BOB all packed yet?

We all know the importance of a good pair of shoes and couple changes of socks because our feet will be our primary means of transportation. Whether it is a nomadic existence or hunting or gathering around a permanent base camp. Our feet is what we depend on to get around.

But one other item is fairly important as well, our hands. these are the things that work the various tools needed to survive be it making cordage into rope, cutting with a saw or hatchet or batoning wood for the cooking and camp fires with a knife. Nothing is nearly as important as our hands.

That is why I highly recommend selecting a good pair of work gloves in addition to cold weather hand covering. Most of us do not have the rugged callouses built up for daily manual labor. Those few few months will be a new world for understanding hardship. Now imagine it with only one hand due to a slip of the knife while it heals. Or burnt by absentmindedly grabbing a hot handle from the fire to rescue a burnt meal should the pan slide into the fire.

And yes, I have done both of these things in the past. Enough that I let that meal go now. but they are not limited to just wearing. Think of tossing them down as a barrier between your knees and the wet ground while setting traps. Or as some padding while sitting and fishing between your butt and a log or rock. Many other uses such as for archery as well.

So consider adding a good pair of work gloves, they don't weigh that much compared to what they can do for you after all.

Good gloves are a good addition and do not take up much space in your BOB. My BOB is not only packed, but now within close proximity(usually in the car) at all times. I think we are getting close to a SHTF scenario. Very close.

reply to post by Ahabstar


great advice !!

my BOB,, (i have 2) fits on my back comfortably,, but my wife, whom i can't seem to convince to use a backpack, thinks a shoulder bag would be of better use... some arguments a good man just CAN"T win..

gloves-- hats--socks-- T.P.-- thick blue jean jacket-- are only a few items that could make a difference ..

my BOB's keep growing..LOL

Being in the city there's no need to go all out.... Water and food for the first day(s)/week(s) is all I care for....

Burnin'and'lootin to get my gear before I head up into the hills.

Fer sure!!

Originally posted by Ahabstar
Think of tossing them down as a barrier between your knees and the wet ground while setting traps. Or as some padding while sitting and fishing between your butt and a log or rock. Many other uses such as for archery as well.

So consider adding a good pair of work gloves, they don't weigh that much compared to what they can do for you after all.

A good pair of leather work gloves can be duct taped to the outside of your B.O.B., also.
I've used gloves for everything from a oven mitt, to a radiator cap (duct taped down).
Also, a good pair of gloves is great for gathering firewood.
Thick leather will withstand the bite from a snake. (I can attest for that one)
Definitely all purpose use.

In addition to one pair, I actually have 3 different types of gloves available.
Sturdy leather gloves, insulated winter gloves, and light duty leather gloves.
Everything depends on your location.
Colder climates need to insulate accordingly.
Warmer, not so much.



Good thread.

Good advice.....I've had a BOB ready for 15 years..... better prepared than not....another good item would be some kind of mosquito head gear, hard to sleep and work while fighting off bugs!

reply to post by no special characters


thats what im saying...why get prepared with only things you are able to afford now...why not wait til the shtf and then gather what you need? the good stuff that you wouldnt have been able to afford but knew that you wanted it and would be better off with it...so ill just wait and ill keep paying attention to this site and as soon as i see a credable thread and make sure its true about the shtf, im going shoppin!!!!!

Good point and honestly one that had eluded me but then again I;ve made all those mistakes before and tend to err on the side of caution. Accidents do happen even among the most careful.
Leather gloves tend to be rather large though, would a good pair of mechanics gloves be a better substitute?
While not offering quite as much protection they are certainly more user-friendly in allowing more finesse and fine motor control.
I keep a pair of crocs (rubber shoes) in my B.O.B. - they're great for stalking or wading in creeks when you don't want to cut your feet up or get your boots wet. They weigh nothing and collapse down pretty small.

Originally posted by gdaub23
reply to post by no special characters

 

thats what im saying.....so ill just wait and ill keep paying attention to this site and as soon as i see a credable thread and make sure its true about the shtf, im going shoppin!!!!!

I hope you are joking...!!

we wont SEE it coming ;; what if money is'nt any good then? no credit card use..?
what do you have to trade??
in Europe back in WW2,, my grand mother traded a diamond ring for a loaf of bread..
and she thought it was a good deal... how many diamonds do you have??
how many loafs of bread will you need??

Having done my share of manual labor and having worn completely out hundreds of pairs of gloves here is what I do:

Buy a pair of heavy duty neoprene chemical resistant gloves and wrap duct tape around the top of the cuffs two or three layers thick. Punch a hole through the duct tape and attach to a backpack with lanyard. The duct tape will keep the gloves from tearing at the attach point.

Inside the large neoprene gloves you can easily put the following:
- Heavy duty leather work gloves (I do 2 pairs).
- Mechanics work gloves with leather palms
- As many disposable rubber gloves as you can squeeze in.

You will really want the neoprene chemical gloves if you need to siphon fuel or deal with any chemicals. As this stuff doesn't come off your hands easily and it might be hard to find water to waste of washing your hands.

Heavy duty gloves obvious reasons. Mechanics gloves I wear under the heavy duty gloves. They are articulate for any fine detail work you need to do and also insulates the work gloves for cold weather.

The disposable rubber gloves are excellent for first aid, makeshift water transport, extra pouches for any small valuables you may find, make shift water proofing for matches or anything small that needs to stay dry, or if all else fails party balloons for your last stand.

Great reminder! thanks.

Originally posted by gdaub23
thats what im saying...why get prepared with only things you are able to afford now...why not wait til the shtf and then gather what you need? the good stuff that you wouldnt have been able to afford but knew that you wanted it and would be better off with it...so ill just wait and ill keep paying attention to this site and as soon as i see a credable thread and make sure its true about the shtf, im going shoppin!!!!!

The problem is, without electricity or communication...how are you going to know when SHTF?
If anything happens and you lose the internet, what do you think will take place?
You will be sorely mistaken if you think that you can purchase goods when all hell breaks loose.

Come on now, don't be a part of the loot and boot crowd.
That is highly dangerous and dog-eat-dog mentality.

Plus, by the time people actually "freak" out, the shelves will be empty.

Ever been through a riot before?
It's unreal.
It's more than life changing.
It makes you prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

One of the most important things in my BOB is a bag full of about 300 lighters. I think all bob need a surplus of lighters, you won't see me rubbing sticks together!

reply to post by gdaub23


Ha yeah, i live in a small town, and keep my eye on these forums for that, when shtf, i plan on raiding the local armory with a few friends, i don't think it would be too hard, most of the reserves would probably gtfo, and the town is filled with illiterate rednecks, who probably don't even know it exists.

I want my m16s and grenades!

reply to post by darrman


Not that kind of shopping, window shopping man.

Hey Ahab.

3 words.. Kevlar Work Gloves. Google and check em out.

reply to post by doom27


I would think a box of strike anywhere matches, a Zippo with spare flint, and wicks, and a bottle of lighter fluid would serve much better and take far less space...

Originally posted by FarBeyondDriven69
darrman's avatar roasting on a open fire, multi-tool, axe, compound bow, rifle, hand gun with a holster, bedding and a good horse o and some coffee percolating on the fire as well. ok I'm going to need a pair of horses and a wagon for the wife and kids and everything ells. maybe?

funny!

I am literally
"saving my Bacon" for just THAT..yummy

you should see my Dexter cows www.google.com...

i hope i dont NEED to "bug-out" my land has a few surprises that could come in handy,, not to mention for GROWING food..

chickens dont fit well in my BOB lol

Originally posted by doom27
reply to post by darrman

 

Not that kind of shopping, window shopping man.

I plan a little "shopping" myself. I have most of what I need except some luxury goods to bargain with. Thus my plans for immediately after include a couple quick raids. I have a portable oxy/acetylene torch kit and some tools that will get me almost anywhere. I am thinking of a couple of those "we buy gold" shops or some pawn shops.