[Zirpola]

Good Morning All,

I've always had items ready to go in case of an emergency but I never had a clean cut bag ready to grab and throw in my vehicle. I'm married with a wife and 18 month old toddler. I organized a bag ready to go and wanted to share my inventory for feedback/recommendations. What do y'all think? Please note there are some things I didn't go into depth with for example medical kit and food. I just want feedback as to if I'm missing any big ticket items that I didn't list. Thank you in advanced!

-waterproof bag
-tiny hatchet
-hammer/nails
-knife
-pepper spray
-flashlight and headlamp(batteries)
-fire starting kit (waterproof)
-thermo blanket
-whistle
-flares/chem lights
-signal mirror
-phone charger (solar)
-walkie talkies
-rations/eating utensils
-water (64 oz)
-water purifier kit or tabs
-wet wipes
-550 chord
-ammo boxes (9mm/300BO)
-300 blackout AR pistol
-glock 19
-money ($400)
-phone number list
-pictures of family members
-birth certificate copies
-copies of ID
-pen + notepad
-under wear/socks
-hygiene kit
-compass/protractor
-laminated state map
-first aid kit/peroxide/penicillin
-bug repellent
-poncho
-can opener
-duct tape/gorilla glue
-zip ties
-gloves
-playing cards
-binoculars
-e-tool

All advice appreciated ! Also, this is my first post. Thank you for having me on your forum!

 

[Back Pack Hack]

I'd ditch the hammer and nails. I'd also swap the binocs with a monolcular to reduce weight and bulk. I don't see any stove, so you may want to consider a small backpacking stove with a fuel canister.

Water: Do you have just one container? If so, you may run into issues when it becomes necessary to purify an unknown water source. And if your one container is plastic, you can't boil your water. I also don't see a water filter listed.

Cash: Carry some coins and small bills. Having only 100s and 50s can make buying small items impossible or expensive. Also consider some precious metal.

Map: A highway / road map is fine, but I'd suggest you also add a bike/hike trails map. Also look into finding railroad paths as they will likely be ignored by most others. Even abandoned routes where there are no longer any tracks. Railways won't have steep gradients so they'll be easy routes.

If your avatar is your family, then you need to account for their needs as well.... especially the little one.

 

[Chipper]

Throw in a couple tarps, lots for uses for the weight.

Maybe switch to a 9mm rifle that uses the same mags as the Glock. Better to have the same mags and ammo for 2 weapons vs 1. Kind of picky but that's what we do.

 

[Spenser]

modified list below

-waterproof bag
-Small folding saw
-Knives~ Fixed blade & folder
-pepper spray
- (TWO) flashlights, (two) headlamp (batteries), LED Mini Lantern ---best if they all use same battery type & rechargeable)
-fire starting kit (ferro rod, magnesium fire starter, waterproof matches, Bic lighter, cotton w/ Vaseline)
- Four Mylar Solar Blankets
- Hand & Foot Warmers to be used in conjunction with Mylar Solar Blankets.
-Two whistles
-flares/chem lights
-signal mirror
-phone charger (solar), Small Power Bank
-walkie talkies (rechargeable)
-rations/eating utensils
-water (128 oz) men need 3.7 liters a day of water, ladies 2.7 liters, your child, not a clue.
- Powdered Gatorade mix or Electrolyte Powder
-water purifier kit or tabs
-wet wipes
-550 chord
-Tent or Tarp
-Sleeping bags
-Sleeping Pads w/ appropriate R Values for your area & time of year
-Small stove
-Mess kit
-ammo boxes (9mm/300BO)
-300 blackout AR pistol
-glock 19
-money ($400)
-phone number list
-pictures of family members
-birth certificate copies (medallion notarized)
-copies of ID (medallion notarized)
-Encrypted Flash Drive w/Bday certificates, Medical records, IDs,Financial records, Vehicle info, & Insurance
-pen + (waterproof) notepad
-under wear/socks
-hygiene kit
-compass/protractor
-laminated state map
-first aid kit/peroxide/penicillin (iodine, activated powdered charcoal, Desitin, Benadryl, Aleve, Anti-diarrhea, Qickclot, Aspirin, Prescr)
-bug repellent Don't use repellents w/Deet due to child.
-poncho(s)
-can opener (get the P38 or P51 military can opener, carry 2 -they are weightless in comparison)
-duct tape/gorilla glue/ Super Glue (can also be used for wounds)
-zip ties
-gloves
-playing cards
-Monocular
-Multitool or Swiss Army Knife
-Tablet w/Wi-Fi



In all honesty you should have two Bug Out Bags and not just one. One is for you to carry the other is for your wife. Hers should contain everything for your child, and blankets and sleeping bags and a portion of the food and water, the 2nd flashlight & headlamp, etc.

With regard to the Mylar Solar Blankets, I would bet a pretty penny that you are not very familiar with them. They are heat reflectors with reduced heat loss. They reflect 85-90 % of the heat back to you, but in reality, people use these when they are already cold, and just get colder and colder as the day/night progresses. Having a hand/foot warmers over your chests, underarms, and major organs & groin areas, all the major arteries will make the Mylar Solar Blankets useful, or using them to reflect the heat from a fire or your stove. They can also be useful to create a shelter or used over a sleeping pad to greater increase the pads R value.

The things like hammers & nails, hatchet, you should keep in your vehicle at all times, fact mine even has a tent, sleeping bags & pads, stoves, etc in it at all times. (truth be told though, I am a Freelance Gear Reviewer & outdoor enthusiast & not a Prepper)

I would also use highlighters and mark different possible evacuation routes on your map incase a route you usually take is impassable.

I will reiterate, NEVER use a Mylar Solar Blanket in leu of an actual Blanket, you can use them in conjunction, but not in leu of an actual blanket or sleeping bag.

 

[Kauboy]

I'm always a bit concerned when people carry the means to cause bullet holes, but not plug them.
Return fire is a real possibility if you have a need to use a gun. Clotting bandages, pressure wraps, and tourniquets need to be a part of your kit. Minimum of 2 each, but more recommended. Train in how to use them properly.

The kit is a good start, but heed the advice of the others above. They have a lot of experience building similar kits and actually using them.

Welcome to the forum! Fine looking family you have there. Good to see they have a protector to keep them safe and secure. 👍

 

[CountryGuy]

Good Morning All,

I've always had items ready to go in case of an emergency but I never had a clean cut bag ready to grab and throw in my vehicle. I'm married with a wife and 18 month old toddler. I organized a bag ready to go and wanted to share my inventory for feedback/recommendations. What do y'all think? Please note there are some things I didn't go into depth with for example medical kit and food. I just want feedback as to if I'm missing any big ticket items that I didn't list. Thank you in advanced!
...
All advice appreciated ! Also, this is my first post. Thank you for having me on your forum!

So is the intent of this kit to be for taking in a vehicle or are you looking at going on foot? I ask since weight and size limit are drastically different.

 

[CountryGuy]

With a Toddler, or young kids period, you really need to think on their needs and limitations. They can't walk far on their own, are you going to have a stroller? Is a stroller really useful depending on if you have to bug on foot. Otherwise you or your wife are going to need to have one of those backpack type child carriers. You need to use it now to see if you're wife can carry your little one and how far. Otherwise it'll be you having to carry him and her being the one to be the pack mule.

With the little one you need to keep foods and lots of water ready to go, cereals and formulas need water. You also need to think about things like diapers and wipes and keep changing up your kit to the appropriate size as they grow. You'll also need to keep toys and pacifiers or whatever they are used to for calming them down. I mean you'll be stressed and the baby will sense that and not be in a good mood. Now add to your stress a screaming baby that won't stop.

There is no way if I was you I'd think of bugging out anyway other than via a vehicle. Preferably a car or truck but no less than bicycles and trailers and baby carriers.

In the vehicle, get a couple of those big heavy duty black and yellow totes or those heavy duty plastic chest that latch. Have you stuff in them ready to toss in with the baby and also an extra can or three of gas ready to go. I'm sure you make sure your vehicles always have 3/4 tank or more of gas, right?

Do you have vehicle kits in them 100% of the time? tire plugs, jumper cables, tool kit, wire, oil, etc... Spare belt, hoses or way to patch them??

 

[Zirpola]

I'm always a bit concerned when people carry the means to cause bullet holes, but not plug them.
Return fire is a real possibility if you have a need to use a gun. Clotting bandages, pressure wraps, and tourniquets need to be a part of your kit. Minimum of 2 each, but more recommended. Train in how to use them properly.

The kit is a good start, but heed the advice of the others above. They have a lot of experience building similar kits and actually using them.

Welcome to the forum! Fine looking family you have there. Good to see they have a protector to keep them safe and secure. 👍

Thank you very much! I've got quite a bit experience using an IFAK which is composed of similiar items that you described. I served 11 years in the Marine Corps infantry where I attended a few different CLS courses that stuck with me. Thank you for the warm welcome and I look forward to your advice.

 

[Kauboy]

Thank you very much! I've got quite a bit experience using an IFAK which is composed of similiar items that you described. I served 11 years in the Marine Corps infantry where I attended a few different CLS courses that stuck with me. Thank you for the warm welcome and I look forward to your advice.

Thank you for your service, sir.

 

[OregonDreams]

With a Toddler, or young kids period, you really need to think on their needs and limitations. They can't walk far on their own, are you going to have a stroller? Is a stroller really useful depending on if you have to bug on foot. Otherwise you or your wife are going to need to have one of those backpack type child carriers. You need to use it now to see if you're wife can carry your little one and how far. Otherwise it'll be you having to carry him and her being the one to be the pack mule.

With the little one you need to keep foods and lots of water ready to go, cereals and formulas need water. You also need to think about things like diapers and wipes and keep changing up your kit to the appropriate size as they grow. You'll also need to keep toys and pacifiers or whatever they are used to for calming them down. I mean you'll be stressed and the baby will sense that and not be in a good mood. Now add to your stress a screaming baby that won't stop.

There is no way if I was you I'd think of bugging out anyway other than via a vehicle. Preferably a car or truck but no less than bicycles and trailers and baby carriers.

In the vehicle, get a couple of those big heavy duty black and yellow totes or those heavy duty plastic chest that latch. Have you stuff in them ready to toss in with the baby and also an extra can or three of gas ready to go. I'm sure you make sure your vehicles always have 3/4 tank or more of gas, right?

Do you have vehicle kits in them 100% of the time? tire plugs, jumper cables, tool kit, wire, oil, etc... Spare belt, hoses or way to patch them??

I'll second this. Kids add a lot of gear to the equation, if you are thinking things through with them in mind. Extra clothes, diapers, even extra shoes....and their coats, stroller (at 18mo you could maybe get away with a baby carrier still) snacks because they are ALWAYS hungry, sippy cups, spare cash for whatever else is needed, at one point I even carried a toddler potty in my car. Kids need their own medicines which should absolutely be carried in their diaper bag or in vehicle. All of it equates to keeping SO MUCH GEAR it's absolutely insane. And, it isn't easy to carry.
If it were me, I would drop some weight off the bag, maybe carry just one firearm, that sort of thing. Lighten the load so you have the stuff kiddo needs too. Keep a WELL stocked first aid kit too.

 

[Grinch]

Good Morning All,

I've always had items ready to go in case of an emergency but I never had a clean cut bag ready to grab and throw in my vehicle. I'm married with a wife and 18 month old toddler. I organized a bag ready to go and wanted to share my inventory for feedback/recommendations. What do y'all think? Please note there are some things I didn't go into depth with for example medical kit and food. I just want feedback as to if I'm missing any big ticket items that I didn't list. Thank you in advanced!

All advice appreciated ! Also, this is my first post. Thank you for having me on your forum!

You could replace your hammer with a trapper's tool, it's basically an all in one kinda deal, it would aid in your e-tool depending on the make and model. Other than that I'd suggest an enamel cup or stainless steel cup for boiling water, maybe a little sterno type stove. From your comment concerning your background I'd say you'd be fairly competent in handling most situations for you and your family. Personally I like your load out, the 300 B.O and 9mm aren't my first option but that's me. Other than that welcome to the forum.

 

[WineGuy]

Good Morning All,

I've always had items ready to go in case of an emergency but I never had a clean cut bag ready to grab and throw in my vehicle. I'm married with a wife and 18 month old toddler. I organized a bag ready to go and wanted to share my inventory for feedback/recommendations. What do y'all think? Please note there are some things I didn't go into depth with for example medical kit and food. I just want feedback as to if I'm missing any big ticket items that I didn't list. Thank you in advanced!

-waterproof bag
-tiny hatchet
-hammer/nails
-knife
-pepper spray
-flashlight and headlamp(batteries)
-fire starting kit (waterproof)
-thermo blanket
-whistle
-flares/chem lights
-signal mirror
-phone charger (solar)
-walkie talkies
-rations/eating utensils
-water (64 oz)
-water purifier kit or tabs
-wet wipes
-550 chord
-ammo boxes (9mm/300BO)
-300 blackout AR pistol
-glock 19
-money ($400)
-phone number list
-pictures of family members
-birth certificate copies
-copies of ID
-pen + notepad
-under wear/socks
-hygiene kit
-compass/protractor
-laminated state map
-first aid kit/peroxide/penicillin
-bug repellent
-poncho
-can opener
-duct tape/gorilla glue
-zip ties
-gloves
-playing cards
-binoculars
-e-tool

All advice appreciated ! Also, this is my first post. Thank you for having me on your forum!

I would switch the 300 Blackout barrel to a 5.56 barrel. While the .300 is a nice round, resupply will be the issue. I don't know if you noticed, but the past year 'specialty' rounds are hard to come by.

You also need to work on your kiddo's need. Formula and children's Tylenol are a must have. A teething baby cries a lot and very loud.

 

[CountryGuy]

To build on or change from where Spenser left off...

Kid bag/ kit
( I think you should break out for the kiddo beyond your main kit. Think of this as a diaper bag on steroids)
- Several changes of clothes for a few days

* diapers and wipes for X number of days (lots of wipes as might be dealing with upset belly and can use them to give a bath)

• 1 & 2 gal Ziploc bags to put dirty clothes in until they can be cleaned
• formula/ cereal/ juice/ snacks for same number of days

(even if you wife breast feeds have food for the kiddo as stress and reduced nutrition could impact or stop her milk supply)
Water

for the foods above
[*]Some bottles/ sippy cups for water and juice

- Blanket
- comfort items - pacifiers, stuffed animals, a few small toys
- Meds like baby tylenol, diaper cream, etc (sure you and your wife have other things you have on hand

MAIN BAG

• Waterproof bag
• Small folding saw
• Knives~ Fixed blade & folder
• pepper spray
• (TWO) flashlights, (two) headlamp (batteries), LED Mini Lantern ---best if they all use same battery type & rechargeable) (suggest AA as they are the most common battery -

Look into getting Enloop rechargeable batteries (rechargeable like 10,000 times) and a charger unit which you can add to your car kit
- fire starting kit (ferro rod, magnesium fire starter, waterproof matches, Bic lighter, cotton w/ Vaseline) (char cloth and commerciel fire starters like WetFire or brand you
prefer)

• Four Mylar Solar Blankets (Add Woobies for you and Mom)
• Hand & Foot Warmers to be used in conjunction with Mylar Solar Blankets.

- 1 or 2 Pair of wool socks for each

• Two whistles
• flares/ chem lights
• signal mirror
• phone charger (solar), Small Power Bank - Power bank/ portable battery - 15,000 mAh or larger (use to charge phones, lights, etc) have wall wart charger, car cigarette charger, and cables for both USB and USC to your phone and power banks required plug style - Idea is to have way to charge no mater what the porwe source is you find
• Walkie-talkie (rechargeable) - Ideally rechargeable AA batteries
• rations/eating utensils - Try to keep to open and eat items or just add hot water to reconstitute foods things like energy and granola bars, MRE's, packets of tuna or spam. Open and eat, it's only a few days so does variety really mater?
• water (128 oz) men need 3.7 liters a day of water, ladies 2.7 liters, your child, not a clue. (If Mom is nursing, her water need will be greater, from what I found it suggests she also drink 128oz or 1 gal per day
• Powdered Gatorade mix or Electrolyte Powder
• water purifier kit or tabs (If Mom is nursing, think I'd stay to a purifier like a Sawyer Mini to reduce chemicals she's ingesting)

- wet wipes (Use the baby wipes your already packing)

• 550 chord
• Tent or Tarp (Consider hammocks as they are smaller and lighter and can be used as a chair also)
• Sleeping bags
• Sleeping Pads w/ appropriate R Values for your area & time of year

- Small stove (might consider sterno cans or one of the small rocket stoves available that you could burn small sticks in so you don't need to carry fuel - homemade alcohol stove and bottle of 95% rubbing alcohol)

- Mess kit (I'd probably go with a Large Stainless mug for each of you and a long handle metal spoon or spork. Less to clean which means less water to use and hot water to make.

• ammo boxes (9mm/ 300BO) - (Skip the boxes and load extra ammo in mags and store them in ziploc bags. Makes easier to pack and disperse weight)
• 300 blackout AR pistol (will you and Mrs both be packing rifle and pistol? Is she proficient with a rifle and pistol? Maybe consider a pistol caliber carbine using Glock mags, makes less different things to carry. If you think you need more punch, step up to .40 or .45 - also do you have any sort of body armor and do you have a plan as to what you will do with the baby if you come under fire? Regardless of if it's you or Mom holding the kiddo at the time)
• Glock 19

- money ($400) (might want to increase amount as you can afford and ensure you have most in things like 5's,10's, 20's but also a little bit of change. If you can scrounge up some junk silver that would be good to incase the situation you're leaving from is due to financial collapse)

• phone number list
• pictures of family members
• birth certificate copies (medallion notarized)
• copies of ID (medallion notarized)
• Encrypted Flash Drive w/Bday certificates, Medical records, IDs,Financial records, Vehicle info, & Insurance - other important documents including medical, dental, and Rx cards, immunization cards, licenses, degrees, etc. and contact numbers and addresses for each institution.

Something to consider with all this is to have the secure thumb drives of a style that you and your wife both can wear around your necks like dog tags.
Speaking of, it wouldn't hurt to get a set of dog tags made for you all, including the baby. Maybe just your name, city and emergency contact number rather than SSN and things, though blood types wouldn't hurt.

On all those important private things like bank account, debit and credit card numbers, put them in a list but come up with a code that you and your wife both know. Something simple like on any account number you will change every third number, starting with the first digit, some amount, either +/-. For example your actual number is 5924 0723 4821 you all decide +2 is the change, your secure number written down would therefore become 7926 0743 4021 and have your expiration and security code written down also. You could do the same for all your SSN#'s - 123 45 6789 becomes 323 65 6989

Have a list of your family, friends and other important contacts to include phone numbers, home address, email, etc. We all rely on our phones so much, what do we do if our cells are dead, broken or stolen? I know I couldn't tell you either of my teenage daughters numbers from memory.
All the documents you have scanned on the drive, it wouldn't hurt to have some of those things printed off and in a binder for quick access. Maybe even have the pages laminated and keep it in one of your bags or boxes.

• pen + (waterproof) notepad
• under wear/socks
• hygiene kit
• compass/protractor
• laminated state map
• first aid kit/ peroxide/ penicillin (iodine, activated powdered charcoal, Desitin, Benadryl, Aleve, Anti-diarrhea, Qickclot, Aspirin, Prescr)
• bug repellent Don't use repellents w/ Deet due to child.
• poncho(s)
• can opener (get the P38 or P51 military can opener, carry 2 -they are weightless in comparison)
• duct tape/ gorilla glue/ Super Glue (can also be used for wounds)
• zip ties
• gloves
• playing cards
• Monocular
• Multitool or Swiss Army Knife
• Tablet w/Wi-Fi

- safety glasses or goggles
- beloved (not) N95 dust mask


Here is something to think on, and to do now. Where are you bugging out to? If you don't have specific destinations you know you have, then you're just a refugee with a bunch of crap. Don't think that place is the woods or a state park or something. Maybe it's a friends or family, maybe it's a legit BOL. But what do you do if that location is getting impacted by the same thing hitting you at home? Do you have a plan B, C, D, etc?? Do you have multiple locations to go to that you know you're welcomed at? Do you have multiple routes to each BOL? Have you considered potential pinch points or places for the route to be blocked? If so, do you have potential detours planned out? Have you driven/ walked each of them?

Beyond a state map, do you have atlases with the routes marked or just to have in case you end up far outside the area you thought you'd be in? Maybe you have to go into the next state. have you looked at gas stations and rest stops along the way. Not just the ones where everyone else will be heading at the major exits or intersections.
Did you mark hotels/ motels? In your binder of things, have copies of your map pages and have list of hotels along each route with their contact numbers. Let's say a hurricane is blowing in, or maybe there is a train derailment with chemical spill and you get mandatory evacuation. You likely know the direction you're going, opposite that of the event, but so are maybe hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of others. Wouldn't it be better, as you're pulling out, for your wife to call a hotel 40, 60, 100 miles away and make a reservation so that when you get there you have a room? Isn't it peace of mind that you're not fighting to get a room at a sold out hotel for your family?
Isn't it better you know that the exit that is swamped with cars getting gas isn't the only place? Due to you pre-planning and being prepared, you know that if you go just another 10 miles there is an exit and a station 1 mile off it where you can likely get gas with no one else around. This is the sort of thing that should also be part of your BOB/ BOL planning. I mean if you're in hurricane alley and you know there is a Cat 4 headed for your front door on Friday, wouldn't it be better to call a hotel 150 miles in the opposite direction on Monday and make a reservation from Thursday thru Sunday. Then if on Wednesday afternoon it heads out to the ocean or goes to a Cat 1, you can call the place and cancel rather than be hitting the road with the mob Thursday afternoon with no clue as to where you're going. Or if it is inbound, you load up Wednesday morning early and hit the road. Also, like the list of hotels you might want to already have the name of a garage or tire shop or a parts store marked on your map.
Also in your lists, have things like tree services, cleaning companies, plumbers, electrician and other contractors to call for your home to get on standby for when you get home.

 

[MaterielGeneral]

Some of the guys mentioned diapers but depending on the length of the SHTF you may want to include washable diapers. Something more long term.

 

[justinsane]

I would switch the 300 Blackout barrel to a 5.56 barrel. While the .300 is a nice round, resupply will be the issue. I don't know if you noticed, but the past year 'specialty' rounds are hard to come by.

for this reason last year I switched all my guns to 9mm even rifle. I found that .380 was virtually impossible to find, and even as ammo started to reappear the .380 did not at first. So I sold my .380 carry pistol and the >400 rounds of hollow points I had for it, while they were still going for about $1 per round, that more than paid for a Kahr CM9 with extra mags for summer carry, and a good amount of 9mm ammo. Now instead of having one ammo can for each caliber I have one large for 115 gr, one large for 124 gr, one standard for 147 gr and one standard for hollow points. My wife has her own ammo, but yes it's 9mm.
That's currently, the 115 gr box is full and the 124 gr nearly full so there will be more cans as time goes on.
I'd say 9mm will be the easiest ammo to "aquire' in any sort of SHTF situation. Sure .223 is better in many ways but might be difficult to find and dangerous to aquire.
I would seem to me that the clear resupply advantage of the 5.56 goes away pretty quickly in a genuine SHTF scenario. No supply chain means relying on that which is already in circulation plus even now it's still already double $ per round of 9mm.

 

[justinsane]

I have found that there are maps available online which aren't very aesthetically pleasing but they show bridges by type which is helpful for determining potential bottle necks as well as crossing points. They of course show water ways. Here's an example of a map in rural missouri
IronCo2021.pdf (modot.org)

 

[justinsane]

I have found that there are maps available online which aren't very aesthetically pleasing but they show bridges by type which is helpful for determining potential bottle necks as well as crossing points. They of course show water ways. Here's an example of a map in rural missouri
IronCo2021.pdf (modot.org)

I've also been researching railroad maps and electric power line maps these tend to be direct paths from one place to another alternatives to roads.

 

[Back Pack Hack]

I've also been researching railroad maps and electric power line maps these tend to be direct paths from one place to another alternatives to roads.

Rail Guide - Apps on Google Play

Current and historic rail maps of the US and Canada

play.google.com

Shows even abandoned rail lines.

 

[OregonDreams]

Rail Guide - Apps on Google Play

Current and historic rail maps of the US and Canada

play.google.com

Shows even abandoned rail lines.

Ooh, this is pretty handy!

 

[justinsane]

Rail Guide - Apps on Google Play

Current and historic rail maps of the US and Canada

play.google.com

Shows even abandoned rail lines.

It says it works for desktop computers and will be soon for Apple mobile devices