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I figured. You're a funny guy, everyone already knows that. Especially Vinnie!That was said in jest. Couldn't you tell by the tone of my voice?
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I figured. You're a funny guy, everyone already knows that. Especially Vinnie!That was said in jest. Couldn't you tell by the tone of my voice?
Maybe an addition to consider... I've always carried a good farm jack and tow line. That'll get ya out of a lotta jams. I also carry a come-along and might be a good option if space/weight considerations preclude a farm jack.My question would be what situations are you preparing for? In my case it's hunker down and stay put in my house or I'm stuck in a snow bank in my truck. If it comes to a grab and go the blue hats are coming I'll just grab my rifle and fill my pockets with ammo and start from there. I'm old, fat and slow, my days of running with a ruck are long past.
For the truck, first off I don't wander too far away from it, maybe a mile or two walk up an old logging road is the extent of hiking for me these days. So I don't carry any more than a day pack with a sandwich and bottle of water in it but it's real purpose is to bring back any Grouse or Chantrelles I might harvest back. Next is I'm always armed. I don't have a dedicated truck rifle and maybe I should but I don't want to store any firearms in my truck. So whatever I have that day I put in there that day and take it out when done with my adventure. Packed in the truck is pioneering tools, axe, shovel, pick, bow saw, 5lb hammer, crow bar, that kind of stuff. Also MRE's, a stainless steel mess kit and coffee pot for heating water. it's easier to pour water out of the coffee pot than a regular pot. Tarps for shelter a couple wool blankets and a poncho liner for warmth. Garbage bags for an outer layer. Paracord, firstaid kit, a couple ways to start a fire. My thought would be to make a three sided with roof shelter out of the tarps as a stay dry and warm area with an ever going fire in front. We're talking stuck in a snow bank so the idea is to have a plan to stay busy rather than think it's a good idea to wander off looking for help. One thing I might add is a water filter, I was planing on just boiling water but a good filter might keep the big chunks out.
I do have tow straps and a come-along but no farm jack. They are a handy piece of kit that I've had before.Maybe an addition to consider... I've always carried a good farm jack and tow line. That'll get ya out of a lotta jams. I also carry a come-along and might be a good option if space/weight considerations preclude a farm jack.
Just tossing an idea. I don't use them often, but more than a few times over the years and sure glad I had them. Using a farm jack as a come-along you can get some insane amounts of torque going.
Is that for your butt or somebody elses?
It sounds heavier than it looks. The bolt cutter is an 8" mini cutter (https://americanmutttool.com/products/mini-bolt-cutters), the wrecking bar is pocket-sized (https://a.co/d/8kDaPKM), and the hatchet is about a pound (https://a.co/d/6P8Zsdy). Overall everything is as light as I could get it without completely sacrificing capability. Haven't weighed the pack, but it's comfortable enough to carry around. Will have to try hiking around with it for a day and see if it gets too burdensome.This seems like a heavy loadout for get-home with all the tools and electronics, but I recognize that everyone faces different potential needs depending on location and circumstances. The two things I recommend adding are water purification tabs and TP/wipes which have been said already. Where I am willing to add weight is an ultralight sleeping bag and waterproof, heat reflective bivvy.
I plan to be fast and light in order to minimize exposure by getting home as quickly as possible. For tools, I have a Leatherman Charge and my EDC folding knife. For electronics I have a small charger to top my phone off and then toss when I hit the road, and one charged extended-life battery for my radio. I envision most get-home scenarios to be those that won't allow phone use due to towers being inoperable. My food is high-calorie, ready-to-eat so I can eat on the go and not waste time cooking, although I do carry a small titanium cup and tea bags for moral support in cold weather. I'm also not a long gun guy when it comes to get-home because my goal is to not draw attention to myself, and I'll travel at night and on railroad tracks if possible to avoid contact with others, and to be moving at night when it's cooler/colder. Again, to each his own.
Oh, I also keep a small flask of bourbon in my bag. In case of snake bites
Might also want to keep a snake in a cardboard box, for emergencies.Oh, I also keep a small flask of bourbon in my bag. In case of snake bites.