Monkeys, I am in the middle of planning a bug out bag test trip. I will test my bag by heading to Black Water Falls State Park or Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia. This trip will take place with me and 1 or 2 others. What I am looking for is specific item/items that you monkeys would like me to test. If there is something that is a reasonable price I will purchase the item and report back with a review of how it worked for me and my friends. The idea here is to take a 50 liter pack or smaller and make it work for 72 hours. Each individual in the group is going to be packing their own BOB and we are not going to tell each other what we are bringing. We will also leave for this trip with nothing other than work clothes our BOB’s and what is in the “bug out vehicle” we take to get down there. Nothing else will be useable and being in our work clothes means we will have to make room for what we will wear on the trip in our bags. This will simulate a real bug out situation because WTSHTF you cannot count on what is in someone else’s pack for survival. With that in mind, we will be able to share what we have, but it will be a “mixed” bag of items. Among the things that I will be testing: Kelty 50 Litre Redwing Backpack <SPAN lang=EN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: black; LINE-HEIGHT: 115%; FONT-FAMILY: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN">iDen/ISM Cellphones with the MotoTalk/DirecTalk Option<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comAdventure Medical Kits Trauma Packwith QuikClot Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets Emergency Zone Lightweight Anodized Aluminum Outdoor Mess Kit Datrex 3600 Calorie Emergency Food Bar for Survival Kits G.I. Polypropylene Balaclava BLACK Lightweight Emergency Tube Tent 20 x 16 Tarp I am still looking for a small compact sleeping bag that would work for this as I would be able to take additional items if I was able to find one. Of course this is not everything that I will be bringing (paracord, compass, hatchet, knives, and maps). If you think I should have something else on the list let me know. Also please, please, please let me know what you want to see tested and reviewed. Also, if you are in the area and want to join PM me. On this trip we will be taking pictures and video (hopefully). Of how we used our gear and notes will be taken to ensure accuracy.
try this bivey sack... it's a good base to build on just add a wool blanket ... weight 3-4 lbs... http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00276IGM4/?tag=survivalmonke-20
That bivy sack is awesome. I once awakened with my feet in melted snow, but the sack kept them dry. It is only a shell though. Don't buy it thinking that it is a full sleeping bag.
Zip lock baggies dew rags vs hats vs no head gear any bug repellant you use or how you manage bugs. any forage or items you feel would have helped you forage. Fire making etc. Just interested in hearing how things go for you. I have family up in W. Va. and have been to black water falls. I had almost forgotten about it. Beautiful place, and well worth the visit. Lot of steep that way if I remember right. will you need to do any climbing / repalling? OR is it trails. When I went I was like 10 or perhaps younger. and it was a long time ago in a much more free world, so I suspect a lot has changed. I'd love to see a few new pics of the falls if you get any. Thanks Thad.
If you will be doing significant walking, what will be your footwear? My feet are nasty, cruddy things that can take quite a bit of abuse and I'm not prone to blisters, but I'm always on the lookout for durable shoes/boots for the family.
That's why I mentioned the wool blanket... you can also use a fleece bag or a lite weight sleeping bag... i happen to think a good wool blaket or poncho liner works best for snivel gear...
1 last bump for final suggestion and before I finish my BOB for this trip. I will be posting a list of what I will be bringing with me with pictures.
A sillcotkey would be helpful... It allows you to get water from commercial water faucets with out handles...
If you are foraging, howzabout trying; Fishing with a tree branch pole. Identify edible plants along your route. Deadfalls and small snares for squirrels & other lil' critters. Lots of folks post about how they're gonng walk into the forest and live like Jerimah Johnson and somehow I wonder if they have any clue as to how hard that really is Don't know if you're packing any firearms and don't want you to get nabbed by the wardens but at least note any presence of big game.
I really hope you need not test the trauma kit.....Good wool/synthetic long johns this time of year there might be a substitute for the fart sack. Have a good time, I do this once in a while and it is always an eye opener.
