PREP Get Home Bag

[20Gauge]

I have a pretty big hiking backpack, with the hip belt. It has everything imaginable in it. I keep it in my car, doesn't really matter how heavy it is in the car. If I have to start walking, I know I will have to leave things, but I will decide what to leave based on the situation. I also have an empty school size backpack in the car if I am going to leave a lot behind.

This makes sense. If you have room, pack it all and then sort it out when the time arrives to get home the hard way.

 

[dogmanan]

The game carts that carry 300 lbs plus is the best money you will ever spend.
Espically for us old folks.

Never leave home without one.

 

[crossbowboy]

I keep a couple of filter options and a couple of empty containers to fill on the way.
Be careful if the filter has water in it and might get frozen. Sometime I'll tell you what happens to a ceramic KATYDYN filter when frozen.

I use the Sawyer Mini. It's a good little filter, but the same freeze warning applies.

 

[20Gauge]

Question..... how many think they really will be able to use roads the whole way home? ie: trips over 20 miles.

Most of what I have seen / read indicates that it is better to walk in the grass on the side of the road to keep your profile down to a minimum for those who lay in wait for nefarious reasons.

This would negate the use of wheels in most cases or would it?

 

[Jackpine Savage]

Shane had a good thread on get home bags last year: http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/showthread.php?521732-Re-thinking-my-always-too-heavy-to-go-faster-farther-Bug-Out-Bag...&highlight=backpack

I've become more concerned about weight these days. I used a Rush 72 pack for awhile, but it weighed over 5 pounds all by itself. I've also decided I don't like all the built in organizing features, I can never find what I want, and it just adds weight. I prefer to organize stuff in lightweight stuff bags.

Right now I'm using a REI Trail 30, but with REI's political stance I won't buy anything else from them. Osprey and Kelty make some nice packs. My DW has a Kelty Redwing.

 

[CaryC]

I enjoy these threads so I gab a lot.

Something else one might consider:

Keeping "things" with your bag, but are not meant to be carried IN you bag.

A paracord bracelet. I keep mine clipped to my bag, but when I wear my bag I clip it to my wrist. Has 15' of paracord (enough to tie up the poncho for a lean to, etc) a compass, and fire starter all in the bracelet. Takes the weight off my back, and every oz. counts.

Put pocket knife from bag, in pocket. Where I live all the men carry pocket knives all the time, so that isn't a big deal, but if you don't..... And a lot of women carry their knives in their purses.

Take mini flashlight (which is all you will need, don't travel at night, you do need your rest, but if you do, you may not need a light either, out of bag, and place batteries in flash light (don't store your batteries with the flashlight) and place in pocket.

 

[dogmanan]

Question..... how many think they really will be able to use roads the whole way home? ie: trips over 20 miles.

Most of what I have seen / read indicates that it is better to walk in the grass on the side of the road to keep your profile down to a minimum for those who lay in wait for nefarious reasons.

This would negate the use of wheels in most cases or would it?

No it would not, go to sportsmansguide .com and look at the game carts , they are easy to pull on rough ground.

Can you copy and past them on this thread, I would but my copy past don't work.

 

[CaryC]

Question..... how many think they really will be able to use roads the whole way home? ie: trips over 20 miles.

Most of what I have seen / read indicates that it is better to walk in the grass on the side of the road to keep your profile down to a minimum for those who lay in wait for nefarious reasons.

This would negate the use of wheels in most cases or would it?

I think that will depend on what the disaster is.

IMPO it will take a few days for people/society in general, the exception might be big cities who riot when the lights go out for 12 hours, to go survival mode. However, if you can drive home, drive even in a bad situation. Situational Awareness as to the environment in your area will give you a heads up as to where to drive. But I would use my Jeep as much as possible.

Just to point out, if you want to stay close to a road, don't walk on the shoulder, but 100 ft or better off the road, terrain will dictate. For instance walking across a cow pasture 100 ft off the road may not be any better than walking in the road. However you can pull a Josie Wales in the pasture.

The wheels on most deer dollies are solid, so off roading with one is no problem. Pulled many a deer out with one. Then my son got a 4-wheeler, and forget that, go get the 4-wheeler. LOL

 

[20Gauge]

No it would not, go to sportsguide .com and look at the game carts , they are easy to pull on rough ground.

Can you copy and past them on this thread, I would but my copy past don't work.

Good idea. Thanks!

 

[dogmanan]

You could put a lot of supplies on one of those game carts.

They only costs sixty or so dollars to buy, hell that is cheaper than a good back pack.

 

[dogmanan]

Their are two different styles on sportsmans guide site.

 

[CaryC]

Their are two different styles on sportsmans guide site.

FWI Cabela's has them too.

 

[dogmanan]

FWI Cabela's has them too.

How much on their are they.

WOW three times the price of sportsmans guide

 

[CaryC]

How much on their are they.

WOW three times the price of sportsmans guide

Give a sec. and I'll take a look, I've had mine for years and forgot what I paid.

 

[hiwall]

Something i do that I've never seen others do. In addition to a BOB in my vehicle, I also have an original collapsible RAZOR Scooter. It can be used as a scooter as intended with my BOB on my back, or as a cart to push my BOB secured on the foot platform.. Works great, and hardly takes up any room in my vehicle.

Wow! Great idea. The key thing is that they are so small, they could fit under the seat in some vehicles. And not much money so could be ditched later without much of a loss if the situation dictated it.

 

[CaryC]

The link is to the one I have and is 100.00.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/hun...353380/herters-game-cart/1905894.uts?slotId=5

They have another which is 150.00.

Like I said I've hauled out a bunch of deer with it, from way down in the bottom, and is well worth the money. But hey if you can get one cheaper go for it, no problems. Mine folds up/half and I put it on a carrier on the back of the Jeep. Those things are to big for a trunk or in the back of a Jeep, a carrier, or truck bed would be fine.

 

[Cyclonemom]

Having kids, I can get away with more "stuff". My main vehicle has a collapsible wagon, and I have a padded tackle box that is my "car bag" for just life stuff that happens that includes a few extras like water purifiers and fire starters. We have generic but well built backpacks, and can either haul stuff in the packs with the wagon, or if needed throw them on our backs. I can even carry the tackle bag.

Here's the wagon, which has been used for far more than armchair survival skills already.......

 

[dogmanan]

Having kids, I can get away with more "stuff". My main vehicle has a collapsible wagon, and I have a padded tackle box that is my "car bag" for just life stuff that happens that includes a few extras like water purifiers and fire starters. We have generic but well built backpacks, and can either haul stuff in the packs with the wagon, or if needed throw them on our backs. I can even carry the tackle bag.

Here's the wagon, which has been used for far more than armchair survival skills already.......

The wagon looks ok, but I would worrie about using it on rough ground for any length of time, the game cart if you need to will hold 300lb plus and is made to use long term on rough ground.

 

[dogmanan]

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-deer-cart?a=351879

Ok finally this is the link to the carts at sportsmansguide.com

 

[Dozdoats]

The game carts that carry 300 lbs plus is the best money you will ever spend.

And they keep making them better and better.

 

[Housecarl]

Remember we're talking about a get home bag:

For a well made bag, back packers bag's which will take a beating on the trail, or military rucks, which also take a beating. Check at Army/Navy Surplus or like Sportsman Guide, for hikers type bags check Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's, online or in person like at Academy, or yuck Dick's.

That's for the bag itself.

What goes in it, depends on your personal needs and likes, and the distance. Plan for a 3 day hike minimum, even if home is only 20 minutes by car. There is just no way you can pack in 3 weeks worth of food and water, for a long distance. And consider every 20 miles a single days hike.

The biggest bag you can carry is a military duffle bag, with shoulder straps. Those things last forever. And you're looking at 80-100lbs easy. If you aren't use to carrying a load, a 40 lb pack will wear you out, and cut into your shoulders, so consider carefully what you get, and what you need it for.

On the water side having a filter system and treatment tablets and two canteens is probably the way to go.

 

[1911user]

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-deer-cart?a=35187

I think this is the one you wanted. You left the 9 off of the end. $60 cart

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-deer-cart?a=351879

 

[Jackpine Savage]

Canadian prepper on Youtube has some videos of the Monowalker. It looks like a nice piece of equipment, but spendy. If someone was handy they might be able to make something similar.

http://www.monowalker.com/index.php/en/

 

[dogmanan]

I think this is the one you wanted. You left the 9 off of the end. $60 cart

https://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/guide-gear-deer-cart?a=351879

Yep thanks just figured it out.

 

[Housecarl]

Hummm….A thrift store bicycle and a couple of saddle packs is another option to a game cart that might be workable as well...

 

[1911user]

Hummm….A thrift store bicycle and a couple of saddle packs is another option to a game cart that might be workable as well...

Loaded bicycles seemed to work for the Vietcong moving supplies on the Ho Chi Mihn trail.

 

[dogmanan]

Hummm….A thrift store bicycle and a couple of saddle packs is another option to a game cart that might be workable as well...

Yes but then you have to worrie about flat tires, unless you get solid tires for the bike.

 

[Cyclonemom]

Oh, I know, it's not intended for rough ground. But between the locations I am 99% of the time, there are multiple hard surface options or trails to rails paths. And if that fails, we just pull the backpacks out of the cart, and away we go. While I agree that the first few days of a major SHTF very few people will be paying attention to what you are carrying, the more "Greyman" I can be, the better. I am more worried about "authorities" harassing people that look like they know what they're doing the first few days than the average Joe Schmoe.

We have a nice game cart. Not going to haul both however, and this wagon get's used at least one a week during the summer months for soccer games/tourneys, hauling chairs to parades, and the beach. A game cart used in those situations would raise more than a few eyes, and I just don't want to be noticed.

 

[Housecarl]

Yes but then you have to worrie about flat tires, unless you get solid tires for the bike.

Considering the condition that roads are in many areas, solid tires are probably a go to retrofit these days.

 

[Publius]

I use the Sawyer Mini. It's a good little filter, but the same freeze warning applies.

Having been there done that in my youth it's best to find a canteen that you can put on the small fire or back pack stove. For any trips where you will be out there for a few days the ability to strain and boil water is important.

http://www.timebomb2000.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=151017&stc=1&d=1532107518

 

[CaryC]

I use the military canteen, canteen cup, and stand to cook with.

The cover has a 'fluffy' interior which can be wet down, and the evaporation cools the water, and a small pocket on the side to hold water purification tablets.

Also of note the little pocket will also hold a small bic lighter along with the purification tablets.

 

[jward]

Nice thread. I haven't updated my bag in probably five years. We used some generic army surplus backpack, and it was pretty sparse, given that we typically stayed within 30 miles of home. Socks, moleskin for blisters, knives, tarp, Paracord, lighter and light source, wet wipes, pill bottle and water. Maybe some power bars or mountain house.

For everyday I use an old camera bag with the days accouterments.

 

[Bensam]

Check out the packs made by Elite Survival Systems. They make the best packs with a good selection. They also make the Assault Systems products which are the best nylon tactical products made. I cannot stress the quality of their products enough.

 

[Dosadi]

pick up a pack

Fill it with two liter bottles filled with water to hit the weight you think you will be carrying

bend a pipe to look like a cane / walking stick and fill it with melted lead to simulate a rifle

Walk 10 miles

If you feel ready to keep on keeping on after that, then think GHB / BOB.

What people pack is only half the equation, the other half, or more is can you use it and carry it and cover ground, esp in a high stress situation, let alone a just taking a walk along the road one.

Then take a hike on something like the AT for 50 miles over how ever many days it takes you to do that.

To many people think just throwing money at something means they are good to go, and that just isn't the truth.

After you see that, consider maybe a bicycle to move, or a game cart, etc.

Best yet is to live at your bug out location full time and build a life around it and don't have to move.

Most forced bug outs could be survived with the equivalent of a well stocked NBC fallout shelter n supplies.

I know people who couldn't even walk to the nearest grocer, buy a weeks worth of stuff, put it in a cart of some type and pull / push it home.

Take care of your knowledge and your physical and mental self,

The more you know the less you have to carry freeing up space for other things or weight for limited abilities.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

pick up a pack

Fill it with two liter bottles filled with water to hit the weight you think you will be carrying

bend a pipe to look like a cane / walking stick and fill it with melted lead to simulate a rifle

Walk 10 miles

If you feel ready to keep on keeping on after that, then think GHB / BOB.

What people pack is only half the equation, the other half, or more is can you use it and carry it and cover ground, esp in a high stress situation, let alone a just taking a walk along the road one.

Then take a hike on something like the AT for 50 miles over how ever many days it takes you to do that.

To many people think just throwing money at something means they are good to go, and that just isn't the truth.

After you see that, consider maybe a bicycle to move, or a game cart, etc.

Best yet is to live at your bug out location full time and build a life around it and don't have to move.

Most forced bug outs could be survived with the equivalent of a well stocked NBC fallout shelter n supplies.

I know people who couldn't even walk to the nearest grocer, buy a weeks worth of stuff, put it in a cart of some type and pull / push it home.

Take care of your knowledge and your physical and mental self,

The more you know the less you have to carry freeing up space for other things or weight for limited abilities.

Good advice, especially for those of us who aren't as young as we used to be.

 

[dogmanan]

Canadian prepper on Youtube has some videos of the Monowalker. It looks like a nice piece of equipment, but spendy. If someone was handy they might be able to make something similar.

http://www.monowalker.com/index.php/en/

Well that looks cool but I would like the game cart better.

 

[SAPPHIRE]

I've bobbled about the BOB for a long time but now we're both too decrepit to pull much or haul on our backs...….pretty well dead meat if push comes to shove! Can't make headway with canes and bad spines!!

 

[JMG91]

Something i do that I've never seen others do. In addition to a BOB in my vehicle, I also have an original collapsible RAZOR Scooter. It can be used as a scooter as intended with my BOB on my back, or as a cart to push my BOB secured on the foot platform.. Works great, and hardly takes up any room in my vehicle.

I do something similar, since I have a baby who requires a lot of water for eating and a GHB of her own. I keep her stroller--which has decent sized wheels for rougher terrain--in the back of my car at all times. That way, I can take extra water with me and both of our GHBs without having to worry about weight. There may be a point where I have to ditch the stroller, but I'll worry about that when I come to it.

 

[Old Gray Mare]

I do something similar, since I have a baby who requires a lot of water for eating and a GHB of her own. I keep her stroller--which has decent sized wheels for rougher terrain--in the back of my car at all times. That way, I can take extra water with me and both of our GHBs without having to worry about weight. There may be a point where I have to ditch the stroller, but I'll worry about that when I come to it.

I saw a mother in a park, her kid's trike stroller had bicycle tires and she was wearing roller skates. Yes she looked like she was on the south side of 30 something. She was also moving at a good clip. Hook a small back pack to the handle bars and y'er off. Well maybe you not me.

 

[JMG91]

I saw a mother in a park, her kid's trike stroller had bicycle tires and she was wearing roller skates. Yes she looked like she was on the south side of 30 something. She was also moving at a good clip. Hook a small back pack to the handle bars and y'er off. Well maybe you not me.

Yep. Kind of what I had in mind--minus the skates. That would be my mother's thing. The stroller helps with the fact that I can't possibly carry all of the things that I need for both me and baby.