bug out bag Archives - Smith and Edwards Blog

This little battery can jump start your snowmobile, ATV, SUV, truck… even your FORKLIFT if you have one!

REALLY! We’ve given several demonstrations of jump-starting trucks and cars with the Conversions Technology Power on Demand X-5 and its predecessor, the POD X-4.

Randy got it in his head that we could start a forklift with it, and sure enough…. he did! Take a look:

This jump starter comes in its own case that’s smaller than a laptop bag. It doubles as an LED flashlight and power supply, too: you can power your smart phone, laptop, iPod, and more off it.

To charge it, I left mine plugged in overnight, which was more than enough time. You can also charge it in your car’s cigarette lighter.

These batteries make a GREAT gift for your loved one heading off to college or building their emergency preparedness items. I carry mine everywhere in my trunk (along with my paracord and Frisbee… my definition of preparedness is a little different!)

Click here to get YOUR POD x-5 from Power On Demand – and they’re on Aisle 8 in our Automotive department at Smith & Edwards.

It’s that time of year to check your preparedness gear, make sure you have a communication/meetup plan for your family, & rotate your food storage.

One important piece of your preparedness plan is having a bag with all your necessities. Some people recommend a bug-out bag, but here in Utah a 72-hour kit is the most recommended pack to have.

What’s the difference? Mike Vause from our Sporting Goods department asked Ryan Seager, our Surplus manager, and Jean Dimick, our Preparedness manager, and here’s what he found.

What Ryan suggests for a Bug-Out Bag

A bug out bag, or go-bag, is a small bag designed to get your from Point A to Point B. Point B should have more supplies, such as your 72-hour kit or your food storage.

You might keep your bug-out bag in your car or truck, or in your desk at work; some place you can get to it easily and go.

So it’s a minimalist kit that has just the necessities to survive. You can buy a pre-made bug out bag, or create your own based on your needs & preferences:

1 quart water, a container, & water purification method
Food (preferably a high-calorie bar)
Bivvy or compact sleeping bag
Poncho
Paracord
First aid kit
Multitool with a good blade
Lighting: headlamp or area lighting
Gloves, hat, scarf, light jacket, and spare clothes (if possible)
Fire starter
Personal defense

Jean’s picks for a 72-Hour Kit:

A 72-hour kit has the supplies you need to survive for 3 days. You’ll store more food and supplies than a bug-out bag, and for this you should consider a large backpack from the camping department, rather than a slim tactical pack. See Hiking & Camping packs here.

You can download a list of suggested items for your family’s 72-hour kits Get a printable ID card and 72-hour kit ideas from Smith & Edwards, as well as ID cards for your children:

Did you know?

Save the Children has excellent resources for teachers, parents, and caretakers. Check them out here! You can even make your own ID cards for your children on their website.