A2 - Member - The Prepared

Reply to: Tips for pets? – Pet Preparedness Posted January 22, 2022

I got Covid in May 2020, then Long Covid ever since. Yep, like for over 18 months I’ve been battling this. Biggest symptoms are exhaustion, weakness, dizziness. So, much as I would love to strap on my pack and plop her on top for a photo session, no can do. Here she is, though.

Reply to: Need advice on my winter vehicle emergency kit Posted October 23, 2021

Yeah, they’re heavy duty. That’s why they’re in my SUV, for emergency situations. I got em when I was living at altitude, in a place with heavy winters. They aren’t very quick to get on and off, but they’re super tough. I have a pair of lighter cleats, sorta Yaktrax knockoffs, by the front door for the few icy days we get in Washington state. And my husband would kill me if I wore EITHER inside!

Reply to: Need advice on my winter vehicle emergency kit Posted October 23, 2021

I have some ice crampons/cleats that are used for any icy conditions (link below), but Yaktrax make some that are easier to get on and off. I’d probably leave the car and walk home if I was within two miles or so, otherwise I’d stay put. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07H4BL4KL/?coliid=ISW51U7RCS8BB&colid=3HMB9AEGTONSB&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Reply to: Need advice on my winter vehicle emergency kit Posted October 23, 2021

Thanks for your kind words, Shaun. Adaptation is the rule for survival, isn’t it? Your poly sled idea is brilliant! 👏👏👏

Reply to: Need advice on my winter vehicle emergency kit Posted October 23, 2021

I’ve completely changed my kits because of health issues. I got Covid, then Long Covid, and now have a sorta 24/7 asthma attack going on. Meaning, I can’t breathe well. At all. So any expenditure of energy leaves me gasping. As a result, I now focus on just communications, keeping warm/dry, and the ability to walk out (slowly, carefully) in rainy or snowy conditions (Pacific Northwest) + a few tools if there happen to be some helpers on site. —Hiking poles, headlamp, paracord bracelet —Cell phone charger, Baofeng walkie talkie —Rain: Long, tough, hooded rain poncho (doubles as privacy: a place to change clothing or go to the bathroom), gaiters, tough waterproofed walking shoes. —Snow: Down jacket, knit wool cap, snow gloves, snowboarding goggles, (gaiters here, too), crampons (btw, the goggles are good for heavy smoke, too) —Ziplock with hygiene items, toilet paper in ziplock, backpack shovel, fixed blade knife, N95 masks, first aid kit. —Bottled water, Probar meal bars, two days of meds, everyday carry stuff. —The usual chains, tow strap, jumpers, emergency flares, traction mats, heavy duty tire repair kit/wrench, work light, etc. Mostly for other people to use, alas. —I threw a down mummy bag into the back of my SUV, as well. Just in case it’s wiser to stay with the car.

Reply to: Prioritized bare bones go bags on a budget Posted August 20, 2021

Good afternoon, Gideon I really like this list but have one personal concern—I live in the Pacific Northwest and having a packed piece of rolling luggage would be great for escaping a wildfire and driving to an evac shelter, but the alternate emergency of an earthquake could easily make roads impassable, meaning we can’t drive / we’re walking / a rollie just became a nightmare when navigating messed up roads…even if we were *still* going to an shelter. Your thoughts? My preferred bug out, if roads are open, is to drive both our SUV and truck/teardrop trailer as far away from the emergency event as possible (like 100 miles or more). The teardrop is packed for that. But if roads are closed, an on-foot evac to a shelter is more likely…and that’s when a backpack comes in handy. And of course my very favorite response is to shelter in place if at all possible.

Reply to: Prioritized bare bones go bags on a budget Posted August 18, 2021

🤝

Reply to: Prioritized bare bones go bags on a budget Posted August 18, 2021

Good morning, wildfireexpert, I appreciate the dilemma, having gone through those types of conversations with all my extended family members and several friends. Although everyone hears about wildfire and earthquake preparedness, the will is not there to do anything much beyond an overnight bag to pop in the car…if that. Hell, my spouse wouldn’t even do *that* without my having put bags together for each of us. And preplanning is a beast of a job even if people actually get around to making the time. (sigh) But as you say, they can’t conceive of having to evacuate on foot, nor do they really think about it again, once it’s been suggested. And yes, frequently their response is to scoff. For these types of folks, my advice has been: pack a change of clothing/shoes, rain poncho, “space blanket”, bottle of water, favorite food bars, small bath kit, at least one week of current medications, small purchased first aid kit, several N95 masks, flashlight, second set of keys, charging cable for phone. Wheeled bag, duffle, or day pack, their call. Most have used duffles and keep them in their cars.

Reply to: Wildfire preparedness and mindset – How to evacuate quickly, safely Posted August 16, 2021

Good evening, Amy Thanks for sharing your system. I’ll check them out, too. I live in the Pacific Northwest and we have at least a few days every winter when the power’s out. Sometimes up to a week. Snow is the issue. Branches fall on lines. I’ve thought a lot about getting a generator large enough to run our refrigerator, hooked up to a big tank of propane…or public gas. Still toggling on that one. We have a gas range, too…and gas water heater.

Reply to: Wildfire preparedness and mindset – How to evacuate quickly, safely Posted August 15, 2021

Thanks, Bob, for getting my brain facing in the right direction. Eat through the refrigerator/freezer while we can, then it’s pantry items, including legumes, grains, and dehydrated veggies, then the Mountain House stash. Fuel sources, batteries, water, and human waste disposal become critical. Lights are not an issue, we’ve got plenty. Have a small solar array for small electronics; if there’s no sun, there’s the car or there’s reading (depending on need). The CPAP would be an issue. I don’t watch tv, though my spouse does. News can be had from the Baofeng and emergency radio.

Reply to: Prioritized bare bones go bags on a budget Posted August 15, 2021

Thinking about this further, one could have a go bag AND a folding luggage trolley. Best of both worlds—need to bug out over rough terrain: use the backpack. Bugging out over smooth surfaces? Use the luggage trolley. If the terrain starts out smooth and you’re using the trolley, then turns rough, you could either ditch the trolley or carry it folded up. Plus, the trolley would allow one to carry an additional item, like a pet crate or another backpack.

Reply to: Wildfire preparedness and mindset – How to evacuate quickly, safely Posted August 15, 2021

I was reading an article this morning which mentioned wildfires and their ability to knock out power lines for entire regions. Are there any options for folks who can not afford to go solar or buy a propane-powered generator if their power’s been wiped out for the foreseeable?

Reply to: Prioritized bare bones go bags on a budget Posted August 13, 2021

Very cool, Bob! I think I might put together a get home “go-vest” for my car!

Reply to: Prioritized bare bones go bags on a budget Posted August 13, 2021

Great ideas, wildfireexpert! Some thoughts— Rolling luggage is great unless you’re on foot, roads are blocked by downed trees, roads are dirt, there’s snow, or a wheel breaks. That’s why I choose a backpack. It covers more scenarios. The pet carrier you mention also assumes bugging out in a vehicle, which is fine, but one needs to allow for an on-foot bug out as well. For my cat, for instance, I use a zippered sling (Cat-in-the-bag E-Z-Zip Cat Carrier Bag) lined with a puppy pee pad. I’ve also trained my cat to be used to traveling with a vest on. I attach a leash to the sling. She also has her own small kitty duffle with a ziplock filled with kibble, bottle of water, camp towel, and other items. I store a hard-sided crate in my car, but never assume I’ll be able to bug out that way.

Reply to: Prioritized bare bones go bags on a budget Posted August 12, 2021

Speaking of pockets—hefty fly fishing vests can make a great minimal go bag. For instance, something like this, with pockets on both sides— https://amzn.to/3jSG018

Reply to: Prioritized bare bones go bags on a budget Posted August 11, 2021

The wipes company is “Combat Wipes” (silly, I know), but the product is good: extra thick, textured, large.

Reply to: Prioritized bare bones go bags on a budget Posted August 11, 2021

In my case, I Google “discount camping gear” then sign up for emailed sale notices.

Reply to: How to prepare for the loss of a loved one Posted August 11, 2021

I have the same beliefs. It makes my time with others especially poignant and important.

Reply to: Prioritized bare bones go bags on a budget Posted August 11, 2021

My current bags are much more comprehensive, though they’ve been the work of years. This thread was just for bare bones go bags, so I didn’t include my current list…which is— MY LIST (Kelty Redwing 44 Backpack) EMERGENCY BAG CONTENTS —GRAB FIRST kitty, kitty sling, iPhone, keys, Trail Buddy poles by front door—If driving, add loaded Tech Bag (iPad, laptop, etc.) & Personal Item (airplane) —(Everything else is in SUV, or in backpack) ATTACHED TO BAGOutdoor Research sun hat, CLC Custom Leathercraft work gloves, bandana, Shemagh, Fox 40 Sonik Blast whistle, LED mini-flashlight (with stretch lanyard), running/hiking shoes ON BELTSabre tactical pepper gel, Friendly Swede paracord bracelet, Leatherman multi-tool TOPPER LID POCKETFirst Aid kit (350-piece), emergency blanket, emergency dental repair kit, insect repellent FRONT POCKETPaper mapPassport & cash (two 50s) in neck pouchWaterproof notepad & penSuunto compass Signal mirrorPower bank for iPhoneiPhone + recharging cube & cable + earphones128GB iDrive thumb drive with laptop & legal docs, house photosBaofang two-way HAM radioSKMEI women’s waterproof watch1-month of prescriptions FRONT POUCH—RAINRain jacketRain pantsBaseball cap SIDE POCKET 1–WATERMetal water bottle (filled)Water purifying tablets SIDE POCKET 2–WATERHydroBlu Versa Flow Water Filter SystemLED Maglight w/stretch lanyardSIDE ZIP POCKET 1–FIRE, REPAIRBlue bag: fire-starting kit // small duct tape, sewing kit, large safety pin SIDE ZIP POCKET 2–COMFORT2 N95 face masks, Neutrogena hydro boost lotion, chapstick, headlamp, pee funnel MAIN BAG(Inner Pocket)2 heavy duty contractor garbage bags Waterproof playing cards(From top down)Down jacketMeal bars, tea bags, electrolyte tabs—(Probar Wholeberry Blast / 380 cal/per bar, 10 bars = 3 days/3800 cal.)—(Nuun Sport: Electrolyte Drink Tablets, Lemon Lime)Combat heavy duty body wipes(Bath Bag)BigOtters PCS compressed towelettes (for toilet paper/wiping up)Travel size Dove antiperspirantTravel shampooTravel Neutrogena SPF 50 sunscreenCampsudsSmall French hand-milled lavender soapTissuesCombTravel toothpaste/brushQTipsFlossCarmex (pot & stick)Nail clippers(Winter Clothing)Sleeping mask & earplugsSilver grey puffer jacketBlack wicking turtleneckGrey Meriwool merino crewneck Black Columbia fitted polar fleece jacketBlack fleece-lined + regular leggings2 pair Darn Tough wool socksBra, tech undies(Bagged) Watch cap, gaiter, Isotoner gloves with fleece lining(Summer Clothing)Sleeping mask & earplugsBlack LL Bean lightweight down jacket (nights)Grey Amazon Essentials tech wicking tee Khaki Little Donkey Andy SPF50 breathable camp shirtBlack 95% Rayon, 5% Spandex long tank dress Black cropped & regular leggingsBlack Meriwool merino crewneck (nights)Short & regular Darn Tough socksBra, tech undiesFlip flops WARMTH: SOL Escape Bivy KITTY DUFFLECarrying slingGoTags stainless pet ID tags w/microchip infoPoo pads/garbage bag24oz. water, 3 days kibble, collapsible food/water bowlsFirst aid, litter/foldable pan/scoop/bagsHalter/leash, toysCamp towel, emergency blanket, contractor plastic bagBrush, nail clipperFeline First Aid + flea/tick meds + Bach flower remedy + Feliway IN CARHard hat, safety goggles, work bootsHalf-face respirator with P100 filters + snow board gogglesRain poncho (in glove box)2-person tentSleeping bag & Klymit Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad + pillowExpanded kitty gear: full-size kibble, treats, litter/pan/scoop, hard sided carrierFull size daily supplements in plastic boxMore meal barsCase of LaCroix + gallon jugs of waterSome flannel shirts, cargo shorts, extra tech tees IN TEARDROP TRAILER2 weeks Mountain House meals (in anti-rodent snap-lid polycarbonate box) + our favorite smoothie protein powder & Hoosier Hill Farm heavy cream powder2 Scepter BPA 5-gallon water containers, filled + teardrop’s own HydroBlu Versa Flow water filter system + 10L gravity bag2 40L duffels for each of us to have a change of clothing (pants, tee, shirt, underwear, socks, down vest, knit cap)Laundry: 5-gal lidded tub, toilet plunger, clothesline, clothes pins, Camp SudsBedding, bath/kitchen gear, booksPropane, gas, solarTools, small generator

Reply to: Wildfire preparedness and mindset – How to evacuate quickly, safely Posted August 9, 2021

Being called “awesome” is very motivating!

Grandma's Walker Go-Bag

Prioritized bare bones go bags on a budget