Let's build a 72 hour bag...

[Subie J]

Deck of playing cards might be a nice thing to throw in as well.

Dollar store usually has them for a buck or under.

[Elbows]

Funny you should mention that because I was going to consider tossing in a book or something - but yeah, playing cards might be ideal - also can be used for a variety of other tasks too.

I may include a colouring book and some crayons for my bro and his sis' bag - they have a 4 year old son.

For someone making one bag, you can definitely go with some more spendy, high-speed solutions. I know my personal kit is a bit more expensive, but I assembled most of it when money was no object. I'm not necessarily skimping on my family bags, but I'll leave it to them to flush it out or change things as needed.

My bag would have my Tops Prybar Knife, probably a spare ESEE etc. But I'm not dumping $200 worth of knives into each of these bags! I did end up ordering some emergency water rations (comes in a sealed bag). Just a couple. I'll brief the family members that in the dire emergency - especially if leaving a house, just grab another bag/backpack and toss as much food and water into it as you can.

Perhaps ask them to all keep a few gallons of water standing by with the bag in a closet or something.

PS: Yes, I am including some paper/markers/pens in the bag.

[climbingcue]

I picked up the same 1st aid kit as you did from Wallyworld, thank you for posting the idea. I had a number of items from when I used to go camping. Just pulled it all together and updated some if the items and placed them in a bag. This thread is the reason I did it, so thank you.

Bill

[Elbows]

The silly thing is that while I have all my own junk...I don't have a bag prepared. I'm hoping this'll encourage me to even finish my own!

[GreenandChrome]

I would also throw in some zip-ties. Lightweight, can double as a shoelace, almost as versatile as duct tape. Spend a little bit more for the reuseable ones.

Get a few big ones that could double as a tourniquet. Or riot cuffs.

[Amsterdam087]

Good stuff in here, dude. Nice work!

[Elbows]

I would also throw in some zip-ties. Lightweight, can double as a shoelace, almost as versatile as duct tape. Spend a little bit more for the reuseable ones.

Get a few big ones that could double as a tourniquet. Or riot cuffs.

Yessir, zipties are on my list. I have a bag of them somewhere, but I'll probably go for re-usable ones like you said. Got my paracord in today. The list is thinning.

[GreenandChrome]

Yessir, zipties are on my list. I have a bag of them somewhere, but I'll probably go for re-usable ones like you said. Got my paracord in today. The list is thinning.

what color of paracord did you get? i'm in a quandry if i want ACU digi camo, or OD green. I just thought of using some paracord for shoe laces in my hiking boots. Hmmm....

For the toiletries, I'm just going to hit the travel bins at a drugstore or target. Haven't decided on a 1st Aid kit yet. With some items that come in packs (blankets, etc), it's not too hard to scale up to do 2 bags. I also am building up my camping/hiking gear, so some items I can use for both.

Here's my work-in-progress list, priced from Amazon.com:
Item / Cost
Bag 75 (est) (hey, I like backpacks)
Flashlight 16.19
Radio 29.85
Batteries
Whistle (5in1) 3.79
Dust mask (10pk) 15.59
Pocket knife (VSA Super Tinker) 19.97
Water
Food
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Floss
Water purification 5.7
Compass 6.41
Toilet paper
Matches (2x25) 6.4
Emergency blanket (10pk) 8.16
Duct tape 7.5
Contractor garbage bags (20pk) 19.99
Glow Sticks (12pk) 10.99

Total: $150-ish

[Elbows]

I went with the Rotcho 100' from Amazon, and just clicked through the colours till I found a cheap one, which was Coyote Brown.

[Elbows]

Update:

Picked up the following for each bag.

x2 Sharpie Markers
x2 BIC Mechanical pencils
x1 Moleskin small journal (paper source for notes, etc.)
x1 50x60" Blanket
x1 3-Pack of Gum
x1 Bottle of Isopropyl alcohol
x1 Coleman camping set for 2 (may trim this down from the stuff provided to minimize it...actually not a very impressive kit upon inspection)

Adding quite a bit of stuff to my first plans, the bags will probably total up close to $250 by the time I get the rations put in --- about the only thing left are rations and zip-ties....then the bags are good to go. I'll order some rations soon, and then post final pics. It looks like everything will fit so far, which is nice. I'm going to use the blanket folded in a "U" shape inside to pad everything (including the wearer's back). I don't expect these to be more than 7-10 lbs a piece.

[Elbows]

Update:

Ordered a 36-count box of MayDay 1200 Calorie ration bars. $94 shipped (not bad for a 24 lb. box!)

Will toss 2-3 per person in the bags, and keep the rest secured with me (possible hand out some more to my folks or brother). Between the zip-ties and flares, I'm basically done. May run over to Home Depot just to put the final touch on the bags and be done with them tonight. Then pictures, and assembly.

Edit: Picked up road flares, and zipties, for a total of $10 per bag (3-pack of 15-minute road flares,a nd a 20-pk of 14" zip ties)

[Elbows]

Only missing the ration bars, and some extra spare bags...and the guide sheet which I'll be including.

Total cost is somewhere between $220-250 for the bag and all components. The end result of ordering some stuff in bulk is that I have about 40% of the items for a 4th bag which I'll roll over into my own surplus, so the pricing comes out a bit iffy. But, this could easily be cut down to sub-$200 without question.

[ladykiller]

Where is everyone getting their items from?

Are you getting them from outdoor stores, like Sportsmans and Cabellas, or what?

Thanks!

[Elbows]

Mine was a mix of ebay/amazon (for bulk items), and Wal-Mart. You could probably get all of it at a place like Cabelas, though you may spend a little more. My Wal-Mart items could have been found for a bit cheaper online if I hadn't simply been in Wal-Mart.

[GreenandChrome]

Where is everyone getting their items from?

Are you getting them from outdoor stores, like Sportsmans and Cabellas, or what?

Thanks!

I'm going to use amazon/target/walmart for the consumables/commodities like first aid, water, etc. Wherever is cheapest and easily available.

For core survival items like knives, food, etc., I'll use REI/Amazon or similar.

[GTI_2.0T]

This thread inspired me to get cracking on an emergency bag for my wife and me. Picked up the bulk of the supplies this afternoon. Still trying to decide what we should do for food/rations.

Here's where we're at so far:


2300ci Internal Frame Pack

Shelter
8x10 Tarp
Fleece Blanket
Space Blankets
Tent Stakes
Bungie Cords
100' Paracord
Ponchos

Water
Katadyn Hiker Microfilter
2 32oz Nalgene Bottles

Fire
Waterproof Matches
Lighters
Candles

First Aid
First Aid Kit
Quick Clot Sponge

Hygiene
Clean Wipes
Toilet Paper
Camp Towel
Socks
Extra Glasses
Tissues

Tools/Misc
Gerber Profile Knife
Multitool
Whistle
Compass
Mirror
2D Maglite
Flares
Batteries



Still to be added:
Food/associated utensils/heating
Magnesium start and kindling
Isopropyl Alcohol
N95 masks
Soap/toothpaste & brushes/floss
Additional flashlight
Additional blade
Maps
Chem sticks
Tape
Markers/pencils
Zip ties
Copies of identification
Dog supplies/info

I can take photos as I get more together and assembled, if anyone cares to see it anyways...

[Elbows]

I delivered the bags to my mother/father, and my bro and his soon-to-be-wife. My sis and her soon-to-be-husband will get theirs in June.

The stuff I got just barely fits in the 2000* (EDITED) CI pack I got for them. However, neither of the pairs really dedicated time to space management. The box of MayDay 1200-calorie ration bars show up - very small, but relatively heavy (maybe .7 lbs. each).

I'll be building my own bag shortly. I already have all of the supplies, but not a bag. I'll invest in a smaller standard pack (probably 1700-1800 Cubic inches) and then add large MOLLE/MALICE pouches for additional stuff (allowing me to trim the bag down for short trips).

My family was pretty stoked. My folks had been planning/discussing building just such a bag. The overall bag weight is okay for biking, maybe a bit heavy for hiking. This is where higher-dollar light weight true hiking/camping gear could come in handy. There is no doubt some wasted space and weight in the "cheap" 72 hour bag.

My bag's contents will be a bit trimmed down vs. a 2-person pack. Also, I did invest in a bunch of Maxpedition cuboids a while back, so they allow me to easily separate types of gear within the bag. Pretty handy.



EDIT: I just looked it up, and the Kelty Shrike 32's I bought for the bags are 2000 CI bags, so perhaps I'll go with something around 2000-2500 and be good to go. Been lookin' at some Snugpaks as well. Will update with a comprehensive bag build when I build my own. The "gift" bags are done though, and good to go.

[personman]

Deck of playing cards might be a nice thing to throw in as well.

Dollar store usually has them for a buck or under.

Does anyone know if these are useful for anything other than just playing cards?

http://www.campingsurvival.com/surplaycar.html

I know with the edible plants one I'd still probably end up poisoning myself.

[gotta_jet]

Does anyone know if these are useful for anything other than just playing cards?

http://www.campingsurvival.com/surplaycar.html

I know with the edible plants one I'd still probably end up poisoning myself.

They're good for letting charlie know who did it.

[Elbows]

Info is never a bad thing. I have this "know everything" book basically a super-duper reference guide I picked up, which will probably end up in my bag. I mean it covers...EVERYTHING. You want to know what colour wires are coded for industrial construction? It'll tell you...how to filet a fish using a spoon? Done. International abbreviations for airports? Done.

It's a silly cool book, and might be worthwhile.

[VILESTENCH]

I'm going to use amazon/target/walmart for the consumables/commodities like first aid, water, etc. Wherever is cheapest and easily available.

For core survival items like knives, food, etc., I'll use REI/Amazon or similar.

Target has that whole section of travel-sized crap, too.

edit: I might toss a fire starter in the bag, too, just in case something happens to the matches/lighters.

[abeR]

and superglue / liquid bandage



easiest way to close a small wound and prevent infection while out camping

and a few tampons for making bandages or soaking up any fluids/blood.




if your into that kinda stuff

[John A]

Info is never a bad thing. I have this "know everything" book basically a super-duper reference guide I picked up, which will probably end up in my bag. I mean it covers...EVERYTHING. You want to know what colour wires are coded for industrial construction? It'll tell you...how to filet a fish using a spoon? Done. International abbreviations for airports? Done.

It's a silly cool book, and might be worthwhile.

Pocket-Ref!

http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Ref-Tho.../dp/1885071000

[Elbows]

Yep, that's the one.

[Elbows]

Okay, someone point me in the direction of a "Grey man"-ish rugged pack, around 2200 for cheap....time to finally assemble my own bag...rather than stare at all of the stuff in a box!

[Vee-Dubber-GLI]

Okay, someone point me in the direction of a "Grey man"-ish rugged pack, around 2200 for cheap....time to finally assemble my own bag...rather than stare at all of the stuff in a box!

Kelty, Osprey, REI packs come in neutral earth tones but are civvie/non-tactical packs. The Kelty green is a nice hunter green and their ocean greay is nice as well.

[Elbows]

Yeah, I'm been scouring the REI outlets like I did for the other bags - just not as much luck this time around. I found a great Snugpak model, but it's only available from Botach who are up there with Optics Planet as far as lying about stock...

EDIT: Ordered the Snugpak Sleeka from Botach, but via their Ebay store (which hopefully means they do have it in stock). $55 shipped is hard to beat for a decent 35L bag. I'll be curious to see the quality though, as Snugpak used to be amazing, but may be less so now.

Will post up when it shows.

[Vee-Dubber-GLI]

Yeah, I'm been scouring the REI outlets like I did for the other bags - just not as much luck this time around. I found a great Snugpak model, but it's only available from Botach who are up there with Optics Planet as far as lying about stock...

EDIT: Ordered the Snugpak Sleeka from Botach, but via their Ebay store (which hopefully means they do have it in stock). $55 shipped is hard to beat for a decent 35L bag. I'll be curious to see the quality though, as Snugpak used to be amazing, but may be less so now.

Will post up when it shows.

Nice! I've been looking at the Snugpak Xocet on eBay as well. However, I upgraded to a smaller bag for my BOB; went from a giant ALICE style pack to an Eberlestock X3. Great size, love the scabbard, and their Dry Earth color is pretty nice as well. It does lean on the tactical side, but I'll work on a more 'grey-ish' setup as well.

[Elbows]

Yeah, unfortunately the Snugpak is in Coyote, so I'm not entirely as Grey-Man as I was hoping. That may be rectified later. Right now though I only have a few small Kelty day-packs which couldn't really handle the duty if needed.

I am ordering another one of those 29" Hawkepaks though, and I'm beginning to consider building that into a rifle/BOB...since it's plenty large enough to carry all of the 72 hour kit...AND a rifle/handgun and ammunition.

I do have two of these coming from 762 Tactical also:

http://762tactical.com/pouches/aqua-bandito.html

They'll be modded into super-micro bail out bags. Water, a large pouch with a few ration bars, flashlight and that's about it. Basically additional grab-n-go stuff I'd throw at anyone who wasn't carrying something. Maybe make one into a local (short distance) BOB for the car, instead of bringing the big sucker locally. Basically if my car broke down and I had to walk a few miles to a gas station, etc. Just some water, maybe a marker, and paper, etc. We shall see. They're experimental.

[Vee-Dubber-GLI]

Yeah, unfortunately the Snugpak is in Coyote, so I'm not entirely as Grey-Man as I was hoping. That may be rectified later. Right now though I only have a few small Kelty day-packs which couldn't really handle the duty if needed.

I am ordering another one of those 29" Hawkepaks though, and I'm beginning to consider building that into a rifle/BOB...since it's plenty large enough to carry all of the 72 hour kit...AND a rifle/handgun and ammunition.

I do have two of these coming from 762 Tactical also:

http://762tactical.com/pouches/aqua-bandito.html

They'll be modded into super-micro bail out bags. Water, a large pouch with a few ration bars, flashlight and that's about it. Basically additional grab-n-go stuff I'd throw at anyone who wasn't carrying something. Maybe make one into a local (short distance) BOB for the car, instead of bringing the big sucker locally. Basically if my car broke down and I had to walk a few miles to a gas station, etc. Just some water, maybe a marker, and paper, etc. We shall see. They're experimental.

PM headed your way regarding Hawkepaks and your input. I like the idea of the Aqua Banditos, I've been trying to find one for my bag, to attach to waistbelt. I've noticed Coyote Brown isnt too tactical as it seems most ppl see it as hiking gear or outdoor gear; now when it's covered in MOLLE/PALS webbing, that may raidse some eyebrows.