Post questions or opinions related to "bug out" equipment here...

Here is my current BoB inventory (thanks for your help):

fire kit (attached, removable):
-magnesium striker
-disposable lighter wrapped in paracord
-25 count NATO spec. windproof/waterproof matches (2)
-trioxine tabs (9)

rope bag (attached, removable):
-50' 3/8" rope w/carabiner monkey-chained to play out of bag top
-50' each 550 paracord (tan, o.d., black) w/nylon d-rings monkey chained to play out of bag bottom

clothing (in bag):
-ponchos (2)
-emergency blankets (2)
-frog togs rain suite (1)

first aid kit (in bag): [not finished]
-curechrome (1oz)
-guaze bandage (2"x90")
-hand sanitizer (1oz)
-iodine tincture (1oz, 2%)
-triple antibiotic ointment (1oz)

gear (attached, removable):
-surefire g2 flashlight w/4 extra SF123 batteries
-glock entrenching tool
-glock knife w/root saw
-cold steel kukri machete
-gmrs/frs radio w/headset (2)
-molle wasp spqd female adaptor (long guns fitted w/male adaptor)

food (8890 cal., in bag):
-vitamins (14)
-cashews (1700 cal.)
-chocolate (2990 cal.)
-beef jerky (560 cal.)
-shortbread (1600 cal.)
-halva (2040 cal.)

other (in bag):
-duct tape (15 yards, clear)
-tarp w/ 4 tent stakes (8'x10' camo)
-led lamp, AM/FM radio, siren, DC charger (winding)

obviously, this is not complete, here is a list of what I want to add:

high calorie food bars
first aid kit (finish)
camel back w/water purifier
halazone tablets
potassium iodide pills
whistle
mirror
lensatic compass
ammo
cleaning kit w/clp
multi-tool

I did some research on this a while back. Wal-Mart has some called "Storm Whistles" that are great.

http://www.stormwhistles.com/

Just a slight puff of air is as loud as an ordinary whistle. A really hard blow is so loud that it leaves your ears ringing.

For emergency food rations, I came across these a while ago... Never bought 'em... Something don't jive to me...

What do y'all think: http://www.quakekare.com/index.asp?Page ... &ProdID=22

Those perform as advertised, but taste like a**.. haha...
For me I prefer mountain house or MREs, but those could serve in a pinch.


We may need to address further concerns regarding land navigation and first aid from the list above.
When I get a full time job Ill have as sweet of gear as you D.L.

Whoot, finally one I have covered!

Since I deliver, I've got GPS + S&T on the laptop, PDA, TomTom, and at least a dozen paper maps covering most of Ohio (from various jobs over the years) And, of course, a couple magnetic compasses

Whoot!

Well, I added duct tape this evening.

1 roll 15 yards clear duct tape, squashed flat (for storage) and taped shut.

My BOB:

Pack-Blackhawk Hydrastorm Cyclone

3 liter of hydration
x-tra clothing
machete
folding knife
compass
waterproof match case with integral spark striker
matches
lighter
firestarter
headlamp
mini-mag
micro mag connected to zipper pull
micro swiss army knife connected to zipper pull
removable pouch first aid kit (sutures, bandages, medicine, etc)
25' rope
writing utensil
xtra batteries
combo whistle/compass
gerber folding saw
fishing line, hooks, split shot
50' para cord
karabiner
accessory straps
modular add on pouch #1 jungle hammock, bed sheet, towel
modular add on pouch #2 poncho, hooded pullover
other misc items
room to throw in more cloths, some food, ammo, etc.

MRE's on hand as well as other non perishables

You need to add a few of those flashlights that they sell at gun shows for about 2 dollars that don't use batteries. All you have to do is shake them and hit the on bottom. When the light goes out all you have to do is shake them again.

I have two of those...one or the other is in or near my BOB most of the time...

You Guys should check out www.bladeforums.com they have a wilderness and survival sum-forum on blade forums....they run great BOB/survival related threads routinely.

I am constantly revising my gear for my BOB and Hunting/hiking PSK based on info/experiences there. I have gone from the kitchen sink approach...to minimalising gear and learning new bushcraft/woodsman skills.

I got to take emergency field care at tactical defense institute last year. Wow that was a good class. I figured since I've been a paramedic for a while what all could they teach me. It turns our ALOT. You can put as much work into a first aid kit as you want. The key seems though the more you put in it the heavier it is going to be. I think I still have some notes on what our instructor thought would do good. (he is an emergency room doc and survival nut- and boy was he cool). I'll post a few things today that I think go well in a kit because they are light and have several uses. You can do a search and find some of the stuff on line and pretty cheap:

SAM splint
Israeli bandage
small roll of duct tape(stops all sorts of bleeding)
emergency blanket (You wouldn't believe how well it works)
silvadene cream( takes the place of neosporin and is great for burns)

I'll post more later. Take care.

Where is the best/cheapest source for MREs?

How many MREs should I have in my BOB for two people? Am I safe in going with a 72 hour max bug out plan? Or should I plan for something longer?

Unless you find some super sale at a show your best bet for MRE's and a lot of other supplies is Sportsman Headquaters. Their shipping charges seem to be resonable also.
Jr

I assume you're talking about Sportsman's Guide?

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/m ... x?a=271438