SgtMike88Ret,

Have you re-done your Personal Support Kit? If so, I'd love to see it.

-- Craig

I hate gravity.

I would like to point out something I consider to be a real issue for urban situations: good shoes! When we purposefully go into the wilderness most of us have footwear that we deem appropriate. But how many of us wear dress shoes to work that would be horrible for that 20-mile walk out... or 20 blocks, for that matter? Especially the ladies with those high heels. Guys like Matt are probably good-to-go since he'd likely be wearing his EMS duty shoes.

I work in an office on an industrial site but our dress code is pretty casual, so I can already be wearing comfortable, supportive shoes from Merrell, Columbia, or something like that. For those of you stuck with wearing more formal footwear, consider stashing some "bugout" shoes at your desk or vehicle.

Funny anecdote-

The first thing my wife did when the east coast blackout hit - was put a good pair of hiking shoes on! I do love that women!

I'm in the same boat with you about casual dress and shoes are always an important consideration. In the winter I can were nice looking leather hiking boots and in the summer I were low cut leather hiking shoes. I could easily grab my bag and hit the trails.

Don’t ever under estimate the joy of comfortable shoes, especially in an urban environment were you may be forced to move on foot!

Adam

Yeah a lot of twisted and sprained ankles during that night.

Well when I worked for Mor(g)an Stanley I was breaking them in slowly. Started with construction boots (shined, brown leather), khakis and shirt and tie... than I graduated to construction boots, shirts not tie and khakis.... than I went for construction boots, polos shirts and khakis... than I went for heavy backpacking boots such as Scarpa, khakis and polo shirts... and finally my biggest conversion: Cargos, polo shirt and backpacking boots. I was a rebel. If somebody asked I always told them I had a bad feet so I needed special custom shoes with specialized inserts and I will sue for discrimination and pointing out my disability. Mind you I had a picture of me in the same boots on top of Mt Kenya hanging up over my desk. They left me alone for 4 years. They didn't even say a word when I started wearing international orange polo shirts <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

But indeed footwear is essential. Baby your feet and you can walk 300 miles and next day you can walk 300 more.

Do not forget good cushioned socks to go along with those sturdier shoes/boots to prevent blisters. I prefer and wear daily, wool or a wool blend socks. In many cases a thin polypro w/X-Static liner along with a thicker wool sock is desired if you are walking distances, especially on concrete.

Pete

I think of this kind of gear and kit as less of survival and more of comfort, convenience, support, evacuation, and relocation.

I have seen examples of a Personal Support Kit, a Personal Evacuation Kit, and a Personal Evacuation/Relocation Kit.

Should you find it necessary to evacuate or temporarily relocate to a safer area, this gear should offer a you few conveniences, give you some comfort, and help support you along the way.

-- Craig

Ah, good point Pete, I forgot to mention I have a pair of smart wool socks in my kit. Thin cotton socks will defeat (no pun intended <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />) your best hiking boots abilities in no time.

Adam

nah.. it's a mere physical fact ..... just don't take it too seriously ..... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

If I may qualify, city pressure is only good to about 4 stories. Anyone higher up is dependent on electricity to keep those water tanks on the roof filled. When that tank empties, no tap water and no toilet flushing. Ugh!