I didn't even know what a bug out bag was, never mind whether or not I had a good one.
But I found out Saturday at Guelph GenreCon, a three-day convention at the Holiday Inn for lovers of all things horror, sci-fi, action, anime, fantasy and cosplay.
One of the anchor elements of the weekend are numerous panel discussions held throughout the day and how could you not be attracted by one titled: How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse?
Turns out the 45-minute session, led by Hamilton private investigator and cosplayer (dressing up as a particular character) Walter 'Sid' Schultz, was about making sure you have a good bug out bag: a three day supply of food, water and other key items in a handy and portable backpack or vest that will make it quick and easy to have the essentials to survive for at least a few days.
"People ask, why do I prepare?" Shultz said. "Well, sh*t happens."
Three days of water, protein bars, a windproof lighter, a good knife, 50 yards of nylon rope and a quality flashlight were some of the essentials in Schultz's bug out bag, ready for use for any emergency, such as floods, power failures or severe ice storms.
And, I suppose, a zombie apocalypse.
"Fight or flight will keep you alive, freeze will get you killed," Schultz said.
The weekend event was a revival of a GenreCon that was held a few years ago but disappeared.
It featured everything from a Friday night concert, a Saturday night burlesque show, the panel discussions to a large room full of vendors, and a board game room.
Many people dressed up as their favourite characters, everything from anime to Batman and Judge DREDD was represented in high-quality outfits found wandering around the Holiday Inn lobby.
The panel discussions varied from the educational (Fencing: An Olympic Sport With A Long History, How Health and Wellness Fits in the Geek World,
A little goofy from the outside looking in perhaps, but a lot of fun and interesting for those that love the things those attending GenreCon do.
"The concept of who we now are as sci fi fans has really changed," Schultz said.
"There's been an entire shift in change of perception. Twenty years ago we were seen as people that lived in our mom's basement" playing games and watching odd movies, he said.
Now, people that dress up in costume and attend conventions like the one in
