Posted: 5/5/2010 5:52:52 AM EDT
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I'm sure this has been covered before (and probably argued to death)
But after a search came up empty, I'll ask. I'm looking to start a GHB, and would like some suggestions as to what should go in it. I realize that where you live will dictate what is in it, so let's try to keep it to the things that EVERY bag should have. You can be specific if you want, but if so please explain why. (ie; instead of saying "a good knife" you say Crusader Forge TCFM 02, and then explain why) Thanks in advance |
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I am simultaneously trying to build a GHB (LAPG 3-day pack) and a BOB (large ALICE).
I chose to put 3 MREs and 3 bottles of water in the GHB, along with some iodine tablets. My daily travels usually are limited to <15 miles and rarely take me more than 50 miles or so away from home, so I figure the iodine tablets should work until I can get home (worst case). In the BOB, I put a Katadyn Hiker water filter, based on the idea that I might need a longer-term supply of water. Similarly, I've got matches and firestarting stuff in my GHB, but ideally I'll put a sparking tool in my BOB. Idea is for the BOB to contain more "sustainable" stuff, where my GHB just needs to last me for a few days hopefully. That said, I'm a lot farther along with my GHB than with my BOB. |
| I ran out of room in my truck bag, but I keep a pair of comfortable walking shoes under the back seat in case I break down and have to hoof it. I can always daisychain them to my pack in a pinch. An extra pair of shoes is a good thing, especially if you must hike for days on end. As for brand, it's too individual... everybody's feet are different, just make sure they're broken in. Of course, you'll need socks as well. I won't go on a roadie without having water in the truck as well (a couple of liters to several 20L jugs, depending on the trip). |
| most of my travels away from home are done via motor vehicle. i've got an old pair of running shoes, a few rolls of gauze, a space blanket, an old jacket, some old clothing, an old day pack, matches, a knife, bottle of water, powerbar, and a few other things all stuffed into a dry sack. i tried to keep the weight low so as to not adversely effect fuel efficiency. my pistol is always on my person and i usually add stuff to the vehicle (rifle, bug out bag, etc) if i'm going far from home. |
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GHB
1. Food (Energy bar,Peanut butter or similar) 2. Water and filter straw 3. Tarp, emergency blanket or heavy trash bag. Something to give you shelter 4. Muiti-tool 5. Flashlight 6. Fire starter, Matches or lighter. 7. Knife 8. Hand gun and spare AMMO. 9, some TP. This is what I consider to be the must have for a GHB. Everything ells is a luxury not a must have. |
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Quoted:
Tacked BOB thread at the top of the page. I'm not talking about a Bug Out Bag, just a Get Home Bag. (Or maybe call it a 72 Hour Bag) Something that you should have with you (especially in the car) so that you are able to make it either home (preferably)or to someplace where you can be sheltered. (A house if you are way out in the country, perhaps) Or maybe even so you can make a shelter for the night. A lot of it will depend on your area and your habits. There will be a big difference between what you need in East Central Wisconsin (for example) and the far Northern part of Alaska. (Even bigger in winter) What I am looking for is opinions on just the basics, and the rest I can add to suit my individual needs. Since most of my travel is VERY local, here is what I have decided on so far: Good Knife and MultiTool (Probably should have a pistol, maybe a Golck or a stainless steel revolver) Water Filtration (plus a bottle or two) Firestarting supplies Raingear (Lightweight poncho or suit, not sure yet) Couple pairs of socks, probably some underwear A hat, some sunscreen and probably some insect repellant Probably some sort of hammock (preferably with insect netting, if available) Any obvious omissions? |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Tacked BOB thread at the top of the page. I'm not talking about a Bug Out Bag, just a Get Home Bag. (Or maybe call it a 72 Hour Bag) Something that you should have with you (especially in the car) so that you are able to make it either home (preferably)or to someplace where you can be sheltered. (A house if you are way out in the country, perhaps) Or maybe even so you can make a shelter for the night. A lot of it will depend on your area and your habits. There will be a big difference between what you need in East Central Wisconsin (for example) and the far Northern part of Alaska. (Even bigger in winter) What I am looking for is opinions on just the basics, and the rest I can add to suit my individual needs. Since most of my travel is VERY local, here is what I have decided on so far: Good Knife and MultiTool (Probably should have a pistol, maybe a Golck or a stainless steel revolver) Water Filtration (plus a bottle or two) Firestarting supplies Raingear (Lightweight poncho or suit, not sure yet) Couple pairs of socks, probably some underwear A hat, some sunscreen and probably some insect repellant Probably some sort of hammock (preferably with insect netting, if available) Any obvious omissions? duct tape, toilet paper (in waterproof resealable bag), paracord, zipties IMO ditch the pistol unless its on a belt with a holster... carry concealed if you can, because if you ever really need it, by the time you dig a pistol out of your bag it's too late anyway |
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Quoted:
I'm not talking about a Bug Out Bag, just a Get Home Bag. (Or maybe call it a 72 Hour Bag) I really don't make a distinction between the two. A 72 hour bag, depending on the weather ( and I live in the NE ) IS a BOB. It has to be, because in order to make it 72 hours in the middle of December in Upstate NY, you need a BOB. |
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A GHB should have: - cash; in quarters, ones, fives and twenties $60 is a good total, that's enough for a cheap hotel and 1 meal, or a couple meals, or a gas can at gas-station prices and some gas - a small LED light that uses standard battery sizes (AA, AAA) preferably a headlamp - socks - in wintertime, a spare knit hat, spare gloves - emergency rain poncho - in summertime; small bug spray - 2 or 3 Clif Bars and some water - small notebook and auto-pencil (Pencil, because they don't break and spill, are basically water proof once written. This is for leaving notes about where you are doing; i.e. car broken, walking to X.) I like to carry around a hygiene kit in my regular bag; toothbrush, nail clippers, toothpaste, mouthwash, TP, baby wipes. But, I am a bit fussy about being clean so this is just to keep my mind at ease. Other than that, it's all gravy. The stuff listed above will get you on foot back to where you need to be in a day or two. A bag is never really ever done, you always should be re-evaluating it to suit changing conditions (political and other) and seasons. If you are going further then add more. I'd probably use the extra weight and space for signal/rescue stuff before just adding more to walk farther as I am far more likely to and up cut off due to a high river or snow than I am to be the last survivor after alien invasion (or whatever SHTF). |
| I think that that you should always have synthetic or merino wool longjohns, a lightweight windbreaker, and something to keep your head warm. Even here in the south, we can experience 50 deg. night time temperatures during the summer at higher elevations. If you get soaking wet at night with cooler temperatures, you run the risk of hypothermia. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
I'm not talking about a Bug Out Bag, just a Get Home Bag. (Or maybe call it a 72 Hour Bag) I really don't make a distinction between the two. A 72 hour bag, depending on the weather ( and I live in the NE ) IS a BOB. It has to be, because in order to make it 72 hours in the middle of December in Upstate NY, you need a BOB. Agreed, I also don't see the difference. If you have to live off of a bag for 72hrs you are in the shit and (especially in NY/North East winters) it can quickly become life or death. |
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Situation and environment dependent of course.
Get your principles and situation straight and the answers will be self evident. Air, shelter, water, food. In most cases breathable air takes care of itself. But if you work/live near a chemical plant, large rail yard etc. you might have to consider how to be able to breath long enough to escape. Shelter: worst case being in arctic seawater, which would kill you pretty damn quick. What are the weather conditions, temps, etc of the area you will have to travel worst-case? Summer in the PNW my shelter requirements are the clothes I'm wearing and maybe a pound total extra of insulation for sleeping. Winter, completely different story. NE weather in the winter is far worse of course. Needing to cross a MT pass with zero degree weather and 6 ft of snow is going to change things. My clothes are “shelter” but depending on condition probably not all the shelter I need. I want as much wearable shelter as possible, with layers, so I can minimize the total weight I am carrying. Really good footwear is pretty damn important. Keep some really good broken in boots in your pack/vehicle in case your aren't wearing good footwear the day disaster strikes. Water: in most cases you could go three days without if you had to. No reason to in most cases, but you could. Arizona in the summer is going to be quite different from WA in the Summer. Carry some water, have the ability to harvest/carry more, and some ability to make it potable. How much to carry is dependent on your situation. What is the resupply situation? In NOLA I wouldn't have wanted to drink anything I didn't start with until I was a long ways from the city. In Western WA decent water is everywhere so carrying more than a couple liters is a waste of weight IMO. Food: totally unnecessary for three days but no reason not to carry it. All should be high calorie per ounce. For a short term event I'd have it all fully prepared (i.e. no cooking or rehydrating needed) For longer term, long movement situations were you need to save weight, you will need dehydrated foods. Broken down MRE's, canned meats, energy/protein bars, small bottle of olive oil, etc. Preferably for a 72 hr bag I don't even have to stop walking to eat. Basic self defense equipment: Your everyday carry should be all you need IMO. Cash: Lots of it. Cash talks. $1000 or more. Navigation: a simple laminated map and basic compass could come in pretty handy. I still prefer a real G.I. compass that I can use at night. As much as I like GPS in most cases a map and compass are more beneficial. Keep you weight down and your legs, back, heart and lungs will thank you. |