R&D: Communications (Building a Bug Out Bag)

[LushForests]

In a bug out situation you want to get as far away from everyone as possible. To avoid looting, violence ect. Also in crowded urban environments resources will become scarce quickly.

[Martyntd5]

Re HF radio, licence required to use, but not to own. Ask yourself if you needed to use one in an emergency, would you be worried about not having a licence? Check out the Baofeng UV3R - lots of videos on youtube. It's dual band, 2m and 70cm transceiver and dirt cheap direct from Hong Kong - buy 2 of em.

Re your radio, the county comm GP-4L has shortwave, well worth it - alternatively, the Eton M400, pretty much the same as the GP-4L just a different form factor, both ideal BOB radios.

[Martyntd5]

@Martyntd5

...oh, also re the GPS, dont go for the Garmin 60CSX, althougth that is a good GPS it's been superseded by the far better Garmin GPSMap 62st. The main benefit of the 62st is the shaded 3D mapping, but you can also upload things like google earth satellite images onto the unit, to give you satellite mapping on your handheld gps. That could be a huge benefit in an emergency.

[lewisj2au]

If the government goes crazy ditch the GPS and Smart Phone they have tracking capabilities some do even when they are off. 

[Tradekraft]

@lewisj2au That is absolutely true, but unless you think there is a reason for the government to be looking for you specifically, I dont think I would worry about that too soon. If the Terminator is doing search and destroy for RF signals, then I would ditch the stuff.

[Wardog720]

Two quick things. The Amateur Technician license "is" good for ten years but it is one of the few things you get for FREE from the government. A $20 or so dollar study guide from ARRL or others and $10 or so fee to take the test are the only licensing costs. A real deal giving access to a much greater range of commo gear. As to your laser pointer to signal for help. You take the great risk of blinding the pilot of a SAR aircraft especially at night if he is using night vision gear and he proba

[TheUrbanPrepper]

@Wardog720 Thanks for the post! I am working on a future video regard HAM radios and licenses. I've had a few YouTubers provide me with a lot of information since making this video. Good point on the laser pointer.

[Doubledig]

You do seem to rely heavily on battery operated items. You mentioned a solar powered battery charger but how about a solar powered or wind up radio for instance?

[TheUrbanPrepper]

@Doubledig I have a solor/wind up radio, although I need to test it to see how well it charges a few devices. I have a feeling that using the hand crank will use up more of my own energy than it's worth. I am really interested in the Goal0 Adventure Kit for solar. My BOB won't be that well designed for LONG TERM bugging out. I will eventually run out of food and my infant will grow out of his clothes every 6 months or so. Mine should hopefully get me by for bugging to a specific location.

[Londian]

Have you considered obtaining your amateur radio license?

[amputator0966]

I all so love to have flashlight contests /show and tell

[MrJmfitch]

a couple recommendations:

ditch the radio; get a grundig weather alert ... it can plug into wall, take batteries, and charge with an external hand-crank (very efficient). Monitors multiple bands, including emergency freqs, has a bright flashlight and signal strobe. The hand-crank can also be used to charge other devices... save batteries. For GPS, get the garmin Foretrex... wrist worn... navigate on the go. overall, COOL KIT!

[formatC2]

You can also use those Motorola phones as "walkie talkies" using the Direct talk/Moto Talk feature. I'm just starting to get some cheap i355 and others from ebay.

[Catoni52]

You might also like the Eton E100. It's a great little radio. Pocket sized am/fm/sw radio. 4.9" X 3" 1.2" dimensions, 7.4 oz., 2 AA batteries. Continuous sw range 1.711-29.999 MHz. 200 memories. Direct keypad entry, slew, and tuning knob options for tuning. On the Eham site it has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 11 reviews by owners. I have one of them in my collection. It fits perfectly into a Lowepro camera case I got for it for protection and extra batteries, and small extension antenna.

[Catoni52]

For a radio about the same size as your Sony or a touch smaller, I use a Grundig Mini World 100 PE. It has AM, FM and 6 shortwave bands (49m, 41m, 31m, 25m, 19m, and 16m). It's such a nice little radio that I often use it just for casual listening. It uses two AA batteries.

[TheUrbanPrepper]

@Catoni52 This one looks very nice! Any recommendations on where to purchase it online? I'm having trouble finding a good vendor.

[Catoni52]

@TheUrbanPrepper I bought mine some time ago. I think that Radio Shack if you are in the U.S., or The Source if you are in Canada might have it. Not sure if it is made anymore. You can try the Eton corporation. They are connected with Grundig now. Try: etoncorp If you have no luck there, you might try Ebay for one. But some other companys also make little am/fm/sw receivers. Kaito is one: kaitousa

[Catoni52]

@TheUrbanPrepper I bought mine some time ago. I think that Radio Shack if you are in the U.S., or The Source if you are in Canada might have it. Not sure if it is made anymore. You can try the Eton corporation. They are connected with Grundig now. Try: etoncorp If you have no luck there, you might try Ebay for one. But some other companys also make little am/fm/sw receivers. Kaito is one: kaitousa Some little radios are better than others. Good luck.

[TheUrbanPrepper]

@Alfox94 This helps a lot. Thanks! From what I have read, it's an oldie but a goodie. I completely forgot to talk about my compass and maps in this video. You are right, they belong in this compartment. I'll be sure to show them in the finished product.

[formatC2]

@TheUrbanPrepper I got my 60csx onsale last year at Cabelas for $205 shipped. I use it with the city navigator map installed and it works great! you can install topo maps on another SD card and switch them when you go offroad. I highly recommend it too !

[atzlanz]

Consider Garmins Rino line-up. All in one GPS, FRS/GMRS radio, and NOAA weather radio.

[mrmonkeyman50]

Cell phone: All cell phones - even without a plan - are required to be able to dial 911. So always have an old cell phone in EVERY bob bag... You don't need a phone plan, just recharge the batteries regularly.

[TheUrbanPrepper]

@mrmonkeyman50 Excellent point. Alright, it's going in. :)

[GuitarKid905]

@mrmonkeyman50 theres also something you can place between the phone and the battery to keep its charge i wanna say wax paper but im not sure

[mrmonkeyman50]

Radio considerations: type of battery (keep it to the same type as flashlight batteries), lifetime on a fresh pair of batteries.

Signal mirror: Will be noticed since proper use gives a "winking" effect. Light enough to keep on you.

Flares: great discussion.

Don't forget batteries for the LED light! Also, New Fenix E05 is a GREAT light and less prone to accidental turnons (about the same price as a Photon Light).

Laser pointer: Great idea.

[TheUrbanPrepper]

@mrmonkeyman50 Thanks for the comment. I'm trying to keep most of my gear with AA batteries, since that is what I have for Lithium. Man, those are expensive. I am keeping my signal mirror in my SAS Survival Pouch. I've been really impressed with some YT videos on the signal mirror. I'll take a look at the Fenix E05. So far I love their lights.