Hi all,

I'm putting together a backpack for an earthquake scenario where my home is still inhabitable and none of the family is seriously injured. In this case, I'll be heading over to my local NERT/ERD staging area to help out with triage, light search-and-rescue and ham communications. Since I'l actually be working with my pack on, it needs to be light (~15lbs), but have everything essential. Almost all of the ERD staging areas are in safe open areas, like city parks. I can imagine a scenario where it's windy, rainy and only tarps to keep the wind and rain off.

San Francisco can be uncomfortably cold at times, all year around, so it's always necessary to keep (at least) a sweater and windbreaker around. Some items are obvously necessary: food, water, headlamp, knife... Other stuff that you might carry in your BOB may not be appropriate, like snares and a fishing kit.

I'm intentially *not* considering defense against hoards of crazed, mutant zombies . They'll be around, but considering them would complicate this discussion. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Any ideas? Remember the pack has to be light.

In situations like you describe, I have found a butt pack (military style, not yuppie) works well. As opposed to a backpack, you can keep it on while working (so your gear is handy, and doesn't get stolen), and it doesn't interfere with arm movement. www.cheaperthandirt.com carries surplus ones, the web belts, and Y suspenders if you want the weight distribution. I usually strap my rain gear to the bottom as the built in straps are long enough to do so. You can add canteens and other web gear as needed.

All of these items are available new at substantially higher prices from the usual tactical stores.

It sounds like you're describing a pack that mostly carries your personal needs and will be on your back to take care of you during NERT/CERT work.

How about a hydration pack (Camelbak, etc.) or a pack that is hydration-compatible? This way you could continue to work and drink without constantly stopping to open your pack.

They're probably providing or requiring you have this stuff already, but here's a few things that come to my mind:

- Good quality leather gloves.
- Small first aid kit.
- Lots of medical gloves.
- Lightsticks.
- Compass.
- Street map.
- Small GPS (maybe).
- Warm hat.
- Method of water purification (MP1 tabs, small filter, etc.)
- Backup knife / multi tool.
- Dust masks - N95 or similar.
- Safety glasses.
- Foam earplugs.
- Flagging tape / permanent marker.
- Chalk sticks.
- Spare batteries for your electronics (AA or AAA lithium).
- Waterproof notepad (Rite-in-the-Rain or similar) and pen.

Lived in SF for a couple of years and you're right, it can get cold. As the saying goes, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." A good fleece would be perfect -- light and warm. Oh yeah, extra socks, too.

CTD also has a knock off of the Maxpedition Prodeus. Same size, but about a third the cost. I might say give that a try, with one of the tiny Camelbacks, and if it works, upgrade to the Proteus for durability.

Read the disaster Preps. Here's One http://www.equipped.org/groundzero.htm

I JUST can NOT resist the bad pun I just thought of - not personal, or against the team - but if you are a member of NERT does it mean you can't react - because you're "In Nert"

I'd second carrying a bright colored fleece sweatshirt/ jacket. You'll be outside/ in a tent for hours.

TRO