[USP45usp]

If this has been asked or posted on before, I apologize.

What would you have for an overall BOB, for ANY and ALL things?

I learned during the 6 day power outage that we had here last winter many important things. The most important was, we weren't prepared for anything. Luckily, they got the lights and electric up in many of the business areas so it wasn't that bad but what if it was that bad, what would we have done?

So, since that time, here is what I've done.

Bought a truck. Why a truck? Well, it has an engine and now has two batteries. Batteries that can be charged by the engine. I put in two AC adaptor units into the truck. Will run 4 110 (low watt 110) things at once. I've tested it and it will run the TV, Radio, microwave and dvd player all at once with no problem. The truck also has two 25gal. gas tanks. Both are kept full.

Pro: You have connections to the "world" via the tv and radio. Have a place to warm up any foods that you can before they spoil and entertainment if you get too bored. You have a gas supply for your car.

Cons: Engines don't last long if they are just idleing all the time. Gas.

I also bought a kerosine heater. Remember, this was in winter, it got cold. I keep 10gal. of spare fuel at all times during the winter. This will last about two weeks.

Propane stove. So I can cook the food before it spoils. Also have 5 cans of propane.

BBQ grill with enough braskets to last for awhile and lighter fluid (bbq fluid). To cook food.

Blankets, lots of blankets.

Long Johns.

Storage tank for water. I keep a tank (it's a very large plastic container that I got new). It holds 50 gal. of water. I change it out once a month. I fill it from the water hose and then use the water cleaner tablets (got them from Cheaperthandirt I think).

2 boxes of MRE's.

Tools: My guns w/ammo of course.
1 Kabar Knife
2 pairs leathermen tools
1 tool box with normal tools and batt. oper. drill/screwdriver/etc..
2 25ft exten. cords
2 100ft exten. cords

All of this stuff can be put into the back of the truck in case I need to bug out except for the water. I have two 10gal jugs for that. I also have just my BOB with:

.22 pistol w/100rds
.45 pistol w/100rds (all ammo in sep. ziplock bags so they "form")
1 leathermen tool
smaller tool box
2 days clothes (you have to count the clothes I have on so 3 days)
Toilet paper
waterless hand soap, antibacterial
"space blanket" Those silver ones
5 packs of MRE's
Candy bars/power bars (candy if winter, power if summer(won't melt))
Extra credit card (if you get someplace that has electric, etc..)
$125 in cash, all denominations including quarters
Toiletries like toothbrush/paste
Towels (2), washrags (2)
1 bottle of canadian whiskey (1pt) (for medical reasons only :D)
First aid kit with surgical kit
1 maglight (small) w/2pks batt.
Matches, extra zippo, 2pk ciggs and little odds and ends.

Anything that I've missed?

USP45usp

[rotty]

I have a shoulder BOB, it is a Hunting/BOB.
List of items

Personal stoves (2)
trioxxane fuel (many bars)
matches, waterproof
packages of dehydrated soup mix
knife
string/para cord
napkins/papertowel
sealed hard candy
gloves
lighters
Mess kit
medical kit
water purification tablets
I am always in the process of refining this pack nearby i also have a camel back, a collapsible 5 gal water container, and bottles (2 litters) of water.
For "tools" mine are accessible easily, and i have an ammo can that has some of all the ammo i need for any of them set aside. I also have a couple of bandoleers set aside for a couple of them. My vehicle is a Jeep, and when it runs it can double as a shelter.

[armoredman]

Something I never see listed, and will drive you crazy if you realize you don't have one, is a pillow. Inflatable ones are everywhere, especially if you buy an inflatable bed from WlMart - they come with a couple of pillows we usually pitch, becuse real ones are much better.
Where are you going? An evac plan TO a place, preferably WITH someone is a great idea, other than 4 million wanna-be mountain men wandering around in the wilderness living on granola bars. Plan enough supplies to get to a place, with some friends/family, where a greater chance of survival is possible, and more storage is available. the store stuff there as well. If you have a relative in the country, explain that a bunch of well armed good people sqautting in tents and such beats a horde of starving city rats stripping the place to the ground.
Plan alternate ways to get there - roads may be choked with rusting rubble and panicked soccer moms finding out Clinton really didn't feel thier pain.
Entertainment. If nothing else, pack a Bible. If you are not religous now, trust me - you gotta grab da BOB, you will get religion in a BIG hurry. Deck of cards wouldn't hurt.
If you are planning on staying at your home, get solar power strips. I have seen many differant sizes and power levels available. That will alleviate some of this power need. Also, crank powered radios would help.
And the one thing you must keep stocked high, as much as you can, stuff it everywhere....








Hope. Never give up, never surrender, don't sit down and die.

[USP45usp]

armoredman, I never thought of a pillow, I just figured that one of the blankets could double but if it gets really cold, then it would have to be used as a blanket. Good catch.

As for "where to go", that would depend (in my case) as to where the "center of civilization" is at and then I'll go the other way :D. All family (Mom's side) is around here but I would try for my Uncles place in the mountains of Roseberg. The reason is that he has a generator and a rather large cabin type home.

I wouldn't wish to go toward a "civil area" that everyone else will mass too. The reason is the chaos and confusion that would happen which the state "authorities" would impose a type of martial law. This would include not allowing anyone to have firearms and to leave the "security" up to them only. Also, once you "get in" you generally can't "get out" (kinda like a makeshift concentration camp). I would rather "go at it on my own" then to depend on others to take care of me.

Also, all have to remember that this isn't just for you, you have to add supplies and plans to cover those who depend on you. Kids, wife, etc.. or in my case, Mom, Grandma.

USP45usp

[armoredman]

Ah, yes, I forgot - I believe it was AZ Grammy who put up that 99.9%of evac centers do not allow pets, or firearms. SO, a concealable weapon just in case would be good, plus a bag with a non-gun logo on it to hide the artillery, if need be.
OK, now what to do with Fido and KittyKat?:dunno:

[Phil Ca]

Quite some time ago I took a Red Cross Shelter Management Course. One of the most important things I took away from that course was the knowledge that I do not want any part of dealing with a shelter. When you enter a shelter you basically give up certain rights. You are not allowed weapons, particularly firearms at all. You are supposed to turn in any and all medication whether it is by prescription or OTC. If anyone has some medication that is imporant to you, you need to plan on having it available. BTW, no pets are allowed either.

:OHNO:

[Pathfinder]

I have been looking into building a "BOB", using GI footlockers, easy to carry, and you can fit quite a few of em in a vehicle.:dunno:

[Phil Ca]

PATHFINDER The use of footlockers does make for a good system and ease of security. The problem I see is the general bulk and overall weight. If you have a designated van or trailer you might find it OK to use. OTOH, a system of sturdy plastic bins like those used to transport goods to retail stores might be easier to use. They should weigh in lighter and just as sturdy. You sould also get then in different depths and thereby keep the weight distributed more evenly. A deeper box for clothes and blankets and a more shallow box for canned foods and ammo.

The USAF used some great containers for what were called, "Flyaway Kits".

[Pathfinder]

I have figured out in my Pathfinder I can carry 8 footlockers, 10 if I cram them..

I will look into those "flyaway" kits though, thanks!:wine: