Two years ago when our family went to Disney World, I picked up three or four collapsible nylon bags. These bags collapse into an attached pouch and when zipped up, they take up as much room as half of a banana. Yeah, they’re bright yellow and orange, hardly tactical colors, but let me tell you why they might be worth having.
I have one of these, too.
My vehicle emergency kit is (excessively) well-stocked, but I’ve realized that some emergencies might require us to abandon the Tahoe and get to safety on foot. In that case, we would have to leave nearly everything behind, including items that might be life-saving. The two nylon bags I’ve stuffed in a corner of my kit can expand to hold an awful lot of stuff and take up only the tiniest bit of space.
It sure wouldn’t hurt to have one of these in each 72 Hour Kit or Bug Out Bag, just in case.
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In the likelihood that we aren’t facing an emergency but a family vacation that has ended up in way too many take-home souvenirs, we’ll be ready for that, too!
(The Kiva Duffel Bag that is pictured here is just like the one my mom gave me as a stocking stuffer one year. Little did she realize she was helping her paranoid daughter prepare for an emergency!)
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We keep a set of "redneck matched luggage" in both our cars. Wal-mart bags! Good for dirty diapers, dirty laundry, left-overs from parties, trash and of course an emergency ditch. The reusable bags are pretty sturdy and a pair can be slung over the shoulders water carrier style with a strap (paracord braided in a three-pair plait.) Disposable bags are good for separating items within a larger bag.
True, not as neat as the purpose built stuff, but they won't draw attention like good gear will. Can't beat the price either.
(No offense intended by the term "redneck." I don't mind being called one but I figure someone out there might.)
Mike, They are nowhere CLOSE to water tight. But you could always tuck some plastic bags in your car, I keep a selection of ziplocks, grocery store style, and trash bags tucked in a small sandwich bag in the passenger drawer under the seat.
For the emergency "stuff" I've packed in backpacks, but I think this would be a great add just in case. Maybe a couple of feet of paracord tucked in as a chest strap to help wear like a backpack…
I really don't see anything goofy about it… The first thing I thought of, post abandoning the vehicle (most of my stuff is in a small assault pack, but if I had to abandon the car with my pack, this would be a convenient way to gather fire wood and bring larger bundles of it back to the base camp, having to make fewer trips… Multitude of uses, I am sure.
I've put clothe recycle bags in my car BOB for the same reason. I like the nylon bag suggestion.
I've also been pondering carrying THAT much weight, esp. in the hot summer weather.
A collapsible cart with wheels in next on my purchase list. It should store neatly in the back of my van.
We can throw several items in it and take turns pulling it down the road.
Amazon has these 3 I'm considering ~ http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search…
I just bought two backpacks with wheels and a collapsible handle for $15 each at Target – 75% off in the back to school clearance. I'm going to use them to make small (to me) car emergency bags to give my nieces for Christmas. If they add a purpose-built car emergency bag with jumpers, etc (I already gave one to the older niece a few years ago), that should cover most non-SHTF emergencies for them. But you might want to go check Target / Walmart for a cheap wheeled bag this week.
Thanks for the reminder.
Love those clearance sections!
I've used the crate with wheels to carry my supplies into work (I'm a sub-teacher) It wil def. not be sturdy enough for that kind of beating, I had one break recently because of weight and that I didn't lift it straight up. And I'd recomend something with larger/sturdier wheels. :o)
I would pack a couple platypus collapsible bottles – these are likely not waterproof at all. You can also throw in some 55 gallon drum liners, condoms (no lube, no spermicide, etc.), or other items like that which can expand to hold water.
These products don't seem goofy to me! If it works, it is practical!
You silly people. The item is "Goofy" because Lisa and the family went to Disney World and picked up 3 or 4 collapsable nylong bags. Get it?? Goofy, the cute lovable dog?? heehee. But in all seriousness…it's a practical space saving bag.
Hello, I love your website by the way. I just saw this new gizmo I think it fits
http://www.popsci.com/gadgets/article/2011-06/jap…
made in Japan.
seems useful.
too pricey
I agree. Also the problem with a wheeled bag is that they tend to be very large, i.e., weigh a lot. What if it is not safe to sashay down the highway, why you would need to go off road. Such a large and heavy bag would not be very functional.
I have all of my vehicle supplies in duffel bags and backpacks from the Goodwill store. Usual price is 1-3 dollars each. I put them straight into the deep freeze when I get them home to destroy any bugs, them put them to use. I also keep at least two empty duffels in each vehicle to use as needed when foraging or when I come across a great yard sale.