Audrey - Member - The Prepared

Discussions

Reply to: [Official discussion thread] Emergency kit / bug out bag list Posted June 15, 2020

I know it might seem counter-intuitive, but if you’re on a budget one place to not scrimp is the actual bag. A good bag that distributes weight properly (onto your hips and off your shoulders) will allow you to carry more weight with less fatigue. If you can go to a place (like REI) that helps you get a proper fit, all the better. I learned the hard way when I began hiking/backpacking that 20 lbs quickly feels like 40 when it’s been hanging off your shoulders for a few hours. And for the women – sometimes a women’s model has fit and features that help – like the clasp across your chest to hold the straps sitting higher on your chest. Personally, I went with the Mystery Ranch Scree 32. I have to be thoughtful about space since it’s on the smaller side, but it 1) doesn’t look anything like a tactical bag (dead giveaway), 2) has a women’s model, and 3) almost all the weight sits on my hips.

Reply to: [Official discussion thread] Emergency kit / bug out bag list Posted June 15, 2020

Love the input on customization for women! A good sports bra is absolutely one of the adjustments I made to the core list. Imagine the scenarios where you a) have to bug out in the middle of the night, possibly not wearing one already, or b) being stuck with nothing but an uncomfortable underwire. Either is my nightmare. Guys – if you’re the one assembling the bags in your household, add it. I’m also considering adding a small stick of anti-chafing gel, similar to what long distance runners use. It’s lightweight and in a hot, humid climate like mine I could see it being a godsend in a “we’re walking a bit” situation.

Reply to: Use the reopening to prepare for what’s next with COVID-19 Posted May 27, 2020

Thank you! I find myself coming to this blog more often lately for rational, non-politicized information on what to do next. It’s refreshing to cut through all the noise and get focused advice. One thing I’d love to hear from you all is how to prioritize prep in a small space. We live in South FL in a condo. We’re thinking through how to piggyback on our standard hurricane preparations (it’s that time of year) to try to be ready for both a major storm and more fallout from COVID-19. Daunting.

Reply to: How to think about, protect against, and survive an EMP attack Posted May 17, 2020

Great article. Thanks for the fact-based explanations. A great read on the vulnerabilities of the US electrical grid system is the book Lights Out by Ted Koppel. It’s focused on cyberattack, but the explanations of how difficult it would be to replace or repair equipment scared the bejesus out of me.

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Reply to: [Official discussion thread] Emergency kit / bug out bag list Posted June 15, 2020

I know it might seem counter-intuitive, but if you’re on a budget one place to not scrimp is the actual bag. A good bag that distributes weight properly (onto your hips and off your shoulders) will allow you to carry more weight with less fatigue. If you can go to a place (like REI) that helps you get a proper fit, all the better. I learned the hard way when I began hiking/backpacking that 20 lbs quickly feels like 40 when it’s been hanging off your shoulders for a few hours. And for the women – sometimes a women’s model has fit and features that help – like the clasp across your chest to hold the straps sitting higher on your chest. Personally, I went with the Mystery Ranch Scree 32. I have to be thoughtful about space since it’s on the smaller side, but it 1) doesn’t look anything like a tactical bag (dead giveaway), 2) has a women’s model, and 3) almost all the weight sits on my hips.

Reply to: [Official discussion thread] Emergency kit / bug out bag list Posted June 15, 2020

Love the input on customization for women! A good sports bra is absolutely one of the adjustments I made to the core list. Imagine the scenarios where you a) have to bug out in the middle of the night, possibly not wearing one already, or b) being stuck with nothing but an uncomfortable underwire. Either is my nightmare. Guys – if you’re the one assembling the bags in your household, add it. I’m also considering adding a small stick of anti-chafing gel, similar to what long distance runners use. It’s lightweight and in a hot, humid climate like mine I could see it being a godsend in a “we’re walking a bit” situation.

Reply to: Use the reopening to prepare for what’s next with COVID-19 Posted May 27, 2020

Thank you! I find myself coming to this blog more often lately for rational, non-politicized information on what to do next. It’s refreshing to cut through all the noise and get focused advice. One thing I’d love to hear from you all is how to prioritize prep in a small space. We live in South FL in a condo. We’re thinking through how to piggyback on our standard hurricane preparations (it’s that time of year) to try to be ready for both a major storm and more fallout from COVID-19. Daunting.

Reply to: How to think about, protect against, and survive an EMP attack Posted May 17, 2020

Great article. Thanks for the fact-based explanations. A great read on the vulnerabilities of the US electrical grid system is the book Lights Out by Ted Koppel. It’s focused on cyberattack, but the explanations of how difficult it would be to replace or repair equipment scared the bejesus out of me.