Tag: bugging out

The Best Food for Bug Out Bags

I have messed around a lot with different foods for bug-out bags, get-home kits, and general backpacking. There are advantages and disadvantages to every type. While there is no one food that will fit everyone’s menu and needs I have come to a conclusion:

Freeze-dried foods are the best foods for bug-out bags.

Here’s why: If someone is bugging out they are likely traveling some distance on foot. Weight is a major factor and that is where freeze-dried food really shines. Freeze-dried foods are extremely lightweight. I can throw in several meal pouches for just a couple of pounds. They are also very simple to prepare and are very nutritious. Most of the freeze-dried food that I have eaten has tasted no different than regular food although a few samples were on the salty side.

Drawbacks? They require water to reconstitute and prepare. If you live in a desert this could be a serious dilemma as carrying water is quite a task due to its weight. They also do not provide a ton of calories in the smaller pouch-sized packages. For longer term time periods this could be an issue.

MREs are another option and not a bad one either. Again, weight is the issue at hand as they are heavy. Sure – a few cans of soup can be thrown in a pack as well as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or twelve but to me, freeze-dried foods make a lot better choice.

My favorites:

Chili Mac

Lasagna with Meat Sauce

Chicken Fried Rice

Scrambled Eggs with Bacon

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Now this should be assumed, but, I’ll go ahead and state the obvious: Having a couple of Payday bars or something that requires no preparation should certainly be included on a bug-out bag. Some calories on the go will certainly be needed.

Anyone have a favorite they have tried?

JR

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September 12, 2024
The Panhandle Rancher’s Long Range Travel Kit

It saddens me to announce that Panhandle Rancher has passed away. For those who may not know of him – he wrote numerous articles on my old website and shared his thoughts here as well. He was a frequent commenter at one time and added an incredible amount of knowledge and perspective. Here’s some additional information that provides some insight into his life: https://www.legacy.com/amp/obituaries/batesville/200373889

Readers might be interested in the amount of equipment the wife and I travel with. Depending on how far/where we travel, the M4/M1A is traded out so that we just travel with one long rifle. My EDC includes a 1911 platform, Surefire Chroma, Emerson folder, 4″fixed blade, fire materials, and compass. I’ve laminated the attached list and stored in the safe so that if someone steals the truck, I at least have a list of serial numbers for law enforcement and a list of overall contents for my claim to USAA.

When leaving the country, we always add a case of bottled water and a dozen cans or so of our favorite soups and the like against the off chance of getting stranded somewhere. Our backpacks, of course, contain a number of freeze-dried foods and re-packaged lifesavers (comfort food).

The metal box is a top-end commercial box with two sets of chains bolted to the inside of the lid and sides so that the lid can be further secured apart from the factory lock with two internal padlocks through the chains. The big risk with any truck-mounted metal box is someone dropping a chain around the box and yanking it from the bed using their vehicle and then making off with the whole box. My metal box was ordered to fit and is snug against the sides of the bed. The top is also 2″ below the bedsides, again making it hard for the yank it off artist. Of course, I used carriage bolts and large washers so there is no bolt head under the truck bed for a wrench.

Hope this helps someone.

Contents of metal storage container bolted to truck bed

Green Blackhawk rifle case containing:

Bushmaster 5.56x45NATO Model XM15E2S s/n xxx with

Trijicon ACOG 4×32, Tenebraex kill flash, flip lens caps, NV rail adapter

LaserLyte LED sight (flat, rail mount)

Note: rifle has Picatinny rail top, no iron sights, recoil tube single point

sling adapter, single point green sling

30 rd magazines x3, 20 rd magazine, eyeglasses,

100 rd .45acp, M4 bayonet, and sheath, flex cleaning kit in black zip round bag

Ruger takedown 10-22 rifle black rifle case containing:

Bushmaster Carbon 15 pistol 5.56x45NATO s/n xxx

Picatinny rail with ‘iron’ sights, LaserDevices IR light s/n xxx

xxx reflex sight, Tapco single point sling adapter and sling

30 rd magazines x5, 20 rd magazine

Leica Ultravid HD binoculars 8×32, s/n xxx

Gerber AA red led light with sling

Springfield M1A SOCOM black fiberglass stock with 12” rail s/n xxx

Plate Carrier with 20 round M14 magazines x6; 1911 magazines x2, IFAK, dump bag

.50 US ammo can marked M1A/M14 travel kit, containing:

20 rd M14 magazines x8

cleaning supplies and spares

MICH US combat helmets x2 with flip up NVG monocular adapter

Long US military ammunition can containing:

Blackhawk tactical pistol holster with .45acp magazines x4 and tac web belt

Brunton magnetic compass (surveyor grade) s/n xxx

Leica Geovid binoculars 10×42 s/n xxx

1 bag of batteries, CR 123, N, AA, AAA, 2032, A23

Voodoo tactical notebook

NVD-PVS-14+P pinnacle autogated military NVG monocular

cage 36ZQ7 s/n xxx

Picatinny rail adapter for NVD

Face camo x3

foam earplugs

2 LED light, clip on

Surefire Millennium Combat Light with

white diffuser adapter and red lens adapter

Surefire SF IR illuminator with rail adapter

Surefire light spares containers x2 with CR123s and bulbs

Hoppe’s gun cleaning tubes and bag of patches

EI Zeta pistol light/laser combo with rail mount s/n xxx

Cylume IR chemlights x3

Celox blood clotting compound

Yaesu VX-6R VHF/UHF H/T in yellow pelican box s/n xxx

Antenna, adapters, power chargers

Baofeng UV5RA VHF/UFH H/T in yellow pelican box s/n xxx

Antenna, adapters, power chargers

Garmin 530 FRS/GMRS H/T with GPS s/n xxx, LiOn battery, AA adapter

Garmin 530 FRS/GMRS H/T with GPS s/n xxx, LiOn battery, AA adapter

12 VDC truck battery jumper cables

50’ Lariat

48” Bolt Cutters

Badlands Summit backpack with mountaineering tent, sleeping bag, qt canteensx4, men’s Filson clothing including oilskin coat with wool liner, Katadyn pocket water filter, titanium cookware and cups, gill net, take down fishing pole and reel, misc. fishing supplies, Silva compass, WAC aviation charts, road maps, topo charts, camp ax, 6” blade knife, misc. camping equipment.

Backpack with women’s clothing and black zip flex weapon cleaning kit

Danner boots, men, size 13

Browning kangaroo leather women’s boots size 5 ½

Irwin combination tool set 3/8 and ¼” drive socket set

Bag, black with miscellaneous tools including hydraulic jack

Cloth-backed woven ripstop nylon mat 8×10’, greenish brown with green liner

200 rounds .45acp in plastic boxes

Beta magazine for M4/Carbon15 (100 rounds 5.56×45, rotary)

Chest rig containing 30 round M4 magazines x 6, IFAK, Dump bag

Gerber folding shovels x2

Surgical kit, Celox bandages, Israeli tourniquet, x2

3/8” nylon climbing rope, carabineers, wedges, etc.

Hearing protectors, muff style x2 (unused, new)

36” handle single bit Plumb ax

Gerber machete

Flexicuffs

Rourke: This post was originally published In June of 2016.

October 30, 2021

Kel-Tec PMR 30…..Ultimate Bug Out Gun?

NOTE: This review was originally written back in 2016 and has now been updated with information current to January 2021. I’ve owned the PMR-30 now for over 5 years.

Kel-Tec PMR-30 22 Magnum Semi-Automatic Pistol

I have wanted the PMR-30 since it’s release in 2011. Having been an owner of the Automag II – which was a horribly performing 22 Magnum semi-auto pistol from many years ago – I was intrigued with the PMR. At a proposed $415 suggested retail and a magazine holding 30 rounds, I imagined hours of plinking fun with this futuristic-looking pistol. Well – reality slapped all of us in the face when typical Kel-Tec production failed to keep up with demand and secondary suppliers jacked the price up.

I purchased the PMR in early 2015 for $600. An insane amount, but, I have been known for going insane now and again.

Many look at the PMR-30 as a “poor man’s” 5.7×28 FN Five Seven. I concur.

FIT, FINISH & FEEL

From a fit and finish perspective, the Kel-Tec resembles something that can be found in the toy department at Wally World. It is really the weight of the PMR that causes immediate comparisons to toys by most everyone that has handled mine. It’s incredibly light at only 13.6 ounces empty and right under 20 ounces with a full magazine of 30 rounds. Compare this to a Glock 17 weighing 25.06 ounces it is understandable the utter shock when it is first picked up.

The overall quality of the PMR is good – not fantastic. This is no Kimber. There are minor molding marks where the two halves of the frame are joined together. Other than that looks on par with any other polymer-framed modern pistol.

Grip feels good in my average-sized hands. The raised textured squares on the grip do little to increase gripping and would like to see an improvement there. Many place strips of grip tape on the grip. Regardless, no issues with holding the gun. The slide is easy to grip near the rear sights for pulling the slide back. There is little to grab upfront past the ejection port. There is a long picatinny rail for the attachment of lights and lasers. It is very robust and rugged.

Overall the fit, finish, and feel are great.

FEATURES & FUNCTION

The PMR-30 is fitted with high visibility TruGlo-type sights front and rear. They are excellent and are very easy to acquire in low light conditions. I plan on adding similar sights to my M&P9.

The safety is ambidextrous and functions much like a 1911. Flip up to put on safe and down to fire. It’s color-coded to show red when off safe(red is dead). The safety fits almost flush against the slide and is not very easy to engage. It’s smooth and round which certainly is an advantage as far catching on clothes but activating while under pressure – I’ll pass.

The magazine release is European-style in that it is located at the heel of the grip. I found the magazine release very easy to operate and although two hands are needed very quick. The opening of the mag well provides for easy and quick insertion.

The PMR’s 30 round magazine works phenomenally. The magazine is double stacked and is polymer constructed. The construction provides a very stiff and rigid magazine which at first glance appears to be aluminum. Per Kel-Tec’s owner’s manual the magazine requires a special technique to load. Basically, insert the first 5 rounds, slap the back of the magazine against a hard surface to seat the rounds. After that, every couple of rounds loaded tap it, and load some more.

The single-action trigger is fantastic with a very smooth let off and lightweight pull.nReset is short.

ACCURACY & PERFORMANCE

Shooting the PMR is an absolute ball. While aiming this super light handgun downrange while pulling the trigger it seems as though the magazine is never going to run empty. Sending a target to the maximum of 25 yards at the local indoor range I was amazed at the accuracy. Groups around 3-3.5″ are not uncommon as long as I do my part. The excellent trigger really helps with the accuracy.

Reliability is not on par with most modern combat pistols. Then again, the PMR is not a modern combat pistol. The rimmed feature of the .22 Magnum does not lend itself to reliable feeding in a magazine-fed semi-auto. Due to some excellent engineering from Kel-Tec the PMR is extremely reliable.

In addition to the already mentioned proper magazine loading ammunition selection is important when it comes to reliable feeding. In my testing, the absolute most reliable ammunition has been Hornady Critical Defense. In over 150 rounds the Critical Defense has been perfect. I have shot several hundred rounds of CCI Maxi-Mags and it has done well but not perfect. I would have to say out of approx 400 rounds I have had 4 failures. All failures were a jam coming out of the magazine going into the chamber. All 4 could very well have been from misloading the magazines. I also have shot some Federal 30-grain hollow points and all 100 rounds went off without a hitch.

UPDATE 2020: I’ve owned this pistol for several years and it’s one of the funest guns to shoot. It is absolutely accurate. As far as reliability it has been inconsistent. As mentioned with Critical Defense ammunition it has performed well. The Federal 30-grain loads it has also performed well even though many sources will say the PMR likes heavier bullets. The biggest factor to reliability comes down to how the magazine is loaded and how many rounds are in the mag. Loading 20 rounds versus trying to stuff 30 rounds have in my experience proven more reliable.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Is the PMR-30 the ultimate bug out gun? Many look at the extreme lightweight, magazine capacity, and ability to carry hundreds of rounds with little added weight as good reasons to consider it. I don’t think it’s the ultimate anything. It is a great option for a bug out bag/survival kit. Consider that the gun along with 3 magazines provides 90 rounds of capacity. Its lightweight makes it natural for inclusion in a bug out bag where longer distances have to be traveled. The reliability is not the most desirable when it comes to defense unless the proper ammunition is used. Even then far better options exist.

The PMR-30 is an absolute blast to shoot. Fun factor is way up there.

Final thought? I love it!

SPECS

Calibers:	.22 Magnum	(.22WMR)
Weight unloaded:	13.6oz.	386g
Loaded Magazine:	6oz.	170g
Length:	7.9″	201mm
Height:	5.8″	147mm
Width:	1.3″	33.0mm
Barrel length:	4.3″	109mm
Sight radius:	6.9″	175mm
Energy (40gr):	138ft-lbs	187J
Capacity:	30 + 1 rounds
Trigger pull:	4-6 lbs	17.8-26.7N

MSRP

$454.55

February 11, 2021

Bugging Out: Thoughts on Tires

I have a new truck(new to me) and looking at putting a set of tires on it. This is a 2019 RAM 1500 Classic Warlock 4×4. I’m living in a camper near my work right now and purchased the truck as I needed a reliable method of pulling the camper if things go FUBAR. I’ve been covering this over on Patreon BTW.

Back to the tires. As part of my bugout plan not only do I need to get a set of good tires – I need extra tires. No – not simply a spare. I feel the need to have at least two full-size tires is important. Right now I have a full-size spare but it is still a low mileage, low-speed temporary tire. I want a full-size dependable tire as a spare. Tires are so critical to a vehicle that losing a couple tires once the excrement hits the air distribution device would be catastrophic. My plan? Two full-size spares for the truck, and two for the camper.

Right now I’m looking at Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac’s for the truck.

Just a thought. Tires are not considered nearly enough as important as they are.

Rourke

November 17, 2020
Test your bug out bag….by going backpacking

Having a bug out bag in the trunk of a car is a good thing as you never know when something might happen.

So – going to take the challenge go out for a two night, three-day hike and backpacking trip? If so – what’s in YOUR bag?

Here is a suggested list:

Backpack:

Teton Sports Scout 3400 Backpack – medium-sized backpack as an example

Food:

Mountain House pouches

snacks – trail mix, Payday bar, cheese/peanut butter crackers

Water:

Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle

Crystal Light flavor powder

Sawyer Mini Water Filter Kit

Cooking:

Camp Cook Set – the Stanley kit is a great deal

Mini Camp Stove with Fuel – check this one out. I have two and work great.

Eating utensils

Fire:

Bic lighter

cotton balls soaked in Vaseline

Light/Illumination:

flashlight – any small and powerful flashlight/300 lumens or more

headlamp -name brand headlamp of 250 lumens or more

Sanitation:

compressed towels – these things are awesome! Roughly 10″ x 10″ small towels that are lightweight, biodegradable and compressed down to a tiny tablet. Many uses including leaving the TP at home.

Toothbrush/Toothpaste

Wet wipes/Hand sanitizer

Clothing:

Hat – grab a hat to your liking(preferably Patriots or the Red Sox)

Underwear(3 pairs)

Socks(3 pairs)

Shirts/pants/shorts – 3 pairs

Rain gear

Sleeping/Shelter:

Grand Trunk hammock – budget-friendly and high quality. Don’t forget suspension straps.

Hammock Rain Fly – The Bear Butt model is a good one.

Communication:

Cell phone – if no signal document trip with pictures and video

Navigation:

GPS Navigator – heading out in the woods can be fun but make sure you can get back. Grab a compass as well.

First Aid

Pack a small Zip Loc with Benedryl, anti-diarrheal, ibuprofen, a few band-aids, and a compression bandage.

Other:

sunblock

insect repellent

map

knife

rope

Heading out on an overnight backpacking trip is a great way to test out a bug out bag.

So – what else should be considered?

September 3, 2018
Converting a Cargo Trailer Into a Camper

A little over a year ago I was looking into converting a cargo trailer into a “camper”. The purpose behind this was not only to be ready-to-go for camping at a moments notice but also for bugging out. The vehicles I had at the time had fairly low maximum pounds which I could pull. Even a pop-up camper weighed too much. After seeing the video below I was intrigued and started seriously looking into a cargo trailer conversion. I felt with a smaller trailer conversion I would come in close to the weight I could handle.

Inevitably I never proceeded forward. I ended up buying an old military two-wheeled trailer and it currently sits at a local shop being customized. Possibly before the next Presidential election, I may get it back as they have had it WAY too long. The cost of the customizing is dirt cheap so I don’t have a lot to complain about. Regardless, the cargo trailer conversion to a camper is a budget-friendly solution.

Warning – turn off the sound otherwise you may just go insane.

November 22, 2017
Vehicle Prep: Vgate VS600 OBDII Car Diagnostic Tool

How many freak out when that check engine light comes on? Thoughts of hundreds or thousands of dollars start going through your head or even being stranded. How much will it cost? How long will it take to fix? How will I get to work? Get the kids to school? No fun! While there are auto parts dealers that offer to read check engine codes for a nominal fee or for free – being dependant on their hours, and typically just given a “code” to decipher – well, I’m a control freak and want to check for myself.

Over a year ago I bought the Vgate VS600 code reader from GearBest.com. Historically, I’ve been charged upwards of $75 to $100 just for diagnostic service and have been at the mercy of the service department telling me the truth. This all changed after purchasing the Vgate VS600. A half dozen times via numerous vehicles I’ve been able to check codes and take appropriate action and SAVED MONEY every single time. BTW – The Vgate provides a statement as to what the problem is – not just a numeric code which has to be looked up.

Just this past Friday my 2008 Jeep Wrangler had an episode of running rough – and the check engine light came on. It eventually smoothed out and ran normally. I grabbed my code reader and found that cylinder 6 had misfired. After getting home I pulled the spark plug and found it was not in good shape. I purchased 6 spark plugs and swapped them out. Total cost approx. $40. If I had taken the Jeep to a dealership? I don’t even want to think about it.

I have developed a relationship with GearBest.com over the past few years. I order a variety of products from them on a regular basis. I receive frequent emails from my contact there and she sets up special deals – often exclusive to 1776PatriotUSA.com readers. What has gotten me so excited about GearBest.com is the great pricing and often unique selection.

Are there drawbacks buying from GearBest.com? The only one I know of are the extended shipping times. Many of these items(but not all) are shipping directly from the country of manufacture – China. Shipping is slower than ordering from a US source however the price is well worth it. While I completely support US made products the vast majority of those items I suggest have no US made alternative. Hopefully, that will change.

All specifications are listed on the Vgate VS600 product page. What is important to know is its compatibility with all vehicles manufactured from 1996 to current that are OBD2 compliant. This includes those made in America, Europe, and Asia. Basically, it covers and works with almost every single vehicle.

This is a great tool and can help out with a mini “vehicle apocalypse”.

Use coupon code CAR18OFF and price will be reduced to $45.47.

For more information click HERE.

Rourke

October 11, 2017
Retreat Arrival Checklist
I’ve been asked several times about when something happens and people first arrive at a retreat location. Questions usually come up regarding who does what and when. Granted situation details will dictate quite a bit but having some form of checklist will help remember things, decrease stress, and allow people to use their brains for thinking.

Here is one example that is broken up into days for the first week or so.

Day 1 Checklist – first 24 hours upon arrival:
- Injuries? Check and treat.
- Gather facts from all group members
  - What has been seen and where?
  - What has been heard? Source?
  - Make sure everyone is informed and educated on all information.
  - Notes should be taken to reference later rather than relying on memory.
- Determine potential threats if any? If so set up security watch right away.
- Get someone on commo to gain intelligence/information. This includes internet/radio/TV/social media/Ham/CB
- Inventory all supplies brought to retreat by members to add to inventory lists
- How much combined cash/silver/gold is on hand?
- If safe – formulate a supply run(s) to purchase additional supplies while the ability still exists(see “Supply Run Checklist” – coming soon)
- Get an inventory of all fuel.
  - How much is in each vehicle in gallons?
  - How much is currently stored?
  - Is it safe to go out for more? If so go get some. Get back quickly.
  - How much propane?
  - How much charcoal?
- If electricity is still on get all rechargeable batteries into a charger.
- Water running? If so fill all available containers.
- Set up sleeping arrangements at a minimum on a temporary basis.
- Cook a large, filling dinner – important for moral
Day 2-3 Checklist:
- House rules – all determined by property owner
- Get pet’s situated that were brought to the retreat
- Everyone has communication methods on their body if they venture away from retreat more than “normal voice distance”
- Set up Security/Patrol schedules
- Get solar systems set up and running
- Set up potable water dispenser
- Based on current condition install light and sound discipline
- Set up water filtration methods
- Set up alternative bathroom facilities
- Set up bathroom/sanitation schedule
- Camouflage driveway entrance
- Set up medical station for self-treatment of minor cuts, burns, and scrapes
- Determine any specific projects that need attention and seek volunteers/assign duties
- Reach out to family and friends – OPSEC!!!!
Day 3-7 Checklist:
- Determine outward patrol location and schedule
- Set up LPOP areas
- Set up defensive position and assign members to areas
- Review communication protocols between members in defensive situations
- Determine procedure for dealing with strangers/approaching people
- Gather and set up rain gear/clothing
- Doublecheck food inventory to determine how many days available for group
Any other suggestions? Thoughts?

Rourke
September 25, 2017
The Panhandle Rancher’s Long Range Travel Kit

Readers might be interested in the amount of equipment the wife and I travel with. Depending on how far/where we travel, the M4/M1A is traded out so that we just travel with one long rifle. My EDC includes a 1911 platform, Surefire Chroma, Emerson folder, 4″fixed blade, fire materials, and compass. I’ve laminated the attached list and stored in the safe so that if someone steals the truck, I at least have a list of serial numbers for law enforcement and a list of overall contents for my claim to USAA.

When leaving the country, we always add a case of bottled water and a dozen cans or so of our favorite soups and the like against the off chance of getting stranded somewhere. Our backpacks, of course, contain a number of freeze-dried foods and re-packaged lifesavers (a comfort food).

The metal box is a top end commercial box with two sets of chains bolted to the inside of the lid and sides so that the lid can be further secured apart from the factory lock with two internal padlocks through the chains. The big risk with any truck mounted metal box is someone dropping a chain around the box and yanking it from the bed using their vehicle and then making off with the whole box. My metal box was ordered to fit and is snug against the sides of the bed. The top is also 2″ below the bedsides, again making it hard for the yank it off artist. Of course, I used carriage bolts and large washers so there is no bolt head under the truck bed for a wrench.

Hope this helps someone.

Contents of metal storage container bolted to truck bed

Green Blackhawk rifle case containing:

Bushmaster 5.56x45NATO Model XM15E2S s/n xxx with

Trijicon ACOG 4×32, Tenebraex kill flash, flip lens caps, NV rail adapter

LaserLyte LED sight (flat, rail mount)

Note: rifle has Picatinny rail top, no iron sights, recoil tube single point

sling adapter, single point green sling

30 rd magazines x3, 20 rd magazine, eyeglasses,

100 rd .45acp, M4 bayonet, and sheath, flex cleaning kit in black zip round bag

Ruger takedown 10-22 rifle black rifle case containing:

Bushmaster Carbon 15 pistol 5.56x45NATO s/n xxx

Picatinny rail with ‘iron’ sights, LaserDevices IR light s/n xxx

xxx reflex sight, Tapco single point sling adapter and sling

30 rd magazines x5, 20 rd magazine

Leica Ultravid HD binoculars 8×32, s/n xxx

Gerber AA red led light with sling

Springfield M1A SOCOM black fiberglass stock with 12” rail s/n xxx

Plate Carrier with 20 round M14 magazines x6; 1911 magazines x2, IFAK, dump bag

.50 US ammo can marked M1A/M14 travel kit, containing:

20 rd M14 magazines x8

cleaning supplies and spares

MICH US combat helmets x2 with flip up NVG monocular adapter

Long US military ammunition can containing:

Blackhawk tactical pistol holster with .45acp magazines x4 and tac web belt

Brunton magnetic compass (surveyor grade) s/n xxx

Leica Geovid binoculars 10×42 s/n xxx

1 bag of batteries, CR 123, N, AA, AAA, 2032, A23

Voodoo tactical notebook

NVD-PVS-14+P pinnacle autogated military NVG monocular

cage 36ZQ7 s/n xxx

Picatinny rail adapter for NVD

Face camo x3

foam earplugs

2 LED light, clip on

Surefire Millennium Combat Light with

white diffuser adapter and red lens adapter

Surefire SF IR illuminator with rail adapter

Surefire light spares containers x2 with CR123s and bulbs

Hoppe’s gun cleaning tubes and bag of patches

EI Zeta pistol light/laser combo with rail mount s/n xxx

Cylume IR chemlights x3

Celox blood clotting compound

Yaesu VX-6R VHF/UHF H/T in yellow pelican box s/n xxx

Antenna, adapters, power chargers

Baofeng UV5RA VHF/UFH H/T in yellow pelican box s/n xxx

Antenna, adapters, power chargers

Garmin 530 FRS/GMRS H/T with GPS s/n xxx, LiOn battery, AA adapter

Garmin 530 FRS/GMRS H/T with GPS s/n xxx, LiOn battery, AA adapter

12 VDC truck battery jumper cables

50’ Lariat

48” Bolt Cutters

Badlands Summit backpack with mountaineering tent, sleeping bag, qt canteensx4, men’s Filson clothing including oilskin coat with wool liner, Katadyn pocket water filter, titanium cookware and cups, gill net, take down fishing pole and reel, misc. fishing supplies, Silva compass, WAC aviation charts, road maps, topo charts, camp ax, 6” blade knife, misc. camping equipment.

Backpack with women’s clothing and black zip flex weapon cleaning kit

Danner boots, men, size 13

Browning kangaroo leather women’s boots size 5 ½

Irwin combination tool set 3/8 and ¼” drive socket set

Bag, black with miscellaneous tools including hydraulic jack

Cloth-backed woven ripstop nylon mat 8×10’, greenish brown with green liner

200 rounds .45acp in plastic boxes

Beta magazine for M4/Carbon15 (100 rounds 5.56×45, rotary)

Chest rig containing 30 round M4 magazines x 6, IFAK, Dump bag

Gerber folding shovels x2

Surgical kit, Celox bandages, Israeli tourniquet, x2

3/8” nylon climbing rope, carabineers, wedges, etc.

Hearing protectors, muff style x2 (unused, new)

36” handle single bit Plumb ax

Gerber machete

Flexicuffs

Rourke: This post was originally published In June of 2016.

September 24, 2017
Video: Living In My Jeep – 1 Year Update

There is a movement that is somewhat tied to preparedness and self-reliance and it is all about minimalism. Basically getting by and living a full life and existence with as little as possible. I came across the YouTube channel IAmJake and his video about living in his Jeep for one year. Being a Jeep owner it certainly caught my attention.

In the video below Jake discusses his set up and how he will live in his Jeep. Pretty impressive and some good ideas can be pulled from it when it comes to a bug out vehicle.

I’ve often said that a vehicle can be an incredible survival tool that most just do not think about. It can provide shelter, power, heating, cooling, and also information. Yes – fuel is needed and there is always a risk of breakdown.

Check out the video below:

August 15, 2017
From the Bug Out Location of John Rourke – June 14th, 2017

The discussions yesterday revolving around bugging out and bug out locations got me thinking. This has been a major topic for me over the past few years and I’ll share some of what I have experienced.

As someone mentioned yesterday many of us just do not have the funds to live in a home and also purchase additional land. In my case I have multiple bug out locations should a situation get severe enough that leaving home is necessary. I do not own any of these locations. My primary location is a designated area that the survival group I am a member has selected. The property is lived on by one of the members and is located well off the beaten path. We are in the process of establishing a pre-staged cache of supplies at the retreat so members do not have to bring everything when things get bad. I had my first supply run this past weekend.

My secondary location is located close to 160 miles(7 gallons of gas) from my home. At a little over 3 hours during normal times, this is not ideal as heavy traffic could easily double travel time to 6+ hours. My brother lives on close to 40 acres in Georgia and is also well off the beaten path. My brother is also a prepper, however, I really need to pre-stage supplies there as well. In a meeting I had with David – aka SouthernPrepper1 – he mentioned that you never know where you will be when something happens. I visit my brother several times per year so it is possible that something could occur while visiting. It would wise to store some supplies there – just in case.

I cannot conceive of a situation where I would NOT reside in one of these locations when the fit hits the shan. If – and that is a big IF – an alternate location is needed I would target areas such as state parks and wildlife refugees. A camp would be set up as far from any traveled public road or logging road as possible. If cabin rentals are present even better.

The information above is related to me and my circumstances. I’ll look into expanding more on the entire bugging out topic. As Clark mentioned when it all goes bad fuel may not be able to be purchased. There may be no electricity. Water will need to be gathered. Security will be important and a 24/7 watch is critical. Bugging out throwing everything needed for months in your trunk is difficult. There are ways though(caches and trailers).

A good start is to consider different likely scenario’s that could occur – causing you to bug out. If “X” occurs how much time would you have to get to “Y”? How can I make sure I have the fuel to get there? What would be the best time to travel? What “triggers” would cause me to head out ASAP – and which ones would just have me pack a few extra supplies and get ready?

Good discussions yesterday.

Rourke

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Prepping On a Dirt Cheap Budget

Camping

Survival: Disappear Without A Trace

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June 13, 2017
The best food for bug out bags

I have messed around a lot with different foods for bug out bags, get home kits, and general backpacking. There are advantages and disadvantages to every type. While there is no one food that will fit everyone’s menu and needs I have come to a conclusion:

Freeze dried foods are the best foods for bug out bags.

Here’s why: If someone is bugging out they are likely traveling some distance on foot. Weight is a major factor and that is where freeze dried food really shines. Freeze dried foods are extremely light weight. I can throw in several meal pouches for just a couple poundsThey are also very simple to prepare and are very nutritious. Most of the freeze dried food that I have eaten has tasted no different than regular food although a few samples were on the salty side.

Drawbacks? They require water to reconstitute and prepare. If you live in a desert this could be a serious dilemma as carrying water is quite a task due to its weight. They also do not provide a ton of calories in the smaller pouch-sized packages. For longer term time periods this could be an issue.

MRE’s are another option and not a bad one either. Again – weight is the issue at hand as they are on the heavy side. Sure – a few cans of soup can be thrown in a pack as well as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or twelve but to me freeze dried foods make a lot better choice.

My favorites:

Chili Mac

Lasagna with Meat Sauce

Chicken Fried Rice

Scrambled Eggs with Bacon

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Anyone have a favorite they have tried?

JR

January 19, 2016