My wife and I included a few items in our BoB, that aren't really survival items, but peace of mind items(isn't that a large part of a survival mind set?) We scanned a lot of photos with sentimental value onto a CD, along with other important papers, vehicle titles, mortgage, marriage cert. all of my EMS/Fire Certs,ETC. We put the CD into on of the hard plasticsleeves and since it doesn't take up much room, it's not taking the place of another needed item. Just an idea. Also included a small travel sized scrabble and monopoly game, along with a deck of cards. Just an idea

This has been discussed before. Check out this thread on snivel gear. Also, there is one on How much data is in your BOB?

I had to bug out because of Hurricane Ivan. I took magazines, MP3 player, laptop, camera, and GPS receiver. Although I guess the GPS receiver (and the maps) could be considered survival gear. None of this stuff was in a specific bug out bag, but I was bugging out and I did take it with me.

As for documents, I need to get a scanner some day.


Robert

photograph of my Girl, teddybear, flask of Armanac

Robert, if your camera is a digital just take a picture of your important documents. It's easier than learning how to use a scanner.

RayW,
Thanks for the suggestion, however I don't have a digital camera either. I was thinking of getting a three way coper/scanner/printer. These should be easy to use, right? Does anybody have any sugestions as to which one to get? If anybody has advice please send it to me by PM to avoid thread drift. Thanks.


Robert

Chris:

How big is that teddybear; .25 caliber, .32 caliber, .380 caliber, or a 38+P special?

Anything bigger than that in your sleeping bag and your lady friend may start wondering about you. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Bountyhunter <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I've done the same. Everything important on paper I have an electronic copy, from important documents to receipts to notes I took in college to manuals for power tools. I've switched my back accounts all to electronic statements so I just download and archive the pdf's rather than scan the papers they mail me. Made multiple spreadsheets inventorying all my tools and gear. Back it up to cd every so often so I can take the cd's with me if I did have to go, however one thing I have done is made my computer part of my BOB. When it came time to replace my old laptop I went for the lightest, smallest I could afford and then bought a "day planner" look alike bag for it. Its small and thin enough that it can slide in the little pocket on the back of the seat in my truck. If I do ever have to bug out for whatever reason the normal bob goes in one hand and the laptop goes in the other. I carry it every day to work and back and take it on trips to my parents farm or whatever. I'm probably have 75% of my life on it, just need to scan some old film pictures (want to find a low cost negative scanner to get better quality) and maybe 10% of the receipts for things purchased in the last 10 years. If I were to bug out and can't return or the house were to be destroyed I can easily give the insurance company a list (I even have a portable printer picked up for $5 because It needed minor repairs)

just curious how legal are scanned documents?

do they carry any real weight or is it mostly for peace of mind?

Depending on your computer, the all in one office equipment can be great, or a headache. I recomend getting separate items, for less than the all in one price usually, when you need them.

I am a Mac tech, and admit it freely. If you have a Mac, stay away from the origional HP all in ones(G55, etc.), and anything with a built-in software fax.

If you run anything less than Windows XP, stay away from the Lexmark all in ones - they do not play well with system resources.

Rena

(realizing I should have PM'd, but too lazy)

I have a Dell 5150 laptop running Windows XP. The reason I want an all in one is because I would rarely need a scanner or copier, but they would be nice to have. Also, because of space considerations. My dad has a printer/scanner/copier/fax that he is very happy with, but I don't remember the manufacturer. I have seen the all in ones priced between $100-$200, which is about the same as some printers. It has been a while since I've looked around at these, though. What are some good ones to look for?


Robert