Hi boatman,
Plastic buckets? You know, actually, I had not thought of that.
I had really been thinking of trying to get everything into one big container, to discourage multiple smaller containers from being moved about and disbursed (misplaced) over time. I had also been thinking I wanted to seal that container up in a semi-permanent manner, to discourage it from being opened while in storage at the other people's house. I'd hate to actually ever have to use them and have my host say, "Gee, I'm sure the missing one is around here somewhere...". I've seen some pretty huge cardboard boxes, so I defaulted to that wrapped in three dimensions with duct tape for reinforcement. The very fact that I'm considering how it may need reinforcing may indicate I'm on the wrong tack.
Vacuum packing would help minimize bulk, but I'm still trying to get sleepwear and sleeping gear, a full change of sturdy clothes, spare EDC & FAK, lifeboat rations and water for two people in this thing. It''s going to be big and heavy, the better to discourage shuffling it about. Once it's deep in a closet somewhere, I figure it will probably stay put. Unlike a Bug Out Bag, these boxes don't need to be easily mobile, as they can be put there at our leisure by a couple of guys or with the help of a dolly.
I haven't actually tried packing everything in one container yet, so I don't really know how big it will be. I'm pretty good at packing, so maybe it doesn't need to be so big. In any case, it's going to be heavy, so that may discourage casual movement enough that it doesn't really have to be all that large after all. If it will all fit in a big plastic storage tub or something, that might work well. I'll consider what you wrote. Having a container more durable than cardboard seems wise, and I don't suppose there's anything stopping me from duct taping up a plastic tub. <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Thanks for the suggestion. It has spurred new thinking, and that's always a Good Thing.
Stay safe,
J.T.