Well, as many of you know, about a week ago or so my “Get Home Bag” from my truck was stolen from the parking lot where I had been parking my car for two plus years. In hind sight, I think it was my fault for assuming that there was ample security. Rather, I became complacent. Complacency, I think, will kill you in a survival situation, no matter how mild or extreme.
The truth is, I have felt a bit naked and unprepared without the bag in my truck. I have been in NYC several times, the environment the bag was primarily designed for, as well as out and about in PA, and central NJ since it was stolen.
All of that said, I am planning on replacing the gear. I have made a preliminary list below for you to peruse, and be sure to let me know what you think.
- AM Heatsheets (Emergency Blankets) — Quantity 2 (already have, do not need to source)
- AM Sportsman Kit (First Aid Kit)
- Gerber Paraframe II Knife
- Gerber Profile Fixed Blade Knife Drop Point Knife
- Multi-Tool
- Polar Pure
- Wetfire cubes (already have, do not need to source)
- Light Sticks
- Tarp (already have, do not need to source)
- Emergency Poncho (already have, and do not need to source)
- 5 in 1 Whistle
- Signal Mirror (already have, and do not need to source)
- Esbit Stove (already have, and do not need to source)
- 36 Hour Candle
- Paracord (50′)
- No Rinse Body Bath
- 100 MPH Tape
- Triple Antibiotic
- Kevlar Thread
- Sewing Needles
- Extra Ibuprofen, Benadryl, Imodium, Sudafed, Zyrtec, Vitamins, Roll of Toilet Paper, and other OTC pharmaceuticals.
- LED Flashlight
- Bic Lighter, Quantity 2
- Homemade fire starters
- Waterproof Strike Anywhere Matches (Home Made) (already have and do not need to source)
- Starbucks Instant Coffee
- Twinning’s Tea
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle
- Space Saver Cup
- USGI Lensatic Compass
- Coleman Shovel / Pick
- Waterproof Notebook
- Rite in Rain Pen
- Work Gloves
- Hat and Gloves
- MRE’s
- and Finally the Pack itself a Level III Assault Pack
Total cost of the Get Home Bag as priced on Amazon: 482.75 (give or take $50.00 — $75.00 for sourcing better deals on the items) This is probably within $75.00 of what I probably spent on the gear that went missing when it was stolen out of my truck. Much of the gear I had assembled over time and was redundant camping gear I had, but calculating the replacement prices this morning was a reality check to me. Sort of sucks, don’t you think? This varies greatly from the conversation that I had with my friend Doug, about the cost of what went missing… I was off by about $275.00. Shows you that you forget what you spend over time.
Some of this gear I already own today, and is redundant to what I have in my Bug Out Bag already, and has just been sitting around waiting for a use. Some of it I have to order. As you may gather, it is going to be some time before I order everything up I need. I’ll end up spending about $300.00 on gear. The question, I need to ask myself is. What of these items is ABSOLUTELY essential, and what can I do without to save money, and to still feel/be prepared to get home if I have to?
This was the preliminary list I put together this week… Next I make a futile call to Vista Parking to see where they got with the stolen items. I can tell you where, before I even call, but need to do the follow — up anyway…
Sorry to hear about your BOB„,that had to leave a sick feeling in your stomach ..it would mine
Darrell, Thanks. The sick feeling came when I realized my address was on an envelope I left in the truck… That was the sick feeling. The sick feeling was going as fast as the law would allow on the highway not getting home fast enough to see what might have happened in my home. The equipment can be replaced, even though I was pissed off. The next Get Home Bag is going to be a more scaled down version I think after more thought. Not full MREs, just a few main meals, and the essentials, and a couple of extras…
Wow, that really does add up! Now that you know what you’re replacing, perhaps you can file a claim with your auto-insurance or even your apartment insurance.
Well, I would if both my deductibles were under $500.00. Unfortunately, they are both at that number. Live and learn…
hey im in northern nj too and just started to read all your posts.
i just bought a tad gear litespeed pack for my urban ghb.
it should be coming in the mail thursday — if youre interested i can give you a review of it also.
just curious, how is that survival get together that you attend?
Jonathan, thanks for reading! I looked up your pack. I find it interesting that it clips to the the back of a MOLLE vest, and does not have shoulder straps. I am wondering how much of a load it can carry. Unless I found the wrong one, of course, I would love to hear about it once you have it.
As for the group, we meet once a month to chat about different areas of prepping… I like to connect with others that are prepping. There is always so much to learn.
http://www.tripleaughtdesign.com/Equipment/Bags-And-Packs
I bought the litespeed version.
It holds 21 liters.
The bag is one of the strongest and best built bag that I have ever seen.
Thanks for the information on your prep group — I may hold off on the group and take some classes first.