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Kosuki
08-08-2012, 06:23 PM
I have a quick deploy BOB, 3 day pack, and a long term Mystery Ranch NICE pack. When we pack our bags weight is a very key thing. I wanted to share some Items I have with out making a long and detailed list..
for those of us trapped in our Cities some even down town their are hazards we would face that those of us in the country or even smaller towns would not face. So here are one Urban Items I have added to my pack and you could add too.

2012 Emergency Response Guidebook (http://www.jjkeller.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_2012-Emergency-Response-Guidebook-ERG_10151_-1_10551_99613?PromoCode=30371&cm_mmc=Google-_-ProductFeed-_-06014-_-014ORS2)
This book is key to identifying any hazards that may be ahead. Those of you in the Military, and or EMS fields will be familiar with this book. It can be a life saver in more ways than one
2013 Road Atlas (http://www.randmcnally.com/products/road-atlas/index.jsp)
A road Atlas is great for those urban environments. you may say, "I dont need one of those I know my city". Your right you may know your city but in a situation where you may be in a city 200 miles away and may not know those streets this book could keep you on the right path out of town. Also if your primary and secondary route is blocked for what ever reason, you can open this book and find a 3rd way out. The book in the link may not have every single town so also getting one for your state/Providence is going to help also.

Binoculars, Spotting Scopes are great to have to identify targets at range. They can also be helpful in a urban environment for finding street signs in the distance. you can lay low reading street signs down the street so you know exactly how far you have to go. You can also get great views of any hazards down range with out getting too close. They can also be used to spot game. I wont go into everyhting about them but I am sure you get it.

Fire Steel (http://firesteel.com/gobspark-armageddon-firesteel/)
A Fire Steel is a easy and reliable way to start fires after those matches are gone and that lighter is empty. I have man steels in my kits in case if one gets lost. I dont buy those ones you find on cheap sites I get the big versions like a 1x6 inch fire steel a blank rod with a hole drilled in it to make a lanyard. I recommend everyone have a Fire Steel of some kind.

Water Filter (http://www.katadyn.com/usen/katadyn-products/products/katadynshopconnect/katadyn-water-filters-endurance-series-products/katadyn-pocket-1/)
Everyone should have a water filter. some people may say, "Well I will just boil some water and let it cool then drink it." Yes that does work, and its the oldest way to purify water. What if you are not in a area with resources to start a fire, or you are trying to get somewhere in a hurry, you ran out of water and do not have time to set up a fire to boil water. This is where a good water filter comes into play. I use the Katadyn Pocket Filter. It is good for 13,000 Gal/ 50,000 Liters. These will filter out any bacteria. It will not filter radioactive water or water with come chemicals. Radioactive water and chemical contaminated water may not be as big of a problem in the hills and rural areas as Giardia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giardia) and other bugs would be.

Paracord (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parachute_cord)
Paracord is one of those top 10 items i keep in all my bags. Paracord is a great item to have. It has so many uses that I am not going to type all of them out right now. *NOTE* When you buy paracord for your kit(if you buy it) DO NOT get cheap knock offs. You will regret it. 550 7 strand 3 ply military paracord is the best. One of the few places I have found it is here (http://www.gladdingbraid.com). It is true Military grade paracord not the commercial brand. I buy mine in 1000ft spools and save alot of money.

Again this is only some items I recommend to everyone. I know alot of us have tight budgets and their are alternatives to some of these products and less expensive options. If you have a product to recommend to everyone please post it. I am sure we would all like to know what it is and do some research on it to figure out how it may help us.

Stay Safe
Kosuki