Summer Survival Go bag

[UsedLuxury]

My wife has decided she is now the proud owner of my 80 and is starting to take it out on her own with my son. As of now she is keeping the trips short and close to home but I know my wife and this will be short lived.
I would like to put together an emergency bag for 3 people that is geared towards our very pleasant summers. The scope would be basic items to keep 3 people alive for 2 days. I'd like to keep it simple and stock it with items that can handle being in a hot environment. I've already looked into common kits people have but wanted to get input from you guys.

 

[ARJMN]

Here are my thoughts, and what I keep in my rig.

1. Water - For survival, I carry a half gallon per person per day. I have a 5 gallon jerry on the swing out that I keep full for me and my dog. That gives me 4-5 days of water for just drinking and light washing. When I have more people or a longer trip, I carry a second 5 gallon jerry.

2. Basic first aid - I used to be very diligent about this, but have gone a bit lax if I am honest. I carry basic first aid and and light trauma supplies. Scraps, bruisers, cuts, and the like are easy to cover with antiseptic, gauze, bandages, and OTC meds. I did add forceps, hair picks, and clean rags to my kit to handle cactus events. Beyond that I have looked into some of the snake bite kits, but generally found professional opinion to be avoidance and immediate treatment for snake bites.

3. Shelter - If you can stay in the car, you are better off than being outside, but I always keep space(foil) blankets in the rig and in my go bags. A hot day can flip to a brisk night in just a few hours, so make sure you can cover the whole range of temps on your journey. I have seen a 42 degree swing at my house and once had a 57 degree drop in Moab from mid afternoon to early evening.

4. Food - I always have a few Mountain House meals packed away in the back of my drawers. They keep forever, are not affected by heat, and are pretty darn tasty assuming you can boil water. If not, fill them up and lay them on your hot engine. They will warm up to be pretty good in about 15-20 minutes. Worst case, give them time to hydrate and eat them cold. If you get to that point, you will gobble them down.

5. Comms - Cell phone, beacon, sat phone, HAM Radio, or simply letting someone know where you are going and when to expect you back.

6. Protection - I always carry one of my 9mm pistols in the rig just in case my wits are not enough and I need to GTFO of a bad situation. Always do all you can to avoid ever getting to this point. Up to you what you think on this one, but I am a 2A supporter and exercise my right to carry .

 

[UsedLuxury]

I had not considered evening temp drops. Ill make sure to add some Mylar blankets into the kit.

 

[splitshot]

A solar panel and a small Li-Ion powered converter is handy to keep everything charged and not drain the vehicle battery.

 

[GBinAZ]

Since you would be in your 80, all of the above plus:

Basic set of metric tools

A solid knife

Sharp hatchet

2 Bic lighters

A short shovel

Plastic tarp

Paracord

Toilette paper

Wet wipes/soft wipes

Head lamp, 1 per person if possible

 

[JunkCrzr89]

Canned food, water, some tools, something to start fire with, and always pick up a case of beer and some ice before you leave town.

 

[UsedLuxury]

always pick up a case of beer and some ice before you leave town.

Finally some practical advice.

Since you would be in your 80, all of the above plus:

Basic set of metric tools

A solid knife

Sharp hatchet

2 Bic lighters

A short shovel

Plastic tarp

Paracord

Toilette paper

Wet wipes/soft wipes

Head lamp, 1 per person if possible

Most of this I plan on having in the 80 full time. Just need to figure out how to store it.

 

[LongDuck]

How reasonable is your wife-unit? Honest answers will help you decide what she might need in the event she's stuck out somewhere without you. All the best tools and equipment on hand are useless if she's unable to make effective use of them. Even changing a tire on these rigs with 35s takes some forethought, strength and skill.

I guess my point would be more around advice;
A) Never let her leave without giving you a copy of a MARKED map where she's going. Even if she gets lost along the trail, at least you have a search radius and direction.
2) Be sure she knows to NEVER leave the vehicle if she's stranded. Vehicles can be seen for miles from the air; people, not so much. Nobody hikes out without a lot of experience or luck on their side...
III) Water is crucial - I think the saying goes, 7 weeks without food, 7 days without water, 7 minutes without air, maybe less in the middle of summer in the middle of nowhere.
Four) Go with her.

Not to be a naysayer or sexist, but there are very few 4×4 ladies out there. Those that are have dedicated themselves to learning about their rigs, the land, and camping skills to be prepared, and they have my respect. My own wife-unit would be a basket case out there alone in the dark, and I realize not all are that way.

Case in point; my wife-unit was a pilot when we met, but has a horrendous time navigating maps!

 

[Somebodyelse5]

Finally some practical advice.

Most of this I plan on having in the 80 full time. Just need to figure out how to store it.

The Landshark Outfitter drawers are in stock again Ordered a single drawer for my 80 yesterday.

@ARJMN's list is pretty solid. Depending on where it is you are going, it's definitely a good idea to be armed. I've had some pretty scary run ins out there and am grateful things deescalated.. one time the sheriff saved the day from coyotes shooting it out, that raptor was a cool truck and I'm pretty sure a UH60 Blackhawk was chasing a little Cessna 142... crazy stuff.

I like to toss in a small bag of hard candy, jolly ranchers work, when shtf you would be amazed how much something sweet does to boost morale.

@UsedLuxury To add, I once camped at Saguaro lake in a hammock in June... I froze my butt off that night. Was not expecting that considering it was 110deg days.


And I am now a HAM radio nerd because of @LongDuck , so, I never leave home with out my radio

 

[-Spike-]

Cut your plans back to surviving one night. Warm clothing, water, snacks (things that last forever, like granola bars). Anything more than that is too complicated and not realistic long term.

Get a Garmin InReach or similar satellite texting device, to ensure one night is all they will have to endure.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

Cut your plans back to surviving one night. Warm clothing, water, snacks. Anything more than that is too complicated and not realistic long term.

Get a Garmin InReach or similar satellite texting device, to ensure one night is all they will have to endure.

Asking for a friend..... can you send noods with the satellite texting device?

 

[-Spike-]

Asking for a friend..... can you send noods with the satellite texting device?

wtf are... oh. No.

 

[LongDuck]

If she could, the rescue might arrive a little faster!

 

[UsedLuxury]

How reasonable is your wife-unit? Honest answers will help you decide what she might need in the event she's stuck out somewhere without you. All the best tools and equipment on hand are useless if she's unable to make effective use of them. Even changing a tire on these rigs with 35s takes some forethought, strength and skill.

I guess my point would be more around advice;
A) Never let her leave without giving you a copy of a MARKED map where she's going. Even if she gets lost along the trail, at least you have a search radius and direction.
2) Be sure she knows to NEVER leave the vehicle if she's stranded. Vehicles can be seen for miles from the air; people, not so much. Nobody hikes out without a lot of experience or luck on their side...
III) Water is crucial - I think the saying goes, 7 weeks without food, 7 days without water, 7 minutes without air, maybe less in the middle of summer in the middle of nowhere.
Four) Go with her.

Not to be a naysayer or sexist, but there are very few 4×4 ladies out there. Those that are have dedicated themselves to learning about their rigs, the land, and camping skills to be prepared, and they have my respect. My own wife-unit would be a basket case out there alone in the dark, and I realize not all are that way.

Case in point; my wife-unit was a pilot when we met, but has a horrendous time navigating maps!

She probably wouldn't be capable of any major trail repairs on the rig but she could asses her situation and work through the best course of action. With basic training on the proper use of the supplies at hand I think she can mange.
She does have issues with land nav, we are working on getting that skill built up. Her skills in the rig are limited which keeps her in well trafficked areas and she is very good at avoiding situations that require more skill.

The Landshark Outfitter drawers are in stock again Ordered a single drawer for my 80 yesterday.

@ARJMN's list is pretty solid. Depending on where it is you are going, it's definitely a good idea to be armed. I've had some pretty scary run ins out there and am grateful things deescalated.. one time the sheriff saved the day from coyotes shooting it out, that raptor was a cool truck and I'm pretty sure a UH60 Blackhawk was chasing a little Cessna 142... crazy stuff.

I like to toss in a small bag of hard candy, jolly ranchers work, when shtf you would be amazed how much something sweet does to boost morale.

@UsedLuxury To add, I once camped at Saguaro lake in a hammock in June... I froze my butt off that night. Was not expecting that considering it was 110deg days.


And I am now a HAM radio nerd because of @LongDuck , so, I never leave home with out my radio

As the great Mr. Rogers said, "Stay strapped or get clapped". She also takes a radio out that has all the east valley repeaters on it as well as the GMRS channels/repeaters.

Cut your plans back to surviving one night. Warm clothing, water, snacks (things that last forever, like granola bars). Anything more than that is too complicated and not realistic long term.

Get a Garmin InReach or similar satellite texting device, to ensure one night is all they will have to endure.

@richardlillard1 had said the same thing while I was at his shop. I will definitely do this soon.

 

[LongDuck]

Great that she has onboard comms; does she know how to use them? Even if you do an impromptu "field day" with her operating as your remote station on simplex to get her used to the radio, that might be a life saver. Keep in mind, FCC CFR Part 97, specifically 97.403 and 97.405a, which give her free reign to make CQ calls until the battery is dead if she's in distress;

"First and foremost, in a situation involving the immediate safety of life and/or the immediate protection of property, and where no normal means of communication are available, the rules permit amateurs to use any means to send essential information [97.403]. This rule is straightforward and needs little interpretation. If someone's life or property is immediately threatened and no telephone is available, the last thing you want to do is waste precious time worrying about government regulations. But, be prepared in the aftermath of an incident to justify your action in a possible FCC or local law enforcement inquiry. If other means of communication such as an emergency call box telephone or public communication system are available, they should be used first, before "anything goes."

And,...

"...an amateur station in distress [is not prohibited from using] any means at its disposal to attract attention, make known its condition and location, and obtain assistance" [97.405(a)]. Also, it states that an amateur station may use any means of radio communication at its disposal to assist another station in distress.

Good info for all HAMs to keep in mind, 'when all else fails.'

 

[UsedLuxury]

Great that she has onboard comms; does she know how to use them? Even if you do an impromptu "field day" with her operating as your remote station on simplex to get her used to the radio, that might be a life saver. Keep in mind, FCC CFR Part 97, specifically 97.403 and 97.405a, which give her free reign to make CQ calls until the battery is dead if she's in distress;

"First and foremost, in a situation involving the immediate safety of life and/or the immediate protection of property, and where no normal means of communication are available, the rules permit amateurs to use any means to send essential information [97.403]. This rule is straightforward and needs little interpretation. If someone's life or property is immediately threatened and no telephone is available, the last thing you want to do is waste precious time worrying about government regulations. But, be prepared in the aftermath of an incident to justify your action in a possible FCC or local law enforcement inquiry. If other means of communication such as an emergency call box telephone or public communication system are available, they should be used first, before "anything goes."

And,...

"...an amateur station in distress [is not prohibited from using] any means at its disposal to attract attention, make known its condition and location, and obtain assistance" [97.405(a)]. Also, it states that an amateur station may use any means of radio communication at its disposal to assist another station in distress.

Good info for all HAMs to keep in mind, 'when all else fails.'

I plan on doing a "field day" soon with her and my son. I have 3 HTs that are all set up the same with 2 "family channels". I don't have a ham license so using the repeaters for no emergencies is a no go as of now. They are cheap little 5 watt units so i'm not worried about anyone telling the FCC on me when we are in remote area.

Her and my son both know that all FCC rules go out the window when they are in trouble and to call out to anyone that can hear them.
I'm considering doing a GMRS license because it will cover the entire family and has a pretty vast userbase in the outdoor activity realm.

 

[LongDuck]

Excuse me, Sir - can I interest you in a HAM radio Technician license?

(*Kidding, but it's not that hard to get legal. Ask me how! PM)

 

[Stepmurr]

Excuse me, Sir - can I interest you in a HAM radio Technician license?

 

[jahawk]

My daughter is headed out on a five week trip with her GX470 pulling a Base Camp. We just worked through what you currently are. The only thing I have to add to the great advice above is tire issues. She needs to know how to plug a tire, run the air compressor, throw the spare on, etc. Tires can be an issue.

Jim

 

[Somebodyelse5]

A spare 3F might be s good idea to pack