Not that I'm an expert...but...
Buy a FoodSaver from Atilla. Pack everything in FoodSaver bags. The biggest problem with packing and long term storage is moisture and oxygen. Both of these are taken care of by the FoodSaver.
Nothing in any of the previous post is going to be useful if it is soaked. Also, removing all the air reduces the amount of space required for packing (especially for clothes).
I also have to agree about knowing what these packs are really for. In my area most common need for emergency supplies is for either floods or wildfires. That means, for me, keeping eveything dry and accessible at all times. Also, it means packing items not to 'survive', but to 'live' in some comfort for a few days in a 'public' shelter (basicaly a "Grab and Run Bag").
Not that "survial" gear wouldn't be useful, but what is really necessary (and, I think, the origin of this post) is something to grab when the police cruise down your street announcing a 'mandatory evacuation' to the local Red Cross shelter. Given that, I think some of the "creature comfort" items would not be out of the question.
Having said all that, and given my anticipated cicrcumstances, I would add an airline type floatation device (CO2 inflatable with water activated strobe beacon) per person and make sure everything is waterproof. Also, some type of shami (sp?) and a change of clothes (from a waterproof pack) to dry off and change would also be a big plus (water on the inside saves...water on the outside kills). I would also have a double or triple-trunk scanner ready to go at all times. Additionally, I would probably add local and regional maps from AAA as well as USGS maps.
The only other thing I would add is to learn some basic knots and ropework. A very good book is "The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots and Ropework" (HH, Budworth, 0-681-6064-0). The ones I highly recommend are: double constrictor (makes a wicked turnicut), any of the sheet bends, half blood, Pursik (single or double), water bowline (if you really need to know a bowline), adjustable loop, Poldo tackle (using an angler's loop and also makes a wicked turnicut), and Trucker's hitch (although I don't like Budworth's version). Also note that a bar of Ivory soap is very useful as a dry lubricant with rope, line, and everything else.
I would also agree that there are several 'levels' of survival that need to be considered before anything is packed. For my family, as I mentioned above, there is the 'grab and run' bag that everyone should have, but there is also a need for travel and long term survival items that others in this post have mentioned and should be packed and ready to go also. These should be in a vehicle at all times or readily accessible in case of a necessarilly quick departure. Although as all else is critical for long term 'solidtary' survival, the 'grab and run' bag is really the day-to-day "suvival" bag when evacuation is necessary and eminant.
Buy a FoodSaver from Atilla. Pack everything in FoodSaver bags. The biggest problem with packing and long term storage is moisture and oxygen. Both of these are taken care of by the FoodSaver.
Nothing in any of the previous post is going to be useful if it is soaked. Also, removing all the air reduces the amount of space required for packing (especially for clothes).
I also have to agree about knowing what these packs are really for. In my area most common need for emergency supplies is for either floods or wildfires. That means, for me, keeping eveything dry and accessible at all times. Also, it means packing items not to 'survive', but to 'live' in some comfort for a few days in a 'public' shelter (basicaly a "Grab and Run Bag").
Not that "survial" gear wouldn't be useful, but what is really necessary (and, I think, the origin of this post) is something to grab when the police cruise down your street announcing a 'mandatory evacuation' to the local Red Cross shelter. Given that, I think some of the "creature comfort" items would not be out of the question.
Having said all that, and given my anticipated cicrcumstances, I would add an airline type floatation device (CO2 inflatable with water activated strobe beacon) per person and make sure everything is waterproof. Also, some type of shami (sp?) and a change of clothes (from a waterproof pack) to dry off and change would also be a big plus (water on the inside saves...water on the outside kills). I would also have a double or triple-trunk scanner ready to go at all times. Additionally, I would probably add local and regional maps from AAA as well as USGS maps.
The only other thing I would add is to learn some basic knots and ropework. A very good book is "The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots and Ropework" (HH, Budworth, 0-681-6064-0). The ones I highly recommend are: double constrictor (makes a wicked turnicut), any of the sheet bends, half blood, Pursik (single or double), water bowline (if you really need to know a bowline), adjustable loop, Poldo tackle (using an angler's loop and also makes a wicked turnicut), and Trucker's hitch (although I don't like Budworth's version). Also note that a bar of Ivory soap is very useful as a dry lubricant with rope, line, and everything else.
I would also agree that there are several 'levels' of survival that need to be considered before anything is packed. For my family, as I mentioned above, there is the 'grab and run' bag that everyone should have, but there is also a need for travel and long term survival items that others in this post have mentioned and should be packed and ready to go also. These should be in a vehicle at all times or readily accessible in case of a necessarilly quick departure. Although as all else is critical for long term 'solidtary' survival, the 'grab and run' bag is really the day-to-day "suvival" bag when evacuation is necessary and eminant.
