[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Random or unusual BOB items (Page 1 of 3)
Posted: 1/27/2010 7:17:58 AM EDT
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I thought it might be a good idea to start a thread listing random, common items that you have found useful in your BOB. Everyone has knives, multi-tools, duct tape, 550 cord, etc. This is for items that you don't see in every list.
My contribution is eye screws. I always keep 3 or 4 in my BOB and camping gear. They are cheap, small and don't weigh very much. I have found them useful for building shelter, setting traps, trip lines, clothes lines, and many other tasks. Make sure and get the pointed kind and you can screw them into trees by hand or with the help of a stick stuck through the hole |
| Hand cuffs for the obvious, but they also make a great and easy way to lock something up for a short time. For instance I put small D rings on the zippers of my bag, I can now lock the zippers together with one cuff then hide the bag and cuff it to something more substantial, Tree limb, steel fence post etc...This is for short term only. |
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Not really the BOB, but it could be I guess.
This will probably sound funny, but I put a couple cans of GREAT STUFF, a pair of old wool socks, and a couple pair of rubber gloves in the glove box of the brides car every fall. Great Stuff is spray foam insulation in a can. She doesn't want extra cloths or boots in her car because it looks messy....yeah, I know. 
I put them in and a week later she takes everything out. It's an on going game. Now we have come to an agreement about leaving a couple cans of Great Stuff in the glove box. I told her if she's ever stuck, and starting to get cold, to put on the rubber gloves and the socks over her shoes. Then spray the foam into her hands and then apply the foam over the wool socks. After her socks are coated, do the same thing with her hands. It will take about an hour to completely expand, and set up so she has plenty of work time, but when it does, it's still flexible. While this isn't perfect, it should keep her hands and feet warm. She can also keep adding coats after each has set up. A couple layers and she will have two to three inches of foam insulation on her feet and hands. Great Stuff I also carry a small packet of two part epoxy for repairs. Things like hand guards and pistol grips. I have only seen one pistol grip break on an AR, but that's all it takes. |
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Hand cuffs for the obvious, but they also make a great and easy way to lock something up for a short time. For instance I put small D rings on the zippers of my bag, I can now lock the zippers together with one cuff then hide the bag and cuff it to something more substantial, Tree limb, steel fence post etc...This is for short term only. Would consider zip ties as they are useful for most of the things you listed, are lighter and can be used for repairs etc. |
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Hand cuffs for the obvious, but they also make a great and easy way to lock something up for a short time. For instance I put small D rings on the zippers of my bag, I can now lock the zippers together with one cuff then hide the bag and cuff it to something more substantial, Tree limb, steel fence post etc...This is for short term only. Would consider zip ties as they are useful for most of the things you listed, are lighter and can be used for repairs etc. I have those also. 
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Sillcock Key. A must have if traveling through an urban environment. Most schools/parks/commercial/public buildings in my AOE have these on there hose bibs. http://www.leonsupply.cc/sillcockkey.jpg Sorry for a stupid question...how do these work? |
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Sillcock Key. A must have if traveling through an urban environment. Most schools/parks/commercial/public buildings in my AOE have these on there hose bibs. http://www.leonsupply.cc/sillcockkey.jpg Sorry for a stupid question...how do these work? THIS is for those outdoor water spicets (faucets) that you see on the outside walls of schools shoppingmalls and other public places. the knob is replaced by a square recesed valve.. look around next time your at a public place. |
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I have a couple of strobes, the kind that they give out at bars and such... sort of a really cheap version of a bike rear light.
I figure they'd be good for marking a spot in case of rescue or to add to a disabled vehicle. They last a long time (longer than a car battery will with the blinkers on at least), are free, and pretty light. I would be very very careful about putting "GREAT STUFF" anywhere near skin. The fumes are noxious and it will stick and may burn the skin. Plus it will mess up the pristine vehicle with drips and extra globs. I know common sense is hard to teach, but "keep it clean" should be solved with an organizer, not by not having any useful tools around. |
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Not really the BOB, but it could be I guess. This will probably sound funny, but I put a couple cans of GREAT STUFF, a pair of old wool socks, and a couple pair of rubber gloves in the glove box of the brides car every fall. Great Stuff is spray foam insulation in a can. She doesn't want extra cloths or boots in her car because it looks messy....yeah, I know.
I put them in and a week later she takes everything out. It's an on going game. Now we have come to an agreement about leaving a couple cans of Great Stuff in the glove box. I told her if she's ever stuck, and starting to get cold, to put on the rubber gloves and the socks over her shoes. Then spray the foam into her hands and then apply the foam over the wool socks. After her socks are coated, do the same thing with her hands. It will take about an hour to completely expand, and set up so she has plenty of work time, but when it does, it's still flexible. While this isn't perfect, it should keep her hands and feet warm. She can also keep adding coats after each has set up. A couple layers and she will have two to three inches of foam insulation on her feet and hands. Great Stuff I also carry a small packet of two part epoxy for repairs. Things like hand guards and pistol grips. I have only seen one pistol grip break on an AR, but that's all it takes. That is certainly unusual. Why not just keep a pair of winter boots and gloves instead? |
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Not really the BOB, but it could be I guess. This will probably sound funny, but I put a couple cans of GREAT STUFF, a pair of old wool socks, and a couple pair of rubber gloves in the glove box of the brides car every fall. Great Stuff is spray foam insulation in a can. She doesn't want extra cloths or boots in her car because it looks messy....yeah, I know.
I put them in and a week later she takes everything out. It's an on going game. Now we have come to an agreement about leaving a couple cans of Great Stuff in the glove box. I told her if she's ever stuck, and starting to get cold, to put on the rubber gloves and the socks over her shoes. Then spray the foam into her hands and then apply the foam over the wool socks. After her socks are coated, do the same thing with her hands. It will take about an hour to completely expand, and set up so she has plenty of work time, but when it does, it's still flexible. While this isn't perfect, it should keep her hands and feet warm. She can also keep adding coats after each has set up. A couple layers and she will have two to three inches of foam insulation on her feet and hands. Great Stuff I also carry a small packet of two part epoxy for repairs. Things like hand guards and pistol grips. I have only seen one pistol grip break on an AR, but that's all it takes. That is certainly unusual. Why not just keep a pair of winter boots and gloves instead? Like I said in the post, she doesn't want the "MESSY LOOK" in her car. I would put them in and a week later I would check and they are out. Her boots won't fit in the glove box. |
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I think I would abandon the expanding foam idea. The chances of your idea actually working well enough and quick enough to do any good is remote. Expanding foam takes a long while to set and in its non-expanded form is probably doing the exact opposite of what you would want.
A couple pairs of wool socks and some small plastic bags is a lot smaller and will keep your hands and feet pretty warm. Put a sock on each hand or foot and insert into bags. Secure bags around each appendage (not real tight). Realistically though, if you are in a position where you need to warm up your extremities you may need to warm up the rest of you even more. |
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deck of plastic playing cards with jokers and 4 good rubberbands for holding together, keeps me from gettign really bored and trying to loot an Xbox, TV, wireless controlers, and generator...  (serious botu the cards though)
"Just get me a deck of cards. I'll win everything I need from the other kids." ––Bart Simpson |
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I told her if she's ever stuck, and starting to get cold, to put on the rubber gloves and the socks over her shoes. Then spray the foam into her hands and then apply the foam over the wool socks. After her socks are coated, do the same thing with her hands. It will take about an hour to completely expand, and set up so she has plenty of work time, but when it does, it's still flexible. While this isn't perfect, it should keep her hands and feet warm. I have found great stuff to not expand in cold wx |
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I told her if she's ever stuck, and starting to get cold, to put on the rubber gloves and the socks over her shoes. Then spray the foam into her hands and then apply the foam over the wool socks. After her socks are coated, do the same thing with her hands. It will take about an hour to completely expand, and set up so she has plenty of work time, but when it does, it's still flexible. While this isn't perfect, it should keep her hands and feet warm. I have found great stuff to not expand in cold wx Yes, I agree, but when she's in her car, it's some where between tropical and desert heat in there. That can will be more than warm enough to be used when she needs it. I am more worried about the can exploding in the glove box than being to cold to use. If it gets down to the low 70's in the car, she will be freezing and do anything to stay warm. I know her and her tendencies. Besides, sit on the can or put it inside your coat for an hour or so, and it will be warm enough to use. It's not the best by far, but I have no other ideas to create insulation and kept in a very small area. I have to admit, she doesn't care what I buy or spend money on for anything. She doesn't care what I build or where I build it, but her car is where she wants her way and her way of living. I understand that, but I also understand she's in that car A LOT. I know this is not new or unusual as the thread is looking for, but I also squeezed in there a small 30 hour liquid candle, some matches, a lighter and a couple Heat Sheets. I put in a small screwdriver for her to remove the plastic cap on that candle, because you will NEVER get them off without prying them off. They are sealed and sealed VERY WELL. Basically, put the candle on the floor and cover your legs with the Heat Sheet. Here is the candle. I see they have changed the caps to make it easier to open. I am going to have to order another case or two of these. They are only 2.25'' wide and the body is 2'' tall. It is 3'' tall including the wick and cap area. Liquid Candle, 30 Hour |
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I told her if she's ever stuck, and starting to get cold, to put on the rubber gloves and the socks over her shoes. Then spray the foam into her hands and then apply the foam over the wool socks. After her socks are coated, do the same thing with her hands. It will take about an hour to completely expand, and set up so she has plenty of work time, but when it does, it's still flexible. While this isn't perfect, it should keep her hands and feet warm. I have found great stuff to not expand in cold wx Yes, I agree, but when she's in her car, it's some where between tropical and desert heat in there. That can will be more than warm enough to be used when she needs it. I am more worried about the can exploding in the glove box than being to cold to use. If it gets down to the low 70's in the car, she will be freezing and do anything to stay warm. I know her and her tendencies. Besides, sit on the can or put it inside your coat for an hour or so, and it will be warm enough to use. It's not the best by far, but I have no other ideas to create insulation and kept in a very small area. I have to admit, she doesn't care what I buy or spend money on for anything. She doesn't care what I build or where I build it, but her car is where she wants her way and her way of living. I understand that, but I also understand she's in that car A LOT. I know this is not new or unusual as the thread is looking for, but I also squeezed in there a small 30 hour liquid candle, some matches, a lighter and a couple Heat Sheets. I put in a small screwdriver for her to remove the plastic cap on that candle, because you will NEVER get them off without prying them off. They are sealed and sealed VERY WELL. Basically, put the candle on the floor and cover your legs with the Heat Sheet. Here is the candle. I see they have changed the caps to make it easier to open. I am going to have to order another case or two of these. They are only 2.25'' wide and the body is 2'' tall. It is 3'' tall including the wick and cap area. Liquid Candle, 30 Hour That looks like what they have in the fake oil lamps on the tables at Cracker Barrell. |
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My favorite oddball is a backpack drip coffee maker.
Its very similar to the MSR Coffee Mug Maker except way more sturdy. You put a pinch of coffee in the bottom which has a silk like screen filter, set it in a cup, then pour hot water into the makers funnel. By the time the hot water all drips into the cup, you have a perfect no guess work hot cup of coffee. It weighs almost nothing and due to its construction, you don't have to worry about how you pack it like the MSR, just chuck it in there. I love that thing.
Sorry, don't know where to get one now. I bought mine at Campmor for like $6 but now all they carry is the MSR for $17. You'll recognize if if you run across it. Its a fit on top maker, brown plastic, and what I like is the add the coffee and water forget it till its ready. BTW, A flask of good whiskey in the pack is standard equipment down this way. You can buy the camo one to be ubertactical like me. 
Tj Ah, they still do sell it. One Cup Pack Coffee Maker $4. Best $4, I ever spent. As you can see, you just unscrew that little bottom, fill it with coffee, set it on a cup, fill the funnel with water, go about your business a minute or two, and you have a cup of Joe. |
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My favorite oddball is a backpack drip coffee maker. Its very similar to the MSR Coffee Mug Maker except way more sturdy. You put a pinch of coffee in the bottom which has a silk like screen filter, set it in a cup, then pour hot water into the makers funnel. By the time the hot water all drips into the cup, you have a perfect no guess work hot cup of coffee. It weighs almost nothing and due to its construction, you don't have to worry about how you pack it like the MSR, just chuck it in there. I love that thing.
Sorry, don't know where to get one now. I bought mine at Campmor for like $6 but now all they carry is the MSR for $17. You'll recognize if if you run across it. Its a fit on top maker, brown plastic, and what I like is the add the coffee and water forget it till its ready. BTW, A flask of good whiskey in the pack is standard equipment down this way. You can buy the camo one to be ubertactical like me.
Tj Ah, they still do sell it. One Cup Pack Coffee Maker $4. Best $4, I ever spent. As you can see, you just unscrew that little bottom, fill it with coffee, set it on a cup, fill the funnel with water, go about your business a minute or two, and you have a cup of Joe. Thanks TJ! Ordered one. |
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I told her if she's ever stuck, and starting to get cold, to put on the rubber gloves and the socks over her shoes. Then spray the foam into her hands and then apply the foam over the wool socks. After her socks are coated, do the same thing with her hands. It will take about an hour to completely expand, and set up so she has plenty of work time, but when it does, it's still flexible. While this isn't perfect, it should keep her hands and feet warm. I have found great stuff to not expand in cold wx Yes, I agree, but when she's in her car, it's some where between tropical and desert heat in there. That can will be more than warm enough to be used when she needs it. I am more worried about the can exploding in the glove box than being to cold to use. If it gets down to the low 70's in the car, she will be freezing and do anything to stay warm. I know her and her tendencies. Besides, sit on the can or put it inside your coat for an hour or so, and it will be warm enough to use. It's not the best by far, but I have no other ideas to create insulation and kept in a very small area. I have to admit, she doesn't care what I buy or spend money on for anything. She doesn't care what I build or where I build it, but her car is where she wants her way and her way of living. I understand that, but I also understand she's in that car A LOT. I know this is not new or unusual as the thread is looking for, but I also squeezed in there a small 30 hour liquid candle, some matches, a lighter and a couple Heat Sheets. I put in a small screwdriver for her to remove the plastic cap on that candle, because you will NEVER get them off without prying them off. They are sealed and sealed VERY WELL. Basically, put the candle on the floor and cover your legs with the Heat Sheet. Here is the candle. I see they have changed the caps to make it easier to open. I am going to have to order another case or two of these. They are only 2.25'' wide and the body is 2'' tall. It is 3'' tall including the wick and cap area. Liquid Candle, 30 Hour Maybe slip some basic survival gear/clothing in the spare tire/jack/tire iron compartments (depending on the vehicle)? The space within the wheel of a spare will hold a respectable stash of necessities. She won't have to look at it unless she needs it, and it won't take up any space in the passenger compartment. Those tinfoil emergency blankets are about the size of a deck of cards and (from experience) work really well. My wife hates clutter too!
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Not that unusual, but I carry an eze lap sharpener...
This one is very sturdy. 
or this one... 
The second one is half the size of a pen and also has a groove for fishing hooks. In both, the wand fits into the handle to reduce space. The larger one has been my exclusvie sharpener for the past 3 hunting seasons and has seen me through numerous deer and hog. |
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Not really the BOB, but it could be I guess. This will probably sound funny, but I put a couple cans of GREAT STUFF, a pair of old wool socks, and a couple pair of rubber gloves in the glove box of the brides car every fall. Great Stuff is spray foam insulation in a can. She doesn't want extra cloths or boots in her car because it looks messy....yeah, I know.
I put them in and a week later she takes everything out. It's an on going game. Now we have come to an agreement about leaving a couple cans of Great Stuff in the glove box. I told her if she's ever stuck, and starting to get cold, to put on the rubber gloves and the socks over her shoes. Then spray the foam into her hands and then apply the foam over the wool socks. After her socks are coated, do the same thing with her hands. It will take about an hour to completely expand, and set up so she has plenty of work time, but when it does, it's still flexible. While this isn't perfect, it should keep her hands and feet warm. She can also keep adding coats after each has set up. A couple layers and she will have two to three inches of foam insulation on her feet and hands. Great Stuff I also carry a small packet of two part epoxy for repairs. Things like hand guards and pistol grips. I have only seen one pistol grip break on an AR, but that's all it takes. That is certainly unusual. Why not just keep a pair of winter boots and gloves instead? Like I said in the post, she doesn't want the "MESSY LOOK" in her car. I would put them in and a week later I would check and they are out. Her boots won't fit in the glove box. NOT A GOOD IDEA. That stuff is not "Great" on skin. Use a tool for its intended purpose. |
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^That sounds fun. 
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Can those County Comm Breacher Bars potentially breach a cheap home door or be used to pry a car door free? Questions are all legal in nature I've been thinking of buying one for my urban GHB/BOB. Anyone have experience with one? Being my job entails both of these scenarios
I would say you could get into a cheap home door but probably not a car door. The hydraulic tools we use to open car doors exert 17,775 lbs. of force 
But yeah, I can get into alot of doors with a butter knife 
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Quoted: Quoted: ^That sounds fun. Quoted: Can those County Comm Breacher Bars potentially breach a cheap home door or be used to pry a car door free? Questions are all legal in nature I've been thinking of buying one for my urban GHB/BOB. Anyone have experience with one? Being my job entails both of these scenarios I would say you could get into a cheap home door but probably not a car door. The hydraulic tools we use to open car doors exert 17,775 lbs. of force But yeah, I can get into alot of doors with a butter knife Car doors are not easy to pry open, the latches are integral with the intrusion beams for safety in a side impact accident. I've seen guys with 4' pry bars not be able to get in a pinned shut door, you'd be better off just breaking a window in that case if all you wanted was access to the vehicle. |
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Almost forgot... A universal Caterpillar key! I need to add mine, I totally forgot I have both a battery and cat key. How does one go about getting one of said keys? I'm in construction...they hand them out liberally at work. I'm sure you could find one online somewhere, though. |
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Not really the BOB, but it could be I guess. This will probably sound funny, but I put a couple cans of GREAT STUFF, a pair of old wool socks, and a couple pair of rubber gloves in the glove box of the brides car every fall. Great Stuff is spray foam insulation in a can. She doesn't want extra cloths or boots in her car because it looks messy....yeah, I know.
I put them in and a week later she takes everything out. It's an on going game. Now we have come to an agreement about leaving a couple cans of Great Stuff in the glove box. I told her if she's ever stuck, and starting to get cold, to put on the rubber gloves and the socks over her shoes. Then spray the foam into her hands and then apply the foam over the wool socks. After her socks are coated, do the same thing with her hands. It will take about an hour to completely expand, and set up so she has plenty of work time, but when it does, it's still flexible. While this isn't perfect, it should keep her hands and feet warm. She can also keep adding coats after each has set up. A couple layers and she will have two to three inches of foam insulation on her feet and hands. Great Stuff I also carry a small packet of two part epoxy for repairs. Things like hand guards and pistol grips. I have only seen one pistol grip break on an AR, but that's all it takes. That is certainly unusual. Why not just keep a pair of winter boots and gloves instead? Like I said in the post, she doesn't want the "MESSY LOOK" in her car. I would put them in and a week later I would check and they are out. Her boots won't fit in the glove box. Then pack it all in a gym bag and leave in her trunk.... |
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I think I would abandon the expanding foam idea. The chances of your idea actually working well enough and quick enough to do any good is remote. Expanding foam takes a long while to set and in its non-expanded form is probably doing the exact opposite of what you would want. A couple pairs of wool socks and some small plastic bags is a lot smaller and will keep your hands and feet pretty warm. Put a sock on each hand or foot and insert into bags. Secure bags around each appendage (not real tight). Realistically though, if you are in a position where you need to warm up your extremities you may need to warm up the rest of you even more. +1 You might want to rethink the Great Stuff for this purpose. I used it a couple of times to keep out drafts in an old cabin. I got some on me and made the mistake of getting it on my carhartts. To make a long story short, I completely ruined the pants and it never came out. You have to remember this stuff also has adhesive properties as well. I can only imagine trying to get it if off if you sprayed it on your feet. |
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Almost forgot... A universal Caterpillar key! I need to add mine, I totally forgot I have both a battery and cat key. I have both Cat key and 2 JD keys should be able to start just about any thing. Also have a muller valve key for getting in to water meters |
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Almost forgot... A universal Caterpillar key! I need to add mine, I totally forgot I have both a battery and cat key. How does one go about getting one of said keys? What most people don't realize is that heavy equipment keys are not like car keys. You pretty much have sets that will turn on everything a vendor makes. I'm sure you could find one without too much trouble. My dad use to work on construction equment so he has a big key ring with pretty much every key one would need for the stuff in our area. |
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Not really the BOB, but it could be I guess. This will probably sound funny, but I put a couple cans of GREAT STUFF, a pair of old wool socks, and a couple pair of rubber gloves in the glove box of the brides car every fall. Great Stuff is spray foam insulation in a can. She doesn't want extra cloths or boots in her car because it looks messy....yeah, I know.
I put them in and a week later she takes everything out. It's an on going game. Now we have come to an agreement about leaving a couple cans of Great Stuff in the glove box. I told her if she's ever stuck, and starting to get cold, to put on the rubber gloves and the socks over her shoes. Then spray the foam into her hands and then apply the foam over the wool socks. After her socks are coated, do the same thing with her hands. It will take about an hour to completely expand, and set up so she has plenty of work time, but when it does, it's still flexible. While this isn't perfect, it should keep her hands and feet warm. She can also keep adding coats after each has set up. A couple layers and she will have two to three inches of foam insulation on her feet and hands. Great Stuff I also carry a small packet of two part epoxy for repairs. Things like hand guards and pistol grips. I have only seen one pistol grip break on an AR, but that's all it takes. That is certainly unusual. Why not just keep a pair of winter boots and gloves instead? Like I said in the post, she doesn't want the "MESSY LOOK" in her car. I would put them in and a week later I would check and they are out. Her boots won't fit in the glove box. NOT A GOOD IDEA. That stuff is not "Great" on skin. Use a tool for its intended purpose. I couldn't agree more on both accounts. It's not "Great" on skin and use a tool for its intended purpose. That being said, use your eyes for their intended purpose and completely read again what I said. I said put on ''RUBBER GLOVES'' and socks over her shoes, and then spray it at that point. After you're found, throw the gloves and socks or even the shoes out. Who cares. While it may not be the best choice, I am pretty sure it beats frozen body parts. When things start getting bad, you will do anything to stay warm. I did put a bag in her car, many times, but it was always missing after a week or so and hid somewhere in the garage or one of the sheds. She hates anything that is even slightly messy for any length of time. |
| These will start just about any John Deere construction equipment and older AG tractors begging some where around the 20 series. They will not start newer AG tractors or skidsteers |
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Sillcock Key. A must have if traveling through an urban environment. Most schools/parks/commercial/public buildings in my AOE have these on there hose bibs. http://www.leonsupply.cc/sillcockkey.jpg I've got one of those, that I picked up at Grainger Supply (before they closed in my area), and Lowe's has them as well. Ever since I bought mine, I've kept my eye out for the faucets, in case I need to use one in an emergency. |
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These are a must for me in the Texas heat. I've had leg cramps my entire life and they're brutal. These Electrotabs come two to a pack. Can carry the whole box and it weighs next to nothing. They work almost instantly and just as good as pickle juice.
NORMED 
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