The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Defense and Tactics => Topic started by: garand4life on November 26, 2009, 12:46:07 AM
-
Considering that as we get deeper into the holiday season with inclement weather and crazier and more desperate thugs on the loose I was revisiting the need for a bug-out bag or go bag. As more and more evidence is showing that our national security is being compromised with little attention from media outlets it brings to mind the likelihood that needing to be able to leave in a short amount of time and be able to sustain myself for a minimum of 3-5 days. I am looking to hear from you who have one what you keep in a go bag.
My personal circumstances put me in a moderately populated area of the Ohio Valley where wooded areas surround us. My concern is that since we sit on the Ohio river below the waterline and with our proximity to a power plant that is less than a mile away the circumstances are quite dynamic. Thoughts?
-
Have somewhere higher to go to , for food I'm stocking up on instant oatmeal, bullion cubes and Cup a noodles.
Clean water will not be a problem up here but you being in a flood prone area need to think about purifying it.
-
We all have our fantasy go bags, an arsenal, supplies for a month etc. Me, I think in real life, its just ND stuff with a couple of guns. My personal concern is a Hurricane evac. I keep mine packed from June through Thanksgiving every year. Its not paranoia, just prudence. I can be out the door in 15 minutes. I have a Gregory five day pack with what I would need for a five day trip minus the sleeping bag (its Florida in the summer) and tent (I use a tarp, which will suck due to bugs, but saves weight and space. ) I have five days of camp food, rain gear, a mesh bug jacket, multi fuel stove, water purifier etc. I figure I can carry my G-19 buried deep inside and my G-26 in a pocket. I can surrender the 26 if neccessary and hope they don't dig further. I have two fifty round ziplocs stored as well. I can strap a rifle or shotgun to the side if the situation requires. If not, I can drive to a shelter, or if the roads are clogged hoof it. Poor as I am , some untouchable under any circmstances cash (kept in a saftey deposit box not my accounts to avoid temptation) and a cell and a map and compass are part of the package.
FQ13
-
there are really only 2 things you need to survie for 3-5 days.
1 water. ( in what form/ gear depends on where you live)
2 shelter. ( once again, depends on where you live.)
every thing else is to make you more "confy"
-
You all have touched on the very essence of what a BoB is for. The key is not the bag or its contents, but how it will be used. That drives the contents.
G4L, you live below the water level AND have a power plant near by AND possibly thugs roaming nearby. FQ has hurricanes AND probably a few other risks he didn't mention. I have a double track mainline for a railroad less than a mile away AND a river with a propensity to flood.
In each of these you need to assess the risks (probability or likelihood of something bad happening and the impact or how bad it would be) and then PLAN accordingly. What would I do if the river started flooding and threatened the dikes? What would I do if gangs of zombies were approaching? And so on.
Then pack your bag(s) accordingly. Most BoBs are considered to be 72 hour survival stores, allowing you to get to another stocked or non-impacted location where your preps are deeper or services are available. If that's true in your case, good to go. If not, then you need to consider what can you pre-stage in a garage for example, or a shed to load into a car quickly.
Food, water, shelter, fire-making, spare clothes (especially socks in case walking is involved) are usually among the consistently mentioned contents. I have seen some BoBs (remember, 72 hour support) that weigh 55# they hold so much stuff. Can you carry 55# for 3 days in a worse case scenario? All part of the risk assessment. And part of the fun.
-
Try to find a bag with hydration, 100oz will do. Molle systems is best for adaptation to your needs.
I have a first line bike bag with 70oz hydrator, packed with foil tuna and turkey packs, power bars, Emergency's, granolas bars, and three days of meds, The second compartment contains a two man space blanket, poncho, glass break hammer with screwdrivers inside, soap,a rag, campers T/P, a mirror, a magnifying glass, a lighter, and a magnesium fire stick, latex gloves, wrap around glasses, a radio, and binoculars and compass. It has and small med kit also. 30 lbs loaded. Dust masks, Wide brim hat, two gallons pf water, and extra boots and a set of clothes in my Jeep.
Security options, 3.5 ' Gerber Gator, whistle, tactical day planner with .45.
Tactical shotgun and 20 shells under fold down seats.
A have a second line 3 day assault pack with Molle for a five day pack, more heavily equipped at 45 lbs, with out ammo. Water, shelter, food, fire, and protection
-
Try to find a bag with hydration, 100oz will do. Molle systems is best for adaptation to your needs.
I have a first line bike bag with 70oz hydrator, packed with foil tuna and turkey packs, power bars, Emergency's, granolas bars, and three days of meds, The second compartment contains a two man space blanket, poncho, glass break hammer with screwdrivers inside, soap,a rag, campers T/P, a mirror, a magnifying glass, a lighter, and a magnesium fire stick, latex gloves, wrap around glasses, a radio, and binoculars and compass. It has and small med kit also. 30 lbs loaded. Dust masks, Wide brim hat, two gallons pf water, and extra boots and a set of clothes in my Jeep.
Security options, 3.5 ' Gerber Gator, whistle, tactical day planner with .45.
Tactical shotgun and 20 shells under fold down seats.
A have a second line 3 day assault pack with Molle for a five day pack, more heavily equipped at 45 lbs, with out ammo. Water, shelter, food, fire, and protection
Woody, what you lay out in terms of packs, makes sense. BUT, I would add a note of caution. The molle tactical system sceams military/survivalist and might gather the wrong kind of attention in an ND (natural disaster) type situation. This is my primary concern, as getting to high ground in a Katrina type situation is the most likely scenario. My "tactical" red and blue back pack sets off no alarm bells. I'm just a guy who had to ditch the truck on the highway and hike to high ground. Nothing to see here folks, nobody here but us chickens. If stuff gets more drastic, 5 minutes with some green and brown Krylon can make the pack plenty tactical. You are right on hydration being key, particularly here in Fl. where hurricane season temps can easily hit 90 with 80% humidity. I don't have a camel pack and rely on 2, 1 liter nalgene bottles and an MSR ceramic filter purifier to take care of water. I also have a bottle of iodine as a back up, but I'm in South Florida where finding water is rarely an issue. A bottle of salt tabs to replentish electrolytes and I'm good to go.
FQ13
-
FQ, your argument is really irrelevant. You would be amazed at the number of military, or military style packs on the hiking trails. The reasoning being that people who survive by living off their backs for long periods must know something about pack making.
By the same token, the fact that you have a pack at all, regardless of design is going to tell everyone who sees you that you have "stuff" even if it's just the pack and a sleeping bag you will become a potential target of those with nothing at all.
-
FQ, your argument is really irrelevant. You would be amazed at the number of military, or military style packs on the hiking trails. The reasoning being that people who survive by living off their backs for long periods must know something about pack making.
By the same token, the fact that you have a pack at all, regardless of design is going to tell everyone who sees you that you have "stuff" even if it's just the pack and a sleeping bag you will become a potential target of those with nothing at all.
Tom
Its not the predators I'm worried about, its the cops and National Guardsmen. Remember, I'm prepping for a post Katrina deal here. I want to scream, "harmless, 40 year old yuppie white guy". In a TEOTAWKI situation, the rules change.
FQ13
-
FQ, your argument is really irrelevant. You would be amazed at the number of military, or military style packs on the hiking trails. The reasoning being that people who survive by living off their backs for long periods must know something about pack making.
By the same token, the fact that you have a pack at all, regardless of design is going to tell everyone who sees you that you have "stuff" even if it's just the pack and a sleeping bag you will become a potential target of those with nothing at all.
+1 And you'd better be prepared to defend yourself even without the pack acting as "bait". The fact that everybody else is starving hungry (a state that will be reach by most people in a matter of days!), and here you are trotting around all healthy and with a little fat still on your bones, it isn't going to take a rocket scientist to figure out you've got food stashed SOMEWHERE. Expect to be followed or mugged and pilaged. If your on the trail and see another person, you just don't know what's going through their heads, or what circumstances they are in or are coming from.
-
+1 And you'd better be prepared to defend yourself even without the pack acting as "bait". The fact that everybody else is starving hungry (a state that will be reach by most people in a matter of days!), and here you are trotting around all healthy and with a little fat still on your bones, it isn't going to take a rocket scientist to figure out you've got food stashed SOMEWHERE. Expect to be followed or mugged and pilaged. If your on the trail and see another person, you just don't know what's going through their heads, or what circumstances they are in or are coming from.
As I've said before BM, TEOTOWAKI is a different game than making it through a week of chaos to get to high ground post Katrina. Assuming you are on the trail in the former case, my advice is don't be on the trail. Herein lies the virtue of the map and compass. Following the trail, road, whatever, from as little as a mile to one side or the other bushwhacking, though it might slow you up, will eliminate the majority of opportunistic predators and desparate refugees who could pose a problem. (one reason I have a set of wire cutters for barbwire and chainlink fences in the bugout bag). Granted thats easier in a flat state like Florida than say Western NC, but the principle still applies. TEOTOWAKI movement is about not being seen. Post Katrina, its about getting to aid. Two games, two sets of rules.
FQ13
-
As I've said before BM, TEOTOWAKI is a different game than making it through a week of chaos to get to high ground post Katrina. Assuming you are on the trail in the former case, my advice is don't be on the trail. Herein lies the virtue of the map and compass. Following the trail, road, whatever, from as little as a mile to one side or the other bushwhacking, though it might slow you up, will eliminate the majority of opportunistic predators and desparate refugees who could pose a problem. (one reason I have a set of wire cutters for barbwire and chainlink fences in the bugout bag). Granted thats easier in a flat state like Florida than say Western NC, but the principle still applies. TEOTOWAKI movement is about not being seen. Post Katrina, its about getting to aid. Two games, two sets of rules.
FQ13
Good idea with the wire cutters. Have you considered a Leatherman tool? I've used the wire cutters on mine to cut barbed wire before without them showing any negative effects at all (went right through the wire to). And depending on the model you choose you get another dozen tools or so for little more weight. :)
In any situation where you need that BOB I'd think it very wise to look over people and their actions from afar before walking into the unknown. ;)
-
Fightingquaker13 I understand where your coming from, my thoughts exactly on the check points. I'll re-con on my bike with my bike bag, it looks neutral, my assault pack could be dyed black or green. But it will be at my safe spot, where Camo is an asset out there. I can rope it into a covered tree top, need be.
They will be checking everybody in the city, and they will profiling everyone. I'll be the bum with the shopping cart, going past you.
-
Everytime I research bob's or we start a thread on them they get very complex very fast. The problem with that is that it makes it seem unattainable for the average person to get ready. I have broken it down to keeping a bag with spare clothing in a central place, this bag also has some basic hydration, nutrition and first aid items in it, I keep my toiletries in one spot with the shaving kit right behind it for quick toss in and in the bob, all medications (oc and prescriptions) are kept in a small basket in the cupboard for quick grab and toss in bob, and defense items are the same.
Much of what we weigh our selves down with tools, etc. are already kept in the vehicles for daily preparedness of driving needs.
This fall I am attempting something new in the house. I am storing the deep cycle batteries in the utility room and am getting an inverter. I will be able to run the furnace and electronics on gas range for quite a while off a couple trolling motor batteries if needed. Added level of comfort when facing the possibility of blizzard conditions and trying to start a tractor or gas generator.
-
Everytime I research bob's or we start a thread on them they get very complex very fast. The problem with that is that it makes it seem unattainable for the average person to get ready. I have broken it down to keeping a bag with spare clothing in a central place, this bag also has some basic hydration, nutrition and first aid items in it, I keep my toiletries in one spot with the shaving kit right behind it for quick toss in and in the bob, all medications (oc and prescriptions) are kept in a small basket in the cupboard for quick grab and toss in bob, and defense items are the same.
Much of what we weigh our selves down with tools, etc. are already kept in the vehicles for daily preparedness of driving needs.
This fall I am attempting something new in the house. I am storing the deep cycle batteries in the utility room and am getting an inverter. I will be able to run the furnace and electronics on gas range for quite a while off a couple trolling motor batteries if needed. Added level of comfort when facing the possibility of blizzard conditions and trying to start a tractor or gas generator.
As an idle question to you yankees, how hard is to start propane vs gas generators in the cold? I have a Honda dual fuel generator and 11 tanks of propane to go with it. They were both a splurge on something I could do without and hopefully will never need. However, having the option of having close two weeks continous power is good and I can put the propane to work on the grill. The idea of having lots of liquid gas stored away is a non starter. Will the propane light up in cold conditions or is it just a Florida thing?
FQ
-
I can only speak to grills as I use my gas grill 12 months a year and on occasion in sub-zero weather. Shovel my way to it and let it get as hot as it can, I like my steak!
I believe that the fill level in the tank can have an effect on it's abilty to crank out the BTU's. Best to use a fresh tank in cold weather.
-
FQ, Before moving down here I had a small 3,500 watt generator I converted with a kit to run on propane in our camper. It was electric start, with a pull backup. We did weekend trips year round, and with a foot of snow on the ground the generator would start between the third and fith pull. Or if you cranked it with the electric it took maybe three tries on the worst days (I'd only crank it for about three seconds per try).
-
Badger,
Do you know of any REASONABLY priced gas (propane) conversion kits. I have a Guardian 15K and the kits I have found are 250 plus!
-
BM where did you find the conversion kit and how difficult was it to convert?
-
As an idle question to you yankees, how hard is to start propane vs gas generators in the cold? I have a Honda dual fuel generator and 11 tanks of propane to go with it. They were both a splurge on something I could do without and hopefully will never need. However, having the option of having close two weeks continous power is good and I can put the propane to work on the grill. The idea of having lots of liquid gas stored away is a non starter. Will the propane light up in cold conditions or is it just a Florida thing?
FQ
Horrible!!! LP won't vapoize well in cold weather. I had an lp grain truck, and when we dropped below 30 f I would need to plug the truck in to get enough heat to start the engine. Gasoline is acutally the easiest, followed by diesel (it will actually fire and start on ether if you can spin it over fast enough) with lp and alcohol being the worst. If I was going to a large generator I'd go diesel before lp unless I could use a vaporizer.
Actually the worst is the poor old fart that has to go out in the cold and start it. Because of the reliability of our power supply we haven't had any reason to go to auto start and switching. I have to go out the the center power pole and disconnect REA, go to the shed and start the generator, and go back to the pole and switch to auxillary. Knee deep snow (or worse), 40 mph wind at 15 below and ice on everything makes it a real joy :-\
The auto starts that are mostly installed in metro and suburban areas tend to be either natural gas or lp, and up here the include heaters on the engines. Just like not being able to justify auto controls I have a hard time running a 1 kw heater all winter long ... over $50 per month for four to five months a year. They actually advertise less than $25 per month, but that is battery tender 12 months, fuel usage for exercising the engine, and heat for the winter.
-
BM where did you find the conversion kit and how difficult was it to convert?
http://www.propane-generators.com/
I bought mine from here. My geny looked almost EXACTLY like the one pictured with the red gas tank on top on their page (chinese made). They had by far the best prices I could find. And the kits are SUPER simple.
Doing it yourself with these little kits is the way to go! The kits give you the option to run on propane, natural gas, or even swap back to regular gas depending on what you want to do. I did a "perminant Type A" conversion on mine, and it took about two hours to do just because I was going REALLY slow, tripple checking everything I did so I wouldn't F'up the brand new geny I'd bought!
By the way. They tell you to run the generator several hours on gas before doing the conversion so the rings seat in well. "The propane causes FAR less engine wear than gas, so it takes forever to break in the engine". In the couple days it took my kit to come I'd already stripped off the gas tank and hoses, so I never did get to "break in the engine properly". But I had it years after the conversion and never saw a problem. :)
-
Thanks!
-
Thanks for the info
-
I think the coldest it ever got when we were camping / using the generator, was probably in the low 30's, maybe high 20's.
Actually doing the conversion was rediculously easy. If I remember right... The kit I bought required taking off the gasoline hose from the carb, removing the float from the bottom of the carb, putting in a new main jet, and drilling a hole to hook up the rubber propane hose to the carb. Then drilling two holes to mounting the big disc (regulator, or whatever it is). I studied up on everything when I'd done the conversion, but it's been years. ;)
Durring the summer it'd start right up by barely touching the electric start key switch. I wired that to the inside of the camper.
M58, Call the place I posted that sells the kits. If you ever have any questions their GREAT! If your getting hard cold weather starts they tell you how to tune that out of it. It's even in the instructions I think. After we installed our kit I never touch it again other than to change the oil once a year. Everything in the kit came already adjusted. It started up on the second crank after the conversion, and usually the first crank every other time (when it was half way nice outside).
-
This picture pretty much shows the whole thing installed!
(http://www.propane-generators.com/images/EF5200%20A%20Kit.JPG)
-
Thanks Badger, but I have enough experience with lp to know all I need. Like I said, I've run vehicles on lp for several years and lived with their pros and cons, and prior to that I worked on them and did conversions for my paycheck. It just isn't a real good fuel for our cold climates in many situations. Even most of our lp dealers are going to diesels in their delivery trucks. It is just an issue of getting enough vapor out of a tank to run the loads you need to.
-
Everytime I research bob's or we start a thread on them they get very complex very fast. The problem with that is that it makes it seem unattainable for the average person to get ready.
I figured it would happen I was just hoping that simplicity would assert itself. I just wanted a base line idea of what some of the DRTV members keep at had at all times. I've seen too many times to dismiss that there is always something I miss that you guys don't.
-
I figured it would happen I was just hoping that simplicity would assert itself. I just wanted a base line idea of what some of the DRTV members keep at had at all times. I've seen too many times to dismiss that there is always something I miss that you guys don't.
Well, the thing is that simplicity is simple, except when it gets complicated. ;D Food, water, shelter, some means of navigation and SD are basic. Beyond that the questions are bug out to where, and under what circumstances? In my hurricane scenario, I'm not running FROM the feds, I'm running TO them. I just want to keep my pistol till I'm somewhere safe. After that, they can have it, I'll buy a new one. On the other hand, in a zombie invasion/red dawn deal, the BOB gets a lot heavier and I'm headed in the opposite direction. I'm not looking for a red cross shelter, but the thickest and nastiest piece of Everglades I can find that still has fresh water. (Pythons on the barby anyone?). ;D In Path's case, he needs the supplies to build an igloo up in the tundra. BOBs should be tailored to your location and your needs. My basic rule of thumb is that you should be able to leave your house, on foot, with everthing you will need for 3-5 days in under an hour. If you can't, don't bother. Just hope you have time to pack the truck.
FQ
-
You can't live without food, water, and shelter. There are so many conditions that would change how you supply yourself with those none of us can even comprehend it. Weather, are you traveling alone?, do you have medical needs, your area, were your going to, what happened to make you need the bag, what you can afford, it goes on and on and on.
I'd suggest the best thing to do (sure changes my choices up!) is to go hiking and camping with your BOB as you build it. ;D You'll be shocked how differently you pack it after each of the first few trips!
Don't forget, it's awfull nice to have something dry to sit on for a rest once in a while! ;)
-
Great idea
-
I'd suggest the best thing to do (sure changes my choices up!) is to go hiking and camping with your BOB as you build it. ;D You'll be shocked how differently you pack it after each of the first few trips!
Don't forget, it's awfull nice to have something dry to sit on for a rest once in a while! ;)
BM, I think you have given the best advice you ever have on this board. If Eric is still speaking to me , I'd nominate you for comment of the day for it. The thing is that I am a backpacker. and have been since I was 15. I also worked at an outfitters to help pay my way through school. My gear has been selected by 25 years of trial and error. The stuff I have isn't the newest or fanciest, hell, a lot of it I bought back in college, but it works (which should say something). I know how to use it, and setting up a comfortable camp is like setting the table. I don't even have to think about it. Until you spend a few dozen nights out in the woods, you have no idea what YOU need, just promises from catalogues. If you care enough about survival to read this thread, you should care enough to spend your next couple of vacations in the sticks. You don't have to have gear to do it either. Take a course like NOLS or Outward Bound, or find a backpacking outfitter somewhere you want to go and arrange a trip. None of these options are cheap, BUT they are cheaper than buying gear and discovering that its either inappropriate or you don't know how to use it.
Just my .02
FQ
PS An advantage of using a school like NOLS (if you are new at this) is that you don't have an out. If you just buy the stuff yourself and go to a state forest, the temptaion to say screw it and go back to the car when it rains and gets cold, something breaks, the stove won't light and your feet hurt is large. Being somewhere where quitting isn't an option and therefore turning your mind to muddling through, rather than thinking about far it is to the car is a huge plus.
-
I was expecting to get picked on with comments about walking around with an adirondack chair strapped to my back or something. :)
Shhh, I can hear the search engines running for pictures now! ;D
-
I was expecting to get picked on with comments about walking around with an adirondack chair strapped to my back or something. :)
Shhh, I can hear the search engines running for pictures now! ;D
I've got a foam folder by REI that is held toghther (top to bottom) by nylon with fastex buckles. It weighs less than two pounds, folds flat to about 2" of thickness and straps to the back of my pack UNDER THE RAIN COVER (hello, dry ass). ;D Cost about $30 and on day three of a couple of rainy trips I'd have paid 10 times that and thought I'd gotten a deal.
FQ13 who is not a wimp, but does like to keep his butt out the mud and be able to lean back around the campfire.
-
cheaper than dirt has light, medium, and heavy BoB's.
I have my own with pretty much the same stuff.
I know where a multitude of boats have onboard watermakers, generators, and even a wine chiller.... Now if it's an EMP, well, that would throw a wrench in that plan, but there is a plan B, as everyone should have.
Just need to make it 20 minutes east, that will be the hard part. If I can't drive, it's the better part of a day through unruly suburbs to the coast. Or a simple john boat through the canal network.
Water will be key. Any device, tablet, "system" that can purify or decontaminate water is essential. Have a rendezvous point with like minded individuals.
Make it as light as possible, especially if your having to "hoof" it. Sure I'd love to carry 2500 rds. of ammo, but if I have to walk???
Geography and season dictates other essentials. Now the Adirondack chair and a sham wow, we'll just have to make room... ;)
-
I was expecting to get picked on with comments about walking around with an adirondack chair strapped to my back or something. :)
Shhh, I can hear the search engines running for pictures now! ;D
I was thinking Lazy boy ;D ;D ;D
seriousliy
I have been Backpacking since I was 15 myself a couple areas not to skimp on are on your
backpack $100 - $200 Academy and Bass Pro
sleeping pad $50 and up
single burner stove Wal-mart Academy Bass Pro
boots
water filter system and water purifacation pill Bas Pro
Most everything else you can pick up at Wal-mart
-
I've got a foam folder by REI that is held toghther (top to bottom) by nylon with fastex buckles. It weighs less than two pounds, folds flat to about 2" of thickness and straps to the back of my pack UNDER THE RAIN COVER (hello, dry ass). ;D Cost about $30 and on day three of a couple of rainy trips I'd have paid 10 times that and thought I'd gotten a deal.
FQ13 who is not a wimp, but does like to keep his butt out the mud and be able to lean back around the campfire.
LMAO! :)
I'm not even that civilized, I just take an extra military rip-stop rain parka with me and spread it out a little bit. ;)
You know I've never seen TP on a BOB list yet!?!??!?!? ;D
Am I the only one in the woods with a clean butt!?! ??? ;)
-
Regarding TP.....
Recent Baxter Black post should clear that one up.. 8)
If one has time to unroll a roll or two, they can pack very flat. Now if your a "quilted northern" or "charmin" fan, well.......
-
Charmin makes a "mini roll" find it in the "sample/Travel" aisle at the Department store.
-
Regarding TP.....
Recent Baxter Black post should clear that one up.. 8)
If one has time to unroll a roll or two, they can pack very flat. Now if your a "quilted northern" or "charmin" fan, well.......
If you are so stupid as to need to be reminded to pack (a tubeless and flattened) roll of TP, I would reccomend looking for a plant with three shiny green jagged leaves. I hear it works great. ;D
FQ
-
OK, it's all over once I put this down, there will NEVER be an end to it... Have you guy's considered...
Unscented baby wipes.
They come in a smaller "soft sided" pack (not just the big platic boxs). Do the job much more efficiently, and they can also be used to wash hands and arms, or even wipe down all over for kind of a "dry shower" if your in the woods overnight. They actually work very well.
Commence with your mockery! :-[
-
BM (no pun meant ;D ),
I was gonna post the same thing.
-
Just make sure you wash your hands and face FIRST!
I, on more than one occasion, hacked off my own underwear to take care of business while in the woods....granted, this was before the baby wipes were invented, back in the dark ages of the late 60's and early 70's...
-
OK, it's all over once I put this down, there will NEVER be an end to it... Have you guy's considered...
Unscented baby wipes.
They come in a smaller "soft sided" pack (not just the big platic boxs). Do the job much more efficiently, and they can also be used to wash hands and arms, or even wipe down all over for kind of a "dry shower" if your in the woods overnight. They actually work very well.
Commence with your mockery! :-[
No mockery at all. Its a trick I learned in ROTC from a pretty hardcore Sgt. Major. I've also helped my step dads' law office put toghther care packages for one of the secretary's son who is in Iraq. The idea is to send stuff for his platoon. One of the most requested items was baby wipes, it almost edged out M@Ms and items which shall remain nameless. ;D
FQ
-
Baby wipes are great . the small plastic covered packages of kleneex work real well if wieght and space and smell is an issue
-
You are right baby wipes are a god send when you are deployed.
-
:o
;D Eric must still be busy searching for a picture of a adirondack chair strapped to some guys back. ;D
A buddy told me about the baby wipes in deer camp years ago, my whole family has been using them on camping trips since. ;)
Just remember scented stuff is liable to draw bears that you may not want sniffing down there!
-
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=10957683&sourceid=1500000000000003260410&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=10957683
Has anyone thought of the WOMEN!!!! :-X
Baby Wipes are always a "must have" item...
-
Something that I have found that is superior to baby wipes are make-up remover wipes. Same concept but seem to remove grease and hardcore dirt better than your typical baby wipe. Learned that from removing camo face paint. Also, you were talking about women. I have about a half dozen tampons in my BOB, both for their intended use, and they make great little trauma bandages due to their ability to soak up alot of blood.
I know I'm going to catch hell for this info, but it works, and I'd rather sacrifice a little dignity than too many pints of blood.
-
I've heard that before about tampons, in fact I think they developed some wound packing material from them.
-
I like this stuff for the bad bleeders:
http://www.zeemedical.com/zeemedical/NewZee/Catalog2005/index.jsp?Page=CatalogMap.jsp
Urgent QR
QR Powder is composed of a non-toxic mixture that, once applied to the wound, adheres to the wound tissue, absorbing and interacting with its fluids to form a Hematrix scab. This unique cover stops the bleeding, protects the wound, and allows the body’s own mechanism to begin healing.
*NOTE: When ordering three or more individual packs of Item #0795, product will ship three packs per box.
With Applicator, one per pack
0797 $ 15.69
two applications per pack*
0795 $ 11.89
-
I posted elsewhere, flour, ashes even cobwebs can be used to aid clotting. UNCOOKED honey has been proven to act as an antibacterial and speed healing noticeably.
-
One piece of advise. Whatever goes into your go bag needs to be multiuse, and VERY robust. In a survival situation you are probably going to use this equipment harder than you would for say a weekend camping trip. If something breaks on your camping trip, it becomes an annoyance, at worst you have to pack up and go home early. In a survival situation it could mean your life. Your equipment is going to get bounced around, beat on, cussed at, and if it's not sound to begin with, get set to cry a river when it breaks. Also, look for items that can perform several different tasks. This will mean less that you need to carry.
Lastly, know how to use EVERY piece of kit that you put into your Go Bag. This includes even that odd pair of tweezers in your first aid kit. I don't disagree with having items that you may not know how to use. In a long term situation you may very well find someone who does have the required knowledge. But we are talking about a 72 hour bag here, and you cannot reasonably expect to meet the jedi master of the suture kit in that amount of time. Better to set up your go bag to YOUR knowledge, than to hope you run into the right people. Chances are you are going to want to avoid people at this point of disaster anyway.
Just my .02, I rambled a bit, but you get the idea.
-
http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=58d51a53f1c37110VgnVCM1000003481a10aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default
Enter your zip code. There is probably a place offering free training (or SUPER low cost) within a few minutes of you! May be the most valuable training you ever take!
-
Tobacco products, for those that use them , work for stings, bites, and lacerations. Not the first choice if one has a good first aid kit, but seems pouring whiskey on a open wound was as close to Hydrogen Peroxide as possible, I think I would prefer Vodka...
For me and a wound. There are also books that have regional foliage and native plants that are medicinal in nature.
http://www.liveandfeel.com/
http://images.google.com/images?q=medicinal+plants&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=GGUYS-b9CZKV8AaHssHhAw&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CCgQsAQwAw
The ultimate tip is being able to adapt to one's surroundings. Cold, hot, swamp, arid, etc,.... Doing things that domestic metrosexual, Birkenstock wearing, weekend warrior wannabe's won't do.
They'll be the first to cave in, rat out your position for a shower and a hot meal, and couldn't field dress any critter unless it came from the supermarket.
-
Tobacco products, for those that use them , work for stings, bites, and lacerations. Not the first choice if one has a good first aid kit, but seems pouring whiskey on a open wound was as close to Hydrogen Peroxide as possible, I think I would prefer Vodka...
For me and a wound. There are also books that have regional foliage and native plants that are medicinal in nature.
http://www.liveandfeel.com/
http://images.google.com/images?q=medicinal+plants&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=GGUYS-b9CZKV8AaHssHhAw&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CCgQsAQwAw
The ultimate tip is being able to adapt to one's surroundings. Cold, hot, swamp, arid, etc,.... Doing things that domestic metrosexual, Birkenstock wearing, weekend warrior wannabe's won't do.
They'll be the first to cave in, rat out your position for a shower and a hot meal, and couldn't field dress any critter unless it came from the supermarket.
+1, A good idea is to keep these (usually small in size) books in your pack to. No matter how good you memory, a LOT of the good plants have equally bad counterparts that look VERY similar.
-
+1, A good idea is to keep these (usually small in size) books in your pack to. No matter how good you memory, a LOT of the good plants have equally bad counterparts that look VERY similar.
Many book stores carry the Army Survival Guide.
-
This may have been mentioned but since this thread started as a "Beginners" thread, it might need mentioning.
I've lived and hunted all over the country and have always had an innate sense of direction, however, knowing where you are and being able to navigate through your community is very important. We all know the main roads rather well but remember, these will be the roads that are going to be gridlocked when something really catastrophic occurs. Knowing all the back roads, trails, two-tracks and any other travel route will go a long ways in making your trek to safety easier. There are great map and compass courses all over the country, you don't need celestial navigation skills, just the basics of compass navigation and interpretation of topographical maps.
The urban centers are where the masses of people unable to fend for them selves will be headed, we all want to head the other direction. Up here, the mountains of Vermont and NH will be emptying south, only the locals will be hanging around. That leaves thousands of empty ski resort chalets to occupy until things settle down. Knowing where the shelter is and people interested in survival and maybe we find a community sharing our same values of self sufficiency.
-
This may have been mentioned but since this thread started as a "Beginners" thread, it might need mentioning.
I've lived and hunted all over the country and have always had an innate sense of direction, however, knowing where you are and being able to navigate through your community is very important. We all know the main roads rather well but remember, these will be the roads that are going to be gridlocked when something really catastrophic occurs. Knowing all the back roads, trails, two-tracks and any other travel route will go a long ways in making your trek to safety easier. There are great map and compass courses all over the country, you don't need celestial navigation skills, just the basics of compass navigation and interpretation of topographical maps.
The urban centers are where the masses of people unable to fend for them selves will be headed, we all want to head the other direction. Up here, the mountains of Vermont and NH will be emptying south, only the locals will be hanging around. That leaves thousands of empty ski resort chalets to occupy until things settle down. Knowing where the shelter is and people interested in survival and maybe we find a community sharing our same values of self sufficiency.
I'd kind of think it would be the opposite. When the food riots start day 3, everyone will want out and say "Hey, rember those unused cabins"? The hills are where I'd be, but expect company.
FQ13
-
Good luck finding a hill in Florida.........
I'd still rather be where I am, just south of the mountains than anywhere close to a coastline.
You had better know where TW's hidden bunker is, you FL boys have masses of dimwits that have left the north. Those of us that enjoy the north, at least me, would never consider moving south.
-
Good luck finding a hill in Florida.........
I'd still rather be where I am, just south of the mountains than anywhere close to a coastline.
You had better know where TW's hidden bunker is, you FL boys have masses of dimwits that have left the north. Those of us that enjoy the north, at least me, would never consider moving south.
TW will 10 miles off shore. Me, I'll be in a hammock in the swamp. A 28 gauge for mosquitos, and python on the grill. :-\ But NO SNOW!
FQ13
-
TW will 10 miles off shore. Me, I'll be in a hammock in the swamp. A 28 gauge for mosquitos, and python on the grill. :-\ But NO SNOW!
FQ13
Tom and I will take the snow over them friggin zepelins you call bugs and keep the friggin swamps too....I've lived in Florida, as far south as you can go.....never again!
Snow ain't the problem. The problem is the people who can't seem to remember that every year it returns and they have to re-learn how to deal with it... Frozen lakes make great escape routes through tough terrain......
-
My go bag bag is making a change this weekend. With the drop to zub-freezing highs everything temperate is changing to cold weather gear, and most is going in the vehicles for daily driving dangers. A simple plastic sheet for shelter will not provide enough warmth, so other provisions will be made.
-
My go bag bag is making a change this weekend. With the drop to zub-freezing highs everything temperate is changing to cold weather gear, and most is going in the vehicles for daily driving dangers. A simple plastic sheet for shelter will not provide enough warmth, so other provisions will be made.
Me too! It's only 55 degrees here! BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
Me too! It's only 55 degrees here! BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Haz, it's 55 here as well! ;D I think we hit 66 yesterday, snow tomorrow night.....gotta love/hate/despise New England weather...
-
Haz, it's 55 here as well! ;D I think we hit 66 yesterday, snow tomorrow night.....gotta love/hate/despise New England weather...
We'll be back in the low 80s by Tuesday. ;)
-
Me too! It's only 55 degrees here! BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I got up at 4:15 this AM to 2.4, and as we were still drinking coffee at 7:15 it was up to 55 er ah 5.5. On the way to town it was 7.4 and they said as recent as 4 PM on Tuesday it was 52. Why did I move back here from California and Arizona? Oh well, it reminds me I have a friend in Florida to call this week to start planning a winter break ;D
-
It was 2 degrees here this morning and a high of 30 today!
-
Snowing in Houston at this moment. 32 brrrrrrr
-
Snowing in Houston at this moment. 32 brrrrrrr
Watch the ice on the underpasses man! I damn near killed myself more than once that way going duckhunting.
FQ13
-
We'll be back in the low 80s by Tuesday. ;)
Well, we'll be in HIGH 20's on Tuesday! High beats Low anyday, right? :D
Sh!t! Better find my scraper, shovel, broom, gloves, boots, neighbor kid, caddy, salt, pepper, lock deicer, torch, another neighbor kid and maybe some Scots whiskey.....
-
It was 2 degrees here this morning and a high of 30 today!
I hear you there, we were 5 degrees when I got up. Weather Channel said -12 with the wind chill.
-
We've had at least a handfull of days that required wearing long pants so far. A couple days ago I checked the temp at 10:00 at night and it was still 69 degrees! ;D
I think it's supposed to get down in the high 40's tonight though. :(
M58, There are a dozen or so varying copies of that manual you can download free here.
http://www.scribd.com/search?cat=solr&q=army+survival+manual
-
Back on Go bag basic's. A full spool of spider wire fishing line, various sizes of monofiliment snells, and some Berkley power bait will help feed you without weighing things down or taking up much room. Best of all, the Spiderwire (50lb test) can serve a hundred or more handy purposes. Even makeing snares for rabbits, squirrels (tree rats), and such.
-
Thanks for the spider wire comment. I have been using 550 in my bags, but any suggestions is great.
-
Hovering around zero degrees right now.
My cold weather go bag is rather large and dedicated to extreme cold weather.
I keep another smaller bag nearby with gloves, scarf and insulated cap.
For those looking for some 'baggage', consider that LA Police Gear has 25% off Maxpedition gear until December 16th.
Found here: http://www.lapolicegear.com/ (http://www.lapolicegear.com/)