My Urban Survival Pack: improvement suggestions sought!

My feeling, reading this thread, is that "being prepared" shouldn't be regarded only as an equipment issue. Okay, one will need some minimal equipment, but as in everything, the more knowledge and capacities you have, the less equipment you need...

My first advice -- so to speak -- would be to stay physically fit. I've seen severely obese people trying to run out of the twin towers in New-York... they just couldn't. They jammed those stairs and killed many people (including themselves) because of they were not fit. Be able to run for a while, and fast. Be able to climb and do some chin ups. Be able to crawl. Have some strength and endurance... Martial arts can also be useful.

My second advice -- still so to speak ;^) -- would be to have a good general culture. Know some basic physics. Speak the language. Know where you are (at least check the maps once in a while). Know the basics of first aid. Know how the human body and mind works... All the equipment in the world will never replace a good education (my grandfather dropped school in third grade, but he never stopped reading and learning by himself... don't blame the system if you're too lazy to be curious about the world).

Finally, my personal BOB contains:

- Leatherman Wave (great tool)
- Small roll of Duct Tape (can be used for just about anything, from reparing wires to holding a broken leg straight)
- 4-5 tie raps (the big ones, great for anything, and for handcuffing the average bastard)
- Lighter (2 good old, cheap Bics)
- Mini mag lite (AAA model... not very bright I'm blessed with a good natural night vision... touching wood)
- Bright colored bandana (a clean one, good for breathing protection, sun protection, first aid, making a torch, signaling, whatever)
- Wallet with an emergency 100.25$ hidden in it, my ID's and stuff (useful if they need to identify my body... :^1 )
- 12 hour cyalume stick

At home, I always keep:

- Alternate heating source (for both heating the house in winter and cooking): be EXTREMELY careful when heating yourself with fuel or anylike alike... It can poison the air with CO and kill ya...
- 3 days water supply for my family plus 3 other persons
- 3 days food supply
- A large, well garnished first aid kit
- Pump action 12 gauge with some serious ammo (magnum SSG and stuff...)

Best regards,

David
 
Hi guys!
BTW, I just began reading a book titled "98.6 The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive" by Cody Lundin. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
It's not so much a "how to build a fire" book (although he does cover a lot of basic skills), but more focuses upon the psychology and physiology of survival.
The thing that is stressed over and over again is the need for water, proper clothing and a positive mental attitude. I know a lot of people are going to read this and say, "yea, yea, I already know this stuff". I'm sure that you do -it's pretty common sense information. However, I came to a much deeper understanding of material that I already knew, and it has made me seriously re-evaluate my approach to emergency preparation.
It's kinda like telling someone not to go swimming at the beach because there are big fish with teeth out there. Okay, so what? (I ain't afraid of no fish.) At least not until they see a 2-1/2 ton Great White Shark hit a 600 lb Harbor Seal and lift it out of the water like a bass hitting a surface plug. Now, they understand what was meant by "don't go in the water". His book is kinda like that - it helps you understand the magnatude of the situation.(BTW, he's pretty funny too.)
I just wanted to throw this in because for most of us (myself included) there is a tendency to be way too into the cool toys and stuff, and not focused enough on mental preparation and developing the necessary skills to survive an ordeal.
Just my $.02. Great thread! Let's keep it going!
 
Been learning a bunch of stuff in this thread and have moved it to my favorites.

One suggestion that I think everyone's overlooked: A spare pair(or box) of contact lenes (if you wear them) or an extra set of glasses (again, if you wear them.) Also, a small bottle of saline solution for the contacts wouold almost be necessary.

You can get boxes of contact lenses at Visiondirect.com for a pretty good price, as long as you know your prescription.

Also, since my eyes are more sensative to light because of my contacts, I always have a backup pair in the truck, in case I misplace my regular ones. [edited to add: This was supposed to be about Sunglasses!]

Another thought... NEVER be without your car keys! I used to work in a huge undeground complex (well, started my new job last Monday), and the first fire drill we had made me realize that, if we did have an emergency, I wanted to be able to get home after I got out. I clipped my keys to a belt loop and tucked them in a back pocket to keep them from jangling.

It would suck to dig yourself out from underneath a building and see you car sitting pretty, waiting to take you home, then remember that your keys are in your desk drawer...

Hope this helps,

Grim/Don
 
One other...

IF we are talking the ability to get form point a to point b with a car/motorcycle... even a bike, I've got some comments to make!

If your one of the not so fortunate few that has to drive 45 minutes to get to work, you may want to consider some tools for the car! If there is an emergency going on I want out and FAST...

So in order for a car/bike to go, you must have tires... the motor as long as its running can supply power, even with spun bearings and other problems... but without tires your stuck.

Try to have a cig plug powered air compressor an a can of fix a flat... maybe more then just a can!

Extra fuel (even if its just ounces...) similar to what the hikers use for camp fuel... the orange can with a semi air tight seal!

A basic idea of how to fix something that breaks... and how far you can limp it.

DUCT TAPE! mans second best friend... instant fan belts, radiator hoses (0k so its a patch... not a whole hose...)

Extra water (drinkable) for the cooling system... one thing to remember is do not ever open the cap on the radiator if its over heating... the preasure is what keeps the water from turning to steam in the radiator, IE boil water on a mountain... boil water at sea level... boil water bellow sea water...

On late model cars, the brakes have dual resivours, meaning the front one can go out, and you still have brakes. normally the front res. services the front left, and right rear. Oposite for the rear res.

Auto transmissions function by using fluid preasure to force clutches together, and to shift. Keep visegrips handy in case you have to crush the cooling lines if there is a leak. The other that can work is if you have a high preasure hose, and two hose clamps you can loop the system, in to the out... clamped!

Manuals have gear's and shafts... you physically mesh the two to form a bond that allows power transfer to the differential. As long as these have oil... and the clutch is working you can move, if the linkage gets screwed up, its possible to jack the drive wheels off the ground and fool with the linkages until you get a forward gear.

Differentials... they normally will work even with clunks, grinds, and whines. Keep oil in them and they last a good long while!

Wheel bearings... your car the faster you go creates more friction on the wheel bearing, they have been known to get hot enough that the spindle melts off... :eek: keep these greased!

brake pads... hard to stop without them... with a manual you can use the friction and compression of the engine to slow down... Just not rapidly!

Note: Engines without oil will run... just not long!

No warranty expressed nor emplied! :eek:
 
I second weaponwoman's suggestion of documentation (and I don't find it surprising that a woman has the foresight to suggest such a practical item, meanwhile all the testosterone-filled Spike TV watchin' he-men, myself included, are thinking of items to fend off the wolverines). Make copies of your SS Card, passport, and all health related documents for yourself and your family, and keep them safe and dry - I did the same for my trip to Africa, and am so glad I did it....

Also, someone brought up the cell phones being dead in NYC during 9/11 and the blackout. I suggest throwing a $20 calling card into your pack. I had to deal with both events in NYC (I'm damn tired of making that trek across the bridge, but my feeling is I better get used to it at least one more time), and my cell didn't work for the better part of two days on both occasions.

If you've got Motorola talkabouts or similar devices, make sure you coordinate with the other members of your family the channel you'll use and make sure they carry it on their person, no use having one without the other...

As far as clothing's concerned, I'm a huge fan of Dri-fit/wicking shirts and socks - light and easy to clean, and particularly good in this heat. 3 pairs of socks and 3 shirts (one to wear, one to wash, and one reserve)
 
forgot to mention it first time-keep copies of all near and dear family members birth certificate, innoculations. school records on some form of digital format. if loved ones in another city experiece a disaster or grown kids (like mine) are on active duty and called suddenly, grandparents will want to go get their grandkids and will need id and documentation. also guys-the sewing kits and small manicure sets can make mini-surgical kits, and they pack lighter than say. an adventure medical kit, one of each u can keep in a jacket pocket or glove box. throw a micra or mini-tool and a small one bladed knive and the cops will usually overlook that. and your wife will have a very basic survival kit. as for helping others, i have more training than the average female and i know my husband can fend forhimself, but with my training paid for by your tax dollars and my own moral compass, i will stop to help the elderly, and women with kids and kids bny themsei figure the big macho guys can take care of themselves. if we dont protect the weak, how can we call ourselves strong?
 
Weaponwoman,
I agree that the strong should help those less able to care for themselves. In a civilized culture, it is not an option, but a moral obligation.
However, in some circumstances, it is not possible to help another person. For example: If there was a major terrorist event and you were hoofing it home, and you had three quart bottles of water to get you there(and no more available). What good would it do to give your water away to a mob of 500 people? Each would get a sip, not enough to prolong their life at all. You, however, would then collapse and die the following day from dehydration, leaving your family without you and the things that they need from you.
However, that is not to say that you should not share what you have on a small scale - taking in an orphaned child for instance and caring for them. Kids are helpless. Adults are not. Any adult that fails to prepare at least minimally will probably improve the gene pool by dying. The world has enough stupid people already.
I guess what I'm saying is that you must step outside of your emotions and think in a cold, logical manner before acting. Otherwise, you'll exhaust your own supplies, and really do no good at all in the process.
 
I appreciate the thought and care that has gone into this thread. I'd like to add a personal anecdote. Two+ years ago I was working @ a job w/a 1-1 1/2 hour commute. Somehow I managed to lose my vehicle key w/its attached CPR mask! How, I'll never know!:mad: :rolleyes: So after calling the wife to bring a spare to me, AND taking her to dinner;) , I now carry (daily) a spare truck and house key in my watch pocket. Stupidly simple, but then the good ideas usually are, in my experience, at least.:D :D

Drew
 
I second the suggestion about maps of the area, preferably regional. Something which highlights ALL the transport links and ALL the possible variations to the transport routes you can use to get home. Twin this to REGIONAL public transport timetables for buses/trains. I've been in a couple of situations where the local transport links crashed and in one I actually found I could get home quicker if I walked a couple of miles in the opposite direction to catch a different train home from a different station. Another time I had to walk out of a city and knowing the public transport routes in an unfamiliar area saved me a long walk.
A bike would of been great and I second HSO's suggestion. Have a word with your building supervisor and see if you can keep it at the base of your most likely fire exit. Or of course keep it in your car; there are some great folding bikes on the market these days. If you think you can get home quicker you maybe wont need to carry such a long duration BOB.

For torches look at these threads over on CPF regarding the East coast blackout: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/ub...umber=312521&page=&view=&sb=5&o=&fpart=1&vc=1

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/ub...Old=3weeks&Main=315026&Search=true#Post319439

Basically long duration came out on top of power so maybe ditch the incandescents and look at LED’s.

Lastly you may want to think where you keep your BOB whilst your working. When the IRA bombed Manchester city centre in ’96, the alarms went off and we all evacuated from where we stood. Many staff had to leave their belongings behind because bags/purses/coats where kept in the staff locker room. The men were generally ok as we tend to keep our wallets/cellphones with us, but the women tended to keep their purses/cellphones in their lockers and we had to lend them the money and phones to get home. A BOB is of no use if its at your desk on the sixth floor and the alarms go off when your at a colleagues desk on the fourth floor. Like the bike, you could leave it the base of your most likely fire exit (with the bike?) so it’s the last thing you grab as you leave the building.
Lastly, I cant agree with RokJok, I think we have a duty to help others. I did when the above situation occurred. I didn’t get all the money back I loaned out and my cellphone bill was HUGE but I’d do it again, no problems.
 
I put together a pretty decent (I think) BOB 'system' a while ago. It was centered around the idea of getting to 'the woods' and staying there for a while if the SHTF. But the more I think about it, the more I relize that where I live (Philly) it's really gonna' take some doing to get anywhere AWAY from civilization and that maybe a more URBAN based Kit would make a great deal more sense. More of a 'Get Me Home' (or at least get me away from the 'big city') Kit.

I'm currently putting together this kit. It's not done and I may 'whitle' away some of the extra stuff, so that I can try to EDC this Kit with out TOO much trouble.

Here's my current list:

Urban Survival Kit:

• Communication
o Spare Cell Phone Battery
o Whistle
o Phone Card

• Tools
o Pen
o Zip Ties
o Lighters
o Knife Sharpener
o Duct Tape
o Pry bar (smallish)
o Rubber bands
o Paracord
o Screwdriver (longish, reversible philips/flat)
o Multitool (spare)
o SAK (spare)
o Sewing Kit
o Safety Pins
o Plastic Bags (various sizes, freezer-contractor)
o LED Lights (2 spares)

• Documents
o ID
o Health Insurance Cards
o AAA Cards
o Passport
o Credit Cards
o Social Security Card
o Emergency #’s
o Cash
o Maps
o Bus/Subway Schedule

• Transportation
o Spare Keys
o Bus/Subway Tokens

• First Aid
o Suture Kit (basic)
o Band-Aids (various sizes)
o Ibuprofen
o Handkerchiefs
o Contact Lens Solution/Case
o Spare Glasses
o Ear Plugs

• Self Defense
o Ammo for EDC
o Knife (spare)
o Pepper Spray

• Food & Water
o Granola Bars
o Candy
o Water Bottle


Edited to add: All this would be in addition to my regular EDC Gear: (BM 806D2 AFCK, SAK Tinker, Cell Phone, Space Pen, Pistol, Vic SwissTool X, LM Squirt P4, Fox 40 Whistle, Windmill Lighter, Photon II, Bandana, Ti CC knife, Cash, Credit Cards, Spare Keys, ID, Health Ins Cards, AAA Card, other knives, etc...)

Any thoughts on what I'm MISSING, or what I DON'T need?

Thanks,

-John
 
blastjv,
Good post. In answer to your question, here are a couple of suggestions-not in any particular order.
First, lose the suture kit. Stitching one's self up in the field is an idea made popular by Hollywood. It's actually a fairly dangerous practice because you have no access to X-Ray equipment and therefore run a real possibility of closing up a wound that has dirt or other infection creating stuff inside. Irrigate it with peroxide, (Or even clean water, if necessary), slap on some Neosporine and then put it back together with a sterile dressing and a pressure bandage.
Second: I STRONGLY suggest the addition of a SureFire hand held tactical light for the reasons outlined earlier.
Third: Add some means of purifying water. Even in the city you may be able to collect water (during rainstorms, from ponds in parks, puddles and toilet tanks and bowls from public restrooms.) You will have to purify it, however for it not to make you either violently ill or violently dead.
Fourth: Get a good pair of lightweight hiking boots (my preference here is Vasque) and several pair of hefty wool sox - you may end up doing a lot of walking.
Fifth: Add a Polartec fleece garment to your bag for all but the hottest summer months. They pack small, weigh practically nothing and will keep you warm down to around 35-40 degrees without a shell, and 25-30 degrees with one.
Also consider replacing the candy bars with power bars instead. They will metabolize slower and will be less likely to cause you to get all hypoglycemic a few hours later when the sugar rush wears off. You, however, know best how your body reacts.
Great thread!
 
Moine,I take exception to some of your post.I happen to be "obese" I felt insulted by your post.I agree that being in shape has a high value in any survival situation.Medically healthy,as well as physical conditioning.I am what I am,so my survival situation would be harder on me due to that factor.However,I notice you say your location is France,and you speak of 9/11 as if you were in the towers.Please tell me where this information came from that obese people blocked the escape routes in the stairwells killing many people.It's one thing to look down on fat people,but now claiming they killed people at the WTC because of being obese?I have seen many thin people that could not keep up on a run with someone overweight fyi!I have a cousin and an Uncle whom were Fire Marshalls on scene that horrible day,so I will question them when I see them for the facts.I have not heard in any of our previous dicussions about obese people being a big cause of loss of life blocking stairwells.Please post the source of these facts.
 
Brommeland,

Thanks for the input.

1 - Suture Kit: you're probably right, I don't have the experience to make good use of it. I just wanted to try to cover the necessities for the type of serious injury that need to be fixed NOW! I don't have one anyway, but it was on my list...

2 - Surefire: I figured that it made more sense (and took up much less space) to have a few Photon LED's. I understand all the Tactical advantages to a powerfull, blinding light, but I was looking more at saving space and longevity. I will consider the Surfire further, I have owned a few over the years.

3 - Water Purification: THANKS!!!!! I should have thought of that. I have WP Tabs in my other, HUGE BOB, but they do make sense in an USK, too. Great idea.

4 - Boots, and Socks: Great idea. I always try to wear comfortable shoes that I can walk a good long way with, but I don't always wear hikers. I would definately grab them if I could, but I am trying to put together a Kit that I can (usually) EDC in my Daily Backpack (I'm back in school currently). A pair of boots would take up way too much room for my purposes, but they're the first thing I'll put on if I can make it home and then have to continue North.

5 - Polartec Fleece: Of course!!! 'nuff said!

6 - Power Bars: Will do.


Thanks again,

-John

Keep the Ideas coming. This is a very valuable Thread, one of the best I've come across.
 
One more comment...

Double sided tarps/blankets... one to be seen the other to hide? Just in case... :eek:
 
To second (or third) Brommeland's post, powerbars are great for a number of reasons:

1) As mentioned, they metabolize slower than regular old snickers bars

2) They tend not to upset the stomach even during strenuous activity (this is the only thing i can eat prior to my long marathon training runs that won't cause me to make a pitstop along the way)

3) They're compact. And their crush factor is minimal. They're pretty flat as it is, but additional smushing won't cause it to break up into pieces.
 
blastjv,
One possible way to handle the bulk issue associated with boots is to wear them. I live in a very hot climate(FL), but wear lightweight Vasque hiking boots all the time with nice thick wool socks. It took maybe a week to get used to the extra warm feet, now I don't notice it at all. In the work that I do, I am standing and/or walking on concrete all day. It makes a HUGE difference. Thanks!
 
Originally posted by Moine
.snip...My first advice -- so to speak -- would be to stay physically fit. I've seen severely obese people trying to run out of the twin towers in New-York... they just couldn't. They jammed those stairs and killed many people (including themselves) because of they were not fit. ...snip...

David,
Hate to Agree and disagree - be in shape IS important, BUT I can tell you that they did NOT jam up the staircases and kill otheres, for the simple fact that almost EVERYONE who was below the impact floors came out alive. They did maps of it at the time. Basically, if you don't count rescue personnel, a few disabled people (wheelchairs and the like), the number of dead below those floors numbered in the dozens

Charlie
 
oh...

SUPERGLUE!

If you've got a big long slice.. that might help if you just tacked it together...

and for shoe repair... and most anything else!
 
Originally posted by TOMBSTONE
Moine,I take exception to some of your post.I happen to be "obese" I felt insulted by your post.

Well, I'm sorry I insulted you. My point was not particularly pointing at obese people, just 'unfit' people in general. I agree that being obese is not necessarely equal to a poor physical shape... but hey, you must admit that carrying fifty pounds (or more) of fat won't help you run faster or climb easier... That's just pure physics.

I am what I am,so my survival situation would be harder on me due to that factor.

Depends of the situation. If the ennemy is cold (cold water, cold wheather, whatever), the fatter you are the better. However, generally speaking, being in good physical shape does help a lot to survive most challenging situations.

However,I notice you say your location is France,and you speak of 9/11 as if you were in the towers.Please tell me where this information came from that obese people blocked the escape routes in the stairwells killing many people.

I was not in the towers. I've seen everything on TV, just like the entire world did (over and over, for about three months in a row). To me, it's pretty obvious that if everybody had been in shape, over there, it would have taken less time to evacuate victims. It's not a political assault on fat people, it's just my opinion. Of course you have the right to disagree with me. I wasn't there, I know nothing, you name it. I don't care.

Being obese is not a crime. It's not inevitable either. I sincerely believe that it's possible to do something about it, at least for most fat people. Some forms of obesity are incurable illnesses or are genetical disorders. But hey... don't tell me 30% of americans are incurable ;^) Eat some real meat, veggies, and cut down on french fries ;^) Lift some weights (muscles burn calories when growing), do some aerobics (start slow, have fun). It'll work. Really.

Best regards,

David
 
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