YUP.........Hard to bug out when you live on an island.

Adam:

Ride the wave, or........................Wave for a ride.

Bountyhunter

Ok guys, here is a list of what I have in my bag

spark-lite
poncho
mirror
3 in. folding buck knife
aa flashlight
whistle
emergency blanket
triox 3 days supply
tuna can stove for triox
compass
combination compass, whistle, match holder w/wax coated matches

3 days MRE's
led light from countycomm.com for $1
water purifying bottle
aqua pure tablets

"survival kit" containing:
aa flashlight
whistle, compass, thermometer combo
whinchester knife multi-tool
snare wire
wire saw
alluminum foil
baggies
anti diareah tabs
fishing kit
signal mirror


I think I have enough things to survive for 3 days with what I have. I didn't have my BOB in front of me while I put down the contents, but it's what I know is in there. Hey, don't ask what I have in my truck at all times. LOL

forgot the TP in the BOB LOL

then make sure to include an inflatable raft in your kit and your set.

Bugman hi, how do you have 3 days worth of MRE's and still have the total weight down to 8 pounds? Even if they're just 9 entrees and none of the other stuff, I'd guess that's around 6 pound right there?

Please help me understand.

I just have the entrees in the pack. Most of the fruits and other items in an MRE I leave out. I also don't carry the accessory packets that come in MRE's. That leaves about 4lbs of food, which is the heaviest part of the pack. Hope that answers your question.

I've found that 25-35 lbs is a realistic amount to carry, as I learned today carrying 63 lbs of 5 year old boy on my shoulders for three miles up hills from the Bethlehem Musikfest.

Mine's 29.5 pounds (Weighed it on a postal scale)

It feels heavy as hell. I can walk around on level pavement for 4 miles with it (did it once, probably could do it again).

I have no CLUE as to how to get under that weight, and even AT that weight, there are still some very critical things I know I'm missing.

I'm planning for 72 hours minimum, stretchable to a week, off of that pack. Expected to be on foot at start of emergency, inappropriately dressed (clothing not conducive to survival)...thus, a change of appropriate clothing must remain in the BoB. Water is a must. Fire, Light, Food, and a tarp for shelter are corner stones. All the other crap is "Ya know, it'd be nice ta have that when I'm out in the middle of nowhere and don't have a Wal-Mart to toddle off to..."

Any suggestions for lightening the load?

Panz

Don't carry on your back unless you have to.

Depending on your environment, you may consider carrying your BOB backpacks in a wheelbarrow, garden cart, or lashed to a handtruck or dolly. If you're on foot and most of your potential evacuation route is flat or paved, wheels could be a real back saver. If the going gets rough, ditch the wheels and strap the backpack on. Wheels could help with tired little feet as well.

This is just another view, it may not work in all situations, but it might make miles of walking a little easier. Sometimes it helps to approach problems an alternate way. Adapt & overcome.