So I got all excited yesterday about the idea of a PSK/FAK contained in a Nalgene bottle. I'm making a list of everything I think I can cram in there, including a couple of energy bars for emergency food, but then I think maybe I should be making one of these for every member of the family...identical contents and also something that could be a grab and go. Thought about leaving them in the car maybe. Then I got to thinking, instead of having one family BOB, maybe there should be a BOB for each family member. A standard set of gear, plus each individual can customize a few things...a favorite activity or book, etc.

I'm thinking that would provide for some independence too in case someone gets seperated. As opposed to different family members carrying different gear that supports other family members' gear. Each BOB becomes stand alone and not dependent on other gear. That way not one person has the food, or water or fire kit, etc.

What do other families do?

Growing up, everyone's kit had food, water, warm clothing, basic shelter, et al, suitable for the user's build and skill. Those big enough to have a knife add thier own, everyone sets up thier own firestarting gear, tossing in a book. Those that are able to carried additional, team gear in thier packs.

Now that my folks mostly live alone, and given thier professions, it is a matter of bugging in. On high ground with good water and self sufficent for heat, it's thier best option.

I like the idea, but use the naglene for water and carry the stuff somewhere else --possibly a waistpack for each family member?

TRO

I am currently assembling two BOBs for myself and my wife. I am basing the contents on this pre-assembled pack from a company here in New Zealand:

http://www.prepare.co.nz/shoppingcart/default.cfm?cat_id=1308

I would like some comments please on the items that have been chosen for their kit. I am assembling one each for us, and we will modify our own to suit.

What we are using are some backpacks from KMart, with pretty much everything listed on the prepare.co.nz site. From that list, still to procure:

- A decent torch (flashlight)- I want an LED torch with right-angle head powered by AAA batteries. If I don't find one soon I'll get something to fill the gap while I'm looking.
- Aquatabs. Easily available.
- A drink bottle
- Spare batteries
...and fill in the checklist and list of important numbers!

Differences from that list:

- Bag is a KMart rucksack (looked strong enough, and has comfortable straps)
- Radio is a small AM/FM AAA radio with speaker and headphones.
- FAK is quite small. I don't know what theirs is, but ours is pretty basic and I've added some paracetamol and antiseptic cream (for burns, cuts and stings etc.)
- Only one pack of waterproof matches
- Only two candles (might go up to 6)
- Roll of 20 rubbish bags (trash bags)
- Probably will forgo the drink bottle and pack 2x2litre bottled water

Additions:
- Bic Mini lighter
- Can opener
- Wooly hat and gloves
- Compass and thermometer on keyring (not accurate, but certainly consistent)
- Copies of personal documents (these will be done Real Soon Now)
- Magnetic board games (chess and backgammon)

Here in New Zealand we expect to have to evacuate due to floods and earthquakes, but we won't have to evacuate too far and the gub'mint is fairly well prepared to sort things out afterwards. The BOB is for when we have to leave the house due to its recent or imminent destruction. We also have an "earthquake kit" with bigger items and lots more water for the case where we don't have to leave, but there are no services like water and electricity (can pitch a tent in the back garden if the house falls down). I am also putting some stuff in the car, but generally you would stay in the car for shelter, and if you can attract attention you will be found if you've gone astray. In addition we both carry a Ritter PSK (mine's modified).

On the assumption that something's better than nothing, we're doing quite well...

A

I like the idea to, but kind of hard to boil water in a nalgene bottle. <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> But, you take the same gear and throw it in a coffee can...now you've got cooking power!!!

I see what you are trying to accomplish, but I don't think I would want to be caught without something to boil water in...yep, I know tin foil works...but not very well. You don't even have to use a coffee can...if you know anyone with a baby..Similac cans are metal and just about half the size of 1 lb coffee can. Small enough to fit in any size back pack and some waistpacks..yet you can boil water. My wife makes fun of me..but I have a 7 month old and I have saved every can.

Just my opinion. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If you assume that the family is bugging out together, it makes sense to spread the "one-each" items around to be carried by whoever is appropriate - perhaps based on weight or size.

You can also double up on medical items and small tools.

On the other hand I think it would be difficult to guarantee that everyone would be together - some duplication of essential supplies might be in order.

Our's all have some common items. Complete change of clothes, SAK, LED key chain light, "real" flashlight, various multi tools, whistle, BIC lighter.

Dave

If you have kids, check out the following ETS site pages:

Survival for Kids

and include something like this:

STOP Mnemonic

I had a PDF for this STOP thing, but unfortunately, I can't find it. I _swear_ someone on here mentioned it and linked it, but I cannot find it in the archives.

I think you're definitely on the right track, besides, redundancy never hurts. Getting everybody to carry everything they need may be another issue.

Troy

I got a couple cheap, sturdy backpacks and have created His and Hers BOBs. They are largely redundant but some items are tailored to physique and/or ability. For instance, there are large work gloves in mine and small ones in hers. For fire, there's a mini Bic, lifeboat matches and a magnesium firestarter in mine. In hers, there's a mini Bic, lifeboat matches and a Storm Solo windproof/waterproof lighter. Mine has spare glasses. Hers doesn't need 'em. We could do well with one BOB, but the pair would make things more comfortable. Each contains roughly 30 items and weighs about 8-10 pounds. I wouldn't mind lightening things up a bit, but I feel like 32 oz. of clean water each and a couple Mainstay bars each will save time and improve morale in the midst of an urban evacuation, probably the most likely eventuality for me.

Oh, wow, when my brother, my sister-in-law and myself all lived at home, the BOBs ran about 20 pounds each. But a lot of that was in 6 liters of water.

Everyone in my family has a CamelBack with PSK items that they wear when they go hiking or camping. They are a work in process. This Christmas I am going to upgrade everyone to the hooded HD Space Blanket and the County Comm Metal Match. Right now some have trash bags and BSA Hot Sparks.

I like to try different PSK items and see what works best. If an item is good then I get everyone in the family one. There are 6 of us. So far everyone has:
Storm whistle
Glass 2”x3” signal mirror
Base plate compass
First-Aid kit with selected supplies like the Burn-Jel
BSA First-Aid card
CMG Infinity Ultra AA LED
BSA Hot Spark
Neckerchief
And other stuff

You might consider having diferent equipment for each person --in case of failure on one brand or another...

TRO

You can boil water in the wide mouthed nalgene bottles. Find a dry rock that will easily fit into the bottle and throw it into the fire. Once it is scorching hot take a green stick. Bend the stick in half and pickup the rock in the stick. Tie the stick tightly to the rock with cordage and dip the rock into the nalgene bottle. Hold until it boils.

Another method is to put a few layers of bark and sand/dirt in the bottom of the nalgene and use a bark trough to guide the rock to the bottom WITHOUT touching the sides. The water will boil in short order.

If the rock accidentally touches the plastic walls DUMP the contents or it will likely melt through the plastic. I have yet to do this but I suspect it is only a matter of time.

-NIM

You can boil water in a paper cup. Remember, water boils at 210* F and paper burns at 451* F. We did it as an experiment in Boy Scouts.

I keep a kit (small backpack) in each of our vehicles that is urban disaster oriented and can sustain my family for several days. Think about it. you are away from home quite a bit and your vehicle is usually nearby. It has all the basics plus each family members personal items.. glasses spare meds etc

One thing we all need to remember is that we all tend to focus on "gear" we might need and how to pack/carry it for a survival situation be it natural or human induced. The human body is very resilient and can survive along time without food or extra gear as long as it is hydrated. we can survive WEEKS without food as long as we stay hydrated. DEHYDRATION BECOMES AN ISSUE IN JUST HOURS IF NOT MINUTES DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION. A question we all must keep in the FRONT of our minds is "where are we going to get water"

Dehydration is a serious condition, it can quickly come upon us, especially during warm/hot environmental conditions or when engaged in heavy labor, including hiking and even swimming.

However, if the weather is 55F or less (maybe even 60F or less), wet and/or windy or very cold, hypothermia presents a significantly greater short-term dangerous and potentially lethal situation, then dehydration. Gear in the terms of vapor/wind blocking, appropriate clothing and a ready source of high-energy/calories is actually more important then water.

Just my humble opinion-
Pete

agreed.. we need to be equipped for the situation and gear definately has its vital place.. we should just remember to keep hydration in its vital place on the list.......

Billy Vannerson (Billy Vann) used to have it on his webpage, but I can't get it to work anymore. I kept a copy for use with hunter safety classes.

yeap, so did we, and cooked breakfast in a paper bag. Do that one?