Dead Weight

Mike Franklin · 07-22-2008, 01:26 PM

I think I've asked this before but, how many of ya'll have tried carrying around your bug out stuff to see if you can? I'm betting that with even one day's worth of water and food, the average guy cannot carry a pistol, carbine/rifle and shotgun/second carbine with pockets jammed full of ammo.
You really ought to put all your stuff on and try walking a couple of miles just to see.
At work I carry a Glock 22, 2 mag pouch, ASP baton, a small POC radio and one set of cuffs all on a River Belt. If I had to walk home from work in an emergency, 34 miles by road, I'd ditch the cuffs, baton and POC radio. To much weight. I'd pick up my bug out bag and empty that as I went along.
How many of ya have tried and changed what you'd actually carry?

TACAV · 07-22-2008, 02:25 PM

Yea Ive tried it out too, Like I said in a previous post Id probably stick to one handgun and one long gun with 5 or 6 mags. People say, get more mags! But if I have to hoof it I dont think I could realistically carry all that stuff along with the rest of my own survival gear. Besides Id be trying to avoid other people as much as possible.

Like you, I think Id keep my radio though. Even if you were to bug out, you might want to be able to communicate with some of your like minded buddies along the way. Even if the repeater towers go down your portable police radio should still work like a good walki talki.

And if your department is up to standards, your portable radio is supposed to be able to have that dual band stuff to get the federal emergency frequencies.
Having that info might be important.

Mike Franklin · 07-22-2008, 02:39 PM

Nope, I have an 'on site' radio only. It only reachs out maybe 3 city blocks. I do always have a cell phone in my shirt pocket. If there's not an EMP disaster, the only one I really dread, the cell phone will be ok AND I can drive home.

nathangdad · 07-22-2008, 02:39 PM

I have stated in the past it will often be the people with the least to carry and the fastest moving that may have the survival edge. Unfortuantely, those lugging around lots of supplies and equipment may just become the
greatest targets of opportunity. I'm not saying this is moral, just that
it can likely happen.

SoDakHunter · 07-22-2008, 02:50 PM

I think if i did start getting a little fatigued, i would slow down and try to blend for a bit if possible. On the other hand, you shouldn't have a bug out pack that you aren't confident carrying aways. I think then you should lighten it before shtf. Or.... you could try taking a dump and lose a few pounds that way.

mos19k · 07-22-2008, 03:02 PM

At work I carry much the same as Mike, I have a GLOCK 17, an Asp, Double Mag pouch, Cuffs, Flashlight and three different communication devices. If I had as long a march as Mike I'd try to drop as much weight as I could. In my case I'm only 6 miles from home so the added weight is no big deal. In my BOB I have about 30 pounds in gear not including weapons. I have hiked with the gear sans rifle and it wasn't to bad. My weapons are a GLOCK 21 and a Yugo AK47 U/F. I use my dogs to carry some extra ammo and their own water.

SwedeSteve · 07-22-2008, 06:06 PM

If you are going to bug out, then you should consider caching gear at your first hide.

JMcDonald · 07-22-2008, 08:09 PM

Very good points. I get laughed at by my roommates sometimes for carrying around my bug-out-vest all day around the house. I havent got a chance to actually take it out and go hiking with it, but I dont think it will bother me too much. It weighs about 18lbs without no firearms. I have a secondary bag that adds another 15-20ish lbs in extra sleeping gear and food, but Id ditch that if I actually had to move fast, as there is about 4k calories worth of food in each of our vests, and all the other essential supplies (water with purification equipment, weapon and gear, fire-starting stuff, light rain / weather / sleeping gear), and we could survive in some comfort for several days with just that stuff, and realistically for much longer if we supplemented our food.

I am 6'1" and 150lbs and ride by bike to both school and work everyday (total of about 6 miles a day average). I have heard to carry about 1/3 of your weight at most, which would be 50lbs for me. Though, even being in pretty good shape (and with most of my muscle being in my legs), I dont feel I'd move very well, specifically in tasks like sprinting from danger or climbing obstacles or whatever.

KingMusa45 · 07-22-2008, 08:24 PM

i wear mine to the range and around the house alot.
when i shoot keep my tac vest and bag on.
to simulate a full load a put a full 500 round can in the b.o.b. .
with my tac vest, rifle, pistol, and full load im good to go.
a weight vest with a 40 pound load is great for helping you get acclimated to your pack load.

TACAV · 07-22-2008, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mos19k

I use my dogs to carry some extra ammo and their own water.

if you could post a pic if that that would be really cool, neat, and funny in a way too, please too. I think its a wonderful idea if you can practically and safely do it.

Everyone in these forums with their tac vests and survival gear and knowledge. you all remind me of these guys at 4:30 into the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdRb35j9PVA

<-- The gun and game crew...

When the Zombies take over Ill look you all up.

mos19k · 07-23-2008, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TACAV

if you could post a pic if that that would be really cool, neat, and funny in a way too, please too. I think its a wonderful idea if you can practically and safely do it.

It's just a simple doggie backpack, I'll see if I can upload a pic from one of our hikes.

HPIM1448.jpg

Mike Franklin · 07-23-2008, 09:06 AM

Dogs are a walking food source too. 8 )

mos19k · 07-23-2008, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Franklin

Dogs are a walking food source too. 8 )

That's a waste of a good resource. Better to train your dog to hunt and you won't have to even think about eating him. A good dog can provide an early warning of an intruder and help keep your camp safe and vermin free. They can provide for themselves and as mentioned already, they can help to provide for you and your family.

SoDakHunter · 07-23-2008, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mos19k

That's a waste of a good resource. Better to train your dog to hunt and you won't have to even think about eating him. A good dog can provide an early warning of an intruder and help keep your camp safe and vermin free. They can provide for themselves and as mentioned already, they can help to provide for you and your family.

+1 Much of my food gathering would depend on my dog, he could make things so much easier.

big shrek · 07-23-2008, 01:15 PM

Army Rucksack. Hold up to 60 lbs of gear and should be handleable for tha average joe.

.303 · 07-24-2008, 01:37 AM

Now i know this isn't exactly kosher but seeing as this is an argument of weight, my bug out bag consists of one membrane pump (for water purity) three chlorination tablets (for when the pump breaks down and i can't boil the water) a good sharp 4 inch knife (Gerber paraframe throw away) , a thin membrane tarp, The Encyclopedia of Edible Plants of North America, a High Point 9mm that I've found to be accurate up to 30 yards... (if i can't get close enough to punch a few holes in small edible game at that range in an emergency situation, i don't deserve to eat it) I don't carry a vest... side arm ammo is a brick of 9mm parabellum, Long gun ammo would have to be a brick of .22lr (in the bag not slung over the shoulder as it would probably be easier to find a 22 than a brick of 22 ammo in a shtf situation). Side arm would be the High Point... Long gun would have to be the ole thirtee ott six. Box of thirty in the pocket. Six inch blade on the belt. And trusty ole p38 on the key chain. Nice thing about a bag like that is it weighs under 15 pounds. Slings over the shoulders and can be dropped in a second if a target presents itself..... or what have you. I can ditch the bag and still have 20 rounds of stopping power to reaquire supplies. And if i run into a situation where i'll need more than 20 rounds i shouldn't have been there in the first place.

.303 · 07-24-2008, 01:43 AM

oh right and a gallon jug of water, preferably those old crystal geyser ones with the handle around the neck. wouldn't have to keep it full all the time but they make great solar evaporators for harvesting water when you run out of other purification options.

sniper1958 · 07-24-2008, 03:42 PM

Mine weighs 35# and I can carry it, two pistols and 8 magazines, .30-06 plus 100 rounds without too much problem. The food and water will be consumed along the way. My wife gets to carry her pack (1/2 of what's in mine) plus the SKS/ammo, her pistol and ammo as well as water & food. We've hiked the mountains with this stuff and while not enjoyable, it was and is do-able.

KGunner · 07-24-2008, 05:20 PM

Mine is what I take camping and backpacking with a few exceptions, but either way I can hump it pretty far. I own the MOLLE II system, which FYI, is an AMAZING system for hiking/camping/emergency. Got it for about $90 at a surplus store with all the goodies and attachments.

.303 · 07-24-2008, 08:12 PM

Since i don't have a hide, or end destination in a shtf situation i thought a bob was the thing you grabbed that had only the barest necessities to survive and was easily replaceable until shtf. I think i should alter the bag and set up a plan for getting out to old potosi in texas.

07-22-2008, 01:26 PM	#1
Mike Franklin Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Poteet, Texas Posts: 1,276	Dead Weight I think I've asked this before but, how many of ya'll have tried carrying around your bug out stuff to see if you can? I'm betting that with even one day's worth of water and food, the average guy cannot carry a pistol, carbine/rifle and shotgun/second carbine with pockets jammed full of ammo. You really ought to put all your stuff on and try walking a couple of miles just to see. At work I carry a Glock 22, 2 mag pouch, ASP baton, a small POC radio and one set of cuffs all on a River Belt. If I had to walk home from work in an emergency, 34 miles by road, I'd ditch the cuffs, baton and POC radio. To much weight. I'd pick up my bug out bag and empty that as I went along. How many of ya have tried and changed what you'd actually carry? __________________ Aim real good we're nearly out of ammo.

07-22-2008, 02:25 PM	#2
TACAV Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 636	Yea Ive tried it out too, Like I said in a previous post Id probably stick to one handgun and one long gun with 5 or 6 mags. People say, get more mags! But if I have to hoof it I dont think I could realistically carry all that stuff along with the rest of my own survival gear. Besides Id be trying to avoid other people as much as possible. Like you, I think Id keep my radio though. Even if you were to bug out, you might want to be able to communicate with some of your like minded buddies along the way. Even if the repeater towers go down your portable police radio should still work like a good walki talki. And if your department is up to standards, your portable radio is supposed to be able to have that dual band stuff to get the federal emergency frequencies. Having that info might be important. __________________ Zombies don't hold grudges, discriminate, or negotiate- Neither should you. -The Zen of Zombie-

07-22-2008, 02:39 PM	#3
Mike Franklin Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Poteet, Texas Posts: 1,276	Nope, I have an 'on site' radio only. It only reachs out maybe 3 city blocks. I do always have a cell phone in my shirt pocket. If there's not an EMP disaster, the only one I really dread, the cell phone will be ok AND I can drive home. __________________ Aim real good we're nearly out of ammo.

07-22-2008, 02:39 PM	#4
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,484	Excellent point I have stated in the past it will often be the people with the least to carry and the fastest moving that may have the survival edge. Unfortuantely, those lugging around lots of supplies and equipment may just become the greatest targets of opportunity. I'm not saying this is moral, just that it can likely happen.

07-22-2008, 06:06 PM	#7
SwedeSteve Thor's Hammer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Alaska Posts: 10,372 Images: 1	If you are going to bug out, then you should consider caching gear at your first hide. __________________ Thank God we don't get as much Government as we pay for! -Will Rogers

07-22-2008, 02:50 PM	#5
SoDakHunter Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Posts: 353	I think if i did start getting a little fatigued, i would slow down and try to blend for a bit if possible. On the other hand, you shouldn't have a bug out pack that you aren't confident carrying aways. I think then you should lighten it before shtf. Or.... you could try taking a dump and lose a few pounds that way.

07-22-2008, 03:02 PM	#6
mos19k Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Miami, Fl. Posts: 314	At work I carry much the same as Mike, I have a GLOCK 17, an Asp, Double Mag pouch, Cuffs, Flashlight and three different communication devices. If I had as long a march as Mike I'd try to drop as much weight as I could. In my case I'm only 6 miles from home so the added weight is no big deal. In my BOB I have about 30 pounds in gear not including weapons. I have hiked with the gear sans rifle and it wasn't to bad. My weapons are a GLOCK 21 and a Yugo AK47 U/F. I use my dogs to carry some extra ammo and their own water.

07-22-2008, 08:09 PM	#8
JMcDonald Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 554	Very good points. I get laughed at by my roommates sometimes for carrying around my bug-out-vest all day around the house. I havent got a chance to actually take it out and go hiking with it, but I dont think it will bother me too much. It weighs about 18lbs without no firearms. I have a secondary bag that adds another 15-20ish lbs in extra sleeping gear and food, but Id ditch that if I actually had to move fast, as there is about 4k calories worth of food in each of our vests, and all the other essential supplies (water with purification equipment, weapon and gear, fire-starting stuff, light rain / weather / sleeping gear), and we could survive in some comfort for several days with just that stuff, and realistically for much longer if we supplemented our food. I am 6'1" and 150lbs and ride by bike to both school and work everyday (total of about 6 miles a day average). I have heard to carry about 1/3 of your weight at most, which would be 50lbs for me. Though, even being in pretty good shape (and with most of my muscle being in my legs), I dont feel I'd move very well, specifically in tasks like sprinting from danger or climbing obstacles or whatever. __________________ Don't feed the highschoolers.

07-22-2008, 08:24 PM	#9
KingMusa45 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 312	i wear mine to the range and around the house alot. when i shoot keep my tac vest and bag on. to simulate a full load a put a full 500 round can in the b.o.b. . with my tac vest, rifle, pistol, and full load im good to go. a weight vest with a 40 pound load is great for helping you get acclimated to your pack load.

07-23-2008, 09:06 AM	#12
Mike Franklin Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Poteet, Texas Posts: 1,276	Dogs are a walking food source too. 8 ) __________________ Aim real good we're nearly out of ammo.

07-23-2008, 01:15 PM	#15
big shrek Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Northwest, FL Posts: 458 Images: 37	Army Rucksack. Hold up to 60 lbs of gear and should be handleable for tha average joe. __________________ No worry I are just der big dumb troll nevermind dis here notepad I am just countin' ma toes.

07-24-2008, 01:37 AM	#16
.303 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Currently reside in California. Posts: 32	Now i know this isn't exactly kosher but seeing as this is an argument of weight, my bug out bag consists of one membrane pump (for water purity) three chlorination tablets (for when the pump breaks down and i can't boil the water) a good sharp 4 inch knife (Gerber paraframe throw away) , a thin membrane tarp, The Encyclopedia of Edible Plants of North America, a High Point 9mm that I've found to be accurate up to 30 yards... (if i can't get close enough to punch a few holes in small edible game at that range in an emergency situation, i don't deserve to eat it) I don't carry a vest... side arm ammo is a brick of 9mm parabellum, Long gun ammo would have to be a brick of .22lr (in the bag not slung over the shoulder as it would probably be easier to find a 22 than a brick of 22 ammo in a shtf situation). Side arm would be the High Point... Long gun would have to be the ole thirtee ott six. Box of thirty in the pocket. Six inch blade on the belt. And trusty ole p38 on the key chain. Nice thing about a bag like that is it weighs under 15 pounds. Slings over the shoulders and can be dropped in a second if a target presents itself..... or what have you. I can ditch the bag and still have 20 rounds of stopping power to reaquire supplies. And if i run into a situation where i'll need more than 20 rounds i shouldn't have been there in the first place.

07-24-2008, 01:43 AM	#17
.303 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Currently reside in California. Posts: 32	oh right and a gallon jug of water, preferably those old crystal geyser ones with the handle around the neck. wouldn't have to keep it full all the time but they make great solar evaporators for harvesting water when you run out of other purification options.

07-24-2008, 03:42 PM	#18
sniper1958 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 123	Mine weighs 35# and I can carry it, two pistols and 8 magazines, .30-06 plus 100 rounds without too much problem. The food and water will be consumed along the way. My wife gets to carry her pack (1/2 of what's in mine) plus the SKS/ammo, her pistol and ammo as well as water & food. We've hiked the mountains with this stuff and while not enjoyable, it was and is do-able.

07-24-2008, 05:20 PM	#19
KGunner Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 432	Mine is what I take camping and backpacking with a few exceptions, but either way I can hump it pretty far. I own the MOLLE II system, which FYI, is an AMAZING system for hiking/camping/emergency. Got it for about $90 at a surplus store with all the goodies and attachments. __________________ Kel-Tec P11 Mossberg 500A Tactical 12 ga. 1947 Mosin Nagant M44 Yugo SKS 59/66

07-24-2008, 08:12 PM	#20
.303 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Currently reside in California. Posts: 32	i feel kinda dee you emm. Since i don't have a hide, or end destination in a shtf situation i thought a bob was the thing you grabbed that had only the barest necessities to survive and was easily replaceable until shtf. I think i should alter the bag and set up a plan for getting out to old potosi in texas.