Bob - Member - The Prepared

Reply to: Bug out Bag Packing Tips Posted 17 hours ago

Jonnie, https://militaryluggage.com/shop-by-need/?offset=48 Agree for long hikes, duffels are not comfortable. I’ve used the best of the military packs for short and long treks over various topography. They, too, are not comfortable. The typical comfort factor is weight. It gets technical but let me illustrate that level walking is great with a pack with external frame. Inclines require an INTERNAL frame or none at all. From what I gleaned from the various posts here, you’d be walking, at most, ~ 4 miles over an extended period of time. The large military packs you’d require for non-compressionable garments, etc, are expensive and inherently heavy by design (in re US military). Can’t answer your explicit question on hip belts. Glance at the above link. It’s only for examples; not for any other reason. Plus, web stuff can be expensive versus belonging to some type of association where some can steer you to best buys. Had once worked as an emergency reponder in Asia where some refugees were evacuating with heavy canvas laundry bags having shoulder straps sewn on them. They made it to the emergency shelter. Comfort is sacrificed for safety. Hopefully above has some value for research.

Reply to: Bug out Bag Packing Tips Posted 2 days ago

I’m joining Hikermor regarding compression not appropriate for garments and other stuff needing “loft” that allows for warmth when worn – or slept in … like a goose down sleeping bag. It might be advantageous to replace your current BOB with a duffel having shoulder straps. Duffels are relatively tall relative pack sizes less the big packs. The duffel can be worn as a pack or placed in a wagon. Consider you’re going to get additional non-compressional stuff and this BOB matter will have to be addressed.

Reply to: Where do you keep your car fire extinguisher? Posted 2 days ago

Alicia, It could prove advantegous if you visit your area fire station when there’s some firefighters present. Get some hints/suggestions from them. Frequently enough, you’ll also get some good pamphlets and sometimes a poly tote bag they put the pamphlets in. My extinguisher is next to me in a small bin like used for washing dishes. It’s wedged in place by some paper towels and the fireproof gloves worn when using the extinguisher.

Reply to: What are some valuable tools to have on hand? Posted 2 days ago

Ref: mentioned long term perspective Re: quality rope Completely agree. Applicable to some of us, must mention certain different TYPES of rope. My prepper plans are for a short haul evac about one half to1 NM offshore. My Zodiac will tow 2 large rafts with supplies. There are 4 types of tow ropes involved. 1: a highly visibly rope that floats, 2: an “invisible” rope that floats, 3:a a high viz rope that sinks, 4. an “invisible” rope that sinks. Not applicable for the basics, but must mention a spool of graphite lubercated wire rope. So much depends on weather conditions and situation. Here, also, have worked with trees – and railroad ties with the spikes bouncing around on the water. Some of the really experienced know about ropes built to stretch and not to stretch. My focus is on ropes manufactured for minimal chaffing. You’re well organized. Besides driving a motor vehicle on public roads, my other dangerous event in life is entering my barn ! Never could get appropriate tool racks for the stuff in the place. It’s on my list of things to ……. (Famous words !)

Reply to: What are some valuable tools to have on hand? Posted 2 days ago

Good morning TITW, Understand post; appreciate specifics. It’s not THAT easy to identify roof damage on condos and houses in metro-Washington, D.C. I am saying the opposite of your above view. In a SHTF situation, it is worth considering to NOT go on a roof. I’ve worked too many rescues and still routinely deal with insurance companies and emergency medic personnel. Later, maybe the damaged roof can be repaired. The better preparedness for housing is to learn about risk management – typically being insurance contracts and alternatives such as FEMA stipends and USACE tarps with help (sometimes) from emergency responders for rigging it. Much (>51%) of the national population, to include serious preppers, have physical conditions precluding going on a roof. Even here at TP.com several told of their physical conditions. I’m retired from the overseas oil industry. A major safety violation ends employment in the oil exploration industry. For post – event roof damage, I strongly recommend to consider hiring a contractor.

Reply to: Leather care Posted 3 days ago

Robert, The Lexol folks recommend their product as best for leather care. They also say saddle soap is not the ideal preservative for leather. I personally use pine oil to clean away any mildew/mold and then saddle soap. I don’t have gun holsters; just thick leather pouches for navigation instruments. Well buffed saddle soap works for me understanding that there’s no cosmetic aspect to the pouches.

Reply to: Which roads are safest for travel? Posted 3 days ago

Agree, Robert. An evac by walking (FLC = Feet, Leather Covered) is a good solution frequently not prepared for. Unless leaving by car at first reported shockwave, one’s situation could be worse. Indon is also experiencing the pandemic and stuck in a car next to someone’s else’s car doesn’t help the social distancing protocols.

Reply to: Which roads are safest for travel? Posted 3 days ago

Don’t know if it was mandatory to evac. The situation also had a heavy rain day. Sulawisi Island would experience snakes and other wildlife all over the place. These poor folks are currently undergoing their COVID vaccination program which makes matters worse for those just immunized; their immunity system is temporarily weakened. I used to work in Indonesia with oil industry. The locals smoke too much and it affects their health. Jakarta and some ASEAN emergency responder groups are working the rescues.

Reply to: What are some valuable tools to have on hand? Posted 3 days ago

TITW, Do go over some insurance reports. You are in good shape and knowledgeable about identifying rotten roofs. Most cannot.

Reply to: What are some valuable tools to have on hand? Posted 3 days ago

Rich, Not advice; just afternoon rambling. https://www.thefirestore.com/store/product.aspx/productId/29745/Fire-Hooks-Unlimited-Pro-Bar-Maul-Set-30-bar-8-lb-maul If going “full blast” for a hybred, spend some time surfing around some of the firefighters’ sites. Their stuff is typically expensive but ideas get provoked. Above link is place I buy from but not making recommendations. Check on the Stanley brand Fat Max FuBar and the Vaughen Raje. Both of these hybreds are carried in the big box stores; cost much less than the firefighter stores. My prepper philosophy requires both multiversatility and car portability … fully aware I’m making trade-offs. This philo also governs my drill selection; have both electric and manual drill. In a push/shove situation, the manual one is loaded for evac. Before retirement to my BOP shack here, used to live and work in D.C. although most time in Asia at the oil fields. My orientation is small size stuff and light weight. My 30 ft telescoping pike pole is now useless to me; it’s too heavy for a Vintage Virginian/Senior Citizen.

Reply to: Which roads are safest for travel? Posted 3 days ago

KKW and all thread participants; For a real world current event example involving thev thread’s theme, safest roads for travel: Spend some time reading up on the current Washington D.C. and environs arrangements. I must emphasize it is best to belong to a group to develop a correct assessment. Most will not have worked a road transportation event. It’s obvious that Marine Corps Base Quantico will have priority on the Interstate Highway (I-95) to D.C. – and the US route (US1) going to D.C. also. Anything paved or with gravel near Dulles Airport can mirror The Marine Corps’ plans. Other arrangements being exercised or on hold “just in case” means to carry extra Clif bars and water. Forget the water routes.

Reply to: What are some valuable tools to have on hand? Posted 3 days ago

Oily, Forgot if at TP.com but had written somewhere to NEVER climb on a roof. If already under stress, never THINK of climbing on a roof. You know the basics. Augment the tool box/”kit” with some steel brackets; a couple fo straight steel ones, some L shaped, some T shaped, some H shaped and quality screws….sometimes coming in blister pack from big box store. A couple of tubes of adhesive and some mallable wire help. Fire proof tarps (somewhat expensive are ideal to accompany tool box. Consider a couple of vinyl shower curtains to patch up broken windows with a good tape. Work gloves (plural) since the broken glass is all over the place.

Reply to: Worried about the fall season Posted 4 days ago

Uhlan, When no electricity and enroute mosquitoes (think: “CRISP-R” modified), then consider an awful situation arrived. Already the medical facilities have additional admission requirements. There are priority categories such as law enforcement officers, hurt medics, critical infrastructure workers, … The prepared can get through most.

Reply to: Prepping new year’s resolutions Posted 1 week ago

In a realistic, worst case scenario, more than planning might be asked of you. Although sheltering in place is ideal, in case of a forced (natural forces) or mandatory evac, it could be better for an assignment in an Emergency Operations Center than in a large canopy tent just waiting for the unknown. Consider making reduced size photocopies of your Calif (?) CERT docs and load them with your PPE. No one predicts the future less sages and fools. Who the heck knows if, eg, a critical shortage of people at the radio room, watching the medical oxygen supply, helping at the co-located emergency animal shelter,…… Don’t feel bad about senior (This is officially called “compassion fatigue”). Regardless of their personal beliefs, responders are more important to their well-being than a shot that takes > a month for effect. I’m in all categories less front line health care worker status. On my load-bearing suspenders, I’ve got a document pouch with copies of my “credentials”. Well worth considering doing as a “mini-kit”. Some of the “sophisticated EOCs ask if I have any photos of myself for their in-house temporary ID card. Reply: Of course. Today’s Sunday Washington Post had numerous articles on the vaccine distribution programs. It’s really a logistics matter. I’m so glad we’re not going to war ! .

Reply to: Scenario: Crime and break-ins are increasing in your neighborhood. What do you do to really lock down your assets and preps? Posted 1 week ago

Carter, 2 steps: 1. Check all doors, windows, possible attic entry sites for security. Have windows covered with vinyl shower curtain sections for blackout conditions at night. I would not advise the unprepared/unskilled to use chemical irritants like bleach next to door bottom section. 2. During daylight, consider, when feasible, to walk to neighbors’ dwellings to discuss a rapidly assembled neighborhood watch program and possible unarmed patrols. I have a hunch Fort Knox is a max secure place less about the tanks and soldiers and somewhat more so in re the gold.

Reply to: Prepping new year’s resolutions Posted 1 week ago

PNW Sarah; During rapidly changing circumstances, with CERT status, under some conditions, “non-essential” might be converted to “essential”. Recently had received a note to get shots updated and current. It’s for CERT.

Reply to: (Official discussion) Best emergency radio / NOAA weather radio Posted 1 week ago

Like much else, radio selection is based on requirements and prep philosophy. My focus is evacuation and for my situation this means a radio that’s light weight, small and battery powered. I require AM-FM-SW and do not rely on NOAA for weather and the misc alerts. My time is precious for an evac. I carry the Grundig M-400, the smallest in weight and volumn of their series. In it’s case, it’s ~ size of a pack of cigarettes. I do not use the case but wrap radio in a wash cloth (multi-functional item philosophy). The M-400 uses 2 AAA batteries. Channel selection is by dial. I avoid push buttons to the max. A “better” Grundig for reception and channels is the slightly larger, slightly heavier Mini-300. At less than 5 oz. it uses 2 AA batteries and has a large antenna. My M-400 meets my requirements and provides the same required reception as a more powerful and more costly Sony 12 channel portable. Part of my prep philosophy: An evac causes stress. NOAA weather reports duplicate, for the basics, area AM stations’ weather reports. I learned meteorology in the Army when arriving at Ft Lewis, Washington. During the formation was told by the senior NCO: “If you can see Mt Rainier, it is going to rain. If you cannot see Mt Rainier, it is raining”.

Reply to: My BOB really needs some work… Posted 1 week ago

Gideon, Head Notes: HN1: Just about everyone’s BOB needs some work. HN2: You’re just as normal as the rest. If I took you to some of my vet meetings, you’d wonder how these folks got to bldg and returning home. Recommend prep for realistic WORST CASE scenarios. Colorado winters and cotton don’t work. Yes: seperate BOBs for Madam and you. There is/was a US Army issued nylon duffel bag w/ shoulder straps. It meets the basic purpose of the expensive back packs. I’m sure the web has various copies of the Army bag. The thrift stores have them showing up. Don’t know costs. Walmart-as an example; not promoting place – sells some combination fire-making products. It’s really about a lighter or waterproof matches and packaged kindling. Hotels, motels, college dorms, are usually reserved for emergency responder personnel and critical infrastructure personnel. The public sector’s emergency shelter … cots on the gym flood … are on hold, at least in many places … due the pandemic. I can’t provide clearer info because I also don’t have land evac arrangements. A decent multitool replaces the need for a knife and a saw. Review your first aid / medical kit. It’s for both of you; not others. Consider having the OTC creams, ointments, powders. Pen AND pencil ? Load the best for adverse conditions. 5-10 index cards or end of a pack of long axis stick-ons … not enough to write a novel but can exceed requirements. In reply; Save funds on backpack and get for Madam and you all wool sock hats and hard hats. On helmet add a light and attach a whistle. Yes, looked at my BOB – daily. Most of my “real” survival loadout for a land evac is in cargo vests and pouches on load-bearing suspenders. Feet Notes: FN1: I do carry the smallest Grundig AM-FM-SW radio because of habit. FN 2: Madam treats me like a pack mule. I have a shopping basket ready for the extra stuff.

Reply to: Bad air (plus heat) preps Posted 2 weeks ago

Jonnie, I’m still looking; there have been some basic solutions. Not involving me (I have a different list of disabilities) but some of the guys at my local DAV chapter did address this air quality issue and they were successful. The DAV bldg is closed during quarantine. Just wrote up a yellow stick-on with thread title so, if/when I run across material on this subject, will post it.

Reply to: Prepping books Posted 2 weeks ago

Winston, Wouldn’t be a book but rather a catalog or magazine. For my specifics, I have a couple of fish nets. Net fishing need not be neglected even if not near bodies of water. Too many forget about required evacuations. I’m mentioning this method only for all Hades breaks loose / SHTF situations. Otherwise, the regulations on net fishing mean only for the licensed to the hilt non-private citizen. The R.O.I. – Return on Investment – of net fishing compared to other food source efforts – are high … very high.

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