"Always be prepared." Any other Boy Scouts?

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MTMilitiaman

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I was a Cub Scout growing up. Made it through Webelos before my Scout meetings began to conflict with my church schedule and my mom made me drop out. One of the lessons that stuck with me is being prepared. I've always liked pants with pockets, and currently run cargos almost exclusively specifically because they have more pockets. I will have a small multitool, a CRKT M21 or OKC RAT3, a Fenix white light, and lighter in addition to cell phone, keys, and wallet on me, at all times. If I am not at work I will also carry my Glock 20 and an extra mag.
I also have a Camelbak HAWG with a 3L hydration system. I call it my "purse," though most would know it as an EDC pack or first level bugout bag. It consists primarily of three Pelican 1050 waterproof cases. The bottom two are wrapped in a beanie and a balaclava or hood, which keeps them from knocking together too harshly. The bottom one is a basic survival kit with a compass, fire starter, waterproof matches, ect. The next one is a first aid kit, separate from the trauma kit strapped to the front of the kit. The first aid kit has mole skin, Band Aids, pain reliever, tweezers, ect. The trauma kit has a pressure bandage, tourniquet, ect. The third container has extra batteries, charging cords for cell phone and lights, aux cable, and a head lamp.
8U8ubIL.jpg

Also included is a small notebook or binder with a pen and pencil, some p-cord, a couple large heavy-duty garbage bags, a spare 30 round P-mag for the AR-15 as well as an Otis cleaning kit, some stripper clips, and a stripper clip guide, a small screwdriver set, a small waterproof container with hearing protection and other small items, including a backup lighter, a boonie cap, work gloves, and some wool socks (which may be removed, seasonally), a Benchmade Arvensis and a Griptilian folder, a SOG multitool, a Gerber folding saw, and a folding knife sharpener, and some electrical tape. Several items, such as the little cylindrical case for the waterproof matches, are strategically wrapped in duct tape.
Whenever my friends or family need something, they ask me. There can be five of us in a room and if someone needs a flashlight to find a flashlight (I hate that) or a pair of fingernail clippers (yes, I got those) they may say "does someone have..." but they and everyone else in the room is looking at me. Any other Boy Scouts that insist on being prepared for the Zombie Apocalypse?
 
I would throw in there some snare wire and animal traps water purification tablets, pots&pans,.......22 would be nice for dispaching small game and crossbow would be nice to dispatch game w/o making noise. You could always add supressor to the AR.
 
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I am not sure of what your referencing "be prepared".

SHTF,TEOTWAWKI ?

I see your daily load out as a cross between the 2 above possibilitys.

I was a Boy Scout when it was a organization for normal American boys [ about 1960's ] no longer do they get my charity as they are not what I condone.

But as to my EDC,its a great deal = but not anywhere near your above pic.

Unless you add my vehicle bags to that = then I gottcha.
 
You never know when you're going to need the stuff. You just do. It could be for the Thunderdome, or it could be as mundane as an unexpected night out, whether it is in the woods, or at someone's house.
 
Eagle Scout here (not that means much these days, but it did when I got it.)

I don't carry nearly what some people on the internet do. Goodness gracious.

I carry:
Wallet
Keys
Phone
Lighter
Knife
Carry gun
Spare mag/speed loader
Watch
ETA: I carry a Streamlight flashlight in my pocket.

If I remember:
a few feet of para-cord

It all fits in my regular pockets (I work in a office weekdays, cattle ranch on weekends) and I never use my back pockets.

In my cars I have more stuff but jeez. Where do some of you guys hang out??

Don't misunderstand, I'm not knocking carrying more stuff. More power to everyone and certainly not clowning on the impressive display in the OP.

Its just that for me, personally, I do not see the need to have that much stuff on me at all times.

If I am going places where accidents are either more likely or more difficult to deal with, then yes I have gear for that, but everyday?
I figure and extensive med kit and tool kit in the car is enough addition to EDC.
 
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I have found myself in situations where not having certain relatively simple items made a difficult situation more difficult, or even potentially dangerous. And what is worse is that Murphy rarely gives warning beforehand. And once you do have it, you only have to use it a couple times before its presence seems justified. Quickly you become used to being able to address most situations and after that, you kind of feel naked without it.

And I seriously hate needing a flashlight to find a flashlight...
 
Today one never knows what will happen in near future. While not complete the kit shown in original post is a good start.
 
Eagle scout here. "Always be prepared" is actually the one argument I can use and get through to my mother when discussing that I carry a handgun now. On my person is much more limited from day to day, my work requires that space in my pockets. I do carry an assortment of stuff in my car but in city living I focus more on car care and less on water/shelter. If I'm going cross country I'll throw some more things though.
 
I have found myself in situations where not having certain relatively simple items made a difficult situation more difficult, or even potentially dangerous. And what is worse is that Murphy rarely gives warning beforehand. And once you do have it, you only have to use it a couple times before its presence seems justified. Quickly you become used to being able to address most situations and after that, you kind of feel naked without it.
I think use cases might help a little here.
When I go backpacking or spending time places where the potential stakes warrant the gear (hours from civilization, no cell reception, etc), I take the gear.

I just don't have that kind of demand in my life for that every day.

Different strokes and all that, and I commend the people who bring it all with them.

And I seriously hate needing a flashlight to find a flashlight...
Oh me too.

I forgot to put the light on the list. I always carry one.
 
Life Scout here, and I abide by the rule, but not to that extent. I have a small car bag with the basics, plus a box each of 9mm and .22, along with my normal gear when I go motoring. My 'real' boogie bag is set up more for 'accidental camping' than anything, comfort and convenience stuff mostly.
I always figure my EDC is more than enough considering my local area. Doubt I'd get far humping an AR or riot gun, and with my back and mobility issues, less is more. All I have in my main bag is a 21 round ammo wallet to bolster my spare mag. I have no doubts about my making it back home where the good stuff is. And if not, well, I'll deal with that as it comes.
 
My son made his Eagle - I never made it quite that far... I too believe in being prepared (and have a few war stories about situations where I wasn't prepared at all...). Since I work on the water in a small skiff - and run into the wilderness of the Everglades with customers a lot (and have for more than 22 years now..) I'm always trying to think ahead and try to be set up for all possibilities... What gets me occasionally is something that you never considered... that jumps up and bites you - but that's life.

Being prepared is a good way to go through life - whether you're an apartment dweller - or someone living out on the ragged edge of things. I try to categorize things - a set of considerations for defense both at home or out on the road somewhere (on the water it isn't a consideration since I'm not where there are any people hardly at all...), a set of considerations about equipment condition - for everything you want to do, having a spare part or two - along with the gear needed to install, replace, etc. The list goes on and on. Murphy still rules of course - the one item you need is the one you don't have with you, etc.

Most of my lessons should have come with a box of bandaids since every one of them came with skinned knuckles or other minor consequences...

Being prepared - it's how I live my life... hopefully

Here's a chart of the area I work in... for anyone interested. Yes, there are both crocs and 'gators at the boat ramp most days...
http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/11433.shtml
 
Back to being a college student, there is only so much you can carry without looking like a camper or part of an invasion force. I do carry a few things that would be considered prep, in addition to my EDC on my body.

-Extra holster and mag pouch for my EDC weapon
-Pocket chainsaw
-tourniquet
-First aid kit. A few band aids for small stuff, antibiotic ointment, and quick clot.
-550 cord. Never went anywhere in the military without at least 6 feet. Old habits die hard.
-Depending on my EDC weapon, I might throw an extra magazine in my bag.
-Phone chargers
-Umbrella (I never use) and a rain jacket.
 
I didnt participate in the Scouts, but grew up on the farm learning to "make-do" with what was at hand.
"Making do with what was at hand" meant keep a few things at hand:
SAK Pocketknife
Pliers(or multitool)
Flashlight
Wallet
Handkerchief
I am almost never without any of these.

Just a few nights ago we worked all night. 44hours straight. Only one short nap after dozing off in behind the wheel of the combine.
I said all that to say this.....The world isnt all covered in concrete yet. There are no streetlights out here either. Bad things happen fast. Just a little preparation can make an unexpected event manageable.
A granola bar and a bottleof water is a feast when you're hungry. A flashlight is a necessity if you drop your keys in the woods. A blanket turns your drivers seat into a Motel6. A container of wet wipes is good to have along.
 
Wow, that's a lot of stuff. Good on you.
I already have to carry a good amount of stuff in my backpack for school so I don't think you'd find me lugging all that around.

What I carry basically ensures that I can get back to my apartment where I've got all the good stuff stashed. I'm in pretty good shape so a 10-mile trek isn't bad at all even in boots. That means a knife, keys, wallet, and some Cope if I'm lucky. If I can make it to my car, even better. In my trunk I've basically got everything I need for an impromptu camping trip so I'm pretty well squared away there. Usually a gun or two in there with some ammo. I keep that in there in case I come across any small game/yotes while I'm cruising through public land ;-)

I don't carry a ton of stuff, but I can usually figure something out with what I've got. After all, there were plenty of folks before our time who got by without fancy med kits and a bag full of store-bought tools. I figure everything beyond what I've got is a luxury which isn't worth the hassle for me to tote around with me.

If I expect trouble or it's a long trip however I do carry a more extensive kit...
 
I mostly run toward having spare & extra gear in my veh's. While normally that means being able to survive an unplanned night or couple of days being unable to get home, it gets expanded upon for planned road trips. I'm not going to be walking around carrying a pack on a daily basis, so the gear gets transported in one or another of my veh's.

If I'm just running errands or going to enjoy an afternoon & evening at my cigar club, I carry only enough prep gear and gadgets on my person to get through life's little inconveniences. That usually means some wipes, a powerful mini light, stout pen, 2-3 knives and whatever retirement weapon I'm carrying. For planned adventures with a granddaughter, some extra first aid supplies, gloves and tissues usually get carried in pockets.

FWIW, while I don't mind close friends/peers knowing I may have a knife, light and/or a retirement weapon on my person, I don't like anyone outside of immediate family to know the actual nature and extent of any gear I may keep at hand, nor am I particularly keen on even close friends knowing the extent of what I may be carrying at any particular moment.

I long ago decided I didn't want to automatically be designated as "that guy" within any group, meaning someone everyone else could always feel comfortable thinking they could rely upon for having the tool or gadget to handle some simple task for which they'd intentionally chosen not to prepare themselves. No reason to give anyone more insight into any personal capabilities - or planning/preparedness - than is absolutely necessary ... and it's rarely "absolutely necessary".
 
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@Armored farmer
Same with me learning to jerry-rig stuff on the farm. As they say, "good enough is good enough", right?!

Handkerchief. That's funny. Just started keeping one of them on me when I remember/have a clean one and most folks would be amazed at the usefulness. After a night I spent in the woods of West Illinois I boiled some coffee in a tin can and used my 'chief to filter the grounds into another can :D Countless other times the thing has been just the ticket.
 
Another Eagle here. My EDC is pretty limited, basically a pocket knife, wallet, keys with a Gerber Shard, phone, watch, belt and typically a CC gun. I'll often forget my wallet or phone, sometimes even keys but I don't think I've ever forgotten my knife. I used to carry a small flashlight but since cell phones became popular I've made due with the flash.

My truck however is loaded with enough "Be Prepared" supplies to count as a mini-home away from home.
 
Well, my "be prepared" stuff divides into different categories.

There's the "what I always have on me if I'm dressed", then there's the "what I keep in the truck."

I'm never without a pocket knife, flashlight (a mini-Mag and a little key chain light), butane lighter, bandana, Leatherman tool, and a magnesium fire starter bar that I wear as a key fob. MOST IMPORTANTLY I also have my phone, AAA card, and emergency cash.

Now I use all of these things at least weekly, some things most every day, but of the forty years or thereabouts that I've been driving what do you think I've used the most to get me out of a jam? Flashlight, phone, AAA card, emergency cash, Leatherman tool, and pocket knife in just about that order.

The extra tools and supplies I carry in my truck I have very seldom actually needed, but choose to carry against somewhat nebulous maybe future need. I may never truly need them, but it makes me feel better to have them.

This is stuff like a camp axe, sharpening tools, stout folding shovel, potable water, rifle, ammo, battery powered radio, spare batteries for radio and flashlight, blanket/tarp roll, and so on. Cant remember when ever I've really needed them, but it makes me feel better to have them.
 
@Armored farmer
Same with me learning to jerry-rig stuff on the farm. As they say, "good enough is good enough", right?!

Handkerchief. That's funny. Just started keeping one of them on me when I remember/have a clean one and most folks would be amazed at the usefulness. After a night I spent in the woods of West Illinois I boiled some coffee in a tin can and used my 'chief to filter the grounds into another can :D Countless other times the thing has been just the ticket.
Silk bandana whenever I go out in the woods.
 
Silk bandana whenever I go out in the woods.
Yes i think bandana is the more proper term. I have used them over my mouth to filter dust or smoke. Laid them out on the ground to keep from losing important small parts. Bandage. Sweat band. Tourniquet for my bird dog.
I could go on, but.......
Oh, and my [pet peave] #1 use (drum roll) a kid with a snotty nose.
 
Not a boy scout but try to be prepared, although not to the level of some on here.

On my person- carry pistol, knife, light, phone, keys with small multi tool, money and ID.

In my vehicle- spare mags, light, keys, couple of jackets and lots of water.


Not necessarily a apocalypse set up but hopefully enough to get me home under even not normal circumstances.
 
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