The Bare Necessities

[skb12172]

If I were to follow everyone's recommendations on daily carry kit, plus BOB, I'd be lugging a Hefty bag around. I invite your comments in case there is anything VITAL I am missing. Here's where I'm at, currently....

On my person: Gerber folding knife, cell phone, small LED flashlight, small 9mm pistol (7+1) with two spare mags.

In my BOB at work: 3-day ration kit (bought commercially), container of wet wipes, 3 bottles of water, small first-aid kit, folding baton, 2 small dust masks, sunglasses, matches, lighter, 2 pairs latex gloves, hiking shoes, poncho.

Feel free to critique, but keep in mind...this is just to get me to my vehicle/home. I have a more extensive bag in the vehicle, but that is for another thread. This is for just the things I can carry with me. If chances are good I can forage it along the way, I don't want to lug it with me all the time.

Fire Away!

[randy]

Given your mission parameters, I'd add a small AM/FM radio. Bonus points for NOAA WX radio reception. Information is a key tool in a bug out situation, and info from the media is better than no info at all. Evacuation routes, shelter locations, weather situation, road closures, etc.

A map of your local area between work and home. Unless you are intimately familiar with the area, a map can show you places to route around blockages you might not realize are there, or would never take in a non emergency situation. Doesn't have to be big or elaborate. You could cut and paste Google maps to build a strip chart home or to rally locations. Can act as kindling if needed.

Small notepad and pencil/pen. Leave notes for family members at rally points. Document injuries of victims to hand off to EMS. Use to mark hazards. Use as kindling.

[Termite]

Get thee to C Crane & Co. and do your homework.

[Combat Controller]

I always carry a multi tool. Something like that in your BOB or on your person might be a good idea.

Spare gun? 550 cord? I would put dry socks in there for sure. Until you need them you won't know what I am talking about. Fellow vets and folks who have been in that situation know exactly why.

How about water? I keep coast guard water packets in my 3 day kits. Some hard candy might not hurt either, that and trucker pep pills. I think a crush hat might be useful as well as a garbage bag. Can be a spare poncho, carry water, loot, what have you. Extra lights or batteries, headlamp, all these things can be useful and light.

Better question is how far from home are you and what is your environment? We all have to compromise but we also have to tailor it to the situation. My 3 day bags are different for each car. The 4x4 has more stuff for roughing it or being caught in the snow (I use it for trips in the winter) and my car has more urban related stuff. But both have knives, lights, water, food, 550 cord, a .357 plus ammo, compass, first aid, matches, etc.

It's amazing what you can put in a very small bag. Recently I have been wondering why I don't just load up a backpack for each car and keep them there. I mean, why not? Why make it a small bag? It's in my car and if I need it, I am going to really need it. I've got the firepower but is three days enough? What if I am in Dallas and have to walk to Austin?

YMMV, I work from home so all my good stuff is in arms reach.

[skb12172]

Yes, I am intimately familiar with the area. From looking at the Crane website, this caught my eye...

http://www.ccrane.com/more-categories/r ... dness.aspx

[tfbncc]

The absolute bare necessity: your brain. Everything else is just a tool. And if you can't carry all the tools you need, carry cash. In an urban setting, you can pretty much find what you need to survive within walking distance

All joking aside, what type of environment do you travel through each day? What are the likely threats? What is the most likely worst case scenario that doesn't include violence (that's a different set of circumstances and answers)?

I always go out with a minimum of a leatherman tool and a flashlight on my belt. They get used almost daily. Then put the larger stuff in your car or a briefcase. Briefcases are wonderful. low profile, they don't attract much attention, and can be modified to hold a wonderful assortment of toys and supplies. In a pinch, they can also be used as a defensive shield if it's one of the tougher models.

Don't overload yourself with items that you likely won't need.

[Aglifter]

Perhaps a sterilizer tablet or two?

[Windy Wilson]

550 cord has the individual strands inside the woven shell, right? It's not the woven shell with a fuzzy core?

[Combat Controller]

Interesting perspective from Bosnia...

[JAG2955]

Interesting perspective from Bosnia...

What a great thread that is. Sounds like the guy's got a high opinion of what the USA did during that conflict, too.

Wife and I actually just re-did our bug out bags and vehicle bags.