooks or straps to it to hang or secure other items, such as water bottles, belts, or knives. You can even decorate it with personal motifs or symbols that reflect your style or preferences, which can boost your morale or identity in a stressful situation.
5. Versatility: A guitar case can hold a wide range of items, from small to large, from light to heavy, from edible to non-edible, from useful to bizarre. Although the size and shape of a guitar case may limit the amount and type of supplies you can carry, it can still accommodate most of the essentials you need to survive. Moreover, a guitar case can be repurposed or reused for multiple functions, such as a cooking pot, a stretcher, a sled, or a raft, depending on the situation.
Section 2: The Disadvantages of a Guitar Case Survival Kit
As a balance to our opening statement, let’s also acknowlege some of the potential downsides or challenges of relying on a guitar case for survival gear.
1. Limited space: A guitar case is not as capacious as a backpack or a duffel bag, which means that you have to prioritize the most essential items and sacrifice some of the less crucial ones. Moreover, a guitar case may have some irregular shapes or compartments that limit the size and shape of the items you store in it. This means that you may not be able to include some of the bigger or bulkier items, such as tents, sleeping bags, or firearms, that can improve your survival odds.
2. Limited durability: Although a guitar case is often built to last, it may not withstand all types of harsh conditions or rough handling. For example, a guitar case may crack or break if it’s hit by a heavy object or exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, or sun. Moreover, a guitar case may not be waterproof or airtight, which means that some of the items inside it may get damaged by moisture or dust. This means that you may need to supplement your guitar case with additional waterproof bags or containers to protect your gear.
3. Limited comfort: A guitar case is not designed for human comfort, which means that you may find it uncomfortable, awkward, or painful to carry or sleep in. Moreover, a guitar case may not provide enough insulation, ventilation, or support for your body, which can affect your health and morale. This means that you may need to improvise or upgrade your guitar case with some additional items, such as foam mats, sleeping bags, or air pillows, to make it more habitable.
4. Limited appeal: A guitar case may not appeal to everyone, especially those who are not familiar with or interested in music. Moreover, a guitar case may attract negative attention or suspicion from some people who associate it with other stereotypes or images, such as drug smuggling, espionage, or terrorism. This means that you may have to explain or prove that your guitar case is indeed a survival kit, which can be time-consuming and stressful.
5. Limited applicability: A guitar case may not be suited for all types of survival situations, especially those that require specific skills, knowledge, or resources. For example, a guitar case may not be very useful if you need to survive in a cold, snowy, or icy environment, as it may not provide adequate warmth or shelter. Moreover, a guitar case may not be very helpful if you need to defend yourself against aggressive animals or humans, as it may not contain enough weapons or armor. This means that you may need to use different types of containers or kits for different types of scenarios, if you have the means and time to prepare.
Section 3: The Contents of a Guitar Case Survival Kit
Now that we have explored some of the pros and cons of a guitar case survival kit, let’s focus on the practical aspects of what to include and exclude in it. Of course, the exact contents of your kit may vary depending on your personal preferences, location, climate, and skill set, but here are some general guidelines and suggestions.
1. Water: Water is arguably the most important item in any survival kit, as we can survive without food for days but without water for only a few hours. Therefore, make sure to bring enough water or ways to purify it, such as a portable filter, tablets, or a solar still. You can also store water bottles or bladders in your guitar case if they fit.
2. Food: Food is the second most important item in a survival kit, as it provides us with energy, nutrients, and comfort. Therefore, bring some non-perishable or long-lasting foods that you enjoy and that meet your dietary needs, such as energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, jerky, or canned goods. You can also add some utensils or cookware, such as a cup, a spoon, or a small stove, if you have the space.
3. Shelter: Shelter is the third most important item in a survival kit, as it protects us from the elements, insects, and animals, and provides us with privacy and comfort. Therefore, bring some items that can help you build or improvise a shelter, such as a tarp, a poncho, some rope, or some duct tape. You can also store some extra clothes or blankets in your guitar case if they fit.
4. Medical supplies: Medical supplies are crucial in any survival kit, as they can save lives and prevent illnesses or injuries from getting worse. Therefore, bring some basic first-aid items, such as bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and scissors. You can also add some prescription medicines or special treatments if you need them.
5. Tools and equipment: Tools and equipment are essential in a survival kit, as they enable us to perform various tasks, such as making fire, cutting wood, repairing gear, or signaling for help. Therefore, bring some multi-purpose tools, such as a knife, a saw, pliers, or a multi-tool. You can also add some specific tools, such as a compass, a whistle, a mirror, or a radio.
6. Self-defense items: Self-defense items are optional in a survival kit, as they depend on the level of threat and the personal preferences of the user. Therefore, bring some items that can help you defend yourself against animals or humans, such as pepper spray, a stun gun, or a firearm if you’re legally allowed to carry one. You can also add some passive defensive items, such as a helmet, a mask, or gloves, if you prefer.
Conclusion: Can a Guitar Case Double as a Zombie Apocalypse Survival Kit?
After weighing the evidence and the arguments, we can conclude that a guitar case can indeed double as a zombie apocalypse survival kit, as long as you manage to balance the advantages and disadvantages of such an option, and choose the right contents for your kit. A guitar case can be a versatile, portable, and discreet container for survival gear, but it can also have some limitations and challenges that require additional preparation and adaptation. Therefore, if you’re a guitarist who cares about survival as well as music, you can experiment with your guitar case and see how it can serve you in a crisis. Who knows, your music may save your life someday.
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