Things to prepare

It's been awhile so here goes another post.

With the year coming to a close I wanted to give a little info and ideas for things to do this next year. If you have any ideas or things that would be useful please feel free to leave comments.
   I haven't talked much about E.D.C.(every day carry). Some people carry lots of thing some don't. I think it all depends on your work and what your doing that day. I carry a multi tool everyday. I use it a few times a day with my work. In my wallet I carry a piece of aluminum foil that is folded to the size of a credit card. It has quite a few uses. In my truck I carry my B.O.B., a heavy coat, floor jack and other tools.
   In my wife's car we have her B.O.B, flashlights and other various things. We had an experience with a flat tire and it was raining that day. The ground was wet and I grabbed her tarp out of her bob, and used that on the ground. I also had her work gloves from her bob also. That was so great to have those items ready to use.
   Everyone thinks that your B.O.B. is for leaving your house in a hurry. I think it should reflect what you would need in an emergency. Not all disasters are going to require you to leave or get out quick.
   You should have a bag with supplies in it to have by your desk or locker at work or school. Not everyone will be by their vehicles when something happens. Anyway here are just my thoughts.

First Aid Kit

Here is a Feild/Trauma Kit I just bought from Cal Ranch on clearance. It was only $14.98.
This has belt loops on the back and side loops. Multiple options to attach to you B.O.B.

Product Information

Designed for hunters and sportsman to handle anything from fish hook removal to gunshot wounds. Includes orange, waterproof zippered pouch that organizes supplies by injury. Enough supplies for a 1-2 day trip with 2 people.

41-Piece Kit Contains:

Medications for pain, inflammation, bites and stings

Open wound care

Burn and blister treatments

Medical instructions

Technical Information

Notes: Weight 14 oz, 7" x 4.5" x 3.5"

Contents:
Medical Information / Instrument / Medication
1..... Comp. Guide to Wilderness & Travel Medicine
2..... Ibuprofen (200 mg), Pkg./2
2..... Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 25 mg)
1..... Aspirin (325 mg), Pkg./2
1..... After Bite? Sting and Itch Relief Wipe
1..... Splinter Picker/Tick Remover Forceps
3..... Safety Pins
Bleeding
2..... Trauma Pad, 5" x 9"
1..... Dressing, Petrolatum, Non-Adherent, 3" x 3"
2..... Gloves, Nitrile (Pair), One Hand Wipe
Wound Care / Burn / Blister
2..... Bandage, Butterfly Closure
6..... After Cuts & Scrapes? Wipe
2..... Triple Antibiotic Ointment, 1/32 oz
1..... Dressing, Non-Adherent, Sterile, 3" x 4"
2..... Dressing, Gauze, Sterile, 4" x 4", Pkg./2
2..... Dressing, Gauze, Sterile, 2" x 2", Pkg./2
1..... Bandage, Elastic, Co-hesive, Self Adhering, 2"
1..... Tape, 1/2" x 10 Yards
4..... Bandage, Adhesive, Fabric, 1" x 3"
3..... Bandage, Adhesive, Fabric, Knuckle
1..... Moleskin, 3" x 4"

I hope this helps with you with finding a First aid kit.

Henry Survival Rifle

I found a really awesome rifle the other day. I want to get it but just have to wait for the right time too.
Here is a picture of it.

It all fits in the stock. You can drop it in water and it won't get wet. Go here to see a video. http://henryrepeating.com/rifle-survival-ar7.cfm?CFID=10113096&CFTOKEN=21784744  
The price is not too bad. anywhere from $200-$275.

Quick check your bag contents

I have been such a slacker this last week. I have not been posting on here like I wanted too. Sorry for that.
Here is a few quick thing to check and make sure you put them in your B.O.B.

• Make a copy of important documents. You never know when you might have to use them.
• Any medications you might need. just rotate them with you daily meds that way you will always have some when you might have to bug out.
• Games, paper, coloring books, pens, markers, pencils, crayons, your favorite book, A favorite stuffed animal for the little ones, anything that can help keep you occupied for a little while. Especially if you have little ones. Try to make it fun for them.
• Spices. You will want to have a plastic sip bag with salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard just to name a few. Put you favorite seasoning in it. I will help to season up some of the freeze dried food you might have.

If you can think of anything I might have not listed please make a comment so we can put it in our bags.

Dinner with Mountain House

Sorry for the lack of posts the last few days.
 Here is a Mountain House Dinner I had last night.

 

This is what was left. The package says there is 3 servings. Thats about right. It was good. P probably would add some veggies to it if I take it camping. Very filling. Check out Mountain House for other great products.

Lunch with Mountain House

I made the Lasagna with meat sauce for lunch. When I opened the package it smelled like pasta sauce.

After I opened it and took out the oxygen absorber I added 2 cups of water and stirred it.

I waited for 9 minutes and then enjoyed it.

I have to say it was really good. All I needed was some garlic bread to go with it. I highly recomend this for your B.O.B. or just to take camping with you. Click this to purchase from Mountain House.

Breakfast with .Mountain House

I tried the Mountain House scrambled eggs and bacon. They were tasty.

You have to be sure to remove the oxygen absorber pouch. Then just add 1 cup water, seal the bag then wait 5 mins or so.

Enjoy. Just add salt and pepper to taste if you like. I would definitely take this with me when I go camping and it is also going in my B.O.B. Just click here to go to the Mountain House website to order these scrambled eggs today.

Bug out Bag Contents: Influencing Factors

Bug Out Bag Contents?

I am sure you have heard it said that survival kits should be tailored to your personal but this needs to be stressed again when determining a Bug out Bag List.

Also, let me clarify that today we are talking about a Bug out Bag that is planned and packed in order for you to make it a set distance to a pre-determined location. Whether this is a Get Home Bag or the Bug out Bag that is going to be with you the full 140 miles to your retreat, the thought process behind selecting your Bug out Bag Contents, and amounts of those contents, remains the same.

Before you begin selecting your Bug out Bag contents I would suggest you make a Bug out Bag Checklist. This checklist is different than a Bug out Bag checklist of items. It will contain a list of factors that will help you determine how much of and what you need to pack.

Factors Influencing Bug out Bag Contents:

1.       Time of year and Weather

2.       Total Travel Distance

3.       Terrain

4.       Speed of Travel/Estimate of Travel Length

5.       Party Member Considerations (Special Needs)

6.       Cache System/Trip Segments

Description and Why Bug Out Bag Contents Factors:

1.       You will find that depending on your location and the local weather, some items will be necessary in one location all year long but might just be extra weight in another location. For example, it would be a good idea to have a snow rated jacket in your bag up in Alaska year round but if you are in southern California you may not need one any time of the year depending on your destination.

2.       Travel distance will affect many things such as the amount of water or purification attempts you need to be capable of which in turn will help determine if you need to set cache location along your route.

3.       Terrain is another factor that helps determine the need for caching, water carried and speed of travel. You may need some cached supplies, extra water on your person and special equipment/clothing considerations.

4.       The distance you must travel is only part of the equation. Do you know how long it will take your party to travel that distance? I hope so or you may find yourself without enough water or food. It is very important that you know your trekking abilities with the weight you must carry.

5.       Knowing your own limits is extremely important but if you are traveling with others knowing the abilities of everyone else is a life saver as well. Say you can haul yourself 20 miles a day for extended days in a row but have a young child or elderly adult that will be coming with you. Pushing them beyond their daily abilities will slow you down in the long run so it will be much safer to pre-plan and slow the party pace down to accommodate everyone safely. If you know there is a child that will not be able to walk over 5 miles a day then you may want to bring some sort of wagon or lower your pack weight so you can carry the child (if their weight allows it safely and efficiently) for a few miles a day.

6.       If the distance is too great or the terrain does not permit water procurement then take matters into your own hands and cache supplies ahead of time. This can help unreachable distances become reachable and turn water starved un-navigable deserts into something attainable.

7.       As I am sure it has become apparent, these factors are interdependent and will greatly influence supplies and gear needed. It will also help to manage expectations and keep goals realistic.

8.       Bug out Bag Tip: Pre-packaged kits or Bug out Bags can save time and give great bases to start with but you need to take responsibility and open them up and check all the items. Use these as a foundation to build.

Free ebook

Here is a great site that offers a huge amount of ebooks for free. Check it out just click the ebooks that is blue and underlined.

Mountain House Ice Cream Sandwich

 

 OK can I just say YUM!!!!!!!. This did not last in my house. My wife and I both sampled it. This is definitely going in my B.O.B. The ice cream sandwich was really just what you would expect. This is a great snack to have on hand for any emergency. You can buy these directly from Mountain House for $2.29 each. It is worth the price.

Bug Out Bag Styles

There are alot of different types of bug out bags. You first have to look at your situation. Do you hvae the means to carry a 30 plus pound bag? Do you have to carry extra supplies for your pets or smaller children? What makes the most sense for you may not for the next person. I have just a normal backpackers pack with an internal frame. multiple outside pockets for easy access to the little things like flashlights and paracord.
Here are a few really good bags, some are a little pricey:

The VULTURE-II 3-Day Assault Pack is your answer with 2810 cubic inches (46 liters of carry capacity in three compartments equipped with YKK 10 zippers and paracord knot pulls.
I found this one on http://www.amazon.com/. $139.95

Car Bug Out Bag (B.O.B.)
G.I. style Heavy-Duty "Tool Grade" BagsThese car B.O.B. bags are the same as the regular bags, except they have a larger brass zipper
in place of the regular zipper. If your really tough on zippers, then this might be a better choice.

Heavy Duty cotton canvas
Large brass zipper
2 outside snap button pockets
11' x 7' x 6"
These are good bags for your car price range from $9.95 - $12.95. Go to: http://www.calquakeinlandempire.com/storetitles/kits/carbobbag.html.

Constructed of rugged, tactical polyester. Accepts modular or A.L.I.C.E. attachments. Hydration bladder compatible. Key features include: self repairing zippers, p/u coated lining and pockets, 1 large main zippered compartment with pouch and mesh pocket, 3 additional pockets, adjustable padded shoulder straps, padded back with breathable mesh backing, and carry handle.

Made From 600D Polyester Material - P.P. Webbing Rugged Synthetic Material Similar To Rigid Government Specifications. Accepts Modular or Alice Pack Components & MOLLE Compatible. Heavy Duty Zippers with Pull Tabs. Polyurethane Coated Lining & Pockets. Water Resistant Material. Padded Back With Breathable Mesh Backing. Adjustable Padded Shoulder Straps. Adjustable & Removable Waist Belt. Top Carry Handle. Hydration Bladder Compatible. Size : 18"H x 10"W x 10"D. I found this one at:
http://www.amazon.com/Level-III-Molle-Assault-Backpack--BLACK/dp/B000Q5UGQW/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1343770025&sr=1-3&keywords=bug+out+bag . Not too bad a price either. $41.99


I hope this helps with your decision making. Just go to Amazon and type in Bug out bag. Don't forget to follw this blog for more great info, product reviews and tests.

Enter to win

Follow this blog for a chance to win a Kobalt Multi Tool. I will post the winner on Friday August 3rd, 2012. Just remember you have to follow this blog or already be following it for a chance to win. Just leave a comment saying you want entered.

P38 can opener

Now here is something you must have in your B.O.B. I would even think about putting it in your mess kit. Maybe even on a keyring that has other little items on it. You can pick these up for under $1.00 at any army surplus store. You can also go here: http://www.armysurplusworld.com/product.asp?ProductID=16759 Pick one up today you will be glad you did.

First Aid Kit

So I was spending some time looking for a first aid kit that would be most beneficial for me. I found a website that has quite a bit of gear http://www.armysurplusworld.com/product.asp?ProductID=43552 this will take you to the medic bag I am going to get. It comes packed with the following supplies: Contains over 135 items, including: 1 EFA - First Aid Instructions 1 Pill Bottle 16 Bandage Strips 1''x3'' 10 Pain Relievers 2 Bandage Gauzes, 2''x4.5yds. 2 Triple Antibiotic Packages 1 Elastic Bandage, 6'' 2 First Aid Cream Packages 1 Triangular Bandage 40''x40''x56'' 1 Burn Aid Package 1 Field Dressing 2 Tape, Rolls, Adhesive 4 Sterile Sponges, 4''x4'' 1 SAM / Universal Splint 4 Abdominal Pads, 5''x9'' 1 Tourniquet 1 Eye Pad 1 EMT Shears, 7.25'' 16 Alcohol Wipes 1 Pair of Tweezers 15 Iodine Wipes 1 Stainless Steel Hemostat, 5'' 15 Antiseptic BZK Wipes 1 Suture Set 15 Clean Wipes 1 Irrigation Syringe 1 Lip Treatment 2 Tongue Depressors 1 Sterile Flushing Solution 1 Airway 1 Hand Soap 2 Instand Ice Packs 6 Safety Pins 2 Pairs Latex Examination Gloves. This is from their website. If you have something that you like please post it in the comments section.

New stuff today

I went to Smithfield Implement today, they are a True Value store. I bought a bunch of little items for my B.O.B.

This was only $26.00. I bought a hose to fill up my water jugs. It has to be an apex hose because there is no lead in it i guess. I can't wait to get these put in my bag and then try it out camping in a few weeks.

Mountain House

I just recieved an email from Mountain House that I will be getting a package. I am so excited to try some more of their great food items. I will post my reviews on here when I get the package. http://www.mountainhouse.com/

Emergency Blanket

Here is another must have in your B.O.B. Usually you can pick these up for under $1.00. I have a link you can get them for $0.90

The emergency blanket is lightweight and compact. Small enough to store most anywhere in case of an emergency. This blanket helps conserve body heat, provides protection from wind and rain and its reflective coating makes it a capable signaling device when in distress.

Size: 84" x 52"

http://www.recreationoutlet.com/p-337-emergency-mylar-blanket.aspx


These guys have a lot of great products for really good prices.

SE Emergency Sleeping Bag

Here is another great product for your B.O.B.

Product Description

This Emergency Survival Sleeping Bag will give you a powerful pocketful of warmth. The unique reflective material maintains up to 90% of your radiant body heat to help preserve crucial warmth. The sleeping bag tapes at the sides and is large enough to cover you from head to toe, yet small enough to fit in a pocket. Measures 36 x 84 inches.
These bags are waterproof and windproof. Not only can they be used as a sleeping bags, it can also be used as an emergency ground cover or reflectors. These bags fold to approximately 3 X 5 inches for storage.

* Bag Size: 84" x 36".
* Lightweight and compact.
* Fold to approximately 3 X 5 inches for storage.
* 90% of your body heat is reflected.
* Re-usable.
* Windproof and waterproof in windy, snowy or rainy conditions.
* Seams in the Emergency Sleeping Bag are polyester tape sealed as well.
This is a great product. I carry these in my B.O.B. and my cars.here is a link where you can find these:
http://www.discountknivesandswords.com/SingleResults.asp?ID=961&Cat=SurvivalGear

Kobalt Multi Tool

This is the Multi Tool I have for my Bug Out Bag or "B.O.B." as we like to call it. This is a great functioning tool and can be carried on your belt.It is $15.47 at the Lowe's in Logan Utah. Here is the specs on it directly from their website. http://www.lowes.com/ 

Description
15-In-1 Multi Tool

• Stainless steel frame and accessories
• Comfortable and durable TPR grip
• Innerspring construction for more convenient uses
• Bonus pouch for easy storing

Specs

Multi-Tool Type	Long nose pliers, standard pliers, wire cutter, wire stripper, knife, saw, slotted screwdriver, small slotted screwdriver, can opener, fine blade, serrated blade, file, Phillips screwdriver, large slotted screwdriver, bottle opener
Material	Stainless steel with TPR grip

I hope this helps with your decision making.

Mountain House Freeze Dried Ice Cream

I now what your thinking freeze dried ice cream 'YUK". That's what went through my mind. I have to say it was really good. Tasted like ice cream only warm. Here is the nutrition info directly from Mountain House's website: http://www.mountainhouse.com/

Neapolitan Ice Cream INGREDIENTS: Milk fat and Nonfat Milk, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Whey, Cocoa (processed with alkali), Mono and Diglycerides, Guar Gum, Cellulose Gum and Carrageenan, Artificial Flavor, Annatto Color, Red Beet concentrate, and Tumeric Color. CONTAINS: Milk.
NUTRITION: Allergen Info...click here
Product code:	53523
Pkg. Net Wt.(oz):	0.75
Servings per Pkg:	1
Serving Size:	1 package
Total Calories:	120
From Fat:	50
Total Fat:	6 grams
Saturated Fat:	4 grams
Trans fat Acid:	0 grams
Cholesterol:	25 milligrams
Sodium:	50 milligrams
Carbos:	15 grams
Dietary Fiber:	0 grams
Sugars:	12 grams
Protein:	2 grams

I would highly recommend this for your bug out bag so you can have some comfort food when things are not going so good.

I hope to try some more of their great looking items here in the near future.