rwc
Member
Lots of good ideas, but please remember that if you get stuck in your car, stay with the car. Rotary or fixed-wing survey will find a vehicle. People ... much worse odds.
Stay safe.
Stay safe.
Critique my survival kit
- Thread starter Gene_WI
- Start date
- Status
doc2rn
Member
Gerber or leatherman multi-tool.
Space blanket, razor blade, Gorrila tape, and 2-3 long life candles. You can make the area you are heating in your car warmer faster by compartmentalizing it.
toilet paper-flatten it by sitting on roll then seal in zip-lock baggie
A book- preferrably on survival
A stocking cap (could not see if it was with the gloves)
Bug spray
Sun Block
Poncho
If you actually drove off on some back road and got stuck a wench would be a good tool. That is all I can think of, luck.
Space blanket, razor blade, Gorrila tape, and 2-3 long life candles. You can make the area you are heating in your car warmer faster by compartmentalizing it.
toilet paper-flatten it by sitting on roll then seal in zip-lock baggie
A book- preferrably on survival
A stocking cap (could not see if it was with the gloves)
Bug spray
Sun Block
Poncho
If you actually drove off on some back road and got stuck a wench would be a good tool. That is all I can think of, luck.
FourNineFoxtrot
Member
- Joined
- Jun 24, 2007
- Messages
- 361
About a month ago, I stumbled on a "roadside emergency kit" that my parents had bought me when I started driving. I've had the thing for years and never even opened it... or carried it in the car. I guess sometimes stupid and lucky is better than smart and unlucky (only works in hindsight).
When I unearthed the thing from the mess it was buried under, curiosity prompted me to crack it open. I was appalled; what a useless bunch of junk! Well, a few pieces were good, but overall I found the kit lacking.
This is what I kept from the original kit:
-Jumper Cables
-Socket wrench
-Blanket
-poncho
-mylar blanket
-some other odds and ends
What I've added so far:
-CRKT folding knife (still getting used to the weird double locking mechanism)
-LED flashlight
-LED lamp/flashlight/red blinker combo
-100ft. paracord
-Duct Tape
-Ordered a huge medkit that I'm going to need to pare down for mobility.
-Swiss champ pocket knife
-8x50 Hammers binoculars
What I'd still like to add:
-A gun, probably my Taurus .357 snubby, but this is CA, so I'm still thinking about that one.
-Ammo/spare magazine(s)
-Entrenching tool (I really liked the idea when I saw this thread)
-Fixed-blade knife (I have several, haven't settled on which)
-Leatherman tool (more robust than Swiss Champ, I suspect)
-Bag O' Money (At least 2 $20 bills, five $1 bills, and some quarters).
-A book to read
-Bar of soap (Just now thought of this)
-Canteen (I have one... somewhere...)
-Lighter(s)/Matches (I have used ones lying around, but I'll probably pick up a package of full sized Bic disposables, and maybe some matches)
-Compass (I don't know why I don't have one. Just stupid, I guess.)
-GPS (not sure what the cost/benefit ratio is on this one, yet.)
-A couple of those small bottles of booze they sell at liquor stores for 99 cents or so.
Most of the emergency kits I've read about don't (to my recollection) mention money. Personally, I think carrying a little money tucked away can be very helpful, assuming society hasn't broken down altogether during whatever emergency you're caught up in. There are lots of reasons why one might get separated from one's wallet, ranging from theft/mugging to "Wallet was on the passenger's seat, but I couldn't grab it because the car was already on fire...." As they say, "stuff" happens. $40 or so can get you a hot meal, a motel room, about 12 gallons of gas, or any number of things. Also, singles and quarters are great if all you can find is a vending machine (applicable especially in 'urban jungle' type emergencies).
Also, the "little bottles of booze" thing probably sounds odd. I think it's a valid idea, though. Alcohol is a disinfectant, if it comes to that. If your particular emergency started with something fairly traumatic (like running off the road and hitting a tree), a shot of whatever booze might calm the nerves. Also, in some circumstances, maybe it's useful in trade (back to the "urban jungle" thing).
When I unearthed the thing from the mess it was buried under, curiosity prompted me to crack it open. I was appalled; what a useless bunch of junk! Well, a few pieces were good, but overall I found the kit lacking.
This is what I kept from the original kit:
-Jumper Cables
-Socket wrench
-Blanket
-poncho
-mylar blanket
-some other odds and ends
What I've added so far:
-CRKT folding knife (still getting used to the weird double locking mechanism)
-LED flashlight
-LED lamp/flashlight/red blinker combo
-100ft. paracord
-Duct Tape
-Ordered a huge medkit that I'm going to need to pare down for mobility.
-Swiss champ pocket knife
-8x50 Hammers binoculars
What I'd still like to add:
-A gun, probably my Taurus .357 snubby, but this is CA, so I'm still thinking about that one.
-Ammo/spare magazine(s)
-Entrenching tool (I really liked the idea when I saw this thread)
-Fixed-blade knife (I have several, haven't settled on which)
-Leatherman tool (more robust than Swiss Champ, I suspect)
-Bag O' Money (At least 2 $20 bills, five $1 bills, and some quarters).
-A book to read
-Bar of soap (Just now thought of this)
-Canteen (I have one... somewhere...)
-Lighter(s)/Matches (I have used ones lying around, but I'll probably pick up a package of full sized Bic disposables, and maybe some matches)
-Compass (I don't know why I don't have one. Just stupid, I guess.)
-GPS (not sure what the cost/benefit ratio is on this one, yet.)
-A couple of those small bottles of booze they sell at liquor stores for 99 cents or so.
Most of the emergency kits I've read about don't (to my recollection) mention money. Personally, I think carrying a little money tucked away can be very helpful, assuming society hasn't broken down altogether during whatever emergency you're caught up in. There are lots of reasons why one might get separated from one's wallet, ranging from theft/mugging to "Wallet was on the passenger's seat, but I couldn't grab it because the car was already on fire...." As they say, "stuff" happens. $40 or so can get you a hot meal, a motel room, about 12 gallons of gas, or any number of things. Also, singles and quarters are great if all you can find is a vending machine (applicable especially in 'urban jungle' type emergencies).
Also, the "little bottles of booze" thing probably sounds odd. I think it's a valid idea, though. Alcohol is a disinfectant, if it comes to that. If your particular emergency started with something fairly traumatic (like running off the road and hitting a tree), a shot of whatever booze might calm the nerves. Also, in some circumstances, maybe it's useful in trade (back to the "urban jungle" thing).
JeremySmith
Member
If its a car kit, add a couple basic tools to everything else thats been suggested. In my Jeep I carry all sorts of bits, even a few spare parts like u-joints and the like. Tire patch kits, air compressor/pump, etc. Also electrical tape makes an excellant makeshift bandage. Theres been many times I've been outside working and laid my fingers open, and gone for the that tape. I've even started wrapping any bandaids I happen to have on my hands now with it before I work outside. Tough and waterproof (and bloodproof). I also carry tentstakes and various cords and ropes. Baby wipes and paper towels.
wheelgunslinger
Member
A couple of people mentioned sleeping bags.
While I think that a sleeping bag in a BOB or car kit is a good idea, especially in winter, there are a few things you need to ponder about their use.
1st: Don't buy a cheap one at Wal-Mart. You really do get what you pay for and an emergency is not the time to skimp on your closest and most comforting shelter/personal space.
2nd: As tempting as it may be, don't buy a down filled bag. Down bags are the cadillac of sleeping bags. They're light, warm, expensive, and they sleep very well. But, if the down gets wet it does not work. Staying with a synthetic fill like primaloft will keep you warm (reasonably) even if the bag gets wet. If you must have down, buy a Gore-Tex liner for it so it will stay dry.
3rd: Compression is the enemy of the warmth providing fill inside the bag. Leave the bag uncompressed in a storage bag, or buy two or three bags to rotate from hanging in the closet to service in the car for the kit. Leaving a bag compressed, especially a winter weight bag, will reduce or negate it's ability to keep you warm at the rated temperature for which it was engineered. Which would be a nasty surprise, should you need it.
Most quality bags will come with both a stuff sack for compressing and storage in a pack, and a storage bag for loosely storing when not in use.
Good bags are a little pricey, but as any trail bum can tell you, there's nothing like getting into a nice bag after a long hard day on the trail. I would say that double that goes for you being in a bad situation. The sleeping bag will be your psychological place of refuge where you find warmth, comfort, and rest. It's too important to skimp on it.
While I think that a sleeping bag in a BOB or car kit is a good idea, especially in winter, there are a few things you need to ponder about their use.
1st: Don't buy a cheap one at Wal-Mart. You really do get what you pay for and an emergency is not the time to skimp on your closest and most comforting shelter/personal space.
2nd: As tempting as it may be, don't buy a down filled bag. Down bags are the cadillac of sleeping bags. They're light, warm, expensive, and they sleep very well. But, if the down gets wet it does not work. Staying with a synthetic fill like primaloft will keep you warm (reasonably) even if the bag gets wet. If you must have down, buy a Gore-Tex liner for it so it will stay dry.
3rd: Compression is the enemy of the warmth providing fill inside the bag. Leave the bag uncompressed in a storage bag, or buy two or three bags to rotate from hanging in the closet to service in the car for the kit. Leaving a bag compressed, especially a winter weight bag, will reduce or negate it's ability to keep you warm at the rated temperature for which it was engineered. Which would be a nasty surprise, should you need it.
Most quality bags will come with both a stuff sack for compressing and storage in a pack, and a storage bag for loosely storing when not in use.
Good bags are a little pricey, but as any trail bum can tell you, there's nothing like getting into a nice bag after a long hard day on the trail. I would say that double that goes for you being in a bad situation. The sleeping bag will be your psychological place of refuge where you find warmth, comfort, and rest. It's too important to skimp on it.
ZeSpectre
Member
Wow, I'm not picking on anyone but your emergency kits must be HUGE!
When you review something like this it's important to take a backpacker's view on things and figure out items that can serve MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS that way your kit stays kinda compact and will be a LOT more flexible.
Now I'm basing my thinking on vehicle stuck, lost, etc type of stuff not TSHTF where you are trying to hide out.
#1 item. A basic kit and working knowledge of first aid. Life threatening injuries must be taken care of first. There are literally THOUSANDS of websites that will help with what should be in a first aid kit and the red cross courses are excellent.
#2 Having multiple methods for making a fire and knowing how to go about it is vital.
-Fire is a SIGNAL. If you can signal and quickly get someone's attention then the rest of the stuff may not even be needed.
-Fire is COMFORTING. Especially when it gets pitch black and the night animals start making noise and shuffling around in the brush.
-Fire is WARMTH. A little insulation from the ground, some reflective material, and a decent fire, can keep you alive and possibly even comfortable under some pretty RAW conditions.
For example, this is the setup that got me through the night in relative comfort when the weather on a mountain top unexpected dropped from 60 degrees to 18 degrees (I had packed for a low of 40 or so).
A lot of old leaves piled up under the blue tarp provided insulation from the ground. (Heavy grade contractor's garbage bags slit open and laid flat would have served the same purpose). The Space Blanket clothespinned to a string run between two trees gave me both a windbreak and reflected a lot of the fire's heat onto my sleeping area. It would also have helped shelter me at least some had it started snowing but in that case I would have taken my trusty knife and started assembling a lean-to type shelter, returning to warm up as necessary. The sleeping bag was too light for conditions, but after I got this setup rigged and the fire going the sleeping bag was actually too warm with all the reflected fire heat.
All of this rigging is with no vehicle available. If I'd had a car (especially a hatchback type, I'd have had a great shelter that I could have directed reflected fire heat into and probably have been downright comfortable <grin>.
When you review something like this it's important to take a backpacker's view on things and figure out items that can serve MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS that way your kit stays kinda compact and will be a LOT more flexible.
Now I'm basing my thinking on vehicle stuck, lost, etc type of stuff not TSHTF where you are trying to hide out.
#1 item. A basic kit and working knowledge of first aid. Life threatening injuries must be taken care of first. There are literally THOUSANDS of websites that will help with what should be in a first aid kit and the red cross courses are excellent.
#2 Having multiple methods for making a fire and knowing how to go about it is vital.
-Fire is a SIGNAL. If you can signal and quickly get someone's attention then the rest of the stuff may not even be needed.
-Fire is COMFORTING. Especially when it gets pitch black and the night animals start making noise and shuffling around in the brush.
-Fire is WARMTH. A little insulation from the ground, some reflective material, and a decent fire, can keep you alive and possibly even comfortable under some pretty RAW conditions.
For example, this is the setup that got me through the night in relative comfort when the weather on a mountain top unexpected dropped from 60 degrees to 18 degrees (I had packed for a low of 40 or so).
A lot of old leaves piled up under the blue tarp provided insulation from the ground. (Heavy grade contractor's garbage bags slit open and laid flat would have served the same purpose). The Space Blanket clothespinned to a string run between two trees gave me both a windbreak and reflected a lot of the fire's heat onto my sleeping area. It would also have helped shelter me at least some had it started snowing but in that case I would have taken my trusty knife and started assembling a lean-to type shelter, returning to warm up as necessary. The sleeping bag was too light for conditions, but after I got this setup rigged and the fire going the sleeping bag was actually too warm with all the reflected fire heat.
All of this rigging is with no vehicle available. If I'd had a car (especially a hatchback type, I'd have had a great shelter that I could have directed reflected fire heat into and probably have been downright comfortable <grin>.
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Re: Cheap Sleeping Bags...
I agree with every point that wheelgunslinger made, but would like to add caveats concerning earlier advice about "WalMart" bags:
1. Not everyone can afford to lay out a lot more money for premium bags.
2. Some folks might need to lay in multiple bags (for multiple passengers or
family members). Again...price may be very important to some folks.
3. Not everyone is going to feel comfortable leaving high-end backpacking gear in their car (theft worries) or out of proper storage concerns (as heelgunslinger sagely mentioned). My attitude is that a KelTec P32 always in your pocket beats the Wilson 1911 you left at home.
4. The block store models are semi-disposable "camping" bags vice true mountaineering, ski touring, or backpacking equipment. They are way heavier than premium models and will not sustain through hard outdoor use, but...they are ideal for car camping, are synthetic, are INEXPENSIVE, and will get the job done.
The trick is to buy the warmest rating available. The zero or twenty degree rated mummy bags (usually made in China) are not actually to be trusted at zero degrees on an Alpine ski tour, but they will suffice inside an automobile or shelter. The warm weather flannel or "summer" bags sold in the same sporting goods aisles are to be avoided like the plague; they are simply toys for kids to camp in the backyard on a warm evening.
5. Some of the generic cold weather versions sold (e.g., Coleman) actually work pretty well. I own six or seven bags (high-end modular synthetic systems and two very nice premium down bags). I keep a Coleman 0 Degree F in the back of the car...I've used it down to the teens...it works fine. I'd never take it in place of my better bags for a pre-planned ski tour or winter road trip through the mountains, but it will do the job if my vehicle gets stuck in a snow drift or I make an unplanned over-night white-out induced halt. I don't worry about any special care or storage and regard that bag the same way I do my jumper cables...always there in case of need...and better than a space blanket in the glove compartment. If it ever disappears or becomes unserviceable, I'd not bat an eye, but simply buy another.
6. Cheap bags are also useful for warming/covering victims at the scene of an auto accident. I'm going to simply toss the bloody bag after EMS gets done or let them take it with the victim. No big financial loss and it might save a life. That might sound callous, but if you are the drunk who just caused the accident, I'm less inclined to donate my expensive Marmot, North Face, or Wiggy to save your inconsiderate and dumb ass...
The above are just some points I should have explained better on my first post...
Wheelgunslinger also mentioned bivy-sacks...another excellent idea. I recommend one for any bag (even synthetics) and this is an item where you aren't going to be able to skimp. Get a good one (Goretex or comparable fabric).
Sleeping pads should also accompany your sleeping bag if you have the room. Some folks like the more expensive (and comfortable) self-inflating open-cell styles (e.g.,Therma Rest), but I like simple closed-cell foam pads best. Nothing to possibly go wrong...just a piece of hard foam that will never leak.
I also keep a small backpacker's pillow (same size as an airline pillow) in my car. If you've ever had to sleep in a car, you'll understand why.
Lots of good info in this thread. Thanks to the original poster and everyone who has contributed.
I agree with every point that wheelgunslinger made, but would like to add caveats concerning earlier advice about "WalMart" bags:
1. Not everyone can afford to lay out a lot more money for premium bags.
2. Some folks might need to lay in multiple bags (for multiple passengers or
family members). Again...price may be very important to some folks.
3. Not everyone is going to feel comfortable leaving high-end backpacking gear in their car (theft worries) or out of proper storage concerns (as heelgunslinger sagely mentioned). My attitude is that a KelTec P32 always in your pocket beats the Wilson 1911 you left at home.
4. The block store models are semi-disposable "camping" bags vice true mountaineering, ski touring, or backpacking equipment. They are way heavier than premium models and will not sustain through hard outdoor use, but...they are ideal for car camping, are synthetic, are INEXPENSIVE, and will get the job done.
The trick is to buy the warmest rating available. The zero or twenty degree rated mummy bags (usually made in China) are not actually to be trusted at zero degrees on an Alpine ski tour, but they will suffice inside an automobile or shelter. The warm weather flannel or "summer" bags sold in the same sporting goods aisles are to be avoided like the plague; they are simply toys for kids to camp in the backyard on a warm evening.
5. Some of the generic cold weather versions sold (e.g., Coleman) actually work pretty well. I own six or seven bags (high-end modular synthetic systems and two very nice premium down bags). I keep a Coleman 0 Degree F in the back of the car...I've used it down to the teens...it works fine. I'd never take it in place of my better bags for a pre-planned ski tour or winter road trip through the mountains, but it will do the job if my vehicle gets stuck in a snow drift or I make an unplanned over-night white-out induced halt. I don't worry about any special care or storage and regard that bag the same way I do my jumper cables...always there in case of need...and better than a space blanket in the glove compartment. If it ever disappears or becomes unserviceable, I'd not bat an eye, but simply buy another.
6. Cheap bags are also useful for warming/covering victims at the scene of an auto accident. I'm going to simply toss the bloody bag after EMS gets done or let them take it with the victim. No big financial loss and it might save a life. That might sound callous, but if you are the drunk who just caused the accident, I'm less inclined to donate my expensive Marmot, North Face, or Wiggy to save your inconsiderate and dumb ass...
The above are just some points I should have explained better on my first post...
Wheelgunslinger also mentioned bivy-sacks...another excellent idea. I recommend one for any bag (even synthetics) and this is an item where you aren't going to be able to skimp. Get a good one (Goretex or comparable fabric).
Sleeping pads should also accompany your sleeping bag if you have the room. Some folks like the more expensive (and comfortable) self-inflating open-cell styles (e.g.,Therma Rest), but I like simple closed-cell foam pads best. Nothing to possibly go wrong...just a piece of hard foam that will never leak.
I also keep a small backpacker's pillow (same size as an airline pillow) in my car. If you've ever had to sleep in a car, you'll understand why.
Lots of good info in this thread. Thanks to the original poster and everyone who has contributed.
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doc2rn
Member
I think someone else said it but I would add super glue, for emergency wound closure, and fishing line for sutures, fishing, and shelter lashing.
ADKWOODSMAN
Member
I noticed the wire in another post, the trapper in me says add a few small snares. There better than just plain old wire. Also a small roll of 12 Ga. wire to anchor the snares. Why not add a hand fishing line a few wet flies and a few fish hooks.
RDH
RDH
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wheelgunslinger
Member
good point chindo and spectre.
But, we backpacker, hiker, and backcountry hunter types should remember that we're typing to at least one person that will read this and learn from every word.
While it's fun for me to get by with minimal gear and to learn and hone survival skills, it probably isn't for the person who has never made a meal more than 5 feet from a microwave oven.
And, the same disaster that might find one of us happily munching on a roasted deer or rabbit when the national guard finally located us might find them out of their mind with fear.
So, that's why I generally try to make any discussion about survival gear as n00b resistant as possible.
There are some shortcuts and skills weigh nothing. But, for the average poster here asking about contingencies, I think that a very basic and sound strategy that addresses core survival issues is a good tack for me. I've met and talked with a lot of people who really and truly feel that they can just set up a tent, roll out a bag, build a fire, load their Garand, break out the MRE's, and everything will be fine.
There's always time to learn that you don't need a water filtration pump when you can pack coffee filters and chlorine bleach. Or that you can use your space blanket to reflect heat, or that your lexan bottle is a good place to store your duct tape.
Besides, once they buy that nice gear, they may go camping or backpacking.
And, its' always nice to convert someone from SHTF to WWOTR (Wonder What's Over That Ridge).
But, we backpacker, hiker, and backcountry hunter types should remember that we're typing to at least one person that will read this and learn from every word.
While it's fun for me to get by with minimal gear and to learn and hone survival skills, it probably isn't for the person who has never made a meal more than 5 feet from a microwave oven.
And, the same disaster that might find one of us happily munching on a roasted deer or rabbit when the national guard finally located us might find them out of their mind with fear.
So, that's why I generally try to make any discussion about survival gear as n00b resistant as possible.
There are some shortcuts and skills weigh nothing. But, for the average poster here asking about contingencies, I think that a very basic and sound strategy that addresses core survival issues is a good tack for me. I've met and talked with a lot of people who really and truly feel that they can just set up a tent, roll out a bag, build a fire, load their Garand, break out the MRE's, and everything will be fine.
There's always time to learn that you don't need a water filtration pump when you can pack coffee filters and chlorine bleach. Or that you can use your space blanket to reflect heat, or that your lexan bottle is a good place to store your duct tape.
Besides, once they buy that nice gear, they may go camping or backpacking.
And, its' always nice to convert someone from SHTF to WWOTR (Wonder What's Over That Ridge).
ZeSpectre
Member
I'm 100% in agreement with that!
FerFAL
Member
Nice kit!
I'd add water ( just a canteen isn't enough!), "normal" food, and a big GP knife ( shortish machete or large bowie)
FerFAL
I'd add water ( just a canteen isn't enough!), "normal" food, and a big GP knife ( shortish machete or large bowie)
FerFAL
wheelgunslinger: "And, its' always nice to convert someone from SHTF to WWOTR (Wonder What's Over That Ridge)."
ZeSpectre: "I'm 100% in agreement with that!"
-----------------------------
And I'm 100% in agreement with both of you!
ZeSpectre: "I'm 100% in agreement with that!"
-----------------------------
And I'm 100% in agreement with both of you!
MaterDei
Member
Great suggestions. Especially since this is a car based kit I would definitely add a long gun of some type. A shotty, an assault type rifle, or a 9mm carbine would significantly increase your odds of surviving a run in with an MZB. A copy of MHI would also be nice to have.
Exmasonite
Member
- Joined
- Sep 4, 2006
- Messages
- 561
lotsa good info here guys. couple thoughts:
- add in a water filter/purifier or at least some tablets for that.
- as far as blades: a good folder is good but i'd add in a good fixed blade and small ax/hatchet.
- pry bar. i have a small crow bar but looking to snag an Atwood Prybaby to decrease size/weight.
- maps of wherever you are or might end up.
- compass (much cheaper and more reliable than GPS but requires SKILL)
- sterno was a great idea... i've got a small camp stove and fuel canister than i use.
- add in a water filter/purifier or at least some tablets for that.
- as far as blades: a good folder is good but i'd add in a good fixed blade and small ax/hatchet.
- pry bar. i have a small crow bar but looking to snag an Atwood Prybaby to decrease size/weight.
- maps of wherever you are or might end up.
- compass (much cheaper and more reliable than GPS but requires SKILL)
- sterno was a great idea... i've got a small camp stove and fuel canister than i use.
Toilet paper can be easily kept dry and clean in an empty coffee can with a plastic lid. I can't tell you how many times someone I've roadtripped with has come running out of the gas station/rest stop in a panic because there was no TP~ to whom I've been the hero with the Charmin in the trunk! Trust me, your wife/ girlfriend/ kids/ self(!) will realllly appreciate it should the need arise...
Let's not forget a bar or bars of soap or at the very least some handi-wipe packets.
Cabela's has 10-packs of 24 hour, air-activated handwarmers for $10, which take up no space and have a very long shelf-life.
Also, since there's been some mention of moisture/wetness causing hypothermia -a very real concern- wool clothing will hold warmth even when it's wet, unlike cotton which will sap it quickly*, so a pair of wool socks and an old wool sweater (even one from Goodwill) should be tossed into the trunk of your car or B.O.B. as well.
* Worth mentioning to the uninitiated: this is the reason why you should NEVER wear your jeans, t-shirt and socks in your sleeping bag... your sweat/body moisture will get absorbed by the cotton instead of being wicked away by the sleeping bag itself~ even though "common sense" may tell you that more layers = more warmth....
Let's not forget a bar or bars of soap or at the very least some handi-wipe packets.
Cabela's has 10-packs of 24 hour, air-activated handwarmers for $10, which take up no space and have a very long shelf-life.
Also, since there's been some mention of moisture/wetness causing hypothermia -a very real concern- wool clothing will hold warmth even when it's wet, unlike cotton which will sap it quickly*, so a pair of wool socks and an old wool sweater (even one from Goodwill) should be tossed into the trunk of your car or B.O.B. as well.
* Worth mentioning to the uninitiated: this is the reason why you should NEVER wear your jeans, t-shirt and socks in your sleeping bag... your sweat/body moisture will get absorbed by the cotton instead of being wicked away by the sleeping bag itself~ even though "common sense" may tell you that more layers = more warmth....
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w_houle
Member
Here is something worth reading
http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread285642/pg1
http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread285642/pg1
ProstheticConscience
Member
Lithium batteries for your electronics (they have a longer shelf life) and multiple compasses. I had a bad compass once and a most unpleasant day. Kept thinking, "am I crazy?" all day out in the Adirondacks. Eventually found a road, but the change in latitude made my sightings unreliable through the overcast.
Darth Muffin
member
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2005
- Messages
- 184
I think you could use more water. That's more important than food even. I frequently travel in desert areas though. At least put 1 or 2 16-oz bottles of water in the kit, along with either a portable water filter or purifying tablets. I have a collapsable bladder that holds a little over a gallon in my kit.
Plastic tie-wraps (aka "zip ties") are extremely useful too. For anything from auto repair to making a shelter to make-shift handcuffs.
Someone mentioned a candle. I thought that would be a good idea, it would probably heat the car nicely. I had a pair in my kit and they didn't survive the summer (melted into a puddle), so watch that.
Plastic tie-wraps (aka "zip ties") are extremely useful too. For anything from auto repair to making a shelter to make-shift handcuffs.
Someone mentioned a candle. I thought that would be a good idea, it would probably heat the car nicely. I had a pair in my kit and they didn't survive the summer (melted into a puddle), so watch that.
yhtomit
Member
MZB? MHI?
HUH?
timothy
ArfinGreebly
Moderator Emeritus
Emergency Reading
MZB would probably be Mutant Zombie Bear if we're keeping to the theme.
I'm thinking he got a little superglue on his tongue, and it's stuck to his cheek.
Well, MHI is "Monster Hunters International" and would be a book by Larry Correia of THR fame.
MZB would probably be Mutant Zombie Bear if we're keeping to the theme.
I'm thinking he got a little superglue on his tongue, and it's stuck to his cheek.
ArfinGreebly
Moderator Emeritus
AR7 vs Papoose
Actually, I'm leaning more toward the Marlin Papoose.
Go to a gun counter where they have both (I was just there today as it happens) and compare them side by side.
My only beef is that the Marlin comes with only one mag. I think the very definition of "emergency" contains the phrase ". . . situations requiring at least two magazines . . ." somewhere in the wording.
Actually, I'm leaning more toward the Marlin Papoose.
Go to a gun counter where they have both (I was just there today as it happens) and compare them side by side.
My only beef is that the Marlin comes with only one mag. I think the very definition of "emergency" contains the phrase ". . . situations requiring at least two magazines . . ." somewhere in the wording.
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