Posted: 2/9/2015 12:12:46 AM EDT
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Hello everyone! My name is Kurt and this is my first post here on this forum.
I am interested in building a bug out bag for general SHTF scenarios and felt like you guys would know what's what. I want to get something straight, here and now. My situation prevents the use of firearms. Note how I did not say restricts, but PREVENTS. Firearms of any kind are an impossibility given my situation. They simply cannot be a part of my life. When I was very young I was hospitalized for mental illness, specifically autism. Though it was years ago, and I am now a healthy, happy adult, the public record never goes away. Additionally, as I live in Massachusetts, firearms may do more harm than good, and there are hunting alternatives such as archery, fishing and trapping should I get around to learning those. If at all possible please keep responses focused on my questions. I know that there are many who would like to discuss my peculiar situation further, but in would appreciate it if we could stay on topic. We are all adults here and I feel that this isn't an unreasonable request. My question is does anyone have any experience, however minor, with the First Spear Modular Fight Strap. I have been eyeing it for some time because it seems to be exactly what I need. The following criteria are what I require in a bug out platform: 1. A modular surface of PALS webbing. 2. As quick a donning cycle as possible. 3. The ability to be removed, then put over another layer of clothing, such as a heavier outer coat. 5. High quality. 6. The ability to be fitted to people with different body sizes. The Modular Fight Strap meets all of these criteria. Note that the pouches I plan on attaching to the platform I choose will be filled with survival aids, such as rations, snare wire, tools, etc. my goal is to survive, not necessarily fight. Yours always, Kurt Thomson |
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Quoted:
Hello everyone! My name is Kurt and this is my first post here on this forum. I am interested in building a bug out bag for general SHTF scenarios and felt like you guys would know what's what. I want to get something straight, here and now. My situation prevents the use of firearms. Note how I did not say restricts, but PREVENTS. Firearms of any kind are an impossibility given my situation. They simply cannot be a part of my life. When I was very young I was hospitalized for mental illness, specifically autism. Though it was years ago, and I am now a healthy, happy adult, the public record never goes away. Watch the courts. There was some recent case where they said that stripping that right for something like that way in the past is wrong. Of course your state will be one of the last to accept it. |
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Thanks for the quick reply!
I should mention that according to the research I have done on Massachusetts regulations, I could possibly have permission to own firearms if I supply with the paperwork a written affidavit from a qualified psychologist who I have a history with. right now money has been tight for the family and I haven't had any issues in years so I haven't been seeing my psychologist, primarily because he only served patients 18 and under, so it's been years since that time period. I'm 21 now and haven't had a major issue in a surprising amount of time, so the need for a psychologist has been reduced in recent years. Massachusetts is still a may-issue state so even with ideal conditions I could still be rejected. I should mention that there are other reasons I may not want to own a firearm. the most important is my hypersensitivity to sound. it's a common issue with autistics, because we have trouble filtering stimuli of any kind, so noise isn't nearly as subdued as it would be with an ordinary person. ALOT of the sound you hear in everyday life is not noticed because your brain filters it out, but that is impossible for an autistic. my burden is that I see, hear and feel everything all at once, unable to prioritize or focus it. imaging being at firing range when you are unable to filter out any sound, and everything is 3.2 times more acute than is typical. that's my life. I've bee to firing ranges and spent the first 15 minutes sitting because the volume was to loud. |
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it looks to be a good addition to a BOB, but I have no experience with it. but looks too small to carry the necessities... food/water/shelter. but would be a great companion bag to another smaller pack that can fit those needed things.
I don't think you have to have a firearm to survive, people made due without guns before they are invented... a snare setup, bow and arrow, spears... all are viable options for a survival situation |
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Given that the First Spear model is a chest harness, it will have very limited carry capacity and the nature of how it’s worn will attract as much attention as a rifle to those that know what to look for. As a layered approach to building a bug-out/home system, it’s not a bad idea; just keep the purpose of that particular platform into perspective. I don’t know what your skill level is, but a chest-kit that would fit on the First Spear platform is really a 72-hour sized kit that may not adequately address shelter or water; again, just keep your preps in perspective and realistic. A pack is often your best choice if you must consider a substantial shelter and pack layered clothing.
I know you said “general SHFT” scenarios, which is a start; however any load-carrying piece of equipment must have more defined requirements and also account for seasonal changes and weather conditions. I always tell people to identify your “essentials” first with respect to your situation, location and plans. Starting with a simple “bug-home” scenario from work creates a good foundation and keep it focused on a 72-hour timeframe as an initial baseline. Bugging out from home can start from just grabbing your kit and hitting a motel or friend’s house if you house becomes flooded, burned down or uninhabitable for whatever reason, or it can be an end-of-world, flee from zombies situation…start with the most likely. Location is important. Not just if it’s urban, rural, woodlands, mountains, swamps, etc. but also if there are any significant terrain features or obstacles which you may need to cross or navigate. Several considerations before stuffing a cool pack or platform with survival gear. You’re off to a good start. I wouldn’t personally worry about a firearm to get started, but self-defense is a serious consideration. I would however, start looking at what is needed to fully restore your 2A rights and make that part of your bug-out preparations in the near future. There are other alternatives, not as effective as a firearm, but feasible if you invest the time and training. ROCK6 |
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Thanks for the replies, everyone!
In truth I haven't formulated a real SHTF plan, but I was just curious about the Fight Strap because I felt that it might be less conspicuous than a vest, but I am starting to see the value in just an ordinary backpack. I suppose that if the SHTF I might just try to bug in rather than out, if at all possible, because I don't believe that going somewhere else would make my situation any better. My family disapproves of my interest in survivalism, but in a dangerous situation I think my priority should be aiding them, instead of bugging out without them. I could never leave them behind, but they sure as hell would never learn the skills necessary for surviving a catastrophe, at least not beforehand. my current plan is to acquire skills in hunting and cleaning game, perhaps small-scale horticultural food production, as well as general survival skills, and then just teach them when they need it. I would prefer to teach them as soon as I learned the skills myself, but they see no value in them. I may have to teach them when it's almost too late... |
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Well, focus on getting your own plan and training and then focus on family. Another less expensive alternative to a vest type kit carrier is the RIBZ "pack". I wears like a vest and if not overly stuffed can be worn over or under bulky clothes yet still be somewhat of a low-profile kit.
ROCK6 |
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Start by sitting down and thinking about why you think you want a BOB. Write down the reasons you want one, and what capabilities it would need to satisfy those wants and needs.
Then write down what you think you could put in the bag to satisfy those needs. I tell this to anyone that will listen. But, most people are more interested in running out and buying a bunch of tacticool stuff to put in their tacticool bag. My personal opinion is that you are leaning toward some kind of bag that will allow you to wander off into the woods and live off the land. IMO, that kind of thinking will point you in the wrong directions. I also think that the idea of fitting it to different people is probably not all that important. Again, chances are it is going to be a bag to put stuff in, not something you will have to carry on your back for 50 miles. If it comes to that, you will probably just die anyway. |
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Med Alice.with frame upgraded hip pad.
Pals /Molle aren't needed per say. Sides that's. What's your budget What's your distance your plan to "bug out " Do you have the other gear to fill this bag -water /shelter etc.what the combined weight? What's your torso size? Do.t take it wrong. I could list 50 packs that "I " think are best but with out a lil more info its hard to share what's worked /will work or wont. There is also a tacked thread above that has a metric ton of info..from large packs to small. Know some of the info above can help guide you in a direction of style /size /cost etc. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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First,
To the OP, great questions, and then great commentary has followed. Secondly, also directed to the OP, you have great courage & self awarness to recognize & discuss what others would consider a disablilty, This is one of those cases where knowledge & admission strongly indicate mastery over the issue. I have seen people, through the years, take what most would consider a liability and turn it into great advantage. I believe you will have the opportunity to just that. Lastly, ilbob, please comment futher on your post, please. Well put, but I want more detail. Great thread. Classy, like I have come to expect from this section. John Quoted:
Start by sitting down and thinking about why you think you want a BOB. Write down the reasons you want one, and what capabilities it would need to satisfy those wants and needs. Then write down what you think you could put in the bag to satisfy those needs. I tell this to anyone that will listen. But, most people are more interested in running out and buying a bunch of tacticool stuff to put in their tacticool bag. My personal opinion is that you are leaning toward some kind of bag that will allow you to wander off into the woods and live off the land. IMO, that kind of thinking will point you in the wrong directions. I also think that the idea of fitting it to different people is probably not all that important. Again, chances are it is going to be a bag to put stuff in, not something you will have to carry on your back for 50 miles. If it comes to that, you will probably just die anyway. |
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Quoted:
Thanks for the replies, everyone! In truth I haven't formulated a real SHTF plan, but I was just curious about the Fight Strap because I felt that it might be less conspicuous than a vest, but I am starting to see the value in just an ordinary backpack. I suppose that if the SHTF I might just try to bug in rather than out, if at all possible, because I don't believe that going somewhere else would make my situation any better. My family disapproves of my interest in survivalism, but in a dangerous situation I think my priority should be aiding them, instead of bugging out without them. I could never leave them behind, but they sure as hell would never learn the skills necessary for surviving a catastrophe, at least not beforehand. my current plan is to acquire skills in hunting and cleaning game, perhaps small-scale horticultural food production, as well as general survival skills, and then just teach them when they need it. I would prefer to teach them as soon as I learned the skills myself, but they see no value in them. I may have to teach them when it's almost too late... It is good to make plans to stay home in a SHTF a situation. It is also good to make plans for when you are forced to leave your home (fired, tornado, earthquake, flood, mob, etc). Your BOB should be something you can grab and run in a moments notice and will help you get to a new safer location at which you can live. If your family just can't accept survival preparation as prudent then don't talk to them about survival. Or instead of calling it a BOB call it a FEMA government recommended 72 hour kit and emergency disaster preparation. I don't have experience with the item you asked about. But I recommend you find yourself a good inconspicuous backpack with a padded waist belt and fill it with the essentials (food, water, shelter, clothing). Add some good boots, extra money, cell phone, and first aid and that would make you more prepared than 99.9% of people who suddenly find themselves forced to leave their homes on short notice. Then put the backpack in your vehicle and you will be even more prepared for other eventualities. |
| I have a Molle II Assault Pack sitting in my truck for my GHB and I recently acquired a USMC ILBE for next to nothing that I will be using as my BOB. They are both sturdy and relatively cheap! I would seriously consider an ILBE. I am going to go against the flow here and say to stay away from the old ALICE rucksacks. The only thing going for them is that they are cheap! There are much better alternatives out there for just a little bit more cash. |
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Thank you JohnnyC for your praise, it feels good to have a positive experience here.
I came here in a gamble, thinking that I could potentially be ostracized for my illness, but your testimony has given me new hope! The "mastery" you mention isn't as masterful as you may believe. It took years of effort to guide me into this current state of mine. I remember when I was in 4th grade, some silver spoon children from my unnaturally-wealthy town came to me and stole my backpack and tried (pathetically) to punch me in the face. They said to me "you have no idea how pointless you are. You were born broken, your still broken, and there isn't a single part of you that can be fixed" So I got back up, climbed aboard the bus to school, nonchalantly took my bag because they just foolishly put it down next to themselves without thinking, and aced a test. On the way home I said to them on the bus "your right. I was born broken, but unlike you I actually attempt to improve my health. I'll never be truly healed, but I can make healthier choices, and that's good enough for me." nowadays, almost everyone in that class of 1-percenters is now on drugs, has STDs, faces early alcoholism, receives zero love from their decadent but inattentive families, and wishes they were as healthy as I am. So you see, gentleman, it is I who has had the last laugh... |
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I wouldn't worry about prepping the family just yet, chance are you will never have to use your pack for a real disaster... but id rather have it and not need it, versus need it and not have it!
in the event you do have to bug out and survive in the woods with your family, very small chance of that every happening, which i think is important to keep in mind) there will be plenty of jobs you can have them do that requires little to no skill. then you can focus on the skilled tasks. they can always gather firewood, cook, boil water, gather water for boiling, etc.. while they are doing that, you can focus on shelter, hunting/trapping, foraging, etc. |