My Urban Survival Pack: improvement suggestions sought!

Hi Squid!
I'm glad to see that we share the same ideas!



Originally posted by Squid
Olivier:

Great post! Sounds like our philospohies are in tune with each other's. My goal is to get home as quickly and as safely as possible. No need for me to carry a full BOB...I'm not bugging out.
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There is an incredible amount of information here. A couple of thoughts...

I've found that instead of carrying one fleece jacket I've been better served by carrying 2 or 3 Thermax long sleeve tops. I mix and match colors (now that I'm not limited to brown) and I have the option of layering anywhere from 1 to 3. I like wear an xl but go up to a 2x to allow for movement. Putting a hole in the wrist area allows me to put a thumb thru like the Brits' "wrist over".

I wouldn't carry a poncho either. I would pack a parka, preferably black or navy. A little big is ok to allow for layering. If you can add a pair of Goretex pants you can wear your shelter.

I tailor my electronic equipment to a certain degree by battery it will use. I really like the Lithium AA. I have a AM FM Shortwave Weather radio that stays in the truck with 6 lithium AAs in it. If my flashlight goes dead it is nice to know I can use the batteries from my radio. There is also a device that allows you to charge a cell phone from AAs. I really like my Arc LS Led light. With a choice of Lithiums 123s or AAs it is very versatile.

There was some discussion about carrying a sharpening system earlier. One way around that that works for me is to take the small EZ Lap hones with the .75" x 2" hone that is glued to a plastic handle. I take the hone off of the plastic and glue it to a magnesium fire starter. One of these has ridden in the hone pocket of my Randall #1 5" for years. I can touch up the 5" and keep pocket knives razor sharp.

I also like to break my items down into smaller packages that can be carried simultaneously. While in battle dress I always carried certain items in my fatigues and on my belt. Then I had my LBE and then the ruck and then the extras in the vehicle.

I always carry a Sebenza with an Arc AAA on the lanyard. I am thinking about going to a CMG AA Ultra instead of the ARC because of the battery compatability. A cigarette lighter. On my keyring there is a Photon and one of those little pliers with the straight and philips screwdrivers and a good length of 55O cord braided into a rather long key fob.

Next level would be in a fanny pack. Pistol, ammo, bigger light Leatherman wave. Basic first aid stuff to include a serious pain killer, the strongest I can get. I have just ordered one of the Maxpedition Fat Boys.I will post my impressions.

Ruck sack with the rest of my gear, food and clothes and an Esbit stove. These little stoves and the fuel that goes with them have proven themselves to be worth their weight in gold to me in the past. A hot cup of joe is a huge morale booster.

As far as helping others... I agree that my priority would be getting back to my family and taking care of them. However I would have to live with myself and they would have to live with me. If I turned my back on someone in need I don't know if I could live with that. I would want someone to help my family if they were in need.

I hope that I've added a little something to this awesome thread.

Rick
 
since i have out playing army for a month now i have another suggestion-gallon and quart sized zipper plastic bags for water storage w/out the bulk of a canteen..also can heat the water up with the sun to make great min showers/baths when water and heat is not readily available...take care of the homefront people.
 
Been following this thread for several weeks now. Great amount of knowledge and ideas. Though I may have missed it, I don't recall seeing anything about including gloves in an USP. I always have a pair of cheap leather work gloves with mine. In my location the most likely senerio is a natural disaster of somekind, most likely tornado, storm damage and/or fire. Gloves would be highly desirable in moveing ruable, broken glass, sharp metal, etc while making an escape root out of a building. I also have a pair of latex surgical gloves in a small container. They are light, rollup small and could be usefull in a number of ways.
 
Hey, great to see this thread still aliv and contributing to all.

It reminded me to dig up one of my old posts (originally posted back in 2001 in the old Razor's Redoubt and here in BF.com) about layering my preparations. Anyway, while the actual items have changed a bit--whether due to better technology or ideas--you'll get the concept.

--- original post ---
3-Layered Urban Survival (UrbSurv) Kit approach

'Why 3 layers', you ask?

Well, my job doesn't permit me to carry my ALICE pack of UrbSurv gear with me everywhere I go. And, I'd be willing to wager a good percentage of you couldn't carry one with you everywhere either. And even if you could carry your kit with you (i.e. in your car, truck), you wouldn't be carrying it with you into a restaurant, bank, or business appointment--thus having no immediate accessibility to your kit.

So, I hedge my survivability odds with a 3-layered approach as follows:
Layer 1) ALWAYS on my person
Layer 2) ALWAYS accessible (i.e., within "easy" reach)
Layer 3) OPTIMALLY accessible (i.e., available to me in best-case scenario)

So, to give you an idea of what I'm talking about :

Layer 1: always on my person
- bandana
- cell phone
- folding knife (emerson cqc-7a)
- glowring (on keychain) (by traser, 10 year radiance, and enough light to read by in pitch dark)
- info "cheat sheet": bank acct numbers, important tel. numbers, insurance acct./tel. info, etc.)
- money (plenty of cash)/ID/credit cards
- phone card, pre-paid
- photon-II micro light (on keychain)
- sas compass (in wallet, fully functional and only 5mm wide, 15mm diameter!)

Layer 2: always accessible, in my briefcase, coat pocket, etc.
- ham radio ht (yaesu vx-5r with spare li-batt & aa-batt)
- multi-tool (leatherman wave)
- survival mini-kit in altoids tin (container for following)
. butane lighter (bic mini)
. condom (for water storage)
. bandaids (9 assorted sizes)
. duct tape (2"x3" taped to outside, 10 ft. 1/2" strip "sealing" the tin around the perimeter)
. iodine sterilization pads (4 pc.)
. iodine water tablets (6 pc.)
. jig saw blade, high carbon (3" section)
. internal strands from paracord (5 - 7-ft. lengths)
. matches, waterproof (with striker) (7 pc.)
. paper (waterproof) (3 3"x5" pg.) & pencil
. reflective mylar (from kiddie balloon, taped to inside lid of
. tin top for use as signal mirror)

Layer 3: optimally accessible
- This is the "full" Urban Survival Kit that everyone should have at their ready--whether at home or in the office. I don't want to start another thread UrbSurv Kit-thread, so go do a web search on "Survival" and "Preparedness" to see a wealth of information on the subject.

It is my belief that most of us naturally without even thinking about it, approach our UrbSurv in this fashion.

Obviously, different climates, urban environments, etc. are going to make your requirement differ from mine. However, I feel the concept is sound.
 
Originally posted by rnpollard
...snip... I am thinking about going to a CMG AA Ultra instead of the ARC because of the battery compatability. ...snip....

Rick
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Rick,
You might want to try and find the new Arc AA!!! It was a limited run, and the factory has sold out, but some dealers still have them
Mines on order

Charlie
 
What do you guys do when it comes to transportation? A bug out bag isnt much good if you cant bug out... or at least not a good distance! :p
 
Originally posted by MdBlades
Zippo instead of the disposeable lighter?
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The problem with the Zippo is that the lighter fluid can evaporate away in a short period of time since the fuel is not stored in an airtight container. Some people opt for Windmills. Disposeable lighters are just easier and cheaper to come by IMO.
 
I hope that people are still looking at this thread as its a bit old now, but as im new to the sight i have only just found it. As a result of this thread im putting together my own version of a USK but mine has to be an EDC kit cos im a student who doesnt have the luxury of an office. I wont bore you with what ive got in mine as most of its alredy been mentioned by other people.

As there are very few natural disasters here in the UK the main threat would be terrorist attack or fire. I use the metro (undergound train/subway) almost every day and i can remember seeing a tv program about a fire on the London underground and seeing horrific burn injuries. This has made me think would it be worth putting a lightweight nomex or other fire retardent material longsleve T and balaclava in the kit. I usually wear jeans so im not bothered about nylon melting and sticking to my legs. Arktis offer arange of fire retardent clothing which you can look at at www.arktisltd.co.uk[URL/].
 
Originally posted by parreich
As an amateur techie, I urge against the use of any knife to cut wires- household current can arc ten cm, much less the scant 1-2 cm of saftey that a knife provides.

A good pair of insulated wire cutters wieghs mere ounces and can be had for under $20 at your local hardware supplier.
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I remembered this thread Friday as I was purchasing some Klein tools - the counter guy (whom I've known for years) told me the local Fire Department is using/issuing the Klein 9" 2000 Series (made for cutting hard wire) for this use. Be aware, however, that these are not considered "insulated" pliers.

They picked up the Klein's after trying something "smaller."
 
What a superb post and a bunch of fine people as well!! Hello all first post here but have been reading for old posts for weeks now and have been modifying my PSK as money and time permits. I have learned a lot from you all and I say thanks!! While surfing I found a pretty neat little item from www.actiongear.com (ranger ricks special ops survival dogtags) great price $20 USD and fits well with the layering idea metioned above. anyone have it, used it etc? considering a couple and wanted feedback. again thanks to you all and lets keep this one going for us noobs.:)
 
Like weaponwoman, I also carry gallon zip freezer bags for water carry. The wife picked up a couple of small burlap bags that are 1'X1' with dual straps for handles that work great as a water carry bag in conjunction with the 1 gal. ziploc hd bags. They fold up small and can be used for numerous other food gathering duties as well.

Another item that hit my kit is the Doc Allen's Versatool. It's a cool little belt carry stainless steel tool kit that can add significant versatility to your kit along with your SAK or leatherman tool.
 
I like it. The pouch is the weakest link and it isn't that bad. I'm completely satisfied with the kit so far. It'll torque small screws in half, so it has enough for anything I'll use it for. The wife is so impressed with it (she bought the first one for me) that she's ordering a second one for her tool kit and maybe one for her duty (bug out) belt.
 
Try to splerge for a Surefire flashlight. They are small, bright as all hell, rock solid in case you have to use it as a weapon. They are a little bit on the pricey side but well worth the investment.

Not meaning any disrespect but you sound like you are going camping for weeks, not surviving due to life threatening consequences for days. Another important aspect would be to examine your retreat location and see what natural resources are available (shelter, water, temperature-summer/winter).

I would make a pistol available quite readily, obviously not in the office but definitely in your vehicle. I would opt for a glock 22/23, I am partial to the .40 S&W because it compromises between knockdown power and round capacity. Extra mags for the pistol you choose are a given. While we are on the topic of a pistol, understand the your likely opponent will not be wearing a bulletproof vest so choose some rapid expanding hollowpoints (light grain Hydroshocks or the like). That sums up my opinion.

Your are already one step ahead of most people, you are thinking ahead and not blindly relying on someone else to come to your rescue
 
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