One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

In addition to the heavy handed baloney of TSA and the false security it provides, it's about impossible to take my "bug-back" gear with me on a plane.

This stuff is to try to get me home where the good stuff awaits in case of being caught on the road in a SHTF situation.

There are four main areas......my pack, her pack, a clothing bag and defense pile that go with us on every trip that is more than local. In addition, I'll throw in some other gear depending on the trip location, weather anticipated, length of trip, etc.

For example, on the recent trip to the GIM conference, I included couple of 5 gallon gas cans, tire chains, 2 -20' 3/8" proof coil chains ( to move a vehicle....mine or other ), a large, black waterproof tarp, a couple of cold weather sleeping bags, small propane stove, a hand crank LED lantern, and some extra MREs with the thought we might get caught in that ice storm predicted for the midwest this past weekend. ( didn't ).

Some of the extra gear, most not pictured:

http://www.digistash.com/data/026a39...9_p115621.jpeg

My 'normal' bug-back pack: ( has a 1 quart built in water bladder...you see the tube )

http://www.digistash.com/data/026a39...9_p115622.jpeg

Contents:

http://www.digistash.com/data/026a39...9_p115623.jpeg

Top to bottom, right to left:

GI canteen cup ( for heating water/food )
Ceramic Mug ( yeah....it's heavy, and might get pitched....but I like it )
First aid box

Small AM/FM radio w/extra 9v Vac sealed
Cord ( fellow told me recently you can't have TOO much :D )
Poncho ( rain and shelter )
Water purification Katadyn Backpack model filter good for 750 liters
Iodine tablets --25 gallons worth
Water bladder ( the thing with the orange top )

Small Gerber hatchet ( with knife up in handle )
Map of Eastern US
Leatherman type multitool with screwdriver bitset
Folding Gerber knife
Folding Gerber saw

Next group:

http://www.digistash.com/data/026a39...9_p115624.jpeg

GI Bandage
Vaseline
TPaper
Small set of reading glasses that fit in that gold colored tube
Toothpaste
Tooth Brushes
Chapstick
Sun block
Bar of soap
Boot waterproofing


Next group:

http://www.digistash.com/data/026a39...9_p115625.jpeg

Light Sticks
Long burn candles and matches Vac Sealed
More strike anywhere matches Vac sealed
LED head lamp 3 AAA good for 200 hrs !
More matches in waterproof case
2 magnesium 'metal matches'


Next group:

http://www.digistash.com/data/026a39...9_p115626.jpeg

2watt FRS hand transceivers
50 bucks in change and small bills
Two small flashlights 1 LED 1 Surefire w/REALLY BRIGHT Xenon bulb
Compass
Extra batteries for lights/radios
pad of paper/couple pencils
Home made fishing kit


Next group:

http://www.digistash.com/data/026a39...9_p115627.jpeg

Pecans ( hey....we're from the South :D )
Hot cocoa and cider mixes Vac Sealed
Tea and sugar
Peanuts VacS
Tuna in oil
Dried Fruit
Jerky VS
Nutrigrain bars

My bag is more gear...her's is more food and lighter weight

Her Bag:

http://www.digistash.com/data/026a39...9_p115628.jpeg

Light Sticks
Knife
Salt/pepper set ( season game if found )
More Cord
Matches
Water purification tablets


Next Group:

http://www.digistash.com/data/026a39...9_p115629.jpeg

Mainly food...pretty self evident...stuff we like.....don't give me crap about nutrition. Black looking VacSealed stuff is jerky.



Clothing Bag which assumes we would be dressed in 'normal' street clothes initially:

http://www.digistash.com/data/026a39...9_p115630.jpeg

Camo jeans
Camo Jackets ( had to tie them to get them condensed )
More rope ( :D Rich )
couple changes of undies/socks
Hats/gloves
Pair of boots each ( not in pic )



Self Defense/hunting stuff:
(Yeah....try to get on a plane with this.....ahahahahaaaa )

http://www.digistash.com/data/026a39...9_p115620.jpeg

AR-15 w/forward carry sling (Soft case above)
8-30rd mags mix of steel core ( green dot on mag ) tracer mix ( orange dot ) and standard FMJ
His and Hers Glock 19 w/4-15rd clips
Extra 80 rds 147gr hollow point
Holster for handguns

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

Hi Andy-

Got any of this stuff?
How many yards in a 5# roll?
A thousand, two, three thousand,
I have no idea, but it's a LOT.
I use the ten year old roll I have
frequently, maybe 80% still left (remaining).

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

Sam., I think andy is really going to like that site :D

Ok maybe my mind is not thinking clearly but can someone tell me how one would need or use Aluminum safety tape???:withstupi

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

Andy,

thanks for the post and pics. Now I'm gonna get my bug out bag cause I don't know what is in it since all I have been doing is buying things might need and throwing them in.

Also looks like a I forgot a few things so I need another bag.:tongue: Question: How do you clean the bladder, I would assume it needs to be cleaned periodically to clear bacteria.

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

Sam,

Never used the plastic type....got rolls of regular baling twine though.

AuAgGal:

That tape is used in a ditch when you cover a water, gas, electric line...you cover the line with a couple feet of dirt, then run the tape, then finish filling the ditch. The tape gives a backhoe operator a heads up that something is on below. Never seen aluminum, we use plastic. Maybe the aluminum would hold up longer term ?

I don't clean the bladder.....just pour a little bleach in it.

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

OK, now I see the partial word electric, thanks for the ed..

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

Are the stickers on the mags for different shots?

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

Damn. Some guys drive around like this.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5941726

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

Good set up you have there Andy...I never thought of color coding mags before.

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

WOW... thanks for sharing your lists and pics with us!

I am looking at your stuff... ALmost all of it can be put in checked baggage. The lanterns would be an issue... as would any fuel... Have you considered a smaller version of a B.O.B. that would give you security (reasonable) and still be managable in airline checked baggage?

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

:coolbeer: Cool stuff Andy...thanks for the heads up and the great pics.

The man is packing...what more can I say.

I have a huge external frame Kelty backpack that stays ready 24/7...even got a Thor super lightweight expedition 4 season tent packed in there.

Never know when you gotta blow....so staying off the beaten path is my game plan if the roads jam down to gridlock.

Cool gear selection...looks like you're ready for prime time.

:D :D :D :D

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

Yes. Green dot are green tipped steel core, orange are 1/3 tracer/FMJ, plain are all FMJ.

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

Yeah....the propane wouldn't go....and the 'lantern' is simply a wind up LED that uses no fuel.....amazing little light actually....you wind it for a minute and get an hour worth of bright lite, then it coasts down over the next 6-8hrs....you can actually still see the LEDs burning in a dark room the next morning !

But even assuming I could check it, I wouldn't fly.....just not prostrating myself before a bunch of high school dropout TSA Gestopo wannabe's.

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

Where's the Shoe Goo and the duct tape??? Between the two of them you can patch or repair almost anything. Shoe Goo has sealed holes in my packs, holes in my shoes, and a hole in the cap on my truck. It keeps stitches from pulling loose and the ends of rope from unravelling. And duct tape, well, you just gotta have duct tape (pull if off the roll and rewind it without the cardboard roll, then you can squash a few yards of it into a tiny pocket in your pack).

Also, for writing paper, some people may not be aware of this: Use survey books (you can get them from places like Ben Meadows). They're pocket-sized, water-resistant (the paper is almost water proof!), and the paper has grids printed on it so you can use them to make a map if you need to.

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

:ARMS1: :ARMS1: :ARMS1: :ARMS1: :ARMS1: :ARMS1: :ARMS1: :ARMS1: ....Nice Andy.....real nice. :smokin:

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

I'm flying next month, and I've been plotting a BOB that I can take with me. The most problematic is fire and heatmaking, but it can be done. For example, a 9-volt battery in one pocket, a bit of steel wool in another. How many people would know what a fire piston is? A fresnel lens. The little heat packs are good too, especially the ones labeled for muscle pain.

A lightweight wire saw, properly configured, might not be looked at twice, and it's better than nothing at all to cut with. Some of us have no choice but commercial travel or Grayhound. :puke:

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

Very impressive setup, Andy. :congrats:

The lantern looks cool.

Mind telling us the make and model and where I could get one?

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

You can probably find them online.....ours came from a local JC Penny store.
It was about 20 bucks. Can't tell you a name or model, as the lantern itself has absolutely no writing on it ( can you say CHINACHEAP...ahahaha ) and I've since pitched the package material. Has 5 LEDs if that's a help.

Do a search for "Wind Up LED Hurricane lantern"

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

You can probably find them online.....ours came from a local JC Penny store.
It was about 20 bucks. Can't tell you a name or model, as the lantern itself has absolutely no writing on it ( can you say CHINACHEAP...ahahaha ) and I've since pitched the package material. Has 5 LEDs if that's a help.

Do a search for "Wind Up LED Hurricane lantern"

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

Baking soda works well too, used to use it to clean the well in water coolers

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

Andy - how long does the beef jerky last? I did the same thing (vacuume seal) and it got really tough and some got white mold.
not sure, maybe it was a temperature storage issue.

BTW - nice overall set up and choice of water filter, katadyne is the way to go.

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

Quite impressive Andy. Thanks for sharing.

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

I too am hestitant to fly because of all the hassle.

It's really a shame when honest people are discouraged from public transport due to Gooberment harassment.

Maybe the terrorists have already won?

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

I like it, but it seems carrying that, you wouldn't be able to carry anything else.

Colloidal is ideal for keeping bladders fresh when full and clean when unable to dry. If you carry it, it's also useful as disinfectant and low-grade water purification.

For findables, I think the old 2l soda bottles are great water containers, as well as bowls, cups, pots, funnels and containers depending on how you use them. Of course too big to fit here, but light and easy to get.

The boy scout sparkers are easy to carry on a keychain. No one looks twice. If they do, leave it with them, they're only 1.99. Goes well with pocket lint and macadamia nuts. (As a flamable item have these been prohibited yet?)

An Alice dry-bag inside your BoB. When you're in straits, you never know when being able to carry a 5-gal bag of water, or leaves, or dirt, or ?? might be handy. --Oh, and they keep your stuff dry too.

There is 80# fishing string--not monofiliment--that can be used for cordage. Leaders are handy for certain things, too, esp with split-rings. Make good pot bails on a tincan. --Also good to have, food AND a multi-month pot to use after! But then 550 cord has filiment inside anyway and is easier to tie--just far bigger.

One thing I'd never do without is a pair or more of ponchos. I know that's old hat, but. Snap-together shelter, stuff a pair for a mattress/sleeping bag, carrying cloth for leaves, needles; collector for water, cover for packs when you leave them. ...Oh, and in a pinch they can be a raincoat too!

I've already suggested the Kifaru Paratarp to mixed reviews, but although expensive, you have a whole long-term shelter at 1lb, erectable in 5 min in any weather. Maybe half a foam pad against the back of your pack to sleep on and so you don't kneel in the dirt.

Have you seen the solar pack-sheets that will recharge your batteries? Expensive but could keep that good flashlight going for months.

I love those pack saws, the Fiskars version is the greatest--a silent saw (and wicked, overlooked weapon) at about 2oz. They're available places for $10ea.

Best things are what you have with you--sturdy, wool clothing in the north, nice pocketknife, good socks and shoes, maybe a lighter and keychainlight. You'll have it with you, regardless.

You know, with good clothes, good shoes, good knife, maybe a poncho and a 24" foam pad, a 2l HDPE bottle with a cap, you'd be better equipped than any native up until Columbus. Oh--if you have a light hunting hatchet, or they called tomahawk in your belt.

Think about it.

TS
"And the Lord shall provide"

Re: One of the reasons I don't fly commercial
 

Hi Andy-

Personally I'd forget the toothpaste.

Where are your N95 masks?

What about a Radalert?
(I don't have one, ..... yet.)