Category: Tactical planning

Preparation Part 2

Preparation Part 2

Something that I forgot to mention in my previous post on EDC is tape. I like Gorilla Tape. As with the paracord, you don’t need much but a couple of yards goes a long way. I’ve found the best way to stock it is to either buy some 3/8” flexile tubing or from TAP Plastic buy some of their tube material. It comes in 3’ sections. Either way, cut it so it is just a little wider than the tape. You can role the tape on it and it doesn’t take up much room. I’m sure as I write these articles, I will think of something else.

Go-Bags, Car Bags and Get-Home Bags

The list below comes from 5.11 Tactical. I’ve previously stated I don’t really care about “tactical” but in the case of 5.11, they make pretty good apparel, which I wore for years. I’ve added a few items that I have in mine.

We should also think about the bag and situation you might use it in. There are lots of bags that can carry the items below and anything else you find you might need in your specific situation. From gym bags to hiking back packs, it all depends on the volume and whether you need to be mobile or not. That’s important because if you need to be mobile, you need to put some thought on what you really need to take with you.

Something we need to consider when putting together any sort of bag is how I am going to manage it. Do I have one bag, which resides in my house and it is packed in my car or when I leave. Do I leave it in my car and if I have more than one vehicle, do I transfer it or have multiple bags. Either philosophy takes planning. For a car bag or go bag, this is separate from your every day carry. Much of your EDC may be in the bag but they don’t really substitute each other under normal circumstances.

Car Bags

If you think first that a car bag is first of all an emergency bag for the car and its occupants. For the vehicle, the basic items are things like flares, safety triangles, flashlight, gloves, paper towels and hand cleaner. Also included are basic tools such as screwdrivers, lug wrench, jack and smaller items such as some duct tape, electrical tape, fuses and minimal items that may get or keep you on the road. The kit should also have a good first aid kit. According to statistics you’re car is where you stand the highest exposure to injury or accidents. According to NHTS there were 40,990 traffic deaths in 2023, which was down from the previous years. Traffic accidents are a major cause of life-threatening injuries. In addition to the usual first aid kit items, you should carry more trauma related items in the car kit. This should include large trauma seals, chest seals, athletes’ tape, wound seals and tourniquets for however many people are in the vehicle. That means 3-4 at least. These trauma items should be readily available without digging through your bag. A tourniquet can mean life or death in minutes. Many who spend time away from home or more time on the road would also add a spare radiator hose, belts, gasket material, even a spare alternator and such. It’s also become common to carry a small battery-operated tire inflator and a jump starter. You need to make your own decision based on what your location, condition of your car and situation is. Unless we are in a Mad Max world, I don’t believe any of us are going to do any major repairs while on the road. However, you should have spare clothes in your car aligned with the weather you are traveling to or through.

The Get Home Bag

I separate the get home bag from the go bag, only in the sense of practicality. For myself I don’t have both, but I want to discuss the simple get home bag. Whether you work or spend time on a regular basis away from home, I recommend at minimum a smaller bag that is comfortable to carry for a few hours or a day, maybe two. The get home bag includes your everyday carry items mentioned in the previous article plus a few things to get you home, or safe.

22 liters

First of all I stress comfortable. If your EDC bag or items weighs 2-3 lbs, the get home bag, including the EDC should be well under 20. Hopefully under 15. a get home bag should easily fit in a Including your EDC a get home bag you should include the following but I would also add a few things that may be specific to your needs. There are many bags you can use. I suggest that you look at “civilian” looking bags. They can be bought anywhere from Walmart to REI. The heavier the bag, the more quality you want to look for. A 20 lb bag or 32 or above should have good back support and a comfortable waste band. The Rei shown lists at $59. Between this and $150 you should be able to get a bag for any purpose I describe. The list below I have augmented to delineate get home bag vs bug out. GH/BO

  • GH/BO EDC bag or items
  • GH/BO Your EDC should have at least one fire implement but for go or get home you should have three methods. Matches, bic and tungsten fire stick. I would also suggest a few fire starters whether they are homemade, or store bought.
  • BO Battery-operated or crank radio
  • BO Handheld communication. I will probably write an article just on this but there is a lot of information out there on everything from citizen radios, to GMRS and Shortwave.
  • EDC/GH/BO Cash In a bugout situation I would also suggest some metals, such as silver coins or gold. This is really for more long term and/or extreme situations. Some people say you should have up to $500 on you.
  • GH/BO Emergency blanket. These can be bought almost anywhere and can be packaged in multiples. You may be traveling with someone, so I suggest at least two. These are folded into 3×5 packages and take little room or weight. I do not shop amazon, so I suggest you buy them anywhere else.
  • BO Extra batteries for radios
  • GH/BO Extra keys to your house and car
  • GH/BO Extra socks* This can be situational. If you are at work and need to wear dress attire, you should have a change of clothes with you. Whether it’s in your car or in a bag with you is up to your situation. If you take this seriously, you need to have comfortable clothes geared toward the weather and your location. At minimum, a pair of comfortable walking shoes, a layer, hat and slicker.
  • GH/BO First-aid supplies these should expand what you carry every day and must include some trauma items, including a couple of tourniquets.
  • GH/BO Flashlight* The flashlight should be rugged and powerful. Something that is 4-600 lumens. Rechargeable or carry spare batteries. I believe a good headlight is also a must have. It frees up hands for navigation or self-defense if necessary.
  • GH/BO High-powered snacks. As I listed in my writeup on EDC, I like to include High protein bars, such as Ready Hour bars. My Patriot Supply carries them but there are many on the market. I like having the 25 yr. life on them though.
  • BO Important documents in sealed plastic bags* Nowadays a thumb drive generally replaces paper documents and is easier to carry. Will there be the availability of a computer, unknown. Some simple photocopies of a few documents, such as ID is a good idea, but you need to make sure they are in a weather tight package. Laminating works good too if you have that option.
  • GH/BO Knife Both bags should have a fixed blade knife with a full tang. It doesn’t need to be a combat knife, Bowie Knife but should be a strong all-purpose knife that can take some abuse. There are many manufacturers, including Gerber, SOG, Benchmade etc. Just no garbage. You are also going to be able to hang it on to your belt.
  • GH/GB Medications. If you or members of your party regularly take or need medication for any number of medical issues, you need to try and keep them stocked. Preparation can include a note taped to the bag or in something that you know you are going to look at. Remember, if you are traveling, even for a day, it could extend to multiple days.
  • GH/GB Multi-tool* I carry a Multi-tool on my belt 99% of the time so it isn’t a question which bag or should I. I suggested a good Mulit-tool in the EDC article so you should be covered in either situation. By now on this list you should be thinking about weight. For the record, I have an additional multi-tool in all of my bags, including my EDC.
  • GH-GB Personal toiletry items. A small package of Kleenex (car size) and some baby wipes are good to have. This is a perk item so if it makes you feel good to brush your teeth, go ahead and pack but start thinking about weight and size. You don’t need hair mouse but you might want to figure out a way to add toilet paper. Rolls take up a lot of space but you can peal off and fold some. I also always have a roll or two of paper towels in all my vehicles/
  • GB Spare chargers for electronics. In the get home situation I suggest you just be modest in your use of your phone but I also recommend in the EDC a portable charger (brick). If you are in a car, a car charger is a great start.
  • GH/GB/EDC Water purification tablets. A few in all bags.
  • GB Waterproof bags. This can greatly depend on where you are, what is the situation and what the conditions are. Normally I wouldn’t carry any, except some ziplock bags. If you are in a situation where you are kayaking or boating, it is a whole different situation which I don’t intend to address here.
  • GB Freeze dried or MRE meals. MREs are heavier but you do not need a stove. I’ll talk about that later.The below items are considered to be “extra.” I have kept the list but modified as I see appropriate.

    Extra Items

    • Can opener and utensils
    • Canned food
    • Chem lights* Chem lights are a good low level light for a camp. Unfortunately, you can’t turn them on and off.
    • Complete IFAK  An IFAK is a combat pouch, most often used as a medical pouch. They are just what it says, a separate pouch that would strap on to your bag or vest (another discussion).
    • Compass* I included the compass in the extra item list, primarily because in most cases you probably are going to be in an urban setting with streets or paths. Besides, to use a compass, you need to know how to use it and let’s face it, most people don’t. However, there are a lot of resources out there to learn how to use one and they are a good item to include in your bag if you have the room. Suunto and Brunton are two of the most popular and can be found at reasonable prices online or at your favorite outdoors store. You do not need a “military grade” compass. They are usually too heavy and bulky, nor do you need a surveyor’s compass. Buy a simple backpacking compass.
    • Full shelter. With proper preparation and having things such as a poncho, a emergency blanket or two, you can get by without this. Pack it in the car? Sure if you want but your vehicle is a much better shelter if you’re able to use it.
    • Hand sanitizer These are handy and have become readily accessible due to the Covid years. They make them with carabineers that can be hooked to a backpack.
    • LED headlamps* I don’t consider a headlamp an optional item in a go bag. They free up your hands for other things.
    • MREs* MREs are an excellent thing to have in your go bag. They are heavy though compared to freeze dried meals. For longer periods I recommend freeze dried food. These are many outlets to purchase them, whether it’s a sports store or long-term storage outlet. They are now the primary meal for backpacking. You will need a stove though.
    • Stove* There are several manufacturers of these small stoves. Jetboil is probably the most popular and they make several models. Depending on what you buy, you will need a backpacking pot set, however they do make a model that is pretty compact and has its own kettle which holds the Jetboil tank and mount. Something to think about is the fuel needed. Primus also makes great stoves, including backpacking stoves that are virtually the same as Jetboil. There are also folding stoves that are wood burning or use other fuels. In any case you need to accommodate fuel within your pack for whatever stove you choose. There are also stoves that use a candle like heat. They are not as fast as the stoves mentioned above but can be more compact. The wood burning versions are also extremely light and durable but you need to be confident that you will have dry fuel.
    • Poncho* A simple poncho is a great addition to any bag. Like the survival blanket they can be packed small. A poncho can serve multiple purposes from simple rain protection to a blanket, tent cover or rain gathering.
    • Tactical gloves* I consider these to just be good work gloves. Places like Home Depot carry work gloves like these. In my opinion these gloves should be flexible and mainly used to avoid simple injuries, splinters and other camping situations. “Shooting gloves” or cold weather gloves are in addition to these.
    • Toilet paper* Is an extra item, though is certainly a comfort addition to your supplies but remember weight and space.
    • ProtectionLethal / non-lethal. Unfortunately, the world can be dangerous. Whether you’re just going for a walk or run, there are bad things out there. Choosing a method of protection is an important one. Depending on where you live, what is available may be more or less limited.

      Personally, I believe personal protection should be part of your every day carry. A mistake that many make of which I am also guilty of is not carrying protection 100% of the time. In our society for the most part, we are typically safe. Therefore, carrying personal protection hopefully is never needed. It is for that instance, much like an accident. You don’t go out planning for it to happen, but you want to be prepared to deal with it as best you can.

      You need to train for it. However, you should be training with everything we’ve already talked about. Do you know how to properly administer CPR? If you don’t, you should. There are many free resources for getting that training, as well as basic first aid training.

      Mace, pepper spray or any name used is usually the most accepted idea of non-lethal protection. There are different types, strengths and volumes, depending on what you use. Some are a mist or fog such as bear spray. Others utilize a gel. Bear spray is typically unlawful to use with humans. Bear spray uses a philosophy of a cloud that engulfs the bears entire head or front end and are made with a volume and charge to disperse at a greater distance from you. Carry it in the woods, for bears but not in the streets for people would be my recommendation.

      There are many brands and types of packaging for mace, which I am calling any spray or gel that includes capsaicin. Capsaicin is the active ingredient in most all sprays. As a law enforcement officer or soldier, you might get the joy of having it tested on you, “just so you know what it’s like.” Some, including bear sprays have a training canister. I suggest you use them. I’m not going to recommend any specific brands. I just say that something is good to have in your bag or on your body (better).

      The use of lethal protection is a large, no huge decision. Not only do you need to think of the act of possibly taking someone’s life but also the legal consequences. With all force protection you need to be confident that it will not be turned around and used on you. Lethel force is not only the action of using a gun, but it can also be a car, a club, a hammer a knife and the list goes on and on. Many people who don’t want or cannot own or use a gun look at instruments such as batons. 1st of all there are some states and locations where they are illegal for civilians to possess.  The second and larger issue with them is that in order to use one, you absolutely must be trained. Police officers who carry them are required to go through many hours of training. It is one of the most dangerous instruments that can be turned against a untrained user. Knives fall into that class, as do any other type of club.

      A pistol, while seemingly the last thing people think about is one of the easiest to learn and use confidently. No matter what you choose, learn how to use it and to take care of it. If you are unfamiliar with guns, get help choosing the right one for your needs. Shoot various models at a well-qualified range. Most ranges offer instruction and gun rentals. .40, 9mm and 45 are the most common self defense rounds. Sure, there are those who say .380 or even 22 is a viable weapon. I disagree. De-escalation or escape should be your priority. If that isn’t possible you want to decisively end it. In a future article I may talk about planning and de-escalation. In the military they talk of PACE planning. Primary, Alternate, Contingency and Emergency. For the most part your primary plan should include your own two feet walking away.

      Personal protection (plate carrier, vests etc.) In a world where there is no law (WROL) without the rule of law, PPE may become necessary. PPE is used in hazardous environments, such as being used in hospitals and treatment facilities, but also in situations where a mask or blood born disease protection is required. Of course, it is also used in the field where combat is the norm. I will address this in a possible future article.

       

      If you like this article, please give it a like and share it with someone who may be interested.

 ©wawatch2024

Preparation

Being Prepared
March 23, 2024
You’re thinking about preparing or being prepared. Maybe you’ve already started or have been preparing for years. Many in the general public think of us who believe that preparing for changes in our lives can be a crazy thing. Some imagine that anyone who does this must live in a remote cabin on a plot of land and off the grid (power, sewer, water).
Where you live can limit or govern how you prep but it doesn’t stop you from being prepared. Living in an apartment may hinder what you can stockpile or affect your direction in some ways, however it does not stop you from doing it.
Whether you’re just getting started or have been “prepping” for a while, you’ll need to understand what you are preparing yourself for. There are a lot of things you can prepare for. A natural disaster, such as a hurricane or earthquake. Civil unrest. A military or police action from another government, or maybe your own. A loss of a job, a fire in your house or a forest fire threatening your home. When I say home, that includes an apartment, condo, boat, RV or house. Wherever your domicile is.
No matter what threats you believe are coming, each takes a plan. Mike Glover in his book PREPARED does a pretty good job of describing situations that warrant your preparedness. It isn’t a Zombie Apocalypse, take over the government book and I suggest it to anyone who’s getting started or has been doing this for a while.
Most plans start with what are you going to need and for how long. If you are just preparing a bag for your home or car, what’s it for? Is the bag just to get you home or is it to get you somewhere further, safer or is it an escape bag meant for longer term survival. Each situation can have different planning, though there are going to be some basic things that overlap.
What to look for in the bag you’ve decided you need. Note: you do not need to have one type of bag. As I’ve said, many of the items in it are compatible with whatever bag you’re building. Start with the basics, then decide whether you have multiple instance of them or share them between bags.
Let’s get this out of the way. Don’t get hung up in “Military Grade” “Combat Gear” or “Tactical.” Most of those mean nothing except somebody is feeding off your inexperience and there are pitfalls to anything. For now, forget “Camo” “Tactical” crap and just focus on what you need to comfortably carry what you need for as long as you need it. The Gray Man is a description of someone who isn’t noticeable in the surroundings. Thinking along those lines are your best bet.
Lets talk about basic needs. Most experienced people will tell you that the water, food, fire, and shelter are the four most important aspects to your survival. I would add, first aid to that list. What about protection? Sure but the above are what you cannot compromise on. If you done any internet searches, everybody has an opinion on what you can’t do without.
You need to decide on where your supplies above are stored. For that you need to look at your exposure. If you work away from home, whether it ten miles of fifty miles a bag sitting at home isn’t going to give you much support. At least until you get there. At this point I will address different aspects of prep. We’ve talked about Go Bags, Get home bags, Escape bags etc. What about the whole concept of preparation. When I started this, I talked about public perception of preppers. A prepper on a property with acres or at least some space is probably going to be more inclined to “Bug-in.” Bug-out is not the only way to survive. If you belong to a group of like minded people, you may have decided as a group to bug-in. It may not be your house but it is a place chosen because it appears to be the safest place to do so. I encourage you to think not only of bugging out but where is the safest place for me, and my family or friends to be. I assure you that in virtually all cases, it isn’t running through the woods wearing camo. There are extremes from just a chemical explosion or leak which stops you from your usual drive home to a situation where there is no law WROL (World without the rule of law) and everything in between.
EDC
Every day carry is like it sounds. What are you going to have with you at all times, every day. This isn’t separate, it’s part of the system. You’re going to hear everyone’s opinion on what you should carry but your really going to need to make your own decision on what works for you. Here is my list of what I have within reach at most any instance. The first section can be stored in a fanny pack or similar pack.
• Knife. This doesn’t have to be scarry and “tactical,” it just needs to be practical. As a male, mine is a folding knife with a clip that resides in my back pocket. I see many where them in their front pocket. I don’t want it to scratch me every time I reach into my pocket.
• I always have a multi-tool on my belt. A simple one, either Leatherman or Gerber. It doesn’t need a bunch of attachments.
• Swiss Army Credit Card Multi-tool. Yes, you can buy this on Amazon but I don’t shop there. This resides in my wallet.
• Coleman First Aid Tin I buy these several at a time. I give them away, have one in every pack I own.
• Bic lighters. I know, it looks cool striking a fire stick or grinding a wood bow but in an emergency lighting a fire may be the lifesaver you or someone needs. I also include matches.
• Cash. ATM’s don’t always work and if there is no power, no credit cards.
• Small Flashlight. I primarily use Fenix Yes, they are expensive. They are bright and rugged and rechargeable. If you really want to get stealthy, get a red beam light but I don’t see much use for it off the battlefield. There are lots of makers of flashlights. Just choose one that is small enough to carry and is bright enough for your needs. I have several models, where it’s in a car, my home or a bag.
• Snacks. I usually carry a couple of “energy” bars. Something with nuts or a protein. In the short term it’s just to stop your stomach growl. For longer term, such as in a get home bag or go bag I pack Ready Hour Emergency Rations. They come packed in 2,400 calories rations. These come packed with 12 bars. If your EDC bag is a small pack or large enough, I would pack these in it. They are also 25 year stable.
• Charger & cords. I carry a Dark Energy charger (brick). It’s something that has actually come down in price since I bought my first one many years ago. There are many on the market. Just buy one that lasts.
• Paracord & Micro-cord. Just a few yards of each. You’d be surprised on what you can do with them
• Write in Rain pads. I buy the small 3×4 pads at REI. A 3 pack is $9 or so. You’re not going to write a book but you might want to jot something down. Use a mechanical pencil or fine Sharpie with them. You can use any small pad but you should have something.
These items are what I think you should have with you or close to you during the course of the day or night. Your specific needs may be different. Do you need to have some medication with you (in get home or go bag). You may work in an atmosphere that you cannot have knives and such. If so, can you just have a multitool or something similar.
Any of these will carry what I have described above.
Next Chapter will be Get-Home and Go-bags

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