Downtown Event Survival Kit

C

cardimon

Joined
Sep 20, 2000
Messages
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I am trying to expand upon the excellent Office Survival Kit.

How would you modify the kit's contents as discussed so far to attend an evening event, say, in downtown Philadelphia?

I'm asking because my wife and I were at the Free Library of Philadelphia at 1901 Vine on Monday to see Bruce Campbell, buy his new book, and get his autograph. He is totally cool and totally worth it.

I agonized for some time on what to take. We took the train in from Ambler. We each carried a bottle of water, which adds quite a little bit of weight to your carry.

Interesting observation: Everyone in downtown Philadelphia carries either a shoulder bag, briefcase, or backpack. So there's plenty of room for gear. But how much do you want to lug around?
 
I would add to the office kit a pair of swimmers goggles clear as in 911 many could not see for all the airborn debris. More than one N95 mask per person is also a good idea as they clog quickly. The masks with the exhilation valve on the front are best for the $.

A topo, street and transit map are needed to get out of dodge if need be.

Compass of course.

Small tactical colored LED light for reading and finding when not wanting to be seen.

Led headlamps are more versitile than large handheld lights.

At least a liter of water per person and puritabs to refill container.

I always carry $200 in small notes for emergencies and a role of quarters.

Prepaid calling card.

Shoes you can walk long distances in that will still go with workwear.

Light H2O proof poncho.

Change of socks never cotton worn or packed.

Liquid soap small tube disinfection.

Extra batteries.

Cell phone charged.

Small first aid kit for cuts and blisters, add moleskin.

Pain meds.

Extra prescription meds, insulin etc...

Immodium.

Nitrile gloves for safe handling, remember SARS.

25ft strong cord.

Ball cap.

A few erergy bars.

All this can be stored in a small space and weighs little.

SKam
 
My EDC backpack carries:
One liter of water,
One Pocket Survival Pack,
One mini-RSK Mk1,
Leatherman Supertool,
Two 20' lengths of 550 para cord,
One UK 4AA eLED flashlight
a Garmin Geko 301 GPS,
a Brunton baseplate compass (just add map),
a whistle,
a couple energy/protein bars.

That's all in the rear compartment. The main compartment is empty, waiting for something to carry.
 
most of the above mentioned stuff, + a can of bear spray (for hostiles while egressing from city core, plus a tactical rappeling belt, braided cable anchor strap, 2 carabiners, figure 8 rappel device, bail out rope for rappelling.
 
It’s very easy to carry too much stuff! Many will see the list that people suggest and give up. Since this is a blade forum I expect you have some interest in that area. You don’t need some Rambo type knife just something useful SAK, 4” locking bladed knife, or small sheath knife are all useful sized knives.
Water has been mentioned and needs to be carried be it as bottled water or something in your favorite water bottle. The 1 liter large mouthed Nalgene bottles with the Splashguard insert have a lot to recommend them. They are leak proof, dishwasher safe and almost indestructible. The large mouth allows ice to be added and drinks to be mixed easily in the bottle and cleaning them in the dishwasher makes them easy to live with. Add an Outdoor Research Water Bottle Parka and your water or drink will remain cold for hours.
Turning an accessory pocket or belt pouch into a first aid kit keeps it all together and makes it easy to switch between bags, packs or briefcases. A small compass, LED key chain light, fire steel and cotton tender along with TP, nail clippers and a small pair of tweezers make this first aid kit a little more versatile.
The rest is weather dependent but always includes comfortable shoes that I can walk in; a light fleece pull over and my everyday carry pocket stuff.
I also have a regular survival kit that that I have in a small fanny pack that I carry most days but I have designed my kits to be like an onion layer upon layer each layer getting bigger and more extensive.
The three main components of my kit layers (First Aid Kit, Water Bottle Parka and Bottle, Survival Kit) are easy to grab and can be put into any bag I choose to carry. Human nature dictates that it needs to be easy or you will not do it as often as you should. You will probably adjust what you carry the rest of your life starting with way to much stuff before you find the balance of what you need.
 
SheepDog said:
It’s very easy to carry too much stuff! Many will see the list that people suggest and give up.
Click to expand...


Ask the people on 911 or the blackout what they wished they had and it is not less than what they carried.

You plan for the unknown not the known and that usually causes more gear.

there are limits however. But having a water bottle, knife and led light only
ain't it.

We are talking an urban office type kit not a full blown BOB.

I think 5-7 lbs in a small bag or business type carry all is reasonable.

Skam
 
I think 5-7 lbs in a small bag or business type carry all is reasonable.

Skam[/QUOTE]
Exactly but how many people who are trying to prepare for the worst start out with 4-5 times that much stuff only to find they don’t carry it that much because its too big or weighs too much or is not packaged conveniently. I carry about 8-lbs. of water and gear not including my everyday carry stuff, which is the first layer in my onion analogy.
My every day carry stuff includes a non-gps cell phone, Zippo lighter topped off every week, Mora Knife, SAK, Cold Steel Voyager, LED Photon light, Fox 40 Classic (modified to make it smaller). Princeton Tec Impact II, wallet with Eze-Lap credit card sharpener, important numbers, credit cards, Band-Aids and magnifying card.
The other layers add to each other making a complete package that is very flexable.
I don't have to ask the 911 crowd or those that survived the black out I’ve seen the elephant and know what I need. Each time get to an added layer things get better for me. My truck and car have bigger kits in them the house is evaluated several times a year for equipment and readiness.
So you as you might have guessed are preaching to the choir!
But the gentleman asked what he should carry for and evening event in town and I still hold that most will tell him to carry too much stuff. What I told him to carry adjusted for individual taste, climate and situation is quite sufficient.
 
SheepDog said:
I’ve seen the elephant and know what I need
Click to expand...

Wonderful replies, everyone, I appreciate the input.

My curiosity is killing me, SheepDog, where did you get the "elephant" reference from?
 
In the great white hunters time once you had hunted elephants they say you have seen the elephant. They use to hunt them with black powder and I understand it could be fairly exciting not to mention athletic event trying to reload while dodging rampaging elephants. The military found that those who had hunted elephants did not get overly alarmed by such trivial things as battle and would explain it by saying oh well he has seen the elephant. In later times those who have seen combat are said to have seen the elephant. They are the old hands not likely to be panicked or stampeded by what is going on around them.
Me I have not seen an earth quake yet or at least not a very impressive one everything else I’ve had some exposure to. So I don’t have to ask what goes on during a disaster I know because I have seen the ELEPHANT!!
 
Exactly but how many people who are trying to prepare for the worst start out with 4-5 times that much stuff only to find they don’t carry it that much because its too big or weighs too much or is not packaged conveniently.
Click to expand...

True. convenience is an issue or it won't be carried.

Agreement is wonderfull ;) .

Skam
 
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