Great info guys.
Let me reiterate that the cost of my gear bag comes at what I had available in stock, in my vehicle / garage, except the bags themselves. I had no idea that this topic was so polar around money.
The 5.11 RUSH 24 is by no means expedition size. It's quite manageable on my 6'4" frame. The camo choice on the bags was shear fun - I liked it better than black or basic green. I'm not trying to be tacticool with it (as I pointed out very tongue-in-cheek in my blog post).
@rayra
I wasn't trying to change your position on anything. The thesis of the original post was to ask about how people prepare for bad things - I shared my gear list so far and it seemed to anger you somehow (sometimes tough to tell in a forum). So If I understand your response it's about the money not my gear choice. That's fine. I don't expect everyone to agree with me on those choices. I'm sure we have differing priorities on a variety of topics and you choose to spend your money where you do. In Expo terms there are Chevy guys (you), Toyota guys (me) and Land Rover guys (Scott Brady?).
@summerprophet
I'm not sure why you need to feel a rant? You have good suggestions. I'm not sure if you think I decided that this go bag was some kind of trendy accessory or what??? This is gear that I have acquired over the years for various things and decided to consolidate it. I will not give up the PLB. I've answered some of your points below in the line by line response. I assembled this in a modular fashion so things could easily be dropped if un needed like a pair of jeans, because yes, I'm a jeans wearing kinda guy. I'd be happy to have you critique the overall packing of this little bag. I feel I took time to consider the placement of items and why I choose to the smaller sub packs so as to make balancing the gear easier and repeatable.
@coastwatcher42
Quite an in depth response - I appreciate that. You bring up some great ideas. A couple were left off the list that you mention that I have in there and I'll add them to make the list more complete. I'll consider some items you mention and report it back.
Here's some responses
1) The clothes choices are evolving. What was listed was already carried the vehicle.
2) Most first aid items are in the MK7 pouch labeled FIRST AID. The trauma items are in the side pocket as they are instantly accessible and somewhat larger than the MK 7 pouch. I understand the logic in a single FA kit location - I re-eval and see what makes sense. I maintain an extensive large kit in the Land Cruiser so if it's an emergency based at the vehicle there are plenty of supplies in a single kit (Pelican 1500EMS)
3) Great Idea on the poncho.
4) the shield came with the chem lights so I left it with. Never used one. Ditched.
5) I have a dragonfly that I thought would be useable but I like the idea of no gas requirement. ORDERED. In titanium of course.
6) The cook set I have is snow peak - it's basically two cups nest, titanium spork included.
7) I already have a Nalgene separately. I'll look at the carrier.
8) I already carry Mountain House in the vehicle and could easily add the pack if needed.
9) Thought about this but decided this is not a longterm pack. I'll reconsider
10) Right now I just have the SOL bivy (it was a gift). I'll look into your suggestions. I have a box load of the MSR steaks and will load as appropriate.
11) Forgot this on the list... I carry both Purell and Campsuds
12) I have urban maps (general AAA) national and local. I have a library of TOPO maps for areas that I travel. The Topos of choice live in the vehicle. Places I would use them would require my Land Cruiser I can grab them if needed.
13) See Item 1 - Evolving.
14) @rayna suggested the vehicle version - your suggestion may be perfect for both situations. The only tactical part of the deal is the backpack... I'm all civilian.
15) I actually have the cotton ball Vaseline. I used my foodsaver to pack them.
16) I'll look into the chainsaw change. The one I have I have never deployed as it was something of a gift.
17) I prefer the moist wipes as they make me feel oh so good.
18) I've been looking for a sharpening device - thanks for suggesting.
19) the colder weather gloves weight 1 oz and are over gloves. I understand your point.
20) Shoes are GTG.
21) Like ammo I too like to keep it simple with batteries. 123's are available at 7eleven in this part of the world - they are everywhere. I do carry spares of both types. My EOTech uses 123s so I'm inclined to keep spares. The load out I listed has a Streamlite that uses 2 AA. The Surefire wrist light is a rechargeable via common USB, if its dead its an inconvenience. I may consider a different third light but I have it and its a ************ wrist light. As you mention the Surefire headlamp uses CR123. That head lamp has infinitely adjustable brightness which adjust low can extend the burn time significantly.
@seagrace
I think that was covered. This go bag consists of elements that are vehicle based or mobile for survival or other inconvenient situations. I thought it was common sense (as you point out) that you may need other or different items depending on the adventure you might be on. I think in the context of the topic I shouldn't need to point out 0 degree parka if I'm headed to Alaska.
Thanks all - I hope this discussion continues. Some really good thoughts from all sides.