My Urban Survival Pack: improvement suggestions sought!

MelancholyMutt's last post was dead on IMO. The almighty dollar will solve a lot of problems.
 
In addition to the lighter and lightstick I'd add some fire starters, you know half wax half wood chips... Also a fire extinguisher, blanket, tarp of some kind, change, a phone card, a towel, and make sure you have lots of extra batteries. I keep an Esbit stove and fuel tabs around. Also I put all of my important documents (car title, passports, lease, credit card #s, insurance cards, emergency #, etc.) all in one place.
 
Wow terrific thread...

I worked security in building all over SF..since this thread was started by a man from there...

There is more to say than I have time to write about escaping from that environment to get home. SF is a conglomerate of tiny communities. Navigating them safely from downtown would be tricky.

One of the huge problems, as I see it, in this case specific to SF earthquake disaster...is the rubble one would have to negotiate...specifically glass shards.
Good bots, glasses,gloves...a must. Hard hat is a good idea...but what idf somebody mistakes you for resuce personnel? Maybe a different style of cover is needed.

Anyway...like I said there's a bunch more here than I can comment on in one post...

I liked everybody's lists...good stufff...

If I had one thing to add to them it would be a...

Sponge.

Shane
 
There are a few comments I'd like to add...
Having a BOB is not enough. A realistic destination is needed. Going into "the mountains " may not be your best option. Can you stay with friends or relatives that are out of harm's way for awhile even if you have to pitch a tent in their back yard and eat your own food? What about heading to a KOA or state park. They have facilities you can rely on. A practical destination is the most important part of your bug out plan.
All members of your family should know what to do and where to go for a rallying point. Communication is essential.
Have enough gas in your car to get out. Top up regularly. Keep a jacket, TP and a water bottle or two in your car for a possible overnight stay on the way out. You can take more but this is a minimum and should do in most cases.
And the most important point I can make is that for most if not almost all scenarios the best option would be to shelter in place.
What are the Las Vegas odds on Armageddon or even a nuclear strike? A terrorist attack may only effect a small area. Heading to the hills may not be a good idea and only get you caught up in a chaotic and dangerous mass panic. You should think about what disaster would most likely happen to YOU and prepare for that.
In our case the most likely disaster ( we live in the outer burbs of DC) is a winter storm that knocks out all power, water, heat and makes roads impassable for two weeks. Two weeks of SIP preparedness should get us through most other scenarios too.
... be realistic about your risks and prepare for what is most likely rather than what will never happen.
 
To an extent you are correct . I have been through just that with an ice storm 4 day power outage in -20 degree weather . We sheltered in even when the police wanted us to move to a warm shelter . a camp stove candles ,me, wife and kid all in same bed . We were not snug as bugs in a rug . It was better and less disruptive than what we would have had elsewhere .

Personaly I don,t think a B:O:B is a bad idea . As long as this is applied within reason . Learning to survival camp and hone primitive skills gives people a respect for nature and themselves that may be missing from their lives .

Certainly I also do not think the unthinkable wquld happen where it would be so bad as to need to re-locate . As long as it is viewed as a learning experience and hopefully a lifestyle change I do not see harm in it .
 
A bob is not just for wilderness bug out. Its for any emergency relocation where time is important.

Lets say those millions on the road from New Orleans got trapped on the highway in traffic as the hurcaine came in and the only route out was on busses in mass quantity, (almost happened). What would you bring or what could you organized in 2 minutes? NOt much when your life is stuffed into a trunk and not organized.

A BOB is ready and able to sustain you in any environment and it changes whith the seasons and likely threats faced in your area.

It should contain all needed papers, legal documentation, innsurance, contact names and numbers, related health issues(meds). Proper clothing and the ability to make shelter and procure the basics like clean water. SOme basic first aid stuff and non perishable convenience foods.

Maps (topo and street) and nav gear, lights and protective gloves. Extra glasses and cell phone batteries. Hygene items.

All this in a bag (backpack is best) that can be reasonably carried a distance.

the ability to grab it and go with little notice and EVERYONE in the family should have one packed and ready, suitable to THEIR needs and abilities.

This is not EDC gear this is leaving your world behind and going into the unknown gear.

BTW I see 72hrs as a mistake it should be a week after recent events.

Skam
 
Guys -

Still a great thread. May I suggest scanning your important documents and storing on one of those tiny USB Flash Memory Cards? Very portable. If powers out and computers are down, back up is to carry copies of the docs, laminated in clear plastic, or at least in a freezer bag.
 
Since San Francisco just banned possession of handguns and ammo, I couldn't recommend the Glock and mags either. That said, I don't live in SF and my USK definitely includes defensive firepower. Look at New Orleans for justification.
 
A small bicycle would give you greater mobilty, can be lifted over rubble or carry a load .Just make sure you have a locking device , spare tube's and tire and patch kit. In hilly area's a multi gear would make it easier to travel.Look around college's You can find some great deal's
 
i guess diffrent situations whould need diffrent things
lets say zombies attack. what whould u grab for defence or aliens came to fk us up what whould u do then. I guess the best thing whould be is think of what u whould do befor it hapends and be redy for every thing, a knife is always the first tool
u say u dont need a gun. thats ok the ones with gun wont come to save youre sorry ass. cant go wrong with some buck shot
thats my opinion
pease and look out for big foot
 
Most of this sounds good, but if you are obviously well eqipped, you will be the one that get's in harm's way by the people who are in need at the time. Would you not fight for survival gear if your life depended upon it?. Personally, in an urban setting, I would only carry a small unobvious bag/briefcase and have everything else stuffed into my pockets, belt packs and a slim pack to carry under a heavy shirt & jacket. Hunker down and blend in or get to a safe enough location and blend in their!. I do carry season orientated gear with me at most times and I find an urban setting the hardest to plan for!. Surviving outside and with wild animals can be predicted, but people cannot be predicted. Human's are the worst "living thing" on earth to deal with!. If I were in desperate need, I would take your gear in any way that I could, be forewarned this is human nature, you would too!. In an urban environment, the best you could do, is find a group of other's and become a helping part of that group and look out for one another, share your radio & misc items, until things calm down enough to get back to your friendly's!. Do carry a knife, and a gun if you can, but keep them undercover until forced to use them!. The main things again, blend in and hunker down with your gear hidden on you as best as possible, only your water and a small "carry" should be visable and if things get that bad they will not last long!, heck you would not last long if your shoe's or jacket were wanted by the bag guys!. Good-Luck All!!...
 
ottoluck said:
Most of this sounds good, but if you are obviously well eqipped, you will be the one that get's in harm's way by the people who are in need at the time. Would you not fight for survival gear if your life depended upon it?. Personally, in an urban setting, I would only carry a small unobvious bag/briefcase and have everything else stuffed into my pockets, belt packs and a slim pack to carry under a heavy shirt & jacket. Hunker down and blend in or get to a safe enough location and blend in their!. I do carry season orientated gear with me at most times and I find an urban setting the hardest to plan for!. Surviving outside and with wild animals can be predicted, but people cannot be predicted. Human's are the worst "living thing" on earth to deal with!. If I were in desperate need, I would take your gear in any way that I could, be forewarned this is human nature, you would too!. In an urban environment, the best you could do, is find a group of other's and become a helping part of that group and look out for one another, share your radio & misc items, until things calm down enough to get back to your friendly's!. Do carry a knife, and a gun if you can, but keep them undercover until forced to use them!. The main things again, blend in and hunker down with your gear hidden on you as best as possible, only your water and a small "carry" should be visable and if things get that bad they will not last long!, heck you would not last long if your shoe's or jacket were wanted by the bag guys!. Good-Luck All!!...
Click to expand...

Agreed, well said.
Welcome to the forums.

Skam
 
Thanks scammer, this was my first post here. I hang out at the Machinist Forum, then found out about the CandlePower Forum, now found you all!. I don't know, three forum's, where the heck am I going to find the time to get into my three area's of interest?. I am a Journeyman Toolmaker, a flashlight nut and I have collected Victorinox brand swiss army knives for 20+ years. I picked up a Kershaw speed safe knife with the Sears Craftsman brand name on it, awesome piece, I love it. When I use it in public, I make it a bit obvious and people just look at me after seeing it open superfast, like a switchblade. All I say is, it's a Craftsman, and they cannot believe it. At least Sears did something right selling this knife!. In my car I use a gut hook 4" Schrade straight blade, looks innocent, but it is a killer!. It still has blood on it from a deer I had to finish off!. If you carry a flashy fighting knife the cops will mess with you. I have shot handguns in combat competition and did very well years ago. I love solo canoe trips, kind of like survival when your on your own!. I have been well versed in survival for the last 20+ years, and like I said - human's are a bitch to deal with - blend in, wear old clothes, if you stand out, you will be out!!...
 
Sam Splints.

These are a great little item for the bag. Probably not necessary for the "in the pockets" list, but a great one for the bag.

S.A.M. stands for Soft Aluminum Metal, it is a length of very soft bendable aluminum covered in closed cell foam. When you open it up, and put some bends along it's long axis it become stiff enough to use a splint. With some creativity and an ACE bandage you can take care of LOT of bracing/wrapping/splinting/Macgyverism's.

Get the one that is packaged flat.

www.samsplint.com

Lunumbra

p.s. if you poke around on their website, you'll find some diagrams and video's that will help you see the possibilities.
 
I'd consider a Becker Tac Tool as opposed to the Companion. It's designed to function as a pry bar, also how about a head lamp. Keep both hands free. In a earlier post someone mention the Camelbak HAWG. They are good strong packs and hold alot for the size. I suggest black. Stay away from military looking gear. In the aftermath of an attack or disaster you don't want to stand out you want to blend. I'm a retired LEO and also retired National Guard. If I were on duty after an attack or disaster people looking all commando would definately attract my attention. It can also attract preditors. They see military looking gear and they may think that there is something worth taking. Another goods strong pack for a low price (About $20.00 or <) is the German Mountain Ruck from Cheaper Thank Dirt. They come in black and don't quit have that military look. I'ne got a green one its tough as nails.
 
randjack said:
... 2 1/2" 18g injection needle... and 6 10mg Methadone tabs...
Click to expand...

The legality is NOT a problem if you plan (generally). You can get prescriptions for numerous medications as well as medical "supplies". I know back when I was in university, this was done. We would go to the travel clinic. They provided scripts for syringes, needles, IV tubing, antibiotics, etc... for travel in places where medical supply might be sub-optimal. The syringes and needles were in large pill bottles with the script sticker on the bottle.

The narcotics can be difficult...methadone especially...but not impossible. If you have an MD write a script, you won't have a problem. It is getting the script that may or may not be difficult.

Long story short, you can do it...for yourself.

In addition to some of what has been said, I too would carry a gun, a flask of EtOH beverage, some antibiotics (a quinolone for sure and others), some anti-emetics, and a hand held thermal electro-cautery ("burner Bovie"...it's battery powered). I know there is a AARON "change a tip" replace a battery model, there are also disposable models(http://www.aaronmed.com/enproductscauthigh.html).
 
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