Place to practice primitive skills

[rbeau30]

Hello,

I am in desperate need of a night away from civilization.

What I am hoping to do is to start utilizing my "get home bag" for real. I am hoping some people here would be able to suggest a good place where I can legally spend the night without traipsing over any private land and such.

I want to be able to put what I have read to practice and hone my skills in a "more real" environment.

I am on the Eastern edge of Aurora, so "going to the mountains" means that I go all the way through the metro area then to the mountains. Perhaps there is some nice place others have utilized, public land, etc, that others have had a successful time using.

If you have a less than public place or whatever just PM me.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Try Buckley air for base just past the fences by the golf balls or the Rocky Mountain arsenal.

On a serious note try the Tamarac out past sterling. No traffic getting there.

[rbeau30]

Try Buckley air for base just past the fences by the golf balls or the Rocky Mountain arsenal.

On a serious note try the Tamarac out past sterling. No traffic getting there.


LOL, well I already camp underneath the golf balls 13 hours a day. But that is more stressful than relaxing.

I'll get out there one of these days to scout.

[rbeau30]

A guy at work suggested I try Indian Creek Trail #800 http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/united-states-trails/trails-colorado/front-range/trail/indian-creek/prd_166672_5844crx.aspx

Looks like a nice place to get off the trail and do some camping. Anyone been out here?

[Great-Kazoo]

SE part of the state. Open plains will put you in minimal shelter area ,to make do with the 'clothes on your back"

[esaabye]

I can drive you back into the lost creek are and let you find your way home... Would be a good test.

The lost creek area is nice and it is reasonably close.

[blacklabel]

A guy at work suggested I try Indian Creek Trail #800 http://trails.mtbr.com/cat/united-states-trails/trails-colorado/front-range/trail/indian-creek/prd_166672_5844crx.aspx

Looks like a nice place to get off the trail and do some camping. Anyone been out here?

I haven't been out there. Most of my time is spent out off Pingree Park Road west of Fort Collins. It's a bit of a drive for you but there's a great trail system up there.

[jonny450r]

I'm surprise more haven't want to do this, mainly to see if your system works. If something does happen you have someone to help and a second party if you don't make it to your destination on time.

sent from my fancy dancy phone that'll soon be outdated or broken

[rbeau30]

I'm surprise more haven't want to do this, mainly to see if your system works. If something does happen you have someone to help and a second party if you don't make it to your destination on time.

sent from my fancy dancy phone that'll soon be outdated or broken


I know right? Plus if my system works nice, it actually might be a little enjoyable.

esaabye: I think I will have to decline your offer. [shithitsfan]
HBARleatherneck: it is exactly nights like this that get me motivated to want to do something like this. An emergency scenario does not always happen when it is 70 degrees and dry.

[HoneyBadger]

I have done this exact thing in the location circled on the map below. My wife dropped me off at location 1 with just my "get home bag". I egressed to a safe place to (uncomfortably) spend the night, then navigated to the parking area at Rampart Reservoir (location 2) the next day. It sucked. It was cold. It wasn't any fun, but I survived it just fine. Straight line (like I drew below) it was about 9 miles, but I estimate the actual distance traveled to be closer to 10.5 (extra distance was comprised of choosing an easier, or sometimes harder and more concealed path - but most of the time I was just following terrain and elevation to minimize perceived elevation change.) Be forewarned, It gets COLD in those mountains, even in July! I know this is a bit of a drive for you (probably about an hour and a half), but the Pike National Forest is great for this sort of stuff. I would highly recommend waiting until summer when it is really hot to do something like this, unless you really want to test your winter/high plains desert survival skills!

http://i.imgur.com/l3jnNeG.jpg

I haven't done anything more than a single night on my own. I went through a survival program with the AF where I was with 2 others for 5 days and no outside contact or help. That was basically a glorified camping trip where I was really hungry the whole time.

[rbeau30]

Thanks HoneyBadger, that sounds exactly like something I want to do, yeah you are right I bet it really is cold and I would probably be best to ease into things, than to jump right into it.

[HoneyBadger]

Thanks HoneyBadger, that sounds exactly like something I want to do, yeah you are right I bet it really is cold and I would probably be best to ease into things, than to jump right into it.


Also, your get home bag should have some sort of shoulder strap - whether it be a backpack or some sort of satchel or dufflebag... carrying a bag in your hand for hours/miles is extremely limiting and annoying.

[jonny450r]

Thanks badger for the advice. honestly if we could set something up as a group for two nights first night you're on your own and dropped off at different location from each other and you have to meet up with a group some point during the second day if dont make the deadline you're on your own to meet at a second location on the third to discuss what worked and what you can do better. Although by the third day if you missed the meeting points I'm sure the last thing you'll want to do is talk to others about what you learned.

sent from my fancy dancy phone that'll soon be outdated or broken

[rbeau30]

Also, your get home bag should have some sort of shoulder strap - whether it be a backpack or some sort of satchel or dufflebag... carrying a bag in your hand for hours/miles is extremely limiting and annoying.

Yeah, my get home bag is an assault 3-day pack type thing, with a bedroll strapped to the bottom that contains a few shelter components.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Row faster, I hear banjos!

[HoneyBadger]

Yeah, my get home bag is an assault 3-day pack type thing, with a bedroll strapped to the bottom that contains a few shelter components.

hahahaha yeah, I just had the things I would normally have on me if I was driving around town (cell phone, wallet, knife, glock 19, and a few random things like a pen and an extra set of car keys) and my get-home-bag.


I don't have time to list all the contents right now, but this is my get home bag: http://www.lapolicegear.com/tabaoutbag.html It's not very big, but it can hold a lot of stuff. It has a shoulder strap, but I had unwisely taken the strap off to save space in my car... so I had to hand carry it around for a day while hiking. It probably weighs about 10-15 lbs.

[rbeau30]

That is a pretty cool contraption!

My Get home bag stays in my car at all times It does not have a whole lot in it... basically ability to purify water, carry water, start fire, makshift emergency shelter, and some quick food, a way to cut things, a wool shirt/hat gloves, few extra rounds (birdshot/.45 LC) for the Judge. I think it is about 20-ish pounds.


Along with 16 liters of water. :-D

[hunterhawk]

Something like this would be a blast! I'm down if it was during grouse season :-) test out the judge! But I think it's also deer and elk season during grouse season :-(

[HoneyBadger]

Just to prove that I could, when I did the little excursion I talked about above, I caught a squirrel and ate it. I did a pretty crappy job of butchering it (I'd never cleaned a squirrel before and I just had a cheap/dull pocketknife), but it certainly killed my appetite.

I got the day off work because of the snow. If you want, I can post the contents of my get home bag.

[blacklabel]

I got the day off work because of the snow. If you want, I can post the contents of my get home bag.

I'd like to see it if you've got the time.

[HoneyBadger]

I'd like to see it if you've got the time.
Well, I just broke my pushbroom trying to clear snow off the front steps, and I don't really feel like digging out my truck right now.. Maybe in an hour or so. lol

[hatidua]

I'm surprise more haven't want to do this, mainly to see if your system works. If something does happen you have someone to help and a second party if you don't make it to your destination on time.

sent from my fancy dancy phone that'll soon be outdated or broken

Some of us get out in the boonies for a few days at a time quite regularly but see little point in posting trip reports.

[Tinelement]

Hello,

I am in desperate need of a night away from civilization.

What I am hoping to do is to start utilizing my "get home bag" for real. I am hoping some people here would be able to suggest a good place where I can legally spend the night without traipsing over any private land and such.

I want to be able to put what I have read to practice and hone my skills in a "more real" environment.

I am on the Eastern edge of Aurora, so "going to the mountains" means that I go all the way through the metro area then to the mountains. Perhaps there is some nice place others have utilized, public land, etc, that others have had a successful time using.

If you have a less than public place or whatever just PM me.

Are one of those natives that don' t know you have mountains west of you???

There is more than you need just "up the hill"

You didn't mention shooting. So your option are pretty much unlimited.

Sorry to sound harsh, but I moved here for the mountains. Blows my mind how many locals I meet in the 25-35 age bracket who have never been to the mountains!!! WTF?

[jonny450r]

Some of us get out in the boonies for a few days at a time quite regularly but see little point in posting trip reports.
true I figured it would be more of a open discussion with others about what you learned and resource of sort. Although usually when I go into the woods it involves a quad and 4-10 other people and I'm the only one that usually carries a bag with em in case something happens. A couple other guys carry tools to get their quads out, if need be, but nothing if something catastrophic happens while we're out there and have to spend the night or someone gets injured. It would be nice to get some info and experience with some like minded people.

[Sawin]

I'm down for this as well, just to mix it up a bit. My brother in law and I have been camping roughly every 6 weeks, for a few years now; year round. It would suck to not have my -20* bag and thermarest on a night like tonight, but I'd make do.

My get home bag lives in my trunk, along with a bunch of other items that prove useful from time to time...especially in winter. If I were in a situation where I was going to grab my bag and leave my vehicle, 95% of the time my normal daily life will have me within 20 miles of home. 99% of the time I'll be within 50 miles of home. My destination would always be home, unless it no longer existed. If the situation were different, and I was forced in to becoming a permanent nomad, my selection would be quite different.

[rbeau30]

Just to prove that I could, when I did the little excursion I talked about above, I caught a squirrel and ate it. I did a pretty crappy job of butchering it (I'd never cleaned a squirrel before and I just had a cheap/dull pocketknife), but it certainly killed my appetite.

I got the day off work because of the snow. If you want, I can post the contents of my get home bag.

Yes please! Collaboration is always welcome!


Are one of those natives that don' t know you have mountains west of you???

There is more than you need just "up the hill"

You didn't mention shooting. So your option are pretty much unlimited.

Sorry to sound harsh, but I moved here for the mountains. Blows my mind how many locals I meet in the 25-35 age bracket who have never been to the mountains!!! WTF?

Tinelement, no offense taken, and yes I am one of those minus the native part, I have been here since 2005 when I PCSd here. Always have been too busy to plan anything out in the mountains. I don't ski and have never wanted to, so winter time in the mountains has always been not in the forefront of my mind.

I've been to as far as Idaho springs, and drove to Grand Junction once. But that is the extent of my excursions.

Reason why I asked for specific areas to go is I wanted to be a sort of a good steward and am looking for a place to go where I wouldn't trespass or anything. I wanted to ensure the area I was using is public land that I could actually utilize for the purpose I was looking for.

[HoneyBadger]

Okay, sorry about the delay! Here are the contents of my "Get Home" bag. Pictures now included!

You'll notice there are lots of things in my "Get Home" bag that may seem strange or out of place... I also keep this as my truck's emergency kit in case I am in a bad accident or I am first on scene at a bad accident. I have a lot of medical knowledge, and I plan on getting EMT certified within a year or two. Many of the things in my kit are intended to help others in need if I have the opportunity.

Also, I've noticed that this kit doesn't account for having more than one person in my truck, so I'm going to add a few things to better accommodate a passenger who also has a will to survive.

Please note that some of these things, such as the pocket chainsaw, are bulky and probably wouldn't do you a lot of good if you had to trek home across an urban environment. My general goal with my bag is to get home from work. I work about 15 miles East of Colorado Springs, out in the prairie. Everyone has a different situation to plan for, so prepare accordingly.


-In the "Get Home" bag
*LA Police Gear $20 B.O.B. - black
*Warm hat and boot socks
*Fire starting kit (2 ziplock bags with 10 vaseline-coated cotton balls each, a waterproof match container filled with waterproof matches and a flint, wrapped in about 2 yds of duct tape, a bic lighter, and a miniature zippo-style lighter that is indestructible and will light under almost any condition)
*Beeswax chapstick (million different uses)
*Iodine tabs for water purification
*Extra lighter
*Name brand painkillers - Excedrin migraine, ibuprofin, Advil and Midol
*2 oz bottle of hand sanitizer
*Waterproof notebook and waterproof pen and sharpie
*6 pairs of nitrile gloves (in case I am first on scene to a car accident and the person is bleeding)
*basic first aid kit (it had lots of bandaids and stuff, but I added superglue, tweezers, 2 safety pins, and a tiny printout of a bunch of basic first aid procedures)
*4 alcohol wipes
*2 oz dropper bottle of bleach
*Signal mirror
*Compass for landnav
*Sewing kit with added fishing line
*Survival saw (can cut through really tough metals, rocks... basically anything)
*Pocket chainsaw (can cut down a 6" aspen in about 3 minutes)
*32 oz plastic water bladder
*Cheap multitool (has pliers, 3.5" knife blade, a little saw, philips and flathead screwdrivers, a file, a can opener, and various other useful things... was only $5)
*Mainstay 2400 emergency rations x2 ( each one of these is broken into six 400 calorie rations. They can survive temps up to 160* and down to -30*, and have a shelf life of 5+ years, so these are perfect for keeping in the car)
*Clif bar (wild game LOVES peanut butter clif bars!)
*2 clear plastic garbage bags (Tons of survival uses: solar still, transpiration bag to catch water from foliage, water holding bag, insulation, shelter, etc)
*Space blanket (mylar blanket for staying warm and dry.. reflects a high percentage of heat. Also is great for signaling for help)
*Sleeping bag made of space blanket material (for those really shitty (rare) days when you have to spend the night in the cold away from your vehicle.)
*BDU pattern poncho (tons of uses: keep you dry, keep you warm in the cold or give you shade from the sun, rainwater collector, quick and easy shelter, camouflage for hiding)
*Compression bandage
*CELOX (clotting agent)
*SAM splint
*Informational sheet with winter car survival tips
*100 rds 9mm fmj
*4-32x 28 monocular
*8 12" long heavy duty zip ties
*LOUD hiking survival whistle
*60 lumen microlight on a lanyard

-Items not pictured and other things that I keep in my truck:
*Jumper cables
*Tire change kit
*Fire estinguisher
*2 MREs
*Several towels and blankets
*Maps and a big atlas book of all 50 states.
*Gerber 16" machete/saw (sharpened with my lansky sharpening kit... it's SHARP!)
*100rds of 9mm
*100rds of .223
*500rds of .22LR
*30ft 4 ton tow strap
*12x20 tarp
*work gloves (I use rappelling gloves. They have a breathable back, but the palm and fingers are nice tough leather. Across the palm, forefinger, and thumb is re-enforced)
*100 ft 550 cord
*16.9 oz bottle of Gatorade x2
*24 oz bottle of water x4
*400W Power inverter
*Phone charger
*GPS


-Items that I generally keep with me:
*Cell phone - currently it's an HTC Thunderbolt which is a real piece of garbage. Soon I'll be changing back to an iPhone
*Wallet - ID/DL, debit card, credit card, and some cash
*Leatherman Skeletool CX with serrated blade
*CCW Pistol


-Things that I am going to change/add soon:
*Electrolytic powder and water instead of Gatorade. Water is much more of a multi-tool than Gatorade
*Pool shock instead of bleach (stable, lasts forever, won't eat through plastic)
*Blow-out kit (for trauma wounds)



The "Get Home" bag is actually quite small and easily fits under the back seat of my truck, along with all the other stuff, and a bunch of crap like a subwoofer and a tire change kit:
http://i.imgur.com/XNBPI71l.jpg?1

All the contents: (The machete doesn't go in the bag, but its appearance is menacing! [Muaha])
http://i.imgur.com/1nPgzckl.jpg


Feel free to comment, leave constructive feedback, or tell me I'm doing it all wrong. [Beer]


After looking this over and making a few changes, It looks like I carry a TON of stuff with me all the time... Everything listed above fits under the bench in the back of my truck, where there is only about 8" of clearance, with room to spare.

[rbeau30]

Thanks for posting that HoneyBadger! I need to get mine out of the car and go through mine. Definitely study your list and compare to mine. I'll do the same take pics and list out the contents. I would do it tonight, but I woke up with a helluva muscle spasm in my neck, and pretty much has got me immobile... must have slept on it wrong.

[Wulf202]

Do you have kids? I can't remember. I despise the taste of iodined water. Vitamin c removes the iodine after its used for water treatment. Kids wont drink iodine water willingly. Add a packet of emergen C (1000 mg) 50 mg per iodine tab will remove the taste. Also good for fighting colds

Shades. Going snow blind isn't fun

Consider adding a packet of caffeine pills if you need to get home instead of sleep

[HoneyBadger]

Do you have kids? I can't remember. I despise the taste of iodined water. Vitamin c removes the iodine after its used for water treatment. Kids wont drink iodine water willingly. Add a packet of emergen C (1000 mg) 50 mg per iodine tab will remove the taste. Also good for fighting colds This is great advice! Iodine does taste pretty awful. I've used flavored drink mix from an MRE to help with the taste of Iodine-treated water before, but something like EmergenC or AirBorne would serve multiple functions. Vitamin C also helps keep you awake and alert.

Shades. Going snow blind isn't fun

Consider adding a packet of caffeine pills if you need to get home instead of sleep


I'm about to have a newborn with me, so a diaper bag (and a different sort of "blow out" kit [LOL]) will also be in the car at all times. I don't really know what I need to add to my bag for having a child in tow. Maybe something simple like cheerios. Maybe a sleep-aid of some sort? Hiking while carrying a newborn, along with the GHB and any other stuff could be exhausting.

If I'm not looking to "get home" and I just need to survive for a few days until help arrives, and there is snow on the ground and the weather is otherwise prohibitive, I would stay with my truck, where I naturally have shelter, possibly heat (or A/C), something reasonably comfortable to sleep on, and protection from wildlife. Also consider: it's easy to store lots of food, water and survival gear in your vehicle, and your vehicle itself is a wealth of survival resources. If you don't have to abandon your vehicle and you've put a little time and money into planning, it should be easy to survive for at least a week. (I generally recommend staying with your vehicle, unless societal conditions are bad enough that you need to get home and your vehicle doesn't matter anymore.)

I edited and updated my post above.

[TheBelly]

for every poncho I have, I have a couple tent poles tied into the mix. That way I can set up a tent in the plains, and still have something to splint my arm/leg if I need to.

Try splinting your own arm. it's pretty difficult. Try putting a tourniquet on yourself.. now imagine doing it while bleeding out! ugh!

[rocktot]

Row faster, I hear banjos!

Nah, Colorado 'Hillbobbies' are in South Southern Colorado, by Pagosa Springs.

[dwalker460]

Would add bottled water. I literally keep at least two or three bottles in the car at all times, and its usually more like a half-case. Its cheap, doesnt matter if it freezes, and its necessary. The bottles become very convienent containers to carry more water if you have to find it.

I keep a similar group of items to the badger in the trunk of the car. I add a long gun of some sort- usually and AR or .22, and spare rounds, a small backpacking stove and two bottles of fuel, candles, a fleece blanket sort of thing, In Winter your more likely to need the supplies if you slide off the road in a snowstorm, where your best bet is to stay put until help arrives, so water, the ability to melt water, and provide and maintain warmth are key. If you do need to hike out, warm food is an awesome morale booster.

Coffee filters, the old standby paper ones, are awesome for filtering sediment from water.

In the summer dont forget a hat, sunblock, aloe or similar, etc. to deal with heat related stress. Sunburn is no joke, and neither is dehydrating while searching around for water.

When I get home I will post the contents of my car trunk and bag if I have time.

[Tinelement]

You know what else might be cool. Shootersfab and I have discussed this.

There are multiple plane crashes here in Colorado. I've hiked a few. We discussed doing a few of the longer ones and going in in the evening and only bringing our EDC/GHB. Gives you a cool destination to head too, and most are well off the beaten path. GPS, compass, shelter work. Etc.

http://coloradowreckchasing.com/

[rbeau30]

Now that sounds really fun!

[HoneyBadger]

I've seen the B24 behind Blodgett Peak down here in the Springs. It was a fun hike!
http://planecrashmap.com/map/co/

[Irving]

Badger, how much of that stuff do you have in individual bags within the main bag?

[HoneyBadger]

Badger, how much of that stuff do you have in individual bags within the main bag?
Exactly what you see in the picture. The $20 LAPG B.O.B. has lots of pockets, so it organizes things really well. Within the main compartment, there are 2 semi-customizable velcro divider walls and the whole inside of the bag is "loop side" velcro, so you can further customize it if you desire.

A more specific breakdown (in case you're interested)
Only things that go in the main pocket are:
*splint
*firestarting kit (this is the only thing in the kit that contains multiple bag layers... The cottonballs are in 2 separate ziplock bags, inside a larger bag with the matches and lighters.)
*celox
*compression bandage
*Emergency rations
*Survival saw and pocket chainsaw
*mylar bags
*plastic bags
*Hat and socks
*BDU pattern poncho

Everything else goes in the pockets on the outside. The side of the bag that is opposite the side with the "emergency kit" label has a bunch of tiny pockets that perfectly hold the iodine tablets, chapstick, painkillers, extra lighter, hand sanitizer etc. Notebook, pens, compass and mirror all go in the front pocket with the "emergency kit" label on it. Mini first aid kit goes in one of the end pockets and 2 water bottles go in the other end pocket. All the nitrile gloves, alcohol wipes, and zip ties go in the long pocket below the pocket with the velcro label on it. Ammo goes in a hidden velcro compartment that also has a velcro pistol holster in it, and is accessible from the top of the bag without unzipping the main compartment.

[Irving]

In using your bag, do you find that there are certain items that you can not get to, without first removing other items?
This is one thing I've run into, and had to adjust accordingly. I noticed I would pack an area very efficiently, but that the item I used most, or something I'd want quick access to, would be at the bottom.

[rbeau30]

I've put things like rain gear and a pair of gloves in easy to reach areas of my pack. With things that I would only need after shelter is made, etc inside dry bags in the pack..

[RedDogFabrication]

What type of pack? Get home bag or full on bug out bag. I see a get home bag as just light simple items that will help me keep moving. Flashlight, knife, water, weather gear. Get home bag need not have shelter food, a weapon is nice if able. I do not consider a knife a weapon. Bugout bag on the other hand should not just have a crappy tarp in hope to make a primitive shelter. Throw a tent in there get a good hatchet, big survival knives are ok but I would take a hatchet over a knife any day. Weapon for sure, food water purification, fire, socks! Cookware I would recommend a proper liquid stove. You can always cook on a fire but not as fast and as un noticed as with a small burner. Clothing think this one through hard do you own any rugged clothing the kind of stuff you can live in for months at at time. This is so often overlooked. How long will your pants and shirt last with day in day out ware. How about boots have you ever walked long distance in a set of boots not all are created equal. Did I mention socks!

[HoneyBadger]

In using your bag, do you find that there are certain items that you can not get to, without first removing other items?
This is one thing I've run into, and had to adjust accordingly. I noticed I would pack an area very efficiently, but that the item I used most, or something I'd want quick access to, would be at the bottom.

Nope, I haven't had this problem, mostly thanks to the many outside pockets. Everything that goes in the main pocket goes in as vertically oriented as possible so as to not bury other items in the bottom of the bag.