Need some advice

Hi, i've only recently woken up to everything thats going on and I want to put together a b.o.b, i've read threads and have a huge list, problem is that I am a single mother with a toddler and I dont have a car, so i'm at a bit of a loss where to begin.... Does anybody have any ideas on a easy to carry b.o.b, assuming I will have to go on foot, and how are other parents of small children preparing? Especially single parents, any advice will be greatly appreciated

I actually took the G.O.O.D. (get out of dodge) Bag aka B.O.B Bag to the next level by getting a MOLLE vest. These vests can be configured to hold a number of items (maps, lights, food, ammo, guns, and med supplies, while being less bulky than or hindering than a Backpack.

But on a more detailed note, I basically broke down my survival gear into 3 parts:

[1] Advanced Warning Scenario: In the event i have some time to manage my survival gear, I have several crates of gear, food, med supplies, and clothing... basically anything that one could ever want or need for survival. This is in case of a pandemic, or blizzard scenario where I am trapped indoors with my family for an extended period of time.

[2] Grab and Go scenario: My g.o.o.d. bag & my MOLLE vest are for this particular scenario. These each have food, meds, weapons, ammo, as well as other gear. This is in case of a Coup or some sort of other mildly paced, yet still approaching doom.

[3] The absolute worst case, Burn it scenario: My MOLLE vest is for this. Its trimmed to just the bare essentials, packed with high protein, high carb snacks, a water pack, a couple of firearms, ammo, gas mask pouch, and a map of my fallback area. I am more maneuverable in this vest than I would be carrying a pack. This is incase of a possible meteor strike, Bombing, approaching tsunami, flash flood, etc. Any situation where I may need to run, jump, climb, swim, and crawl.

There are many designs for MOLLE vests, and the pouches on them are completely customizable to suit your comfort and needs.

Of course when it comes to survival scenarios, I tend to over prepare. I just want to know I've done everything to keep my son protected. I'm sure you can relate.

Don't know if you have the finances or would even want to try this: A mountain bike with a child seat on it, panniers(like a saddle bag for a horse), or a small trailer to go behind it, I know this is very expensive gear. Maybe you could find some deals on craigslist or ebay. I have a friend that rode from Arizona to Florida on a street bike. He loaded everything he need in his panniers and a small trailer.

Here is what panniers look like:

www.rei.com...|13029|bike%20pannier||S|p|6247935245&cm_mmc=ps_google_Action-_-Catego ry%20-%20Cycling_TOF-_-Cycling_Panniers_General-_-bike%20pannier%20sunwt&mr:adGroup=1772527865&mr:ad=6247935245&mr:keyword=bike%20pannier&mr:placement =&mr:match=p&mr:referralID=NA&gclid=CPjKx4vA9qQCFaFa7AodhTQQgw

Originally posted by Rhebefree
Hi, i've only recently woken up to everything thats going on and I want to put together a b.o.b, i've read threads and have a huge list, problem is that I am a single mother with a toddler and I dont have a car, so i'm at a bit of a loss where to begin.... Does anybody have any ideas on a easy to carry b.o.b, assuming I will have to go on foot, and how are other parents of small children preparing? Especially single parents, any advice will be greatly appreciated

Hey Rhebefree

Here is a good intro to BOBs and the survivor scenario, Mods hope this link is kosher for you - survivalcache.com...

Personally, I think the 72 hour deal is bull and my GF and I have enough "stuff" to keep going for twos weeks

Couple of things: do either you or your toddler have any special needs, such as medicines? If so, I'd try to stock up - it can take a while to do this with limits on prescriptions. I have anaphylactic allergic reactions to bees and things, so I always keep a stockpile of Epipens.

First thing is water - you can't last long without it and under physical and mental stress you might need more than is normal. You can go without food for weeks, but a toddler is another matter as I understand it. Some sort of filtration and purification system is needed, even if its just coffee filters and purification tablets.

For an emergency supply of something to eat, I'd suggest a mega-calorie loaded supplement like they give to cancer patients - like Ensure on steroids so to speak. The fact that you might be on foot limits what you can carry so find out what your baby needs and what you need and get the most nutrition possible in the lightest carrying package.

Next is shelter - again being on foot with a small child limits your choices, and since I don't know where you live I'd say at least pack a decent sized tarp to limit exposure to rain and the elements.

Don't forget fire: magnesium fire starters are cheap and effective! Just practice a bit with one and you'll see what I mean.

Next item would be some basic protection. Please do not take offense at this next statement of mine, but a single woman with a small child I think would be highly at risk of being assaulted. I don't know your gun laws or opinions of weapons, but I'd suggest you get one if possible and practice with it.

Hope some of this helps with your peace of mind, I'm sure a lot more folks that know this subject better than me will be along to correct my errors and give darned good advice!

I'll refer you to this link because I posted some vids on there that can tell you what to expect if the proverbial crap hits the fan. The clips detail the aftermath of a global pandemic. [Just scroll down until you see my post]

www.abovetopsecret.com...

reply to post by Rhebefree


get yourself a pair of telescopic walking sticks if you can budget for them. is there anyone you can confide in that you trust. if so have a word it may increase your options. there are plenty of survival threads on here and i applaud you for addressing your concerns. we too have a small child to bring up so i assure you you are not alone. i should also stress that it may never come to it but you just never know. with regards to transportation in the event of, you may find that a light flexible wooden frame to pull behind you may assist you in carrying your child. if ranulph fiennes can haul a sled over the artic ice i am sure it could assist anyone. your best chances are in a group of like minded people/friends. i state again it may not come to that but there is no harm in learning to become self reliant. have you considered your location, terrain and climate seasonal patterns.
f

Dear sister, take note of the good advices you already had here and adjust them to your personal way. Only one thing I would say, since you are a single mom with a little kid I recommend to you to stay at home or hide in an special place of the house if possible, and have an emergency plan with a friend or family to pick you up. A mother with a toddler could be an easy prey for desperate people and you could risk of getting hurt if they see you carrying goods.

Your concern about such a possible scenario and your wish to be prepared is an exellent example to follow by other single moms, for that reason I'm happy to star and flag you. You toddler got to be proud of you.

Originally posted by Trueman
Dear sister, take note of the good advices you already had here and adjust them to your personal way. Only one thing I would say, since you are a single mom with a little kid I recommend to you to stay at home or hide in an special place of the house if possible, and have an emergency plan with a friend or family to pick you up. A mother with a toddler could be an easy prey for desperate people and you could risk of getting hurt if they see you carrying goods.

Your concern about such a possible scenario and your wish to be prepared is an exellent example to follow by other single moms, for that reason I'm happy to star and flag you. You toddler got to be proud of you.

I'll second that sentiment! And said excellently stated Trueman!

Maybe we here on ATS should form groups who are close by just in case the SHTF sometime. We could look out for each other.

I have to carry my epipens everywhere I go because of my allergies, so I carry a small shoulder / butt pack with three of them, a first aid kit, a four ounce vacuum packed gasmask (I am also severely allergic to ammonia, and here in central Florida there are lots of phosphate mines that use a LOT of ammonia - the gasmask will buy me 15 minutes to get out of a leak area), some QuickClot packs, knife, firestarter, and a .380 KelTec with a laser sight, along with a plastic poncho and some other goodies I won't detail. I do a lot of traveling, so this has become my mini BOB. In a stretch, I can even put my Sig P229R in it with a spare clip.

reply to post by Mactire Thankyou for posting, the vest sounds really good I will see if I can get one

Hi Rhebefree, It's good that you are addressing your concerns for you and your child. You just never know what may happen and it's good to be prepared.

My B.O.B. is pretty expansive so look through the items and see what matches your needs. What you need will depend somewhat on where you live and what time of year you have an emergency. Here's my thread on it:

www.abovetopsecret.com...

Some of the best survival gear you can get is Army surplus, it's field tested and cheap.
Some items are best not bought on the cheap but instead get the best quality you can afford.

Bare minimum in your pack should include:
Rain poncho - also serves as shelter half.
Fixed blade knife (3-4" blade)
Water filter or treatment tabs (both are good to have)
Handgun / taser / pepper spray - self defense, in order of preference.
Hi calorie food bars
Water bladder or canteens (water is heavy and a hydration pack places the weight on your shoulders making it easier to carry)
Sleeping bag
Aluminized space blankets
Magnesium firestarter
First aid kit
Good footwear - [preferably waterproof]
Emergency money
Flashlights (more than 1 and spare batteries)
Whistles - in case you and your child should be separated.
You may also want a good first aid book if you are not EMT trained.

The bike and trailer suggestion is very good if you think you will have to travel more than a few miles.

Keep your pack in your car so that it's always available.
Let us know what you choose when you've finished putting it together, there are others who have small children and your reply could help them out.
Thanks!

reply to post by rakkasansct a bike is a good idea, but a good bike and child trailer is expensive so I have to save, thanks for posting!

reply to post by mydarkpassenger Thankyou for posting your advice was very helpful, protection is a concern of mine I live in a place that has strict gun laws and you have to have a licence which is expensive, so im thinking knife or sling shot, not that i'd know where to buy a sling shot in my small town....

reply to post by fakedirt thats a really good idea thanks! I might even be able to make my own as there is a hardware store down the road, I have taken into account the terrain and the climate, its very cold here and for the most part flat, i'm going to get maps and national park guides next week

Stocking up on food is always good to have.
Being a single parent with child and no car. If you have to head
out of city be with friends you know and trust.
Used to be most small towns had a Civil Defense Building.
Which could with stand nuclear, biological, chemical and most natural
disasters. Some of the buildings were court houses, schools, etc.
Now that FEMA & Home Land Security has taken over I don't know.
Look around your city for a safe place to go.

reply to post by Rhebefree hey thanks everyone for posting, I dont have time to read and reply to all the posts right now tho (house work beckons ) but I will be back later to take notes, so thanks!

My health will not allow me to bug out. I have planned to bug in.

But I do have a bag I keep in my truck if I am away from my house and can't get home right away.

In it I have a knife, string, tarp, wind up radio and flash light, three lighters, bug spray, fishing line , hooks and sinkers, water and a jar of peanut butter. And I always carry a hand gun and keep extra ammo with me.

That is a very simple bag for short term survival.

I would suggest that you talk with other parents and friends and find out what they are going to do.

Many people have formed small groups that will aid each other in a serious event.
There is strength in numbers.

You can have fun learning valuable lessons by taking your child/children camping.

reply to post by Trueman Thankyou for the encouragement, I just hope I can get everything we need in time there are so many theories out there about what's going to happen and when.... I hope I have time

Bugging in may be your best advice as others have stated. You mentioned that your location has the potential for cold weather and the terrain is flat. Adapt to your area as best you can. The local and outlying population will need to be taken into consideration as well as what natural resources are in your area.

There is a fascinating documentary from National Geographic called Collapse. Part of it goes over what has happened with the Anasazi culture a few hundred years ago. Chaco was the cultural center for these people. They were experts at survival but a 50 year drought brought their civilization down.

Cities like Phoenix, LA, etc, are not naturally supportive of their populations. While the climates are mild, food and water production is not sufficient to support these areas in a grid down situation. People left the city of Chaco and formed cliff dwellings for defense and later adapted into the pueblo cultures of today. It was probably one hell of a ride for them. The signs of a similar breakdown are not difficult to see once your look at the reality of these areas.

In most survival situations, you have certain levels of importance in terms of your basic needs. First is shelter, as you can not survive long exposed to the cold wind in the open. Next is water. A good water filter and / or a clean well are critical. Next is food. You and your child will need more calories if you are in a stressful situation. That's why I do not recommend running off into the wilds for protection. It's only a temporary escape if you don't have a retreat area with provisions to sustain you. Planning is critical and being able to adapt when things happen unexpectedly.

I would first consider the benefits and drawbacks of the location you are in and then plan from there. If your area does not offer shelter, clean water, and a good food source, you may want to look for an area that can better support life naturally.

reply to post by mydarkpassenger


Thanks. Maybe someone have a chance to spot best natural refuges per state or country. As far as few ones can reach those points, can combine forces as a survival group.

reply to post by Rhebefree


No problem sister, you have time. Maybe you could study the maps of your area. Analize routes (avoid highways 100%), natural resources like rivers, mountains, what kind of structures or buildings are around (I recommend stay away of nuclear plants, militar bases....you know). Other good thing is start to boost your inmune system thru your food.