Water, Calories, Bugging In, and Ditching Gear Dependence

Summary

Practical Prepping Podcast – Episode 524
Water, Calories, Bugging In, and Ditching Gear Dependence
Hosts: Mark & Krista Lawley
Date: September 8, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Mark and Krista Lawley deliver actionable, realistic prepping strategies for everyday emergencies—no doomsday paranoia here. They cover four essential topics: how to make safe drinking water (including lesser-known methods), calculating calorie needs post-disaster, the steps for effective “bugging in” (sheltering at home) through various crises, and the philosophy and practice of reducing dependency on gear by building your own core survival skills. The tone is warm, practical, and family-friendly, offering both scientific reasoning and real-life anecdotes to ground their advice.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Water Purification—Beyond Boiling

Standard recommendation: Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute at sea level (longer at higher altitudes) kills most pathogens.
- Krista: “Most pathogens can be killed within one minute of a rolling boil, or three minutes if your altitude is above 2,000 meters or 6,500 ft.” (03:14)
Problem addressed: What if you can't boil due to environmental constraints (wind, low fuel, small fire)?
- Mark: “But there’s another technique… called water pasteurization.” (03:43)
Water Pasteurization:
- Hold water at 160°F (71°C) for 30 minutes, or 185°F (85°C) for 3 minutes to kill pathogens (04:00).
- This is crucial for scenarios where boiling isn’t possible.
Important considerations:
- Altitude: Boiling point lowers at higher elevations, requiring longer treatment times (05:01).
- Water Clarity: Filter cloudy or debris-filled water using cloth, coffee filter, bandana, or T-shirt before treatment (05:20).
- Chemical Contaminants: Boiling/pasteurization doesn’t remove chemicals; use filtration or solar distillation for that.
  - Mark: “Boiling does not remove chemical pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, or other toxins. You need some other type of filtration or treatment for that.” (05:27)

2. Caloric Needs in Disaster Scenarios

Activity-based calorie requirements:
- Sedentary (resting/light chores): 1,800–2,000 cal/day
- Light activity (basic chores): 2,200–2,500 cal/day
- Moderate activity (shelter-building, hauling): 2,800–3,500 cal/day
- Strenuous labor (chainsaws, debris removal): 3,500–6,000 cal/day
- Extreme activity (rescue/firefighting): up to 7,000 cal/day
  - Mark: “Federal contracts call for feeding the workers 6,000 calories per day.” (08:18)
Personal anecdote: On disaster sites, workers eat large amounts due to extreme exertion.
- Krista: “He would explain how much food and calorie they were intaking every day and it was mind boggling.” (10:36)
Planning your pantry:
- Prioritize calorie-dense, long-lasting foods: peanut butter, nuts, dried foods, energy bars (13:18).
- Hydration is key:
  - At least 1–1.5 gallons of water/person/day for typical needs, more with heat or exertion (14:09).
  - Don’t neglect electrolytes: salt, potassium, magnesium.
    - Krista: “Water alone isn’t all that the body needs. The body has to have salt, potassium, magnesium, other minerals.” (14:22)
  - Carrying those small electrolyte packets is recommended (14:42).

3. Mastering the Art of Bugging In (“Sheltering in Place”)

Bugging in is often preferable:
- Stay home unless escaping is truly necessary (wildfires, chemical spills, hurricanes).
- Gain skills for sheltering in place through checklists and planning (e.g., "Bug-In Survival Checklist" mentioned at 17:12).
Core principles of sheltering in place:
- Protection: Close windows/doors, move to windowless interior rooms (lowest floor for tornadoes, higher for floods; 18:33-20:14).
- Supplies: Stockpile food, water, flashlights, helmets, and consider a long-term stay (23:15-23:36).
- Sanitation & air quality: Backup plans for plumbing; use fans with filters for air quality (24:03 & 24:59).
- Temperature: Have plans for both extreme cold (wool blankets, alternate heat) and heat (cooling centers, mall trips) (25:09-25:40).
- Utilities shut-off: In case of chemical/biological events, seal the shelter with duct tape/plastic and shut down HVAC systems (26:06-26:44).
Threat-specific adjustments:
- Active shooter/security threat: Barricade, silence electronics, prepare to defend as last resort (27:32-28:35).
  - Mark: “If the danger tries to come inside, we are going to repel the danger. You come in, you get shot. That’s what it comes down to.” (28:28)
- Nuclear/radiological: Move to innermost/underground shelter; stay inside 24+ hours; seal windows/doors (30:21-31:48).
- Pandemic/biological: Avoid people, stock up on meds, practice hygiene, use masks when necessary (32:13-34:49).
  - Mark: “If it’s serious enough, we may or may not even go to the mailbox.” (33:18)
  - Krista: “Beef up your medications there, your over-the-counter medications so you can treat the symptoms.” (33:27)
Family communication plan:
- Distribute hard copy family contact lists; designate an out-of-area contact (36:39-37:35).
- Share shelter location and status, check in regularly (37:35-37:55).
- Practice shelter-in-place drills with family (37:55-38:34).

4. Ditching Gear Dependence—Why and How

Philosophy: “The more you know, the less you have to carry.” (39:12)
- Instead of relying on a massive, heavy “all I own” bug-out bag, develop practical skills and use multi-purpose tools.
Essential survival skills:
- Fire-building: Learn techniques with and without modern tools (bow drill, natural tinders, fatwood) (40:01-41:40).
- Shelter-building: Use natural resources, choose safe locations, avoid flood zones (41:40-42:37).
- Water procurement and purification:
  - Identify sources; boil, pasteurize, improvise with rocks/heated containers, use solar disinfection (clear bottles in sun for 8 hours) (42:37-43:40).
  - Filter with sand, charcoal, cloth if necessary.
- Foraging:
  - Study edible/wild plants (Mark: “I would not eat a mushroom in the wild because I don’t know which ones get you full, which ones get you high, and which ones get you dead.” 44:16)
  - Skills in basic trapping, fishing, hunting, tool making from natural materials (44:12-45:07).
Cultivating a survival mindset:
- Staying calm: “Keep calm and carry on” really works in disasters (45:07).
- Adaptability and resourcefulness: MacGyver what you need with what you have (45:46-46:27).
- Situational awareness: Assess environment and prioritize needs (46:27-46:38).
- Multipurpose/Minimalist gear: Favor simplicity—knife, multi-tool, paracord, duct tape, water filter (46:46-47:42).
- Improvise tools and containers: Use rocks for cutting, bark/leaves for cordage, containers (47:42-48:38).
- Practice: Regularly drill primitive techniques and physical fitness (48:52-50:29).
Summary lesson:
- Krista: “Skills are perishable and we need to regularly practice so that it ensures that we're prepared when the gear is unavailable.” (51:08)
- Mark: “Focusing on skills, resourcefulness and mindset...that reduces your dependence on gear and it increases your chances of survival in any situation.” (51:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the rationale for sheltering in place:
- Krista: “Bugging in safely is the preferred way to go… sometimes you do have to evacuate… but for the most part…” (16:33)
On post-disaster calorie needs:
- Mark: “It took them nine days to get up and running [after Katrina].” (23:59)
- Krista: “He would gain weight while he was off on disaster [relief assignments] because they’re just pouring the food on.” (11:39)
On practical prepping (the podcast's heart):
- Mark: “We’re not against gear — we love some gear — but what if we don’t have it?” (39:00)
On skill vs. stuff:
- Mark: “The more you know, the less you have to carry.” (Repeated at 39:12 as a kind of show mantra)
- Krista: “Skills are perishable and we need to regularly practice…” (51:08)

Timestamps for Key Segments

[01:53] Boiling water and the limits of fire-based purification
[03:43] Water pasteurization technique explained
[05:01] Altitude and its effect on water purification
[08:18] Calorie requirements by activity level
[13:18] Planning your pantry for energy-dense foods & electrolytes
[16:33] The case for bugging in / Shelter in place basics
[20:14] Specifics for various types of weather emergencies (tornadoes, hurricanes)
[24:03] Sanitation and air quality
[27:32] Active shooter / security threat response
[30:21] Nuclear/radiological sheltering considerations
[32:13] Sheltering for pandemic/biological threats
[36:39] Family communication and check-in plans
[39:12] Ditching gear dependence—philosophy and core message
[40:01] Essential survival skills rundown (fire, shelter, water, foraging)
[45:07] Mental attitude and adaptability

Conclusion

Mark & Krista reinforce that prepping is about practical know-how for realistic emergencies—whether that’s learning how to make water safe without boiling, planning your pantry for true exertion, sheltering in place smartly, or focusing on skills over gadgets. Their approach is both thorough and approachable, with plenty of personal stories, clear how-tos, and reminders that anyone can begin—no bunkers or doomsday mindsets required.

“Stuff happens. Stay prepared.”

Summary

Practical Prepping Podcast – Episode 524
Water, Calories, Bugging In, and Ditching Gear Dependence
Hosts: Mark & Krista Lawley
Date: September 8, 2025

Episode Overview

Key Topics & Insights

1. Water Purification—Beyond Boiling

Standard recommendation: Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute at sea level (longer at higher altitudes) kills most pathogens.
- Krista: “Most pathogens can be killed within one minute of a rolling boil, or three minutes if your altitude is above 2,000 meters or 6,500 ft.” (03:14)
Problem addressed: What if you can't boil due to environmental constraints (wind, low fuel, small fire)?
- Mark: “But there’s another technique… called water pasteurization.” (03:43)
Water Pasteurization:
- Hold water at 160°F (71°C) for 30 minutes, or 185°F (85°C) for 3 minutes to kill pathogens (04:00).
- This is crucial for scenarios where boiling isn’t possible.
Important considerations:
- Altitude: Boiling point lowers at higher elevations, requiring longer treatment times (05:01).
- Water Clarity: Filter cloudy or debris-filled water using cloth, coffee filter, bandana, or T-shirt before treatment (05:20).
- Chemical Contaminants: Boiling/pasteurization doesn’t remove chemicals; use filtration or solar distillation for that.
  - Mark: “Boiling does not remove chemical pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, or other toxins. You need some other type of filtration or treatment for that.” (05:27)

2. Caloric Needs in Disaster Scenarios

Activity-based calorie requirements:
- Sedentary (resting/light chores): 1,800–2,000 cal/day
- Light activity (basic chores): 2,200–2,500 cal/day
- Moderate activity (shelter-building, hauling): 2,800–3,500 cal/day
- Strenuous labor (chainsaws, debris removal): 3,500–6,000 cal/day
- Extreme activity (rescue/firefighting): up to 7,000 cal/day
  - Mark: “Federal contracts call for feeding the workers 6,000 calories per day.” (08:18)
Personal anecdote: On disaster sites, workers eat large amounts due to extreme exertion.
- Krista: “He would explain how much food and calorie they were intaking every day and it was mind boggling.” (10:36)
Planning your pantry:
- Prioritize calorie-dense, long-lasting foods: peanut butter, nuts, dried foods, energy bars (13:18).
- Hydration is key:
  - At least 1–1.5 gallons of water/person/day for typical needs, more with heat or exertion (14:09).
  - Don’t neglect electrolytes: salt, potassium, magnesium.
    - Krista: “Water alone isn’t all that the body needs. The body has to have salt, potassium, magnesium, other minerals.” (14:22)
  - Carrying those small electrolyte packets is recommended (14:42).

3. Mastering the Art of Bugging In (“Sheltering in Place”)

Bugging in is often preferable:
- Stay home unless escaping is truly necessary (wildfires, chemical spills, hurricanes).
- Gain skills for sheltering in place through checklists and planning (e.g., "Bug-In Survival Checklist" mentioned at 17:12).
Core principles of sheltering in place:
- Protection: Close windows/doors, move to windowless interior rooms (lowest floor for tornadoes, higher for floods; 18:33-20:14).
- Supplies: Stockpile food, water, flashlights, helmets, and consider a long-term stay (23:15-23:36).
- Sanitation & air quality: Backup plans for plumbing; use fans with filters for air quality (24:03 & 24:59).
- Temperature: Have plans for both extreme cold (wool blankets, alternate heat) and heat (cooling centers, mall trips) (25:09-25:40).
- Utilities shut-off: In case of chemical/biological events, seal the shelter with duct tape/plastic and shut down HVAC systems (26:06-26:44).
Threat-specific adjustments:
- Active shooter/security threat: Barricade, silence electronics, prepare to defend as last resort (27:32-28:35).
  - Mark: “If the danger tries to come inside, we are going to repel the danger. You come in, you get shot. That’s what it comes down to.” (28:28)
- Nuclear/radiological: Move to innermost/underground shelter; stay inside 24+ hours; seal windows/doors (30:21-31:48).
- Pandemic/biological: Avoid people, stock up on meds, practice hygiene, use masks when necessary (32:13-34:49).
  - Mark: “If it’s serious enough, we may or may not even go to the mailbox.” (33:18)
  - Krista: “Beef up your medications there, your over-the-counter medications so you can treat the symptoms.” (33:27)
Family communication plan:
- Distribute hard copy family contact lists; designate an out-of-area contact (36:39-37:35).
- Share shelter location and status, check in regularly (37:35-37:55).
- Practice shelter-in-place drills with family (37:55-38:34).

4. Ditching Gear Dependence—Why and How

Philosophy: “The more you know, the less you have to carry.” (39:12)
- Instead of relying on a massive, heavy “all I own” bug-out bag, develop practical skills and use multi-purpose tools.
Essential survival skills:
- Fire-building: Learn techniques with and without modern tools (bow drill, natural tinders, fatwood) (40:01-41:40).
- Shelter-building: Use natural resources, choose safe locations, avoid flood zones (41:40-42:37).
- Water procurement and purification:
  - Identify sources; boil, pasteurize, improvise with rocks/heated containers, use solar disinfection (clear bottles in sun for 8 hours) (42:37-43:40).
  - Filter with sand, charcoal, cloth if necessary.
- Foraging:
  - Study edible/wild plants (Mark: “I would not eat a mushroom in the wild because I don’t know which ones get you full, which ones get you high, and which ones get you dead.” 44:16)
  - Skills in basic trapping, fishing, hunting, tool making from natural materials (44:12-45:07).
Cultivating a survival mindset:
- Staying calm: “Keep calm and carry on” really works in disasters (45:07).
- Adaptability and resourcefulness: MacGyver what you need with what you have (45:46-46:27).
- Situational awareness: Assess environment and prioritize needs (46:27-46:38).
- Multipurpose/Minimalist gear: Favor simplicity—knife, multi-tool, paracord, duct tape, water filter (46:46-47:42).
- Improvise tools and containers: Use rocks for cutting, bark/leaves for cordage, containers (47:42-48:38).
- Practice: Regularly drill primitive techniques and physical fitness (48:52-50:29).
Summary lesson:
- Krista: “Skills are perishable and we need to regularly practice so that it ensures that we're prepared when the gear is unavailable.” (51:08)
- Mark: “Focusing on skills, resourcefulness and mindset...that reduces your dependence on gear and it increases your chances of survival in any situation.” (51:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the rationale for sheltering in place:
- Krista: “Bugging in safely is the preferred way to go… sometimes you do have to evacuate… but for the most part…” (16:33)
On post-disaster calorie needs:
- Mark: “It took them nine days to get up and running [after Katrina].” (23:59)
- Krista: “He would gain weight while he was off on disaster [relief assignments] because they’re just pouring the food on.” (11:39)
On practical prepping (the podcast's heart):
- Mark: “We’re not against gear — we love some gear — but what if we don’t have it?” (39:00)
On skill vs. stuff:
- Mark: “The more you know, the less you have to carry.” (Repeated at 39:12 as a kind of show mantra)
- Krista: “Skills are perishable and we need to regularly practice…” (51:08)

Timestamps for Key Segments

[01:53] Boiling water and the limits of fire-based purification
[03:43] Water pasteurization technique explained
[05:01] Altitude and its effect on water purification
[08:18] Calorie requirements by activity level
[13:18] Planning your pantry for energy-dense foods & electrolytes
[16:33] The case for bugging in / Shelter in place basics
[20:14] Specifics for various types of weather emergencies (tornadoes, hurricanes)
[24:03] Sanitation and air quality
[27:32] Active shooter / security threat response
[30:21] Nuclear/radiological sheltering considerations
[32:13] Sheltering for pandemic/biological threats
[36:39] Family communication and check-in plans
[39:12] Ditching gear dependence—philosophy and core message
[40:01] Essential survival skills rundown (fire, shelter, water, foraging)
[45:07] Mental attitude and adaptability

Conclusion

“Stuff happens. Stay prepared.”

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Summary

Episode Overview

Key Topics & Insights

1. Water Purification—Beyond Boiling

2. Caloric Needs in Disaster Scenarios

3. Mastering the Art of Bugging In (“Sheltering in Place”)

4. Ditching Gear Dependence—Why and How

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Conclusion

Summary

Episode Overview

Key Topics & Insights

1. Water Purification—Beyond Boiling

2. Caloric Needs in Disaster Scenarios

3. Mastering the Art of Bugging In (“Sheltering in Place”)

4. Ditching Gear Dependence—Why and How

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Conclusion