Time to test the fully loaded out Bug Out Bag this weekend to escape the heat of the Scottish Summer (Forecast to be around 18-19C or around 66F) So I will be on the road to Inchgrundle to make camp at Carlochy.



The road to Inchgrundle.



The Bugout location at Carlochy to test a few bits of kit to find out what works and what could be improved on.

I envy you. We are looking at 102 F here (38 C). Does your BOB have an air conditioner?

The overnight forecast low temperatures over the weekend in the Angus Glens are set for around 5C or 41F so I'm thinking about taking a medium weight merino wool sweater as well a lightweight summer 2 season down sleeping bag.

I believe that there is some warm weather at the moment in the USA. How difficult would things get if the power grid went down (apparently a current DHS terrorist advisory to utility providers has been issued)? Keeping cool would be pretty challenging especially in the heat islands of large cities such as New York, where there was little relief from the heat during the evenings.

Heat kills more people than any other natural/weather occurrence. Urban areas are hit harder than rural areas. It would be bad if electricity was lost.

Sounds like our spring. I'd love know what else is in the BOB. Sweater and sleeping bag are good calls. Extra socks, hat, mittens? Jacket/coat? Fire? Way to heat water? Shelter - sleeping pad and tarp/tent? Food?

Heat? 18°? Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?

Some Photos from the Bug Out test.



On the road to Inchgrundle - Invermark Castle ruin.



Some interest from some of the locals.



Loch Lee.



Looking back down towards Glen Esk.



Navigational Tools (Map compass and GPS mobile Phone)



Now off trail looking down Glen Lee (ever watchful for snakes underfoot)



Finally reached the Bug Out location at Carlochy (hangout for Golden eagles and capercaillies judging from the screaching and clicking noises)



Setting up camp (someone else thought bringing along a chair and a newspaper was a high priority)



Some malt whisky had a higher priority for others.



A nice cup of tea (Esbit cookset and Gas burner with some lightweight Snowpeak ti Mugs, plates and bowls (very pleased with this kit - it all worked seamlessly), which allowed a full English breakfast for everyone the next morning.

More to follow on what kit worked due to cold and very windy conditions (30-50mph gusts) and 5C overnight temperatures.

Thanks for taking the time to post the pictures!

Great looking country over there and I like the remnants of the castle. Any compelling history on the castle and the area?

Also it looks like a low populated area, how far from major cities/towns?

Gorgeous! Thanks Liath!

Looks like a beautiful location for a weekend trip!

Here are photos of the Bug Out Bag Kit used in the test.



Lowe Alpine Contour Crossbow 50 Litre pack with Snugpak DPM waterproof cover.



Cover removed showing rear of the pack.



Various kit attached to side pockets consisting;

Camelbak unibottle 2L
Fishing kit
Sunglasses and case
Big Knife, Laplander Saw and WD40
Camera + Waterproof Case
Map + waterproof case + compass
Mobile Phone + neoprene case
Thermarest seat
Torch (EastwardYJ j06 Cree XM-L T6)
Leather work Gloves



Top Pocket - smaller items Consisting

Hand disinfectant
Fork + Spoon
Pot Grabber
Whistle
Insect repellent (Roll on)
Fenix Head strap + Tank007 CR123 torch
Green Laser
Firestorm Lighter
Helle Odel Knife
Firelighting Kit
Spare Ti Gas Burner with Piezo igniter
Fallkniven DC4 Diamond
Green Plastic Spork
Platypus Bottle + Whisky
Sony BT + FM radio stereo headset



Main Carry compartment consisting;

Trekmates Goretex hat
Merino Wool hat (Laksen)
F10 Vitesse Tent
Vango Venom 200 Square down sleeping bag
Thermorest Neoair short mat
Katadyn mini ceramic filter
Chevalier Merino Wool sweater
British Army Goretex underliner jacket
EDZ Sierra Jacket
TNF overtrouser
Silk sleeping bag liner
Goretex socks
Esbit Stove set with Gas burner + Snowpeak Ti plates and bowls
Collapsible washing bowl
MSR 250 gas cartridge
Vargo Ti water bottle + Snowpeak double walled mug
Sunlinq Solar panel + microUSB regulator
10L Ortlieb dry bag/water carrier with shower attachment
Towel + Soap + Toothbrush + Toothpaste
Camo food baggy + packets of paper tissues.

The history of the castle dates back to the 13th century according to this link;

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/tarfside/invermarkcastle/index.html

The City of Brechin (population 7000) is about 17 miles away, so its not really to far from civilisation (if you consider Brechin to be civilisation )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiQCofKrYAI

Nice kit Liath! Thanks for sharing it!

Protecting your emergency Taco is important these days. Once that crunchy shell is crushed your lost and never coming back.

How much does the pot holder weight? Can it be replaced by a well split freshly cut stick tied together at one end? Just clamp it around tthe pot and lift?