Narrowing down the Grab-n-Go Bag
- Thread starter Atticum
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NIB and Earlthegoat2, thanks for the detailed responses.
Like I said, this is a compliation of what I've seen suggested, not a personal checklist
Bugging-in is definitly the first choice but I live in an apartment not a bomb shelter. Fire are my primary concern, hence the insurance, ID papers, and possession paperwork. But it still needs the versatility that might be necessary in the event of an icestorm, flood, or Red Dawn scenario.
Thanks guys!
Matt
Like I said, this is a compliation of what I've seen suggested, not a personal checklist
Bugging-in is definitly the first choice but I live in an apartment not a bomb shelter. Fire are my primary concern, hence the insurance, ID papers, and possession paperwork. But it still needs the versatility that might be necessary in the event of an icestorm, flood, or Red Dawn scenario.
Thanks guys!
Matt
Last edited:
Bob Spangler
Member
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2009
- Messages
- 11
Wow!!!
You must be tough!
I'd be lucky to make it to the end of my driveway with that on my back.
Hatchets are heavy, and laying a knife across the grain of a section of firewood, then tapping the knife with another piece of wood, will split the wood nicely. For me, it's also safer :^)
Maybe you have other ideas for your hatchet that the knife won't cover, I don't know. Just thought it might lighten up the load a bit.
Bob
You must be tough!
I'd be lucky to make it to the end of my driveway with that on my back.
Hatchets are heavy, and laying a knife across the grain of a section of firewood, then tapping the knife with another piece of wood, will split the wood nicely. For me, it's also safer :^)
Maybe you have other ideas for your hatchet that the knife won't cover, I don't know. Just thought it might lighten up the load a bit.
Bob
I am going to a seminar on 02May09 presented by a gentlemen name Peter Kummerfeldt who was a airforce SERE instructor. I'll take a copy of your list and talk with a survival guru and see what he thinks. Most of the items listed seem within reason. On the heavy side but if you can haul it more power to you. I'll post his thoughts after the class in May.
Duke of Doubt
member
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2008
- Messages
- 2,863
Don't forget to show him my list too, kebert.
Will do Duke
I like the weight of your kit a little more. The condoms for hauling water right. I read that in some guide at one point or another. I can't imagine those things holding up to well for that purpose. I am looking forward to the class though. An 8 hour long class on teaching survival tactics. Funny thing about it; I am going there at the expense of hunter education. We do not teach more than a 20 minute session on that subject. Should be pretty cool, Each person in attendence gets autographed copies of his two books and a small possibilites kit. Not bad for a free day.
I like the weight of your kit a little more. The condoms for hauling water right
. I read that in some guide at one point or another. I can't imagine those things holding up to well for that purpose. I am looking forward to the class though. An 8 hour long class on teaching survival tactics. Funny thing about it; I am going there at the expense of hunter education. We do not teach more than a 20 minute session on that subject. Should be pretty cool, Each person in attendence gets autographed copies of his two books and a small possibilites kit. Not bad for a free day.MR.LOKI
Member
I too have a BOB. Iam curious though on where everyone is planning on bugging out too.
Does everyone has a set destination, a family or friends home they are heading too?
I do not see a lot of maps being listed in peoples bags. Do you know if the locals are going to take kindly to you moving into thier area?
Just curious.
Does everyone has a set destination, a family or friends home they are heading too?
I do not see a lot of maps being listed in peoples bags. Do you know if the locals are going to take kindly to you moving into thier area?
Just curious.
Claude Clay
Member
money
silver coin for barter--roll of dimes and quaters. and 3 ounces of assorted gold-1/10 [dimes] and 1/4 oz [quarters]
silver coin for barter--roll of dimes and quaters. and 3 ounces of assorted gold-1/10 [dimes] and 1/4 oz [quarters]
Bear Tracker
Member
About the condom (for water carry): How about putting it inside a sock? The sock would provide much studier transport while protecting it from incidental rupture. You should have at least one spare pair in your kit anyhow. Dry clean feet are a must if you are walking anywhere.
Just a thought.
Bear
Just a thought.
Bear
woof
Member
I live in an excellent bug out destination. I plan to sell parking spaces, camping spots, pizza and Bud Light to all you buggers!
instead of condoms y not just ballons .... my bug out ... is simple extra shoes, pants, shirt, thermal, fleece, beanie, large towel, underwear and socks,ballons,..utiltiy tomahawk...knife,, 2 rolls of electic tape, some paino wire, mouth turkey call and deer scent, about 100ft of 550 cord..., and a flint and striker,,,... and i think a hundred bucks i think
sm
member
Re: Narrowing down.
Listening to Katrina has a lot of great real world information.
See the sticky for the link.
Reality being Real and all...
One is going to have to access investigate and verify.
My point being, best laid plans can go out the window about 2 seconds after implemented.
LTK, again addresses "go times" if you will. What is the serious situation and how much time do you really have?
2am, and the smoke alarm goes off...and this time it is the real deal, as there is a fire.
This differs from NOAA forecasting a tornado, hurricane or other weather concern, in which one has more time.
Which also differs from being at work, and hearing via radio, or phone call, a train derailed near your home, and due to hazardous materials, your wife is having to evacuate, and your kids are still in school.
Staying put, or having to leave cannot always be known, nor how much time in which to make a decision.
i.e. a in ground tornado shelter just out the back door is not that far on a nice, pleasant day.
When that siren goes off in the middle of night, and you are awakened from a dead sleep, and the world outside is mean and nasty, that is some distance to travel, especially with any kids, or anyone in the house limited physically.
Expectant mom, teenager with a broken leg, and of course grandpa home from just having hip surgery, grandma in a wheelchair...
You may just have time to run!
And all you have is what is on your person.
Some of us have been through serious situations of all sorts of natures.
I am not the only one that has had supplies , in multiple off site locations, destroyed by whatever serious situation was going on.
Listening to Katrina brings out many good points, such as having important information elsewhere.
Copies of important documents, a USB Storage drive with important information, including Resume' and Vitae..
Medical information...
Even records for kids with shots and immunizations for school.
Stealing from LTK, the gun goes on your hip.
Now do you have cash to buy your little girl a McDonald's hamburger?
Do you have records to prove your little boy has had his shots, so he can attend that school near grandparents as your house was destroyed by fire, flood, hurricane or tornado...and you are either rebuilding or moving?
Your workplace was destroyed, and do you have a resume' to assist in getting a job elsewhere?
You know a kid might really need a cartoon band-aid for a "boo-boo" to make them feel better when everything is so overwhelming.
Just thoughts...
Listening to Katrina has a lot of great real world information.
See the sticky for the link.
Reality being Real and all...
One is going to have to access investigate and verify.
My point being, best laid plans can go out the window about 2 seconds after implemented.
LTK, again addresses "go times" if you will. What is the serious situation and how much time do you really have?
2am, and the smoke alarm goes off...and this time it is the real deal, as there is a fire.
This differs from NOAA forecasting a tornado, hurricane or other weather concern, in which one has more time.
Which also differs from being at work, and hearing via radio, or phone call, a train derailed near your home, and due to hazardous materials, your wife is having to evacuate, and your kids are still in school.
Staying put, or having to leave cannot always be known, nor how much time in which to make a decision.
i.e. a in ground tornado shelter just out the back door is not that far on a nice, pleasant day.
When that siren goes off in the middle of night, and you are awakened from a dead sleep, and the world outside is mean and nasty, that is some distance to travel, especially with any kids, or anyone in the house limited physically.
Expectant mom, teenager with a broken leg, and of course grandpa home from just having hip surgery, grandma in a wheelchair...
You may just have time to run!
And all you have is what is on your person.
Some of us have been through serious situations of all sorts of natures.
I am not the only one that has had supplies , in multiple off site locations, destroyed by whatever serious situation was going on.
Listening to Katrina brings out many good points, such as having important information elsewhere.
Copies of important documents, a USB Storage drive with important information, including Resume' and Vitae..
Medical information...
Even records for kids with shots and immunizations for school.
Stealing from LTK, the gun goes on your hip.
Now do you have cash to buy your little girl a McDonald's hamburger?
Do you have records to prove your little boy has had his shots, so he can attend that school near grandparents as your house was destroyed by fire, flood, hurricane or tornado...and you are either rebuilding or moving?
Your workplace was destroyed, and do you have a resume' to assist in getting a job elsewhere?
You know a kid might really need a cartoon band-aid for a "boo-boo" to make them feel better when everything is so overwhelming.
Just thoughts...
They wouldn't be my first choice at all, for water, that is.
I like the heavy duty ZipLok one gallon plastic bags. Take some duct tape and fold it over on each edge and bottom edge of the bag, which gives it plenty of reinforcement. The water will be much safer in that, than a condom.
FWIW.
L.W.
For super grab-n-go, as in, 5 minutes....
A small back-pack and a canteen.
Water purification tabs, maybe a little bottle of bleach (for water purification), and some nuts, sunflower seeds, beef jerky, and floss. I can't stand when beef jerkey gets stuck in my teeth.
A pocketknife with bottle opener to open up beer, and some extra underwear and socks. Maybe one of those travel pillows since I would probably be sleeping in my car.
I'm assuming when the zombocalypse comes I can hit up convenience stores for grab-n-goes to get food. If I have my car, I would rather sleep in there than outside. Even if I run out of gas, it's at least decent spot to sleep. Could be trouble if zombies swarm the thing while I sleep, but hopefully I would have fellow zombie squad members to take turns doing watch. I mean, we can only mitigate zombie threats so much.
Basically, I think keeping some water and canned food in the trunk isn't a bad idea. Not a months supply mind you, but enough for a few days. Same with the storm cellar. 3 days worth should be more than enough. Most tornados don't last that long.
I normally just try to keep some bottles of water and a lunchbox full of canned food and can opener in my car. Then I don't have to worry about "did I grab something or not grab something."
As for important documents, keep a fireproof/waterproof safe in the house, and keep copies in a safe deposit box in a bank (electronically via a flash drive or physically). My bank is about 35 miles away, so if this event is so catastrophic it takes out my bank and my house - Then it will probably get me too.
From my observations of natural disasters (katrina) and zombie outbreaks (Romero's Dawn of the Dead) - the best balance is to make sure you have some groceries at home, some stuff in your car, and the ability to go get more if need be. It's kind of diminishing returns to go excessive on preparation - there is some value to KISS. If something lasts more than three days, your survival knowledge is going to be worth more than what you have on hand.
And what is the benefit of really bugging out unless you are just going to stay in a hotel in another state to escape a hurricane or civil unrest? I mean, in a zombocalypse scenario, your house may be a great fortified position, and being in close proximity to now abandoned convenience stores could be useful. Pepsi and snickers have an incredibly long shelf life. As long as you can fend off those pesky zombies.... and as anyone who has played Nazi Zombies on X-box knows, this is where teamwork and cooperation is essential.
In fact, if you could come across without scaring your neighbors.... it wouldn't be a bad idea for communities to make plans together. Heh, you could be a community organizer! You know, everyone keeps 3 days worth of water stored away ($3 at Wal-mart) and a weeks worth of Toilet Paper. If there is a zombocalypse, we look out for each other's stuff.... and even if they aren't gun owners, the extra coordination could be very helpful. And zombies, or thugs, are vulnerable to prepared and vigilant citizens with baseball bats. Everyone needs to sleep, but you could take turns with your neighbors keeping a neighborhood watch, and if a gang of zombies or looters is approaching, they could wake everyone else up.
*Insert thug for zombie where appropriate, and realize that the zombocalypse is a parallel to a disaster where there is great social unrest, eg. katrina.
Most people on THR are individualists (I mean this in the positive way), they are prepared to do take care of themselves. That's a good quality. But the fact is, communities can survive disasters better if they are united and have a plan. I mean, I can only shoot so many zombies before I need to reload, and this is where my fellow zombie survivors can be useful. I like my sleep, and I would feel better sleeping in a zombocalypse knowing someone was helping to keep watch while I did so.
I guess kind of off topic, but related to the whole narrowing down the BOB. With convenience stores every 10 miles where I live, it's hard to make the case that I need a crapload of stuff.
A small back-pack and a canteen.
Water purification tabs, maybe a little bottle of bleach (for water purification), and some nuts, sunflower seeds, beef jerky, and floss. I can't stand when beef jerkey gets stuck in my teeth.
A pocketknife with bottle opener to open up beer, and some extra underwear and socks. Maybe one of those travel pillows since I would probably be sleeping in my car.
I'm assuming when the zombocalypse comes I can hit up convenience stores for grab-n-goes to get food. If I have my car, I would rather sleep in there than outside. Even if I run out of gas, it's at least decent spot to sleep. Could be trouble if zombies swarm the thing while I sleep, but hopefully I would have fellow zombie squad members to take turns doing watch. I mean, we can only mitigate zombie threats so much.
Basically, I think keeping some water and canned food in the trunk isn't a bad idea. Not a months supply mind you, but enough for a few days. Same with the storm cellar. 3 days worth should be more than enough. Most tornados don't last that long.
I normally just try to keep some bottles of water and a lunchbox full of canned food and can opener in my car. Then I don't have to worry about "did I grab something or not grab something."
As for important documents, keep a fireproof/waterproof safe in the house, and keep copies in a safe deposit box in a bank (electronically via a flash drive or physically). My bank is about 35 miles away, so if this event is so catastrophic it takes out my bank and my house - Then it will probably get me too.
From my observations of natural disasters (katrina) and zombie outbreaks (Romero's Dawn of the Dead) - the best balance is to make sure you have some groceries at home, some stuff in your car, and the ability to go get more if need be. It's kind of diminishing returns to go excessive on preparation - there is some value to KISS. If something lasts more than three days, your survival knowledge is going to be worth more than what you have on hand.
And what is the benefit of really bugging out unless you are just going to stay in a hotel in another state to escape a hurricane or civil unrest? I mean, in a zombocalypse scenario, your house may be a great fortified position, and being in close proximity to now abandoned convenience stores could be useful. Pepsi and snickers have an incredibly long shelf life. As long as you can fend off those pesky zombies.... and as anyone who has played Nazi Zombies on X-box knows, this is where teamwork and cooperation is essential.
In fact, if you could come across without scaring your neighbors.... it wouldn't be a bad idea for communities to make plans together. Heh, you could be a community organizer!
You know, everyone keeps 3 days worth of water stored away ($3 at Wal-mart) and a weeks worth of Toilet Paper. If there is a zombocalypse, we look out for each other's stuff.... and even if they aren't gun owners, the extra coordination could be very helpful. And zombies, or thugs, are vulnerable to prepared and vigilant citizens with baseball bats. Everyone needs to sleep, but you could take turns with your neighbors keeping a neighborhood watch, and if a gang of zombies or looters is approaching, they could wake everyone else up.*Insert thug for zombie where appropriate, and realize that the zombocalypse is a parallel to a disaster where there is great social unrest, eg. katrina.
Most people on THR are individualists (I mean this in the positive way), they are prepared to do take care of themselves. That's a good quality. But the fact is, communities can survive disasters better if they are united and have a plan. I mean, I can only shoot so many zombies before I need to reload, and this is where my fellow zombie survivors can be useful. I like my sleep, and I would feel better sleeping in a zombocalypse knowing someone was helping to keep watch while I did so.
I guess kind of off topic, but related to the whole narrowing down the BOB. With convenience stores every 10 miles where I live, it's hard to make the case that I need a crapload of stuff.
WardenWolf
member
I personally would add a rifle to the kit, even if it's just an SKS or a Mini-30. I look at it from the hunting perspective. If you can down deer or any of several other animals, you can get meat. I'd set the minimum caliber you should have at 7.62x39, although it may make more sense to go with a non-corrosive round. A handgun is not going to get you meat, and you also do not want to wind up hopelessly outranged in a conflict. As for the types of firearms to get, either go bolt action or go with a Russian design. You want iron sights, though.
renegade1alpha
Member.
I have a bag for myself and also have a plastic container (one of those big Tupperware footlocker types) with other items for my family. All of this can be thrown into our SUV in a moments notice.
One other thing that is also of use that I didn't see on your list...baby wipes. After 20+ years in the military as an Infantryman and Cavalry Scout, I can tell you these come in handy! I was NEVER without a package of them in my ruck. They can be used for cleaning your body, cleaning around minor wounds, and when dried out they make pretty good gun cleaning cloths.
One other thing that is also of use that I didn't see on your list...baby wipes. After 20+ years in the military as an Infantryman and Cavalry Scout, I can tell you these come in handy! I was NEVER without a package of them in my ruck. They can be used for cleaning your body, cleaning around minor wounds, and when dried out they make pretty good gun cleaning cloths.
Duke of Doubt
member
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2008
- Messages
- 2,863
The condoms aren't for carrying water.
Pretty funny-tasting water.
Pretty funny-tasting water.
BHP FAN
Member
''With convenience stores every 10 miles where I live, it's hard to make the case that I need a crapload of stuff...'' in Katrina ,on the 2nd day,all the shelves were bare,due to widespread looting.
Sorry after being married for almost 11 years I forgot how handy those could be for keeping mud and snow out your gun barrel. You never know when you may slip and fall. I would hate for my bug out rifle to split a barrel due to an obstruction.
Ed Ames
Member
I have an open question: Do you use the stuff in your bug-out bags?
I'm not so much talking about the stuff nobody ever uses...water purification tablets and the like...but BOBs typically have a lot of "normal" stuff.
"Use" could mean anything from digging through whenever you need a flashlight to having periodic "bug out vacations" where you grab the BOB and hit the road for a week.
I'm not so much talking about the stuff nobody ever uses...water purification tablets and the like...but BOBs typically have a lot of "normal" stuff.
"Use" could mean anything from digging through whenever you need a flashlight to having periodic "bug out vacations" where you grab the BOB and hit the road for a week.
thesolidus
Member
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2009
- Messages
- 103
Long entry, comprehensive list.
Just put together my new and improved B.O.B.
I did some reading on risk analysis for disaster planning and realized something.
I've been planning for the wrong disaster!
(Don't get me wrong, love my trusty Glock...)
We tend to feel threatened by the unknown and let that fear (often rational) drive us to arming up for one threat (SHTF violent riot style) and missing others.
So...
What are the top things that will get me running outside at 4 AM with nothing but my Bug out?
Fire, Earthquake, Flood, Wind or weather, chemical spill or forced evacuation, family disaster (Mom's house got hit,) local calamity (my neighbors houses got hit,) wild animal in yard, Intruder, assault or drunk fighting neighbors, missing family member or kids (or dog,) injured family member, kids or dog...
So great. My BOB had some camping supplies and ammo in it. Not going to help much for the above list right?
Now... that got me thinking. How to supply BOB for all of the above and remembering the reality of 4 AM I have to make it quick.
Took a midsize camelback backpack. (Don't want to look military at all)
6 watt LED flashlight wrapped in adhesive velcro. Velcro strap on the shoulder strap, can point the light forward or back.
Plus a bicycle blinky on the back as an emergency light.
Plan is to put the pack on my chest, easy access to pouches and leaves room for Big BOB if I can get both out. (Little one lives by the bed with an old pair of boots ready jump style.)
Bundle of clothes lashed to the bottom; BDU pants with 2 UA undies in one pocket, 2 hiking socks in the other, wicking t-shirt and long sleeve, nylon button up fishing shirt and a light fleece. Everything i need to wear for 3 seasons if I run outside naked. Most of these things happen fast and the Fire Dept and Red Cross will tell you half of the people outside in the middle of the night are in their skivies and shoeless.
One one side, a small house sized fire extinguisher and a pair of "Paint and Pesticide" filter masks with goggles. The masks aren't really rated for fire, but i've used one in a smoke filled apartment (I really can't cook) and with, i couldn't smell a thing, without was wheezing and coughing from the oily smoke. Just enough carbon to get out of the house with a tad less soot, cyanide or burnt toast in your lungs and an extinguisher in case there is fire in the way of your escape. Handy for wildfires, dust or particle storms, evac from chem spills etc.
The other side, 18" heavy steel crowbar. Doors get wedged shut, windows need breaking, fallen debris needs lifting. Also makes a nice club.
In holsters on the straps;
1. a can of Bear Spray. Nothing dissuades wild bears, pigs, dogs, coyote's or two legged predators than 18oz of pepper spray.
2. Large knife. I like a Ka-bar for it's heft and portability but large fixed knife is good.
Front pocket has a small variety of tools. Leatherman, hardware store multi-screwdriver, midsized crescent wrench (turning off gas or water), glow sticks (for gas leaks) spectra cord tied to the pack in a water knot (figure leading family out crawling in the dark with a lead line...) and a few survival basics.
Affixed to the side straps (wherever it fits) is a trauma pack. Small add on pocket with;
2 pair Nitrile gloves, CPR mask, N.A.R. "OLES" combination trauma dressing and a C.A.T. tourniquet. Easy fast and quick pack to stop bleeding fast and get away.
Hanging from the bottom of the strap is a big roll of duct tape.
Cause you always need duct tape...
Inside the pack a small, simple first aid kit.
2 36" SAM splints. I have them folded flat along the back of the pack where they act as extra frame stiffeners. Then I add a standard backpackers first aid kit with some minor changes, sub small gauze for larger, add a few meds etc. Mostly a small backup kit.
Then my "survival kit;"
Packed in a 2l Dry sack padded with a black watch cap;
Small camping pot with folding handle and locking lid. Inside a small backpacking stove and little fuel can and cut down steel spork. 2 person mylar blanket, waterproof matches and wax tinder, 30' of 50lb test braided fishing line (makes great twine) 12' of spectra cord and three 3' sections of spectra cord, signal mirror, a packet of hooks, needles, safety pins, segments of hacksaw, nails and small flint. Thin sticky coated work gloves. A sandwich ziplock with notepad, mini-pen and 6 half sheets of Brawny (field TP.)
Along the back of the kit with the SAM splints a kukri machete, a green mylar backed wilderness tarp (shelter, warmth, rain catch, signal, concealment) And piece of cardboard cut out like a laptop sleeve for my "Grab and Go" file folder that lives in my safe. If I have time, it slides quickly into it's slot in a second.
Food wise is tougher since I can't eat those coast guard rations (food allergy) so I add a handful of Cliff Bars or Power Bars that I rotate. And a couple more calorie dense "just add water" camping meals. Then it's small bags of beans, rice, jerky, gatorade, and my cereal mix (dry breakfast cereal with vanilla protein powder tastes like milk with cold water and imagination.) A bottle of multi vitamins high in vitamin C and I can go several days without resupply, live while on partial rations without malnourishment (waiting for FEMA?)
2 one liter bottles of water fit nicely and I keep an empty camelback that holds another 2 in the sleeve. I also have a little Sierra to the Sea camp shower that collapses to a hand sized bundle. It carries 10L, and can be lashed to the pack for carrying water. Besides a shower it means I can wash hands, dishes, clothes (bag inside out) and I keep a small bottle of concentrated camp soap and a small dropper of bleach inside it so I can even purify water for drinking or add extra bleach to it if i'm surviving in an outbreak scenario.
I also have several of those 5-1 camping whistles that are whistle, compass, match case, signal mirror. I've wrapped them in good duct tape, filled them with matches, tinder, sewing needles, fishhooks and safety pins and made thin lanyards from several lengths of that 50lb braided fishing line. So if I have friends I can hand out small survival tools, or make friends with them, or barter my extra's. My other house, truck and cache kits all have several of these as well as several cheap Leatherman clones. I figure they are small, light and good barter for any scenario.
So...
I can jump naked from bed into boots and pack,
get out (breathing and seeing) during a fire even if I have to extinguish, pry, batter or carve my way out, have clothes when i get there,
repel wild animal from dog to bear (and probably small riot of peoples)
find my way in the dark, signal for help (whistle, blinky light)
stay hydrated, catch and treat water, make a shelter, stay warm and dry, conceal myself if needed, feed myself for a few days, have a pot to cook in, treat traumatic injuries quickly on myself or others, make friends to survive with and have actual tools to do light Search and Rescue...
Best thing in the bag... some cash in small bills and a spare truck key. Just have to get to my truck and I've got another similar bag, more first aid, more water and food and a cache of ammo for small game if i'm in the wild.
I keep my things that go bang bag separate. It's a Maxpedition bag/ holster just with "Hard Survival" items right next to my bedroom gun safe.
Not bad eh...
Pictures to come later...
Just put together my new and improved B.O.B.
I did some reading on risk analysis for disaster planning and realized something.
I've been planning for the wrong disaster!
(Don't get me wrong, love my trusty Glock...)
We tend to feel threatened by the unknown and let that fear (often rational) drive us to arming up for one threat (SHTF violent riot style) and missing others.
So...
What are the top things that will get me running outside at 4 AM with nothing but my Bug out?
Fire, Earthquake, Flood, Wind or weather, chemical spill or forced evacuation, family disaster (Mom's house got hit,) local calamity (my neighbors houses got hit,) wild animal in yard, Intruder, assault or drunk fighting neighbors, missing family member or kids (or dog,) injured family member, kids or dog...
So great. My BOB had some camping supplies and ammo in it. Not going to help much for the above list right?
Now... that got me thinking. How to supply BOB for all of the above and remembering the reality of 4 AM I have to make it quick.
Took a midsize camelback backpack. (Don't want to look military at all)
6 watt LED flashlight wrapped in adhesive velcro. Velcro strap on the shoulder strap, can point the light forward or back.
Plus a bicycle blinky on the back as an emergency light.
Plan is to put the pack on my chest, easy access to pouches and leaves room for Big BOB if I can get both out. (Little one lives by the bed with an old pair of boots ready jump style.)
Bundle of clothes lashed to the bottom; BDU pants with 2 UA undies in one pocket, 2 hiking socks in the other, wicking t-shirt and long sleeve, nylon button up fishing shirt and a light fleece. Everything i need to wear for 3 seasons if I run outside naked. Most of these things happen fast and the Fire Dept and Red Cross will tell you half of the people outside in the middle of the night are in their skivies and shoeless.
One one side, a small house sized fire extinguisher and a pair of "Paint and Pesticide" filter masks with goggles. The masks aren't really rated for fire, but i've used one in a smoke filled apartment (I really can't cook) and with, i couldn't smell a thing, without was wheezing and coughing from the oily smoke. Just enough carbon to get out of the house with a tad less soot, cyanide or burnt toast in your lungs and an extinguisher in case there is fire in the way of your escape. Handy for wildfires, dust or particle storms, evac from chem spills etc.
The other side, 18" heavy steel crowbar. Doors get wedged shut, windows need breaking, fallen debris needs lifting. Also makes a nice club.
In holsters on the straps;
1. a can of Bear Spray. Nothing dissuades wild bears, pigs, dogs, coyote's or two legged predators than 18oz of pepper spray.
2. Large knife. I like a Ka-bar for it's heft and portability but large fixed knife is good.
Front pocket has a small variety of tools. Leatherman, hardware store multi-screwdriver, midsized crescent wrench (turning off gas or water), glow sticks (for gas leaks) spectra cord tied to the pack in a water knot (figure leading family out crawling in the dark with a lead line...) and a few survival basics.
Affixed to the side straps (wherever it fits) is a trauma pack. Small add on pocket with;
2 pair Nitrile gloves, CPR mask, N.A.R. "OLES" combination trauma dressing and a C.A.T. tourniquet. Easy fast and quick pack to stop bleeding fast and get away.
Hanging from the bottom of the strap is a big roll of duct tape.
Cause you always need duct tape...
Inside the pack a small, simple first aid kit.
2 36" SAM splints. I have them folded flat along the back of the pack where they act as extra frame stiffeners. Then I add a standard backpackers first aid kit with some minor changes, sub small gauze for larger, add a few meds etc. Mostly a small backup kit.
Then my "survival kit;"
Packed in a 2l Dry sack padded with a black watch cap;
Small camping pot with folding handle and locking lid. Inside a small backpacking stove and little fuel can and cut down steel spork. 2 person mylar blanket, waterproof matches and wax tinder, 30' of 50lb test braided fishing line (makes great twine) 12' of spectra cord and three 3' sections of spectra cord, signal mirror, a packet of hooks, needles, safety pins, segments of hacksaw, nails and small flint. Thin sticky coated work gloves. A sandwich ziplock with notepad, mini-pen and 6 half sheets of Brawny (field TP.)
Along the back of the kit with the SAM splints a kukri machete, a green mylar backed wilderness tarp (shelter, warmth, rain catch, signal, concealment) And piece of cardboard cut out like a laptop sleeve for my "Grab and Go" file folder that lives in my safe. If I have time, it slides quickly into it's slot in a second.
Food wise is tougher since I can't eat those coast guard rations (food allergy) so I add a handful of Cliff Bars or Power Bars that I rotate. And a couple more calorie dense "just add water" camping meals. Then it's small bags of beans, rice, jerky, gatorade, and my cereal mix (dry breakfast cereal with vanilla protein powder tastes like milk with cold water and imagination.) A bottle of multi vitamins high in vitamin C and I can go several days without resupply, live while on partial rations without malnourishment (waiting for FEMA?)
2 one liter bottles of water fit nicely and I keep an empty camelback that holds another 2 in the sleeve. I also have a little Sierra to the Sea camp shower that collapses to a hand sized bundle. It carries 10L, and can be lashed to the pack for carrying water. Besides a shower it means I can wash hands, dishes, clothes (bag inside out) and I keep a small bottle of concentrated camp soap and a small dropper of bleach inside it so I can even purify water for drinking or add extra bleach to it if i'm surviving in an outbreak scenario.
I also have several of those 5-1 camping whistles that are whistle, compass, match case, signal mirror. I've wrapped them in good duct tape, filled them with matches, tinder, sewing needles, fishhooks and safety pins and made thin lanyards from several lengths of that 50lb braided fishing line. So if I have friends I can hand out small survival tools, or make friends with them, or barter my extra's. My other house, truck and cache kits all have several of these as well as several cheap Leatherman clones. I figure they are small, light and good barter for any scenario.
So...
I can jump naked from bed into boots and pack,
get out (breathing and seeing) during a fire even if I have to extinguish, pry, batter or carve my way out, have clothes when i get there,
repel wild animal from dog to bear (and probably small riot of peoples)
find my way in the dark, signal for help (whistle, blinky light)
stay hydrated, catch and treat water, make a shelter, stay warm and dry, conceal myself if needed, feed myself for a few days, have a pot to cook in, treat traumatic injuries quickly on myself or others, make friends to survive with and have actual tools to do light Search and Rescue...
Best thing in the bag... some cash in small bills and a spare truck key. Just have to get to my truck and I've got another similar bag, more first aid, more water and food and a cache of ammo for small game if i'm in the wild.
I keep my things that go bang bag separate. It's a Maxpedition bag/ holster just with "Hard Survival" items right next to my bedroom gun safe.
Not bad eh...
Pictures to come later...
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