My BOB Post, Pic Heavy! (UPDATED 22MAR13)

[Arch]

SHELTER; With several back injuries making sleeping on the ground less and less desirable finding the Hennessy Hammock a few years back was a God send! I now have the Survivor model in woodland camo. Spent many nights kicked back in this baby during some wicked bad weather. Always stayed dry as a bone. I sometimes use my Ridgerest Pad inside it when the weather cools off. I can’t say enough about how well I sleep in it and how good my back feels in the morning vs ground sleeping. You might not think it because the hammock’s up off the ground in the trees but it does make for a very “low profile” camp site. I use it almost all year until it gets too cold. I do not have nor will I be buying any of the extras to make it into a “4 season” shelter. I use my Integral Designs SilTarp II (8X10’) all year round. It’s big enough with several set up options for use as a shelter but light and small enough to carry all the time regardless. Combine the SilTarp with some mossi netting and you have a cool, secure, weatherproof ultralight summer shelter. My mossi netting of choice currently is the Pro Force, Double Combo 4 Way Net. This netting comes pretreated with Permethrine, is olive in color and sets up in about a million different ways. The Ti stakes I use are very light weight and strong but wouldn’t be good for sandy soil. That is not an issue for me around here. In winter my Integral Designs Exp. Unishelter in woodland camo is the best bivy option for me. Small, light, very low profile, totally waterproof, and opens down the side. Bivy’s that are “top loading” are one giant pain in the ass to crawl into and out of! Be careful when buying bivy’s and sleeping pads. Make sure both the bivy zipper and your sleeping bag zipper are on the same side. Also have to make sure that your sleeping pad will fit into the Bivy. Learned this the hardway. 25” wide luxurious Thermarest pad that wouldn’t fit into the UniShelter stuffed with my winter sleeping bag. I use a chunk of British, Individual Protection Kit, tarp in olive as my ground cloth. I also use cut to fit chunks of IPK’s as footprints for all of my tents. It has been waterproof, light, and tough as nails! It’s always on the bottom and doesn’t have even a small hole or tear after many years of use.

SLEEPING; Most of the year I use my Ridgerest or ProLite Short sleeping pads. The Ridgerest is strapped to the outside of my pack normally on the top. On the top helps keep it from getting torn when I un-ass my pack. A plus for the ProLite Short is that it fits neatly and completely inside my packs. All the way down to a 3-day assault pack. The bright orange color is a little much for me but it’s only out of the bag a short time before it’s covered up. In the winter months I run a “pad combo.” On the bottom is a cut down Mil Issue closed cell foam puss pad. On top of that is my Thermarest Luxury Camp Regular. That is a lot of padding and insulation. I do not get cold while sleeping in the winter. I haven’t upgraded to the Exped down pads due to the fact that as stated I already have several Thermarest pads and haven’t had any trouble or issues with them. Summertime sleeping bags I’ll go over warmest to least. Wiggy’s FTRSS Overbag in black is plenty warm enough to get me into the fall. In the morning the black color really soaks in the sun’s rays (heat). Very nice after a damp chilly night. I have two Softie 3 Merlin bags. One is Olive the other is Tan. I have a Softie fleece liner that adds about 10-15F to the Merlins but when stuffed together the resulting bulk is the same as one of my lower rated bags. One of my favorite pieces of kit is my Kifaru Woobie! Wrapped up in this lil’ slice of heaven is as warm as the Merlin bags easily. WARNING: Do not leave your Woobie lay out at home! Too many stories of wives, girlfriends, kids, and dogs stealing them!

Mags - You and WoodsWalker are the gold standard for quality kit (as everyone here knows)!

Now that I've completed my kits, I'm starting the process of evaluating areas I think I'm deficient in and upgrading as required (as finances and time permit).

One area that I've started to focus on is SHELTER and SLEEPING.

When I first found your thread I was very intrigued by your Hennessy Hammock and am still watching for a deal on two of them (his & hers). However, as you state, and as I've read elsewhere, they really are only a three-season solution.

You mention the ID SilTarp for ultralight summer time use, but what do you use for winter (including snow)? I've seen a tent and bivy in your photos but haven't identified the tent yet.

For reference, each of our kits currently have the following shelter and sleeping gear:

* USGI Gore-Tex Bivy Bags
* USGI Ranger Blankets
* USGI RipStop Poncho (for Basha construction)
* USGI Ground Pad
* 550 ParaCord
* Tarps (8x10)
* Emergency Space Blankets
* (I have off-foot gear too like complete 4 Component Extreme Cold Weather Sleeping Systems, etc).

I obviously want to improve my shelter and sleeping gear. I know I'll be replacing the USGI ground pads with Ridgerests, and as stated before I want Survivor Hammocks for 3-Season use. I've also been looking at Eureka Solo (backpacking) tents and a 2-Person Eureka 4 Season (backpacking tent).

What do you recommend for the 4th (and most dangerous) season?

[Mags]

Even with the upgrade to a ridgerest pad it'll still be a tough night in winter, in snow, when the merc drops. Unless you make a thick pine bough bed or something under the ridgerest, the pad alone for winter is pretty hardcore. Besides that, how would you safely make a pine bough bed in or under your tent?

In winter I just need more insulation. WW loves his and I've heard great things about the Exped pads. I have one on my list when replacement is needed. I have been getting along fine using a foam pad in combination with an air pad. For foam it's either a USGI pad or ridgerest and the air is one of my thicker Thermarest pads. When I use one of my tents it's all out comfort, GI foam pad and a 72X25X2 luxury Thermarest air pad. The 25" wide thermarest doesn't fit into my ID Unishelter with a big winter bag so I got a 72X20X2 Thermarest also. It works much better in the confined space of the bivy.

If I'm going to be facing winter conditions and of course money is a concern I really like the sleeping bag systems. Whether it's a USGI MSS, or a Wiggy's FTRSS the adaptability of these systems for various weather is tough to beat. Besides they are synthetic so getting damp isn't a concern. There is a big trade off on size and weight VS down bags though. Vapor barriers and the newwer better shell materials used in down bags really helps a lot but, when I add up the money savings and work when wet ability I'll just keep cramming my synthetic bags into compression sacks. Besides the bottom of a Kifaru EMR is frakkin' huge.

For actual 4 season shelter, my decade old TNF Mountain Tent has never come close to failing me. It's been out in weekend long down pours and I've woken up in the morning to find I was buried in snow and had to dig the tent out. It's a no brainer to me.


Shot inside home-sweet-home, two pad system showing slightly.


The only other full on tent I really use is the Eureka USMC Combat Tent. It's the green one in my pics. This thing is a heavy sturdy mama-jama. Also makes for a very low profile camp site VS the yellow TNF Mountain Tent. The Combat Tent has also been very strong and reliable over several years of use. Aside from some weight savings the only major difference in the two is that with TNF Mountain Tent you sleep vertical to the door, and in the Combat Tent you sleep horizontal to the door. I think there are many to be had on Ebay and surplus sites.




Both are 2 person four season tents, that I love. I also can't see myself ever buying a four season/backpacking tent that does not have a decent vestibule or two. Snowy clothing and gear, sheltered work space and gear stowage area, yeah, I like what vestibules offer. I need more "stuff" for winter outings that's just the way it goes. Winter and the cold helped me big time figuring out what I needed VS wanted. I always try and keep an eye out for quality lightweight kit that is still sturdy enough for the long haul. It's a fine line that can be tricky but it pays dividends in the end. Hell, just getting rid of my Kifaru packs and opting for good commercial lightweight backpacks would drop a couple pounds from my loadout..................but that's blasphemy.

IMHO, YMMV................What say you WW?

[Arch]

Mags,

Thanks - that's the info I needed!
Arch

[Mags]

So with a recent purchase I've been able to upgrade both my comms/information gathering capabilities and my ability to charge all that gear in the field.

My comms are very basic. I have no interest in getting into HAM radio operations and the like. Mine are more for keeping on the move vehicles linked, information link with recon parties and scouts, a link with security patrols and sentries, and having the ability to get emergency information/up to date news reports whether they be AM/FM/SW/WB (Weather Band.) Lastly for entertainment if there's any broadcasts.

Through the military and work I have some training in communication devices. I have used hand held radio's for work over the last 20 years. I have some knowledge of 10 codes, phonetic alphabet, brevity codes etc. Even a lil' Morse Code. Can with a reference manual (rusty) setup directional antennas etc also. As I stated though my gear is pretty simple and basic, no Kenwoods or Icom's here.



Try L-to-R; Basic Motorola GMRS 2way radio (Talkabout) with remote clip mic and private earbud with PTT mic, private headset with boom mic. Better Motorola GMRS 2way radio (Talkabout) with WB capabilities, remote clip mic, and private earbud with PTT mic. Rino GMRS radio with WB and GPS capabilities. Blackberry Storm 9530 with extra battery and noise canceling Bluetooth headset. Eton Solarlink FR600 AM/FM/SW/WB capable. Eton Microlink AM/FM/WB capable. Grundig Porshe Design AM/FM/SW capable.
(Several of the radios shown also have clocks, alarms, and built in LED flashlights.)


I have not upgraded to rechargable batteries but I will be once I decide the route I want to go. WW has some great posts and info on rechargable batteries. All of the above comms gear run off of AA batteries, solar power, or hand crank dynamo's. Except the Blackberry of course. With the addition of the Eton radio's I now have several more options for charging, recharging the Blackberry storm, and the AM/FM/SW/WB radio's. I think the upgrade to rechargable AA and AAA batteries will hold me over for a while.



Try L-to-R; AA/AAA/CR123 Batteries, TAD Gear case and pouch, and, Powerpax carriers. Brunton Solarroll 14, various connector tips inside tube. Both Eton radio's and a cable for charging the Blackberry or any other USB device I have a tip for. My Solio solar charger with cable and various connector tips.

http://www.etoncorp.com/upload/contents ... 00spec.pdf
http://www.etoncorp.com/upload/contents ... 60spec.pdf

Whether battery, solar, dynamo charging or handcrank operation I should have some ability to gather intel and maybe communicate beyond shouting range. The only other thing I'm interested in is a scanner. I'll keep looking, reading and learning here before I pick one of those up.

Yes I know I could throw in mirrors, whistles, pyro etc but I was keeping this to my electronic gear.

Thanks for looking and reading! Any suggestions or recommendations?

[Mags]

"I was looking up your weapons, $800.00 for your revolver, Jesus thats crazy, is it worth it??"


Well........I'm kind of a gun/gear snob and it was my first revolver purchase. I did some research and at the time, (and now,) the S&W 340PD really fit my needs. I wanted a never fail point and squeeze revolver. I also wanted it to have a pretty heavy trigger pull. It had to be light and small, (I've got big thighs.) I also wanted the 357mag so I could opt for 38sp for training and carry. I didn't want a hammer on my pocket gun, not a hammer shroud, but no hammer at all. The only thing that was of any concern was the amount of recoil during range sessions since it was so lightweight. At 12oz it was the lightest 357mag on the market. It still maybe.

Other than the recoil the only thing that worried me was the HiViz front sight. Do I need sights on a close in use snubby? Will the sight snag on pockets during presentation? The HiViz is so big and glows so well in the daytime it's hard not to spot it superimposed over the target. I like that when firing from full arm extension. After a few years of both training and carry use I haven't gotten it snagged or hung up yet.

The Crimson Trace Laser Grip I have on it was also a first for me. Gotta say I now like it to. After some training on various methods of employing it I'm really glad I added it to the weapon. Accurate shots from the hip and the close ready at 15 and 20 yards. All that fits in a very small grip that does not stick out at all. The grip only has one spot of soft rubber that clothing may "cling" to but it is high on the backstrap and hasn't been an issue.

I don't currently have any speedloaders for it. They are bulky and in a coat or jacket pocket I fear they may release the rounds into a jumble. Instead I practice with and carry extra rounds in Bianchi Speed Strips. They lay flat in jacket pockets and help weight it down keeping a breeze from lifting the jacket possibly exposing my CCW whether on my belt or in my front pants pocket. Works well since I carry backup revolver ammo on my carry side. Just learned a tactic the other day watching "The Best Defense" on Midway USA's Wednesday Night on the Range (VS Network) Rob Pincus suggested that if your carrying a 5 shot revolver, (which the 340PD is,) since the Bianchi Speed Strips hold six rounds, load the first one then skip a space before loading the rest of the Strip. This stages the first round ready for quick use. Better to get that one in the gun and fire it than never get to load all five. It's a technique but made sence to me the way he explained it. I've been practicing it with my Strips and Snapcaps.

I love dickheads at the range with their 20lbs, 10", nickel, big ass custom gripped S&W 500's. "Hey you wanna try this beast?" "Sure," I say. Then a put $10 to $15 down range, hand it back and say, "that's pretty nice, try mine?" (For the record a 12oz snub nosed revolver with a bobbed short grip loaded with factory 357mag rounds is at times nothing less than brutal to shoot.) After the first shot the look of pain, shock and surprise is normally followed quickly by them handing the weapon back saying something like, "Wow, that baby's got some kick huh?" To which I reply with a smirk, "naw it ain't bad..........."

Anyway to answer your question, for me, yes it's been worth it.

[Woods Walker]

What say you WW?

I say get a wood stove. Yea know take off the shirt. Go with a snow bath. Make some tea. Dry the socks....Yea.....

[Mags]

Alright, alright, I'm seriously looking into it. A Tipi and stove seem like a nice ready-made package, a good place to start maybe?

[feuer]

How long have you had the Eton radios? I was thinking about getting one cause the price/quality seems right, and the recharging ability is a definite plus.
Your opinions, reviews?

[Mags]

Only a week or so on the Eton's. I got them as a package deal off Amazon. The first ones delivered went back do to loose woobly knobs and antenna. The replacement radio's seem to have had much better quality control. I have only tried some of the features in house thus far and all have worked.

I will be putting them thru their paces as time allows and will post up a full review. I can say that I got my Blackberry Storm to take a charge from the Microlink FR160. While it will work and can be done I'd assign it to someone who needs some busy work to stay focused on instead of panicking.

[Woods Walker]

Alright, alright, I'm seriously looking into it. A Tipi and stove seem like a nice ready-made package, a good place to start maybe?

You going to backpack it in or base camp using that pulk?

[Mags]

WW I would want/need the ability to do both, pack and pulk. I consider this type of set up as more of a luxury and being such would prolly use it more when using my "pulk." I can handle more weight than a pack alone. You know you make it sound very romantic like notions of honor and gallantry on the field of battle! With the stove and all the options and abilities it brings to winter outings I'd deffinetly be interested in the extra room a tipi affords over the Para-Tipi. (I think)

I know you haven't had any issues with your set up and I prolly wouldn't either but I am very hesitant to be in the "confined" space of a Para-Tipi with a stove chugging along only inches away.

Any suggestions other than a Kifaru package deal? They are pretty much what I'm aware of and would lean towards......

[Woods Walker]

I can move the stove over some in the paratipi so there is enough room between the stove and bag. Here are a few makers. If using the pulk you could even go with some more UL canvas shelters like the snow trekker. Check out these links for heated shelters.

UL pulk packable canvas shelters.

http://www.snowtrekkertents.com/wintertents.html

Sil nylon tents and UL stoves.

http://www.titaniumgoat.com/products.html

https://www.kifaru.net/TIPI2009.html

UL non take down stoves that are pulk packable.

http://www.fourdog.com/page3.html

For me the Paratipi and Kifaru small stove is my winter backpacking shelter. Kifaru 4-man and homemade cylinder stove for the Pulk. I do want a 8-man tipi or trekker canvas shelter but funds are tight right now. Once you go with a heated shelter there is no going back.

[Mags]

If I'm looking into heated shleters I'd better have a way to cut fuel!

I have a Gerber Sport Axe but somehow my father has ended up with it for his “yard work.” Last time I saw it the blade looked pretty chewed up. He said he was removing some shrubs and brush. It looked more like he had been digging for a septic tank.

I have been wanting to add better cutting tools that were packable to my kit. Well the BBTA (Big Brown Truck of Awesome, UPS) just left after dropping off a larger box.

After some searching these are the ones I chose:
Gerber Gator Saw II, (21” blade, Gator Grip handle, nylon carry case.)
2 Sets of replacement blades for the Gator Saw II.
Gerber Pack Saw, (Unique Gator Grip, lightweight, nylon carry case.)
Gerber Sport Axe, (lightweight, good one hand general chopper.)
Gerber XL Axe, (Full size, lightweight, camp axe.)

With these tools and a lil’ know-how I can build some pretty elaborate shelters. Each tool is a lightweight option with the ability to be packed in and out. They are all razor sharp. Now I need some help picking items to keep them that way in the field. My little GATCO diamond Triceps ain’t gonna cut it. (Get it?) Anybody have experience with any of these already want to chime in?

Sorry for the lousy picture. I can’t wait to get them out in the field and post some after action reviews!!!!

[cooperwash2000]

If you get chance, a review of both the saws would be much appreciated. I'm still trying to decide which one of several I would like to get, both of those Gerber's are on my possibles lists, especially the triangular looking one.

[Mags]

Copperwash2000, not "if" I get a chance but "when" I get a chance!


After seeing and reading threads about keeping important records and documents secure by various means I decided to see what I had available to me. I do not have a safety deposit box off site but I have taken basic steps to secure some documents and information.

I have many hard copy documents stored at home in a fire/lock box setting in the bottom of my gun safe. Certified copies of several documents are on file with my County Recorder’s Office. I’ve also scanned various documents to digital form. These digital copies are then loaded onto different forms of memory whether it be “thumb drives,” SD/MicroSD cards, disks etc. I keep RW Disks at two out of state family member’s homes and two more disk copies at friends (Other members of my group) homes. I in turn have similar disks for each of my friends that I store for safety and security.

I have digital videos and pictures to go along with my inventory sheets, (Excel) of property including serial numbers to aid with identification and recovery as well as for insurance claims. I have all of the persec information encrypted on the USB drives. On the 32gb Survivor USB drive, which is the one that goes with me when bugging out, has plenty of room left on it for any information I deem needed/practical/good to have while surviving and rebuilding.


Some items I have on file. (These were compiled from other's lists and web sites.)
Drivers’ License or equivalent (State-issued ID for non-drivers).
Birth Certificate
Social Security Card or equivalent
Country Passport
Bank Cards (Debit/ATM)
Credit Cards
Bank Information (Doc containing Acct. #'s, Routing number, bank contact info including address, Wire Transfer ID #, (Loan information )
Stocks and Bonds
Copies of recent Bills
Vehicle Insurance (Scanned copy of the actual policy and card in full at best, Doc containing policy number, policy limits, insurance company contact number and information)
Renters/Homeowner's Insurance (Same as Vehicle)
Health/Dental Insurance (Same as Vehicle)
Military Records (Schools/Awards/Discharge)
Professional Certificates of Training
Educational Information ( Scanned copy of Diploma(s), Doc with full contact information, Student ID #'s, scanned copy of Official Course Transcripts, Report Cards, financial information if applicable)
Student Loan Information
Property Deeds
Vehicle Titles
Receipts for major items purchased
Pictures and video of possessions insured and their value.
Inventory Spreadsheet of Property
Contact information for Primary Care doctor/dentist
Copies of Medical Records/Xrays/MRI’s/Prescriptions/Immunizations
Comp or Benefits Documents
Copy of relevant medical/dental records
Any and all relevant tax information and documents (Fed, State, Local)
Legal/lawyer Contact Information
Doc with copy of friends and family's contact information
Updated address and phone directory of all of your friends, neighbors, members of your emergency survival community, and family
Listing of local and state emergency contact information
FFL and/or concealed carry permit
State Firearms License or equivalent (Thinking Illinois residents here for example)
Pet Vaccination & Medical records
Vet Contact Information
Pension Paperwork
Will
Birth/Death/Marriage/Divorce Certificates
Map of Area/Routes/Rally points
Apartment or condo leases
Important/Treasured Photos

Pictured, Survivor 32gb USB Drive, USB Cable, 512mb/8gb MicroSD cards, 16gb MicroSD card in Blackberry Storm, two MicroSD adapters, 6gb Seagate USB Drive, 1gb/2gb SanDisk Cruzer USB Drives. Not pictured Sony 1gb Duo Stick Pro card, Duo Pro adapter, USB to Mini-USB cable and USB to Micro-USB cable.


Forgot my handy MicroSD/USB card reader. (got two of them.)


(My computer/technology-foo is weak so I’ve done the best I can. As I read and learn more I hope my tech security will get better. Please add any comments or suggestions!!)

[Mags]

Speaking of “butterfingers” and misplacing gear in the field in another thread reminded me of Cody Lundin. Cody’s bookcredits; http://www.codylundin.com/degrees.html , and http://www.codylundin.com/Loose.html are both well reviewed and full of good, solid information.

He likes to mark many of his survival items with bright tape (check out the book 98.6 Degrees,) and such so he can find it easily should he lay it down whilst in the field. I believe WW uses neon yellow 550 cordage on several of his items. I have taken to using neon orange 550 cord for several of my own items. I use it on gear like Ti spork, magnesium bar, flint&striker, Survivor USB Drive, Otterbox camera case, Gerber Sport Axe and Gator Pack Saw, or any other smaller items that I may lay down and loose in the ferns, leaves, etc. It's just a lil’ extra insurance. I'm anal about my gear, whether putting it away if not being used, just keeping it all organized or packing it the same way every time. I always know where it is when I need it, and it’s always there when I need it!

Sorry for the crappy picture. I hope you get the point. The orange cordage will hopefully stick out enough that I see it and therefore find the piece of kit I misplaced. (Should I break my own rule laying down gear and leaveing it unattended.) The orange definitely sticks out more than the black, tan or green 550 cord.

[Zoltan]

Thanks for the info on the Eureka Combat Tent. That thing looks awesome and they can be had for just a bit over $100 from what I've seen!!

[Woods Walker]

That blaze orange 550 is good stuff but my for my area bright yellow works better. Here is both made into loops for my wire stove pipe supports. Drop one of these without the paracord loops and forget about it.



Works well during summer too. A small bright yellow paracord loop on my Fenix E01.



Reds and even the blaze orange can mix into the fall leaf litter. This happens more so when the 550 is exposed to weather and dirt. It can turn more red/earth tone. But in no way is orange paracord hard to see and it is so much better than black or OD if dropped. I just like the yellow better for my neck of the woods.



edit: spelling.

[Mags]

Well that's great! Now I gotta untie a shitload of knots,and unload my orange cord nobody wants now. =OP

[Woods Walker]

Well that's great! Now I gotta untie a shitload of knots,and unload my orange cord nobody wants now. =OP

LOL!

[Mags]

Fuck it, I'll one up ya and get my cordage from John Daily. LOL (an obscure golf reference.) I don't buy from ll bean, but it's good to know their shoddy. Thanks amigo.

[Mags]

The BBTA (Big Brown Truck of Awesome) came today.


I got new Merrells, (replacing worn out ones.) Reynolds “Hot Bags,” (More on the “Hot Bags” in the future. ) and an order from http://www.wildernessdining.com/. This was also more of a replacement order restocking a couple items I used up previously.


One entrée I have eaten before that I liked was the Enertia Trail Foods, Max Patch Mac & Cheese. http://www.trailfoods.com/#/products/ma ... _n_cheese/ This product received 5 stars.Tthe highest rating on the Wilderness Dining site. I figured I’d whip a pouch up for a quick filling lunch and review type post. I added a pouch of Bumble Bee Wild Salmon to the mix as well.
This doubled the protein content to 28g.

Enertia Trail entrées come vacuum packed in thick FDA approved “cook-in,” resealable, stand up bottom pouches. The pouches feature tear notches at the top and measuring “ticks” along the right-hand side of the pouch. This is a nice feature that makes proper measureing easy even without a Nalgene bottle. Once the pouch is opened the individual components can be removed. These include the pasta/veggie pack, cheese sauce pack, salt/pepper packets, and cooking instructions both pot and pouch. I used my MSR Stowaway Pot to prepare this meal. I added 12oz of water to the pot using the measuring ticks on the bag itself. Then I added the pasta/veggie packet bringing it to a rolling boil. The salmon went in next getting broken up nicely. The cheese sauce was compressed into a “brick” so I used the back of my spoon to break it up in the pouch before dumping it into the pot.


Once all the kids were in the pool I continued to stir while boiling off some of what I consider excess water. I then turned off the heat and left the salmon mac & cheese stand for a couple minutes. When I finally dug in I found the overall texture to be creamy while the vegetables offered a nice contrast. The salmon flavor was strong but the veggies and cheese sauce held their own. Overall I like the combo and was completely satisfied when finished. All the trash packed up into the Enertia Trail’s pouch and zip sealed for easy clean up and proper trash disposable.



Only cons I can think of is the high sodium content (1930 total mgs without the salt packet added!) and the amount of stirring to get the cheese sauce smooth. You must break up the sauce “brick” in the baggie prior to adding it into the mac.

Bon Appetite!

[Grey Wolf]

Boris, my meds kicked in (Really the Cuervo wore off! ) feeling better now.

Ellie my bad! I'm from the government and I'm here to help.......

Molawns, the tent is very similar to yours but it is the Eureka USMC Combat Tent. It is one heavy all inclusive package! This baby is only ever drug in via sled or haoled on an ATV rack.

Salam9der, I have heard of that rule also. The version I got was 3 Seconds without calm, cool thinking. Supposed to S.T.O.P, Stay calm, Think, Observe, and Plan.

Another note; I did not win the lottery! I have been doing this stuff since before the interent. My current compliment of equipment is a life long ever evolving collection. I can still remember the $1. plastic tablecloth my mother made me use as my ground cloth on my first week long river trip with a youth group. That sumbitch lasted bout 2hrs. It was a long week!!!! Don't feel bad about your kits! A lot of them here look good. Set goals and work towards them! Trust me, I didn't buy all this last week.

Mags,

Love your thread and the gear you have. Quality for these types of preps cannot be stated enough.

I'm saving this thread as I'm upgrading all of my old gear from ALICE to newer and lighter gear. All of the old stuff will be kept for 3rd line stuff and last resort.

Good deal sir.

[Grey Wolf]

Copperwash2000, not "if" I get a chance but "when" I get a chance!


After seeing and reading threads about keeping important records and documents secure by various means I decided to see what I had available to me. I do not have a safety deposit box off site but I have taken basic steps to secure some documents and information.

I have many hard copy documents stored at home in a fire/lock box setting in the bottom of my gun safe. Certified copies of several documents are on file with my County Recorder’s Office. I’ve also scanned various documents to digital form. These digital copies are then loaded onto different forms of memory whether it be “thumb drives,” SD/MicroSD cards, disks etc. I keep RW Disks at two out of state family member’s homes and two more disk copies at friends (Other members of my group) homes. I in turn have similar disks for each of my friends that I store for safety and security.

I have digital videos and pictures to go along with my inventory sheets, (Excel) of property including serial numbers to aid with identification and recovery as well as for insurance claims. I have all of the persec information encrypted on the USB drives. On the 32gb Survivor USB drive, which is the one that goes with me when bugging out, has plenty of room left on it for any information I deem needed/practical/good to have while surviving and rebuilding.


Some items I have on file. (These were compiled from other's lists and web sites.)
Drivers’ License or equivalent (State-issued ID for non-drivers).
Birth Certificate
Social Security Card or equivalent
Country Passport
Bank Cards (Debit/ATM)
Credit Cards
Bank Information (Doc containing Acct. #'s, Routing number, bank contact info including address, Wire Transfer ID #, (Loan information )
Stocks and Bonds
Copies of recent Bills
Vehicle Insurance (Scanned copy of the actual policy and card in full at best, Doc containing policy number, policy limits, insurance company contact number and information)
Renters/Homeowner's Insurance (Same as Vehicle)
Health/Dental Insurance (Same as Vehicle)
Military Records (Schools/Awards/Discharge)
Professional Certificates of Training
Educational Information ( Scanned copy of Diploma(s), Doc with full contact information, Student ID #'s, scanned copy of Official Course Transcripts, Report Cards, financial information if applicable)
Student Loan Information
Property Deeds
Vehicle Titles
Receipts for major items purchased
Pictures and video of possessions insured and their value.
Inventory Spreadsheet of Property
Contact information for Primary Care doctor/dentist
Copies of Medical Records/Xrays/MRI’s/Prescriptions/Immunizations
Comp or Benefits Documents
Copy of relevant medical/dental records
Any and all relevant tax information and documents (Fed, State, Local)
Legal/lawyer Contact Information
Doc with copy of friends and family's contact information
Updated address and phone directory of all of your friends, neighbors, members of your emergency survival community, and family
Listing of local and state emergency contact information
FFL and/or concealed carry permit
State Firearms License or equivalent (Thinking Illinois residents here for example)
Pet Vaccination & Medical records
Vet Contact Information
Pension Paperwork
Will
Birth/Death/Marriage/Divorce Certificates
Map of Area/Routes/Rally points
Apartment or condo leases
Important/Treasured Photos

Pictured, Survivor 32gb USB Drive, USB Cable, 512mb/8gb MicroSD cards, 16gb MicroSD card in Blackberry Storm, two MicroSD adapters, 6gb Seagate USB Drive, 1gb/2gb SanDisk Cruzer USB Drives. Not pictured Sony 1gb Duo Stick Pro card, Duo Pro adapter, USB to Mini-USB cable and USB to Micro-USB cable.


Forgot my handy MicroSD/USB card reader. (got two of them.)


(My computer/technology-foo is weak so I’ve done the best I can. As I read and learn more I hope my tech security will get better. Please add any comments or suggestions!!)

Here is a great site if no one has found it yet;
LISTENING TO KATRINA
http://www.theplacewithnoname.com/blogs ... index.html

Has a great section on preparing documents for any emergency.