Each month I go though my gear checklist, data backups, check and charge batteries, etc.
Here is a look. An external drive is plugged in the server, you can see the rsync started on the raspberry pi screen
AA and AA batteries for lights and scanners can be charged from that little charger in the front.
A USB C to 12v cab;e for the Bofeng
BOB is hanging to the right
(https://i.imgur.com/9HxR96f.jpeg)
Pretty smart. My problem is separating my actual bugout ormorwp tech from my day to day. I should have a completely separate set. But I don't. Two dozen rechargeable AAs/18650s etc spread throughout the house in various remotes, prep items, flashlights etc etc.
I have a hard time not using my good bugout flashlight. Or other items like that. Including chargers, cables etc etc. But now that I'm living overseas sort of remotely. Not set up in a permanent place. I'm sort of forced into dual use items. A double set would not work for me at the moment.
But there is a strong argument to be made for keeping a new fresh set of everything just for prepping/bugging out.
My gear isn't used every day but does get used some. The headlamps for example, a late ride/hike I might use them and then recharge after.
But some months I might not need to use it. So each month I check/top off batteries. I also test everything and run my backups and such.
Quote from: eugenenine on October 05, 2026, 02:07:15 PMMy gear isn't used every day but does get used some. The headlamps for example, a late ride/hike I might use them and then recharge after.
But some months I might not need to use it. So each month I check/top off batteries. I also test everything and run my backups and such.
My issues has always been keeping it in or near by go bags. Seems like without a separate set they end up all over the house or in cars. And in an emergency not good.
So I have a system.
First my bag is modular, its an old Camelbak Transformer.
One of the headlamps goes in the main part I wear on any trip. The other in my bike bad, they both have handelbar mounts.
the cables, charger etc are always in my cpap case and the AAA maglight there.
Then the large add on for the camelbak has my big light.
If I use one then I put it back when done.
So not only does everything have its place, but I make it SOP to always keep things in their place.
This is also partly why I don't have a lot of gear, I won't buy anything to just sit, it has to fit in my system somewhere,
Quote from: eugenenine on October 05, 2026, 02:47:09 PMSo I have a system.
First my bag is modular, its an old Camelbak Transformer.
One of the headlamps goes in the main part I wear on any trip. The other in my bike bad, they both have handelbar mounts.
the cables, charger etc are always in my cpap case and the AAA maglight there.
Then the large add on for the camelbak has my big light.
If I use one then I put it back when done.
So not only does everything have its place, but I make it SOP to always keep things in their place.
This is also partly why I don't have a lot of gear, I won't buy anything to just sit, it has to fit in my system somewhere,
I wish I could say I was that organized. Or better put - kept up on organization. Decades of thought, planning and research have gone into my 3 level bag system - main pack, chest pack and fannypack. Each has a smaller version of basic survival items. With larger items being in the main pack. But the 3 levels gives me a system I can adjust in the fly for various missions. I. E. - leave the main pack someplace safe for a lighter weight patrol with the chest pack and fanny pack. Both include enough items to survive without the mainpack under given circumstances. Or any one of the packs can be ditched on a moment's notice. For weight and speed sake. Without having to decide what individual items in each bag needs to stay with me. Or moved into a lighter bag. That's been thought out already adnauseum.
But when it comes to family members or me needing something that's in the bags. It does not always tend to get back where it belongs. A set of batteries, a flashlight, a hat, some gloves, a first aid item - what have you. Who knows how long they are needed or where they may end up for locating and returning to their proper place later.
So I tend to keep my real bug out, ghb and other bags separately supplied. And try to keep a house version of stuff supplied and located in a way that needs are met from there and not my go bags.
This was after years of failure mind you. Auditing my go bags and finding so many things missing. And not easily relocated and returned. Batteries is a big one. Lol. They seem to disappear in a family. I am always buying a new set of rechargeables. To resupply the ones missing. Kind of like socks in the dryer. They never last. Lol.
It is less expensive the way you are doing it. And highly advisable. But being realistic with myself. I know the deal. And know to keep things as well supplied and separate as possible. "Nobody can find the tubes of triple anti biotic. End up digging in my fanny pack because I remember for sure there's a tube in there. And this cut finger isn't getting any more patient. Waiting for me to dress it. Lol"
Thats why my pack has the three parts, its like your three levels. And I take it and use it often.
Also I try to use/test/train with my gear. So tonight I'll hit the 6 mile trail after work s I'll take the base pack.
Then on a longer trip, say I drive an hour away to do a 24 mile trail. I'll take all three sections and the smaller add on I'll take on the trail.
For things like batteries or first aid, I have a box of disposables for when a family member needs them, they don't get my rechargeable. Same with meds. I'll buy multiple and some go in the bob, others in the closet where the family can use.
Each part of my pack has redundancy, the main part has the water bladder for example and some bags and purification tablets to collect more. then the next part has a pump/filter, etc.
Each has some kind of knife/cutting tool, each has first aid stuff, etc