So - I retired at the end of July and have been looking over my 'get home' bag in the trunk of the car. Now, I no longer am far from the homestead on a regular basis and am thinking of the contents in a different way. It's slowly being converted into a bail out bag with stuff to support me/us if the car needs to be abandoned or is somehow stuck and we can't get out.

I'm in an urban/suburban area and will not be (usually) more than about 10 miles from the house day to day and often much closer. One change I've made is to add in a pair of good hiking shoes as I am no longer wearing good boots daily and may have on (heavens!) a pair of slip on loafers! So the contents are being reviewed.

I am also thinking over the addition of a "bail out coat" with "stuff" in the zipped up pockets that could be helpful while providing a wearable shelter too - sort of along the idea of an airman's survival vest... It's in the thinking stage and I've not really done anything with this yet but plan to.

Thoughts?

Congrats on retirement! I hope you have stuff to keep you busy while taking free time to 'stop and smell the roses'! Reworking the bailout/get-home bag probably is in order!

Don't be surprised to find that you roam even more now that you don't have too. I am not quite there yet, but have no intention on staying close now that I have more time to get out.

Congratulations on your retirement!