I see what you did there!



Smooth move, great idea; gotta do that.

Loved all your replies. You're giving me some great ideas, especially the EMT shears. I did a quick inventory of what I brought with me and realized I was more prepared than I initially thought. Most of what I list here comes from ideas I've slowly been incorporating while lurking here in the past, so you can consider yourselves great teachers.  

What I have on me:
In pockets: Fenix E05, Fox 40 whistle, Leatherman Micra (moved from checked luggage), wallet, room key.

In bookbag: a water bottle, lumbar pillow, lightweight sweatshirt, granola bar and sunflower seeds, notepad, conference handouts, Galaxy Note Tab, power cords for tablet and phone (Motorola Droid Razr), Eneloop battery charger for charging my phone if I can't find a plug, compact umbrella, bandana, Buff, writing utensils, comb, prescription medication, very small FAK.  

For this conference I could get away with wearing business casual slacks and I just bought new Doc Martins. More practical for evacuating than heels and a skirt. (And more my style.) Just wish I'd had time to break in my shoes beforehand.

What I wish I had in my bookbag right now:
Heavier sweatshirt/sweater
Favorite multitool (Leatherman Wave)
Extra pair of contacts or my glasses
Extra pair Thorlos hiking socks
Poncho or garbage bag  

I know there are other things to consider and I'll be rethinking how I pack and making some changes based on your suggestions for my next conference. I'm very glad the toxic train derailment didn't force me to learn the hard way, but it sure got me thinking about other possibilities. Will be looking at more preparation for next time in regards to learning about the geography and climate of my destination, including locations of important buildings.

  Thanks!

Medical- first aid kit, identification
Shelter- rain gear
Fire- lighter, matches
Hydration- bottle of water, straw, water treatment method
Communication- cell phone, whistle, pencil/paper
Navigation- compass, gps (smart phone), headlamp
Nutrition- extra food
Insulation- jacket, hat, leather gloves
Sun Protection- use clothing to cover up
Tools- swiss army knife, p38, money, walking shoes

I like 3-4 ways to keep my phone charged.

Speaking of keeping your phone charged and multi-use devices, I've carried one of these 12v batteries for years. Add the cigarette lighter plug charger of your choice and you can charge anything you want. Many times.

Its sealed lead acid which is specifically authorized for carry-on in the TSA rules. Getting to the multi-use facet, its quite heavy for its size and has a nice long shoulder carry strap.

Plan ahead if you intend to carry it on as almost every TSA agent feels compelled to swipe this thing and run it though their fancy explosives detector, but it passes every time.

I like to think of these things in terms of categories, before the specific gear. This is a great breakdown of categories of equipment to consider. For the stuck in an airport/train station/hotel scenario, I'd add the categories of Light and Hygiene, probably at a higher priority than fire. Comfort might also be a category to consider. (i.e. pillow, ear plugs, etc.)

On the subject of Navigation, having contact info and maps for the local area you'll be traveling to is a good idea. Which reminds me - cash is king. Shelter, food, navigation, water, communications.... they can all be enhanced by cash most of time.

I also always try to have an extra change of climate appropriate clothes.

I really like Doug's list. I already carry small duct tape that can be sourced at almost any camping/outdoor store. But I never see gaffers tape or fiberglass strapping tape in small sizes. Anyone know a source for such things, or is Doug "rolling his own"?

Rolling my own. Just use a "card key" from any hotel, or defunct credit card, and wrap around it. Works great. Then I seal it in plastic. (DO NOT vacuum pack it, that can suck the adhesive out, which is not optimal...)

Perfect, compact, and cheap. Thank you Doug.

Doug Ritter...you mentioned the Sidewinder...how does it hold up?..... is there an all metal version, especially the crank arm?