Level system for equipment orginization
Matt McGreggor
equipment so that I'm not overloading with too much stuff or smacking
the table as I realise I've forgotten something. Instead of increasing
the ammount of k that this group receives, I'll just give you a link:
http://www.ipaterson.ca/survival/theory/levels.html
Comments would be much appreciated, either in group or by e-mail.
Matt McGreggor
http://fel.nerfonline.com
Jeff Schwartz
"Matt McGreggor" <a...@mail.com> wrote in message
news:3c8308a0...@24.83.137.217...
Similar to the system I use...
I posted it a while back, but can't find the post quickly on Google.
Darn
The following list is reasonably accurate, but some items change
depending on the time of year and where I'm going...
I'll put *** next to comments comparing it to your website.
Pants & Shirt pockets :
*** This sounds like your "Level I"
Wallet:
usual Wallet Stuff (Driver's License, permits, insurance, cash, credit
cards, ATM Card)
AT&T Phone Card
1976 Bicentennial Silver Dollar
1 troy oz Silver Coin (.999 fine)
*** For some unknown reason, many folks will take the silver coins at
much more than their worth. I once traded a silver ounce I paid $5 for
in exchange for a $40 tow bill... go figure.
Assorted pocket change (varies)
Key Ring with House keys. The fob of the key ring is a little cigarette
lighter the size of my index finger, which has a fold-out pair of
scissors, a tiny knife, and tiny nail file.
key ring with Car and Dojo keys
Pen Knife I inherited from my Grandfather - Shrade made long, long ago.
Very high carbon steel.
Rusts easily, but the two blades have razor edges.
Plastic Vial, about 2" long and 1/4" diameter
4 aspirin 2 ibuprofen
1 Aleve 2 Sudafed
2 vitamin B-6 1 Multi-vitamin
1 Pepcid AC 4 Tums
Hair Comb
"Automatic" knife made by "AUS-8 STEEL" with a 3.4 inch blade
*** May not be legal in your area... Heck, it's not legal in some areas
I go to. If it isn't, I switch to a regular folding knife with pocket
clip and "thumb stud"
Leatherman Tool (the original. A 'groomsman's gift' from one of my best
friends, on the occasion of his marriage.)
Two clean white handkerchiefs ( A gentleman always keeps a second
handkerchief that he doesn't use, so that he can offer it to a lady when
she needs it.)
Fischer "Space Pen" - Bullet design, matte black
Necklace my wife made for me - sunstone wirewrapped with silver wire on
a blue silk cord.
Asp Sapphire light is clipped on the cord
Timex Expedition watch with digital compass
------------------------
**** Here's your level II...
Eagle Creek black belt pouch. (Neoprine, pretty much water tight, with a
canvas exterior. Originally made for an Apple Newton. )
Glock 19, 14 round mag plus one in the chamber. All hollow points.
10 round mag of hollow points
10 round mag : 5 rounds of CCI Shotshell, followed by 5 rounds of hollow
point
Ziplock Bag with 5 rounds of hollow point, 14 rounds of semi-wadcutter,
1 round of FMJ and 1 CCI shotshell. This bag is stuffed in the bottom
of the pocket holding the spare mags, and boosts them up so that the
floorplates are even with the top of the pocket. A flap covers the two
magazines.
Expired CCW (current one is in my wallet - but the have the same Lisc
No. )
Pack of Double Mint gum (yummy!)
Roll of Rolaids (Assorted Fruit Flavors. Yummy!)
Cleaning rod for the Glock
3 "Sportsmens Oil Cloths" - sorta like the wet naps you get at fast food
joints, but have gun oil instead.
$20 bill and 5 $1 bills.
Change - 4 quarters and 4 dimes to make 4 phone calls.
If TEOTWAWKI, this pouch gets slid onto my pistol belt. The pistol belt
attaches to a shoulder holster, making an LBE-type arrangement.
The Glock goes up in the shoulder holster, and I bump up the number of
mags I'm carrying.
The pistol belt also gets a magazine carrier for 3x30 round AR-15 mags.
If things are being set up for short-range, then the pistol belt gets my
other 9mm pistol too ;)
------------------
*** And here we have "Level III"
Beige Vest - Either a Banana Republic Photojournalist vest, or a Trail
Designs depending on season
Sunglasses
Sony Mini-Disk player and headphones.
Pouch with 8 more mini-discs (6 music, 2 self-hypnosis), patch cable,
and 2 spare NiMh AA batteries
Motorola 250 Talkabout FRS (Note: the FRS can use the same headphones as
the Sony.... and those headphones can be set up so they just cover one
ear. )
Old copy of the "Ranger Handbook"
Digital Multi-meter - Radio Shack Cat # 22-810
Tiny Tackle Box with
aspirin advil aleve
vitamin tabs Cortaid Fast Stick
2 bandaids, 2 single-use Neosporin thingies
Blistex single-use thingy
8 rolaids 4 Pepcid ACs
3 Immodium AD's
6 Cold& Sinus tabs
6 Sudafed
3 cotton balls
ALICE first Aid pouch:
Single-use pack of Coppertone SPF 30
2 small wound dressings
3 bandaid strips
1 2"x2" bandaid
Anti-bacterial Moist Towelette
Chapstick SPF 15
Travel Razor (folding. Pretty neat - folded, it's just a little bigger
than the Chapstick)
4" long by 3/4" diameter watertight tubes:
Tube # 1:
$20 bill 5 dimes 5 quarters
5 "Susies" Button Compass
Paper towel (to keep things from sliding around and smashing the
button compass)
2 empty 2ml vials
2ml vial filled with cheap bits of amber, emerald, and sapphire.
(Total value of
about $5...)
Tube # 2:
1' of para-cord single use crazy glue
emery board 3 single use WD-40's
P-38 can opener 1" long hacksaw blade
3 safety pins (1 regular, 2tiny) small nut and bolt
half dozen tacks 25" tape measure
2 small screws 1 carpentry nail
eyeglass screwdriver 3 screws with loops for heads
Aviation fire starter
sewing kit (liberated from Marriot. Has 6 pre-threaded needles with
different colored thread)
Roll of Electrical tape
1 silver ounce (.999 fine)
2 "susies"
Quarter and a dime
Maglight AAA (NiMh Battery - also a spare NiMh in the same pocket)
bottle of "Portable Aqua" tablets
Pager & Cell Phone
Shortbread Biscuit (Courtesy of Continental Airlines. Yummy!)
Polaroid PDC 640 digital camera
SAS Headover
roll of tooth-floss
"Men's Pocket Raincoat" - plastic, unfolds, will never fold back into
the same size it is now....
Main rear pocket left open - in TEOTWAWKI , will add a 140 round
bandoleer of 5.56
Side pockets left open - will hold 3x 30 round mags
-----------------
*** And what you'd call Level IV, I guess.
There's a Daypack that goes with this - it'll sit high on the
shoulders, above the back pockets on the vest.
It's one of the ones with the built-in 2liter hydration system.
Contents are (off the top of my head)
3 x .5liter water bottles (factory sealed - will pour into the
Hydration system, then save empty bottles)
Burnoose made of cotton, mutiple "Scotchguardings" until it's
water-repellant
Heavy Duty space blanket
2 "Mainstay" ration packs
1 Datrex Ration pack (Between the ration packs, there's enough
food for survival for 9 days...)
2 accessory packs from MRE's, still sealed.
Water treatment filtration straw
50 rounds of 9mm FMJ
mini-stove and 6 Triox tablets, plus matches
Sierra cup
First aid kit, including trauma bandages
550 cord
NASA "Apollo" survival knife/Machete
Few other things I can't remember right now (grin)
Side note on the batteries : I've tried to convert all battery usage
to AA. I should dump the AAA mini-maglight and put in a AA.
My laptop bag for work includes a AA/AAA charger. The Bug-Out-Boxes for
the house, that go into the vehicle, and my Cache Box include solar
chargers that will charge AA, C, D batteries.
Vehicle food kits include MRE's and canned food for a couple days. Both
vehicles have thermo electic coolers and are loaded with drinks, with
extra drinks in a bin. Mostly Cokes and juice-boxes, but also include a
number of cheap bottled waters and Gator-Aide type drinks.
Matt McGreggor
<jeffrey...@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>"Matt McGreggor" <a...@mail.com> wrote in message
>news:3c8308a0...@24.83.137.217...
<MY POST SNIP>
<YOUR POST SNIP>
I updated my page to include my Level IV listing and give some more
info on the levels. You did a good job of describing how the levels
interlock; something that's pretty key when theorising a system such
as we have.
http://fel.nerfonline.com/survival/theory/levels.html
Matt McGreggor
http://fel.nerfonline.com
Bill Seward
USENET, wrote:
I like the idea. Not how I've conventionally thought through my
preps, but I always enjoy looking at how different people apporach the
same problem--it's how you learn things.
One observation. On Level IV, you look distinctly light on calories
and shelter items. I assume this is due to the limited space in your
carrying gear. I know mobility is important, but I'd consider
carrying gear with a bit more capacity.
In a serious GTHOOD situation, you're going to burn calories at a
fantastic rate, especially if you're having to walk (or run) a lot. I
would consider some more nutrient-dense foods. Also, consider some
sort of shelter items. A very basic shelter doesn't have to take up
much room or weigh much in terms of materials. For my kits, I go in
for things like 3-mil plastic and the big heavy plastic garbage bags,
for the actual shelter. Once set up (using handy sticks and teh para
cord you already carry), you can camouflage to suit with what's at
hand. I also carry 2 or 3 space blankets. If you want to lay down
for a quick sleep, pile up dry leaves or whatever for insulation from
the ground, cover with one blanket, lay down and cover with the other.
Of course none of these items will hold up for long with heavy use,
but they aren't intended to.
---------------------------------
Bill Seward
http://web.northstate.net/~seward
Matt McGreggor
<sew...@northstate.net> wrote:
>a...@mail.com (Matt McGreggor), hoping against hope for wisdom from
>USENET, wrote:
>
>>I just wrote a little spiel about how I orginise my day to day
>>equipment so that I'm not overloading with too much stuff or smacking
>>the table as I realise I've forgotten something. Instead of increasing
>>the ammount of k that this group receives, I'll just give you a link:
>>
>>http://www.ipaterson.ca/survival/theory/levels.html
>>
>>Comments would be much appreciated, either in group or by e-mail.
>
>I like the idea. Not how I've conventionally thought through my
>preps, but I always enjoy looking at how different people apporach the
>same problem--it's how you learn things.
>
>One observation. On Level IV, you look distinctly light on calories
>and shelter items. I assume this is due to the limited space in your
>carrying gear. I know mobility is important, but I'd consider
>carrying gear with a bit more capacity.
There is limited space, but I suppose I could stuff some more junk in
there. Can you think of any dense snacky type foodstuffs that would
work? I don't like MREs, and I've already got the noodlely type
foods...
>In a serious GTHOOD situation, you're going to burn calories at a
>fantastic rate, especially if you're having to walk (or run) a lot. I
>would consider some more nutrient-dense foods. Also, consider some
>sort of shelter items. A very basic shelter doesn't have to take up
>much room or weigh much in terms of materials. For my kits, I go in
>for things like 3-mil plastic and the big heavy plastic garbage bags,
>for the actual shelter. Once set up (using handy sticks and teh para
>cord you already carry), you can camouflage to suit with what's at
>hand. I also carry 2 or 3 space blankets. If you want to lay down
>for a quick sleep, pile up dry leaves or whatever for insulation from
>the ground, cover with one blanket, lay down and cover with the other.
Doh! It serves me right from being lazy and just copying my list from
another post a while back. I forgot to include my military poncho and
garbage bags that I have tucked away in there.
I'm still trying to find another set of poles so that I can carry my
Alpha Tent
(http://fel.nerfonline.com/survival/reviews/alpha.tent.html) in my
Level IV gear, and when I do I'll carry them with it so that I have
some *good* protection agains't the elements.
>Of course none of these items will hold up for long with heavy use,
>but they aren't intended to.
>
Right.
Matt McGreggor
http://fel.nerfonline.com
Chris
> I just wrote a little spiel about how I orginise my day to day
> equipment so that I'm not overloading with too much stuff or smacking
> the table as I realise I've forgotten something. Instead of increasing
> the ammount of k that this group receives, I'll just give you a link:
>
I promised i'd add my list in your last thread (but never followed
through), so here goes:
My planning is not really directed at a "bug out" or TEOTWAWKI
scenario; I'm aiming at just having the tools needed to deal with
urban life, natural disasters, et al.
There's a bit of weight that could be dumped if TSHTF. Think of this
as a multi-level cache (in the computer-memory sense of the word) for
frequently used items.
Also, this is a work in progress; there are at least a dozen items on
my shopping list, and things I'm thinking of discarding or replacing.
Self-defence is problematic. There are already things on the list
below that are technically prohibited in public places.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Pocket stuff (level 1):
Wallet with the usuals
Palmtop computer
folding knife with s-steel locking 75mm blade.
Leathermanoid
mini-maglite (2xAAA)
Zippo
Keys (with swissknife)
I don't really have a level 2 (buttpack, ammo pouch or whatever) at
this time. I used to, and perhaps will again.
Medium (35 litre) Backpack (level 3): This follows me around, in the
car, in my cube at work, or sometimes on the bus or on shank's pony.
It has a lot of pockets, and contains a few smaller pouches (which
could quickly become makeshift "level 2" storage).
* Tools (in a canvas tool-roll):
Hollow handle screwdriver with exchangeable bits
Shifting spanner, handle wrapped in wire, then gaffa tape
Pliers
File
Hacksaw blades and blade-grip
Plastic cable ties
Small (60g) tin of WD40
Tape measure (3m)
fixed blade knife (an old bayonet, actually)
sharpening stone
roll of gaffa tape
* Medical/toiletries (in a nylon zip-up first aid kit bag)
antiseptic cream
painkillers etc.
bandages (1 gauze, 1 elastic), plus band-aids
disposable gloves
victorinox swiss-card (small blade, tweezers, scissors, nail file, etc)
combined sunblock/insect repellent
hairbrush
soap
deodorant
disposable razor
mirror (hard drive platter)
small toothbrush and paste
(british airways intercontinental airline goodies)
premoistened towlettes (both "KFC surplus" and a packet of "baby wipes")
(I have a 9-month old daughter)
small cloth towel (OK, a cloth nappy)
small synthetic chamois towel
tissues
* Food + prep
(Most of this category I keep at level 4)
1 or 2 600ml aluminium water bottles (gets *hot* here in summer)
"energy" snack bars (still experimenting here)
coffee
matches
coffee filters (for water treatment) + treatment pills
small candles (with citronella oil in the wax)
metal cup
cutlery
* Clothing + shelter
spare spectacles
mylar emergency blanket
sewing kit
change of underwear, t-shirt, socks
bandanna (and/or handkerchief)
hat
poncho or folding umbrella (seasonal)
* Informational
City map
compass (Small 30mm keyring item, low accuracy)
pen and notepaper
radio
miniature binoculars
* Misc
rope
ziplock bags
spare batteries (everything uses same, AAA)
Stationary "bug in" supplies (level 4):
Selection of screws, nails, bolts
oil/grease
hammer/hatchet combo
Small wrecking bar
Folding shovel
canteen + cup
stove, pot, bowl
salt + pepper
food items: noodles, energy bars, dried fruit + nuts, etc.
tarpaulin
change of pants, plus jacket, gloves
light sticks
bedroll (seasonal)
Jeff Schwartz
> There is limited space, but I suppose I could stuff some more junk in
> there. Can you think of any dense snacky type foodstuffs that would
> work? I don't like MREs, and I've already got the noodlely type
> foods...
I'm rather fond of Mainstay and Datrex ration bars :)
Matt McGreggor
wrote:
>a...@mail.com (Matt McGreggor) moved upon the face of the 'Net and spake thusly:
>
>> I just wrote a little spiel about how I orginise my day to day
>> equipment so that I'm not overloading with too much stuff or smacking
>> the table as I realise I've forgotten something. Instead of increasing
>> the ammount of k that this group receives, I'll just give you a link:
>>
>
>I promised i'd add my list in your last thread (but never followed
>through), so here goes:
It happens.
>
>Pocket stuff (level 1):
>
> Wallet with the usuals
> Palmtop computer
> folding knife with s-steel locking 75mm blade.
> Leathermanoid
> mini-maglite (2xAAA)
> Zippo
> Keys (with swissknife)
Nearly identical =)
> * Tools (in a canvas tool-roll):
> Hollow handle screwdriver with exchangeable bits
> Shifting spanner, handle wrapped in wire, then gaffa tape
> Pliers
> File
> Hacksaw blades and blade-grip
> Plastic cable ties
> Small (60g) tin of WD40
> Tape measure (3m)
> fixed blade knife (an old bayonet, actually)
> sharpening stone
> roll of gaffa tape
There seems to be a lot of stuff in here. Could you not get rid of
some of the screw drivers and use your leatherman? Get the wave, and
you have pliers too...
<SNIP>
Good post.
Matt McGreggor
http://fel.nerfonline.com
Chris
> On Tue, 05 Mar 2002 11:47:33 +1000, "Chris" <unix...@pobox.com>
> wrote:
>
[snip]
>> * Tools (in a canvas tool-roll):
>> Hollow handle screwdriver with exchangeable bits
[snip]
>
> There seems to be a lot of stuff in here. Could you not get rid of
> some of the screw drivers and use your leatherman? Get the wave, and
> you have pliers too...
>
The tool roll gets pulled out to do things like disassemble computers
and change gas bottles; those kind of jobs suck with a leatherman,
even though they're technically possible.
If I was in a situation where mass was critical, I'd ditch the whole
tool roll in a second.
--chris
Gunner
My dogs like Mainstay as well.
Gunner
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Bill Seward
USENET, wrote:
<snip>
>>One observation. On Level IV, you look distinctly light on calories
>>and shelter items. I assume this is due to the limited space in your
>>carrying gear. I know mobility is important, but I'd consider
>>carrying gear with a bit more capacity.
>
>There is limited space, but I suppose I could stuff some more junk in
>there. Can you think of any dense snacky type foodstuffs that would
>work? I don't like MREs, and I've already got the noodlely type
>foods...
Well, by eliminating MREs, you took out my first suggestion. :-) They
may not be to your taste, but they are compact, self contained with
the exception of water, and absolutely full of calories. Of course, a
3 day supply can take up a considerable amount of a small backpack,
compact or not.
The Mainstay bars mentioned in other posts might be OK; I've never
checked them out.
If you want to stick with things you can get a the grocery store, I'd
consider peanut butter as one source of protein, fat and calories.
Outside of that, I really can't think of anything else besides some
canned meats, jerky or the like. (I asked my wife; she suggests
beenie-weenies.) Like I said above, IMHO MREs are really an optimal
short-term food supply.