Gazrok
A True Doomsday Prepper
In repacking my BOB over the weekend, this occurred to me. HOW you pack things is sometimes just as important as WHAT you pack. This is especially true when your pack is sitting in your truck all day, in the Florida heat.
Examples:
Batteries and Electronics - Batteries should be stored OUT of the devices they will power. Over time, they can leak, corrode, etc. and if in a device, can then destroy the device as well. Ideally, getting some 80db rated Faraday bags aren't a bad idea, if one of your worries is an EMP attack.
Ration Bars, Crackers, etc. - So, these became a powdery mess the first time I did a repack (ages ago). Now, they are in small tupperware style containers (Dollar store). Keeps them from being smashed.
Freeze-Dried Meals - I put these in Ziploc freezer bags, just to help keep them from getting punctured, etc. by other items in the pack. It also helps with an extra layer of waterproofing. Ziploc bags are great for all kinds of things in your pack (though I recommend the freezer ones, because they are thicker and stronger).
Matches, Fire Stuff - I put these in a super Altoids (mints) tin, to stay dry, and intact. These tins are handy for all kinds of things in your pack.
Ammo - Simply put, you need some kind of container for this. I'm just sporting a small caliber pistol, so I can carry a LOT of ammo for it. I've actually got this in a few different containers, a small amount that is easy to get to while wearing the pack, and a larger amount within the pack.
Right after the HOW though, is the WHERE.
One reason I periodically go through the pack, is to not just throw out stuff that went bad, or see what may be missing, but to just re-familiarize myself on WHERE everything is in the pack. I have a LOT of little supplies in it, so knowing where something is, is key. I try to group items by function when I can. You may find another system that works for you. So having different pockets helps (a medical pocket, a food area, fire-making, etc.). Whatever method works for YOU, as you'll be the one who needs to find things.
Examples:
Batteries and Electronics - Batteries should be stored OUT of the devices they will power. Over time, they can leak, corrode, etc. and if in a device, can then destroy the device as well. Ideally, getting some 80db rated Faraday bags aren't a bad idea, if one of your worries is an EMP attack.
Ration Bars, Crackers, etc. - So, these became a powdery mess the first time I did a repack (ages ago). Now, they are in small tupperware style containers (Dollar store). Keeps them from being smashed.
Freeze-Dried Meals - I put these in Ziploc freezer bags, just to help keep them from getting punctured, etc. by other items in the pack. It also helps with an extra layer of waterproofing. Ziploc bags are great for all kinds of things in your pack (though I recommend the freezer ones, because they are thicker and stronger).
Matches, Fire Stuff - I put these in a super Altoids (mints) tin, to stay dry, and intact. These tins are handy for all kinds of things in your pack.
Ammo - Simply put, you need some kind of container for this. I'm just sporting a small caliber pistol, so I can carry a LOT of ammo for it. I've actually got this in a few different containers, a small amount that is easy to get to while wearing the pack, and a larger amount within the pack.
Right after the HOW though, is the WHERE.
One reason I periodically go through the pack, is to not just throw out stuff that went bad, or see what may be missing, but to just re-familiarize myself on WHERE everything is in the pack. I have a LOT of little supplies in it, so knowing where something is, is key. I try to group items by function when I can. You may find another system that works for you. So having different pockets helps (a medical pocket, a food area, fire-making, etc.). Whatever method works for YOU, as you'll be the one who needs to find things.
. Red for First Aid, Green for Food, Blue for Hygiene and Yellow for 'stuff' It works well and I don't have to fight so much to find things.
