[fireguy]

I'm putting together a GHB for my wife to keep in the car with her. It is much more difficult than the one I did for myself. I have to keep in mind that she is much smaller than I am and unfortunately does not have the same outdoor skillsets and experience that I do. Training is definitely needed.

The rationale for this is that a catastrophe or unrest could prevent her from returning home while she is traveling. Typically she only drives three miles to work and back. At times she can be as far as three hours away because of her job. Having a small store of food, water, means of providing shelter, change of clothing, light, heat, first aid kit, and water purification is necessary for her to make it home or to stay alive in inclimate weather.

Because she in only 5'4" I got her a small pack that has padded shoulder straps, sternum strap, and waist belt. These features make hauling a load much more comfortable. I was surprised and pleased that while I was packing the supplies I have gotten so far that she came to me with a handful of feminine supplies. The girl has some smarts! My goal is to make it possible for her to make it for at least three days with the food included.
Here is a list of what I have gotten so far.

Explorer pack with four compartments and water bladder pouch.
4 Mainstay food bars 400 calorie each, assorted flavors
5 instant cocoa packets
1 each beef and chicken Ramen Noodle pack.
Eat'n Tool combination spork
Compact headlamp with 10 hour battery life. Need to pack spare 2023 batteries.
Compact shovel for digging a Dakota fire pit or covering waste.
Portable Aqua Chlorine Dioxide tabs. Each tablet purifies one quart of water.
Feminine napkins.
US Army first aid kit
Emergency blanket (mylar).
Waterproof matches
Magnesium fire starter
Kershaw folding knife
Can of Pepper Foam spray
Small bottle of hand sanitizer
Small bottle of liquid camp soap
2 US Army triangular bandages (cravats)
1 pint stainless steel bottle
Box of Trioxane bars
3 large trash bags

There are some things I don't have yet, on the list so far is a one quart canteen with cup and canteen stove. Freeze dried meals. Instant coffee and sugar. She needs to pack a couple pairs of socks, change of underwear, a pair of comfortable and rugged pants, and her hiking boots.

Next time I'm in a surplus store or gun show I'll get her a couple of Combat Casualty blankets. These are way stronger than the mylar emergency blankets with reflective on one side and OD on the other. They have grommets and can make an excellent shelter. I know there is more to do and I'm working on it. I'm glad she is onboard with this. She has thanked me a couple of times already for doing this, makes me feel like she has gotten away from being a sheep. Now I need to work harder on getting her comfortable with a handgun. I have two that are small and would work well as defense weapons that would pack easily. I'm currently packing my Keltec P11 in my GHB. The trouble is keeping is fairly light, hopefully below 25 pounds or so.

[Papa_Woody]

Good for you. Me and the misses just started on hers and our children's. Ours is definitely a Get The Hell out of The City Bag (GTHootCB) lol

[bkt]

Thanks for posting this. You've given me some good ideas...I'm trying to put together a GHB for my wife, too.

[Jpyle]

great idea...a battery powered radio (9v), emergency cash, gloves, scarf, hat and sun glasses might all come in handy as well.

[woody63m]

How bout a gun

[fireguy]

Originally Posted by Jpyle

great idea...a battery powered radio (9v), emergency cash, gloves, scarf, hat and sun glasses might all come in handy as well.

That's the problem, the list can keep growing until you can't carry it. In my bag I didn't learn to quit and it is a load. Hopefully it can stay in the truck and get driven. If I have to haul it I might ditch some things depending on the season/weather.

[Jpyle]

Originally Posted by fireguy

That's the problem, the list can keep growing until you can't carry it. In my bag I didn't learn to quit and it is a load. Hopefully it can stay in the truck and get driven. If I have to haul it I might ditch some things depending on the season/weather.

Or force yourself to rotate things seasonally...that also helps to ensure that all batteries and other perishables are fresh and up-to-date.

[Jeepergeo]

A roll or two of Life-Savers candy. Simple, inexpensive, and they keep for practically ever. These simple candies can relieve some of the stress that goes with a disaster. Even a short relief of stress can lead to better and potentially life-saving clear thinking.

[JTJ]

Look at a 38 spl revolver like the LCR. Add a few speed strips and a box of Critical Defense.

[fireguy]

Originally Posted by JTJ

Look at a 38 spl revolver like the LCR. Add a few speed strips and a box of Critical Defense.

I have a J fram S&W 640 that I think I can get her to handle all right. It'll shoot .38 or .357. When I got it she remarked that it was a gun she thought she could shoot. She just hasn't gone out with me to shoot since I picked it up at the end of last summer.