Ok, call me slow, or stupid, but...

I've just had a revelation about the Zombie apocalypse that we're likely to see in our lifetimes: EMP, Economic Meltdown, or Pandemic, name your catastrophe...what ever happens that will be TEOTWAWKI, I realized that the whack jobs that swarmed Walmart on Friday with their monthly government checks are simply one version of the "walking dead" who cannot or will not see the signs that most of us see happening all around us. Therefore, when The Event happens, and their monthly check doesn't show up on their debit card or whatever form the gob'ment is handing out these days, the glassy eyed search for their next bag of Doritos is gonna take on new meaning. I was shocked into the reality of just how many government subsidized leaches live by waiting for the next hand out. (I know some people honestly need help, so don't jump on me for criticizing everyone.)

However, it has only just occurred to me that there is gonna be a incredibly huge number of people that have been walking around in shock, not just welfare recipients, who have failed to perceive the impending disaster and are caught unaware by their personal level of dependency and subsequent need.

This was my own personal "V-8 moment" as I became shocked, horrified, and afraid for the staggering number of "have nots" that are going to be thrown into the zombie-walking dead group. This may not be news to a lot of you, but I have been dwelling on this revelation for three days.

I was forced to consider what I was wearing as I left the house yesterday while traveling almost 100 miles from home, with the idea that I may have to walk home from where ever I find myself in a post event scenario. After arguing on another forum about how inappropriate it is for a mature man to wear shorts out in public, I was forced to envision a 50+ mile walk home in something less than my best hiking shoes and long pants, figuring that 50 miles at 3mph would take me more than 16 hours in optimal conditions if I didn't stop to rest or deviate from my objective. (Not to mention my dogs that were locked up in kennels for that entire period.) If I were forced into a foot travel scenario in an overnight situation, I don't think I would want to spend a night on the ground at all, especially in short pants.

But, I've drifted from my original point being the unconscious state the "walking dead," that being all the zombies that just won't/can't see the writing on the wall. HOLY CRAP!!!

 

Welcome to the enlightened. Now you will fit into the Monkey just fine. It's amazing to think that most people (sheeple) have no idea about prepping and will be history when SHTF.

 

I remember having the same revelation. I also commonly travel a hundred miles from home for work, and while I have always been a bit more prepared than the average sheep, I remember when I came face to face with the possibility that I might have to one day cover that distance on foot. It drastically changed the way that I looked at a number of things from then on; principally among them being the major river that I drive across along my route. Thinking about how to negotiate it, possibly without using the bridge, gave me a lot of new things to think about.

I agree with Yard Dart about the time-distance computation. In good weather, with no impediments, walking along a road, fifty miles in a single day is do-able. Painful, but potentially do-able. In a situation where you want to avoid population centers, and choke points, such as bridges; and carry basic survival gear, fifty miles could easily turn into a week-long trip. I've told my wife, that in a SHTF event, to not worry if I didn't get back the same day, or even in three of four days; but I would be back. Better to take a couple of extra days and get back safe, than to not get back at all.

 

There you go Elessar, from the 2 posts above. Bring what you need to get back home every time you leave the house, will vary depending on distance, and don't think that it will be easy to get back.

 

I'd suggest a Bike & a bike carrier on your vehicle Elessar for starters. My work is 18.6 miles exactly the most straightforward way. The same way I drive to work. From one side of the county to the other. However the straight simple way may not be possible thus adding miles & miles to my route home on foot. Thus I'm prepared for far more than that, even though such preparations would slow my pace thus taking even longer.

 

I drive 2-5 hours each day as part of my job. I think I will add a BOB to my work truck. i already have a propane heater, a hammock, and a stash of dried foods, incase of auto failure, and a full insulated coverall for cold weather, but no carry bag.

 

I have already been packing a very light "Go Bag" every time I leave the house. I realize that my original calculations for covering any distance to return home are grossly beyond reality. If I had to return home from work, which is about 22 miles, I think I could do it with my wife in tow, in about 12 hours, and that would be tough, but doable.

I also realize that the circumstances following An Event would deteriorate as they evolved making everything more difficult as well as more dangerous. I have been able to determine that my wife has a pair of good shoes that she keeps at work for walking around the building at lunch for exercise. That may be some help if we are already at work, but I feel like I need to procure another pair of her shoes as well as some slacks and socks to carry in my go bag in case we are stranded away from work, while in transit to or from and need to return home.

I also need to add some energy bars to my go bag. I have my side arm as well as the other supplies that I normally carry and I have thought about throwing a base ball bat or the like into the trunk. I just need to think about each trip a little more before leaving the house and be a little more conscious of what I have packed.

 

I was thinking about getting one of those folding bikes because i do travel for work quite often. Most trips are by car but occasionally i fly somewhere. Those times I would be fairly screwed if anything happened. Anyone have an idea on a small bag to have in case of emergency when away from home by air?

 

Here's what I normall carry all the time:

2-folding knives (Swiss Army plus a double blade lock back)
1-side arm w/2 spare mags (total of 36 rounds)
1-bic lighter
100' 550 cord
cap

I normally ride to work with my wife, either in the same vehicle, or on our respective motorbikes. We each carry drinks (water or softdrinks) into work but that has been consumed by the time we return home. I know I could put a few into the car for travel use, but when we ride, it will be up to me to secure water for the trip home. I will simply begin to fill the bottle that I've emptied during the day before I leave for home each afternoon.

I am thinking that I may throw a Frogg Togg rain suit into my bag as well as getting one for my wife. They would provide rain protection as well as cover any brightly covered clothing, like my white dress shirt I usually wear for work, and my be used for additonal coverage in cooler weather. I also need to put some energy bars in my bag. I've read good things bout Lora bars and have eaten them in the past, but would be interested in any recommendations. I have a light weight tarp that I could put in that would be pretty easy to carry and provide shelter in a pinch. However, I need a new bag. I'm currently using a duffle bag that was an gift from the marketing department from my employer, but it isn't the best for keeping things safe and organized because it has only one big main compartment. I'd like a new bag like a good backpack but my last attempt to order online was a disaster. I ordered a digital camo backpack that was half the size I thought it'd be and has since faded from medium green to almost pink from the sun. I'm thinking I need to buy a backpack from Walmart of Dunham's where I can lay hands on it for fit as well as capacity. It be nice to get a pack that would be hydration compatible too.

I know that this is a short list compared to what many of you would carry, but this isn't a bug out bag and our trip home would be made as quickly and efficiently as possible, so I don't think we need to have a complete bug out setup.

What's in your go bag?

 

my sister had to walk home nine miles from 9 11. all bridges in public transportation were shut down. it took all the energy she had to do that. I've been looking for one of those battery operated skateboards that she can ride home if ever happen again.

 

Remember the "gray man" approach - as people become desperate, many will begin to prey on others as a means of survival - zombies, if you will - whether you have something worth taking, or even if you're only perceived to have. Of course you should be able to defend yourself, but ultimately, the best fight is the one you can avoid. Don't make yourself more attractive as a target if you don't have to.

A motorized scooter could help you get home in certain situations; it could get you attacked in others. A baseball bat can make you a more "persuasive" individual, or it can invite greater initial force from someone who wants what you have. Even your choice of clothing can make a difference - BDUs with digital camo backpack and assorted "survival" gear hanging from your belt might make you feel like Rambo, but it could make you look like someone who has something worthwhile to the zombies.

Not trying to discourage anyone here - lots of good stuff in this thread so far - just something to think about.

EDIT - I stand corrected on the Rambo part of this post - see link in post 13 below. Good find YD, looks like I was buying into a common myth.

 

I keep ibuprofen, a multi-tool with compass, napkins, matches, energy bar or some food, wipes, hairbrush, and a few other things in my purse at all times. Usually we don't go more than 5 miles to the post office. I can't really call this place a 'town', that would be Klamath Falls which is an hour away. I don't worry about carrying too much 'gear' into KF because we only go there to shop, which means we're going to have supplies at hand if something happens, and I know where there are places along the way to get supplies(food/water) if need be.

 

Some of you people are going to think I'm paranoid and/or crazy and some of you will think this is not enough, so here ya go.

This is what I have in my 4X4 SUV. My plan is to make it back to the house in it and if not the things I need can be carried while I hoof it home. My wife and I are almost always together in the vehicle, so that is why some items are duplicated. The pistols only go into the vehicle when we go somewhere and everything else stays in there.


TP
2 tow straps
shock cords
550 cord
jumper cables
battery jumper
tool bag
first aid kit
2 gallons of water
lighters and matches
2 Motorola i355's
skeeter dope
2 flashlights
2 folding knifes
2 pairs of work gloves
folding shovel
GPS and extra batteries
bear pepper spray
blanket
4 space blankets
3 pistols with 2 mags each



When we go on trips that are further out in the country and an hour or more from the house, the below items are added.


Misc. food in cooler
2.5 gallons of gas
Another pistol and 2 mags
2 AR's and 6 mags

 

MM you have a lot of the items listed I keep in my truck. More than a few of the things in what I call my E&E bag that stays in my truck as well. Though I have recently added a "drag bag" to keep the AR & ammo that stay behind the seat in. There is however a reason I call it my E&E bag and not a b.o.b. or bugout bag. Its because if sumthing causes me to need it, then I will obviously need to Escape & Evade to make my way home during whatever disaster has occurred. Thats also why Topo & Road maps are included in it. I could list everything in my E&E bag except its late, & I'd have to go get it out of the truck to be sure of what all I have packed. Now I'll admit to over indulging in vacuumsealing items, but that is to make them resistant to deterioration from heat, cold, & time. That vacuum sealing will not prevent me from being able to get back in the pack once the seals broken. Besides, when you need dry socks you surely aren't gonna stuff the old wet smelly ones in your pack are you?

 

Water proofing your spare clothing in your pack is an excellent idea. When I was running around the world with Uncle Sam's Misguided Children, I always put the clothing in my pack into large ziplock baggies. I would depress them, to eliminate excess air, but there would still be sufficient air trapped within the clothing inside the bags to allow you to use your pack as a flotation device if need be; and I did so on numerous occasions.

I usually used one gallon sized baggies to hold a pair of socks, underwear, and a tee shirt; allowing me to quickly reach in and a grab one baggie which held everything I needed for a quick change of undergarments. A cammie blouse or a pair of trousers will easily fit within a one and a half gallon baggie. I'd normally pack one change of outer garments, and several sets of undergarments, based on how long I expected to be out. Even my spare pair of boots would be sealed inside a plastic bag.

I'd keep a small garbage bag inside my pack for soiled garments. That too, when sealed, will enhance your pack's buoyancy. Temperatures permitting, that is a fallback plan to negotiate the river that I mentioned which lies between my work and home.

If you're out long enough, and need to, you can dump a little water and detergent inside the garbage bag (double bagged) with your soiled clothes, and they will be relatively clean when you stop for the evening. Just rinse and go.

 

Boy, am I glad I asked the original question that started this thread. You guys/girls sure shared some great stuff and I have a few new ideas for things to add to my "get home bag." I check our car and found that, despite being a hatch back on run flats (I don't plan on relying on those tires, so don't flame me about that, please) the area that would hold a spare tire is empty so I can safely stash some stuff in that tiny trunk area to supplement my daily bag. (My wife doesn't agree with my "paranoid delusions" so I have to prep for both of us, and keep things out of sight.)

 

My wife fought me, about buying a generator. Declared it to be a COMPLETE waste of money....and yet that generator has saved us several times already, and paid for itself in freezer food savings several times over. It is not easy to teach some people anything, and some people must learn the hard way.