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The hubby and I have been searching through sites and books to put together a comprehensive list of what should be in an emergency pack. We have some differences in opinion on some items, but I wanted to post and get an outside opinion. Granted, the list is based on situation, location, type of disaster, etc- but I wanted to make sure we had the basics. Also, if you have any insight on types of items (Ex: You found an ultra lightweight tent that you swear by) please share. We've visited so many sites and outdoors stores that it's a bit foggy now.
BOB/GAG/Go Pack
-Bag:
--Ex-Military/ Alice Pack
--Hiking Back Packs with braces
--Duffel Bag
--lock or no lock?
-Food:
--MRE vs Freeze Dried (Camping food)
--3600 Calorie bar
--lightweight non perishables (Tuna in a bag)
--Energy/ Granola Bars
-Water:
--Water Purification tablets
--Filtration systems
--collapsible containers
--cartons of water
--hydration packs
-First Aid:
--Pre-Packaged kits vs do it your self
--Trauma & Burn Kits
-Gear:
--Para-cord/ Rope
--Duct tape/ zip ties/ bungee cords
--Multi-function tool/ leathermans/ swiss army
--Flashlight/ Candles
--Fire starter/ Waterproof matches/ lighter
--crank radio
--Tent
--camping cantina set
--Sleeping bag
--Poncho
--Blanket
--Gloves
--face mask
--binoculars
--Large plastic trash bag
--Notepad & Pen
--clothes line
--wire coat hanger
--jumper cables/ car tools
--bolt cutters
--Hand body warmers
--Waterproof map
--survival book
--whistle
--compass
-Personal:
--Sun screen
--insect repellent
--shampoo/ soap/ wipes
--tooth brush/paste
--comb/brush
--feminine products
--razors
--lip balm
--deodorant
--anti-fungal foot powder
--toilet paper
--hat/ cap
--socks
--underwear
--bandanna
--good walking shoes
--sweater/ jacket
--Pair of pants & shorts
--Long-sleeved and short-sleeved shirts
--sunglasses/ reading glasses
--Phone card
--emergency contact list
--copy of important documents
--book/ cards/ games
--sewing kit
--extra shoe laces
-Cash
--$100 in small bills
--Change
Last edited by MichelleSW; 07-07-2010 at 01:42 PM..
If you plan on more than one then I would suggest (assuming you both know how to shoot) 1 pistol and 1 rifle, both of a decent caliber. Both have intimidation potential, one is meant more as a close-quarters weapon in the event of self-defense, the other better for shots farther downrange, plus hunting potential.
It's best, of course, to plan for as many contingencies as possible BUT when it comes to firearms, I'm of the mind it's best to plan your likely routes and destinations in such fashion as to minimize any need for self defense.
Just like in martial arts: The best defense is to not be there.
The hubby is working on that. We do plan on including one or two. Any suggestions?
Ones you handle competantly, which are absolutley reliable, of a common caliber easily found on the shelf at sporting good/walmart/feed-seed stores.
Got training?
Ammunition is heavy. It is not realistic to haul a case around with you in a situation where you may be forced to travel on foot.
I didn't see a knife on the list other than what may have been contained in a multi-tool. You'll want something sturdy.
We're currently looking @ a 22 for practice; mostly a pistol and a rifle of common calibers once we're ready to buy. Training taken care of- local gun range has rental guns and a training class (in August).
I would suggest packing items that have multi-uses to cut down on weight and space. For example, skip the blanket if you're packing a sleeping bag, get a tarp to replace the tent, or make a shelter using the poncho. Skip the clothes line if you have paracord etc. Get yourself a military surplus canteen with steel cup, you can boil water in the cup and use it for cooking as well.
Pack one of those large orange trash bags instead of the brown or white ones. They can be seen or spotted by rescue personnel. They make good improvised shelters too.
Pack a signal mirror.
Pack a spork for eating. You can get titanium ones for cheap, they're light, won't rust and reusable.
One decent survival knife between 5 - 7 inches, something like a Kabar or SOG Seal Pup is fine.
Goggles to protect your eyes.
Tweezers for plucking splinters or bugs/ticks.
Headlamp to keep your hands free while doing things at night
Spare batteries for flashlight, on that note, get a small LED flashlight of decent quality like a Surefire, Fenix or Streamlight.
Bandana
Small folding slingshot, good for hunting small game like squirrels of birds if you don't want to give away your position with a rifle shot.
Pack a sandwich baggie full of dryer lint, it makes great tinder for starting a fire.
ALICE packs can be very uncomfortable on long treks, especially without the frame. I'd recommend a more comfortable 3 day pack like a Kelty Redwing 3100 which can be had on sale at a reasonable price. They also have daisy chains on the outside to attach gear to the outside of the pack that you can't fit inside. Side pocket and straps can secure your rifle as well.
For a 72 hour pack you don't need so many changes of clothing. One change of socks, undies, and shirt in case they get wet.
Much depends are what type of event you are trying to survive.
While your list is certainly comprehensive, I would add a cell phone charger or at least an adapter, (the kind that allows the use of standard "flashlight batteries" to work the phone).
Concerning firearms, You don't need "a million" rounds of ammo, 100-200 rounds would likely provide personal protection and the ability to forage if necessary.
Further, consider modifying your kit as the seasons dictate.
If it is a "car kit" you will likely not need a sub-zero sleeping bag in the summer. Likewise insect repellent will be of little use in the winter in the Rocky's.
I could probably go on and on, but the ideas of the readers so far have been good and on point.
As final point, if you envision a true SHTF event remember you might have to carry these items on your back, which gets old very quickly.
For firearms, we are thinking of running some .22 pistol/rifles for practice and plinking later. Each with an 5.56 AR - Bushmaster or another quality name. And most likely me with M1A1 platform .308 for sniping or large game hunting.
This way we both use the same weapons, same calibers for standardization but we have a 308 for a bigger punch if needed.
Not sure bout shotguns, if we have a need or want to be honest.
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