My GHB, E&E bag and "Stranded Bag"

[Zombie Axe]

Thought I'd share some of my GHB, Escape & Evasion, and "Stranded Bag". My primary focus is a bag that will get me back home or help me survive a situation where I may be stranded for a few days.

This bag is no where near complete and is a little heavier than I'd like but not bad for what all is in there. Weighs in under 30lbs which is no sweat for me to hump as I regularly hump a 40lb bag on some of my excusions. I still need to give it a shakedown cruise!

Some things I omitted for OPSEC reasons and some are items I need to add (nagelene bottle and cup THANKS Diesel for the link) and some platypus water bags.

I work primarly outside and at work I keep in a patrol bag alot of work related clothing including cold weather gear. Should I need to get back home I will rob the items I need from my other bags (mainly clothing) and get back. First I have to get back to where I will keep this bag from wherever my work truck is, then a short hike to a private storage building I maintain in the town I work in, and then hopefully ride a bike back home (WX permitting). All this is from the scenario that my vehicle does nt work and I can't get a ride home for whatever reason. Walking is the worst case scenario so my bag revolves around it. Riding the bike home is next to the worst, and driving home is definately plan 'A':D However, hope for the best, plan for the worst!

What I am referring to as a "Stranded Bag" is sometimes I have been snowed away from home and I have to set up house wherever. It is rare it has happened, but it has often enough to be annoying. Also, my work truck SUCKS in the snow, and I have been up in the mountains and stuck before. One of these days if I get stuck and can't get out I can camp out until help arrives. This bag will stay in my personal vehicle unless the WX conditions warrant it as I have enough stuff in my work truck to make it through 'standard emergencies'.

So without further ado, my BAG :eek:





Spec Ops T.H.E Pack treated with Camp Dry with 2 M-16 Mag pouches for additional capacity.











Contents list:

T.H.E. Pack

Tools
one technician screwdriver
one versa driver pocket tool
one you dig it mini shovel
one Gerber LMF2 knife
one cold steel voyager lock back serrated blade knife
one knife sharpener
one small diamond stone
one Gerber saw
one multipurpose saw (uses reciprocating saw blades one for wood and one for
metal)

General
Kenwood THF6A radio
seven LED keychain lights
one Energizer LED headlamp
six AAA batteries for headlamp
one CR123A battery holder that holds four batteries for EDC flashlight
8X21 monocular
one pair Bushnell binoculars
signal mirror
three Arial flares
one bright orange rainfly (also double as signal marker)
para cord
two rolls mason twine high visibility
2 oz WD-40 spray can
one small tube superglue
one whistle

Medical Hygiene
Adventure Medical Kit
Adventure Medical Kit blister kit
Adventure Medical Kit pocket medic
One EMT shear
Benadryl
one purell hand sanitizer
One mole foam
insect repellant wipes
sawyer sun block
one small bar of soap
one small bottle shampoo
one small toothpaste/toothbrush
one floss
two chaptstick
twelve eyeglass cleaners (also can double as fire starter)
one 40 wipe container antibacterial wipes
one roll tp vacuum packed
ear plugs

clothing
sewing kit
one snug pack poncho designed to fit over backpacks
one 9'x12' 3 mill thick drop cloth for improvised shelter
one disposable emergency poncho
one survival blanket
one change of clothes
Tilley hat
one pair mechanics gloves

Fire
one butane lighter
one peanut lighter
three small boxes of matches
one match safe of strike anywhere matches
one Kershaw fire steel
one magnesium fire starter
water proof fire sticks for fire making
magnifying glass

Water purification/gathering
one MSR EX water filter
** two platypus bags
various sized aloksak bags food grade to gather and store water and protect
items that need waterproofing
sponge to gather dew in arid environments
hydration system not shown
coffee filters to help remove sediment

Food
one Optimums nova + multifuel stove
one bottle 250 ml fuel for stove good for 2 1/2 hours cooking
one MSR cook set
P38 can opener
six power bars high protein
one package homemade beef jerky
three Mountain House meals
three MRE's
seven tasters choice packets of instant coffee (dollar store special)
one liter water bottle
**Nagalene Water bottle

Navigation
one silva compass
**maps of local area
GPS V in work bag easily switched to carry bag

Questions or suggestions appreciated :)

[Rustyshakelford]

Tylenol, aspirin or Ibuprofin (sp), and some rolaids. Some of the survival food can cause the Hershey Squirts. Just a suggestion. Tylenol can make getting up in the morning after a long hump the day before a bit easier. An airline sized bottle of Vodka is a must. It works as a pain reliever, sleep aid, astrigent, mouthwash, and wound cleaner.

Not trying to be a know it all, but I think those things would help out a bit. They are small, cheap and can make the day a bit easier.

I completely forgot about adding the sunblock to my kit. It will be added within 24 hours. Thanks!!

[Zombie Axe]

Thanks RS,

The Medical kit have ZA improvements ;) I have Advil and Benedryl in the kit. Great idea on the vodka.

Probably don't show up well, but have some Tums quick packs that work really well for me in the vacum sealed bag photo.

Didn't take any suggestions as you being a know it all RS, there is ALWAYS something to be learned from another. So again thanks for vodka advice.

Was wondering, do they make EVERCLEAR in those little bottles:confused: Or would vodka be the best???

[TheUnboundOne]

Zombie Axe, that is one Helluva impressive collection of gear! You leave nothing to chance, as evidenced by your insect repellant wipes, your foot care items, and the multiple methods for starting a fire, lighting your way, and catching/purifying water.

Normally, BOBs are like Stone Soup, there's always one more thing to add. But for the moment, I can't think of a thing I could add to this.

Without adding any more components, one thing you could do with the multiple methods of firestarting, lighting, and water storage/purification is have them dispersed in different areas of your survival gear. Say, for example, have one firestarter item in your clothes, one in your First-Aid kit, one in your food kit, etc. That way, if components of your BOB accidentally get scattered or lost, all are not lost and all is not lost.

Do likewise with your tools, so that there is always a choice if one tool gets lost, worn out, broken, etc.

I have most components of my BOB in see-through Zip-Lock bags. That way, items are protected, yet visable for easier, quicker access and less fumbling.

Other than this suggestion for arranging your items, I cannot add anything. You are a master Survivalist!

[Diesel]

WOW awesome setup, thanks for sharing.. I'd like to see everyone do this. I will share mine soon.

Note: You might want to add a Heavy duty contractor trash bag or two, the uses are unlimited.

[Rustyshakelford]

Thanks RS,

The Medical kit have ZA improvements ;) I have Advil and Benedryl in the kit. Great idea on the vodka.

Probably don't show up well, but have some Tums quick packs that work really well for me in the vacum sealed bag photo.

Didn't take any suggestions as you being a know it all RS, there is ALWAYS something to be learned from another. So again thanks for vodka advice.

Was wondering, do they make EVERCLEAR in those little bottles:confused: Or would vodka be the best???

Not sure about Everclear in small bottles. I do know that you cannot drink it straight. At least I cannot. I will hit the local liquor store today and report back.

[das]

ZA,
Impressive kit, just flat out well considered gear. It may be redundant gear but I can't help but ask why not a Leatherman tool? Two fixed blades, screwdrivers, ratchet kit and two hand saws but no multi-tool? I have rewritten this paragraph twice, each time talking myself out of questioning as it is clear you have a purpose. Would you care to share?

Three things I might add would be a hand towel with grommet (so that it can dry while hanging off your pack), a chemical treatment such as chlorine, bleach or iodine is still necessary to eliminate water borne viruses with ALL FILTERS and finally a pocket radio with NOAA and shortwave.

Now that hand towel.....it seems so silly but I actually bring two with me and insist that everyone in the family have two also, ladies especially as it cuts down on TP usage. It has been my observation that a good, fast whicking hand towel is only slightly less important than shelter, water and food in the outdoors.

I better stop before I write a book here but get a synthetic hand towel and keep it handy/dry/clean...so that the second one can be variously dirty and or drying off the back of your bag. The first time you use that sexy hand trowel that I am now lusting after you will not want to put it back into your pack till you have used the towel to wipe it down....unless you like sand in your underwear that is!

The emergency radio doesn't need much explanation but I would add be sure to choose one that has an alarm, ear plug jack and an external antenna jack. Spare batteries/solar/crank/whatever is nice but not essential if you are practicing good spoilage dating for your preps.

Finally, no filter on the planet can remove viruses and cysts from water. Boil or treat with chemical additives to avoid the VERY unpleasant affects of every tourists unwelcome friends. Even then I keep Immodium in my medicine tube. In an emergency situation the stress, change in diet and other factors can result in changed bowels....not pleasant or condusive to survival.

PS Can we assume you have change of clothing and extra socks/underwear/scarve/knit cap somewhere in that bag?

Also, while I also keep MREs in my 72-hour kit I keep Coast Guard approved water as well as my two empty Platypus bags because unlike Coast Guard emergency rations MREs make me thirsty. You may want to consider emergency rations...they are designed to be eaten without water and require less water to metabolize, both good things on the run.

[das]

Cash? Emergency contacts list? Tablet/notepad and pen? I'm just brainstorming from your list now. I use a monocular in my kits...I wish someone made a stabilized version! A monocular and binoculars both....okay.

Have you considered mounting your medical kit on the outside of your pack for fast access? I might also suggest a certified air filter, ear plugs, two handkerchiefs and goggles might be worth considering for disaster purposes. Consider a few trauma bandages, medical tape and a SAM splint for your med kit. Butterfly sutures are also much better than super glue if minimizing scars is a priority.

Need I ask about the distinctive absence of a handy firearm? Your mileage may vary but you should give it serious thought. If you are ready don't skimp on training, preventative maintenance and extra magazines!

[das]

Now I can't shutup, lol. A good dose of 3M reflective tape for the bag might also be worth considering. Alternately you could add Cyalume or Snaplight chemical lights sticks to identify yourself in the dark or when you need a soft light.

I have never used the fire sticks you list but if you are familiar and comfortable with this means of tender then awesome. I prefer the old dryer lint/cotton balls with a dab of vaseline.

From the lack of prescription drugs listed I assume you are lucky enough not to need any in an emergency?

[Zombie Axe]

Not sure about Everclear in small bottles. I do know that you cannot drink it straight. At least I cannot. I will hit the local liquor store today and report back.

The things you hafta do for this group RS ;)

I need to edit my list later on to add a small fishing kit as well as some small diameter wire for snare making.

Das, I totally understand your concern about the missing multi-tool. Fear not, it is one of my EDC (every day carry items) SAK multi-toolas well as a Kershaw Blur, Blackhawk Gladius (the cr-123a batteries are for this) as well as a Zippo and peanut lighter. In my work bag I also have a Leatherman as well as another ham radio HT (Yaesu VX-5R) so I have some extra.

My work bag has mainly spare clothes, winter wear (insulated coveralls) as well as high quality gore-tex rain gear... also have 3 pairs of boots and a pair of walking shoes to take a hike @ lunch time. Add a pair of Nordic Walking Sticks (which double as tent poles) and I have quite a kit!

As for the Kenwood TH-F6A ham radio, it will transmitt on 2 meter, 70 cm, and 1.25m hand bands. The reason I picked this particular rig is for its wideband rx capability. NOAA, public service (not trunked), aircraft, am/fm broadcast, as well as am shortwave and even ssb (single sideband aka half of an am carrier) which is currently the ONLY Walkie talkie to have this capability! I do need to add that new little CC sw radio to the kit so I can have a backup! Add 2 lithuim batteries and no worries!

As for the chem lights, I have mixed results with them. The 7 keychain led lights cost a little more than a good light stick, last longer, are brighter, can be switched off, and are disposable and also take a fraction of the space of 7 light sticks. They are simple and reliable as well. On Halloween I went through 20 newly purchased light sticks, only 6 worked... I do like light sticks, but these Led keychain lights from CC have replaced them in my kit.

Yes I do need to add some water purification tablets. Mine from my older bob were expired, so will hafta get some new ones to add to the list. I can also boil water in my mess kit, but it doesn't remove chemicals. Also not shown is the plastic spoon/forks inside mess kit...

As for the weapons yes I omitted them for OPSEC. I do have some military training for weapons but nothing more than anyone else who enlisted during peacetime. I am also a CCW permit holder and have various local training in advanced techniques, nothing special, just more involved than poking holes in paper. Don't worry about my weapons capability, I am well protected when the situation warrants it. So sorry no gun porn today! I do need to add some contractor bags as well as the other suggestions.

Sounds good on the towel, definately need to add one!

Also no scripts for me, so that is the reason for that omission. I do have some nice tiny bottles of eye drops I need to add. Thinks they were samples or something. I like the sample sized stuff for bob's.

Thanks for the tips and tricks. I know that this is more than I need, but I don't feel lacking in any department if I find myself needing something from my possibles bag!

[Zombie Axe]

Not sure about Everclear in small bottles. I do know that you cannot drink it straight. At least I cannot. I will hit the local liquor store today and report back.

The things you hafta do for this group RS ;)

I need to edit my list later on to add a small fishing kit as well as some small diameter wire for snare making.

Das, I totally understand your concern about the missing multi-tool. Fear not, it is one of my EDC (every day carry items) SAK multi-toolas well as a Kershaw Blur, Blackhawk Gladius (the cr-123a batteries are for this) as well as a Zippo and peanut lighter. In my work bag I also have a Leatherman as well as another ham radio HT (Yaesu VX-5R) so I have some extra.

My work bag has mainly spare clothes, winter wear (insulated coveralls) as well as high quality gore-tex rain gear... also have 3 pairs of boots and a pair of walking shoes to take a hike @ lunch time. Add a pair of Nordic Walking Sticks (which double as tent poles) and I have quite a kit!

As for the Kenwood TH-F6A ham radio, it will transmitt on 2 meter, 70 cm, and 1.25m hand bands. The reason I picked this particular rig is for its wideband rx capability. NOAA, public service (not trunked), aircraft, am/fm broadcast, as well as am shortwave and even ssb (single sideband aka half of an am carrier) which is currently the ONLY Walkie talkie to have this capability! I do need to add that new little CC sw radio to the kit so I can have a backup! Add 2 lithuim batteries and no worries!

As for the chem lights, I have mixed results with them. The 7 keychain led lights cost a little more than a good light stick, last longer, are brighter, can be switched off, and are disposable and also take a fraction of the space of 7 light sticks. They are simple and reliable as well. On Halloween I went through 20 newly purchased light sticks, only 6 worked... I do like light sticks, but these Led keychain lights from CC have replaced them in my kit.

Yes I do need to add some water purification tablets. Mine from my older bob were expired, so will hafta get some new ones to add to the list. I can also boil water in my mess kit, but it doesn't remove chemicals. Also not shown is the plastic spoon/forks inside mess kit...

As for the weapons yes I omitted them for OPSEC. I do have some military training for weapons but nothing more than anyone else who enlisted during peacetime. I am also a CCW permit holder and have various local training in advanced techniques, nothing special, just more involved than poking holes in paper. Don't worry about my weapons capability, I am well protected when the situation warrants it. So sorry no gun porn today!

I do need to add some contractor bags as well as the other suggestions. Thanks for the tips and tricks. I know that this is more than I need, but I don't feel lacking in any department if I find myself needing something from my possibles bag!

[Zombie Axe]

[QUOTE=das;1713]Cash? Emergency contacts list? Tablet/notepad and pen? I'm just brainstorming from your list now. I use a monocular in my kits...I wish someone made a stabilized version! A monocular and binoculars both....okay.

Have you considered mounting your medical kit on the outside of your pack for fast access? I might also suggest a certified air filter, ear plugs, two handkerchiefs and goggles might be worth considering for disaster purposes. Consider a few trauma bandages, medical tape and a SAM splint for your med kit. Butterfly sutures are also much better than super glue if minimizing scars is a priority.
QUOTE]


Good Idea on the contacts lists. Wife and I do have a commo plan in place both celluar and via ham radio (she is a ham as well).

A GLARING omission is the lack of a writing tablet and ink pen... CRAP! Fixed :) I also need to add my Survival FM and edible SE plants guide as well.

The Pack has 3 compartments, the top one has MOST of the medical/hygiene stuff in it for ready access. Don't have a SAM splint but can easily field expedite one if needed.

[Rustyshakelford]

I could not find Everclear in airline sized bottles. I did find it in pints, and a plastic bottle pint too. I did find Jaegermeister in small bottles though. :D

[Zombie Axe]

Thanks Rusty:) I just figured with EverClear, it was twice the horsepower in the same size... Always trying to consider the volume to power ratio ;)

[droc420187]

What kind of Backpack is that ZA? I am looking for a BOB like yours, going to start to put one together soon when I get some money saved up. I already have lots of camping/backpacking equipment but I am looking for a dedicated backpack where I can store everything, ready to go. My pack probably won't contain as many redundancys as yours, I'm from the light and fast school of thought and like to pack minimal, for backpacking I carry a stove, fuel etc, but for a bug out scenario I'd rather go with campfire, unlimited fuel in the woods, dont have to lug around a stove, fuel, etc, just a means of starting a fire, just my 2 cents. Also see that your a Ham, I am taking my test soon and have been looking into handy talkies, specifically the yaesu vx6, do you have any experience/recommendations with this radio? I am looking for something that does dual band and I can listen to all local fm/am/wx as well. do you have any idea how far that thing would transmit? I understand that 5 watts isn't very much and I do live in a hilly region, smack in the middle of New Hampshire just south of the White Mountain National Forest, but say I was to get to the top of a hill? Also looking into a ruger 10/22 for small game, ive got my xd9mm for 2 legged threats, no real 4 legged ones, black bear are more afraid of you and only interested in food. Thanks!