Group Survival 101.

[Sarge47]

Ok...1 cubic foot is about 28 liters.
So 3800 cubic inches would be about 62 liters. I like it.

You don't have to use the external frame, however I've seen them for sale in used/good condition with the frame for under $50. They also have 3 large external pouches, 3 small external pouches, a pouch hidden in the top flap, and an interior pocket that can hold a water bladder! Check it out at www.uscav.com; check under A.L.I.C.E. packs. Funny, I figured an old military hand like yourself would have known about 'em!

[spiritman]

Maps definitely great to have, and with them a compass.

Some kind of light, like a crank flashlight or lantern. The crank style because you can use it and crank at the same time. It needs to be fairly tough though.

Any thoughts?

[trax]

With the area maps, essential. Were you guys down with the little axe? I'm good with either knife, never owned a k-bar but have heard nothing but good about them, and I agree on the straight edge.

60-65 liter pack should be plenty.

[spiritman]

I am kind of torn either way. Yeah it is only 72 hours, but what happens after? and how much constant light will we need? But on the other hand is it worth the energy? I doubt it so I guess I have talked myself out of that... lol I have a mid size one that i use for work and I haven't changed the batteries yet.

LED's are my choice!

[spiritman]

"the little axe"...tough call here, let's see what others say about it.

Well.... For 72 hours? Why? Why not? I have one and keep it at home actually, but I don't expect to use it really, I don't live close enough to anywhere to use it but if I did i would probably put it in there.

So that's a relative item.

What about for fire? it's just 72 hours so a waterproof case of matches would definitely have it covered IMO, but I would also bring my magnesium match. possibly a lighter.

[Sarge47]

Here's a thought, we're talking bug-out, right? Not "hunker-bunker" mentality? An led light is good, but the new battery-less "shake-up" flashlights are better as you don't have to continuously check the batteries.

[Sarge47]

Yeah, i bought one of those to test it out...WHEN it worked, it drooled out less light than a star in the sky. Like the concept though...
LED's can be pretty small...tough, reliable...what's not to like here ?

LED's are good, I own a few myself. Although I think emergency candles would be a good addition.

[Sarge47]

You guys are going too fast...or i am too slow.
Maybe we should proceed differently.

What about, everyone posts a list that fits the description of a 72 hour kit for the general public...we can then review and critic each list together, and explain why we chose the items in question...At the end, we should be able to create one list.

I think the problem here is that we are getting too specific as each of us are listing what we personally would use. Perhaps we need to be more generic in our list, for example, instead of listing the A.L.I.C.E pack you could list: Pack: X amount of litres/cubic inches capacity Minn., or some such. This way anybody could pick up whatever's available locally in their area at a price they feel they can afford? Also, could you list how to find that site that gave the Govt.'s 72 hour list? I'd like to read it.

[trax]

then become more specific through the critiquing process..I agree with volwest about the compass, most people don't know what to do with them any way. I can leave the axe behind (pouting, but I can) So we each put together something, and then become more specific as we critique in terms of brands or sizes, weights etc. Just from what I've read so far I'm certain we'll all be pretty close with one another any way.

[spiritman]

-back pack aprox 60 liters or 5000 cubic inches

-Bic lighter (adjustable)
-matches in water proof container (strike anywhere)
-flash light / batteries (LED)
-emergency candle in a cigar tube container

-whistle
-star flash mirror

-maps (city/town/village-state)
-button compass

-potable aqua water purifier tablets
-army canteen with cup
-72 hours of food (MRE's)

-USMC poncho
-hat / gloves (leather gloves imo)
-cotton bandana
-extra pair of socks

-KA-BAR
-multi tool (Leatherman "wave")
-duct tape (wrapped around something else so save space if you need to)
-100 feet of 550
-monocular / binocular
-trash bags (large heavy duty)
-cell phone
-pen and paper
-safety pins
-AM / FM portable radio (crank?)

-first aid kit
-prescription medication

-important documents (passports, birth certificates...)

I would add one more way to light a fire, the magnesium match. Saves your other fire starters.

Also, two way radios are an option.

[nell67]

-back pack aprox 60 liters or 5000 cubic inches

-Bic lighter (adjustable)
-matches in water proof container (strike anywhere)
-flash light / batteries (LED)
-emergency candle in a cigar tube container

-whistle
-star flash mirror

-maps (city/town/village-state)
-button compass

-potable aqua water purifier tablets
-army canteen with cup
-72 hours of food (MRE's)

-USMC poncho
-hat / gloves (leather gloves imo)
-cotton bandana
-extra pair of socks

-KA-BAR
-multi tool (Leatherman "wave")
-duct tape (wrapped around something else so save space if you need to)
-100 feet of 550
-monocular / binocular
-trash bags (large heavy duty)
-cell phone
-pen and paper
-safety pins
-AM / FM portable radio (crank?)

-first aid kit
-prescription medication

-important documents (passports, birth certificates...)

I would add one more way to light a fire, the magnesium match. Saves your other fire starters.

Also, two way radios are an option.

blanket preferably wool blend
reflective blanket
heavy duty plastic sheeting

[owl_girl]

blanket preferably wool blend
reflective blanket
heavy duty plastic sheeting

If you have the money you could get an alpaca wool blanket. Alpaca wool is more expensive then sheep’s wool but its also stronger, warmer, softer, and it weighs less. An alpaca is an animal that look kind of like a lama but cuter and they breed them for their fiber.

[Sarge47]

Hello girls.

Alpaca blanket ?
Never heard of it...sounds pretty good, i am going to investigate.

I find the reflective blankets horrible. First, they are noisy. Second, a large trash bag will achieve the same level of insulation if not better. Third, they are fragile. Fourth, they never fold back well.

The heavy duty plastic sheeting is cool, but not necessary with the poncho and the trash bags.

The reason i did not include a blanket is that they are pretty bulky and heavy...and for 72 hours, well, i just didn't think it was needed. But i guess it also depends on the location, if someone lives in a cold climate it might be considered a priority.

I use the "Sportsman's All-weather Blanket" made by MPI. It's the original space blanket with the grommets in the corners and can double as a heat-reflecting tarp.

[Sarge47]

Indeed one of the better ones.
Still don't like them.

Hmmm, guess I won't send you one for your birthday then, huh?

[spiritman]

-back pack aprox 60 liters or 5000 cubic inches

-Bic lighter (adjustable)
-matches in water proof container (strike anywhere)
-flash light / batteries (LED)
-emergency candle in a cigar tube container

-whistle
-star flash mirror

-maps (city/town/village-state)
-button compass

-potable aqua water purifier tablets
-army canteen with cup
-72 hours of food (MRE's)

-USMC poncho
-hat / gloves (leather gloves imo)
-cotton bandana
-extra pair of socks

-KA-BAR
-multi tool (Leatherman "wave")
-duct tape (wrapped around something else so save space if you need to)
-100 feet of 550
-monocular / binocular
-trash bags (large heavy duty)
-cell phone
-pen and paper
-safety pins
-AM / FM portable radio (crank?)

-first aid kit
-prescription medication

-important documents (passports, birth certificates...)

REGIONAL/OPTIONAL

-extra ways to start a fire ex: Magnesium match
-two way radios

Cold Weather:
-blanket preferably wool blend
-reflective blanket

Hot Weather:
-Collapsible plastic water container 3-5 gal. (you can fold it up when it's empty

[trax]

I'd add that collapsible water carrier for any environment. For blankets, you can't beat down-filled for lightweight and warm, but the price of your kit just went way up if you go for that.

[nell67]

-back pack

-Bic lighter
-matches in water proof container
-flash light / batteries
-emergency candle in a cigar tube container

-whistle
-star flash mirror

-maps (city/town/village-state)
-button compass

-potable aqua water purifier tablets
-army canteen with cup
-72 hours of food (MRE's)

-USMC poncho
-hat / gloves
-cotton bandana
-extra pair of socks

-KA-BAR
-multi tool (Leatherman "wave")
-duct tape
-100 feet of 550
-monocular / binocular
-trash bags
-cell phone
-pen and paper
-safety pins
-AM / FM portable radio

-first aid kit
-prescription medication

-important documents (passports, birth certificates...)


Amounts have to be discussed (water/food)...and of course the content of the first aid kit. But for 72 hours, this list should give a survival advantage beyond basic needs in the event of an emergency.
Did i miss something ?
This list does not address infants and dogs...which we will have to talk about.
Also, and this is why i don't like this BO thing, having all of this stuff will have a great impact on the community. Can you imagine walking through New Orleans after 3 days with this on you ? You become a walking general store open for business. I feel that those kits are just a safety net for us to sleep better before an emergency...we feel prepared, and it is a good feeling, but in all honesty, as soon as you step out in a desperate environment, it is going to be a very different story.

should also include a detailed list of medications in an airtight, waterproof plastic bag inside the first aid kit and another copy on your person,should the unthinkable happen tand the medications themselves are missing include your personal physicians name and phone number on this list.

[nell67]

sure, I'll do it,I'll start with what I carry in mine,I have 4 ,and they pretty much the same in each.

Just let me go through one and I list it .

[trax]

Yes, and your blood type too...

Would you care nell to make a list for a first aid kit ?

medical and medication allergies have to be part of that list....

[nell67]

What would you change?

1 case
1 Bandages Plastic Assorted
- (1"x3", 3/4"x3", 5/8"x2 1/4") 60/box
5 Bandages Plastic 2"x4.5"
1 Bio-Waste Bag 1 Gallon 11"x14"
3 Burn Jel Packettes 1/8 oz.
20 BZK Towelettes
2 Cold Pack Unit
1 Compress 4"x4"
4 Cotton-tip Applicators 3" 2 pk
1 emergency blanket
1 Elastic Bandage 3"x5yds.
1 Eye Pads Medium
1 Eye Wash 1 oz.
1 First Aid Guide
1 Gauze Pads Sterile 3"x3" (10/box)
4 Gloves, Vinyl
1 Roll Gauze 4"x4yds
1 Scissor lister bandage 4 1/2"
1 Tweezers
4 Sting Relief Towelettes
1 Tape 1/2"x10 Uncovered
1 Triangular Bandage 40"x40"
10 Triple Antibiotic Ointment Packettes

This is the kit as I purchased it,to it I added

1 tube of super glue
a sewing kit
small bottle of alcohol
small bottle of peroxide
additional vynel gloves
butterfly type tape
1 epi-pen- requires script
1 ace bandage
safety pins
sterile water
additional plastic bags to dispose of waste
pen/marker and paper
do not laugh at this one ,1 package of feminine hygeine products
for obvious reasons,plus they also make excellent absorbant pads for large wounds(use the ace bandage to secure in place)