Thoughts on my BOB. Need input

[CShepherd]

Kids freak out over not getting to watch their favorite show on TV, and they pick up on the emotions of those around them real quick, which just adds to everything. I can't imagine how bad it will be for our daughters twins. I've included feel good stuff for them. They are still very young, but have favorite toys and as that changes, I'll change what's in the BOB. A favorite blanket, pillow, book and food will all help her and your wife get through the fear and panic sessions much easier, not to mention you, because it just seems that the guy is the one that stresses over everything, especially when he can't do anything to help.

Ear plugs may be needed, a mask for each of you that will filter biological hazzards, surgical gloves, protective glasses and other protective gear.

I don't know if I would have your daughter drink too much iodine. Pick up some of the Katadyn Micropur MP-1 water purification tablets. They are the best you can use.

Do you and your wife shoot/own guns? If you are forced to walk the streets with the masses, or are bugging out in your vehicle, there will always be those that will be preying on the people that seem to have their stuff together. You will want to be able to protect your family. Too many will hope that there are plenty of law enforcement around to protect them, but in an emergency, that responsibility belongs to you and your wife.

Hadn't thought about toys or anything for the little one yet. Have to get something together. She loves to color so that might work.

The Iodine tabs are a last resort as I prefer to use the MSR waterworks filter.

We do own and shoot guns and the Glock 23 and a Mossberg shotgun are part of the plan. Neither my wife or I have any qualms about defending ourselves or our family. Never been an issue. Don't own a decent rifle for that purpose yet but am hoping to remedy that in the somewhat near future.

Thanks,

Charles

 

[CShepherd]

One thing, I didn't notice and forgive me if I missed it.

Is a supply of prescribed meds and glasses or contacts back up.

Many people often forget about entertainment. I know alot of us can stare at a glock for 24 hours straight but I have found after 3 days of staring it does get a little boring. I pack some books.

Also, it is great to be prepared and I am as well but it is just as likely that all your gear could be destroyed. It is important to mentally have a plan that takes that into account. Where can you get gear, food and higher caliber weapons in a spontaneous situation iin your area?

Good catch on the meds but luckily at this time we don't have any, nor do any of us wear glasses or contacts. But as we continue to age I'm sure that will change.

Hadn't thought about entertainment at all but it's a good option.

As this BOB grows I'm honestly thinking of dividing it into 2 kits. One, the absolute essentials that can be carried on my back in case of overland evac and an additional rough tub with the non-essentials such as entertainment and backups that can be thrown in the vehicle to suppliment from if we have to do an car evac. That kit would contain canned food, additional water, more of pretty much everything. More fuel for the MSR stove and such as well.

Have definetely thought of the problems if everything was destroyed, which would likely be the case in a tornado. Unfortunately we have warnings that severe storms are coming but now on tornado due to their relative short lifespan in this part of the country.

Charles

 

[longbow50]

Have definetely thought of the problems if everything was destroyed, which would likely be the case in a tornado. Unfortunately we have warnings that severe storms are coming but now on tornado due to their relative short lifespan in this part of the country.
Charles

Have you given thought to the possibility that you and your wife can become separated and either one of you could have the child? Or, that your daughter will need to be carried? These are a couple of situations that have required my attention and basically each adult needs to carry enough to take care of not only themselves, but the child as well and if the child is an infant, that can become a lot of bulk and weight, though diapers can be reduced by using the old method and washing them out, but food requirements, unless mom is the primary source, will take up a lot of room and could add considerable weight.

Also, you might consider letting your daughter carry a little something in a backpack. It will keep her busy and will give her a sense of being important and grown up too.

 

[Merek]

If you have room in your pack for 10 gallons of gas than why not a FULL roll of duct tape?

Then only things I would add are a good basic mechanic's tool set and a basic home toolbox. Hammer, pliers, visegrip, hacksaw, multi-head screwdriver, adj wrench, file, etc. Toss in a mix of screws, nails, bolts, hooks, wire, heavy string (trot line), a Bic lighter, hose clamps, electical tape, zipties (I love zipties!) and other assorted multi-use hardware. For vehicle carry of course....your multitool is better for a pack. Zipties are very light and way useful for camping.

You say you have a lot of streams and rivers. One of my bug-out bags includes a compact set of basic fishing gear: assorted hooks, split sinkers, 3-prong frog gig and several weights of line (@50ft+ wrapped on cardboard).

Tornados do not destroy everything. Just seems like it. Unless it is a terrorist instigated twister, emergency services will be around shortly, though you can make your family (and others) more comfortable if you are prepared. My grandparents always kept extra stuff around 'just in case'. They had things to share with the community when there was any crisis from a loss of a job to a flood or fire. Their stock was organized and rotated. They helped a lot of people.
Bugging out to the hills and believing everyone will be out for themselves will not be the reality. The vast majority of people will quickly come together and put it all back nice and neat.
Prepare to be comfortable.

 

[modalnot]

I probably missed it, but did you include a cell phone and a way to recharge it? A lot of those crank radios have an adapter for cell phones. (or something called a sidewinger, or a AA battery based charger) If nothing else, a cell phone might be good way to let family know you are ok.

Perhaps from reading the book 'the road' i was thinking about a 2 or 4 wheeled cart for the packs and/or kids when they are tired, if you guys do in fact end up walking. Maybe a really tough double stroller that you can use with the kid on the weekends ???

 

[DaleW]

I read some threads on a hiking forum after Katrina hit and we all were of the mind that our hiking kits were perfect for post-disaster use. Having a plan to walk out is good, as the same kit can be tossed in your vehicle if that is an option. People go hiking for three days (72 hours) with little effort at all, so it's not like it takes a lot of specialized survival gear. You can fill the food selection to suit your needs and preferences.

A good hiking kit will have a small efficient stove, water carriers, water filter, persaon hygiene items, bug repellent, sunscreen, and first aid. I think the real advantages are weight and comfort of carrying. With the toddler at hand, it would be easy enough for one person to carry 3/4 of the gear and the other can carry the toddler in a child carrier and the remainder of the gear-- the first part of that 1/4 being water, psk, and first aid.

With ultralight gear, you can get a three day load to about 20-25 pounds per adult. People have walked the long distance trails like the Pacific Crest and American Adventure, so walking out of a disaster area is concievable. A solo hiker in top condition can do 40+ mile days in mountain wilderness. I could see an average person doing a couple 20 mile days and slow up/rest after that.

Things to add:
Iodine tablets designed for radiation exposure (with the nuclear "neighbor" you have in mind)
Chlorine dioxide tablets and liquid for water purification. It is very effective and it also works very well for storing large quantities of water and removes the "stale" taste of stored water. Aqua Mira liquid is my recommendation. The tablets are perfect for a PSK. I tape a few foil packets to my water bladder so it's all in one place.

FYI, REI has the Katadyn Hike Pro model filter on sale for $47 right now. It is one of the best filters for weight/purity/size/cost. The Pro model has a coarse filter to help extend the life of the main filter and is worth the small extra expense-- IMHO, mandatory of you want to use it in areas with murky water.

 

[ironraven]

My experience with ultralight gear is that is great for the trail, not so great for truly rough country. And living only a few miles from the Long Trail I can't tell you how many people I've seen who are ultralights who only carry a quart of water and complain how heavy it is.

Things to keep in mind- Your pack may be tossed, belayed, dragged or hung off the side of a vehicle. Silnylon can't take the abuse in my experience.

Water supplies may be contaminated. You'll want to have at least a days worth on you.

If you are bugging out, that means there is no safety net. Most ultralighters I've spoken with operate on the theory that if it gets really bad they get off the trail and they go into town. We wouldn't be bugging if that was an option.

Hiking and climbing gear is a great place to start. It's a bad place to stop.

 

[longbow50]

My experience with ultralight gear is that is great for the trail, not so great for truly rough country. And living only a few miles from the Long Trail I can't tell you how many people I've seen who are ultralights who only carry a quart of water and complain how heavy it is.

Things to keep in mind- Your pack may be tossed, belayed, dragged or hung off the side of a vehicle. Silnylon can't take the abuse in my experience.

Water supplies may be contaminated. You'll want to have at least a days worth on you.

If you are bugging out, that means there is no safety net. Most ultralighters I've spoken with operate that if it gets really bad they get off the trail and they go into town. We wouldn't be bugging if that was an option.

Hiking and climbing gear is a great place to start. It's a bad place to stop.

I agree. Milsurp is where I stopped for a lot of my gear. Mostly European, with some US and it's hard to find tougher gear, without going to the tactical stuff, which will take additional financial resources, that could go elsewhere.