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Everyday Carry for Air Travel

8/1/2017

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By Brian Duff
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When traveling by air within the US, you should consider following a tiered everyday carry for air travel strategy.

The tiered approach uses a stepped strategy for determining what you carry as part of your EDC preparedness.


First Tier EDC

The first, or base tier, includes everything you physically carry on yourself, in your pockets, etc.

The base tier is perhaps the most important. It is important because it includes the supplies you’ll have regardless of what goes on around you. For example, you may be in a situation that’s not convenient, or does not allow you to carry other supplies.


Second Tier EDC 

Your second tier should include the items you can carry in a small EDC bag. This bag could be a fanny pack or other small pouch.

Because it’s small, it allows you to carry supplies and equipment that don’t easily allow for EDC on your person.

If sized properly, these bags can carry a good variety of supplies and equipment. The small size of these bags makes them easy to carry and not seem out of place in almost every environment.

With that, make sure you look low key and stay away from the tactical ninja, Molle webbing look.


Third Tier EDC

The third tier and additional tiers consist of the bags, backpacks, etc., that are too big to carry everywhere.

Perhaps you have a backpack, or duffle bag that you leave in your car, truck, office, or other strategic location. You can consider this tier to be in line with your actual bug out bag (BOB), or get home bag.

This tier gives you the ability to store and carry plenty of supplies and equipment.


The EDC Travel Twist

While you work to fine tune your EDC to your situation, traveling, especially by air can throw you a curve ball. After all, you can’t carry weapons or other important EDC items through security and onto a plane. Therefore, setting up your EDC and bug out/get home bag to be what you need when you arrive at your destination takes thought and strategic thinking.

The key point in all of this is whether you are traveling with weapons and other items prohibited carry on items. If you don’t have any prohibited items, then you can bring your entire loaded BOB if it’s not too big.


In for a Penny, In for a Pound

If you are flying with items that are prohibited from being carried on, you’re stuck checking bags. So, if you decide to check bags, you should consider the in for a penny in for a pound philosophy. This philosophy dictates that since you’re already taking the time to check luggage, you might as well bring everything.

By doing this with thought, you’ll be able to separate your regular tiered supplies into your checked and carry on luggage. Then, when you arrive at your location, you’ll be able to reassemble your gear into all of your normal tiers.  This means after arriving at your destination you’ll have tier’s one, two and three all set to go.


Don’t Let Your Guard Down

Is being on vacation, or away from home any reason to let your guard down? No, it’s not! In reality, when you’re away from home, you’re at a greater risk.

Why are you at greater risk? It’s simple; it’s because you’re possibly on your own and away from your support network. Therefore, what you have with you, is possibly all you’ll have to help you get through any difficult situations.


What to Use? 

When traveling, using three pieces of luggage can work. Three pieces of luggage should get all of your needed EDC and bug out bag supplies to your destination.


Confirm the Rules and Regulations

With that, you need to do your due diligence if you plan on transporting firearms, knives and other items. First, you need to confirm the airline and TSA policies. Doing this makes sure you don’t do anything to cause yourself problems at the airport.

Next, check the laws and regulations for where you are going. For example, transporting certain firearms, etc., into some cities and states can cause you big problems with local law enforcement. Getting yourself into a jam with law enforcement over a firearm can cause you major problems.


It’s Your Responsibility

So, know before you go. Ignorance is not an excuse in the Internet age.

If your destination is not a place that is friendly to your beliefs, you may want to reconsider going there.


Your LuggageWhen checking luggage for air travel, you will want to consider three to four pieces. In this case, these pieces will include:
  1. Carryon Bag #1 – Small bag that you can keep at your seat.
  2. Carryon Bag #2 – Backpack, etc., that goes into the overhead storage.
  3. Checked Bag #1 – Hard-sided firearms case.
  4. Checked Bag #2 – Rolling duffle, backpack, or another type of checked bag.


Carry-on Bag #1 – Small Seat Bag

This is a small carry on bag that has enough room for just a few items. You’ll keep this bag with you at your seat. Since it’s with you at your seat, you’ll want to include things you may need on your flight.


Carry-on Bag #2 – Bigger BOB Style Bag

Carryon bag #2 can be a backpack or other similar items that will store in the overhead bin. This should carry things that you may need in the event your checked bags are lost. You can also include items that will be part of your overall tiered EDC plan.

When deciding what bag to use for traveling, make sure you consider the logistics of your travel. Are you walking long distances? Will the bag be cumbersome, etc.?


Checked Bag #1 – Firearms Case

If you’re checking luggage because you want to you EDC gear with you, it may because you’re bringing firearms. If so, the first piece of luggage you should pack should be your hard-sided firearms case.

When transporting firearms, the case needs to be hard sided and lockable. Many are compact enough to hold two pistols, several magazines each and couple of boxes of ammo. Checking more than one firearm may be overkill. However, as mentioned earlier you’re already checking bags, you might as well go all in.

Just remember to check TSA, airlines and local regulations at your destination before transporting firearms and other items.


Checked Bag #2 – Bigger Bag for the Rest of Your Kit 

Your second checked bag can be your suitcase, rolling duffle, or whatever piece of luggage you choose. The second piece of checked luggage can be used to carry the items that you either don’t want to wear or put in your carry on or that are prohibited in carry-on luggage.

Don’t forget to consider the logistics of where you’re going. Not all bags, despite them being ideal for a bug out, or other situation, are well suited for travelling. It’s up to your to do the risk versus reward analysis to determine what’s right for your situation.


Putting it All Together

Once you arrive at your destination, you can take your gear and consolidate it into whatever setup works for you. For instance, stock up your small first tier EDC bag for when you’re out and about. Then setup your carry on backpack to work as your BOB should a major event occur.

Doing all of this takes time, effort and in the days of airport fees, possibly money. But, once you get to where you’re going, you’ll be as ready as possible to deal with it. In the end, that’s what it’s all about, right?


Sample Travel EDC Kit PlanCarryon Bag #1 – Small Seat Bag
  • Passport
  • Identification cards, debit cards, CCW permit, etc.
  • Watch (self-winding / automatic)
  • Itinerary
  • EDC Keys
    • Nano Light 
    • Yosoo Outdoor Multifunctional Pocket Mini Tool Screwdriver Set
    • Kingston Digital Data memory stick
  • Ear phones
  • Smartphone
  • Charging cords for smartphone
  • Over the counter meds
    • Zantac
    • Imodium
    • Motrin
    • Wet Ones Anti-Bacterial Hand Wipes
    • Foster Grant folding reading glasses (Backups to my reading glasses)
  • Sunglasses

Carryon Bag #2 – Tier Three EDC Bag and BOB

My main carryon bag is my main everyday carry for air travel focus when getting on planes. This is because I sometimes travel with only a carryon. Therefore, this will be the heart of my BOB should my situation go south.

For my main carry on bag, I use a Professional Slim Junior Laptop Backpack.  This is hands down, the best backpack I’ve found to use as a carry on for traveling. It’s a little pricey, but is well worth it if you fly regularly. It is TSA checkpoint friendly and has a ton of storage spaces. Those storage spaces are well thought out and are great for being organized. It’s really comfortable to carry and works well as a hasty bug out bag. With that said, should it be considered as a primary BOB? No, probably not, but for travelling purposes, you may find it, or something similar to be suitable alternatives.


Clothes
  • Light weight coat
  • Socks – both daily wear and backpacking / hiking.
  • Long and short sleeve shirts
  • Extra pair of pants
  • Baseball type of hat

Electronics
  • Computer with charger
  • iPad with charging cord
  • Backup battery

Food and Drink
  • A couple of meal replacement bars
  • A few coffee packs, electrolyte replacement drink mixes

Other Items
  • AR500 Level IIIA backpack soft armor
  • This goes into the clothes section of the backpack. The Level IIIA will stop most pistol rounds. If needed, you can flip your back and wear it on your chest to provide you with frontal protection.
  • Personal hygiene kit – Toothbrush, shower stuff, over the counter medications, etc.
  • Photo copy of drivers licensed, concealed carry permit, etc.
  • Rubber door stop
  • Small pad of paper
  • Stainless Steel Sharpie

Checked Bag #1 – Hard-sided and Lockable Firearms Case
  • Two pistols
  • Three magazines for each pistol (magazines should be unloaded)
  • Two boxes of ammunition

Checked Bag #2 – Rolling Duffle ContentsClothes
  • Solomon Quest 4D 2 GTX boots
    • Awesome boots if you’re hoofing it.
  • REI Down Vest
  • Compacts into a tiny ball. It is lightweight and provides great warmth for its size.
  • Smartwool Cap
    • You have to keep your dome warm!
  • Mountain Made Outdoor Gloves
  • Military Poncho Liner
  • Ask any infantryman. They’ll tell you one of the best pieces of equipment if the military poncho liner. It keeps you warm and cozy. Never leave home without it!
  • Military Rain Poncho
    • A military rain poncho works great to keep for a variety of reasons. It can keep you and your kit dry. It also works with your poncho liner to make a decent sleep system. Lastly, it can be used a field expedient shelter should you need it.
Electronics
  • USB Solar charger/Battery/Light/Min Compass
  • Excellent, multi-use solar charger, battery, backup light, with a built in mini-compass for handling a number of issues, or working as a backup to dealing with those issues.
  • Gerber Omnivore Flashlight
  • Gerber LED flashlight that can run of any either and AA, AAA, or CR123 battery.
Food, Water and Cooking 
  • Two – 1 Liter Nalgene Bottle
  • Nalgene bottles are great storage containers for smaller items when travelling. I small bag of rice, salt packets, individual coffee packs, bouillon cubes and electrolyte replacement drink mixes into these bottles.
  • GSI Outdoors Glacier Stainless Bottle Cup/Pot
  • This is a good cup and pot combination. It works great for eating, drinking and cooking.
  • Esbit Ultralight Folding Pocket Stove with Solid Fuel Tabs
  • Compact, light and decent portable emergency stove for your bug out bag.
  • One Tac-Bar Meal Package
    • One day, small compact food ration. This can probably be stretched to two days.


Firearms and Related Items
  • Concealed carry holsters.
  • Knives or other sharp instruments.
  • Anything else that you don’t carry on, or put in your hard sided gun case.


Tier Two EDC – Small EDC Bag Carried in Check Bag #2I also put my second-tier small EDC bag (the ​​Patagonia Atom Sling) in checked bag #2. This small bag can be used to carry important items that I want when out and about at my destination.
However, in the event of an emergency, this bag can be used for someone who may not be prepared. You may be traveling with others, or meet someone along the way. If they are unprepared this will help them, which could help you. After all, going through a major event on your own may not be the best option. If not, then this bag could help increase your overall flexibility and resiliency.


Fire Starting Kit
  • UCO Stormproof Match Kit with Waterproof Case
  • Three Wetfire Tinder Starters
  • One Bic Mini Lighter


Over the Counter Medications
  • Imodium – anti diarrheal
  • Zantac – antacid
  • Motrin – anti-inflammatory
  • Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe Day/Night – cold & flu
  • One Chapstick with SPF – lip sunscreen
  • Repel 100 Insect Repellent 
  • Banana Boat Ravel Sunscreen
  • Wet Ones Anti-Bacterial Hand Wipes
  • Purell 1.5oz Hand Sanitizer
  • Bottle Portable Aqua water tablets


First Aid and Trauma Kit
  • Triangular Bandage
  • H and H Compressed Gauze
  • QuikClot Gauze
  • SOFTT-W Tourniquet
  • Small tube of MediHoney
  • 4×4 Non-Sterile Sponge Pad 
  • Survive Outdoors Longer Emergency Blanket
  • Bandaids 


Other Gear
  • Suunto M-9 Wrist Compass 
  • Gerber MP600 Multi-Plier
  • Tekton 6580 Automatic Center Punch
  • Gerber Gator Folding Knife
  • Morakniv Buschcraft Carbon Steel Survival Knife w/ Fire Starter
  • LED Headlamp
  • Two packs of Lumistick 2” Glow Sticks
  • Buck Light LED Key Chain Light
  • Sawyer Products Min Water Filter kit
  • 100 Feet of ​​Titan 550 Paracord
    • The guts of Titan Paracord includes separate strands that are made of mono fishing line, waxed jute tinder, multi-purpose wire.


Lastly, never forget, you’re just one prep away.


If you have any other information, suggestions, or thoughts on everyday carry for air travel, please leave a comment below.


Stay safe, secure and prepared.

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Preparedness Insurance

7/25/2017

1 Comment

 
By Brian Duff
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We (Preppers) Have Preparedness Insurance

As preppers, we all pay for preparedness insurance.
We pay for our preparedness insurance every time we add to our preps.
Planning, training and improving our supplies are all forms of preparedness insurance.
They are not traditional insurance policies written by an insurance broker. Instead, they are physical, informational and truly effective forms of insurance.


Preparedness Insurance Saves Lives

Preparedness insurance may not rebuild your house if it’s destroyed in a flood.
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But, it will keep you alive during the flood so that you can start over again.

When a disaster or society impacting event happens, nothing that any of the insurance companies offer will ensure your survival.

The fact is, traditional insurance is there to help out after you’ve lost everything. Everything possibly includes the lives of you and your family.

Having an insurance card in your hand won’t stop the brush fire that’s heading your way. However, if you’ve spent time planning and training for a fire, you’ve purchased preparedness insurance.

It’s that preparedness insurance that will keep you alive.


New Insurance Model

Maybe the insurance companies need to look towards the prepper community?  If they did, they’d realize the traditional insurance model is wrong, and at a minimum inefficient.

They’d realize that preparedness insurance and the prepper lifestyle works to minimize problems.


The Lazy Person’s Approach

In effect, traditional insurance is the lazy person’s approach to dealing with a disaster. After all, traditional insurance tells people to do nothing. It encourages people to sit back, wait and see what happens.

With traditional insurance, if something bad happens the non-prepper has only one option. That option is to hope they survive with nothing done to improve the their chances.


The Prepper’s Approach

As preppers, we purchase preparedness insurance.

Therefore, when something happens, we have the ability to identify the situation early and take appropriate action.

Our actions are based upon our planning, training, and other preps.

The action we take may be one of many courses of action available to us. Those courses of action are available to us because of our initiative and forward thinking.

The action we take is a result of your planning, training, and preparations.  You improve your family’s options by dedicating time, effort and resources to their safety and security.


The Moral of This Story

The moral of this story is that you are doing right by preparing.

While others sit back and base their safety on hope and chance, you are out there doing right.

You’re part of the solution rather part of the problem.
So, when people look at you and chuckle, or make stupid comments about preppers, just remember…

Just remember that when the balloon goes up, the disaster strikes or the lights go out, it will be you and your family who are more likely to survive. Not only are they more likely to survive, but they are more likely to thrive when others are failing.
So, keep it up!  Keep on preppin’!


Lastly, never forget, you’re just one prep away.


If you have any other information, suggestions, or thoughts on preparedness insurance, please leave a comment below.


Stay safe, secure and prepared

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