Pathetic is the word.

having kids and 9/11

9/11 (living in the DC area) and then two really bad storms in two years that knocked down trees and left a lot of damage. With the second one I had to learn how to use the chainsaw, and learned I was the only one on the block with one. So now I seek self-reliance and the skills to make it through what life throws at me.

I recall that years ago, while in university, I read an article in Backpacker magazine about how to get out more. The author described how he kept a closet just for outdoor adventuring. He kept all his equipment packed and ready to go, including a pantry full of ready to pack ingredients for camp cooking.

I didn't realize it a the time, but I built my first BOB the night I read that article. I couldn't afford to buy anything new, but i organized all my camping gear, packed it and mad sure that I could grab it at a moment's notice. It included a duffel bag of edibles and cookware that weighed a ton but facilitated some rocking camp meals. I didn't plan it that way, bu it came in handy when the power went out during an ice storm and my cupboards and bank account were bare.

Overflowing into the garage and bed of the truck.

I do the same with pre-packed bags, we have 4 Camelbaks hanging on my closet wall then an Alice pack with more gear, etc.