Building a new b.o.b.

[Bigfatts]

So I may be transitioning to a new vehicle soon, from a full sized sedan to a single cab pickup. Got me thinking I should finally put together a dedicated get-me-home bag. Something small and stowable now that space will be at a premium, with a few essential items to help me get from downtown where I work to home in the suburbs in the case of an emergency/disaster. Looking for input on anything else I should add to what I've come up with.

What I have:
-2x rain poncho (Florida)
-2x emergency blankets
-Water treatment (probably just a small dropper of bleach, haven't decided)
-water proof match case with strike anywheres
-Alox Soldier
-Byrd Meadowlark
-Titanium Innovations IlluminaTi
-4x Energizer Lithiums
-50ft of paracord
-Spare loaded mag for my work gun
-50 rds 9mm
-small first aid pouch with various bandages, ointments, BC powder, surgical tubing, etc

That's about what I've got so far. I may switch a couple items out for different makes but the overall setup will be the same. In addition I always have some basic tools in the truck. And water. I'm thinking I need to add a decent multi tool and maybe some duct tape. What do you guys think ?

 

[powernoodle]

You'll probably get lots of input. But I like to have bottled water (double sealed in 2x gallon ziplock in case of leakage), and a coffee can (and lid) with a roll of toilet paper inside. The latter is especially good if you have young kids, who like to go to the bathroom or throw up whenever possible. You can transport gas or water in the can too, and use it as a boiling pot. Also maybe a couple of energy bars, granola bars, etc. For the duct tape, consider Gorilla Tape, which is awesome.

Consider also convenience items (Tums, nail clippers, dental floss, chapstick, wet wipes, etc.), as you will probably never use your bug out bag in a true survival scenario, but you might want those convenience items on a daily or weekly basis.

If you aren't careful, you - like me - will end up with a giant plastic tote filled with all of your "necessary" items.

 

[jobasha11]

from a full sized sedan to a single cab pickup

Congratulations :thumbup:

 

[sideways]

Stuff to get your vehicle to wherever
- Stuff to change a tire
- Keep the tank above 50%, and have an empty can for transporting fuel
- Booster cables

Stuff to get you wherever
- Overkill amount of water
- Comfortable shoes
- Temperature appropriate clothing (sun hats, long sleeves, and sunscreen vs parkas, mittens, and balaclavas)
- Vaseline/hiking underwear to treat chafing and "compeed" second skin products to treat blisters
- change of socks
- Toilet paper

Skills to get you and your vehicle there
- Basic repairs
- Basic first aid
- You could take either skill set further

Food
- Stuff that will keep in your climate
- Stuff that is compact since as you say space is limited

Sleeping gear
- Sleeping pad, sleeping bag, tent/tarp/whatever
- Normally I would recommend having sleeping gear but if the kit really is designed to get you home in an emergency and home is within walking distance... you could save a little bulk here. If you live in a very hot or very cold environment I'd not skimp though.

*snip*
If you aren't careful, you - like me - will end up with a giant plastic tote filled with all of your "necessary" items.

Yup, I know the feeling.

 

[Bigfatts]

Good input so far guys. I will definately add the coffee can/tp to the list. Home is roughly 20 miles from where I work. So, I could walk it if I had no choice. I wear good shoes at work so that's not a concern. I always keep a hat/water/sunscreen in the car so I'm good there. Maybe some lady goods for my wife while I'm at it.

 

[sideways]

I forgot to mention having backup cell phones (either old ones you no longer use or a burner) and chargers. That one phone call will get you out of most situations.

 

[Les Snyder]

if an overnighter is a possibility... a 3 mil contractor cleanup bag to use like a bivvy bag along with your poncho... mosquito head net or good Deet insect repellent...Sawyer mini filter... Bic lighter and some petroleum cotton balls .. pack(s) of powdered GatorAde or other EGR... duct tape to pre tape possible hot spots on your feet

 

[gadgetgeek]

Given the temps that your truck cab is going to suffer, I'd go with a life-straw instead of bleach for water. if it comes down to you scavenging water, then you can guzzle it when you find it, instead of having to wait, then do another batch etc. With the chance that your bleach has been cooked away.

Get used to your truck, I used to work on so many vehicles where the owner didn't know the basics. preventative maintenance goes a long way, but so does knowing if you need a screwdriver or second elbow to change a bulb. Another thing to think about is high-vis stuff, does it have a reflector with the tire change kit? also a vest is a great investment. Lots of guys get hit while changing a tire, it amazes me that people don't see trucks, but it happens often enough to keep in mind. I recently bought my brother in law a cheapish LED strobe for his car, runs for 10 or so hours on a CR123, and gives a little more warning than just the 4-ways, and is a backup in case of electrical failure. If you wear dress clothes to work, a pair of cheapish coveralls could make reasonable backup cloths if you have to do some crawling underneath.

With a single cab truck it is going to be a challenge to keep everything possible in there, but by finding all the little nooks and crannies available, you should be able to turn the truck into its own big survival kit.

I think you are on the right track with your kit.