DMorrison
02-24-2008, 03:18 AM
I was just trying to pass some time and was reading some articles, and stumbled upon the "boy scout" article about a 72 hour survival bag. Clark called it a BOB, break out bag. This put to mind a assault pack I own called the break out bag, which is a zipper expandable backpack that can fit quit a bit in it. However I was reading the article and realized that his break out bag was more of a duffel. I think that in todays world, in the light of terrorist attacks, natural disasters and the ever decreasing stability of our society I think it's important to have a plan. I think this would be a good disussion. What is your response to an armegeddon-all hell breaks loose-martial law turns anarchy situation. So in light of that, and the fact that I think the "Break out bag" in clarks article is good, but to heavy. I want to make my own list, this is what I think i would need to support my wife, my son (19 m) and myself for several days relatively worry free, and gives me the absolute essential tools to do it indefinitely. Clark listed it as a 72 hour bag, my problem with that is the idea that you'll be alright in 72 hours. Firstly I will say this, I try to use as many reusable items as possible.
Food & Water:
Water purification tablets.
3 liters bottled water (for the kid)
high protein and carb foods (MRE's ideal 1-2 per person x3)
Communication:
Wind up radio.
(if it's in your budget get a disposable cell phone and extra batteries)
Light sources.
Shake or wind flashlight
LED flashlight
High end tac light (Sure fire batteries have a 3-5 year shelf life)
Chem-lights
Hygiene:
First aid kit, quick clot bandage (if it's in your budget)
Tylenol
Cloth Diapers x4
Wash Rags x4
two bars of Anti bacterial Soap
Other:
Large, Strong, Tough Good quality hunting/survival knife.
A good, high quality multi-tool.
50 feet para-cord
1 Roll of duct-tape 2 rolls of black electrical tape.
2 Emergency Blankets
2 Ponchos
6 Bic Lighters
Flint and Steal and Magnesium
Cash...the more the better.
A good survival book,
A rifle, i.e 22, 223.
You'll notice I didn't bring toothpaste, or a razor. because I don't need it. I packed several good wash rags instead of toilet paper because they can be used longer and can be washed, same as cloth diapers. Yes it sucks to wash poop out of diaper or rag, but this isn't about comfort it's about living.
There a good qaulity wind up/shake led flashlights out there. Those will be good for average use. Chemlights just come in handy, always. And a good surefire or taclight is great for signaling among other things.
Most survivalists will tell you the most important tool to have is a good sized, strong, qaulity knife. A pocket knife isn't strong enough for some of the tasks you might need subject it to (i.e. breaking into an abondoned grocery store) A multi-tool is one of this things you never knew how much you needed. And offers a second blade that you can keep razor sharp for impromptu field surgeries. Quick Clot is an extreme situation bandage and should be used only as a last resort to stop arterial bleeding.
550 Parachute cord is amazing. It weighs nothing most of us probably use it as a safety line if we absolutely had to (not advised) 2 ponchos offers shelter. Bic lighters are more or less water proof and are more resilient then matches, and last longer.
I recommend
Every body's Outdoor Survival Guide
by Don Paul
As far as knives go everyone has a preference. And while I am not a fan of Gerber knives, there is one I own and am very fond of, and own the Gerber LMF II.
http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=1627
I take certain things for granted, and it is a situational type pack. In alaska this doesn't suffice. My survival gear on an alaska road trip fills up a 20 gallon foot locker. My two handguns stay locked and cocked in my nightstand safe, and on my way to grab my mobile survival guide I'm hitting my bedside drawer, strapping up, grabbing my custom 6 inch fixed blade and surefire. That would mean I have a 45 and 40 totalling 44 hollowpoints, my big knife, my benchmade folder, cell phone. That's a good start to getting out of say New Orleans in a hurry. In that same note, if I were building a Survival kit to camp out at home it would include a lot more. Anyway that's my idea about it.
Food & Water:
Water purification tablets.
3 liters bottled water (for the kid)
high protein and carb foods (MRE's ideal 1-2 per person x3)
Communication:
Wind up radio.
(if it's in your budget get a disposable cell phone and extra batteries)
Light sources.
Shake or wind flashlight
LED flashlight
High end tac light (Sure fire batteries have a 3-5 year shelf life)
Chem-lights
Hygiene:
First aid kit, quick clot bandage (if it's in your budget)
Tylenol
Cloth Diapers x4
Wash Rags x4
two bars of Anti bacterial Soap
Other:
Large, Strong, Tough Good quality hunting/survival knife.
A good, high quality multi-tool.
50 feet para-cord
1 Roll of duct-tape 2 rolls of black electrical tape.
2 Emergency Blankets
2 Ponchos
6 Bic Lighters
Flint and Steal and Magnesium
Cash...the more the better.
A good survival book,
A rifle, i.e 22, 223.
You'll notice I didn't bring toothpaste, or a razor. because I don't need it. I packed several good wash rags instead of toilet paper because they can be used longer and can be washed, same as cloth diapers. Yes it sucks to wash poop out of diaper or rag, but this isn't about comfort it's about living.
There a good qaulity wind up/shake led flashlights out there. Those will be good for average use. Chemlights just come in handy, always. And a good surefire or taclight is great for signaling among other things.
Most survivalists will tell you the most important tool to have is a good sized, strong, qaulity knife. A pocket knife isn't strong enough for some of the tasks you might need subject it to (i.e. breaking into an abondoned grocery store) A multi-tool is one of this things you never knew how much you needed. And offers a second blade that you can keep razor sharp for impromptu field surgeries. Quick Clot is an extreme situation bandage and should be used only as a last resort to stop arterial bleeding.
550 Parachute cord is amazing. It weighs nothing most of us probably use it as a safety line if we absolutely had to (not advised) 2 ponchos offers shelter. Bic lighters are more or less water proof and are more resilient then matches, and last longer.
I recommend
Every body's Outdoor Survival Guide
by Don Paul
As far as knives go everyone has a preference. And while I am not a fan of Gerber knives, there is one I own and am very fond of, and own the Gerber LMF II.
http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=1627
I take certain things for granted, and it is a situational type pack. In alaska this doesn't suffice. My survival gear on an alaska road trip fills up a 20 gallon foot locker. My two handguns stay locked and cocked in my nightstand safe, and on my way to grab my mobile survival guide I'm hitting my bedside drawer, strapping up, grabbing my custom 6 inch fixed blade and surefire. That would mean I have a 45 and 40 totalling 44 hollowpoints, my big knife, my benchmade folder, cell phone. That's a good start to getting out of say New Orleans in a hurry. In that same note, if I were building a Survival kit to camp out at home it would include a lot more. Anyway that's my idea about it.