PSK's, BOB's, kits... interesting article

MrCoffee

MrCoffee

Joined
Feb 17, 2007
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Recently (or maybe not) there has been a ton of talk about BOB's and GHB (get home bags), PSKs and such. Years ago, I stumbled across an article on the French Outdoor Magazine (now sadly defunct), that impressed me not because of the gear, but the way the guy came up with his BOB. Being prepared based on his daily environment. it is his Philosophy that made the articles stand out to my mind.

Part 1: http://outdoors.magazine.free.fr/spip.php?article171
Part 2: http://outdoors.magazine.free.fr/spip.php?article172

If you read the article, you see that not only has he based his gear around what might come up, but also around what HAS happened, expereince. Something that a lot of people overlook. Evalutating your own equipment should be based on your daily environment.

So in thinking this thru, what specific items are you (or should you) have on you at all times, that are based on your environment?
 
very interesting article. awesome how this guy makes his kit.... me wants more muneyz to make my own kit :D
 
texastonydobbs said:
cool articles but in part 2 I really like the Batman leather sheath set up ...
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Well... LOL. I was actually thinking it took it a bit too far. But I liked the fact that he considered a lot of environmental considerations into account as he built his kit.
 
I have bookmarked those links for later study.

I too have a ham radio license and a couple of nice Yaesu HTs, but have gotten away from the hobby. In a true disaster scenario they would come in handy, esp if I was away from home. So I need to get back into that and reacquaint myself with the radios.
 
Thanks for the links, will read them indepth.

OutDoors Magazine is a GREAT source.

On line I even downloaded the Nessmuk book from their site once.

A GREAT RESOURCE!


There is no substitue for experience. A lot of times theory and field use are not the same thing.
I have literally been in two tornadoes, both of them hitting only yards away from where I was.
I have also been in 4 floods, 2 major, 1 so major that I-45 was blocked for SEVERAL miles. One flood was so bad that cars were abandoned on the freeway and I had to get around several road blocks using back streets just to get home that night.

Bad scene, but unless you have actually been through it sometimes you will not know how to react. I have had to use a fireplace before for warm and cooking during and ice storm that lasted several days, again, having a home kit in place is VERY important.

But just like having different knives for different uses, different kits for different uses applies as well; car kit, home kit, EDC, etc.
 
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I will have to read the articles later, but that lace-up knick knife caught my eye. Another great way to carry cordage.
 
Well i have to say kinda cool and kinda overkill. I mean, Wow. great to have all those things but then you are carrying an extra 30 lbs of gear everywhere. Im all for the boy scout motto of be prepared but also when you see a guy like that strolling down the street you have to admit it makes you laugh a little on the inside.
 
MrCoffee said:
Well... LOL. I was actually thinking it took it a bit too far. But I liked the fact that he considered a lot of environmental considerations into account as he built his kit.
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Speaking of environment, it's getting to be that time of year to bust out the winter trunk kit. I usually keep a blanket, change of clothes, shovel, FAK, food for a couple days, a set of overboots, an old pair of snowpants and other overgear. I've had pretty good luck leaving 6 or so thin walled bottles of water in there. Temps go well below 0° F at times, but never had a full-out burst. Nalgene bottles seem to do OK at about 3/4 full. Blew a couple up that were full once.

Usually try to keep a tow rope or chain, salt/sand/kitty litter, and a hatchet in there too. I live in Western New York, and you just never know when that lake effect is going to blow in. It's not if you're going to get stuck in your car this winter... it's just a matter of when.
 
powernoodle said:
I have bookmarked those links for later study.

I too have a ham radio license and a couple of nice Yaesu HTs, but have gotten away from the hobby. In a true disaster scenario they would come in handy, esp if I was away from home. So I need to get back into that and reacquaint myself with the radios.
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Yup, it is a good idea, even if you just grab the local repeaters and jump on the Ecomm ARES net once a month or so. They can be a great resource in a true emergency.
 
scotsmanspride said:
Well i have to say kinda cool and kinda overkill. I mean, Wow. great to have all those things but then you are carrying an extra 30 lbs of gear everywhere. Im all for the boy scout motto of be prepared but also when you see a guy like that strolling down the street you have to admit it makes you laugh a little on the inside.
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Yup, well smile at least... unless of course there happens to be a 6.8 earthquake going on...

Seriously thou, there was a couple of picks with his gear walking down the sidewalk etc and I personally couldn't tell he had that much stuff on him, just a oversized messanger bag and a bulky coat... well the hat, but it wasn't that strange looking.

I think he is in overkill mode for MY area, but for some? Who knows.
 
cool articles...:thumbup: Outdoors Magazine is a great source for info... i'll have to read it a little more later on.... we are currently in the middle of a big storm.. the first of the season... our boys school was closed today too...:o
 
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