B.O.B. for my mom. $ is no object.

Within this post I would like to make reference to a few products IMHO are superior. If you disagree would you please send me a link to a better product?

Wow!! This is a huge project for me. Mom knows that I am equipped but won’t put any effort into it herself. She lives in Seattle. Prone to Volcanoes, earthquakes and who knows what else.

I made her promise me that if I put together the “perfect BOB” she will keep it in her trunk so that if she is at work it is available and if she is at home it is available. My mother is 5 3” 115# and hates the idea of sleeping anywhere other than in her bed or a 4 star hotel. She really doesn’t get how to use most “survival” things. I need a BOB that is….if you will….Marine proof. (Instruction that is so specific that it would be impossible to screw up.)

1) I am thinking of a medium/large size backpack with options: http://www.backpacker.com/gear/article/0,1023,1976,00.html

Or: http://www.mysteryranch.com/gpacks/g7000.php

2) Water filter in addition to iodine tab’s and a 72 hour supply of emergency water: http://www.quakekare.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=24 http://www.katadyn.net/katadyn_exstream.html (I don’t think mom could screw this up)

3)Food 144 hours worth: http://www.quakekare.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=22 Plus simple trapping devices: http://www.bestglide.com/Military_Speedhook_Info.html

4) Vacuum Packed Survival Sleeping Bag: http://www.wiggys.com/category.cfm?Category=6 and a bivy: http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductD...vcat=REI_SEARCH

5) Rain gear. It is Seattle: Marmot oracle jacket and pants: http://marmot.com/

Wow I am already at about the $3,000 to $4,000 range as well as the 25 to 35 pound range. I hope you get the idea. This is just overwhelming me and I hope you get the point that I only want the best for my mother. She went through the first Mt. St. Helens eruption as well as the earthquake a couple of years ago in Seattle. They are expecting St. Helens and or Rainier to erupt again soon. Please let me know if I can improve on my gear picks that I posted and what else should I include?

Again what else should I include. Please keep in mind. Mom is 5 3” 115# and hates this “survival thing” She will only keep this “BOB” with her because I made her promise. She knows it is the prudent thing to do but she just needs to be able to blame me for her lugging all of this stuff around so she doesn’t lose face with her friends. (funny how the roles reverse as we get older)

I thought I could handle this project but it has gotten a lot bigger than I ever expected.


Thanks,

Cameron

Cameron2trade at yahoo dot com

The person you describe is best taken care of by keeping things simple. I would put a couple of gallons of water in her trunk. I would use store bought drinking water in 12-16 oz bottles. Find some that have a fairly long shelf live and can be frozen with out breaking. I would do the same thing with food keep it easy to fix, cheap to buy with long shelf life & bought at the local store. Put a warm sleeping bag in the trunk along with wool blanket, coat, hat, gloves and a good pair of boots. Store all of this in her trunk in a duffle bag. Securing the bag across the space behind the back seat keeps it out of the way. Put a decent first aid kit and a good LED flashlight and spare batteries some place handy.

Change out water, food and batteries once a year and use your $3-5k somewhere else. This is not a thing to throw lots of money at it is something to put a lot of reasonable thought in to as to what will serve her at her experience level best.

The person you describe will best be served by sheltering in place whether that is at home, work or in the car. It would not only be more dangerous for her to sling all that on her back and try to hike some where but would seem very silly to me if she has no knowledge or experience with anything but a 4 star or home experience.

If she is open to it you might want to explore the safest parking (some place that will not get tagged or fall during a quake) for her at work and at home, you might walk through evacuation plans for the buildings she is normally in.

You and your mom will best be served by keeping it very simple

Cameron2trade:

I'm sorry if I am about to rain on your great intentions, but if someone "hates the survival thing" there is nothing you can do for her. If you equip her with a B.O.B., she will probably leave it at home and not even bother to learn the basics necessary for emergency procedures. Promises made to loved ones who care are usually made so that you do not bother them about it again, and are rarely kept.

If there is any hope for changing her mindset, it will be in this paragraph that I, a complete stranger and an individual who is prepared, do seriously mean. Quite simply, if I meet her in her hour of need I will not help her because of her mindset no matter how deadly her situation is to her.

Cold?, yes but more thought provoking than the best intentions of a son who loves her. Show this post to her and then ask her to write you with details of the B.O.B. SHE HAS ASSEMBLED FOR HERSELF.

Good luck!

Bountyhunter

Why do I have visions of an ETS version of 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy?' You need to get your mom a very basic level assembly she will have with her at all times. Start with a Victorinex SAK. Once mom has opened a few Easter gifts and removed splinters with tweezers and magnifying glass it will join the LED flashlight you put on her keyring. Buy a Hudson's Bay or Whitney .This is now her car/stadium blanket hearkening back to genteel days of Brogham carriages. Make up a first aid kit that is equal parts toiletries. Women want to look and smell good when rescued anyway. So toss in some store sample bottles of Chanel #5 next to the Martins burnaway. The ladies of the forum are reaching for paracord to hang me and lifeboat matches to stick under my toenails, so I'll cease, but you get the idea <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

First I must commend you for your efforts. Allow me the warm-and-fuzzy girly thing: "Awwww!" <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I agree whole-heartedly with what the rest of the guys are saying: keep it simple, since there is very little you can do to entice someone who hates the survival thing. I faced a similar situation when assembling PSKs for my family last Christmas, and keeping everything small, simple, and easy to use, I saved everyone (including myself) a lot of hassle. Though my sister STILL resists even the tiniest efforts! <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

If you want to give your mom a SAK of sorts, you might consider this: Miss A Kit

I think it's fairly new, contains traditional SAK items in a magenta or rose casing AND a perfume bottle. I don't know whether to be insulted or buy one myself! It's like preparedness in disguise.

Sorry, Chris, no matches under the nails today, as you're quite right. And so is Sheepdog.

You need to keep it simple and familiar, tailoring it to HER, not to you or anyone else. The likelihood of her carrying a 40# pack is probably nonexistent. Her most likely scenario is that she will be grouped with other people in a shelter or an open place like a park.

How old is she? Does she work? Is her car usually parked in a multilevel structure that could collapse? Does she have much-loved pets? What's her favorite color?

I would get a couple of nylon bags in her favorite color, that she can easily carry. She won't feel so silly if her friends see them, or if she has to carry them if they look like luggage. Can you find some that come with & without extension handle & wheels, so you can extend one & strap the second one on top?

Cover the basics: shelter (if her car isn't available, a simple tarp shelter & closed-cell foam mat?), heat (chemical hand & foot warmers?), water, food that doesn't require cooking, comfortable shoes, extra socks, warm clothes & hat, tea bags or instant coffee, her own mug & spoon, comfort food, pre-moistened hand & bath wipes, toothbrush & paste, handtowel & washcloth, dups of her favorite cosmetics, a couple of favorite paperbacks, extra regular & reading glasses if appropriate, sleep mask & soft earplugs, chemical handwarmers, first aid kit. Also simple firestarters; if she doesn't use them, she might be camped near someone who can, that will help her. Being one of the few people in a wet park at night that has firemaking equipment can make you really popular in a hurry.

One of the most important things you can do is find out from the local authorities how they intend to deal with prospective disasters. Tell them you have an elderly mother (even if she's not), & you want to educate her on what to do and where to go if a calamity occurs and you're not around. Write it down & include it in her bag, point out that it's there. Mark on a city map where likely shelters would be, or open parks where they might set up tents or safe places to park a car, etc. Drive to unfamiliar places and point them out. It is said that brushing a map with Thompson's Water Seal will waterproof it.

If she has a small pet, get a nylon carrier for it (like one of these: http://www.petco.com/Productlisting.asp?...amp;Dept_ID=524 ) --make sure it opens at the TOP at least, preferably one that has a pocket. If it doesn't have a pocket, get one that can be attached without fuss with cable ties, & add a copy of the leash & harness she uses or that fits, 1 or 2 small collapsible food/water dishes, food, fleece blanket & copies of rabies certificate. Get the pet microchipped AND have a couple of extra ID tags made with multiple-contact phone numbers (incl. her vet's). Put some on the carrier, too. And put the chip # somewhere there, too.

Now, all of you who know shelters don't take pets, don't get all whacked out of shape. A shelter in CA started taking pets last year, & if they're smart, that trend will continue. She could find someone who will take her pets. My main point is that if you plan for the pets, she is much more likely to go with your other ideas. With supplies & her pets, she could shelter in her car, if necessary.

Schwert is in the Seattle area, have you checked out his great info? Part One is at http://outdoors-magazine.com/s_article.php?id_article=171; Part Two is at http://outdoors-magazine.com/s_article.php?id_article=172 and both are full of useful information.

Sue

Doesn't matter. It is a waste of time and money. Sorry to sound harsh but it truely is. Unless you include someone to operat it for her.

You could equip a person with a tractor trailer full of gear. If the don't know how to use it it is just a useless pile of junk.

If she can't or won't learn how to use it what good is it.

Focus on the stuff she already knows how to use. Spare clothes, water, food. A sleeping bag. A good torch or two. A whistle. Toilet paper. Whatever medications she already uses.

I wouldn't bother with the water filter or other treatment. No trapping devices. No bivy - she can sleep in the car as long as she has the bag to keep her warm.

I'd give some thought to money and/or trade goods, but I wouldn't want her to become a target for thieves. However, she may do best in collaboration with other people so give some thought to how that would work.

Does she know how to use the car radio? Does she have a mobile phone? Can she send text messages? (Text is often more reliable than voice in a crisis; it demands less from the network. Make sure she knows that.)

A lot depends on her. Older people are often more robust than they get credit for. She's survived this long OK; she has a job, she's raised children.

I think what you are doing is commendable. Forget the backpacking gear. Tell her to stay put at her office or vehicle unless she absolutely has to move. I would second the suggestions that you keep it simple: raingear, bottled water, a wool blanket or two. I would include some good pepper spray. (It's been my experience that women are very willing to carry it.) The suggestion of a SAK is a good one. A couple of large cans of Sterno and a Bic lighter or two will provide instant heat.

Forget the trapping devices. Include a few food bars if you want, or better yet, put in some canned food that she can stomach plus a hand-crank can opener. Remember, this is a car kit so weight should not be an issue even if bulk is.

Any person not suffering from a head injury can use all of the above without training.

Regards, Vince

Cameron,

Tough situation for you. She's your Mom, so doing nothing is not an option for you. But IMHO you're putting too technical a package together for her; I believe the small steps others suggested might be more productive. Anyway, back to your question:

That ruck is too way big and technical. Stick to something very simple and smaller - like a small duffel with handles and a strap. Perhaps look at dry sacks that folks use canoeing - check out what folks use up in the Boundary waters where they not only canoe, but portage frequently.

If you truly insist on getting her a ruck, make it a LOT smaller and simpler. Torso length? Anyway you can actually fit her? After all, she's in the Seattle area; plenty of shops - you could pick one that's convenient for her and call ahead to make a fitting appointment for her. Perhaps you could join REI? I usually dealt with friendly and reasonably knowledgable store folks at REI when we lived in that area.

It rarely gets very cold there. A couple of blankets or comforters are a lot more familiar than a sleeping bag. I suggest a full size fleece blanket (fabric store; cut to size and you're done - no sewing skills required) and a regular sized comforter. Toss in full size Z-rest if you insist, but odds are she'll find something besides the ground to crash on.

Forget a bivy, tent, or fancy tarp - again, too complex. There's just nothing you can do about this if she is on her own. She will probably have some sort of shelter anyway, even if it's just her vehicle or a damaged building. If you absolutely feel you have to do something, I suppose a small tarp won't hurt; she can at least wrap it around herself. Just about anything will do - 6 mil plastic sheeting, expensive coated nylon, even more expensive sil-nylon, or my current favorite, a square sheet of Tyvek house wrap (soften it with the cold-wash in an top loading washing machine - that really works). You can write a LOT of potentially useful info on the Tyvek with a permanent marker (starting with "THIS SIDE OUT". Roll up the blanket and comforter in the tarp and you've already made a physical statement on how to use it... secure the bundle with a couple of adjustable straps with Fastex quick-release fasteners or for an even simpler solution, a couple of elastic bungee cords (anyone can figure those out).

The rain gear is OK. Add a brimmed rain hat with tether.

Add 1-2 pr comfortable liner socks (silky smooth texture - shop to find) and 1-2 pr smartwool socks in her sizes, then add light weight and comfy walking shoes that fit over those - can be as simple as good athletic footwear or a as fancy as your wallet can stand, but I'd stick with woman's cross trainers, running shoes, etc - she's more likely to put those on.

Too much food and water plus the food probably won't get used. Find some energy bars she doesn't gag on in non-stressful times and put two per ziplock style bag - 9 would be more than enough to provide a little mental comfort if she needed them. If you want to spend the money, the filter you suggested is as fancy as she is likely to be able to use. Toss in an empty polycarbonate 1 L wide-mouth Nalgene in a slingable bottle carrier because she will understand not to throw that away. Basic water should be simple, like a small case of 16 oz water from the grocery store - call her once a year to cajole and remind her to replace it.

Flashlights? Get something LED that runs forever on 1, 2, or 3 AA cells and then stock her 2 sets of lithium AA cells (go ahead and risk keeping one set in the torch). Or get something that uses CR 123 cells knowing that she probably won't be able to scrounge replacements. But stock her with lithiums, whatever the size. And get something small and simple for her keyring, like a white Photon.

If she might need personal hygene products, include them (for all I know, she's younger than me). Heck, include them anyway - she might be able to help out another woman in need. Regardless, for sure include TP!!! Regular stuff in a ziplock is more likely to be found, recognized, and utilized than anything fancier. Add a sealed foil travel pack of baby butt wipes inside another ziplock - get good ones, unscented if at all possible. They also are fair for wiping off dirty hands and faces.

A pair of 3M N95 face masks with valves. Leave them in the blister pack (easy to find and understand purpose) and put that inside another (large) ziplock. Also dust goggles - if nothing else, ski goggles with clear lens (amber second choice).

A roll of duct tape inside another ziplock (heck, anyone can figure out things to use it for).

A good set of ladies leather gloves that fit her properly. Better, one pr of those (Thinsulate and leather) and one pair of properly sized thin and flexible leather work gloves, like deerskin - something obviously "work gloves" but "fit for a lady". Ziplocks again.

Already probably up to more stuff than she will like, so I'll quit. Oh, not quite - MAPS - ziplocks again - Stick a Thomas in and then add whatever regular maps you think she might be able to read and understand. That probably means no topos unless you get the type that have relief shading added (hard to get in the US). I guess it wouldn't hurt to add a simple compass just so she can figure out which way is North, but you have to deal with a LOT of declination in that area... I dunno if anyone makes a dummy compass that is corrected for local declination (they ought to - gee, a product idea).

I quit here. HTH

Tom

Good thinking here.

It might go over better if you call it a first aid kit with tools rather than a b.o.b.. I'd agree that speding less here is wise -- just $100-200 worth of mid level gear split between her car and her house.

Have you considered communication issues? -- how will she got a hold of people?

tro

Here are a couple of article I posted on the subject . They may help.
http://www.equipped.org/ubbthreads/showf...amp;amp;fpart=1
http://www.equipped.org/ubbthreads/showf...amp;amp;fpart=1

Cameron,

You have already received some excellent advise. In addition to that, I would add the following. Whatever you get for her, make sure that it is simple, easy to use, and attractive. I would also try to prefer the familiar to the unusual. Your biggest problems will be her predilection not to use any survival gear, and her lack of knowledge of how to use it.

She should also have a small, battery powered radio. Keep it simple. An AM-FM model is as complicated as she is probably willing to accept.

Everyone on this forum loves his multitool, but your mother would probably hate one. Instead, get her some common hand tools such as pliers, screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench or two, a hammer (say 9-12 oz), and some nails. Those are the kinds of tools which she would appreciate and actually use.

Also make sure she has a copy of emergency information such as important account numbers, names, phone nos., and addresses of family and professionals she might need to contact. Include copies of insurance policies.

Don't forget to provide for any medical conditions, disabilities, and medical needs she may have.

Finally, she needs someone to help her with the hands on preparation preparations. I suppose from your post that the only such person able to do that is you. So it will be your responsibility. You can probably do it adequately with as little time as on a couple of visits each year. The time you spend working with her on survival matters should make handling any actual survival needs a little more familiar and easier for her.

Good luck,

John

Admittedly I have been a little over zealous. I just want mom to be safe. Here is the list I have put together at this point for mom based on suggestions. Please picture it all neetly packaged in a “cool” pink or purple overnight backpack. And at the suggestion of Christina I will including a small “makeup case” with a small soap, makeup, lotion, pre-moistened washcloths, tweezers, feminine hygiene products, Razor, Etc. Christina…What else??

Thanks for any further suggestions.

Cameron


1) Pepper spray
2) Katadyne extreme water bottle
3) $50 in singles, $10 in quarters $5 in dimes.
4) $15 pre paid phone card
5) chemical heat pads
6) Emergency coastguard food
7) Emergency water in freeze proof containers
8) Poncho
9) “emergency blanket” waffle design sleeping bag
10) some sort of over boot/shoe waterproof protection
11) Candle
12) Emergency light sticks
13) LED flashlight…very long term battery
14) Bick lighter and coastguard matches
15) Small first aid kit
16) Multi tool W/ can opener
17) Paracord 25 to 50 ft.
18) Local Map waterproofed W/ local bug out safety locations and all roads TOPO of local area on back.
19) Pen and paper
20) Survival guide…small book
21) Heavy duty garbage bag
22) Duct tape 15ft.
23) Ritter PSK

You might want to try some of that Coast Guard food before you pack a bunch of it up for your mom. I’ve eaten it once several years ago and would have to be in a really bad way before I ate it again. Get her something she is use to eating and knows about. Changing to unknown tried foods will make many people feel sick or have reactions to it they did not care for.

"Normal" food or whatever she will eat would be good. For my folks I used tuna, peanut butter, crackers and sardines in water along with a bunch of MRE snacks + hard candy and gum.
Dave

Apparently baby wipes are a good thing to add. Servicemen and women have been using them in Iraq. Something a bit bigger and more heavy duty than a moist handwipe.

If your mother still has her cycle, pack some menstrual pads rather than tampons. They are more versatile.

As for makeup, keep it to colored lip gloss or balm, since it moisterizes better. Perfume (if she can't live without it) in a tiny tube could be used as a fire starter, if need be. Lotion that has a sunscreen in it and that is unscented is best.

A "Clever Toothbrush," which has the toothpaste stored in the squeezable handle of the brush, would be a good idea.

I think you'd better get some input from her. For cosmetics & personal items, they're wasted space if you don't pack what SHE uses. ASK! For moist wipes, try the larger, heavier Bath Wipes.

Tuna comes in those mylar packs that are easier to open than the cans. So does dried fruit. Make sure there's water IN the water bottle. Crackers & cheese packs.

I'll bet she won't wear the poncho no matter what.

Add another flashlight.

Sue

Sue, you are so right. Sometimes I forget how picky I am about my own cosmetics. Cameron, make sure you pack your mom's chosen color shades! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I've not heard of "bath wipes." Do they come in individual packets? What's the brand? Are they anything like *snicker* "Tush Wipes?"

They're Coleman "Swash Cloths": "Swash Cloths combine the refreshment of a shower with the scrubbing power of a washcloth. Our super-thick cloths give you durable, total-body cleansing power. Our anti-bacterial formula helps kill germs & bacteria, while Aloe & Allantoin moisturize, condition & protect your skin."

The package is a resealable pouch 8"x4"x1" (w/the end flaps tucked) that contains 8 cloths that are 8"x8". Mine was $3.99 at K-Mart.

I didn't want to break the seal to try them, so I don't know how good they are.

Sue

Cameron,
Once you give her the kit, what does she plan to do with it?(ie, review the contents or just toss it in her car?)....One idea is to go over all the contents with her(take each piece out & discuss its use with her.)....get her curious about each item..." hey Mom, what do you think this item might be used for?"....get her involved in the use of the kit. You may find that she would use some things & never use other things. That may help you fine tune the kit to meet her needs & her comfort level with the contents. Sometimes people show a lack of interest when they really feel overwhelmed or scared to consider needing the gear, so if she "lays hands on the stuff" with you there, it might feel a little more comforting to her........FWIW! <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />