Survival "Grab and Go" Bags/Packs

[Good Times]

I know that we all feel that we pack everything we possibly need for every trip (tools, recovery gear, spare parts for the rig) but have you ever taken account to disasters or accidents where you need to leave your vehicle behind? What happens if you crash or roll over down a hill and the only way to survive is to leave your vehicle behind? I know these are worst case scenarios but I'm sure those of us that do some remote adventures solo-style need to have some backup plans in place. Not only for the solo guys/gals but even for groups too.

I will admit that I personally am not prepared. I know that when I pack I don't necessarily have everything I need in one spot. Most of the time I just try to pack everything so it fits! (doh) But in all seriousness, I do know that I really need to reorganize everything and have one dedicated "grab and go" bag that's easily accessible by anyone in the cab in case something goes bad.

Right now I just use my Dakine backpack and have some of the basic needs:

100oz Water (bladder)
First Aid
Survival Blankie
Matches
Compass (non-electronic)
Some food but that comes and goes as I change em out often

I know this is an incomplete list of items but it's better than nothing. I know that I'm gonna have to step it up as this is just not up to par.

Necessities:
Shelter
Water
Food
Communications
Basic First Aid
Basic Survival Gear
Anything else?

I am interesting in seeing the following:

Bag Configuration = backpackg, hip sack, shoulder bag, duffel bag
Contents = shelter, water, food, communications, first aid, survival gear, etc
Content configuration for how many people? = x people
Number of days you can survive with your contents (base it on the number of people you have the content configured for) = x days

For 4 legged lovers:

Bag configuration = 4 legged travel bags or do you pack it with you?
contents = both applications if applicable
Number of days your 4 legged pal can survive with it's own contents = x days

One backpack mfg that I'm looking into. Though they are expensive, I have seen them first hand on the quality and the design and definitely give it two thumbs up.

http://www.kifaru.net/MGpacks.htm

They've got some great gear and options and by far one of the coolest things I've seen. I've seen these bags in action and it's well built. Some of the bags have a quick release (in case you need to drop that bag in a heart beat). I've tested this and boy does it work well.

Chime away

Edit:
Interesting Links....
http://www.equipped.org/
http://www.survival-center.com/index.htm
http://www.ultimatesurvival.com/prod...product_ID=427
http://www.dougritter.com/

[Seanz0rz]

i carry a backpack with 50 feet of 2000# test rope, decent first aid kit, several emergency blankets, lighters, matches, knife, (soon to hold extra ammo when i get a handgun), FRS radios, power bars(those get changed out often), water purification drops, etc.

living in earthquake country my whole life, and sleeping through the northridge quake when i was little, im pretty prepared.

ill try to get pics of what i carry. this actually never really leaves my side, at least its never more than walking distance. a lesson i took from katrina. i live in a nice neighborhood, but not that nice. if something massive happens to socal, we are pretty far down on the list of communities to receive aid (and you know malibu will be first, sad fact of life, but its true) so i figure we will have to fend for ourselves for at least 2 weeks. there are sources of water that can be had even after an earthquake. and living next to an orange grove provides food, not just fruit but wildlife too.

as for pets, sorry, survival says you are on your own. ill try, but im not starving to save fido.

[BruceTS]

Seriously all I need to carry is a knife, anything else is just a luxury. I do have a small pack that I had put together a long time ago and probably should update, but most items inside are non perisable. Compass, knife, fish hooks & line, magneisum/flint block, super glue, signal flares, water tablets and a few more items. I used to participate in survival trainning when I was younger.

my whole pack weighs less than a pound and is in a 6" x 4" x 2" pouch that can be attached to my belt

[oly884]

Depending on the location, and for those that are comfortable, I would suggest a firearm would come in handy in many instances. Not only are guns a great way to make people aware of your location, but also to fend off any thing that wants you for dinner. At least up in this area it's a good thing to have when venturing into the woods, and I say that with first hand experience.

[slosurfer]

For the four legged lovers, here is a great harness and bag by Ruffwear. Used by many K9 search and rescue units
http://www.backcountryk9.com/52/0/Products.aspx

Our dog, unfortunately cannot use the backpack, but the harness is great for the backcountry. It has handles that you can lift the dog by (great for hauling them up rocks, etc...), and it is the only harness that we found that works well with our 3 legged friend.

The backpack, has two built in water bladders, and plenty of room for many days worth of dog food. They are pretty rugged, ours somewhat survived a fall from the top of the 4runner going 70mph on the highway. I say somewhat, because being run over by my trailer, it ripped some of the stitching to the zipper. Really it just needs that part of the zipper sewn to the bag, but the zipper still works. Bruce can't carry the bag, but I keep all his stuff in there, so his stuff is all in one place and can be easily strapped to my bag. One thing I need to add, is a collapsible water bowl. Till then, my boonie hat will do water duties.

[Roadrunner]

This is always an interesting topic which usually generates some good discussion, advice and tips.

Remember these survival packs/bags are not only for an incident in the field, but necessary in the event of a natural disaster at home. Ideally you should have enough supplies (food, water, shelter, clothing, etc . . . etc.) for everyone in your household, including pets, for at least 72 hours; preferably longer. What you decide to include in your kit will vary greatly from geographic location, season and personal preference.

Fortunately for me, my BOB gear is in my SAR pack and a couple of Contico storage boxes. Throw them in the truck with some water and get out. Everything is self-contained that my wife could grab these if something should occur if I wasn't home.

[Texas Jim]

Don't forget medication if you are on any and it should be enough to last more than 72 hours, also make sure you have a bottle with your name on it so you don't get confused for being a druggie. Things like insulin if diabetic. also a basic first aid kit. I would also want some sort of water bottle or metal pan to heat water up and kill any bacteria. Good knife. duct tape. TJ

[BruceTS]

My survival pack for my 4Runner consist of a big hammer, duct tape and bailing wire

[Robinhood4x4]

Good place to get BOBs and other neat stuff (and I'm not talking about a churro eating, mercedes driving, little girly man).

http://countycomm.com/

I'll elaborate on what I have now and what I eventually plan on having, later.

[Bob98SR5]

I'll elaborate on what I have now and what I eventually plan on having, later.

since i've seen your BOB kit, let me describe your kit to all our members for you:

Motion Lotion


The Three Amigos


Clear tube


The Gerbil Kit---complete with free "insertion" boy


The Best of Rosemary Clooney's Show Tunes


beoooooootch!

signed,
the one and only BOB