Vacation travel BOB/survival kit...

[bae]

Basic situation:

Going off for a month to visit the relatives in a far-off state. You'd like to have *some* survival/emergency/handy supplies on the trip.

But, you're:

Situation A: Flying - you're willing to devote one small daypack-sized container to the job, max. Plus, all your stuff has to be able to be checked onto the airplane. What would you take?

Situation B: Taking the train - you're willing to go up in size a bit, and not subject to airline luggage restrictions. What's your kit?

 

[Robert H]

I actually take that type of thing into town with me in a small fanny pack, inside of a day pack. It has a small first aid kit, two chemlights, a SAK trailmaster, a Leatherman scissors, a one cell Surefire, a Surefire battery pack, a butane lighter, a Small WSI survival kit that I sell on my site, some energy bars, and a small J frame .357 with about 24 rounds in Bianchi Speed Strips. 6 of those are bird/snake shot. I also put in some cash and a phone card, depending on the distance traveled. I take the gun out if I'm flying, and add small lightweight ASP baton. Then the bag is checked. If I'm driving or taking a train it stays with me in a day pack. I keep a satchel charge flotation bladder in it since I live on an island. If the ferry sinks I can have extra flotation.

 

[bae]

Originally posted by Robert H
I keep a satchel charge flotation bladder in it since I live on an island. If the ferry sinks I can have extra flotation.

My wife thinks I'm paranoid, but I usually keep a set of Mustang AirForce inflateable pouch lifejackets in the car when on the ferry. Even though the ferries up here seem overequipped with lifeboats, life jackets, and rescue boats, and the inspection dates on the gear look fine.