Memo on GEAR!

[Reverenddel]

I have been prep for YEARS before it was called "Prep".

I had a Medium ALICE PACK without a frame as my first bugout bag... Loaded with crap until I parred it down to the 10 "C's" before they were written.

1.Cutting tool – the most difficult thing to reproduce in an outdoor situation
2.Combustion – you need something that will start a fire no matter if it is wet or dry
3.Cordage – para cord, rope, straps, etc
4.Container – something that you can carry, boil, and purify water in
5.Cargo – a pack that you can put your items into
6.Compass – some sort of item that you can determine accurate coordinates for
7.Cover – you need to have some sort of shelter to protect you from the elements
8.Candle or light – 100% bees was candle or a flashlight
9.Combination tool – which is actually more of a comfort item SAK, multi tool or saw
10.Cloth or bandana – used for filtering water etc


Well I have been thru multiple of "new gear" bags, and found the space was always segmented as opposed to one BIG space, and internal pocket, and three external pockets...

I bought a Medium ALICE pack with straps yesterday... Because sometimes, the OLD SCHOOL is THE best! Granted there are new items, but old items that work, WORK! Why go "NEW"?

[bryanrheem]

any good recommendations for an all purpose container? Obviously, lugging around my nice cast iron skillet is not an option. Plastic is light but going to melt.

What's the best compromise between durability and weight savings?

[OakRidgeStars]

Lightweight containers that will nest are ideal.

http://www.amazon.com/Texsport-Five-Pie ... 000F35PWK/

Don't forget your 'spork'

http://www.amazon.com/Columbia-River-Kn ... 0030IRKHK/

[Reverenddel]

I packed a BOB last night, testing it this weekend. For a container? I find a canteen cup packs small enough, holds an esbit stove, with some fishing line, and a pocket chainsaw, and fits in the bag easily.

SOMETHING PEOPLE HAVE FORGOTTEN TO PACK IN BOB'S!

Toilet Paper! OR! Paper towels... I like TP because you can use it for First Aid, and such.

[TacticalMom]

For women Pads are great to pack and can be used as medical dressings... so great for the man as well. =) I keep them in my BoB mostly for medical dressing. I have something called Menstrual cup packed so that I won't have to worry about getting more of the pads while Bugging out. I am sorry guys, but for us girls it is an important part of preparedness.

[Reverenddel]

HEY! No shame TM! I had to stand in Wal-mart, and look for the generic "heavy Flow" pads yesterday!

When the military surplus version is $4... but the Generic pads which are the same thing are $.88? Yeah.

I have OVERPACKED my main compartment, I'm gonna par that down tonight.

[GeneFrenkle]

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu9.htm

Tampons are useful for cleaning shotguns.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[TacticalMom]

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu9.htm

Tampons are useful for cleaning shotguns.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

Thanks Gene

I have heard they are great for gun shot wound dressing/plugging as well. I don't know as thankfully I have not had to take care of one in an emergency.

[OakRidgeStars]

http://www.theboxotruth.com/docs/edu9.htm

Tampons are useful for cleaning shotguns.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

Thanks Gene

I have heard they are great for gun shot wound dressing/plugging as well. I don't know as thankfully I have not had to take care of one in an emergency.

7 more uses you might not have thought of...

http://willowhavenoutdoor.com/featured- ... ival-uses/

[meadmkr]

Just make sure they are the unscented ones

[Reverenddel]

Tested the BOB this weekend.

I only removed one tarp, I kept the bigger tarp. I restacked it, and it fit well. Lil' heavy to be without the frame, I might go with the frame simply to have the ability to strap a small machete to it, and redistribute the weight.

I will say this: GET A GROUND PAD! I was counting on leaves to keep me off the ground, but with the weather being the way it's been, and at the END of the season, there weren't that many leaves!

I used my coat, and that helped, but I will say considering you can get 3/4 size compact air pads, I'm packing that... But with a fleece sleeping bag, a poncho, and poncho liner, I was confortable enough in my skivies in low 30's, not sure what the windchill was registering, but we were on a penisula from a big creek, so it's colder than regular.

Otherwise? Everything worked the way it was supposed to work.

[Reverenddel]

To follow up, I pulled out my Large ALICE pack, and Frame... not much bigger than the Medium, with spare room. I transfered over. I have an inflatible air pad, but I think I will go with the regular Military green closed cell for one reason. Less chance of things going "pop" in the middle of the night, but I WILL cut it from it's full length to a smaller length...

I don't need 6' of Closed cell, probably cut it to about 4' , and probably pick up a compact sleeping bag. The fleece one worked, but I compared the 40 degree bag to it in size, and there isn't that much size difference, and NO weight gain!